Welcome to the Christian Business Growth Podcast where faith meets entrepreneurship. Each episode, we uncover the strategies, stories, and spirit-led insights that help Christian business owners align their goals with God’s call. From practical tips to real-life testimonies, we explore what it takes to build a business that honours Christ, serves others, and impacts the Kingdom.

CONTACT

• Linked In
• Facebook
• Website

In a world where marketing tactics often prioritize trends over genuine connection, the latest episode of the Christian Business Growth Podcast offers refreshing insights on how to navigate the complexities of marketing. Reverend Lyle and Jennifer Elia discuss the importance of integrity in business and how small business owners can find success by focusing on their customers and building lasting relationships.

Jennifer Elia – Quotes

• Trust is currency. People have so little trust right now, and that’s reflected in how they shop and how they make decisions.”
• “Marketing isn’t dancing on TikTok. It’s about having conversations, educating people, and meeting them where they actually are.”
• “What I realized was that what businesses were being taught to do wasn’t actually what was working behind the scenes, and in integrity, I couldn’t keep selling something that didn’t work.”
• “If you can’t get something to work manually or organically, throwing money at ads will only amplify what’s already broken.”
• “AI will never replace human connection. We were created for relationship, and relationship marketing will always matter.”

---

Rev. Lyle – Quotes

• “I started my business to help the little guy market like the big guy, without using big guy numbers.”
• “Marketing isn’t just social media. It’s holistic. It’s about systems, relationships, and long-term thinking.”
• “If you can’t win on a two-dollar ad, a hundred-dollar ad isn’t going to save you.”
• “AI is a tool, not a replacement. If you don’t humanize it, you’re just competing apples to apples.”

Building Businesses with Integrity: Insights from the Christian Business Growth Podcast with guest Jennifer Elia

 

Understanding the Journey of a Business Owner: Jennifer Elia shares her inspiring journey from a dream of writing and living in a big farmhouse to becoming a successful business owner and marketing expert. She initially began her career as a copywriter but soon recognized a significant gap in the marketing strategies being taught to businesses. By conducting extensive research and talking to industry practitioners, Jennifer developed a mission to help businesses avoid the traps of fleeting trends and focus on sustainable marketing practices that yield real results.

The Role of Integrity in Marketing: A central theme of the conversation is the lack of integrity in modern marketing practices. Jennifer highlights that many businesses are misled by influencers who promote quick-fix solutions that often do not align with reality. She emphasizes the need for businesses to understand that successful marketing involves a comprehensive approach rather than relying on single strategies. This misunderstanding leads to disillusionment and trust issues within the business community, which Jennifer is determined to address through her work.

Rebuilding Trust with Customers: Jennifer stresses the importance of trust in business relationships, stating that “trust is currency.” She advocates for businesses to operate with integrity, ensuring that their marketing practices are ethical and transparent. By focusing on building trust, businesses can foster loyalty among their customers, leading to long-term success. As Jennifer notes, many small businesses are vulnerable to exploitation by opportunistic marketers who lack genuine intentions. Therefore, it is essential for honest businesses to stand out and support one another in this mission.

Effective Marketing Strategies for Small Businesses: For small business owners feeling overwhelmed by the complexities of marketing, Jennifer offers practical advice. She encourages them to deeply understand their customers—not just demographics but their fears, desires, and pain points. By engaging in meaningful conversations and providing valuable information, businesses can connect with their target audience on a deeper level. Jennifer points out that while social media trends may capture attention, they do not necessarily lead to qualified leads or sales. Instead, fostering genuine relationships and prioritizing customer engagement will drive business growth.

Conclusion: The conversation between Reverend Lyle and Jennifer Elia serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of integrity and trust in the world of business. By focusing on understanding customers and nurturing relationships, small business owners can create a sustainable path to success. Key takeaways include the significance of integrity in marketing, the value of trust, and the necessity of engaging with customers meaningfully. As we navigate the evolving landscape of business, let us remember that genuine connections and ethical practices will always stand the test of time.

