Lori Flowers Uncovers the SHOCKING TRUTH About Modern Marketing
41:15 Share

Toyota has been building a legacy of excellence for generations. From pioneering hybrid technology to redefining the standards of safety and efficiency, Toyota is always innovating, always making progress.

And with Toyota's legendary lineup of reliable cars in stock at your local Toyota dealer, you can experience the legacy firsthand. So check out the unparalleled performance of the new 25 Camry with style, efficiency, and available tech to get you anywhere. Or test drive a capable and affordable Corolla. Equip with everything you need to stay cool and connected.

And both Camry and Corolla are available with all-wheel drive, giving you the control to go beyond. Quality, reliability, efficiency. That's the legacy of Toyota. Visit BuyAToyota.com, the official website for deals, to find out more. Or stop by your local Toyota dealer today. Toyota. Let's go places. ♪

Welcome to Mick Unplugged, where we ignite potential and fuel purpose. Get ready for raw insights, bold moves, and game-changing conversations. Buckle up. Here's Mick. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to another exciting episode of Mick Unplugged. And today's guest is a dynamic marketing strategist and project manager with over two decades of experience in the radio industry.

As the manager of integrated marketing and project management at Radio One and Reach Media, she crafts innovative marketing solutions for national advertisers across multiple platforms. Her dedication to empowering women in business is evident through her authorship of A Seat at the Table, A Survival Guide for Women in Business. Get ready to be inspired by the trailblazing, the influential, the visionary women

my good friend, and I don't even know if we can say co-workers now, but the best in the business, Ms. Lori Flowers. Lori, how are you doing today, dear? Well, I'm doing great. What an introduction. Wow. You deserve it all. You deserve it all. I'll take it. I receive it. Thank you so much. Yes. Lori, I'm honored to have you on the podcast. We talk so much outside because, like I said, we're kind of like partners now in the things that we do.

Just your story, your history, the things that you've done as, I'm going to say a mentor for those that you probably don't even know that you mentor. I just want to thank you for taking time to be with us today. Thank you for having me. I'm honored to be on your podcast.

Stop it. And yes, we work together quite often, but it's just nice to actually be in your world right now. So thank you. I love it. So, Lori, you don't even know this. So I purposely wanted to wait for the podcast to talk to you about this. So, you know, for those that are listening, you all know I'm a part of the Urban One Podcast Network, which is a part of Urban One. So you've got Radio One, Reach Media, a whole multitude of companies. But Lori, I've actually been a fan of yours and have known about you for at least six years.

So when we got to meet in person at the offices in Atlanta, like it literally made my day because it was like, this is Lori. And then we talk all the time now. And it's just like, I just wanted you to know how one proud of you I am, how much I look up to you and the trailblazer that you are in this space is, is amazing. Mouth wide open. I'm wow. Really? Yeah. Yeah.

That's really special. And I'm literally in shock. I'm like, you did really? Yes. I wanted to wait for this moment to tell you that. So you got me because I literally was not expecting you to say that. Really? And so my mouth was literally wide open. Like, no, no, no, no, no. Wow. So two decades in this space.

this industry, this world of radio, right? And you started when you were two years old, so two decades. I was going to say that. I did. I was two. You were two. Yeah. How has...

The radio industry changed in 20 years. So from the early days of when you started it, too, to where it is now and where it's going to go in the future. What are some of the things you're seeing change in the radio space? I mean, a lot has changed. And it starts with how people consume their media. So back in the day when I was two, three and four and five, people really looked at radio as media.

and I say this kind of loosely as the king, like, oh, it's radio. I'm going to turn my favorite station on. And all I'm going to do is listen all day to my favorite day. You know, my favorite show. I'm going to go to all of the events there down the street. I'm going to go and see the van pull up and I'm going to win tickets. So that, you know, just the excitement people would have when they would see a radio station van or turn the radio on is,

As times have gone on, people have other options now. And so as radio, we have to do our best to remain where they are. So we still have radio now, podcasting. So that has changed. That's coming to the forum, the frame. Digital, we have to meet them. You know, they're streaming. And so all of these different evolutions of things, we as radio, we have to make sure that we are ahead of the game. We have to meet people where they are.

they may not get as excited about seeing us at an event with tickets. So we have, we're still out there, but, you know, they can win tickets other places. So we just have to always think of other things to entice them and give them experiences, things that money can't buy. Because so often you can buy tickets, you can, you know, you know, go online and get them right quick. But if you can have an experience, that's different.

