Prepare to be whisked away on a journey through the niche world of food and beverage social media marketing with Duncan Alney, the maestro behind Fire Belly Marketing. Our fascinating discourse unpacks the seismic shift that occurs when an agency hones in on a specialty, changing the very fabric of competition and client dynamics. From the nostalgic days of social media’s infancy to the pandemic’s tumultuous waves, Duncan lays bare the triumphs and tribulations of catering to a particular palate. If you’re toying with the idea of a niche pivot, your blueprint for success could very well be nestled within our exchange.

When it comes to conjuring up lead generation spells and marketing stratagems, our episode is the veritable grimoire you’ve been seeking. Duncan and I examine the alchemy of targeted content and the metamorphosis from broad-based to pinpointed outreach that ensnares the most appetizing of leads. As we unravel the threads of outsourcing and in-house cultivation, you’ll glean wisdom on striking that elusive balance between your professional endeavors and the savory life you crave outside of work. Every marketer hungry for a feast of insights won’t want to miss this banquet of knowledge.

As the final course, we serve up hearty contemplations on the entrepreneurial spirit and what truly sustains an agency in the long run. Rather than chasing after the fabled big financial exit, we toast to the virtues of generosity, authenticity, and the allure of making a genuine impact. Dive into the deep end with us as we reflect on the ethical considerations and personal cost of agency life, and why prioritizing well-being isn’t just good manners—it’s good business. For anyone with a taste for marketing wisdom and entrepreneurial grit, this is an episode to savor, one bite at a time.

DUNCAN ALNEY

FOUNDER, CEO
www.firebellymarketing.com

As CEO of Firebelly, Duncan sets the vision and values for the company, he also leads innovation and is the happiest problem-solving. Duncan is a big believer in continuous improvement, coaching, and making clients happy.

Describe yourself in 280 characters or less:  Dad, partner, son, friend & servant leader. Relentless, courageous, and a risk-taker. Cook, lifestyle vinyl DJ, photographer, a voracious consumer of content – music, podcasts, & news. Failure is a great teacher. I bring energy to the table.

Favorite social network(s): Reddit

KPI that matters: Reach, engagement, website traffic (and conversion across the board)

Why I love social: It’s on the front line of communications. It’s constantly changing. I believe in content, conversation, community, and commerce – and it all happens on social.

What do you do for fun: My daily fun is working out, listening to music, eating, cooking, enjoying a cocktail, and hanging with my family. I love learning new things, hanging out with my friends, and being lost in new places.

Social Media Marketing Advice: Build programs around insights to be responsive, yet strategic.

Follow Duncan On Twitter: @firebelly