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Is #podcasting worth it? Is Tide in a pickle? Do bartenders deserve better treatment? Is The Snoball Effect the greatest #marketing podcast this side of the Susquehanna?

We tackle these hard-hitting questions in this #hilarious episode of The Snoball Effect.

It’s a hodgepodge of chaotic marketing debates, random hot takes, and enough off-topic banter to make you forget the original question.

The participants throw out gems like "sticky leather" as a substitute for duct tape and somehow connect babysitting services to bird care.

Meanwhile, serious debate about podcast value devolves into personal jabs, questionable stats, and even some marketing copy that Christian's mom is definitely not allowed to hear.

It's a whirlwind of numbers, laughter, and inexplicable product pitches. Is it informative?

Kind of.

Entertaining?

Absolutely.

A ringing endorsement of the podcasting format?

Well, only if you like your marketing advice sandwiched between crass jokes and questionable life choices.

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Do you know a small business that would love to get the snowball rolling or an expert that can come on the pod and help us along the way? Email chadz@snoball.com or message us on LinkedIn to get involved.

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In this episode of The Snoball Effect podcast, Todd Jensen emphasizes the importance of timing when messaging customers, particularly for nurturing referrals. Todd introduces two "honeymoon phases" as key moments for engagement. The first occurs when a customer is new and most enthusiastic, which makes it the ideal time to ask for referrals, as data shows a higher referral rate and lower detractor rate at this stage. The second honeymoon phase happens after a customer refers someone and receives a reward. This renewed excitement presents another prime opportunity to re-engage and build a lasting relationship.

Todd discusses the importance of identifying "moments of delight" — periods when customers feel positive and receptive to outreach. For example, when a referred customer progresses well in the sales pipeline, notifying the original referrer can spark excitement and create a co-advocate for closing the deal. Todd advises automating this process with CRM tools like Salesforce or HubSpot to track customer sentiments and follow up at optimal times. This approach ensures that companies maintain timely, relevant communication without overburdening sales teams with manual tracking.

Todd also shares common pitfalls in referral timing. One error is asking for referrals before a job is completed, which can be perceived as premature and disrupt the customer experience. Another mistake is failing to engage customers promptly during the honeymoon phases.

Todd stresses that timing matters, likening customers' enthusiasm to the short shelf life of fast food; engaging too late diminishes its effectiveness. He concludes by advising businesses to avoid contacting customers on high-stress days, such as during a moving process, and instead focus on reaching out when positive experiences are fresh.

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Do you know a small business that would love to get the snowball rolling or an expert that can come on the pod and help us along the way? Email chadz@snoball.com or message us on LinkedIn to get involved.

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Is #Google evil? Is whispering too attractive? Is Todd a biased cheater? What do a globe, a stapler, and Uncrustables have to do with one another? We tackle these #marketing questions and more in this special #podcast episode of The Snoball Effect.

Get in Touch:
- Website
- Podcast
- Schedule a Demo of Snoball

Overview:
In this episode of The Snoball Effect, host Todd Jensen challenges marketing enthusiasts Chad Zollinger and Christian Jones to a series of fast-paced contests to determine who’s the best marketer at Snoball.

Each challenge gives the contestants just two minutes to prepare, underscoring the need for creativity under pressure.

The first competition, Prop-a-ganda, tasks Chad and Christian with creating billboards to promote a grape-flavored Uncrustables sandwich using a prop. Chad, equipped with a globe, must use visuals only, while Christian, with a stapler, can only use words. The imaginative concepts lead to a lively debate on the most effective advertising methods.

The second challenge, Marketing Meltdown, dives into a contentious marketing debate where one contestant must argue that “Google is Evil,” and the other defends it. Christian passionately argues Google's monopolistic power, presenting it as exploitative of small businesses.

For the final challenge, Company Branding, Chad and Christian are tasked with creating a name and tagline for a fictional app that helps parents communicate better with teenagers.

Chapters:
Chapter 1. Introduction (00:00:00 - 00:02:29)
Introduction of Chad Zollinger and Christian Jones. These two marketing wannabes will debate, present, and cajole their way to either victory or defeat.

Chapter 2. Whispering into Your Customer's Ear (00:02:30 - 00:04:27)
If you could whisper one phrase into the ears of your customer right when they're making their purchase decision, what would you say? We get crazy with it.

