Brand Design Masters Podcast

10 Mistakes Small Businesses Will Make This Year

If you’re a small business owner, agency, or freelancer working with small businesses, this episode is a must-listen. I’m breaking down the 10 biggest mistakes small businesses will make this year—mistakes that can slow growth, hurt profits, or even put you out of business if you’re not careful.

From ignoring AI and automation to neglecting customer retention, these missteps can mean the difference between thriving and struggling. The good news? Every single one of these mistakes is avoidable—if you know what to look for.

Here’s what I’m covering:

• Why small businesses can’t afford to ignore AI anymore
• The massive shift to mobile-first marketing (and why your website needs to keep up)
• How failing to personalize your marketing is costing you sales
• Why organic social media alone isn’t a winning strategy
• The critical role of video content in 2025
• And much more...

If you want to stay ahead of the curve, grow your brand, and make smart, strategic moves this year, tune in now. Let’s make 2025 your best year yet!

🎧 Hit play, and let’s dive in.

#SmallBusiness #MarketingStrategy #AI

WEBSITE

https://www.philipvandusen.com

BONFIRE: Mastermind Community

https://philipvandusen.com/bonfire

BRAND•MUSE NEWSLETTER  

https://www.philipvandusen.com/muse

CREATIVE PRO COACHING

https://philipvandusen.com/oneonone

BRAND CONSULTING

https://philipvandusen.com/brand-consulting

BRAND STRATEGY COURSE

https://philipvandusen.com/bs101

BRAND DESIGN MASTERS PODCAST 

https://podcast.branddesignmasters.com/subscribe

BRAND DESIGN MASTERS FACEBOOK GROUP 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/branddesignmasters/ 

YOUTUBE

https://www.youtube.com/c/philipvandusen 

LINKEDIN

https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipvandusen/

THREADS

https://www.threads.net/@philipvandusen 

INSTAGRAM

https://www.instagram.com/philipvandusen/

____________________________________

AFFILIATE PARTNERS:

BRING YOUR OWN LAPTOP - Adobe Training with Daniel Scott

https://www.byol.me/philip  

GO HIGHLEVEL:

https://www.gohighlevel.com/philipvandusen

TUBEBUDDY

https://www.tubebuddy.com/philipvandusen  

____________________________

Philip VanDusen is a branding consultant based in New Jersey. He's a highly accomplished creative executive and is regarded as an expert in brand strategy, graphic design, marketing and creative management. Philip provides design, branding, marketing, career and business advice to creative professionals, entrepreneurs and companies on building successful brands for themselves and the clients and customers they serve.

Have you ever wondered how AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Bard decide which content to recommend? If you're a content creator looking to expand your reach, this episode is a must-listen.

I recently had a game-changing conversation with someone who discovered my work—not through YouTube or Google, but through ChatGPT. 

That’s when it hit me: AI-driven recommendations are a massive, untapped opportunity for creators. Unlike traditional SEO, these AI tools don’t rank content the same way Google does. Instead, they prioritize relevance, authority, and context.

In this episode, I break down exactly how AI selects content and what you can do to ensure your videos, articles, and brand get recommended more often. 

We’ll cover:

• Why AI recommendations are a game-changer for content visibility
• How AI tools determine which content to suggest
• The key role of metadata, transcripts, and engagement metrics
• Why evergreen content performs better in AI-driven search
• Simple optimization strategies to make your content AI-friendly

If you want to future-proof your content strategy and stay ahead in the evolving digital landscape, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

#ContentMarketing #SEO #BrandVisibility #AEO

________________________________

WEBSITE

https://www.philipvandusen.com

BONFIRE: Mastermind Community

https://philipvandusen.com/bonfire

BRAND•MUSE NEWSLETTER  

https://www.philipvandusen.com/muse

CREATIVE PRO COACHING

https://philipvandusen.com/oneonone

BRAND CONSULTING

https://philipvandusen.com/brand-consulting

BRAND STRATEGY COURSE

https://philipvandusen.com/bs101

BRAND DESIGN MASTERS PODCAST 

https://podcast.branddesignmasters.com/subscribe

BRAND DESIGN MASTERS FACEBOOK GROUP 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/branddesignmasters/ 

