Testimonials
“That workshop changed the trajectory of my career”
Over a decade ago, a friend suggested I attend a marketing workshop called, “Marketing for Hippies 101”. At first, it was a hard no for me. I was an ecstatic dance teacher and artist. Why would I go to a ‘marketing’ training? Wasn’t that for corporate types? The name of the workshop peaked my curiosity though and after a warm phone call with its creator, Tad Hargrave, my ‘no’ became a ‘yes’, and the rest is history.
That workshop changed the trajectory of my career; igniting me to take my dance practice (Dance Our Way Home) out into the world, in a way that was in alignment with my principles of loving-kindness, and has influenced how I share (with joy) my offerings out in the world ever since. Bonus: I also gained a friend and colleague.
Fast forward to 2021, I continue to be grateful for Tad’s generous spirit, heart and marketing expertise (humour and sleight of hand tricks), as I’ve been blessed to be a part of his Marketing for Hippies Membership… as a lifer! The full scope of this membership is rich in resources (videos, articles, courses), and almost-daily zoom calls where we can bring our copy writing, niching questions, point of view mapping, etc, to the table.) It’s a gift to not have to do business alone! It does takes a village.
I love Tad’s style and refreshing take on conscious entrepreneurship, his insights and trainings, and his membership community is stellar – with affinity groups for coaches, green businesses, healers and body workers, women’s empowerment and more. If you are like me, and are looking for inspiration and support in marketing, so you too can share your gifts to the right people, I highly recommend anything Tad does, especially his latest membership. And hopefully, I’ll see you there!
Erica Ross, Creatrix: Artist, Dancer, Facilitator, Creativity Doula, Author & DJ
EricaRoss.com
“I finally feel I can express all parts of myself in my business without holding anything back.”
When I first heard of Marketing for Hippies, I thought Tad was very genuine and sincere in his teachings. There were no workshops being taught in Vancouver at the time I heard of Tad. After some time, I heard that Tad will be teaching a workshop in Surrey. I signed up right away and really enjoyed learning from Tad. I was hooked on Tad’s videos, his point of view about marketing. I was very intrigued and eager to learn more. I felt he was absolutely a genius at marketing. I appreciated his honesty and calling out false sales tactics.
He spoke with conviction and authenticity and made marketing simple and easy to understand. I felt peaceful listening to his ideas about marketing. He shared that marketing can feel good when the purpose is not to sell, but filter for the right people.
After watching Tad’s work for sometime, I signed up for Tad’s Mentorship Program. I found it extremely helpful. With Tad’s support, I finally feel I can express all parts of myself in my business without holding anything back. Working with Tad, I feel validated. I had a hunch about marketing tactics that didn’t feel good, but couldn’t put my finger on it.
Hearing Tad have the courage to call out the inauthentic marketing tactics and saying things like, it is ok to be shy about selling. We are not supposed to like promoting ourselves. I felt seen. I have been burnt by coaches charging high prices for a package without qualifying the client and encouraging clients to do the same without determining the value. I did pay a huge price for a package that didn’t deliver the results and put me into debt. I still at times get clients who have paid large sums for packages to coaches and didn’t get results.
Therefore, I really appreciate Tad’s teaching on filtering the right clients and making sure to only take on clients that are a right fit. I am grateful for Tad’s work. He brings depth, compassion and integrity to his work that is very rare to find.
Zahra Efan
femininebusinessmodel.com
“Tad is to Marketing what Steve Jobs was to Apple.”
My first impression of Tad was “What a clean cut savvy Canadian!” When I finally checked his stuff out, I was beyond impressed. It made me relax and be ‘me’ around marketing. His guidance for me is: relax, be authentic and trust.
There’s so much that I’ve applied from him, I would not know how to start. Other than that I have a very different vision of marketing these days. It’s transparent, authentic and feels true and real. Tad is to Marketing what Steve Jobs was to Apple! We all need Tad in our pockets!
Phil Cartwright
whereisyourheart.net
“Now marketing is easy!”
When I first heard of Marketing for Hippies, I thought “Yay! A hippie!” I find everything that Tad shares so inspiring and I can really pace the process so that my business grows comfortably. There’s no need to put more effort into marketing, just to keep on top of it with Tad’s videos and newsletters.
