Shows
Toucan Talks2026 Planning: Set Up Your Marketing Flywheel Before JanuaryIf your marketing ends at “closed won,” you’re leaving growth on the table. We turn the funnel into a flywheel and show how small changes to attract, engage, and delight can lower acquisition costs, increase retention, and make every customer add force to the next one.We start by reframing the goal of content: not just traffic, but momentum. You’ll hear how to find the posts worth scaling, package them into lead magnets, and build clear next steps that convert attention into owned audiences. From there, we unpack the engage stage with segmented drips, timely retarget...
2025-11-2414 minToucan TalksThe Death of Vanity Metrics: What Really Matters in 2025Vanity metrics look shiny—but they don’t pay the bills. In this episode, we break down the difference between numbers that look good (followers, likes, views) and the metrics that actually move your business forward. You’ll hear how we think about CAC, LTV, conversion rate, retention, and engagement quality, plus how to stitch reporting together across ads, website, and CRM so you can make smarter decisions—faster.In this episode, you’ll learnVanity vs. value: Why engagement metrics matter contextually but shouldn’t be your north star.The business metrics that count:
2025-11-1714 minToucan TalksEmail Is Back: Why Email Marketing Outperforms Social MediaTired of chasing algorithms just to have 5% of your followers see your content? You’re not alone. This week, we’re breaking down why email, yes, email, is having a major comeback, and why it’s outperforming social media across nearly every metric that matters.We start with the obvious question: if organic reach on social is at an all-time low, where are people actually paying attention? Turns out, it’s the inbox. With email, there’s no algorithm deciding who sees your message. It’s a direct line to people who want to hear from you.You’ll...
2025-11-1015 minToucan Talks2025 Marketing Hot Topics: From Rebrands to RelevanceIn this episode, we look at two of the year’s biggest marketing moments: Cracker Barrel’s quick “un-rebrand” and Duolingo’s “Duo is dead” campaign. Both sparked huge reactions for opposite reasons, and we break down what worked, what didn’t, and what you can learn for your own brand.We start with Cracker Barrel’s redesign that went too far—modern logo, white walls, and minimalism that erased the comfort customers loved. Thousands spoke up, and the brand reversed course. We discuss how to balance updates with authenticity, gather feedback early, and recover when a strategy misses the...
2025-11-0308 minToucan TalksWhy Customer Experience IS MarketingWhat if the most effective marketing you’ll run this quarter isn’t an ad at all? We make the case that customer experience is your strongest growth channel, and we break down exactly how to design it so referrals, reviews, and repeat purchases happen on purpose.In this episode, we start by defining customer experience as every interaction across your website, social, chat, store, and support. Then we connect the dots: fast replies, a clear return policy, and an easy booking or checkout flow communicate brand value more loudly than a tagline ever could. ...
2025-10-2012 minToucan TalksWhat We’re Watching: 3 Marketing Trends Heading Into 2026The future of marketing is rapidly evolving, and this week's conversation dives into the trends shaping 2026's digital landscape. Did you know videos under 90 seconds achieve 50% higher retention rates? This statistic sets the stage for our discussion on why short-form content continues to dominate—not as a replacement for comprehensive messaging, but as a strategic gateway driving audiences toward deeper engagement.Email marketing emerges as a powerful counterpoint to algorithm-dependent social platforms. While many have predicted its demise for years, email offers something increasingly unique: direct access to your audience without fighting unpredictable algorithms. We unp...
2025-10-1309 minToucan TalksHoliday Marketing Starts Now: Why Waiting Until November Is Too LateTiming is everything in holiday marketing, and waiting until November might be your biggest mistake this season. Our latest Kickstart Your Week episode dives into why October is the critical month for launching your holiday campaigns and how this simple strategy shift can dramatically improve your results.Ad costs skyrocket during the Black Friday to Christmas window as competition intensifies across all platforms. Companies that rarely advertise suddenly appear, while regular advertisers increase their budgets substantially. By starting in October, you avoid the most expensive period while your campaigns complete their learning phase. This optimization process, where...
2025-10-0608 minToucan TalksMaximizing Video Content: How to Turn One Video into Multiple AssetsEver feel like content creation never ends, or it's too overwhelming to even begin? You're not alone. In this practical conversation with our videographer and podcast producer Joshua, we unlock the secrets to making your video content work harder for your business.Creating high-quality video is an investment, whether that's time, money, or both. As a business owner, you need to understand how to extract maximum value from every minute of footage. In this episode, we break down exactly how to plan your brand videos and podcasts with repurposing in mind from the very beginning, e...