YOUTUBE

https://www.youtube.com/c/philipvandusen 

LINKEDIN

https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipvandusen/

THREADS

https://www.threads.net/@philipvandusen 

INSTAGRAM

https://www.instagram.com/philipvandusen/

____________________________________

AFFILIATE PARTNERS:

BRING YOUR OWN LAPTOP - Adobe Training with Daniel Scott

https://www.byol.me/philip  

GO HIGHLEVEL:

https://www.gohighlevel.com/philipvandusen

TUBEBUDDY

https://www.tubebuddy.com/philipvandusen  

____________________________

Philip VanDusen is a branding consultant based in New Jersey. He's a highly accomplished creative executive and is regarded as an expert in brand strategy, graphic design, marketing and creative management. Philip provides design, branding, marketing, career and business advice to creative professionals, entrepreneurs and companies on building successful brands for themselves and the clients and customers they serve.

How to Find a Job in the Creative Industry

Landing a job in today’s creative industry isn’t easy—especially if you’re mid-to-late career. But it’s far from impossible. In this solo episode, I break down five proven strategies to help you stand out in a competitive job market, refine your approach, and ultimately secure the role you’ve been striving for.

We’ll cover:
• How to tailor your resume for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and hiring managers
• The key updates you need to make on your LinkedIn profile to get noticed
• Smart ways to reach out to hiring managers and decision-makers
• Why networking (both online and in-person) is your secret weapon
• How to prepare for interviews and present your work strategically

If you’re feeling stuck in your job search, these tactics will give you the clarity and confidence to move forward. 

And if you want more career support, consider joining my mastermind group, BONFIRE, where creative pros connect, learn, and grow together. Learn more at philipvandusen.com/bonfire.

Tune in now, and let’s get you hired!

#CreativeCareers #JobSearchTips #PersonalBranding
____________________________________

WEBSITE

https://www.philipvandusen.com

BONFIRE: Mastermind Community

https://philipvandusen.com/bonfire

BRAND•MUSE NEWSLETTER  

https://www.philipvandusen.com/muse

CREATIVE PRO COACHING

https://philipvandusen.com/oneonone

BRAND CONSULTING

https://philipvandusen.com/brand-consulting

BRAND STRATEGY COURSE

https://philipvandusen.com/bs101

BRAND DESIGN MASTERS PODCAST 

https://podcast.branddesignmasters.com/subscribe

BRAND DESIGN MASTERS FACEBOOK GROUP 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/branddesignmasters/ 

YOUTUBE

https://www.youtube.com/c/philipvandusen 

LINKEDIN

https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipvandusen/

THREADS

https://www.threads.net/@philipvandusen 

INSTAGRAM

https://www.instagram.com/philipvandusen/

____________________________________

AFFILIATE PARTNERS:

BRING YOUR OWN LAPTOP - Adobe Training with Daniel Scott

https://www.byol.me/philip  

GO HIGHLEVEL:

https://www.gohighlevel.com/philipvandusen

TUBEBUDDY

https://www.tubebuddy.com/philipvandusen  

____________________________

Philip VanDusen is a branding consultant based in New Jersey. He's a highly accomplished creative executive and is regarded as an expert in brand strategy, graphic design, marketing and creative management. Philip provides design, branding, marketing, career and business advice to creative professionals, entrepreneurs and companies on building successful brands for themselves and the clients and customers they serve.

Networking Strategies for Designers and Entrepreneurs

Episode 152

In this episode, Philip explores how networking has evolved with the rise of remote work and digital platforms. He shares innovative, non-standard networking tactics that go beyond traditional methods such as industry mixers and LinkedIn messages. 

Philip emphasizes the importance of a strong online presence and gives actionable tips for optimizing platforms like LinkedIn, Behance, and Dribbble. He also introduces niche platforms, the power of masterminds, and personalized outreach through video messages. 

Whether you're an in-house creative or an entrepreneur, Philip provides practical strategies to build meaningful connections and grow your network in today’s digital-first world. Tune in to discover how to make networking a creative and rewarding experience.