Yeah.

The yellow pages. And if I can afford a 15 second slot on the radio, I'm going to do that too. Right. Because that's what you had to do to kind of grow. And now that that marketing aspect has changed a little bit. But I will say this and I'm probably proof of this.

Radio is still king. People still do listen to the radio. Now, what might be different to what Lori was saying is they might have their favorite shows now because now there are shows everywhere. But if that show, if your favorite show or shows are on radio, you are still listening there. So for the business owners that are like me 20 years ago where it was you had to advertise in multiple places, you still need to do that, right? You still need to be visible in multiple streams.

But how and why is radio still an important piece to an advertising marketing strategy? Well, you know what? We are always free and people forget about that. A lot of times you've got to pay for, you know, other platforms to pay to be, to be, you know, listen to their stations, but we're always free and we're always on. It's like the lights are always on where we are. We're live and local. We're,

You know, if something happens, the radio is there. Like, I've been in snowstorms where the entire radio station, the crew, we had to be there to make sure that we are satisfying our listeners. We had to be there to make sure we are providing heaters for those who need stuff, fans for, you know, hot weather. Radio is always there, and that's why an advertiser needs to always consider radio because it's

It's not going to go out. We are live and local. We are on all the time. Like all the time. Think about it. We are, turn it on. We're always on.

If you are looking to advertise, why wouldn't you go to a platform that's always on? It's not going to go off because of, you know, the signal is out, whatever. Like we're on. Right. Internet goes out for a week because of a snow or ice storm. Radio is still there, right? We're still there. We have generators. We have a team of engineers who literally go out, stand there and make sure. I mean, I'm giving you the extra, but they're there to make sure that we stay on the airwaves.

People like me and my team back in the day who would be trudging through the snow in the radio station vehicle just to make sure we get to the station to make sure everything else is going OK. So we're there. Absolutely. So, Lori, I want to pick your brain and talk to listeners and viewers because

There's so much that makes you dynamic. And I wish we had five hours because we could literally go five hours with Lori Flowers. One of the things that I get asked all the time, especially with my podcast now,

What makes a business in particular podcast? What makes it attractive to advertisers and sponsors? Like I know that I've got half a million people that are business owners that are podcasters or wanting to start a podcast. What makes something attractive to where Lori can go and say, Oh, I've got McDonald's or I've got ABC. I'm not going to name them all because I want people to take who we're working with, but

But how do I make myself attractive for those sponsors? That's a great question. And from my experience, advertisers, if you look at it, if I'm an advertiser, I want to be where the people are and I want to meet people where they are.

And when you look at it, when you look at a podcast, if that podcaster is talking about a subject that is as vast, that is, you know, attracts lots of people such as business, such as health and wellness, such as relationships. Those podcasts seem to do really, really well, because as an advertiser, I'm going to reach all those people who are looking to grow their business.

As an advertiser, I'm looking to reach people who want good relationships. As an advertiser, I'm reaching people who are in the health and wellness space and they want to reach people who are trying to meet those health goals.

When we are on calls with advertisers, that's literally what they're saying. And I won't name any, but it's kind of like they may say, you know, we're about to launch a new product in 2025 and it is supposed to do this and that. And we want to reach people who are in the business space and want to, or personal development, they want to be better. So that goes hand in hand. So obviously we're going to go with that podcast that has all of those elements and

And that speak to that audience. And that's important for us as marketers. I love that. And I'm going to say this because you didn't say it directly, but when we first met, this is what I heard also. And I think this is advice for podcasters or anyone that's looking for advertisers, no matter where the space is, is staying true to your brand, but more importantly, staying true to your audience.

Like if you don't know who your audience is, and again, I don't care if you're a business like I come from the insurance space. If you're selling insurance, know who your audience or your ideal customers or clients are, because that helps someone like Lori to then match you up. But I think people miss that because it's like, oh, well, you know, I'm going to be a podcast for everyone. I'm going to be a business for everyone. But that actually is the worst thing you can do when it comes to the advertising space. Is that right?