2025-09-2908 min
Toucan TalksHow to Prep Your Marketing for Q4 Without Burning Your BudgetFeeling the pressure of year-end marketing goals while watching ad costs climb? You're not alone. The holiday season brings opportunities but also challenges as advertising platforms become increasingly competitive and expensive. In this return of our "Kickstart Your Week" series, we're tackling Q4 marketing strategies that won't deplete your budget.Digital advertising costs, especially on platforms like Meta, see significant increases as brands compete for consumer attention around Black Friday and throughout the holiday shopping season. Your regular ad budget simply won't stretch as far during this period. But don't panic, higher costs don't necessarily signal campaign...
2025-09-2208 min
Toucan TalksVideo Trends for 2025Video marketing has evolved beyond trends to become an essential business tool, with specific approaches that capture audience attention and drive meaningful engagement in today's digital landscape.• Short-form content remains dominant, requiring hooks that capture attention in the first 3-5 seconds• Effective videos combine compelling visuals, catchy music, and on-screen text – the "three-headed monster" approach• Authentic slow-paced content offers viewers a break from high-energy videos and stands out by being deliberately calmer• Long-form content continues to thrive with more niches finding audiences and platforms extending video length thresholds• Creating long-form content allows for efficient re...
2025-04-1522 min
Toucan TalksMarketing in 2025: What's Already WorkingMarketing never stands still, and as we move through 2025, several key trends are already reshaping how successful brands connect with their audiences. In this episode of Toucan Talks, we unpack the strategies that are delivering real results right now.Short-form video leads the charge, with platforms like Instagram Reels and TikTok continuing to offer exceptional reach potential. We break down what makes these videos work - from capturing attention in those crucial first three seconds to delivering genuine value that keeps viewers engaged. The days of posting multiple times daily are firmly behind us, as quality now...
2025-03-1717 min
Toucan TalksSuper Bowl Commercials: Hits and Misses from 2025Season 3 is here! We’re kicking off the new season of Toucan Talks with one of our favorite topics—Super Bowl ads! In this episode, we break down the biggest marketing moments from the 2025 Super Bowl, sharing which ads we loved, which ones missed the mark, and a few that left us scratching our heads.Super Bowl Ads We Loved:✅ Uber Eats – A Century of Cravings: Star power featuring Matthew McConaughey and a clever script made this a standout.✅ Doritos – Abduction Commercial: A mix of humor and sci-fi w...
2025-02-1826 min
Business By The Books with Danielle HaydenThe One Strategy You Need For Your CEO Routine - Ep 171Have you ever wondered how Kickstart Accounting Inc. handles our own financials? Who is on our money team, and how do we leverage these insights in our own business? In this episode, CEO Danielle Hayden offers a look behind the curtain on Kickstart Accounting Inc.'s internal reviews process. She shares her journey from doing her own bookkeeping to assembling a comprehensive money team to help the company reach its goals. Danielle's approach to financials for Kickstart Accounting Inc. has developed into the framework we use to help clients achieve growth and sustainability in their business. Tune...
2024-05-2133 minBusiness By The Books with Danielle HaydenThe One Strategy You Need For Your CEO Routine - Ep 171Have you ever wondered how Kickstart Accounting Inc. handles our own financials? Who is on our money team, and how do we leverage these insights in our own business? In this episode, CEO Danielle Hayden offers a look behind the curtain on Kickstart Accounting Inc.'s internal reviews process. She shares her journey from doing her own bookkeeping to assembling a comprehensive money team to help the company reach its goals. Danielle's approach to financials for Kickstart Accounting Inc. has developed into the framework we use to help clients achieve growth and sustainability in their business. Tune...