The most useful message that he’s given me is to say thank you. I applied his method of the win-win and mentioned it on my website and invoices. I say thank you as much as possible. I am grateful to be able to be a part of a win-win. I can be honest about the services that I provide and I truly feel that I have become a better therapist as a result of Tad’s teachings. Now marketing is easy!
Others would always tell me to work harder and put more effort into my marketing, which of course, they wanted to do for me as long as I paid them. It wasn’t necessarily unethical, it was just annoying. I love Tad’s work–how he does it and how he looks while doing it. If I felt more need to expand, I would buy more.
Tad, thanks for being you. I recommend you to all of my friends who could benefit from your wisdom and attitude.
Janneke Vasse
Jannekevasse.nl
“I took a total u-turn after working with Tad.”
When I first heard of Marketing for Hippies, I thought “here’s someone who cuts through the bullshit and is REAL.” First, I learned from one of Tad’s ebooks, which then led to two puttering sessions. I knew that I wanted and needed 1:1 sessions and Tad’s presence/listening skills were palpable (in spite of the puttering!). He had some practical suggestions to apply once the session was over.
The most helpful message that I’ve received and applied from Tad is: know your niche! I know this is bandied about a lot these days, but Tad drilled down and got to the sticky parts–the gaps in my ‘knowing.’
I’m just applying now the things that we talked about–I took a total u-turn after working with Tad. I’m connecting with my audience more, noticing what they say that they need and using this in my approach/copy/offerings. My experience of marketing now is much more positive! I notice a willingness to face it and get on with it, which wasn’t there before. In other words, I’m much less resistant. Thanks!
Charlotte Young
charlotteyoung.com.au
“Since working with Tad, I am excited to market my business.”
When I first heard of Marketing for Hippies, I loved Tad’s confidence with the label, and noticed my own resistance to identifying as one. I was curious, but I didn’t have an urgent need to market.
When I changed my business, I needed to be intentional about creating a brand. I needed help that was based on more than just things to do. I needed help based on what I have to say. I love the simplicity of each module in the programs in his Membership Program and how they connect to and build on each other. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, and Tad doesn’t prescribe anything, he just encourages us to find our own way.
The most useful message I’ve got from Tad is “Don’t market yourself. Market your message. And then get clear on your message.” Since working with Tad, I am excited to market my business. I have clarity on what I offer and who it is good for, and I feel that I am the best at what I do.
Staci Kat
stacikat.com
“The message from Tad that I’ve found most useful is to market the message not the person.”
I first heard of Tad about a decade ago and I felt grateful for his presence. At first, I wasn’t in a place to apply the material. Since then, the message from Tad that I’ve found most useful is to market the message not the person.
In Tad’s membership program, I’ve found an initial energetic landing place to finally formulate my sacred contribution to the earth plane. Now that all of my skills are going into building my own audience, I resonate with the highest marketing mission axioms and strategies of Marketing for Hippies.
Thank you, Tad, for your wisdom and presence! My beloved within shares vast love for your offerings to use as a bridge from the mystical realms into the opening consciousnesses on the Earth plane who are preparing to move into the frequency of the New Earth!
Philip Brautigam
vortxr.com
“After working with Tad, I feel more relaxed and also more energized.”
My first impression of Tad’s business was: fun name. Looks good. Knows what he’s talking about. At first I had a Puttering Session, and then I joined his membership because there was nothing in the way. I was curious and inspired and felt at home. From the beginning I was impressed with Tad and his work. He has created a lot of excellent material and a supportive community. The thing that’s stayed with me the most is Tad’s POV framework. I hadn’t seen it anywhere else.
I learned how to apply it more systematically when I work with clients, which has helped me build my own community and grow the number of enthusiastic clients. Tad also provides a lot of encouragement along the way.
After working with Tad, I feel more relaxed and also more energized. I don’t like the vibe of most marketing people. Many feel inauthentic, too polished, too money-centric. I found that I always did things differently, so I’m happy to have found a colleague and role model in Tad.
