📓 Articles

Writing has always been my first love. Here's what you'll find on this website.

Marketing

You'll find TONS of marketing articles here. (HINT: it's always good to lead with your industry.) I tend to dive into topics and say what's on my mind (rather than what people "want" to hear.

No blog post better represents this than the ClickFunnels Review (which is as much marketing commentary as it is a software review).

ClickFunnels Review: 3 Reasons to Avoid, Affordable Options

ClickFunnels Review: It seduces entrepreneurs with an all-in-one marketing and sales funnel app. Get 3 reasons to avoid it and affordable options.

Women Conquer BusinessJen McFarland

This article is living proof that saying what's on your mind (even if it's controversial) generates a lot of attention.

I also write a lot of how-to marketing content so if you're a DIYer, you'll want to dive in here.

Business

Sometimes I can't categorize a topic as marketing or leadership so I have a business category that covers everything from finance to pricing to digital transformation.

My favorite business article is about perfectionism in business (who doesn't struggle with that.... even a little?)

Why Perfectionism Stifles Your Brand Growth

Perfectionism means not doing anything unless it’s right.

Women Conquer BusinessJen McFarland

Leadership

You might not know this about me, but I have a master's degree in management and leadership with an emphasis in project management.

My industry may be marketing, but the foundation of my approach is leadership and project management.

There's a modest collection of leadership articles. When I first left my executive position at the City of Portland, I integrated gratitude into my personal leadership philosophy.

Here's my favorite article about gratitude in leadership:

Undeniable Power of Gratitude in Leadership & Life

How to incorporate gratitude in a meaningful way.

Women Conquer BusinessJen McFarland

Newsletter

We occasionally post newsletters to the site and share it on social media.

Here's an example of a how-to newsletter:

Save Time with this Free 10-Step AI Blog Workflow

Hate writing? This free AI blog workflow helps you create content that sounds human.

Women Conquer BusinessJen McFarland

Here's an example of a 'what not to do' newsletter:

Why? Horrendous Social ‘Vulnerable Post’: The Crying CEO

The Crying CEO shows us why it’s time to say goodbye to the ‘vulnerable post’ once and for all.

Women Conquer BusinessJen McFarland

Bottom line: my newsletters are valuable. You should subscribe.

Podcast

The podcast took a more prominent position when we were actively producing episodes. Since we are on hiatus (please, no guest requests), it's now nestled here under articles. You'll find a brief synopsis along with the player for each of the shows.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Build a Business Strategy Around Your Biggest Strengths

Your strengths are what makes you unique; and, it’s easier to create a repeatable process you’ll follow through on.

Women Conquer BusinessJen McFarland

Business Analogy Stories: Daredevil Crow & Your Business

As I began recording, a crow zoomed down into my fireplace. Learn how these situations guide decisions.

Women Conquer BusinessJen McFarland

Reviews

I love apps. Some are outstanding. Others are terrible.

There are so many tools I'd LOVE to write about. And, I haven't carved out the time for it. ... BUT when I do write a review, I give it my all.

The ClickFunnels Review was cathartic because I'd seen so many businesses struggle with it — from not only a cost, but also a functionality perspective — I had to let it out. RANT STYLE.

Other tools promise the moon... and don't deliver, like Digital First AI:

Digital First AI Review: 2 Big Reasons It Falls Short

Digital First AI, like most AI-first software, falls short of its claims that it’s a “smart, cost-effective way to create and execute a marketing strategy.”

Women Conquer BusinessJen McFarland

Subscriber Exclusives

It's not that opt-ins don't work. They do.

I just group mine together as long-form posts with a download for people who subscribe to receive newsletters.

Here's an example of what you'll find:

3 Keys to Reach Your Business Goals

I’ve distilled the MAGIC behind effective goal setting down to THREE KEY ingredients. I call it your SWEET SPOT to reach your goals.

Women Conquer BusinessJen McFarland

Oh, and this:

10 Step Marketing Starter Kit for New Businesses

Top 10 MOST Powerful Digital Marketing Steps to Launch Your Business. Exclusive subscriber-only content.

Women Conquer BusinessJen McFarland

... or, join the membership where you'll get access to our full catalog of courses (past and future), plus 20+ online resources.