In this episode of Consumer Catalyst, Dr. Nicole Arnett Sanders dives into effective, budget-friendly marketing strategies for small businesses. Covering topics like intentional social media use, leveraging micro-influencers, conversational email marketing, community collaboration, and creating evergreen content, Nicole provides actionable tips for maximizing impact without breaking the bank. Listeners will walk away with practical steps and fresh ideas to enhance their marketing efforts and build stronger connections with their audiences.

00:00 Welcome to Consumer Catalyst

00:44 High Impact, Low Cost Marketing Strategies

02:37 Using Social Media with Intention

05:43 Building a Micro Influencer Network

08:52 Email Marketing That Feels Like a Conversation

12:59 Leveraging Community and Collaboration

16:16 Creating Evergreen Content

19:31 Wrapping Up and Action Steps

Why do we splurge on $60 beach towels and $12 bottles of water while on vacation—without a second thought? In this episode of Consumer Catalyst, Dr. Nicole Arnett Sanders unpacks the fascinating psychology behind vacation spending. From dopamine-fueled “vacation brain” to impulse buys, social proof at the shore, and the convenience premium, you’ll discover how our brains shift into high-spend mode the moment our toes hit the sand. Whether you're a curious consumer or a savvy marketer, this episode reveals what really drives those beachside buys—and how businesses can use those insights year-round.

In this deeply honest reintroduction, Nicole Arnett Sanders, PhD shares what it’s really like to wear all the hats — marketing professor, brand strategist, agency founder, business operator, and mom — while navigating imposter syndrome, creative burnout, and the pressure to keep showing up.

She talks about what it means to be a millennial marketer in a Gen Z-driven digital world, how she bridges theory and real-world application in her classrooms and consulting work, and why she hit pause to reconnect with purpose. From AI-powered customer service and curbside groceries to teary dance recitals and marketing lectures called “Scroll, Click, Buy,” this episode is for anyone who’s ever asked: “Am I doing enough?”

Spoiler: you are.
And the best is still ahead.