In this episode of The Rundown with Ramon, small business expert Ramon Ray, publisher of ZoneofGenius.com, explores what entrepreneurs should do after scoring media attention. From appearing on local TV to making the most of your moment in the spotlight, Ramon shares practical ways to extend and amplify your visibility. He also unpacks key insights from Marcus Sheridan about the shift away from traditional Google search and explains Starbucks’ renewed focus on its “green apron” service model.
As always, Ramon weaves in real-world business tips with energy and inspiration—delivered daily in this signature show.
Key Takeaways
- Publicity doesn’t work unless you do: Ramon breaks down how to maximize media features and leverage them for long-term business growth.
- Google SEO is fading: Marcus Sheridan warns that zero-click AI search is disrupting the game—businesses must pivot from keyword obsession to brand trust.
- Create your own holiday: Cheesecake Factory started “National Cheesecake Day” to grow awareness. What can you brand and own in your industry?
- Starbucks’ human touch: The coffee giant is returning to its hospitality roots to stand out in a crowded, price-sensitive market.
- Business security matters: Bitdefender is back as the sponsor, reminding owners to protect their assets just like they lock their homes and cars.
National Cheesecake Day: Sweet Marketing Strategy
Ramon kicks off the episode reflecting on “National Cheesecake Day.” While he admits cheesecake isn’t his thing, he uses the occasion to spotlight a clever branding move: Cheesecake Factory started the day in 2001 to promote its signature product. Now, it’s widely celebrated across the restaurant industry.
The lesson? Inventing your own “holiday” can help boost awareness and inspire customer participation across a broader landscape—especially when it taps into something beloved and shareable.
Got Media Coverage? Here’s What To Do Next
Ramon recently appeared on WHAM (ABC Rochester affiliate) to talk about mindset for entrepreneurs. But landing the segment was just the beginning. In this episode, he outlines what to do after you’ve earned media attention:
- Share it in your email newsletter
- Write a press release (try EIN Presswire)
- Post it across social media platforms
- Turn it into a blog post
- Repurpose the clip for reels, TikToks, or shorts
- Use it for long-term credibility (“As seen on…”)
“Your customers want to work with winners,” Ramon says. “Marketing is a chess game. You’ve got to keep showing up.”
He also encourages entrepreneurs to pitch the outlet again with new ideas and continue to nurture those relationships.
Marcus Sheridan: Is Google Search Over?
Marketing expert Marcus Sheridan believes we’ve hit a turning point in digital marketing. With the rise of AI-generated answers (like Google’s AI Overviews), fewer people are clicking through to actual websites.
“We’ve officially reached the point where being ranked number one on Google means almost nothing,” says Sheridan.
His 5 recommendations for the new era of visibility:
- Stop worshiping the Google throne—it’s crumbling.
- Build a trusted brand that outlives the algorithm.
- Embrace video as if your life depends on it.
- Optimize content for both humans and AI tools.
- Break outdated rules and show up with authenticity.
Ramon agrees: visibility today comes from consistency, not just keywords.
Starbucks Doubles Down on Hospitality
CNBC recently reported that Starbucks is reinvesting in what it calls its “green apron service” — a throwback to its founding focus on human connection and in-store experience.
With new competitors entering the coffee space, CEO Laxman Narasimhan and COO Mike Grams believe a smile, a greeting, and a perfectly crafted cup of coffee are still their best marketing tools.
Ramon challenges small business owners to ask:
- What’s your version of the “green apron”?
- How are you making customers feel seen and valued?
It’s not just about products. It’s about the people and experiences behind them.
Build on Your Momentum
Whether you’re in the media spotlight, refining your brand, or rethinking your service model, Ramon reminds listeners that business growth is a process. You don’t need to wait for perfection. Start with consistency.
And don’t forget to secure your digital doors—just like you’d lock your home.
This episode of The Rundown with Ramon is sponsored by Bitdefender Small Business Security
Keep your business safe from malware, phishing, and ransomware with enterprise-level protection built for entrepreneurs.
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