2024-05-2133 minBusiness By The Books with Danielle HaydenDo Small Businesses Need a CFO? - Ep 167Think your business is too small to benefit from CFO services? This episode of Business By The Books will change your mind. Join Danielle Hayden and Victoria Hughes as they explore the benefits of partnering with Kickstart Accounting Inc. They discuss the benefits of outsourcing CFO services and introduce the signature CFO Framework, a strategic overview of how Kickstart Accounting Inc. helps business owners manage debt, make data-driven decisions, and plan for the future. Discover how Kickstart's CFO services can help you achieve your business goals at www.kickstartaccountinginc.com/CFO Key Takeaways:
2024-04-2328 minBusiness By The Books with Danielle HaydenDo Small Businesses Need a CFO? - Ep 167Think your business is too small to benefit from CFO services? This episode of Business By The Books will change your mind. Join Danielle Hayden and Victoria Hughes as they explore the benefits of partnering with Kickstart Accounting Inc. They discuss the benefits of outsourcing CFO services and introduce the signature CFO Framework, a strategic overview of how Kickstart Accounting Inc. helps business owners manage debt, make data-driven decisions, and plan for the future. Discover how Kickstart's CFO services can help you achieve your business goals at www.kickstartaccountinginc.com/CFO Key Takeaways:
2024-04-2328 min
Conversations over Coffee with Kickstart VenturesJoan Yao on startup survival, strategies for tough timesBit Santos listens to Joan Yao of Kickstart Ventures, as she shares her 12-year experience navigating the highs and lows of the startup ecosystem. Learn how founders can foster success through founder selection, strategic patience and the art of adapting to financial winters and tough economic climates.The startup journey is an exhilarating ride of ups and downs especially in the bustling Philippine ecosystem. In the latest episode of Conversations Over Coffee, Bit is joined by Joan Yao, VP of Investments at Kickstart Ventures and who has been a cornerstone of the ecosystem for over a...
2024-03-1345 min
Toucan TalksEP28 Minisode - Harnessing Humor and Nostalgia: Making Successful Video CampaignsTune into this week's episode of Toucan Talks as Luke and Joshua Break Down Mess Hall's Good Burger Ad. Ever wondered how a dollop of humor and a dash of nostalgia can turbocharge a marketing campaign? Get the inside scoop on how we transformed the essence of "Good Burger" into a feast for the funny bone that not only entertained but struck a chord with viewers. Our discussion peels back the layers of the conceptualization process, illuminates the hurdles of crafting comedy that clicks, and demonstrates the magnetic pull of a well-timed giveaway—ingredients that when mixed just right, ca...
2024-03-1213 min
Toucan TalksEP27 - Will Hardison: Marketing Mastery and the Entrepreneurs JourneyTune into Toucan Talks this week as we chat with Will Hardison of Creative Outdoor Solutions. Once a cover band member and DJ, he started a successful marketing agency and worked with an innovative e-commerce business selling meats online. Now he is working on a new venture called Creative Outdoor Solutions to help keep you home safe with storm shutters. As we chat, we peel back the layers of this entrepreneurial venture, examining the essentials of targeting the right customer base. Will has good advice that's especially pertinent for those just stepping onto their entrepreneurial path. We...
2024-03-0531 min
Perfect Pitch by KickstartThe Tactical Entrepreneur’s Playbook: A Conversation with Wade Anderson, President and COO of ElementsRunning a startup is like building a car while you’re driving. We’re talking with an entrepreneur who does it all while staying buckled in. Join us in today’s conversation with Wade Anderson, President and COO of Elements, and investor Tanner Potter of Kickstart (a VC firm for startups in Utah, Colorado, and the Mountain West) as we bring you both sides of a Perfect Pitch. In this episode, we’ll talk about: Starters and joiners: why you don’t need to be a founder to be an entrepreneur The steps Wade took to determi...
2024-03-0531 min
Toucan TalksEP26 - Jacob Tippett: Business and Strategy with a Serial EntrepreneurJacob Tippett joins us on this week's episode of Toucan Talks to unravel his journey as a serial entrepreneur. With ventures ranging from e-learning platforms like Production Online to the innovative Sticky Notes, Jacob imparts a masterclass in steering businesses through the tides of time zones and the subtleties of product design. Get ready to immerse yourself in the entrepreneurial ethos as we explore the intricacies of crafting business strategies and attainable objectives. We delve into essential insights for small business owners, including when to scale up and the resilience needed to overcome setbacks. Expect some lighthearted...