It is the worst thing. And you have to think about if you don't know who you're talking to, you're just literally throwing out hot air. You have to know. So then when you come to us, I can say, hey, Joe Advertiser, who are you talking to? Well, I'm talking to women. I'm talking to women in this demo. I'm talking to women who want to better themselves in this area. Okay, well,

Mick Unplugged, that makes sense. And maybe two other podcasts because that's going to reach the audience that they're trying to touch. For us, we do lots of consumer journeys. And that's when we put together literally what that would look like for an advertiser. So if the consumer journey, we name the person, we'll name her Rochelle. And Rochelle is 35.

And she is a professional, she's an IT person. She drives to work. She listens to her favorite podcast. While listening to her podcast, she hears an ad talking about blah, blah, blah. So we take them, we create this consumer journey for the advertiser so they can actually see how their brand will live out

on our platforms. And I found that that really helps them actually understand because they see different touch points. So they may, Rochelle may listen to the radio first. The radio is going to have a plug that's a mic unplug. It's going to have like a plug to say, and make sure you tune into mic unplug. So she's going to go to the podcast. Then she hears the podcast. Then she's going to go do whatever you say for her to do. And then that's how it all comes together. Yeah.

So it is about consumer journey. It's about a persona. Who are you talking to? I remember back in the day, we would create actual personas in our studio of who our personalities were talking to.

So me and my interns create like a vision board and literally map out who they're talking to. So when that mic opens up, they're actually looking at who they're talking to. And that also helps. Toyota has been building a legacy of excellence for years. From developing hybrid technology to upping the standards of safety and efficiency, Toyota is always innovating, always making progress.

And with Toyota's superior lineup of SUVs in stock at your local Toyota dealer, you can experience the legacy for yourself.

So check out an adventure-ready RAV4 designed to be the perfect mix of style, practicality, and go-anywhere attitude. Or test drive a capable and affordable Corolla Cross with the space and available tech to keep you cool and connected. And both RAV4 and Corolla Cross are available with all-wheel drive, giving you the freedom to roam. Quality. Reliability. Efficiency. That's the legacy of Toyota.

Visit BuyAToyota.com, the official website for deals, to find out more. Or stop by your local Toyota dealer today. Toyota. Let's go places.

That's the sound of your money going further. Because with new McValue at McDonald's, you always get more than you expect. Buy a sausage burrito and add a sausage McMuffin for just $1. Your crew needs fuel before practice? The $5 meal deal is always on time. Late night turn to all night? Get a double cheeseburger and add a McChicken for, yep, just $1. Your money is having a time. New McValue at McDonald's. Get more than you expect. Prices and participation may vary. Valid for item of equal or lesser value.

And I'm telling you, whether you're a podcaster, business owner, small business owner, leader, having those personas truly is the key. Because again, generalism doesn't help sales. It doesn't help marketing. You've got to be as specific as possible. And Lori, my sister loves you now because her name's Rochelle and you just explained our like, she's not IT, she's education. You got it. So good stuff. So,

Again, Lori, loved you from afar forever. Now we work together. I want to go to how and why Lori got into this business. You know, we talk about your because here. And so for Lori, starting out at the age of two, three, four, five, whatever it was, what was your because? What was that reason that said, this is what I'm going to do?

And then not only that, but propelled you to this dynamic force that you are in the radio industry. You have such a way with words. Thank you. So when I was in two and three, I wanted to be a TV anchor. I wanted to be Oprah. I wanted to be on the news, all that good stuff. And I would say that my mom was my best publicist because although I wanted to do TV, I felt like I was a little shy. So she pushed me. She met all these people and she's like,

This lady works at the TV station, get an internship, got an internship, did the TV thing, didn't really like it. Next thing you know, I'm getting an internship at a radio station. And it's crazy because the rest is history. I did not leave like internship at the radio station. And then from there, I really feel because I interned while I was in college in radio. I got out of college and started working at another radio station.

But I feel that I did a lot of moves. I moved to different cities because of the opportunities that I had. And I feel strong about that because I think it was very helpful because I was able to get a different feel for different, not only different stations, but, you know, living in Phoenix, living in Miami, West Palm Beach, D.C., New York, Atlanta, all of those markets and all of those different people that I met, I just feel like.

It they they pour into you different things, different people you come across. And that makes that makes you who you are.

