How to Build a Magnetic Brand: Mission, Messaging, and Marketing with Pam Barnes

Описание: In this episode of *True Grit*, Kalish Morrow sits down with *Pam Barnes*, Navy veteran and founder of *Marketing Navi*, to talk about the real path from “I’m not good at this” to building a business around what lights you up. Pam shares how her background in the food industry, the military, and nonprofit work led her into marketing—and why *SEO became her obsession*.

They get into what it means to build a brand that actually feels like you (not a persona), why education beats “selling,” and how creators and business owners can work with today’s algorithms instead of fighting them—especially as YouTube Shorts and TikTok continue to dominate reach and search behavior.

If you’re a coach, small business owner, or creator trying to grow online without losing your integrity, this one will hit.


OPTION 2: SHORT + PUNCHY

Marketing isn’t about being louder—it’s about being _clearer_. Navy vet and SEO-obsessed marketer Pam Barnes joins Kalish to talk branding, authenticity, and what’s actually working on TikTok + YouTube right now.

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KEY TAKEAWAYS

Confidence is often “borrowed” before it’s built. Pam’s shift happened when people around her reflected her capability back to her.
Brand clarity is the real growth lever. The most successful businesses live and breathe their mission—internally and externally.
Education builds trust faster than sales tactics. Pam’s approach: teach openly, become the resource, and let clients choose whether to DIY or hire you.
Algorithms reward watch time and value. Platforms want people to stay on-platform; prioritize hooks, clarity, and retention.
YouTube is a podcast growth engine. YouTube (and Shorts) can outperform audio-only platforms for discovery—especially with clip strategies (ex: Shorts + repurposing tools).
Differentiate without claiming superiority. The goal isn’t “I’m better,” it’s “I’m distinct.” Find what only you do and build messaging around it (the “boots off” example).
Simple one-liners reduce confusion. A clear, repeatable “what I help you do” statement is a multiplier for referrals and conversions.



00:00 Introduction to Pam Barnes and Her Journey

04:28 Transitioning from Food Industry to Marketing

08:47 The Importance of Authenticity in Branding

12:43 Navigating the Current Marketing Landscape

16:40 Leveraging Social Media for Business Growth

20:25 Navigating Social Media Algorithms

25:59 The Importance of Uniqueness in Content Creation

30:47 Crafting Your Unique Selling Proposition

36:41 The Power of Helping Others in Business

38:54 Introduction to True Grit Podcast

39:07 Engagement and Community Building



Find Pam Barnes:

IG @https://www.instagram.com/marketingna...



Kalish Morrow on IG @kalish_morrow or www.true-grit.fitness