
Marketing that feels natural.
Growth without the hustle.
You didn't escape the corporate grind to build a new hamster wheel to promote your business. Together, we'll create a strategic marketing system to extend your reach and amplify your impact without compromising your values.
60 minutes • $297 value • No risk or obligation
Explaining what you do without confusing people feels impossible
You’re overwhelmed by conflicting marketing advice and endless options
You know you need to be consistent but can’t figure out where to focus your efforts first.
When it comes to promoting your business does it feel like?
You hate feeling pushy or salesy but don’t know how else to get clients
You’ve tried a number of different marketing tactics and still feel stuck
You’re spending hours on marketing that feels like busy work with little to show for it
If marketing feels harder than it should, that’s because it’s not aligned with your strengths and values. But it doesn’t have to stay that way.
Let’s explore your next marketing move together
You can stay true to your values and grow your business
I know because I’ve lived it.
I’m Mike. And, after 25 years working in businesses that lost their way after adopting corporate mindsets – putting profits over people – I was let go.
And faced the same challenge: how to build a business without compromising who you are.
That experience became my calling. To help other corporate escapees who face the same struggle.
You’re tired of marketing advice that doesn’t fit your values. You want someone who will actually take the time to understand your business. And develop a system tailored to your strengths, values, the impact you want to make, and the life you want to live.
Want to know what your next marketing move should be? Let’s figure it out together in a focused conversation tailored just for you.
60 minutes • $297 value • No risk or obligation
Most marketing advice tells you to do more. I believe in doing less — but doing it right
The straightforward 3-phase approach that builds sustainable growth:
CLARIFY your message so your ideal clients say “That’s exactly what I need!”
SIMPLIFY your approach so you can finally focus on what works best for you
AMPLIFY your experiences so clients naturally want to refer you to others
Curious how this works for your business?

How we can work together
Aligned Marketing System Roadmap
Move from scattered efforts to sustainable growth with a complete foundation for promoting your business.
Over12 weeks, we'll design your complete system: refined message, focused strategy, sustainable content approach and client experiences that generate referrals. Marketing that feels authentic, you can sustain and works consistently. Done-with-you approach, minimal homework. $5997.
From Overlooked to Standing Out Message Jumpstart
Turn confusing ideas into a compelling message that connects by getting clear on what to say and how to say it.
In four focused sessions over 30 days, we’ll uncover your core value, eliminate confusion and craft a message that makes it easy for your ideal audience to say, “That’s exactly what I need!" Done-with-you approach, minimal homework. $1998.
Now What? Clarity Session
Discover your next best marketing move.
In a focused 60-minute session tailored to you and your business, we’ll identify the marketing opportunity with the most potential to make the biggest difference for your business. And determine a clear, practical next step. FREE.
What happens after we build the foundation?
I’m here to help you implement it — because strategy only works when it’s put into action. Unlike many consultants who hand you a plan and say “good luck,” I offer options for ongoing support to help you make strategy become reality.
Not sure which solution is right for you?
Let’s figure it out together.
When marketing works with your values and strengths, not against them …
Where I had chaos, Mike brought clarity.
When I came to work with Mike I felt my coaching and speaking sides of my business lacked congruency of messaging and at times targeted different audiences. I wanted to align them with one clear message and create a workable way to help each aspect of my business support the other - speaking bringing in clients and clients bringing in speaking opportunities. Mike exceeded my expectations! Where I had chaos, Mike brought clarity. He helped me find the threads that tied them (speaking and coaching) all together and a strong marketing message that not only represents the core of what I do but is easy for others to grasp and act on.
- Paula Houlihan, Keynote Speaker and Executive Coach
★★★★★
Mike Schuster at FiddleSmart Marketing is the real deal. He helped me create a speaker one-sheet that not only looks amazing but positions me perfectly for decision-makers and prospects. His process was clear, professional, and focused on results. If you're a speaker, consultant, or thought leader looking to level up your marketing materials, I highly recommend working with Mike. He's sharp, easy to work with, and gets it done right.
- Matt Booth, Certified Speaking Professional
★★★★★
It really is a special opportunity to work with Mike. I was struggling to connect my message and audience. He was able to teach me how to do it in a way that keeps it as a conversation both natural and authentic instead of pushy or salesy. He is a master at his craft and will help you improve yours as well! Thanks Mike - I look forward to our next project together.
- MJ Reiners, Business Transformation Expert
★★★★★
Mike asked the right questions to fully understand my personal brand. As we reworked my home page messaging he also helped me choose the right images. I was amazed at his ability to see what I couldn't about myself and how I was representing myself, especially my home page. His suggestions were right on target. My customers say "I loved your website and knew I had to work with you!" Isn't that what we all want?
- Stacy Kaat, Business and Personal Brand Photographer
Want to see what’s possible for your business?
Three steps to sustainable growth
1
Get Clarity
Claim your free Clarity Session. We’ll identify your biggest marketing opportunity and create a clear next step tailored to your business and goals.
2
Take Action
Using a done-with-you approach, we’ll build a marketing system that aligns with your strengths and resources. And give the support needed to build momentum.
3
Enjoy Results
Expand your impact without the constant hustle Attract ideal clients and focus on the work you love thanks to marketing that finally works with your values.
Ready to take the first step?
Which sounds better to you?