I also learned that those moves, I was able to make them because I wanted to make them, if that makes sense. Sometimes people don't want to move because they feel like they're just going to stay right where they are. There's nothing wrong with that. But I feel like if you're able to take a step and make a move, whether it's a physical one or if you can make that move, I feel like it strengthens you professionally. It strengthens you personally because those are a lot of risks that you take.

And I think that it was risky, but I did it. And I'm very proud of myself for doing all those different markets and lots of memories and stories there too. So. Yeah. And, you know, being the trailblazer that you are, it always hasn't been easy, right? Like people talk about doors waiting to be open opportunity, waiting to knock. And I tell people all the time. And I actually, I was on stage and I actually use you as a reference. Like,

Sometimes you have to realize you are the opportunity. Sometimes you have to realize you are the door so you can actually open things yourself. What was that like for you? Like the trailblazer that you are like opening your own doors and being your own opportunity. What was that like for Lori?

I think it was a motivator, I would say. And I would stay, I would say I'm still trying to open doors. I'm going to say that. But looking at the other doors that I were opening, I can say that every opportunity, somebody looked out for me. I didn't apply. So if I was doing my thing in West Palm, Miami knocked on the door and I went ahead and opened that door. I

Then Atlanta called. I went ahead and opened that door. And then D.C. called. And because of that, I think it's your reputation and it's how you deal with people. And that's why I always tell people don't burn bridges. And then it's so cliche, but don't burn bridges because people talk. And every move that I made was somebody putting my name into headlines.

into their conversation or into the opportunity. And they reached out and said, do you want to do this? So that I didn't have to like, Hey, can I get in? They were already like, come on in. So that part was, was pretty cool. Yeah. So talk to me about writing, um,

a seat at the table, right? Like, like what was the, I know what the inspiration was because obviously I've read it. So I don't want, I'm going to let Lori tell it, but like, what was the inspiration behind it? And then when it was released, right? Like how well was it received? I, again, I know all these answers, but I want to, I want to hear Lori say it in her own words.

I think, so a seat at the table, what I was realizing is a lot of young ladies would come to me and ask me all these questions. How do I get an interview? What do I do in the interview? How do I shake a hand? How do I get a resume together? And then I just figured, you know what, instead of just having all these multiple conversations and multiple emails, put it all in a book. Now I will say the book is very, very small, very small.

But I was I was scheduled to speak at this event. And instead of doing like handouts, I figured, let me just go ahead and put together something, a small book with everything, every question you'd want to know. I got it for you. And so put together the book when it was released. It was exciting. And I say it's kind of hesitant because I feel like there's more than needs to go into that book.

And I plan on doing it because times have changed. But what doesn't go out of style is basic etiquette, business etiquette, basic branding and how you set yourself up for success.

So when they came out, I was really excited and I did my best to promote it and get it out. I did a few radio shows to talk about it because I feel really strong about women in business. I feel like there is so much, so many opportunities, but sometimes we shy away because we think we're not good enough or we think we don't have this or that to propel ourselves forward, but we actually do. And so that's kind of been my whole thing is

a seat at the table and helping young ladies navigate and get their way into this industry. And I just feel like that's always been my heart. Totally agree. And what I love about the book

is that it truly is a guide, right? Like it truly is its own workbook inside of a book. It's its own strategy inside of a book. And I personally liked it for myself, even though, you know, it is intended for women in business and every woman that is a business owner, business leader, or thinking about starting a business, you definitely need that book. But even for just any entrepreneur, the...

I'm going to say the fundamentals that you give, Lori, in that book are second to none. Like things that I can put in place today, like how to look someone in the eye when you're having a conversation. Things that we all know, but you're telling us how to do those things, right? Like telling us how to hold conversations and be memorable because that's what's important, right? People are going to remember the experience, right?

that you gave them and how crucial that is. And so I just want to applaud you because, yes, it is written for women and women should get the book. But I'm also going to say people like me needed that book, too. Well, thank you. And I like how you said it. It's literally just step by step. Like, you know, how do I shake a hand? Because I've found that.

And it may seem so small, but it's a big deal to me. When you meet someone and your handshake is so limp and you just, it just, it just drains you. Like, shake that person's hand and look them in their eye. So it's literally, like you said, fundamental things that we feel that maybe we should all know, but I learned that a lot of people don't know.