Ingrid Lill
lillbranding.com
“My business feels more grounded and although that has resulted in more income”
My impression of Tad landed when I saw pictures of him. I loved how he owned his hippie-ness in the way that he dressed and looked. That, combined with his clarity about marketing, what it means for him and his ability to speak simply and clearly made it clear to me that how he worked aligns with how I wished to show up. At first, I hesitated, because I have a tendency to pay for things and then abdicate my responsibility to engage in what I am buying. I use my intuition to make decisions and my intuition guided me to follow Tad via his newsletter/YouTube, etc. When his Membership offering showed up, that resonated as a way to engage that works for me.
I tiptoed into my engagement with Tad. Each video and each newsletter just confirmed that his approach resonated for me. I have a very low-key approach to marketing and I want to continue to create a business that I love and that sustains me financially, emotionally and energetically. I want to make an impact without losing my joy for life–that is a knife edge for me. If I lose my joy, then I tip over into depression. Tad presents marketing as a way to share your gifts and talents. It is about being authentically you. I particularly like his take on POV marketing.
Tad’s approach to niching and its unfolding is great as well. In the Membership, my progress reports have been really useful for me to stay engaged and directional. My business feels more grounded and although that has resulted in more income, it is more a sense of knowing there is place to go and a structure that can keep me on track. I have a degree in marketing and have always had a positive relationship with marketing.
What I love about the Membership is the ‘easy Tiger’ slow marketing approach. It reminds me that I can breathe my way into the world. I started my latest business in my 50s. I think at this stage that I learn from every experience.
In my experience, knowing about tools and processes is great, but heart-led guidance is what works. I don’t think that people who ‘sell process’ or ‘the way’ intentionally burn people–that is just where they are, and to be honest, I feel compassion for them. They are often people who believe ‘hard work’ is part of the formula.
Anne K Scott
crossingfrontiers.co.uk
“I’ve enrolled twice as many clients so far this year than I signed all of last year. I upped my rates, so my bottom line has more than doubled.”
My first impression was that Tad and his business had a sense of genuineness and integrity. Though I haven’t signed up for a workshop yet, I’m getting a lot from Tad’s posts and videos. My primary thought when I saw Tad’s work was how refreshing it is to hear him speak in an authentic way directly to his community. The videos are real, there’s no need for hype or glitz.
One of the messages that I found most useful is to share your content and if people want more, they’ll find you. After seeing Tad’s work, I started a new series on YouTube and my site called “Coaching Notes.” I took casual videos of me outside speaking about some idea that came up during one of my coaching sessions. I’ve received very positive feedback! Now, I don’t think of marketing as selling. I see it as sharing.
Doug J Moore, Ph.D.
thriveandawaken.com
“I’ve enrolled twice as many clients so far this year than I signed all of last year. I upped my rates, so my bottom line has more than doubled.”
When I first watched one of Tad’s videos, I loved it! I think it came up as a recommended video in YouTube. At first, I was interested, but overcommitted. When I could fit the Hub Marketing program into my schedule and he offered a three month payment plan, I jumped. I had watched Tad’s videos and gone deep into the older videos on his channel.
I liked the genuineness and Tad’s low-pressure delivery. I’ve since read several of his books and continue to prioritize watching his videos. I shied away from the Membership because of time and attention limits, and I’ll continue to watch for other opportunities that fit.
The most useful message I’ve kept from Tad’s teachings is that your niche is what you want to be remembered for. Since meeting Tad, my approach to marketing and selling has become much more relationship focused rather than tactical and funnel focused. I’ve started signing on new clients more consistently and they are much more open to my offers earlier in the process. I’ve enrolled twice as many clients so far this year than I signed all of last year. I upped my rates, so my bottom line has more than doubled.
I’ve always enjoyed Tad’s work, but now I love it. I’ve signed up for many other programs and my experiences have varied. In the others, I felt like I was being given a system, but there wasn’t flexibility within the system to leverage my individual strengths so I had spotty results. They also had come from a more numbers focused marketing and sales background which tended toward more high-pressure techniques and tactics. I also felt like I was paying more attention to the script they had me memorize than I was to the person I was selling to. As a more sensitive person, these techniques have never worked for me, and they make business a very unpleasant experience. Honestly, I was pretty gun shy about signing up for more programs.
