Ever wondered what it's like to trade a stable corporate gig for the wild world of entrepreneurship? Pull up a seat and pour a bourbon as I serve you the unfiltered chronicle of my journey from being trapped in a job marred by sexual harassment to braving the unpredictable tides of launching Neat, my very own PR and marketing agency. This isn't your run-of-the-mill success story; it's a candid look at the roller coaster of starting a business, complete with financial fears, networking faux...

Listen in as I, Jen Hartman, kick back on my comfy couch to unravel the dynamic world of PR strategies for up-and-coming brands, all while nursing a few life mishaps. From newsjacking to the power of personal stories, I'll share insider tips on how to make headlines without breaking the bank. Whether you're a fan of themed social media sessions or eager to learn how to craft a killer pitch for guest podcast appearances, this episode is your PR playbook, tailored for the underdogs with grand...

Have you ever chuckled at a mix-up between sacred figures and foot-focused services? I certainly did after mistaking a Super Bowl commercial about Jesus for an ad for Feet Finder, a slip that sparked more than just a few laughs online. As someone who once served as an altar girl, I'm taking you behind the scenes of religious marketing, only to pivot into revealing how a daring $17,000 investment in leads transformed my agency, Neat, into a revenue-generating powerhouse. You'll hear how we...

In this episode of Served Neat, Jen sits down with Barbara, the founder of Curls Monthly, a successful subscription service for curly-haired women. They discuss Barbara's journey from quitting her corporate job to pursue her passion in the haircare industry. Barbara shares her experiences in LA and her transition into entrepreneurship. You will gain insights into Barbara's success on TikTok and her strategies for growing her business.  Tune in to learn about Barbara's curl advice, featured...

In this episode of Served Neat, our team explores the world of Taylor Swift. Sharing personal fan experiences, we reflect on beloved eras and standout tracks. Our conversation explores Taylor's unique marketing strategies and her ability to connect authentically with her audience, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and growth in the industry. The podcast highlights the impact of Taylor's surprise release, "Folklore," during the pandemic, and discusses the transformative nature of her...

In the episode of Served Neat, Jen dives into the "messy middle" with Amanda, the founder of period care subscription company Besti Box. From the frustration of constantly needing supplies to winning $100,000 in a pitch competition, Amanda shares the challenges and triumphs of starting a business. We also discuss the importance of leveraging resources, from university partnerships to service swapping, and how to work with your menstrual cycle for optimal productivity. Tune in for period tips,...

In this episode of Served Neat, Jen and the incredible ladies that make up the Neat PR team share their best tips for media pitching. They talk about the importance of starting small and building a base in your own community before targeting larger publications. This episode provides valuable tips for emerging brands and Fortune 500 companies alike. Tune in to learn more about effective media pitching strategies. Today we discuss:  How to utilize trending topics in PR. The values of...

In this episode of Served Neat, Jen reflects on the start of a new year and a new season. She shares her excitement about upcoming interviews and the growth of her business. She also discusses her feelings of imposter syndrome and how she is pushing through it to continue growing. Despite the challenges, Jen remains determined to march forward and overcome any obstacles in her way. Tune in to hear more about what she is leaving behind in 2023 as we head into 2024. Today we discuss:  How to...

Join us in this episode of Served Neat, where Jen Hartmann engages in an open conversation with her COO, Lauren Edmonds, discussing the triumphs and trials of running Neat over the past year. From a challenging start with low revenue to achieving success through lead acquisitions and doubling our revenue, they unravel key insights and invaluable lessons. Their conversation explores the significance of diversifying our sales approach, the importance of swift decision-making, and the proactive...

In this exciting episode of Served Neat, Jen sits down with Neat’s content manager, Alyssa White, to dish out the inside scoop on successful Instagram marketing strategies. They chat about the importance of personalized communication and the art of crafting a killer website. Dive deep into navigating challenges on Instagram, and gain valuable insights on how to stay transparent and build meaningful engagement on social media. Today, we discuss:  How to build relationships with customers...

Get ready for an incredible episode on Served Neat! Our guest is none other than Bridgitte Mallinson, the powerhouse behind Gut Personal, serving up entrepreneurial wisdom and wellness vibes. Brace yourself for a story that goes from gut health struggles to business triumphs! Bridgitte spills the tea on her personal journey, from battling gut issues to becoming a trailblazer in functional medicine and nutrition. She spills the deets on how GutPersonal came to life, aiming to empower women to...

In this podcast episode, Jen interviews Jordan, the co-owner of PSW Furnishings, a furniture company they started during the pandemic. They talk about the rapid growth of the business and how they handle customer complaints. Jordan highlights the importance of accepting feedback and using it to drive product improvements. They also touch on the challenges of starting a business and the personal growth that comes with it. Today we discuss:  Why is patience considered a critical attribute...