Yeah, it was it was game changing for sure. So thank you for that. So I'm also going to say this about Lori, because this goes into I'm going to say at least one of your core values. And I don't know what they all are. I'm going to let you share. But you have a knack, a gift of making people feel like family.

Toyota's legacy has been standing tall for generations. From pioneering hybrid technology to redefining the standards of safety and efficiency. Each innovation, a renewed commitment to progress. And with Toyota's legendary lineup of trucks in stock at your local Toyota dealer, you can experience the legacy for yourself.

So check out the ultra rugged new 2024 Tacoma built for off-road adventure or everyday practicality or test drive a heavy duty half ton 2024 Tundra decked out with modern tech and comfort with a haul anything attitude. And both Tacoma and Tundra are available with the I-Force max hybrid powertrain, giving your truck more power than ever before. Quality reliability,

Efficiency. That's the legacy of Toyota. Visit BuyAToyota.com, the official website for deals, to find out more. Or stop by your local Toyota dealer today. Toyota. Let's go places.

That's the sound of your money going further. Because with new McValue at McDonald's, you always get more than you expect. Buy a sausage burrito and add a sausage McMuffin for just $1. Your crew needs fuel before practice? The $5 meal deal is always on time. Late night turn to all night? Get a double cheeseburger and add a McChicken for, yep, just $1. Your money is having a time. New McValue at McDonald's. Get more than you expect. Prices and participation may vary. Valid for item of equal or lesser value.

Right. Like the moment that you meet Lori, you're getting a big hug and you're having a conversation about you. Like Lori makes you feel like you're the most important person that she's interacting with in that moment and literally feels like family. I'm assuming that that's what you do with everyone. It wasn't just me. Right. Because I've seen you in the rooms and I see how you navigate. Is family one of your core values?

You know, it's so funny when you said core values, I literally had to think, what are my true core values? And I know I have them, but it's something. Well, let me get back to what you said. Family. Yes. Family is very important. But another core value, especially in the business world, and I don't have a fancy word for it, but I'm a cheerleader, literally.

And I believe in cheering people on and making them feel special.

And part of, to me, good leadership for me, for my people and for people who have been my manager is when they cheer you on and make you feel like you are just, you know, the only person in the room or just make you feel like you're really doing something amazing. I think that has been very important for me when I talk to my team and I'm literally like, good job. That looks great. I just because it makes me happy because I see people.

Like a person lights up when you make them feel special, whether you're meeting them for the first time, whether you are in a meeting with them going over, you know, day to day things or whether you're having a you're meeting with an advertiser, you want them to feel special. So, yes, family is a core value and just making people feel good because the world is so ugly. And I just feel like everybody just needs a smile.

No, I, I totally agree. And one of the best smiles in the world is Lori. Right. And so, no, I genuinely mean that. And, and you were so right, you know, Les Brown, Lori, you know, is one of my mentors and he always says like, people remember how you made them feel right above anything. The words you say may not matter as much as how you make them feel. And you are that, that cheerleader, that inspiration. And so again, just, just thank you for all those amazing things that you do.

Thank you so much. People need it. You just boosted everything. This is just, thank you. Thank you for making me feel special. No, no. I mean, you are special. You are very special. And, you know, again, all the various markets that you've worked in and you even impact everywhere that you go. Do you have a favorite market that you worked in? I do. Yeah.

And it's so funny. I do, but then it just, two popped in my head. But I'm going to say my most favorite was Miami. Miami just...

It was challenging personally being there, just learning my way and where I fit in. But from a business promotional standpoint, it was the best thing because we had a lot of money. We had great advertisers. We had advertisers to wrap our vehicles. We had that type of money and did lots of great things. Kanye West at the time came by and before people know who he was,

And we were doing fun things with him and, you know, Christmas concerts with T.I. and things like that. It was just Miami was fun. I will say the second market that was the most fun was Washington, D.C. That is a great market to be in. And it was just lots of experiences. And, you know, Obama at the time, that was a big deal, going to different events and parties everywhere.

So I really felt at that time, you know, I think I was 12 by then and I was just excited about that opportunity. So those two, those are the best markets. Atlanta, obviously, yes. But those are the best for me, Miami and Washington, D.C. Like, yes, top notch. Amazing. Amazing. So earlier we talked about how the radio world has changed a little bit. Has advertising changed? Oh, my gosh. Yeah.

