This week on The Engaging Marketeer, Darren chats with Joanne Finnerty of JF Recruitment about what it really takes to hire the right people and stand out when you’re looking for a new role.

Jo shares how she got started in recruitment, why she still loves it more than 30 years later and what businesses so often get wrong when hiring. They also get into practical advice for candidates, from writing a stronger CV and preparing properly for interviews to making a better impression both online and in person.

It’s a lively conversation packed with real experience, honest advice and plenty of insight for both employers and job seekers alike. Full episode available now. 

More about Joanne:

Joanne Finnerty is the founder of JF Recruitment, a recruitment agency with a passion for matching businesses with the right talent. With over 30 years of experience in the recruitment industry, Jo has built a reputation for her consultative approach and commitment to helping people find the right roles and businesses find the best-fit employees. Starting her career in temping, she worked her way up to running her own recruitment business, offering expertise in permanent recruitment and a strong focus on cultural fit. Jo is driven by a desire to make a difference, having helped numerous individuals transition to new careers and businesses thrive through effective staffing solutions.

You can connect with Joanne here:

Website: https://jfrecruitment.co.uk/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannefinnerty/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoanneFinnertyRecruitment/?locale=en_GB

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joannefinnertyrecruitment/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@joannefinnerty0

About your host:

Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA.

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/

Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com

Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.uk

This week on The Engaging Marketeer, Darren chats with Joanne Finnerty of JF Recruitment about what it really takes to hire the right people and stand out when you&rsquo;re looking for a new role.
Jo shares how she got started in recruitment, why she still loves it more than 30 years later and what businesses so often get wrong when hiring. They also get into practical advice for candidates, from writing a stronger CV and preparing properly for interviews to making a better impression both online and in person.
It&rsquo;s a lively conversation packed with real experience, honest advice and plenty of insight for both employers and job seekers alike. Full episode available now.&nbsp;
More about Joanne:
Joanne Finnerty is the founder of JF Recruitment, a recruitment agency with a passion for matching businesses with the right talent. With over 30 years of experience in the recruitment industry, Jo has built a reputation for her consultative approach and commitment to helping people find the right roles and businesses find the best-fit employees. Starting her career in temping, she worked her way up to running her own recruitment business, offering expertise in permanent recruitment and a strong focus on cultural fit. Jo is driven by a desire to make a difference, having helped numerous individuals transition to new careers and businesses thrive through effective staffing solutions.
You can connect with Joanne here:
Website: <a href="https://jfrecruitment.co.uk/">https://jfrecruitment.co.uk/</a>
LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannefinnerty/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannefinnerty/</a>
Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JoanneFinnertyRecruitment/?locale=en_GB">https://www.facebook.com/JoanneFinnertyRecruitment/?locale=en_GB</a>
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/joannefinnertyrecruitment/">https://www.instagram.com/joannefinnertyrecruitment/</a>
TikTok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@joannefinnerty0">https://www.tiktok.com/@joannefinnerty0</a>
About your host:
Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA.
iTunes: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837">https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837</a>
LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/</a>
Engaging Marketeer: <a href="https://engagingmarketeer.com">https://engagingmarketeer.com</a>
Engage Web: <a href="https://www.engageweb.co.uk">https://www.engageweb.co.uk</a>

Described by one detractor as an 'angry receding man', Darren Jamieson hosts the Engaging Marketeer Podcast where the Liverpool Comedy Festival winner delivers his own brand of business and marketing content. With a mixture of personal stories, detailed advice, step-by-step processes, angry explosive rants and thought-provoking interviews, Darren offers a very different take on business and marketing that provides insights for new startups and experienced business owners alike.

Described by one detractor as an 'angry receding man', Darren Jamieson hosts the Engaging Marketeer Podcast where the Liverpool Comedy Festival winner delivers his own brand of business and marketing content. With a mixture of personal stories, detailed advice, step-by-step processes, angry explosive rants and thought-provoking interviews, Darren offers a very different take on business and marketing that provides insights for new startups and experienced business owners alike.

Engaging Marketeer

Described by one detractor as an 'angry receding man', Darren Jamieson hosts the Engaging Marketeer Podcast where the Liverpool Comedy Festival winner delivers his own brand of business and marketing content. With a mixture of personal stories, detailed advice, step-by-step processes, angry explosive rants and thought-provoking interviews, Darren offers a very different take on business and marketing that provides insights for new startups and experienced business owners alike. The Engaging Marketeer Podcast debuted at #1 in the Marketing chart on Apple Podcasts.

Described by one detractor as an 'angry receding man', Darren Jamieson hosts the Engaging Marketeer Podcast where the Liverpool Comedy Festival winner delivers his own brand of business and marketing content. With a mixture of personal stories, detailed advice, step-by-step processes, angry explosive rants and thought-provoking interviews, Darren offers a very different take on business and marketing that provides insights for new startups and experienced business owners alike. The Engaging Marketeer Podcast debuted at #1 in the Marketing chart on Apple Podcasts.

