What Makes a Marketing Agency Worth Trusting?

A Candid Conversation with Jordan West

I’ve been wanting to have this conversation for a long time.

Jordan West is someone I’ve known of for years - and recently reconnected with through LinkedIn. He’s worn many hats but is currently the CEO of Social Commerce Club, the founder of UpGrowth Commerce, host of the Secrets to Scaling podcast, and someone who has built brands from scratch, scaled them with heart, and never shied away from honest conversations about what’s working - and what’s absolutely not - in marketing today.

This episode? It’s raw. It’s real. And it’s packed with the kind of truth that doesn’t always make it into marketing conversations.

🎯 Here’s what we get into:

• Why so many agencies suck - and what trust really looks like in this space

• The moment Jordan realized how broken most client-agency relationships are

• What internal teams really need to hear right now (especially if they’re overwhelmed or burned out)

• How we’ve both failed forward - and what those moments taught us

• What to look for if you’re trying to find an agency that won’t ghost, overpromise, or leave you stranded

We don’t hold back. We talk candidly about lessons learned, what we’d do differently, and how small businesses and internal teams can protect themselves from empty promises and recycled strategies.

Jordan’s story - from buying a Taco Del Mar franchise at 22 to building one of the top 10 baby brands in Canada with his wife - is just one part of what makes him such a valuable voice. He gets it. He’s been on both sides. And his insights are gold for anyone trying to figure out who to trust with their brand.

📍This one’s for the marketers who’ve been burned, the business owners who’ve felt ghosted, and the creatives who just want to do meaningful work without all the BS.

🎧 Hit play now. You’ll walk away with real talk, not just tactics.

💥 If this episode gave you something to think about, please share it with someone who needs to hear it.

💌 Want to be a guest? Have a future episode idea? Or want me on your podcast? I’d love to hear from you.

Email me at borck@theog.co.

🔗 You can find Jordan on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-west-marketer/

And connect with me, Matt Borck, right here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattborck/

🎙️ The Marketing Mirror Podcast is proudly presented by the brilliant team at One Group Agency. If you’re serious about marketing that actually connects - check us out at TheOG.co

Reclaiming Creativity: How Optimism Can Save Your Marketing Team

With guest: Tiana Langedyk, Digital Marketing Specialist at Okanagan College

Let’s be honest - marketing teams are tired. Creative energy is getting drained. And in a world that pushes for “faster, cheaper, more,” optimism feels like a luxury.

But what if optimism isn’t fluff?

What if it’s the exact tool we need to protect creativity, lead with courage, and actually build a team that wants to keep creating?

This episode is a real conversation - honest, reflective, and human. I’m joined by the incredibly thoughtful Tiana Langedyk, and we talk about what it actually looks like to reclaim creativity on the inside of marketing teams.

Here’s what we get into:

✅ Tiana’s unforgettable story about her grandmother and how it shaped her view of optimism

✅ The pressure to perform in environments where creativity is crushed

✅ Why silence from your team isn’t always a good thing - and what leaders need to pay attention to

✅ How optimism can change culture - not just mood

✅ Practical insights for small business owners, team leaders, and anyone trying to keep the spark alive

🎯 One of the moments that really hit me was around silence.

As a leader, it’s easy to think a quiet team means things are good. But Tiana reminded me - that’s not always true. Sometimes silence means people have stopped feeling safe enough to speak.

This episode is for anyone navigating hard environments, anyone who feels like they’re constantly pushing uphill, and anyone who’s trying to lead (or just survive) with heart.

🛠️ Optimism isn’t about pretending everything’s fine. It’s about finding a way forward that honors your people.

And after this conversation, I truly believe it can save more than just our creativity - it can save the relationships behind the work.

🎧 Hit play now. This one’s worth your time.

🔥 If this episode gave you something to think about, share it with someone who needs to hear it.

💌 Want to be a guest or have an idea for a future episode? I’d love to hear from you.