And if so, how? I know the answer is yes. But how has advertising changed, especially now that you've got social and digital and everything else involved? And you just said it because if I'm an advertiser and we kind of touched on it a little bit, if I'm an advertiser, I have so many options now. I can do influencer marketing. I can do digital. I can do a whole, you know, just straight podcast thing.

But again, we as radio, we have so many different extensions. You can start with radio and extend out to a podcast. You can extend out to influencer marketing, extend out to digital. I think radio always should be the center. And not just because I'm in it, because I've seen it work. I've seen it work for advertisers and even advertisers that we're working with you. Like I see, I'm seeing results. I'm seeing how listeners

and your podcast, how the two go together and the synergy there and, you know, the coverage of the advertisers going to get is amazing. And then top that off with adding an event to it. You know, we have different signature events that we do throughout the year. That's going to also give that advertiser more visibility and coverage for their market. So marketplace. Yeah. So I spent a lot of time over the last 12,

12 months speaking, obviously, but in particular, one of the messages that I've been telling business leaders and entrepreneurs is to start thinking about yourself as a brand, right? Because not just the advertising space or the sponsor space, but we're in this age now that's weird. And I would have never thought of this, you know,

even two years ago. And we've evolved from, hey, you're a business man to where you are now a brand man or a brand woman, right? And to me, it's so important for everybody. Start thinking about yourself as a brand. I don't care what your product or service or lack thereof is, but to me, advertisers and sponsors, corporate executives, when they see you as a brand,

Not only can they take you places, but you're helping them go places as well, too, and reach deeper places. So I love your feedback on that piece. I'm literally that you. Yes, we are all brands. And that's what we need to remember as it relates to our talent. And this is something that I tell our talent. I work very closely with all of our talent at Reach Media Radio 1.

And advertisers look to see everything that you're doing because you're a brand. So if they're looking and they say, I want to advertise on this station or this podcast, they're going to go and look at social media. They're going to look you up. They're going to see, oh, that person does this, this and this or that person does this, this and this.

You're a brand, and I think people forget that. Even in the business world, branding, when you think about it, do you show up on time to meetings? Are you late responding to emails? All of that is your brand, and people end up talking about that in a roundabout way. They may say, oh, you know, Sarah, she's going to be late. That's her brand. And she may not even realize that's her brand, but I'm sure that's not the brand she necessarily wants.

Which is why we all need to be cognizant of everything that you do is your brand. You know, how you show up, how you communicate, again, via an email, how you communicate on a Zoom or a Teams call. That is your brand. And when people realize that, I think it's, oh, gosh, let me straighten some things up.

Or let me straighten up my social media. I, you know, the people that I mentor, I'm always like, let's do an audit. What is your social media looking like? Because people Google in a minute. So I'm going to go there. And Lori, you just, you made my day because I want to have this conversation with somebody and you're going to be that person now. Okay. Because you brought it up. So.

And I want everybody that's watching or listening to hear this, write this down. Your brand is not your logo and your colors. And all these marketing companies that are creating brand guides for you, your font, I promise you, it's important when you need to send it to someone, but that is not your brand. And for all the brand marketing agencies and brand management companies, stop telling people logos and colors are their brand. It is not.

Lori said it perfectly. Your reputation and your social media is the new brand. I promise you how you communicate, how you show up, the things that you do when you're not speaking. That's your brand. And if you can embrace that, I promise you can change your brand. And then the second thing that, Lori, I want you to unplug is that social media audit.

That is so, so, so true. Like most people think, oh, well, once I get to a million followers, I've won or, you know, things I did 10 years ago don't matter. Yeah. Go look at the news. Go look at the news. Oh, they'll pull it up. How important is social media, one? And then two, when you do an audit, what specifically are you having people do?

Toyota has been building a legacy of excellence for years. From developing hybrid technology to upping the standards of safety and efficiency, Toyota is always innovating, always making progress. And with Toyota's superior lineup of SUVs in stock at your local Toyota dealer, you can experience the legacy for yourself.

