11 | Planning, Visioning, and Goals – Oh My! Setting Your Business Up for Success in 2025

Content Creation, Marketing, Podcast

Pinterest pin with text: Year in Review 2024 + 2025 on the Marketing Duo Podcast with hosts Cinthia Pacheco of Digital Bloom IQ and Jen Vazquez of Jen Vazquez Media

As 2025 begins, entrepreneurs everywhere are setting intentions, reflecting on the past year, and strategizing for a successful year ahead. In our latest podcast episode, we explored the importance of planning, visioning, and goal-setting to build a sustainable and thriving business.

Here are the highlights from our conversation and practical tips to help you create a roadmap for success in 2025.

Lessons from 2024: Challenges and Wins

The past year presented unique challenges for small and medium-sized businesses. From economic uncertainty to increased scrutiny over expenses, business owners tightened their budgets and refined their priorities. While it was a tougher year to win new business, many entrepreneurs found that consistency and intentionality led to unexpected growth.

One key takeaway: hard work pays off over time. The snowball effect of years of effort often becomes apparent during challenging times. Whether it’s maintaining a consistent blog, repurposing content, or refining workflows, staying committed to your strategy builds momentum.

What Worked in 2024: Consistency and Focus

1. Content Creation

Consistently publishing weekly blogs, videos, and emails was a game-changer. Regular content not only nurtures your audience but also builds authority and trust over time. Many business owners found success by revisiting old content, repurposing it, and giving it new life.

2. Email Marketing

Email continues to deliver strong results. By nurturing your audience with consistent emails and valuable content, you can drive more engagement and conversions. Cleaning up email lists and maintaining a clear, intentional strategy made a noticeable difference.

3. Simplified Workflows

Breaking down processes and focusing on efficiency saved time and energy. By streamlining content creation workflows, business owners reclaimed hours that could be reinvested into growth-oriented activities.

Looking Ahead: Vision and Goals for 2025

1. Embrace Planning and Flexibility

Planning doesn’t have to feel rigid. Instead of locking in an annual plan, consider setting high-level monthly themes and goals. This approach allows flexibility while providing a clear focus for each month. Use tools like Asana or Trello to centralize your plans and stay organized.

2. Prioritize Intentionality Over Hustle

2025 is about working smarter, not harder. Block out time for deep work, creative thinking, and rest. Schedule intentional breaks, family time, and even personal self-care activities like hair or lash appointments to create balance and clarity.

3. Commit to Selling

One of the most significant insights from last year was the realization that consistent selling drives revenue growth. Whether you’re launching a new service, offering an evergreen course, or promoting products, plan regular campaigns to keep your business top of mind.

Practical Steps for Planning in 2025

Start with Your Calendar

Begin by marking personal priorities, like vacations and family commitments. Then, add key business events such as product launches, campaigns, or live events. Use a large visual calendar for brainstorming, then translate it into your preferred digital tool.

Batch Content Creation

Dedicate two days each month to content planning and creation. Whether it’s blogs, videos, or social media posts, batching ensures you stay consistent without feeling overwhelmed.

Refine Your Offerings

Look at your services and products. Is there something new you’d like to launch? Could you refine an existing offering to make it more appealing or accessible? Focus on creating value and aligning your offerings with your audience’s needs.

Simplify Workflows

Evaluate your tools and processes. Are there areas where you can improve efficiency? For example, using project management tools like Asana can keep your team aligned and reduce the chaos of juggling multiple priorities.

2025: A Year for Intentional Growth

2025 is the year to lean into clarity, purpose, and intentionality. Whether you’re building on momentum from 2024 or starting fresh with new goals, the key is to create a system that works for you. Stay consistent, embrace flexibility, and don’t be afraid to refine your strategies along the way.

How are you planning for success in 2025? Share your goals and strategies with us on Instagram at the Marketing Duo Podcast, and let’s build a thriving community of business owners who support and inspire each other.

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Pinterest pin with text: 2025 Marketing Trends for Entrepreneurs on the Marketing Duo Podcast with hosts Cinthia Pacheco of Digital Bloom IQ and Jen Vazquez of Jen Vazquez Media
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Pinterest pin with text: Top Content Creation Tips for Small Businesses in 2025 on the Marketing Duo Podcast with hosts Cinthia Pacheco of Digital Bloom IQ and Jen Vazquez of Jen Vazquez Media

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How to Create a Weekly Marketing Workflow That’s Smarter, Not Harder (with Pinterest)

Content Creation, Marketing, Pinterest

Pinterst Pin with words: How to Create a Weekly Marketing Workflow That’s Smarter, Not Harder (with Pinterest) on marketing strategy academy podcast with host Jen Vazquez of Jen Vazquez Media

If marketing feels like an endless to-do list, I hear you. But what if I told you there’s a way to simplify your marketing, save time, and get more eyes on your business? It all starts with a weekly content plan that is smarter, not harder. This step-by-step workflow will help female service providers create one piece of content and repurpose it across multiple platforms. Ready to dive in? Let’s go!