Mentioned: 

BONFIRE Mastermind Community

https://philipvandusen.com/bonfire

#Networking #Entrepreneurship #Graphicdesign 

_________________________________________

WEBSITE

https://www.philipvandusen.com

BONFIRE: Mastermind Community

https://philipvandusen.com/bonfire

BRAND•MUSE NEWSLETTER  

https://www.philipvandusen.com/muse

CREATIVE PROFESSIONAL COACHING

https://philipvandusen.com/oneonone

BRAND CONSULTING

https://philipvandusen.com/brand-consulting

BRAND STRATEGY 101 COURSE

https://philipvandusen.com/bs101

BRAND DESIGN MASTERS PODCAST 

https://podcast.branddesignmasters.com/subscribe

YOUTUBE

https://www.youtube.com/c/philipvandusen 

LINKEDIN

https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipvandusen/

THREADS

https://www.threads.net/@philipvandusen 

BRAND DESIGN MASTERS FACEBOOK GROUP 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/branddesignmasters/ 

INSTAGRAM

https://www.instagram.com/philipvandusen/

____________________________________

AFFILIATE PARTNERS:

BRING YOUR OWN LAPTOP - Adobe Training with Daniel Scott

https://www.byol.me/philip  

GO HIGHLEVEL:

https://www.gohighlevel.com/philipvandusen

TUBEBUDDY

https://www.tubebuddy.com/philipvandusen  

____________________________

Philip VanDusen is a branding consultant and the owner of a brand strategy and design agency based in New Jersey. He's a highly accomplished creative executive and is regarded as an expert in brand strategy, graphic design, marketing and creative management. Philip provides design, branding, marketing, career and business advice to creative professionals, entrepreneurs and companies on building successful brands for themselves and the clients and customers they serve.

Best Content Marketing Strategy for 2025

Episode 151

A great content marketing strategy includes more than just producing and posting as much as possible. That’s why I’m breaking down the most impactful shifts in content marketing for 2025 and beyond. 

This episode dives into the strategies that are working right now—based on trends in audience behavior and the changing tools of the trade. Whether you're building a brand, growing a business, or amplifying your career, these insights will help you thrive in the new era of content marketing.

I cover actionable tactics and essential mindset shifts, including moving from volume to value, creating community-focused content, and leveraging data-driven personalization. 

You’ll also learn how to entirely transform your approach to content marketing, craft impactful campaigns, and foster genuine connections with your audience that lead to sales.

#contentmarketing #digitalstrategy #contentcreation

_________________________________________

WEBSITE

https://www.philipvandusen.com

BONFIRE: Mastermind Community

https://philipvandusen.com/bonfire

BRAND•MUSE NEWSLETTER  

https://www.philipvandusen.com/muse

CREATIVE PROFESSIONAL COACHING

https://philipvandusen.com/oneonone

BRAND CONSULTING

https://philipvandusen.com/brand-consulting

BRAND STRATEGY 101 COURSE

https://philipvandusen.com/bs101

BRAND DESIGN MASTERS PODCAST 

https://podcast.branddesignmasters.com/subscribe

YOUTUBE

https://www.youtube.com/c/philipvandusen 

LINKEDIN

https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipvandusen/

THREADS

https://www.threads.net/@philipvandusen 

BRAND DESIGN MASTERS FACEBOOK GROUP 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/branddesignmasters/ 

INSTAGRAM

https://www.instagram.com/philipvandusen/

____________________________________

AFFILIATE PARTNERS:

BRING YOUR OWN LAPTOP - Adobe Training with Daniel Scott

https://www.byol.me/philip  

GO HIGHLEVEL:

https://www.gohighlevel.com/philipvandusen

TUBEBUDDY

https://www.tubebuddy.com/philipvandusen  

____________________________

Philip VanDusen is a branding consultant and the owner of a brand strategy and design agency based in New Jersey. He's a highly accomplished creative executive and is regarded as an expert in brand strategy, graphic design, marketing and creative management. Philip provides design, branding, marketing, career and business advice to creative professionals, entrepreneurs and companies on building successful brands for themselves and the clients and customers they serve.

The Power of Brand Alignment with Brandon Coleman, Jr.

In this episode, Philip welcomes Brandon Coleman, Jr., a legend in branding and strategic consulting with over five decades of experience. 

Brandon discusses his journey in branding, launching a successful strategic branding firm, and writing his book, 'Brand On!: the Hidden Power of Brand Alignment.' 