So check out an adventure-ready RAV4 designed to be the perfect mix of style, practicality, and go-anywhere attitude. Or test drive a capable and affordable Corolla Cross with the space and available tech to keep you cool and connected. And both RAV4 and Corolla Cross are available with all-wheel drive, giving you the freedom to roam. Quality. Reliability. Efficiency. That's the legacy of Toyota.

Visit BuyAToyota.com, the official website for deals, to find out more. Or stop by your local Toyota dealer today. Toyota. Let's go places.

That's the sound of your money going further. Because with new McValue at McDonald's, you always get more than you expect. Buy a sausage burrito and add a sausage McMuffin for just $1. Your crew needs fuel before practice? The $5 meal deal is always on time. Late night turn to all night? Get a double cheeseburger and add a McChicken for, yep, just $1. Your money is having a time. New McValue at McDonald's. Get more than you expect. Prices and participation may vary. Valid for item of equal or lesser value.

So social media is very important in this day and age, whether, you know, I hear a lot of I don't do anything. I just get on it for a little bit. That's fine. But whatever you have on there, if your name was attached to that and people see it and I say people because I could be a potential client that's going to work with you. That could be an advertiser, whatever, whatever area that you're in.

They see it. And then as far as your overall brand and how it relates, everything, when we do a brand audit, I'm looking at every post and

We're going down. We're going down. What have you posted and what were you doing and what does that look like? And sometimes if I'm having a one-on-one with a mentee and I pull up and I make a screenshot and I say, what do you think about this? And they'll say, well, this was in 2008 or whatever, you know, 2018. Okay. Well, the fact that I saw it, that means that somebody else is going to see it. That means that, and I don't know what they're going to take. I know where you are right now, but they may not know.

It's just important. And it's not like you can't have fun. But depending on where you want to go in your career, in your life, where we are right now, social media, that's everything. They see everything. They do. Yeah. And nowadays with screenshot and screen record, you may put it in a story. Oh, it'll go away in 24 hours. They can pull it.

Yes. They will have it on their records. Yep. And I know a person, personally, I know one of our air personalities and we're not going to name them. And we have so many that you would know, but we were working with an advertiser and they said, I have concerns about that person because of some things that they posted. And because of that, they moved on to another talent. So I tell our talent how you can have fun, show your personality, have a good time, but

But there's limit. I mean, where you are, you just have to be careful. You know, you don't even put everything out there. Totally agree. And Lori, you just confirmed, again, one of my other messages when I talk about brand and growth. You know, people think social media is just, you know, your personal story, your personal stuff. But here's the deal.

54% of the people that are actually on social media are researching brands. So true. Right. Like even us as consumers, right? Like Lori tells me about something. I go to social media to research and see, like, does it really align with me?

Right. Because you're great about that. But before you even have a conversation, you're like, what do you think? Right. Do we want to have this conversation? Do we want to move forward? Yeah. And I take time to research because it's like, hey, you know what? Like, I know Lori's done hers. Yeah. But I also have to make sure that I don't see anything. And like, I go look when I do audits.

I'll go look at comments and likes too. That's important, yes. Because you can hide behind your post, right? Like you can be someone and not do your own posting and make sure that everything's buttoned up. But when you have the phone,

When you have the phone in your hand, what are you liking and what are you commenting on? Because that's going to tell me the things that I don't actually just see in front of me. That's so true. Oh, my goodness. That's so true. And it all shows up, too. We think that you can kind of slide in. Sometimes you just don't. It's just better just to... It's not... If you really are trying to go somewhere because...

It will stop you. And I love that, you know, I'll send you, I'll send you an advertiser and then you'll immediately tell me why you like it. And that's been very helpful too, because you,

ultimately, if that advertiser decides to do something, then I'm going to be calling you again. Okay, you ready? So that's why it's good that you're actually looking into that because your brand is important too. And if that doesn't align with your brand and you agree to something, that's not going to be a positive experience either. Alignment is key. Alignment. Yes. So as we're talking about brand and we're talking about social and you're looking at it from making your job easier, right? With the advertisers and socials,

so forth for the, for the person that's not at the point yet where they are, I'm going to say advertiser attractive, right? They're working on building the brand of the substance. How important is it to not rush the experience? Because I personally think so many people, and I'll talk about some of my podcaster friends and buddies, right? That are like, Oh, well, you know, I've really got to grow this so I can get advertisers and sponsors.

