In this special episode of Connect & Convert: The Sales Accelerator Podcast, host Dennis Collins interviews his co-host and business partner, Leah Bumphrey, about her newly published book "Midnight Musings of a Relational Marketing Mom: Finding Fairytale Growth for Your Real Life Business." Leah shares the inspiring journey behind her book, which began as late-night writings when her youngest child was just two years old. After being initially discouraged by publishing professionals, the manuscript was rediscovered years later, leading to its eventual publication.

Throughout the conversation, Leah explores the philosophy of relational marketing, emphasizing the importance of creating genuine connections with customers rather than focusing solely on transactions. She discusses how business owners can successfully integrate their personal and professional lives, sharing from her 35+ years of experience in radio advertising and marketing. The interview is filled with powerful stories that illustrate Leah's approach to business, including a touching anecdote about a wrong number call that led to a meaningful human connection and a baby named after her.

This episode goes beyond marketing tactics to deliver a powerful message about embracing opportunities, finding purpose in business, and the courage to say "yes" when presented with chances to make a difference. It's a must-listen for business owners seeking to build authentic brands while maintaining work-life integration.

• 00:00 - Introduction of special guest Leah Bumphrey
• 02:20 - Discussion of Leah's new book and its journey to publication
• 07:20 - Leah's backstory and the inspiration behind the book
• 12:30 - The rediscovery of the lost manuscript
• 19:45 - The story of the wrong number call and unexpected connection
• 30:25 - Finding balance as a working parent in business
• 38:10 - Understanding relational marketing vs. transactional approaches
• 47:00 - The challenge for listeners and book giveaway
• 55:30 - Final thoughts on making a difference

Leah Bumphrey is a seasoned marketing professional with over 35 years of experience in print and radio advertising. Based in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, she specializes in helping small businesses develop relational marketing strategies that create authentic connections with customers. As a partner at Wizard of Ads, Leah combines her expertise in storytelling with practical business insights to help clients achieve sustainable growth. Her new book "Midnight Musings of a Relational Marketing Mom" draws from her experiences balancing motherhood with a successful marketing career.

• Get the book on Amazon: Midnight Musings of a Relational Marketing Mom
• Connect with Leah: Leah@wizardofads.com
• Connect with Dennis: dennisCollins@wizardofads.com
• wizardacademy.org - Sponsor of the podcast

"If you are trying to have a life where it is completely separated, you're doing your job and then you come home, you're done, and then you're with your family, there is an integration that happens with something that you care about, and a business is something that you care about." - Leah Bumphrey

"Integration is key. If you are running a business, and I don't care at what level, but if you are running your own business, if you are not somehow making it work... that's what's important." - Leah Bumphrey

"We always have the opportunity to choose to say no, but we can also choose to say yes." - Leah Bumphrey

Take Leah's challenge: Set a timer for 10 minutes and write down your thoughts about something you know you...