AI is changing the way customers find local businesses, and small business owners in South Georgia need to adapt. In this episode of Marketing the 912, Jan Southern shares practical marketing advice on how to improve your visibility in AI search results, strengthen your Google Business Profile, and make sure your website and social media are working together.

Drawing on 35 years of marketing experience and her work with businesses across Pooler, Effingham, Bryan County, and the Savannah area, Jan explains why clarity, trust, and consistency matter more than ever. She also breaks down simple action steps business owners can take right now to improve their marketing foundation.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How AI is changing local search and customer discovery
• Why your Google Business Profile matters more than ever
• What your website needs in order to support AI visibility
• How social media has shifted from social media to interest media
• Why clear messaging beats flashy marketing
• What to fix before spending money on ads

If you own a business in Savannah, Pooler, Effingham County, Bryan County, or anywhere in South Georgia, this episode will help you understand what to update now so your marketing keeps working.

Learn more about J. DelSUR Marketing here:
https://jdelsurmarketing.com

#MarketingThe912 #SouthGeorgiaBusiness #SavannahMarketing #SmallBusinessMarketing #AIMarketing #LocalSEO #GoogleBusinessProfile

How does a Savannah-born actor end up in Hollywood blockbusters alongside Tom Cruise and Captain America? In this episode of Marketing the 912, we uncover what South Georgia businesses can learn from his story.

Episode Summary

Mark McCullough grew up near Savannah and worked his way from Effingham County to the big screen. Today, he shares lessons from Hollywood that every business owner in South Georgia can apply — from consistent marketing to finding your authentic brand.

Host Jan Southern and Mark explore how the acting business mirrors entrepreneurship: building a personal brand, networking the right way, and turning rejection into momentum. With over 35 years of marketing experience, Jan connects Mark’s story to what works right here in Bryan, Effingham, and Chatham County.

If you’re growing a business in the 912, this episode is full of powerful takeaways about risk-taking, persistence, and knowing your value.

Key Takeaways

• Why personal branding matters for both actors and business owners

• The power of consistent marketing — even when results take time

• How to handle imposter syndrome and keep moving forward

• The importance of mentorship and learning from successful people

• Why authenticity is your biggest marketing advantage

Guest Bio

Mark McCullough is a Savannah native and Hollywood actor known for roles in Captain America, American Made, and Free State of Jones. He also founded The Working Actor’s Lab, coaching actors across the U.S. and abroad.

Resources Mentioned

J. DelSUR Marketing Website

Effingham Magazine

Pooler Magazine

Bryan County Magazine

#MarketingThe912 #SouthGeorgiaBusiness #SavannahMarketing #912Marketing #EffinghamCounty #PoolerBusiness

Host Jan Southern sits down with Peter Brougham-Cook of the local chapters of The Alternative Board (TAB) to unpack what actually moves a business forward when times feel uncertain. Peter leads TAB boards in Savannah Georgia, Bluffton, Beaufort, and Charleston South Carolina. He shares how to help owners get out of their own way, lead teams, delegate the right work, and plan a successful exit. Jan and Peter talk about mindset, accountability, knowing your numbers, and why growth is a must—plus a few can’t-miss book recs.

Connect with Peter: LinkedIn (search “Peter Cook, TAB Lowcountry”) or tab-lowcountry.com.

Books mentioned: How to Win Friends and Influence People, Pumpkin Plan, Simple Numbers, Thou Shall Prosper.