In the Hub Marketing program, I felt like the framework was easily adapted to fit my personality, skills, and style in such a way that I was able to apply what we’d learned in our calls and experience an immediate and positive result. The support offered through the calls and the Facebook group were also helpful and the small group I was a part of during the program has continued to meet once a week for months, now almost a year later. I would love to see Tad offer programs that certify coaches and consultants to present your classes.
Franklin Taggart
franklintaggart.com
“Finding Tad totally changed my relationship to marketing into something positive.”
When I first heard of Marketing for Hippies, I was totally new to marketing and dreading it, so seeing “hippies” in the name really intrigued me and it was the first inkling I had that there was a way to do this that wasn’t icky, forced or corporate. I actually didn’t have much hesitation because I’d read enough from Tad that I knew I would learn a lot of useful things. It was his Marketing 101 online course that grabbed me, and I really needed some basic understanding of marketing, so it was an easy decision.
When I found Tad, I felt so much relief that there was a down-to-earth, ethical person who has figured out how to do marketing in an authentic, unmanipulative, honest way. I was impressed with his simple, no-nonsense, straight-talking, and kind-hearted approach. The info he puts out, whether it’s free or paid, is always useful, practical and generous.
The most useful tip that has stayed with me is that marketing is really about the process of figuring out if you and the client are a good fit. And that I can set the boundaries about who is a good fit for me. Finding Tad totally changed my relationship to marketing into something positive, and I actually kind of enjoy aspects of it.
Several years ago, as a result of Tad’s recommendation, I checked out some marketing coaches who were offering a free template for how to get referrals by writing letters to former clients or friends and acquaintances. There was something about the language and the approach that made me squirm but I thought, “Tad thinks they’re good, so it’s probably ok.” I didn’t listen to that interior voice. So I wrote the letter and sent it out, and I got maybe one or two responses that didn’t result in anything. One of the people was very kind but the way he responded confirmed how gross this approach made me feel. So the lesson I took from that was to listen to that inner squirming.
Alison Chan
springtidecraniosacral.ca
“All of my promotional efforts now have a common ancestor.”
When I heard the name Marketing for Hippies, it made me smile and want to share the namesake generously. The turning point for me was: I could keep doing what I was doing and watch my business continue to take on water or I could invest in a program and person whom I trusted. It was time to break the archaic strategy of ‘make money by not spending it.’ I decided to make a long-term investment and invite a new destiny. My first stop was the website in 2011. The eBook was a magnetic draw. And then the videos when those began to roll out consistently. And the blogs, the very long blogs.
The most useful message that I’ve gathered is to market from the inside-out–to lead with my values and point of view. It’s the difference between having a relaxed and genuine inquiry and trying to impress everyone and fooling only myself. As a result of having an inner-vision of my niche and point of view it is much easier to make congruent decisions. All of my promotional efforts now have a common ancestor. It’s spared me the burden of having to reinvent myself with every enterprise or process. It’s given peace of mind.
As for money, it’s kind of hard to tell given the influence of COVID on in person events. Some have managed to adapt to online however that has not been the case for me. I polished my systems and have built a rhythm to my business. As a result I occupy the top three spots of a google search for the top key words related to my business “Denver Yoga Teacher Training” and variations there of. The difference Tad made? It’s the difference between a few scrappy pieces of paper glued to a piece of binder paper and an aesthetically enchanting vision board.
Derik Eselius
denveryogaunderground.com
“Tad’s work has supported my business through every phase.”
I had a terrible time trying to learn marketing and sales before meeting Tad. My first bad experience was that I was preyed on when I was very new in business and very vulnerable. I ended up spending a huge amount on a coaching programme where the coach didn’t engage with me after she got the money. My second bad experience was a marketing programme where I was taught how to manipulate people by poking their pain points, making them feel lack and selling the dream result. I was told this was for the client’s own good to make them take action. But it didn’t feel right. It felt quite awful actually and because everyone else in the course was doing it without question, it made me think there was something wrong with me.