Tags: Business Growth, Marketing Strategies, Integrity in Business, Trust in Marketing, Christian Business, Small Business Tips, Customer Engagement, Sustainable Marketing.

Rev. Lyle

Hello and welcome to the Christian Business Growth Podcast. I’m Rev. Lyle, and I’m here with Jennifer Elia. Jennifer, tell us how God led you into your business.

Jennifer Elia

I grew up with this dream of writing and researching while living in a big farmhouse with lots of kids. At the time, the internet didn’t exist, and people thought that dream was unrealistic. But over the years, as the internet developed, I realized it was actually possible. I started out in content creation and copywriting, but along the way I noticed a major disconnect between what businesses were being taught to do and what actually produced results.

I couldn’t, in integrity, continue selling strategies that weren’t working. So I began studying marketing deeply and talking to people who were actually succeeding. What I discovered was that my real calling wasn’t content creation alone. It was helping businesses navigate marketing without getting trapped in trends, influencer hype, or expensive masterminds. God put it on my heart to help businesses create plans that work for them, without burning out on social media or wasting money on ads.

Rev. Lyle

That really resonates with me. I started Digital Success Advantage to help small businesses market like big companies without big budgets. People often think marketing is just social media, but it’s much bigger than that. What were you doing before marketing?

Jennifer Elia

I went to college multiple times and eventually became a college professor. Years later, I finally stepped into my dream. I work from home, raise my kids, live on a farmhouse, and help businesses grow with integrity.

Rev. Lyle

So what do you see God doing in your business right now?

Jennifer Elia

He’s pulling me more into local markets and into serving Christian businesses that need someone they can trust. Integrity is lacking in marketing right now, and trust has become currency. Many business owners have been burned by so-called experts who take their money and disappear. I believe God is placing me in positions to rebuild trust, help businesses grow, and create legacies rooted in integrity.

Rev. Lyle

Where do you see integrity breaking down in marketing?

Jennifer Elia

Influencer marketing has created a huge problem. By the time a trend reaches small business owners, it’s already outdated. Many influencers sell one tactic while running complex systems behind the scenes that they never disclose. Business owners want the easy way, but real growth doesn’t happen overnight. Integrity breaks when people sell shortcuts they don’t actually use themselves.

Rev. Lyle

I’ve noticed that too. I’ve seen people selling webinar systems while not using their own tools. It just doesn’t line up.

Jennifer Elia

Exactly. If something works so well, why aren’t they using it? Marketing requires systems, not gimmicks.

Rev. Lyle

For the small business owner who feels stuck and overwhelmed, what’s the first step?

Jennifer Elia

Know your customer deeply. Not demographics, but what keeps them up at night. Marketing is education and conversation. Attention marketing may get views, but it doesn’t create qualified leads. Five real conversations are better than twenty thousand views. And if you’re spending more than one or two hours a day on marketing, you’re probably neglecting the things that actually make money.

Rev. Lyle

That ties into relationship building. Long-term thinking matters.

Jennifer Elia

Absolutely. You don’t need more leads. You need to nurture the ones you already have. Build trust. Focus on real relationships, especially locally. People are craving connection more than ever.

Rev. Lyle

How should small business owners think about AI?

Jennifer Elia

AI is a tool. It’s great for research and refining processes, but it can’t replace human experience. You still need to do the work, test ideas, and learn through experience. AI will always tell you your idea is great unless you challenge it. You still need data, effort, and real-world feedback.

Rev. Lyle

That’s such an important reminder.

Jennifer Elia

AI should support relationship marketing, not replace it. We were created for connection, and that will never change.

Rev. Lyle

How can people connect with you?

Jennifer Elia

You can find me at leadfunnelscale.com, on Facebook under Jennifer Elia, or on LinkedIn. I love coffee chats and getting to know other business owners.

Rev. Lyle

Thank you so much for being here and sharing your wisdom.