With Mike’s guidance:
✅ Done-with-you approach (minimal homework)
✅ Strategy tailored to your values and strengths
✅ Clear step-by-step process
✅ Implementation support available
✅ Confidence-building feedback
✅ Focusing on what actually works for your business
✅ Marketing that aligns with your strengths and values
Continuing to Do It Yourself:
❌ Figuring it out yourself between sessions
❌ Generic advice that may not fit your situation or business
❌ Guessing what to do next
❌ Strategy with no help putting it into action
❌ Second-guessing decisions
❌ Chasing every new tactic or trend in hopes something works
❌ Forcing yourself to use uncomfortable approaches
If you’re tired of going it alone, I’d love to support your next step
Questions you may have
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Absolutely. Unlike consultants who hand you a plan and disappear, I offer ongoing implementation support.
I'm here to help you put your strategy into action whether that’s through an implementation partnership, custom done-for-you implementation services, or by providing guidance during our work together.
Because strategy only works when it's actually implemented. -
That's exactly what we'll figure out in your free Clarity Session. I'll assess where you are, what you need most, and recommend the best path forward.
No pressure, just clear guidance on your next right step. -
The done-with-you approach of the programs minimizes your homework burden.
We do the heavy lifting during our sessions, so you're not spending hours between meetings trying to figure things out on your own.
Most clients find this approach saves them significant time compared to trying to tackle marketing themselves.
And, of course, if you’d prefer we can also discuss done-for-you services that require very little input on your end. -
That's exactly why the FiddleSmart Marketing approach exists.
Together, we’ll build a marketing system that feels natural and aligns with your values.
No pushy tactics, no manipulation, no compromising who you are. If it doesn't feel authentic to you, we don't do it. -
You'll begin to gain confidence and clarity immediately. And that's the foundation everything else builds on.
But this is about playing the long game where efforts compound over time.
So, for sustainable business results, it can often take 6 - 12 months of consistent activity.
That’s because we're building momentum through authentic relationships rather than just feeding advertising systems with dollars. Or doing whatever it takes to get transactions.
We want to see what's resonating and gaining traction before amplifying it.
If the needle isn't moving after 13 weeks of consistent effort, we refine the approach. -
I won't promise to 5x or 10x your business. There are too many factors outside our control for those kinds of guarantees.
What I can promise is this: Clarity in your message and approach leads to confidence.
Confidence enables focus so you no longer waste time second guessing decisions and starting and stopping techniques before they have a chance to work.
And when it's all in alignment, your marketing works more efficiently.
You'll waste less money on ineffective tactics. Spend less time on marketing activities that don't generate results. And enjoy better conversations with prospects.
The real value is in building a sustainable foundation that continues working long-term.
You’re not chasing fads that get a quick results that fades away. -
The approach works whether you’re just starting to promote your business or if you’ve been in business for years.
The principles of clarity, focus and alignment apply regardless of your revenue level or how long you’ve been in business.
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No. We'll identify the platforms and approaches that work best for your specific situation and strengths.
You don't need to be on every platform or use every tool. We focus on what actually works for your business and audience.
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Not at all. My goal is to provide genuine value and help you identify your next right marketing move.
We'll spend the full hour focused on your business and challenges. If there's a way I can help beyond the session, I'll mention it and we can schedule a follow-up meeting to discuss further, but there's no pressure.
People get significant value from the session alone and walk away with clear direction on what to do next.
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I hear this a lot. Many marketing programs use one-size-fits-all approaches that don't account for your unique values, strengths, resources or business model.
My approach is different. I take the time to understand your specific situation and create something tailored to how you work best.
Plus, my done-with-you methodology means you're not left with a lot of information and trying to figure out implementation on your own.
You’re also learning as we go. I’d rather help you learn how to best promote your business instead of making you dependent on my services. -
No problem at all.
Start with the free Clarity Session to get immediate value and clear direction.If you want ongoing marketing insights and actionable tips, join my email newsletter "The Aligned Marketer." You'll get weekly guidance that helps you build momentum while you decide on next steps.
There's no pressure to move faster than feels right for your business.
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Yes. Thanks to online conference tools, our sessions can easily be conducted virtually.
So, your location doesn't matter as long as we can find meeting times that work for both of us.
And, if you’re based close to Madison, Wisconsin, we can also meet in person instead of online if you prefer.
Still have questions? Reach out or let’s talk about them in your Clarity Session.
Ready to build the business you left the corporate system to start?
Imagine promoting your business in a way that finally feels natural. Having conversations about our business that flow easily. And clients who refer others because they love working with you.
Or you can continue to spend hours sorting through all the marketing advice online. Enrolling in programs that aren’t designed for your business. And feeling like you’re always starting over when it comes to promoting your business.
The choice is yours. I’m here to help you develop a system tailored to your strengths, values and resources. So, you finally free up time to focus on the meaningful work that inspired you to escape the corporate system.
No pressure. No pitch with artificial deadlines. Simply 60 minutes focused on your business and your next marketing move.
Is your homepage confusing or connecting with visitors?
Get a free 5-Second Message Clarity Scorecard for your homepage.
11 different aspects of your page will be evaluated to determine how well your site communicates what you do, who you serve, why it matters and what visitors should do next.
You’ll get specific recommendations to improve clarity and connect with your audience.
“Such direct, simple recommendations”
— Liza