He emphasizes the importance of brand alignment, sharing actionable insights and real-life examples to help entrepreneurs and businesses amplify their potential. 

Brandon also delves into maintaining authenticity amidst advancements in AI and technology, the essential role of leadership in brand alignment, and how caring deeply for a client's brand can lead to successful brand strategies.

'Brand On!: The Power of Brand Alignment' by Brandon Coleman, Jr.

Available on Amazon: 

https://amzn.to/40mnWBN

Brandon's website: https://www.brandoncolemanjr.com/

#brandstrategy #branding #marketing

__________________________________________

WEBSITE

https://www.philipvandusen.com

BONFIRE MASTERMIND:

https://philipvandusen.com/bonfire

BRAND•MUSE NEWSLETTER  

https://www.philipvandusen.com/muse

CREATIVE PROFESSIONAL COACHING

https://philipvandusen.com/oneonone

BRAND CONSULTING

https://philipvandusen.com/brand-consulting

BRAND STRATEGY 101 COURSE

https://philipvandusen.com/bs101

YOUTUBE

https://www.youtube.com/c/philipvandusen 

LINKEDIN

https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipvandusen/

THREADS

https://www.threads.net/@philipvandusen 

FACEBOOK

https://www.facebook.com/philipvandusen.agency/

INSTAGRAM

https://www.instagram.com/philipvandusen/

____________________________________

Philip VanDusen is a branding consultant and the owner of a brand strategy and design agency based in New Jersey. Philip is a highly accomplished creative executive and expert in brand strategy, graphic design, marketing and creative management. Philip provides design, branding, marketing, career and business advice to creative professionals, entrepreneurs and companies on building successful brands for themselves and the clients and customers they serve.

In this episode of the Brand Design Masters podcast, host Philip delves into the journey from designer to creative director. He outlines five key steps: gaining exposure to upper management, managing and mentoring others, mastering project planning and delivery, managing clients and presentations, and being solutions-oriented. 

Philip emphasizes the importance of visibility, leadership skills, reliability, strategic thinking, and solving problems. He also highlights a crucial 'power-up' bonus step – finding a mentor to navigate the transition smoothly. Offering practical and actionable advice, this episode is a must-listen for any designer aspiring to move up the career ladder.

00:19 The Journey from Designer to Creative Director

01:08 Step 1: Getting Exposure to Upper Management

03:03 Step 2: Learn to Manage and Mentor Others

05:12 Step 3: Master Project Planning and Delivery

06:46 Step 4: Master Client Management and Presentations

08:57 Step 5: Be Solutions Oriented and Take Ownership

10:19 Bonus Step: Get a Mentor

13:30 Recap and Final Thoughts

14:27 Support and Stay Connected

#creativedirector #personalbranding #careeradvice #graphicdesign #careercoaching

__________________________________________

WEBSITE

https://www.philipvandusen.com

BONFIRE MASTERMIND:

https://philipvandusen.com/bonfire

BRAND•MUSE NEWSLETTER  

https://www.philipvandusen.com/muse

CREATIVE PROFESSIONAL COACHING

https://philipvandusen.com/oneonone

BRAND CONSULTING

https://philipvandusen.com/brand-consulting

BRAND STRATEGY 101 COURSE

https://philipvandusen.com/bs101

YOUTUBE

https://www.youtube.com/c/philipvandusen 

LINKEDIN

https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipvandusen/

THREADS

https://www.threads.net/@philipvandusen 

FACEBOOK

https://www.facebook.com/philipvandusen.agency/

INSTAGRAM

https://www.instagram.com/philipvandusen/

____________________________________

Philip VanDusen is a branding consultant and the owner of a brand strategy and design agency based in New Jersey. Philip is a highly accomplished creative executive and expert in brand strategy, graphic design, marketing and creative management. Philip provides design, branding, marketing, career and business advice to creative professionals, entrepreneurs and companies on building successful brands for themselves and the clients and customers they serve.

Experience Transformative Growth with Joseph Bojang

In this episode, Philip welcomes special guest Joseph Bojang, a certified coach with expertise in human behavior, marketing, and business. Joseph shares his unique journey from running a marketing agency to becoming a transformational coach. 

