On this episode of Brand On The Rocks, host Ryan Holck invites you to rethink your marketing strategy for the year ahead. Whether you're a solopreneur, a team leader, or part of a growing organization, this deep-dive solo episode is crafted to help you move beyond mere to-do lists and truly strategize for growth.

Ryan Holck shares the inside track on how he facilitates VIP strategy sessions, breaking down his signature approach into three actionable focus areas: clarifying your ideal audience, identifying the stories your audience needs to hear, and building a marketing calendar that delivers the right message, in the right place, at the right time.

Episode highlights and takeaways:

• Why getting specific about the clients you love (and those you don't) changes everything about your messaging.

• How to turn audience insights into story-driven campaigns that resonate, not just sell.

• The simple system for mapping your most profitable products and stacking your marketing calendar to maximize impact (and sanity) all year long.

• The power of asking great questions—internally and externally—to expose gaps and align your team for bolder, clearer messaging.

Whether your 2026 plan still feels fuzzy or you're aiming to level-up your current strategy, this episode offers clear, step-by-step insight you can apply right now.

Pour yourself something neat and join Ryan Holck for an honest, practical conversation that will leave you ready to clarify, focus, and take your brand further. Don't forget to follow Brand On The Rocks so you never miss an episode. And if you're ready to dig even deeper, reach out for your own strategy session.

Listen now and start building a marketing message your ideal customers remember—straight up.

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Want to cut through the noise and create a brand story that actually connects? Schedule a call with Ryan Holck at DistillYourStory.com.

Get the free guide: Website Essentials — The 8-Part Blueprint for a Lead-Generating Business Website. Download it now at DistillYourStory.com/Website-Blueprint.

Ready to simplify your message and grow your business? Explore Ryan's Distill Your Story Framework — proven to help entrepreneurs and teams craft clarity that drives revenue. Learn more at DistillYourStory.com.

In this episode of Brand On The Rocks, Ryan Holck hops on the mic for a solo "On the Rocks" pour—cutting past the fluff to break down a deceptively simple, crucial distinction: testimonials vs. reviews.

Drawing on personal experiences and candid client stories, Ryan Holck explores why relying on generic reviews may leave your audience cold, and how heartfelt, story-driven testimonials build trust and a lasting emotional connection with your best customers. He shares awkward (but honest!) conversations he's had with clients about setting expectations, and lays out why transformation stories matter more than a five-star grade. You'll walk through actionable strategies for getting higher-quality, story-based feedback—and hear why honest, up-front messaging might be your ticket to client loyalty (and repeat business).

Episode takeaways:

• The difference between a traditional review and a true testimonial—and why it matters

• How to ask clients for feedback that highlights real transformation, not just performance

• The power of setting honest expectations so your "social proof" works for your brand, not against it

• Lessons from Ryan Holck's own experience: saying "no" when the timeline's too tight, how integrity builds long-term trust, and the risks of marketing-by-script

• Practical steps for revisiting the stories you share and making sure your proof actually connects

If you know your product or service delivers—but your testimonials read more like report cards than real wins—this episode is a must-listen. Pour yourself a glass, tune in for straight-up, actionable insights, and discover how your story can drive stronger connections and better business.

Ready for bolder, clearer messaging that cuts through the noise? Hit play and follow Brand On The Rocks so you never miss an episode!

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Want to cut through the noise and create a brand story that actually connects? Schedule a call with Ryan Holck at DistillYourStory.com.

Get the free guide: Website Essentials — The 8-Part Blueprint for a Lead-Generating Business Website. Download it now at DistillYourStory.com/Website-Blueprint.

Ready to simplify your message and grow your business? Explore Ryan's Distill Your Story Framework — proven to help entrepreneurs and teams craft clarity that drives revenue. Learn more at DistillYourStory.com.

On this episode of Brand On The Rocks, Ryan Holck dives into a challenge every business owner faces but rarely diagnoses correctly: when your product isn't the problem—your message is.

Too often, we blame slow sales on ads, algorithms, or even the economy, when in reality, it comes down to how (or if) people understand what you actually do. Ryan Holck shares the story of a seasoned glass installer whose stellar work remains a best-kept secret because his messaging just doesn't connect outside his immediate circle. Sound familiar?

In this "straight up" episode, you'll discover:

• Why even the best products fail when paired with a muddled pitch

• The hidden cost of forcing customers to "decode" your marketing

• Five foundational questions that uncover the real story your brand should be telling

• Simple ways to distill your message so a 12-year-old—or busy scrolling prospect—immediately gets it

• How to move from "right product/wrong pitch" to a message that actually gets attention and action

• The strategic shift from struggling with scattered ads to building consistent, clear communication where your audience spends time

Whether you're frustrated by wasted ad spend, tired of complicated funnels, or just wondering why no one talks about your business, this episode is for you. Ryan Holck serves up practical, honest guidance to help you clarify your brand message, simplify with confidence, and build a repeatable strategy—so your business finally gets the attention (and sales) it deserves.

Curious to see what happens when you fix your story, simplify your pitch, and quit playing marketing roulette? Pour yourself a glass and press play! Listen now and follow Brand On The Rocks so you never miss the ideas that help your brand stand out—neat, bold, and unmistakably clear.

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Want to cut through the noise and create a brand story that actually connects? Schedule a call with Ryan Holck at DistillYourStory.com.

Get the free guide: Website Essentials — The 8-Part Blueprint for a Lead-Generating Business Website. Download it now at DistillYourStory.com/Website-Blueprint.

Ready to simplify your message and grow your business? Explore Ryan's Distill Your Story Framework — proven to help entrepreneurs and teams craft clarity that drives revenue. Learn more at DistillYourStory.com.