Email me at borck@theog.co or on Linkedin

Tiana Langedyk on LinkedIn

🎙️ The Marketing Mirror Podcast is proudly presented by the brilliant team at One Group Agency. If you’re serious about marketing that deeply and truly connects, check them out at TheOG.co

AI is everywhere. It’s powerful. It’s efficient. But is it changing your brand’s voice?

Be honest: when was the last time you read a brand’s post and thought,

💭 “Wow. That actually speaks to me.”

Can’t remember? You’re not alone.

🔹 Here’s the hard truth:

AI-generated content is EVERYWHERE. And while AI is an incredible tool, brands are falling into the trap of outsourcing their voice to machines. The result? A sea of content that sounds the same—polished, structured, and utterly forgettable.

🚨 The problem?
More content ≠ better content. More connection = better content.

When brands lose their authentic voice, they lose the only thing that truly builds trust, connection, and loyalty.

In this episode, we’re breaking down:

🔢 How AI is creating an authenticity crisis (and why audiences are tuning out)
🔢 Why brands are prioritizing speed over strategy—and how it’s killing engagement
🔢 The biggest mistake brands make when using AI for content (spoiler: it’s not what you think)
🔢 How to reclaim your brand’s voice while STILL using AI as a tool
🔢 3 simple, powerful strategies to make your content feel real, human, and authentic

🚀 Want to stand out in an AI-driven world?

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a practical, no-BS roadmap to keep AI working for you - without letting it steal what makes your brand you.

👀 PLUS: The shocking thing real prompt engineers say you’re doing wrong (hint: your AI prompts are WAY too short). I am not sure if Long prompts mean better prompts - and I talk about that in the episode. :)

🎡 The Challenge:

This week, audit your content. Does it actually sound like YOU? If not, it’s time to take your voice back.

🎧 Hit play now - because your brand’s voice is too important to lose.

🔥 If this episode gave you something to think about, share it with someone who needs to hear it!

💡 Got thoughts, feedback, or want to be a guest? I’d love to hear from you. Email me at borck@theog.co.

🎧 The Marketing Mirror Podcast is proudly presented by the brilliant team at One Group Agency. If you’re serious about marketing that deeply and truly connects, check them out at TheOG.co.

AI, Content, and the Listening Gap – Why Most Marketing Falls Flat (And How to Fix It)

You’re putting out content. Running ads. Maybe even using AI to crank out posts at scale. But engagement? Crickets.

🔥 Here’s the truth: It’s NOT your content. It’s NOT the algorithm. And you don’t need to post more or dump more money into ads.

The real issue? You’ve skipped the most important step in marketing - actually knowing who you’re talking to.

Most businesses assume marketing is about broadcasting. But the ones that actually connect? They know marketing is about listening.

In this episode of The Marketing Mirror, we’re diving deep into:

🔢 The #1 reason most marketing falls flat (and why even big brands get this wrong)
🔢 How businesses waste thousands on ads and AI-generated content - without realizing they’re marketing to no one
🔢 Why "target audience" doesn’t just mean demographics (and the real secret to creating content people actually care about)
🔢 What it actually means to listen (spoiler: it’s NOT social listening or tracking mentions)
🔢 A simple 3-step process to instantly improve engagement - without posting more, spending more, or guessing what works

🚀 Want an easy way to fix your marketing today?
By the end of this episode, you’ll have a practical framework to deeply, empathetically listen to your audience - and create content that speaks directly to them.

This is the kind of marketing that builds trust, long-term relationships, and actual business growth.

💩 PLUS: How to use AI as a validation tool (not a crutch) to refine your audience insights.

🎡 The Challenge:
This week, pick one specific audience segment and get curious.
Observe what they engage with, what excites them, what they ignore - and use that insight to create one piece of content that speaks directly to them. Do this, and you’ll start seeing real results.

🎧 Hit play now and let’s dive in!

