Marketing Has Become Too Complicated—Here’s What Small Businesses Are Missing | Leslie A.M. Smith

The Thought Atlas Podcast · Sep 10, 2026 · 41m

Marketing has changed dramatically since Leslie A.M. Smith began working in the field in 1994. But according to Leslie, the fundamental concepts haven’t changed.

In this conversation, the seasoned marketing and public relations consultant explains why the digital world has made promotion increasingly complicated for small businesses—and why going back to the fundamentals may be more effective than chasing every new platform or tactic.

We explore the four P’s of marketing: product, price, place, and promotion, why businesses often promote before getting the foundation right, and why “the…