In this episode of Served Neat, Jen shares a story about her worst sales call ever, highlighting the importance of unique selling propositions (USPs). She discusses the significance of having a strong USP and provides examples of both bad and good ones. Jen also offers tips on how to improve your current USP. You will learn how to improve their own USPs and gain insights into growth strategies.   We talk about: My worst sales call ever! What is a USP and why do you need to care about it?...

In this episode, Jen interviews Emily Bibb, co-founder of Breef, an online marketplace connecting brands with agencies. They discuss the challenges of finding the right agency and how Breef streamlines the process. Emily shares her experience as an entrepreneur and the growth strategies they employed, including organic referrals and paid ads. They also talk about lessons learned, fundraising success, and leading a remote team.  We cover... Which marketing strategies have helped grow Breef...

On this episode of the podcast, Jen Hartmann interviews Mia D'Amato, founder of Boho Basement, a brand that creates unique upcycled NFL and college game day attire. They discuss Mia's journey from starting her business to collaborating with a major car company and even selling an $800 pair of sweatpants. They also touch on the power of viral TikToks, landing her first 100 customers, and the topic of burnout. Tune in to hear Mia's inspiring story and insights into entrepreneurship.   We are...

In this episode of Served Neat, Jen Harmann dives into the world of influencer marketing, discussing the changes and challenges within the industry. They explore how influencers now demand payment for their posts and how content creation has become a job in itself.  Jen predicts that influencer marketing will continue to evolve, with brands expecting more from their partnerships   Today we discuss:  Fun things Neat has in the works How influencer marketing evolved over the years. What are...

In this episode of Served Neat, Jen Hartmann, shares her personal journey of managing her mental health while running a successful agency. She discusses the importance of making schedule changes and building a strong team to alleviate the demands of being an entrepreneur. Jen emphasizes the need for self-care and creating a schedule that prioritizes mental well-being in order to be the best leader for your business. Tune in to gain insights on balancing work and mental health in the world of...

Having a finance team for your business is essential for success. It can help you manage your finances, plan for the future, and make sure you’re making the right decisions. But what exactly is a finance team? In this episode of Served Neat , Jen Hartmann interviews Adam, a CFO who specializes in helping agency owners with their finances. Adam explains the differences between a bookkeeper, accountant, tax director, and CFO, and the importance of having a finance team for businesses. Adam...

In this episode of served neat , Jen shares her thoughts on a TikTok video she came across about a woman offering a masterclass on healing vision for just $11. Only to ultimately discover its a scheme to peddle DoTERRA products. She also discusses her team's experience at Startup Week in Louisville, where they had a great time connecting with others and enjoying each other's company.  Startup Week is where Neat was finally able to soft launch a novel offering, the PR PowerPlay deck.  EPISODE...

On this episode of Served Neat, Jen discusses the key strategies for starting a successful agency. She suggests taking on projects to build a portfolio, networking, and hiring roles that make sense for the business. She emphasizes the importance of visibility and networking to increase the number of people who notice your business, such as attending small, intimate events, speaking on podcasts, and building a personal brand on LinkedIn.   We are talking about: Can overcharging for...

In this episode of Served Neat, Jen chats with Fran Hauser, the author of "The Myth of the Nice Girl." Fran shares insights on giving feedback to your team, setting boundaries, and avoiding people-pleasing. Fran's passion for leveling the playing field for women shines through her investing, writing, and speaking. She has invested in over 30 female-founded companies and is the author of multiple best-selling books. Join Jen and Fran as they discuss achieving a career you love without...

In this episode of Served Neat, host Jen Hartmann chats with Erica Rankin, the incredible founder of Bro Dough. Bro Dough is a brand that aims to make indulging in cookie dough guilt-free. Erica shares the story of how Bro Dough started and discusses her journey in building a successful CPG brand. From landing her first 100 customers to navigating the surprises of entrepreneurship, Erica provides valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs.  We discuss: The inspiring journey from...

In this episode of Served Neat, Jen discusses the misconception that once a business reaches a certain level of success, all problems disappear. She shares her realization that founders can portray themselves however they want online, crafting a perfect image of their lives. Jen also opens up about the not-so-fun aspects of entrepreneurship that successful founders often don't share with their audience. Tune in to hear the truth behind the glamorous facade of success. We are talking about: ...

We're diving deep into the art of showcasing your uniqueness. Have you ever wondered why customers choose your offerings over others? Is it the cost savings, time efficiency, health benefits, or the mastery of culinary excellence? We've got the answers! Get ready for eye-opening insights! Uncover the power of your brand's unique selling proposition. It's not just about messaging; it's about crafting a compelling story that captures customers' attention and sets you apart from competitors. ...