Chapter 3. Marketing Challenge 1 - Prop-a-ganda (00:04:28 - 00:13:34)
Insights into propaganda strategies and how perceptions are influenced in marketing.

Chapter 4. Points & Results - Prop-a-ganda (00:13:35 - 00:15:48)
Todd offers final judgement on our marketing presentations. He is biased and unfair.

Chapter 5. Marketing Challenge 2 - Is Google Evil? Marketing Meltdown (00:15:49 - 00:25:23)
Christian and Chad passionately argue the question of whether Google’s influence on the market and its control over online information constitute "evil" behavior.

Chapter 6. Points & Results - Is Google Evil? (00:25:24 - 00:29:50)
Todd offers final judgement on our "Is Google Evil?" debate. He is predictably biased and unfair. His take is questionable, as always.

Chapter 7. Marketing Challenge 3 - In a World... (00:29:51 - 00:35:49)
In this challenge, Christian and Chad are tasked with developing a business name and tagline for a new SaaS app aimed at bridging communication gaps between parents and their teenage children.

Chapter 8. Points & Results - In a World... (00:35:50 - 00:39:20)
Todd evaluates

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This episode features Kris Rudeegraap, Co-CEO of Sendoso, in conversation with Todd Jensen, CMO of Snoball, exploring how gifting and direct mail can significantly impact B2B sales outcomes. Kris explains that Sendoso’s platform helps revenue teams achieve impressive results, such as increasing second-call rates sixfold and accelerating deal closures by 29%. He emphasizes that gifting goes beyond transactional gestures, fostering meaningful connections that enhance customer experiences and create lasting impressions. Kris highlights that by carefully integrating gifting into the sales process, companies can cultivate deeper relationships with customers, ultimately influencing their loyalty and decision-making.

Kris and Todd discuss the often-overlooked post-sales phase, where many salespeople disengage after a deal closes. Kris underscores the importance of maintaining relationships even after the initial sale, suggesting that consistent engagement can pay dividends if a customer changes companies or revisits a decision later. By nurturing these relationships, salespeople can ensure smooth handoffs, reinforcing trust and making customers feel valued. This long-term approach aligns with Sendoso’s mission to make customer retention and repeat business a natural extension of the buyer's journey.

The conversation also touches on the entrepreneurial journey, with Kris reflecting on the humble beginnings of Sendoso, which he co-founded at a shared desk. He and Todd share anecdotes of their early career days, noting how these experiences built resilience and adaptability. They agree that starting small, whether it’s a workspace or marketing approach, can teach foundational skills critical for scaling a business. Kris’s insights offer a clear message: focusing on personal connections through strategic touchpoints can lead to significant returns and build a brand customers trust over the long term.

Get in touch with Kris:
- LinkedIn
- Website

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Do you know a small business that would love to get the snowball rolling or an expert that can come on the pod and help us along the way? Email chadz@snoball.com or message us on LinkedIn to get involved.

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In this episode of The Snoball Effect, Ruben Ugarte, GM of Home Services at ActiveProspect, shares insights into how consent-based marketing is evolving and becoming critical for lead optimization.

He discusses the transformation of customer outreach, which has shifted from traditional, repetitive cold-calling to a multi-faceted, consent-driven approach. Ruben highlights that today's marketing demands a sophisticated outreach strategy, including phone calls, text messages, emails, and even video content, often facilitated by AI and chatbots.

This shift toward omni-channel outreach allows companies to reach potential customers through their preferred platforms, improving response rates and respecting customer preferences.ActiveProspect's approach, as Ruben outlines, leverages technology to refine lead processes, ensuring that outreach is both effective and compliant.

By automating lead verification and optimizing lead qualification, ActiveProspect helps clients maximize the ROI on their marketing investments.

Ruben's insights underscore how integrating consent-based marketing with data-driven strategies can empower businesses to engage more responsibly and productively with their customers, paving the way for better customer experiences and higher quality leads.

Reach out to Ruben:

• Email: ruben[at]activeprospect[dot]com
• LinkedIn
• Website

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In this episode of The Snoball Effect podcast, Todd Jensen, the CMO of Snoball, highlights the importance of consistency in referral marketing, particularly for home service companies.

Todd explains that a single outreach is rarely enough to generate referrals; instead, building relationships over time through consistent communication is key.