The discussion explores the difference between problems and dilemmas, the significance of archetypes in personal development, and the importance of mindfulness practices. They delve into overcoming business overwhelm, the power of journaling, and the role of a coach in achieving self-discovery and authentic goal setting.

Joseph emphasizes the transformative power of understanding and navigating one's dilemmas to achieve lasting fulfillment.

Joseph Bojang on LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-bojang/

TOPICS

• Joseph's Career Transition

• Understanding Problems and Dilemmas

• Creating Safety for Growth

• The Role of Archetypes in Personal Development

• Trends in Coaching and Personal Growth

• The Importance of Coaching and Journaling

• Conclusion and Contact Information

#personaldevelopment #coaching #josephbojang #careercoaching

__________________________

WEBSITE

https://www.philipvandusen.com

BONFIRE MASTERMIND:

https://philipvandusen.com/bonfire

BRAND•MUSE NEWSLETTER  

https://www.philipvandusen.com/muse

CREATIVE PROFESSIONAL COACHING

https://philipvandusen.com/oneonone

BRAND CONSULTING

https://philipvandusen.com/brand-consulting

BRAND STRATEGY 101 COURSE

https://philipvandusen.com/bs101

YOUTUBE

https://www.youtube.com/c/philipvandusen 

LINKEDIN

https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipvandusen/

THREADS

https://www.threads.net/@philipvandusen 

FACEBOOK

https://www.facebook.com/philipvandusen.agency/

INSTAGRAM

https://www.instagram.com/philipvandusen/

____________________________________

Philip VanDusen is a branding consultant and the owner of a brand strategy and design agency based in New Jersey. Philip is a highly accomplished creative executive and expert in brand strategy, graphic design, marketing and creative management. Philip provides design, branding, marketing, career and business advice to creative professionals, entrepreneurs and companies on building successful brands for themselves and the clients and customers they serve.

In this episode of the Brand Design Masters Podcast, Philip interviews Amanda Webb, Owner of Spiderworking, who specializes in digital marketing ROI, Google Analytics, and analytics mentoring. 

Amanda shares her journey from film to digital marketing, insights into optimizing marketing efforts through analytics, and the importance of understanding data for business growth. 

They discuss topics including content creation, the ROI Escalator process, UTM tracking, AI in analytics, measuring marketing success, and practical steps for improving website performance. Amanda offers valuable resources and expertise, emphasizing the critical role of asking the right questions and continuously testing strategies.

#googleanalytics #marketing #analytics #roi #branding

Connect with Amanda:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandawebbsocial/

https://spiderworking.com

Freebie Download:

https://spiderworking.com/bonfire/

TOPICS

• Amanda's Journey into Digital Marketing

• The ROI Escalator Process

• Understanding and Leveraging Analytics

• Creating Effective Content Strategies

• The Importance of UTM Tracking

• Utilizing AI in Analytics

• Common Mistakes in Analytics

• The Importance of Measuring Marketing Activities

• The Debate on Website Organization and Navigation

• Using Data to Drive Business Changes

• Tools Beyond Google Analytics for Measuring Marketing Success

• The Power of Video in Marketing

• Setting Up and Customizing Analytics Reports

• Resources and Final Thoughts

__________________________

WEBSITE

https://www.philipvandusen.com

BONFIRE MASTERMIND:

https://philipvandusen.com/bonfire

BRAND•MUSE NEWSLETTER  

https://www.philipvandusen.com/muse

CREATIVE PROFESSIONAL COACHING

https://philipvandusen.com/oneonone

BRAND CONSULTING

https://philipvandusen.com/brand-consulting

BRAND STRATEGY 101 COURSE

https://philipvandusen.com/bs101

YOUTUBE

https://www.youtube.com/c/philipvandusen 

LINKEDIN

https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipvandusen/

THREADS

https://www.threads.net/@philipvandusen 

FACEBOOK

https://www.facebook.com/philipvandusen.agency/

INSTAGRAM

https://www.instagram.com/philipvandusen/

____________________________________

Philip VanDusen is a branding consultant and the owner of a brand strategy and design agency based in New Jersey. Philip is a highly accomplished creative executive and expert in brand strategy, graphic design, marketing and creative management. Philip provides design, branding, marketing, career and business advice to creative professionals, entrepreneurs and companies on building successful brands for themselves and the clients and customers they serve.