Starting & Scaling Your Own Recruitment Business - Joanne Finnerty of JF Recruitment

Be honest…

When was the last time you properly researched a company before buying from them?

Not a big brand like Amazon or Apple - a business you'd never heard of before.

Did you read every page? Go through all the reviews? Check their terms, their history, their team? Or did you just skim it… and go with your gut?

That split-second decision is exactly what this episode of The Engaging Marketeer dives into. Darren breaks down what really drives buying decisions online, why most websites lose people without ever knowing it and what needs to change if you want more enquiries without just throwing more money at ads.

If your traffic looks fine but your leads are not where they should be, this episode will hit home. 

About your host:

Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA.

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/

Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com

Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.uk

Be honest&hellip;
When was the last time you properly researched a company before buying from them?
Not a big brand like Amazon or Apple - a business you'd never heard of before.
Did you read every page? Go through all the reviews? Check their terms, their history, their team? Or did you just skim it&hellip; and go with your gut?
That split-second decision is exactly what this episode of The Engaging Marketeer dives into. Darren breaks down what really drives buying decisions online, why most websites lose people without ever knowing it and what needs to change if you want more enquiries without just throwing more money at ads.
If your traffic looks fine but your leads are not where they should be, this episode will hit home.&nbsp;
About your host:
Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA.
iTunes: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837">https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837</a>
LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/</a>
Engaging Marketeer: <a href="https://engagingmarketeer.com">https://engagingmarketeer.com</a>
Engage Web: <a href="https://www.engageweb.co.uk">https://www.engageweb.co.uk</a>

How To Make Buyers Choose You: 3 Ways To Increase Your Online Conversions

"From the age of 13, I believed I was unworthy, undeserving of respect and that I had to accept the violence I was enduring."

In today’s episode of The Engaging Marketeer, Larissa Astara Gray shares her powerful story of survival, strength and how she reclaimed her power in the wake of her deeply traumatic experiences - including breaking free from toxic cycles and recovering from a drug addiction. As the founder of Better Boundaries, Larissa now helps others heal and set healthier boundaries.

Her journey offers valuable insights on the importance of self-love and healing from past experiences. If you've ever struggled with toxic relationships or finding your true worth, this episode will speak to you.

About Larissa:

Larissa Astara Gray is a passionate speaker, educator, and advocate for positive sex education, with a focus on empowering young people to navigate the challenges of modern relationships and sexuality. She is a leading voice on the impact of pornography on young minds and works tirelessly to raise awareness about the dangers of toxic sexual experiences. Larissa’s mission is to help young people understand healthy boundaries, consent, and self-worth, ensuring they are equipped to make informed choices about their sexual health and relationships.

Having experienced and overcome her own difficult and toxic relationships, Larissa now uses her personal journey to guide and educate others. She has created Better Boundaries Online, an educational platform that provides resources for young people, parents, and educators to address the harmful effects of pornography and promote healthy sexual relationships.

With over a decade of speaking experience, Larissa is a sought-after speaker, sharing her expertise in schools, universities, and various youth-focused settings. Her work is grounded in her belief that education is key to breaking cycles of trauma and ensuring that future generations can experience healthy, consensual, and fulfilling relationships.

You can connect with Larissa here:

Website: https://larissaastaragray.co.uk/

Better Boundaries Website: https://betterboundaries.co.uk/about/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larissa-astara-gray-a98374202/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/larissaastaragray/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/larissa_astara_gray/

About your host:

Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA.

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/

Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com

Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.uk

"From the age of 13, I believed I was unworthy, undeserving of respect and that I had to accept the violence I was enduring."
In today&rsquo;s episode of The Engaging Marketeer, Larissa Astara Gray shares her powerful story of survival, strength and how she reclaimed her power in the wake of her deeply traumatic experiences - including breaking free from toxic cycles and recovering from a drug addiction. As the founder of Better Boundaries, Larissa now helps others heal and set healthier boundaries.
Her journey offers valuable insights on the importance of self-love and healing from past experiences. If you've ever struggled with toxic relationships or finding your true worth, this episode will speak to you.
About Larissa:
Larissa Astara Gray is a passionate speaker, educator, and advocate for positive sex education, with a focus on empowering young people to navigate the challenges of modern relationships and sexuality. She is a leading voice on the impact of pornography on young minds and works tirelessly to raise awareness about the dangers of toxic sexual experiences. Larissa&rsquo;s mission is to help young people understand healthy boundaries, consent, and self-worth, ensuring they are equipped to make informed choices about their sexual health and relationships.
Having experienced and overcome her own difficult and toxic relationships, Larissa now uses her personal journey to guide and educate others. She has created Better Boundaries Online, an educational platform that provides resources for young people, parents, and educators to address the harmful effects of pornography and promote healthy sexual relationships.
With over a decade of speaking experience, Larissa is a sought-after speaker, sharing her expertise in schools, universities, and various youth-focused settings. Her work is grounded in her belief that education is key to breaking cycles of trauma and ensuring that future generations can experience healthy, consensual, and fulfilling relationships.
You can connect with Larissa here:
Website: <a href="https://larissaastaragray.co.uk/">https://larissaastaragray.co.uk/</a>
Better Boundaries Website: <a href="https://betterboundaries.co.uk/about/">https://betterboundaries.co.uk/about/</a>
LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/larissa-astara-gray-a98374202/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/larissa-astara-gray-a98374202/</a>
Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/larissaastaragray/">https://www.facebook.com/larissaastaragray/</a>
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/larissa_astara_gray/">https://www.instagram.com/larissa_astara_gray/</a>
About your host:
Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA.
iTunes: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837">https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837</a>
LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/</a>
Engaging Marketeer: <a href="https://engagingmarketeer.com">https://engagingmarketeer.com</a>
Engage Web: <a href="https://www.engageweb.co.uk">https://www.engageweb.co.uk</a>