Step 1: Start with a Blog

Your blog is the foundation of your content plan. Write about a topic that speaks directly to your ideal client and solves a problem they’re struggling with.

For example, if your audience is overwhelmed by marketing, you could write a blog titled, “5 Easy Marketing Workflows to Simplify Your Week.” Share actionable tips that are valuable and easy to implement.

This blog sets the tone for your entire weekly marketing workflow by giving you a starting point to create additional content that’s focused and intentional.

Step 2: Repurpose into Social Media Captions

Once your blog is live, break it down into bite-sized pieces for social media. Aim for 3-5 captions that pull key points from the blog.

For instance:

  • Caption 1: “Feeling overwhelmed by marketing? Try this simple workflow: 1) Start with a blog. 2) Repurpose for social media. 3) Use Pinterest to drive traffic. Get the full breakdown on the blog [link in bio].”
  • Caption 2: “What if I told you one blog could create all your content for the week? It’s possible! Read the blog to learn how [link in bio].”

Want more options? Use ChatGPT to generate additional caption ideas tailored to your brand voice.

These captions allow you to reach your audience where they already are while keeping your message consistent across platforms.

Step 3: Create a Short-Form Video

Film a quick, behind-the-scenes video. It doesn’t have to be fancy! Show yourself working at your computer, sipping tea, or scrolling on your phone. Use text overlays to highlight your tips:

Text Overlay Option 1:

  1. Write a blog for your ideal client.
  2. Repurpose it for social media.
  3. Use Pinterest to amplify your reach.

Text Overlay Option 2: “How I turn one blog into a week’s worth of content: Blog ➔ Social Media ➔ Pinterest.”

Text Overlay Option 3: “Content planning made easy: Start with a blog, repurpose it, and share on Pinterest!”

Caption Example: “Here’s how I turn one blog into a week’s worth of content: Blog ➔ Social Media ➔ Pinterest. Ready to simplify your marketing? Read the full breakdown on the blog! [link in bio]”

Use ChatGPT to generate 1-3 more text overlay and caption options for variety. Short-form videos are quick to create, engaging, and highly shareable—perfect for boosting your reach.

Step 4: Design Canva Covers for Reels

Create eye-catching covers for your short-form videos. Use Canva Pro for fresh designs that stand out. Options include:

  • A photo of you with bold text overlay.
  • A professional stock photo with your tips highlighted.

These covers will double as Pinterest pins, saving you even more time.

Step 5: Publish Pinterest Pins

Pinterest is a powerhouse for driving traffic to your blog and other content. Use an SEO-optimized title and description for each pin. For example:

Pin Title: “Simplify Your Marketing with This Weekly Content Workflow”

Pin Description: “Discover an easy weekly content workflow to grow your business. Learn how to write a blog for your ideal client, repurpose it for social media, and use Pinterest to drive traffic and increase engagement. Perfect for female service providers looking to save time while scaling their marketing efforts.”

Publish one pin as the blog header image and add the others at the bottom of your blog with the title: Don’t Forget to Pin It. This encourages readers to save your blog to Pinterest for future reference and helps grow your Pinterest account by increasing engagement.

Step 6: Publish and Schedule Content

  • Blog: Publish your blog with one pin as the header image.
  • Pins: Upload the remaining pins to Pinterest and link back to the blog.
  • Reels: Schedule your short-form videos with engaging captions.

Step 7: Measure and Adjust

It takes time to build momentum. Stick to this process weekly and refine as you go. Think of it like driving to a new destination for the first time—it takes effort initially, but soon, it’ll feel second nature.

Bottom Line

This smarter, not harder weekly marketing workflow lets female service providers turn one piece of content into multiple touchpoints for their audience. With consistent effort, you’ll save time, expand your reach, and grow your business. Ready to give it a try? Let me know how it works for you in the comments below.

Happy content planning—see you next week!

Don’t Forget to Pin It!

Pinterest pin with words: Repurpose Content Like a Pro on marketing strategy academy podcast with host Jen Vazquez of Jen Vazquez Media
Pinterest Pin with words: Save Time With a Smarter Marketing Workflow on marketing strategy academy podcast with host Jen Vazquez of Jen Vazquez Media
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How to Transform Influencer Marketing into a Customer Acquisition Powerhouse with Yuliya Gorenko

Content Creation, Marketing, Podcast

Pinterest pin with text: How to Transform Influencer Marketing into a Customer Acquisition Powerhouse with Yuliya Gorenko on Marketing Strategy Academy Podcast with host Jen Vazquez

In today’s fast-paced digital world, influencer marketing isn’t just a trend—it’s a powerful tool for businesses to connect with their target audience and drive tangible results. But how can businesses, including those with less glamorous products, thrive with influencer marketing?