But if it's fake, it doesn't work. How important is it to take your time? And what are some things that people can do when they're trying to now become attractive for advertising?

You know what? And that's everyone always wants the quick the quick fix they want. I'm just trying to grow. And I'm by March, I'm going to have X amount of followers. And that's I get it. It's cool to have goals, but it's so important, in my opinion, is to have consistency and always, always, always.

If you're going to commit to this, commit to it and be consistent and do your show weekly, month, whatever you decide, make sure that you do that. Because a lot of times people fall off because they're not seeing that quick. They're not seeing an advertiser reach out to them or they're not seeing any movement of people following them.

But you have to remain consistent because guess what? Advertiser A could be looking for what you have in your podcast and you had a strong three months and then you just stopped because you didn't see it. But people are watching. Yes. As we sit, people are watching. They're watching to see, you know, are they consistent? What did they talk about? Was their messaging good? Is their branding good? And they're

Are they really in it to win it? And that sounds so cliche, I know, but that's so true because I'm going to invest my money into a podcast or a show and you just stopped posting because you weren't seeing the benefits, then I can't rock with you. We could go into a deal and then you get tired and then you say you don't want to do it. So I would just say you need to be consistent with

And really put your all in it, regardless of you got two followers or 2,000 followers. There you go. I love it. Lori, you've been so gracious with your time. I know you're busy. Just rapid fire three questions with Lori. You ready? Okay. The best meal that Lori Flowers cooks. Oh, gosh. Spaghetti. Okay. All right. So the question two, what do you put in your spaghetti then? If you say you open a can of ragu, Lori, the call is over. I'm just going to let you know.

If I said sugar, brown sugar, I've tried brown sugar. I have. OK, what if I just said sugar? What if I just tell you I sweeten it up a little bit? Oh, my God, I'm going to get dragged. I don't know. And it's not ragu. It's a mixture of things that I put in my spaghetti. OK, well, you know, it's a secret, but it's really good.

All right. I'll be down for it. And I'm going to let the people know. Maybe that'll be the next. It won't be a podcast. We'll just have some social clips on our Mick trying Lori's spaghetti. We'll see. I'm going to make. Okay. Yeah. Go ahead. Yeah. We're going to talk about that. Yeah. Okay. All right. Your favorite talent you've worked with. I really will say you because what did I say in an email? I said I won't even say it. Yeah. We won't repeat it. We won't repeat it. I want to say you.

Okay. I'm really thinking. $20 goes a long way. They're all great, but you always look for someone that's going to be enthusiastic about the process. And not everybody is enthusiastic about the process. Okay. I appreciate that. That $20 I gave you still goes a long way. It does. I'm going to buy some more spaghetti sauce for that. All right, Lori. So where can people follow you, find you? And I'm going to do this. The seat at the table.

I want to give to some folks in my community, the Make Unplugged community. So I'm going to purchase 20 copies. Oh, wow. But I want other people to buy them too. So I'm giving 20 to folks in my community. But where can people find the book? Where can people follow you? And what does Lori have going on next? Okay. So IG and Facebook, it's, well, IG is Lori I Flowers.

Facebook, Lori Flowers. LinkedIn, Lori Flowers. It's pretty much the same across the board. The book is on Amazon. I seat at the table, Lori Flowers. It should pop up. And then as far as what's next, you know what? I will be honest. I have been in a silent season, which means I'm ready to pop out. And I don't know exactly how I'm going to pop out, but I'm going to pop out. Let's go.

So just to be continued. All right. So, you know, Laura, I'm actually announcing this for the first time with you in May, end of May, and all the details will come out, but doing a leadership summit.

And Lori Flowers will be on stage with me and Les Brown and potentially some other big names that I'll wait till they confirm back. But Lori Flowers, let's go. Oh, wow. You may. In Atlanta. So you have no excuse not to be there. I have no excuse. Let's go. Wow. Let's go. Lori, thank you for your time today, dear. This was amazing. Thank you.

Thank you so much. I really enjoyed our time. Lots of lots of fun discussions. Thank you, Mick. You got it. For all the viewers and listeners, remember your because is your superpower. Go unleash it. Thank you for tuning in to Mick Unplugged. Keep pushing your limits, embracing your purpose and chasing greatness. Until next time, stay unstoppable.