When I first found Tad, I was at a point where I was so disheartened with the marketing I had been learning that I asked in a Facebook group “Does anyone know someone who teaches marketing in a heart-centred way?” and someone answered “Marketing for Hippies”. “That’s me!” I thought and I wasn’t wrong. Tad’s work resonates with me hugely and I’ve been a groupie since. My first impression of Tad was that I loved how straight talking he is, how wise and heart-centred. I also really enjoy how quirky and funny he is.
I initially didn’t spend money with Tad because he just had ebooks and I learn better from videos–I know I wouldn’t read the ebooks. When he advertised the Hub Marketing course, I joined because it would be video learning. And then, of course, the Membership. I was wanting to get immersed in Tad’s work immediately when I found him, but the format of his offering didn’t suit my learning style initially. The Membership improved that. When I finally got to experience Tad’s teaching, I felt relieved. He verbalised the problems I was having with the typical sales and marketing approach and made me feel seen and not crazy for not wanting to do the high-pressure sales and sleazy marketing that is commonplace.
Tad’s teachings are very well thought through and they just make sense. His approach is very human for both the business owner and potential customers. Some of the most useful advice that Tad has shared is: solve a problem for people by being the medicine for something in your community.
I’ve become so clear about what I do and how I express that on my website that when people find me, they say “You’re exactly the support I was looking for”. There is no hard-selling or pressurised phone call, there’s just ease and a flow of the right clients getting the right support. I also think Hub Marketing is amazing and has enabled me to step back from using social media.
Since meeting Tad and using his marketing advice, I feel much older and wiser! I have gleaned so much from Tad’s work–the nuances, the subtleties and the psychology of expressing what I offer clearly. Marketing genuinely feels good in my system thanks to Tad.
Ciara Bruton
ciarabruton.com
“I feel a bit better about marketing.”
When I first heard of Marketing for Hippies, I heard the confidence, joy, answers discovered, and optimism about Tad, carried in the words of a member in your program. I was intrigued by the name of the business too, being one myself. When I watched my first video, the intuition I had from the first mention of his work was confirmed.
The most useful advice he’s given me: don’t try to sell your services, share your POINT OF VIEW. POV marketing is a robust, confident hen with all her little chicks clutched under her wings. I am still new to these practices but the influence is: I came to the program with huge ideas, a mountain range really. Through my application of the program I’ve gotten some much needed organization and encouragement. The financial difference is coming (very) soon. I feel a bit better about marketing.
Erika Rado
spiritbirdintuitivearts.com
“I no longer get nervous about 'sales calls'.”
My first impression of Tad was that he was real, and there was such a relief in that. I don’t remember what he even spoke about in the first video that I watched, but I DO remember there was a truck reversing and this loud beeping that stopped him mid-sentence and he waited for it to finish and just kept going, and I loved it! One take, no fake!
When I first came across Tad I was feeling burnt out, I had just spent the better part of $10k with a coach who promised me the Earth and left me feeling lacklustre. I was questioning whether I belonged in business. Then a few months later I came across Tad’s Meantime program, where he actually promised to double my money back if I didn’t make $100! Normally I would run for the hills with that kind of offer. But Tad offered it in such a way that it wasn’t icky or slimy and I was so in!
When I finally bought in, I wished I had found Tad years ago. I remember having this very conversation with him and I loved how he reframed it that I wouldn’t have been ready for him years ago. I needed to go around the traps a bit. My mess certainly did help us refine my message when we finally worked together in the Mentorship.
Some great advice that Tad has given me is: if I don’t like it, don’t do it, ever! To find something that I enjoy doing and amplify that. AND test it. Whenever I suggested something Tad always told me to test it. The BIGGEST thing I got from working with Tad, and it only just dropped in… I no longer get nervous about ‘sales calls’. I have one in 10 minutes time and they used to make me SO anxious I was ‘off’ all day. Now I am excited as it’s an opportunity to see if it’s a fit (for both of us) rather than me feeling any pressure to sell or make it mean something about me if the person doesn’t buy. This has changed my life. Seriously.