Let’s dive into the insights shared by Yuliya Gorenko of Mishka Agency Agency on how to craft a successful influencer program that goes beyond awareness and becomes a powerful customer acquisition channel.

The Evolution of Influencer Marketing

Many believe influencer marketing is a modern phenomenon, but the concept has existed for centuries. Influencers have always shaped opinions, from local leaders to global celebrities. With the rise of social media, influencers now have a platform to reach millions worldwide. This shift has made influencer marketing a cornerstone for businesses looking to scale.

Why Businesses Should Leverage Influencer Marketing

At its core, influencer marketing capitalizes on the power of word-of-mouth recommendations. Customers trust people they relate to more than ads. Collaborating with influencers—whether they’re niche micro-influencers or global powerhouses—can give your brand credibility, visibility, and, most importantly, sales.

Key Steps to Build a Winning Influencer Program

  1. Define Your Goals: Start by identifying what you want to achieve—whether it’s awareness, lead generation, or direct sales.
  2. Select the Right Influencers: Partner with influencers whose audience aligns with your target market. Assess metrics like engagement rates, audience demographics, and previous brand collaborations.
  3. Provide Clear Guidelines: Outline the messaging and objectives while giving influencers creative freedom to connect authentically with their followers.
  4. Track Performance: Use custom URLs, coupon codes, or affiliate links to measure the success of your campaigns.

Start Small, Scale Smart: Begin with a few influencers, analyze what works, and gradually expand your program based on data-driven insights.

Overcoming Common Mistakes

  • Ignoring Audience Insights: Ensure influencers’ followers match your target market in terms of location, age, and interests.
  • Lack of Tracking: Always track campaign performance through measurable KPIs.

Overpaying Influencers: Develop a fair compensation structure based on metrics like engagement rates and ROI.

TikTok Influencer Partnerships: Challenges & Opportunities

TikTok offers unique opportunities for brands to reach highly engaged audiences. However, challenges like fluctuating video views and platform-specific algorithms require brands to approach TikTok influencer campaigns strategically. Focus on storytelling, allow creative freedom, and consider performance-based compensation models to maximize ROI.

When to Hire an Agency

If you’re just starting out, you can manage influencer marketing in-house. But if you’re scaling or need expert guidance, an agency like Mishka can streamline processes, manage relationships, and help maximize your ROI.

Free Gift

Get your 1-hour free consultation.

Where to Find Yuliya:  

Don’t Forget to Pin It!

Pinterest pin with text: Avoid These Influencer Marketing Mistakes on Marketing Strategy Academy Podcast with host Jen Vazquez
Pinterest Pin with text: Beginner’s Guide to Influencer Marketing on Marketing Strategy Academy Podcast with host Jen Vazquez
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9 | Filling Your Creative Cup – A Guide for Entrepreneurs

Content Creation, Marketing, Podcast

Pinterest Pin with words: Filling Your Creative Cup – A Guide for Entrepreneurs by Jen Vazquez of Jen Vazquez Media on Marketing Duo Podcast with co host Cinthia Pacheco of Digital Bloom IQ

As entrepreneurs and creatives, we often pour ourselves into our businesses, but how often do we refill our own cups? In this episode of the Marketing Duo Podcast, Jen Vazquez and Cinthia Pacheco discuss the importance of self-care and creating space to spark creativity and prevent burnout. From personal stories to actionable advice, this episode will inspire you to prioritize your well-being while growing your business.

Why Filling Your Creative Cup is Essential

Creativity doesn’t happen on demand. Both science and personal experience show that giving your brain time to rest and recharge leads to better ideas and greater productivity. Jen shares how activities like walking, reading, and even taking baths have helped her overcome creative blocks, while Cinthia highlights how intentional breaks and mindfulness practices keep her motivated.

The Danger of Overworking

The “hustle culture” glorifies overworking, but the long-term costs—burnout, exhaustion, and even health issues—are not worth it. Cinthia recounts a story of a businesswoman who worked through a launch despite being hospitalized, showcasing how unsustainable practices are often normalized. Jen emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries, taking weekends off, and integrating downtime into her schedule.

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Tips to Refill Your Creative Cup

1. Incorporate Self-Care Rituals

  • Jen finds joy in getting her eyelashes done, calling it her “lash nap.” It’s a small but meaningful way to feel confident and refreshed.
  • Cinthia prioritizes exercise, attending classes that help her disconnect from stress and recharge her energy.

2. Embrace Mindful Activities

  • Reading fiction allows Jen to step away from work and come back inspired.
  • Cinthia recommends yoga as a way to combine movement with mindfulness.

