In this episode, I welcome Emma Huschka to The Table—paid traffic strategist, creative data nerd, and the guiding force behind Fiddle Leaf Marketing. Emma’s known for cutting straight through the confusion and helping small businesses finally see actual results from their ad spend, using simple language. If you’ve ever wondered whether paid ads are worth it for your business, she’s the pro you want in your corner and today she's here with some answers.

Listen if:

• Tired of burning cash on “let’s just try it” ad strategies

• Craving less jargon, more clarity on paid ads

• Need real, right-now answers for streamlining ad spend

Key Takeaways:

• Diagnose if now is the time: Step-by-step prompts to figure out if the foundation is set (and what to tighten first if not).

• “Don’t outspend the funnel”: Dani and Emma break down starter budgets vs. scaling sensibly—what the gurus never say.

• Read results like a pro: Emma’s “red flag” data moments (plus, the one number most folks hype that actually means zip).

  
  

About Emma:
Emma Huschka is a paid traffic strategist with a knack for translating analytics into simple, human moves for business owners. She’s built campaigns that actually help small brands punch above their weight, and specializes in helping service pros turn digital ads into real, consistent results—without the overwhelm or useless guru-speak.

Questions Covered & Timestamps:

03:42 - When is it the right time to start using paid ads?

09:17 - Should ads always be running — or just sometimes?

15:21 - Is it better to run ads to a paid offer or something free?

22:44 - What type of creative works best right now?

34:59 - How much do I really need to spend for ads to work?

40:16 - How do I know if I’m getting a good ROI from my ads?

44:38 - What are some big changes that have/are happening in the paid space that people should know?

Need help nailing down your audience and message? Reach out to Dani at Mise en Plan and work through those critical prep steps before you ever spend a dollar.

Or, if you’re ready to build your custom paid ads plan, book a consult with Emma at Fiddle Leaf Marketing

Links:

• • Emma Huschka, Fiddle Leaf Marketing
  • Paid Ads 101: 3 Truths Every Small Business Needs to Hear

  
  

  Want the dish on her dish?

  Send me a note @miseenplan on IG and we'll be happy to share her recipe for spinach dip!

• 
  

“You can’t feel the water heating up when you’re the one in the pot.”

Tired of working harder just to keep up? This episode reveals how to spot when your old marketing playbook is actually slowing you down—and what to do next.

Listen If:
You’re pushing through with more effort, but seeing fewer results and suspect your message or strategy might be out of sync with where the market (or you!) is headed.

What I'm Covering in This Episode:
This episode dives into why the old “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mantra doesn’t hold up in today’s shifting market landscape.

Dani Henneberger of Mise en Plan unpacks the subtle, early signs that your marketing might be falling out of sync before it becomes a crisis.

You’ll hear why it’s so easy to miss these changes when you’re deep in your own business, how external and internal shifts (think evolving clients, changing platforms, and even your own growth) can quietly sabotage results, and why a regular reality check—and a fresh perspective—are the smartest ways to stay ahead.

Key Takeaways:

• Don’t wait for a crisis. Look for subtle early warning signs: misaligned leads, thinning margins, or that “itch” your website doesn’t match who you are now.

• Stop going it alone: Even seasoned founders can miss shifts when deep in the day-to-day. Outside eyes = clarity, quickly.

• Build regular “alignment check-ins” to stress-test your message, offers, and audience every 6–12 months—before the water boils over.
  

Next Step:
Curious what you’re missing (or sensing it’s time for a reset)? Book a Free Strategy Consultation and let’s spot your next shift—together.

Learn more about VIP Days here.

In this episode of The Table, we explore the power of social proof—how reviews and testimonials can be your most valuable marketing asset. While many entrepreneurs gather reviews, they often underestimate the impact these can have on building trust and influencing buying decisions. We dive into the psychology behind why social proof works, common pitfalls, and how to leverage your existing client feedback strategically to attract and convert your ideal audience.

This episode is designed specifically for experienced service-based entrepreneurs who are looking to step beyond the basics of marketing. If you want to evolve your messaging, amplify your impact, and unlock new growth in your business, this conversation will provide actionable insights and practical tactics to use your social proof like a pro.

In this episode, we walk through how to:

• Understand the deep psychology behind social proof and why it impacts buying decisions.
• Identify common mistakes entrepreneurs make around collecting and using reviews.
• Learn legal guidelines and automation tools for gathering testimonials effectively.
• Discover creative ways to showcase social proof across your marketing channels to build confidence and momentum.

Resources Mentioned:

• Social proof legal guidelines
• My authentic testimonials request template for inspiration (I mean, hey feel free to leave me some feedback there, too!)
• Blog: From Browsers to Buyers: How Customer Reviews Boost Conversions
• 
  

Thanks for pulling up a chair with me today. See you next time—I’ll make sure to save you a seat.

