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Why “Marketing” Isn’t Moving the Needle

Picture of Lindsay Tjepkema By   ·  2 minute read

If you’re a founder or B2B leader, you’ve probably felt like you’re doing all the right marketing things. The campaigns, content, paid media, the latest AI tools, growth hacks, performance dashboards. Your team is running the playbook.

But still… nothing’s really moving. The needle isn’t shifting the way you thought it would.

So you start to wonder, “Is marketing just a cost center after all?”

Before you start to believe that crap, let's take a timeout. 

You can’t out-execute misalignment.

When strategy is reactive, and decisions are made from fear or urgency, you might get short-term wins.
You might even feel a temporary high from all the activity.

But underneath it all is just noise.

You’re borrowing tactics from someone else’s playbook — and hoping they’ll deliver outcomes for your business.
But if the foundation (*ahem* your brand) isn’t clear and aligned, none of those tactics will stick.

At least not in the way you need them to.

Let’s get honest about brand.

Here are a few truths that might sting a little but could save you a lot:

  • You can’t “out-hustle” a fuzzy brand. You’ll just burn out your team and your budget.

  • You won’t scale if your audience doesn’t know, like, and trust you. (That’s what brand is for.)

  • You can’t build trust if your story shifts with every campaign. Consistency matters so much more than you think.

But when your brand is clear, consistent, and centered on the humans you serve?

That’s when the magic happens.

Your marketing starts to cut through.

It resonates.
It converts.
It creates momentum that lasts.

So if you’re feeling stuck…

You’re not broken.
You’re not bad at marketing.
You’re just ready for what’s next.

And you don’t have to figure that out alone.

 

Psst... This is exactly what I do.

In 1:1 advisory sessions, I work directly with founders and B2B leaders to:

  • Define a vision and values that are actually actionable

  • Clarify your personal brand and leadership positioning

  • Align everything with your business’s growth strategy

  • Lead with confidence in high-stakes moments

  • Build a bold, human brand that scales with intention

If that sounds like the shift you’re ready for, let’s talk.

Book a free Introductory 1:1 Advising Session

We’ll talk about where you are, where you want to go, and what’s getting in the way.

This is the work I love most. Truly. So if you’re feeling that pull, I’d love to meet you there.

Not sure if this is the right fit? Just reply and tell me what you’re navigating. I’ll point you in the right direction. Even if it’s not with me!

One question to sit with this week:

What’s one marketing effort you’re investing in… that doesn’t feel aligned?

The answer might be the beginning of your next big shift.