🔥 If this episode adds value to your life, share it with someone who needs it!
💡 Got thoughts, feedback, or want to be a guest? I’d love to hear from you. Email me at borck@theog.co.

🎧 The Marketing Mirror Podcast is proudly presented by the brilliant team at One Group Agency. If you’re serious about marketing that deeply and truly connects, check them out at TheOG.co.

In this episode, we're diving headfirst into a question that's buzzing through the minds of countless small and medium-sized business owners: Who holds the keys to navigating the wild world of social media chaos?

If you're like many SMB owners, you're swamped with tasks and juggling multiple responsibilities. Social media education, discovery or monitoring might not be high on your priority list – and we get it. But here's the catch: In today's digital age, your brand's online presence is more crucial than ever. Navigating through the endless stream of information, from news to politics to countless app and algorithm updates, can feel like wading through a swamp of exhaustion. So, who can you trust for reliable guidance, advice, and suggestions?

Join us as we dissect this dilemma and reveal actionable insights to elevate your brand's social media game.

Tune in now and empower yourself with the knowledge you need to thrive in the digital landscape.

Have any feedback on the show? Send us your feedback!

Tell us what you love and what you think could be better!

And if you are really enjoying the show, we’d love it if you could leave a review.

Be sure to like, subscribe, follow and of course, share us with your community!

This podcast is proudly presented by the innovative minds at Search + Rescue Marketing Agency

https://www.searchrescue.ca/

Join us on the Marketing Mirror Podcast for an eye-opening episode as we delve into the invaluable lessons our failures teach us.

In the fast-paced world of social media marketing, mistakes are inevitable – but they're also the catalyst for growth. Discover how analyzing past blunders can fuel your strategies to new heights. From embracing negative feedback to leveraging analytics and staying agile, learn the art of turning setbacks into stepping stones. It all starts with acknowledgment and analysis.

Tune in to uncover the secrets of learning from your mistakes, and pave your way to success in the ever-evolving landscape of social media.

Don't miss out – your next breakthrough awaits!

Have any feedback on the show? Send us your feedback!

Tell us what you love and what you think could be better!

And if you are really enjoying the show, we’d love it if you could leave a review.

Be sure to like, subscribe, follow and of course, share us with your community!

This podcast is proudly presented by the innovative minds at Search + Rescue Marketing Agency

https://www.searchrescue.ca/

Join us as we dive deep into the dynamic world of "Pitching and Collaboration" in this captivating episode.

Ever wondered what makes social media collaborations truly effective?

It's all about creating shared value for everyone involved, including your audience. Discover how collaborations can open doors to new perspectives and content, amplifying your reach in ways you never imagined. But that's not all! Tune in to learn how collaborations can skyrocket brand awareness, foster deeper customer trust, and even pave the way for long-term partnerships. Don't miss out on this insightful discussion – unlock the secrets to successful social media collaborations now!

Have any feedback on the show? Send us your feedback!

Tell us what you love and what you think could be better!

And if you are really enjoying the show, we’d love it if you could leave a review.

Be sure to like, subscribe, follow and of course, share us with your community!

This podcast is proudly presented by the innovative minds at Search + Rescue Marketing Agency

https://www.searchrescue.ca/

It's easy to forget that the "social" in "social media" isn't just a buzzword – it's the essence of the platform.

Too often, SMBs overlook the power of being genuinely social. But fret not, as we're here to remind you of the magic that happens when you embrace authentic interactions.

From tackling the time crunch of responding to comments and messages to sparking lively discussions and crafting interactive content, we've got you covered.

Join us as we turn hurdles into triumphs and empower your brand's social presence!

Tune in now and unlock the secrets to fostering a thriving online community. Don't miss out!

Be sure to like, subscribe, follow and of course, share us with your community!

This podcast is proudly presented by the innovative minds at Search + Rescue Marketing Agency

https://www.searchrescue.ca/