Toxic Relationships, Domestic Violence, Drug Addiction & P*rn - Larissa Astara Gray

What if one of the fastest ways to build real wealth isn’t starting from scratch… but stepping into something that already works?

In this episode, Casey Ridley claims that, done right, franchising can be one of the greatest creators of wealth in the world. When you hear how it actually works behind the scenes, it starts to make a lot of sense...

He and Darren get into what most people never see - that it's not just about systems and contracts. Successful franchising is about people, relationships and building something together that is bigger than you could ever do alone.

From choosing the right franchise owners to creating a business that genuinely supports them, this is how franchises truly scale and succeed.

If you've ever thought about running your own business, but felt stuck on where to start, or you want to grow faster without going it alone, this episode will open your eyes to what's possible.

More about Casey:

Casey Ridley is an entrepreneur and franchise leader based in Georgia, USA, and the driving force behind The Designery, a rapidly growing kitchen, bath, and closet franchise brand. He began his career by acquiring and transforming a small surplus construction business before scaling it into a multi-location operation and then franchising it nationally.

A strong advocate of franchising as a pathway to entrepreneurship, Casey focuses on helping individuals build successful businesses through structured systems, training, and support. Under his leadership, The Designery has expanded to dozens of locations across the United States, with a model centred on scalable growth, strong franchisee relationships, and a blend of national branding with local marketing.

He is also a franchisee himself, giving him a dual perspective on both sides of the model, and is known for his emphasis on execution, culture, and long-term business development.

You can connect with Casey here: 

Website: https://thedesignery.com/about/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/casey-ridley/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/caseyridley22/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/casey_ridley_/

About your host:

Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA.

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/

Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com

Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.uk

What if one of the fastest ways to build real wealth isn&rsquo;t starting from scratch&hellip; but stepping into something that already works?
In this episode, Casey Ridley claims that, done right, franchising can be one of the greatest creators of wealth in the world. When you hear how it actually works behind the scenes, it starts to make a lot of sense...
He and Darren get into what most people never see - that it's not just about systems and contracts. Successful franchising is about people, relationships and building something together that is bigger than you could ever do alone.
From choosing the right franchise owners to creating a business that genuinely supports them, this is how franchises truly scale and succeed.
If you've ever thought about running your own business, but felt stuck on where to start, or you want to grow faster without going it alone, this episode will open your eyes to what's possible.
More about Casey:
Casey Ridley is an entrepreneur and franchise leader based in Georgia, USA, and the driving force behind The Designery, a rapidly growing kitchen, bath, and closet franchise brand. He began his career by acquiring and transforming a small surplus construction business before scaling it into a multi-location operation and then franchising it nationally.
A strong advocate of franchising as a pathway to entrepreneurship, Casey focuses on helping individuals build successful businesses through structured systems, training, and support. Under his leadership, The Designery has expanded to dozens of locations across the United States, with a model centred on scalable growth, strong franchisee relationships, and a blend of national branding with local marketing.
He is also a franchisee himself, giving him a dual perspective on both sides of the model, and is known for his emphasis on execution, culture, and long-term business development.
You can connect with Casey here:&nbsp;
Website: <a href="https://thedesignery.com/about/">https://thedesignery.com/about/</a>
LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/casey-ridley/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/casey-ridley/</a>
Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/caseyridley22/">https://www.facebook.com/caseyridley22/</a>
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/casey_ridley_/">https://www.instagram.com/casey_ridley_/</a>
About your host:
Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA.
iTunes: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837">https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837</a>
LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/</a>
Engaging Marketeer: <a href="https://engagingmarketeer.com">https://engagingmarketeer.com</a>
Engage Web: <a href="https://www.engageweb.co.uk">https://www.engageweb.co.uk</a>

Starting & Scaling Your Own Recruitment Business - Joanne Finnerty of JF Recruitment

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