3. Create Space for Reflection

  • Quiet car rides or walks provide opportunities for ideas to flow.
  • Jen uses silence during her weekly drives to let her thoughts settle and spark new ideas.
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4. Set Boundaries Around Work

  • Define non-negotiable rest days to focus on personal time or hobbies.
  • Recognize that long-term success depends on sustainable work habits.

The Importance of Saying No

Both hosts agree that being selective about commitments is key. By focusing on what truly matters, you can maintain a balanced life while still achieving your goals.

Bottom Line

Refilling your creative cup is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether it’s reading, exercising, or simply creating quiet moments, prioritizing yourself is the key to staying inspired and motivated in your business. Share your favorite ways to recharge with us on Instagram at Marketing Duo Podcast—we’d love to hear from you!

Don’t Forget to Pin It!

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Why You Shouldn’t Just Create Pins Once

Content Creation, Marketing, Pinterest, Pinterest Trends

Pinterest pin with text: Why You Shouldn’t Just Create Pins Once 2025 by Jen Vazquez of Jen azquez Media Pinterest Manager

Think you can post a pin once and forget about it? That mindset could be costing you valuable traffic and leads. While Pinterest is often seen as a “set-it-and-forget-it” platform, the truth is, successful accounts build their reach through consistent and strategic pinning over time. Let’s break down why pinning once isn’t enough and what you can do instead to maximize your Pinterest strategy.

1. The Pinterest Algorithm Loves Fresh Content

Pinterest’s algorithm rewards accounts that consistently upload fresh content. This doesn’t mean you need to create brand-new content daily, but you do need to keep your profile active. Here’s why:

  • Fresh Pins Boost Visibility: When you upload a new pin or a new version of an existing pin, Pinterest prioritizes it in search results and users’ feeds.
  • Consistency Builds Trust: Regularly pinning signals to Pinterest that your account is active, which helps your overall reach.

Tip: Instead of pinning once, create multiple variations of your pin designs. Use different titles, images, or layouts to keep your content fresh and engaging.

2. People Engage Differently Over Time

Audience behavior on Pinterest changes with trends, seasons, and even time of day. If you post a pin once, you’re missing the chance to reach users who might engage with your content later.

  • Seasonal Trends Matter: Content can gain momentum months after it’s posted. For example, a summer photoshoot might take off in June, even if you pinned it in February.
  • Search Behavior Evolves: Users are always searching for new things. Regularly repinning and refreshing your content increases its chances of being discovered.

Example: A pin about “Fall Wedding Trends” might perform better in November when engagement season starts than when it’s originally pinned in May. By repinning, you’re keeping it relevant.

Join the Pinterest Trends Challenge

Ready to take your Pinterest strategy to the next level? The Pinterest Trends Challenge is designed to help you discover and leverage the hottest trends on Pinterest to drive traffic and generate leads. Over the course of this challenge, you’ll learn how to identify seasonal and evergreen trends, create optimized content, and strategically pin to stay ahead of the competition. Whether you’re new to Pinterest or looking to refine your strategy, this challenge will give you the tools and insights you need to turn Pinterest into your lead-generating powerhouse. Don’t miss out—join today and start transforming your Pinterest game!

Sign Up Here

3. Your Audience Needs Repetition

Marketing experts agree—people need to see something multiple times before they take action. This concept, called the Rule of 7, applies to Pinterest too.

  • Multiple Pins Increase Clicks: When you share variations of your pin over time, you’re giving your audience more opportunities to click, save, or engage.
  • Different Designs Speak to Different People: Some users may be drawn to a pin with bold text, while others prefer a minimalist design. By creating a variety of pins, you’re appealing to a broader audience.

Tip: Use scheduling tools like Tailwind to space out your pins so you stay consistent without overwhelming your followers.

4. Build a System for Long-Term Success

To make the most of Pinterest without feeling overwhelmed, create a batching and scheduling workflow. This ensures your content stays active even when you’re busy.

  • Batch Your Pins: Dedicate one day a month to create multiple pin designs for your latest content.
  • Schedule Strategically: Use Pinterest’s native scheduler or third-party tools to spread your pins out over weeks or months.
  • Repurpose Older Content: Don’t let older blog posts collect dust. Refresh their pins and give them new life.

Ready to Create a Winning Pinterest Strategy?

If you’re tired of pinning once and hoping for the best, it’s time to take a more strategic approach. Creating fresh content, repinning strategically, and maintaining consistency are the keys to building a successful Pinterest presence.

Need help? Join my Pinterest Challenge to learn how to create a simple yet powerful Pinterest strategy that drives traffic and generates leads. Let’s turn your Pinterest into a lead-generating machine!

Don’t Forget to Pin It!

Pinterest pin with text Fresh Pins_ The Secret to Pinterest Growth by Jen Vazquez of Jen azquez Media Pinterest Manager
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