In this episode of Brand On The Rocks, Ryan Holck hops on the mic for a solo "On the Rocks" pour—cutting past the fluff to break down a deceptively simple, crucial distinction: testimonials vs. reviews.

Drawing on personal experiences and candid client stories, Ryan Holck explores why relying on generic reviews may leave your audience cold, and how heartfelt, story-driven testimonials build trust and a lasting emotional connection with your best customers. He shares awkward (but honest!) conversations he's had with clients about setting expectations, and lays out why transformation stories matter more than a five-star grade. You'll walk through actionable strategies for getting higher-quality, story-based feedback—and hear why honest, up-front messaging might be your ticket to client loyalty (and repeat business).

Episode takeaways:

• The difference between a traditional review and a true testimonial—and why it matters

• How to ask clients for feedback that highlights real transformation, not just performance

• The power of setting honest expectations so your "social proof" works for your brand, not against it

• Lessons from Ryan Holck's own experience: saying "no" when the timeline's too tight, how integrity builds long-term trust, and the risks of marketing-by-script

• Practical steps for revisiting the stories you share and making sure your proof actually connects

If you know your product or service delivers—but your testimonials read more like report cards than real wins—this episode is a must-listen. Pour yourself a glass, tune in for straight-up, actionable insights, and discover how your story can drive stronger connections and better business.

Ready for bolder, clearer messaging that cuts through the noise? Hit play and follow Brand On The Rocks so you never miss an episode!

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Want to cut through the noise and create a brand story that actually connects? Schedule a call with Ryan Holck at DistillYourStory.com.

Get the free guide: Website Essentials — The 8-Part Blueprint for a Lead-Generating Business Website. Download it now at DistillYourStory.com/Website-Blueprint.

Ready to simplify your message and grow your business? Explore Ryan's Distill Your Story Framework — proven to help entrepreneurs and teams craft clarity that drives revenue. Learn more at DistillYourStory.com.

On this episode of Brand On The Rocks, Ryan Holck dives into a challenge every business owner faces but rarely diagnoses correctly: when your product isn't the problem—your message is.

Too often, we blame slow sales on ads, algorithms, or even the economy, when in reality, it comes down to how (or if) people understand what you actually do. Ryan Holck shares the story of a seasoned glass installer whose stellar work remains a best-kept secret because his messaging just doesn't connect outside his immediate circle. Sound familiar?

In this "straight up" episode, you'll discover:

• Why even the best products fail when paired with a muddled pitch

• The hidden cost of forcing customers to "decode" your marketing

• Five foundational questions that uncover the real story your brand should be telling

• Simple ways to distill your message so a 12-year-old—or busy scrolling prospect—immediately gets it

• How to move from "right product/wrong pitch" to a message that actually gets attention and action

• The strategic shift from struggling with scattered ads to building consistent, clear communication where your audience spends time

Whether you're frustrated by wasted ad spend, tired of complicated funnels, or just wondering why no one talks about your business, this episode is for you. Ryan Holck serves up practical, honest guidance to help you clarify your brand message, simplify with confidence, and build a repeatable strategy—so your business finally gets the attention (and sales) it deserves.

Curious to see what happens when you fix your story, simplify your pitch, and quit playing marketing roulette? Pour yourself a glass and press play! Listen now and follow Brand On The Rocks so you never miss the ideas that help your brand stand out—neat, bold, and unmistakably clear.

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Want to cut through the noise and create a brand story that actually connects? Schedule a call with Ryan Holck at DistillYourStory.com.

Get the free guide: Website Essentials — The 8-Part Blueprint for a Lead-Generating Business Website. Download it now at DistillYourStory.com/Website-Blueprint.

Ready to simplify your message and grow your business? Explore Ryan's Distill Your Story Framework — proven to help entrepreneurs and teams craft clarity that drives revenue. Learn more at DistillYourStory.com.

In this episode of Brand On The Rocks, Ryan Holck dives straight into one of the most persistent challenges in business storytelling: the fog that keeps your message hidden from the very people you want to reach. He breaks down the four common ways business stories break down—being incomplete, confusing, not actionable, or failing to deliver results—and shares practical strategies to bring clarity back to your brand's narrative.

Whether you're struggling to articulate what makes your business special, finding it hard to connect with your ideal customers, or simply want your message to drive real results, this episode is packed with insights to help you clear the fog. Tune in for actionable tips, real-life examples, and a simple framework to sharpen your story so customers lean in instead of walking away. Get ready to make your message bold, clear, and unforgettable!

Episode highlights include:

• Real-world examples of business owners and brands struggling with clarity

• The dangers of insider jargon and being "too clever" for your own good

• Simple frameworks for making your story actionable (and why most brands miss this step)

• How to transform a murky message into one that genuinely connects and converts

Whether your story suffers from too much detail, missing context, or just needs a practical tune-up, Ryan offers clear, actionable steps to break through the fog and make sure your brand gets noticed—and remembered.

If you're ready to cut through the haze and let your bold ideas shine, pour yourself a glass and tune in. Don't forget to follow Brand On The Rocks for more straight-up insights and strategies to keep your message clear and your brand unforgettable.

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Want to cut through the noise and create a brand story that actually connects? Schedule a call with Ryan Holck at DistillYourStory.com.

Get the free guide: Website Essentials — The 8-Part Blueprint for a Lead-Generating Business Website. Download it now at DistillYourStory.com/Website-Blueprint.

Ready to simplify your message and grow your business? Explore Ryan's Distill Your Story Framework — proven to help entrepreneurs and teams craft clarity that drives revenue. Learn more at DistillYourStory.com.