I have applied so many things from Tad. My website is currently on its second revamp based on our work together. I closed my membership which was as scary AF as it was my entire residual monthly income, but it was slowly draining me. My business model was not sustaining me financially or mentally. Now, I am in my 10th week of lockdown and I have SO much freedom thanks to the business model we built together, I can work my business in the hours of my choosing and home school and stay sane! I have so much appreciation for the care and direction of your work. I am still a work in progress when it comes to marketing, but I don’t hate it like I used to. I even have moments where I enjoy it. But I don’t love it…..yet!
The very first marketing person I worked with (for a very short period of time) used to write her own testimonials. Seriously. Hence I never read testimonials (and here I am writing one for Tad, oh the irony!). With another, I was told I had to do networking. I am not a people person. I used to force myself to go and I felt drained and exhausted afterwards. I remember Tad saying “networking, should I throw the business card in the bin now to save you doing it later?” and I laughed so hard! I was also told I had to post on social media twice a day every day to keep up my algorithm. That was also exhausting. Looking back through my posts you could literally feel the ‘this is my algorithm keeping up’ energy to my posts.
Don’t get me started on all the ‘we are not cookie cutter’ approach coaches who had every single one of their clients doing exactly the same thing. Tad truly sees the genius in each person and allows them to shine!
Suzanna Culberg
“Tad has genuinely made me love marketing!”
I first heard of Tad through George Kao and thought, “This is my people!” Nothing other than my budget stopped me, and then as the budget allowed and I got to know Tad, I was all in. For me, Tad’s lifetime Pro member option came at the perfect time, and was a no brainer. I love that I can have access to his work and community anytime, and from so many angles.
When I watched my first video, I felt a kindred soul who cared deeply. I love how down to earth and real he is, and especially love Tad’s writing. I appreciate an approach that brings poetry, imagery, and soul into the mix. He is more tuned into the Sacred Feminine than most women I know, with a deep masculine nobility, and I love it!
Tad’s point of view teachings have particularly stayed with me…the idea of problem, premise, promise and my unique approach to addressing these. Honing my point of view has helped me find my voice, feel more confident, and have a much more solid connection to how I can share my work clearly and with appeal to those who need it.
The point of view map has just gone up on my new website, and I’m so thrilled to have an image that will resonate with those who are meant for my work. Additionally, earlier iterations have been used to further expand my work by bringing it from women to young adults. By having a map that could express my work, I was able to see how many more areas and applications it could connect with. Fantastic!
Tad has genuinely made me love marketing! I see marketing now as a joyful extension of who I am, an opportunity to be myself, and a challenge that finally feels fun to dive into.
Earlier in my business development, I worked with a few other business and marketing coaches. Honestly, I cringe to even use the word “coach” for them since I’m a coach as well. I learned that they really didn’t know that coaching is meant to support others to come to their own understanding of what’s best for them. They shoved countless tactics, strategies and techniques at me, insisting that if I didn’t want to do them, perhaps I didn’t care enough about my work or wanted success badly enough. I realize now that I actually felt traumatized and stuck from the experience, feeling there was something wrong with me, and having no compass to guide me otherwise.
When I found Tad, it was like a breath of fresh air. I feel like not only Tad, but a whole community that he built around himself, finally gets what I feel and the way I want to put myself out there. After some time detoxing from my prior experiences, and learning to trust and experiment with new ideas, I can see something really special emerging out of my work. Additionally, in another group I was in, there were “rants” from the group leader that became a huge turnoff. It came to feel like shaming others out of their own insecurities.
I’ve repeatedly witnessed Tad owning his mistakes (such as letting someone whose name he mispronounced know how sorry he was and making it right in the moment), being real and honest without ever shaming anyone (i.e. truly honoring where we are as individuals), and being so approachable and kind in every moment he can. I can’t express enough how much this means to me personally, and I’m sure it makes such a huge impact broadly.
I deeply appreciate Tad and the work he’s doing. His unique approach, his wisdom, and his care sound forth through aeons of time and space to create a better world. He brings a grounded and noble wisdom that is so needed to meet our times, and he is a role model to many, including me.
Kim Marie
KimMarieCoaching.com
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