When I started building my brand outside of acting, I thought I had a pretty big head start. A decent following on social media, some name recognition from TV and film—surely that would translate into book sales, speaking gigs, and new opportunities. But it didn’t take long to realize that none of that really mattered if I didn’t understand how to market what I was offering.
That’s exactly what we dove into during my conversation with Jeff Hayzlett on The Beyond Impact Podcast. Jeff is a Hall of Fame speaker, former CMO of Eastman Kodak, and someone who’s bought and sold over 250 companies. When it comes to sales and branding, few people understand the real game better than he does.
And his message was clear: without marketing, nothing else matters.
Great Ideas Don’t Sell Themselves
Jeff said it plainly: “You could build the best mousetrap, but if you don’t have somebody helping you bring it to market and sell it… you really don’t have anything. You just have a great story.”
That hit me hard. As someone who comes from a background in storytelling, I love a good message. But Jeff reminded me that attention isn’t the same thing as value. You can have the most powerful story in the world, but if it doesn’t reach the right people in the right way—it won’t move your business forward.
This applies whether you’re an author, a coach, a content creator, or a business owner. Marketing isn’t a support function. It is the business.
Selling Is Serving—If You Do It Right
A lot of people shy away from marketing because it feels pushy. But Jeff reframes that entirely. “A brand,” he told me, “is a promise delivered.” And marketing is how you deliver that promise to the people who need it most.
It’s not about hype. It’s about clarity.
It’s not about being loud. It’s about being seen.
And it’s not about selling people something they don’t need—it’s about making sure the right people know how you can help.
Whether you’re using LinkedIn, Instagram, email, or in-person events, the job is the same. You have to craft your message for that specific medium and audience.
As Jeff put it, “You’ve got to go to where your customers are.” Your preferred platform doesn’t matter. Your audience’s does.
You’re Not Too Creative for Marketing
I’ll admit it—I used to think marketing was a bit of a buzzword. But the more I studied it, the more I saw how essential it is. I could put my heart and soul into a book or a talk, but if I didn’t learn how to promote it with strategy and intention, it wouldn’t land.
Jeff reminded me that even inside one of the world’s most recognizable brands, nothing happened until something sold. “You wouldn’t have anything without me,” he once told a fellow exec. “Ain’t nothing until I sell it.”
He’s not wrong.
Marketing connects the dots. Between your purpose and your audience. Between your story and their solution.
Attention Is Not Conversion
This lesson is especially important for creators and speakers with existing platforms. Just because people are watching doesn’t mean they’re engaging. And just because they’re engaging doesn’t mean they’re buying.
There’s a real difference between getting noticed and creating value. That’s where marketing comes in. It’s how you clarify what you do, who it’s for, and why it matters. It’s how you earn trust. And it’s how you build a business that lasts.
Hear the Full Conversation with Jeff Hayzlett
Jeff and I talked about marketing, leadership, and what really creates momentum in business. It was packed with real advice—no fluff, just hard-earned insight.
If you’re trying to grow your brand, launch your product, or finally get your message out into the world—don’t treat marketing as an afterthought. It’s not just part of the business. Marketing is the business.