He emphasizes that around 60% of referrals occur after the initial connection, and it often takes more than two interactions to encourage customers to send their first referral.

This means businesses need to shift their mindset to viewing referral requests as part of an ongoing conversation rather than a one-time transaction. Todd provides a unique perspective by recommending businesses ask for referrals early in their interactions with customers.

This approach allows companies to immediately gauge customer sentiment and take corrective action if needed.

For example, a customer who declines to provide a referral and mentions unresolved issues becomes an opportunity to address those concerns.

On the other hand, customers who respond positively but can’t think of a referral right away can be nurtured through ongoing communication, ensuring the brand stays top of mind for future opportunities.

The episode also touches on common mistakes businesses make in their referral programs.

Todd cautions against "one and done" messaging, where companies send mass referral requests sporadically.

He argues that this approach feels impersonal and can alienate customers. Instead, he advocates for a more deliberate, managed referral program that engages customers consistently, ensuring that the brand is part of their natural conversations and interactions over time.

Todd concludes by underscoring the importance of taking ownership of the referral program rather than offloading it to sales teams or technicians, who may lack the capacity to nurture these relationships effectively.

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Do you know a small business that would love to get the snowball rolling or an expert that can come on the pod and help us along the way? Email chadz@snoball.com or message us on LinkedIn to get involved.

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In this episode of The Snoball Effect, Jorrel Patterson, CEO of Demand Construction, shares how his company integrates education into its core culture. Jorrel emphasizes that Demand Construction’s focus on educating both employees and customers helps foster strong relationships and ensures high-quality service delivery. By empowering customers with knowledge about sustainable energy, the company makes the transition to renewable energy smoother and more accessible. This educational approach also helps to create a more positive and informed customer experience, leading to higher satisfaction rates.

Jorrel discusses the importance of aligning the company’s internal values with customer-facing interactions, ensuring that every employee understands and reflects the company's mission. He highlights how a well-educated team, coupled with clear communication and consistent customer care, builds trust and loyalty. This, in turn, improves the overall success of the business, particularly in the highly competitive and evolving green construction industry.

Jorrel also announces Demand Construction’s $1 million giveaway initiative, designed to support customers in transitioning to renewable energy. While this initiative is exciting, Jorrel focuses more on how the company’s educational and customer-centric philosophy positions it as a leader in sustainable construction, setting a high standard for service and innovation in the industry.

Details about the $1 million giveaway

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Do you know a small business that would love to get the snowball rolling or an expert that can come on the pod and help us along the way? Email chadz@snoball.com or message us on LinkedIn to get involved.

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In this episode of The Snoball Effect, Eric Dahl, SVP of Marketing Operations at Roofer Marketers, delves into his journey in marketing and shares insightful strategies for risk-taking in the field. Eric highlights his unconventional path into marketing, starting from a career in real estate investment and transitioning to marketing after the 2008 recession. He shares how a pivotal moment in his career occurred when a tech company took a chance on him for a marketing role, despite his lack of formal experience. This risk, along with his passion for creativity and the influence of his father—an award-winning advertiser—shaped his marketing philosophy.

One of the core themes of the conversation is the balance between taking risks and adhering to best practices in marketing. Eric emphasizes the importance of focusing on emotional connections with customers rather than just highlighting product features. He recounts a successful campaign that resonated with consumers by tapping into emotions, which ultimately drove record sales. Eric also touches on the concept of "failing fast," sharing that marketers should not shy away from risks, even if some ideas don't succeed. Learning from failures is crucial in staying innovative and maintaining a competitive edge in the fast-paced world of marketing.

Toward the end of the podcast, Eric introduces the principle of "create, validate, and replicate," a formula he learned from a mentor and has applied throughout his career.

This approach helps marketers stay agile, ensuring that creative ideas are tested, validated, and scaled effectively. Eric also draws a parallel between marketing and sports, likening marketing to a "speed game" where quick execution and attention to detail can make all the difference. Ultimately, the conversation underscores the importance of balancing creativity with strategy and always striving for continuous improvement in the marketing field.To connect with Eric:

• Website
• LinkedIn

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Do you know a small business that would love to get the snowball rolling or an expert that can come on the pod and help us along the way? Email chadz@snoball.com or message us on LinkedIn to get involved.