Ep.35 | Exploring the Fine Line Between Marketing & Manipulation with Brand Designer, Alex Cottles

Our guest this week, Alex Cottles, is a brand designer that had a story on Instagram go quite viral in the design community, so we wanted to have him on the show to chat about it all.

Join us as we explore the common pitfalls and red flags within the online business world, both from a business owner AND consumer perspective.

“There’s a fine line between marketing & manipulation. And that line is completely blurred now.” - Alex 

“We can’t only be using social media to have these conversations. The actual change and change in perspectives doesn’t happen through cancel culture. It happens when you’re having a conversation in a safe space.” - Mariah

Cheers, friends! We hope you enjoy :)

Overview of the Episode:

- Alex’s Instagram story that went viral in the brand design world

- The lack of transparency and context in marketing claims tied to financial promises

- Exploring the push to “create a course” or “create a group coaching program” as the only way to grow your business or scale online

- The constant message to keep learning, keep buying, and keep investing

- Cancel culture and how having these conversations only on social media is harmful and holding us back

- Getting clear on your intentions behind your desires

- Where to learn about adult learning psychology

- How realistic expectations and standards are hurting people

- Putting pricing on your website? Yay or nay?

- What red flags to be aware of when making an investment or looking for a program/course

- How do you approach “mindset” and what can it mean in your course and program?

• And. So. Much. More!

Resources Mentioned:

• Britney Jeanine’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/britneyjeanine/

• Going Ultraviolet’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goingultraviolet/

• Topsie’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/topsievandenbosch/

• Taylor (Adult Learning Psychology Specialist) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morethanamomma_/

 

About Alex Cottles:

Alex is the founder of The Routine Creative, your One-Stop Brand Shop™. He has helped hundreds of small business owners take their business from blah and boring to beautiful and brag-worthy! His primary goal, other than making you look oh-so-good, is to foster long-term partnerships with friendly clients who value a tailored branding experience. He is based in Dallas, TX where he lives with his husband and two cats.

 

Website: https://www.theroutinecreative.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theroutinecreative/

 

LEARN MORE & CONNECT WITH THE PODCAST:

• Curiouslyguided.com

• Instagram.com/curiouslyguided

   

CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS SHAY + MARIAH:

• Websites: saleswithshay.com & mariahmagazine.com

• Instagram: @saleswithshay & @mariahmagazineco