What happens if your favorite platform disappears tomorrow—or if you’re just tired of playing the social media game? In this episode, we dive into how to build a sustainable visibility strategy that truly supports your energy and your business.

You'll learn why solely relying on social can put your brand at risk, how to leverage "owned" channels like your website and email, the underrated power of in-person connections, and concrete steps to personalize your marketing mix. This conversation is your blueprint for being seen—without burning out.

In This Episode:

• Why relying on social media alone is risky for your business

• Real talk on Instagram’s reach, algorithm changes, and social media burnout

• The power of diversifying—and truly owning—your visibility channels

• How to leverage your website, email, podcast, and in-person events for lasting impact

• A permission slip to design a marketing mix that reflects YOUR energy, strengths, and season

• The “audit, experiment, repurpose, boundaries” approach for sustainable growth

• Practical steps to protect your visibility and sanity in a constantly changing digital landscape

Resources:

• What's Your Marketing Personality Type?
• Book a Strategy Consultation
• Social media benchmarks (from Social Insider)

Are you stuck creating offers and messages that never quite land? In this episode, we challenge the conventional wisdom of obsessing over your customers. Instead, I invite you to put on your “customer hat” and see your business through their eyes.

I share real-world stories, including how a simple shift in perspective helped a client’s snack business break out of its niche and reach new audiences. I also break down why traditional customer avatars and ideal client worksheets aren’t enough, and how true empathy and embodiment can transform your messaging, offers, and growth.

You’ll learn:

• The critical difference between thinking about your customers and thinking like them

• Why outdated personas and assumptions can sabotage your marketing

• Practical ways to gather real customer insights—beyond surveys and spreadsheets

• How to run a “customer hat audit” of your website and sales pages

• The power of collaboration and feedback in refining your message

Whether you’re a seasoned founder or just getting started, this episode offers actionable steps to reconnect with your audience and create offers that truly resonate. Plus, discover how to bring others into your process for more creative, effective results.

• Stop relying solely on data and old personas—start embodying your customer’s perspective.

• Engage in honest, open conversations with real customers to uncover what truly matters to them.

• Use reviews, testimonials, forums, and social listening to gather unfiltered insights.

• Regularly audit your messaging and user experience through the eyes of your ideal client.

• Collaboration and outside perspectives can reveal blind spots and spark new ideas.

• Free Website Wellness Checklist

• • VIP Days and Prepped for Success strategic partnerships

  
  

  Links & Resources:
  ✨ Book a strategy session:
  ✨ Learn more about Mise en Plan
  ✨ Connect on Instagram (@miseenplan)

  
  Subscribe to The Table so you never miss an episode. And if you enjoyed this conversation, I’d love for you to leave a review—it helps more founders find clarity without the hustle.

  Thanks for pulling up a chair with me today. See you next time—I’ll make sure to save you a seat.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing all the marketing as an entrepreneur—posting, emailing, tweaking your website—but nothing seems to stick, you’re not alone.

In this episode of The Table, I’m sharing why that overwhelm happens (no, it’s not because you’re bad at marketing) and how you can start laying the groundwork for clarity and momentum.

I’ll walk you through the idea of your mise en plan—the essential pieces you need to lay out before you jump into tactics—and the four core ingredients that every effective marketing strategy needs.

You’ll learn:

• Why even experienced founders (and billion-dollar brands) get stuck in the swirl

• What your “marketing mise en plan” actually is—and why it matters

• The four foundational ingredients that make marketing feel simpler and more aligned

• How you can get started on assessing your own mise en plan

If you’re tired of feeling scattered and ready to build a marketing approach that actually feels like yours, this episode is your starting point.

Links & Resources:
✨ Book a strategy session: Contact
✨ Learn more about Mise en Plan: Website
✨ Connect on Instagram: @miseenplan
Subscribe to The Table so you never miss an episode. And if you enjoyed this conversation, I’d love for you to leave a review—it helps more founders find clarity without the hustle.

Thanks for pulling up a chair with me today. See you next time—I’ll make sure to save you a seat.

Welcome to The Table, the podcast for founders who are ready to rethink, rebuild, and realign their businesses with clarity and purpose.

This trailer episode is your invitation to join a different kind of conversation—one grounded in clarity, curiosity, and the belief that almost anything is possible when you give yourself permission to do things your way.

I’m Dani Henneberger—marketing strategist, founder of Mise en Plan, and your host as we gather to talk business, strategy, and the messy middle of entrepreneurship.

Pull up a chair, hit subscribe, and let’s build what comes next together.

Learn more about Mise en Plan