2024-02-2730 min
Toucan TalksEP25 - Minisode: Breaking Down This Year's Super Bowl CommercialsJoin us as we breakdown some of our favorite Super Bowl ads from this year. This episode pulls back the curtain on big-brand maneuvers, revealing how they can be scaled for small and medium-sized businesses. From the importance of generating pre-launch buzz to the clever use of witty humor, this episode can help you with creating content that's not just seen but felt. We dive deep into some of the common themes from this year's big game, covering everything from big celebrities to dark humor and nostalgia. We analyze how brands can create memorable moments with giveaways a...
2024-02-2040 minPerfect Pitch by KickstartElevating Startup Sales: A Conversation with Aaron McReynolds and Ryan Harris, Co-Founders of AlysioStartup sales—the phrase alone is enough to stress a founder out. We're bringing in two experts who will help unlock the secret to sales success. Join us in today's conversation with Aaron McReynolds and Ryan Harris, co-founders of Alysio, and investor Kat Kennedy of Kickstart (a VC firm for startups in Utah, Colorado, and the Mountain West) as we bring you both sides of a perfect pitch. In this episode, we’ll talk about: How Alysio nailed down big customers early on in their startup journey and their advice to founders struggling with customer acquisition T...
2024-02-2034 min
Toucan TalksEP24 - Sherry and Carmin Black: Business Ventures, Family and ResilienceHave you ever wondered how the bond of family can weave its way into the fabric of entrepreneurship? Tune into Toucan Talks this week for an intimate conversation with Sherry and Carmin Black, the mother-daughter powerhouse whose stories will inspire you. Sherry, an interior design maven with years of wisdom, alongside Carmin, whose fresh take on the fashion industry following her shift from Half United to her own brand, open up about the highs and lows of their business ventures, including their joint retail endeavor.Strap in for tales of challenge and triumph as discuss the gritty...
2024-02-131h 15Perfect Pitch by KickstartKickstart's Founding Story: A Conversation with Gavin Christensen, Alex Soffe, and Dalton Wright, Kickstart’s Founding PartnersCan VCs be founders too? We’re talking with Kickstart’s founding partners to understand how Kickstart…was kickstarted. Join us in today’s conversation with investors Gavin Christensen, Alex Soffe, and Dalton Wright of Kickstart (a VC firm for startups in Utah, Colorado, and the Mountain West), as we bring you both sides of a Perfect Pitch. In this episode, we’ll talk about: The slow grind of Kickstart's everyday life in the early days Why no one took Utah VCs seriously and why that has changed Low points in Kickstart’s history and h...
2024-02-061h 21
Conversations over Coffee with Kickstart VenturesPia Bernal on amplifying startup success: insights into community building and investor engagementBit Santos engages in conversation with Pia Bernal from Kickstart Ventures, delving into the dynamic landscape of Philippine startups, the process of nurturing development via community involvement and the influential part that investors assume that extends past monetary support.Immerse yourself in the intricacies of startup community development and investor relations with guest Pia Bernal, who leads Community and Ecosystem Initiatives at Kickstart Ventures, on this episode of Conversations Over Coffee. Bit discusses with Pia the critical contributions of community builders in the realm of startups and businesses. Drawing from her extensive experience in both the...
2024-02-0228 min
Toucan TalksEP23 Minisode: Marketing Ins and Outs for 2024Tune into Toucan Talks this week with Laura and Alyssa from Kickstart Collective. In this minisode, we break down the freshest marketing trends of the new year. We play marketing "Ins and Outs" for 2024 and discuss how a strategic approach to digital content is key to resonating with the modern consumer. We also talk about why SEO is now cozying up with AI and voice searches. With a spotlight on conversational, long-tail keywords, we're navigating the new SEO landscape so you can optimize your online presence. We discuss actionable tips for harnessing the influence of user-generated content a...
2024-01-3031 min
Toucan TalksEp22 - Wes Barefoot: Franchise Opportunities and Entrepreneurial SuccessExplore the world of franchising with industry expert Wes Barefoot, owner of Path of Freedom. Wes is a passionate entrepreneur with extensive experience in franchising, who now helps other entrepreneurs with proven franchise consulting processes.From Wes's experiences at 101 Mobility to leading ShelfGenie with his wife, learn about the process of franchise ownership and how to craft a vision for your business. His journey in franchising has significantly impacted his life and his family's. Now, Wes is dedicated to helping others gain control of their lives and achieve freedom through business ownership. Tune in for pr...
2024-01-2355 min