Meet Heidi Medina | Marketing Strategist & Business Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Heidi Medina and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Heidi, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
Most people think marketing is all about algorithms, funnels, and aggressive sales tactics—like cold pitching in DMs. It’s going viral, waking up at 4 a.m. like the hustle bros, and bracing themselves for hundreds of rejections from mass cold pitching.

But that approach never worked for me—because I’m not a fan of burnout or high-pressure sales. And it doesn’t work for a lot of heart-driven service providers and coaches who find most mainstream marketing tactics downright icky.

The turning point for me came in 2018 when, frustrated beyond belief, I posted a raw, unfiltered rant—complete with three F-bombs—on LinkedIn. I slammed my laptop shut, convinced I’d just gotten myself banned. But when I finally looked, something surprising happened: instead of criticism, I found over 30 people dropping comments—sharing their own experiences, asking questions, and actually connecting with me in a way they never had before.

That moment flipped my entire understanding of online marketing on its head.
It’s about conversation. Talking to people online is no different than talking to them in person. And when you focus on building real relationships, you can finally ditch the hustle and grind.

Sustainable success in this industry doesn’t come from pushing out the most content or using the most aggressive tactics—it comes from authentic connection through conversation. Marketing stops feeling like marketing when you stop trying to outshout your “competitors” and start collaborating with complementary peers.

Collaboration over competition might sound cliché, but it makes business a heck of a lot more enjoyable—and it brings in clients in a sustainable way. That shift not only transformed my business, but it’s also the foundation of how I help other service providers and coaches build visibility and authority online. Today, I tell my clients: ‘If you wouldn’t say it in person, don’t say it that way online.’

What should our readers know about your business?
I don’t do cookie-cutter marketing. The approach I’ve developed isn’t about short-term engagement tricks—it’s about using intentional conversations and forming strategic peer circles that amplify your work naturally. What I teach is called Collaborative Visibility: instead of trying to shout louder than the ‘competition,’ you surround yourself with the ‘right’ people. You grow strategic relationships with peers, partners, and networks who amplify each other’s work.

What sets me apart? Growing up in a competitive family of entrepreneurs, I learned early on that success wasn’t about working harder—it was about working smarter. At our family produce stand, my sister and I engaged customers by connecting the senses—letting them taste sun-ripened tomatoes and smell fresh vegetables. That same authentic approach carried me through building multiple businesses, including a multi-six-figure landscape company by age 25, with a two-year waiting list purely through word-of-mouth referrals.

Shifting to online marketing in 2011 wasn’t easy. The traditional tech “hustle” culture, with its 12-hour days and cold pitching, felt disconnected from how I wanted to work. It was that game-changing LinkedIn rant in 2018 that made me realize I could use the same authentic marketing tactics I’d used to build my landscape company—just talk to people, understand their goals, and help where you can.

The hard lessons I’ve learned:

✅ Authenticity beats perfection. The more I showed up as myself, the more the right people found me.
✅ You don’t need to “go viral” to succeed. A strong, deliberately built network is far more valuable than fleeting internet fame.
✅ Marketing is a long game. Building relationships based on trust leads to sustainable growth—quick hacks are short-lived.

Today, I help service providers and coaches get seen, heard, and hired—without burning out or grinding endlessly. Through strategic networking, co-promotion, and authentic conversations, my clients build the visibility and lifestyle they deserve, with a lot less stress. I’ve built a location-independent business that allows me to travel the world while serving clients effectively, proving that success doesn’t require sacrificing personal freedom for professional growth.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
As a foodie, art lover, and outdoor enthusiast, there’s nothing I enjoy more than showing off the best of Denver and the surrounding areas. From delicious bites and craft brews to breathtaking hikes and artistic hotspots, I’ve put together an itinerary that captures the perfect blend of flavor, culture, and natural beauty. I now live and travel the world with my business, Portugal gets a lot of my time, but we also slow-travel for 3 to 4 months of the year—but Denver will always have my heart.

Day 1: Welcome to Denver
Morning: Start the day with a visit to Washington Park. Walk around the lake, take in the flowers, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. It’s a perfect way to shake off any travel jet lag.
Lunch: Devil’s Food Bakery for a late breakfast or brunch. Their chai is legendary, and the chocolate croissant is an absolute must-try.
Afternoon: Denver Botanical Gardens—a peaceful escape with incredible plant life, especially stunning in the summer with seasonal flowers. It’s a beautiful place for photos or simply soaking in nature.
Evening: El Jardin for some amazing Mexican food. Try the house margarita and their delicious burritos with green chili—always a hit!

Day 2: Culture and Creativity
Morning: Start with a hike on Green Mountain for sunrise. Watching the sun come up over Denver, with elk herds grazing and wildflowers popping up, is truly magical.
Lunch: Peppers for an unforgettable Chinese meal. It’s one of those places that locals rave about, with dishes that hit all the right notes.
Afternoon: Denver Art Museum, where you can explore everything from contemporary to Native American art. If you’re in the mood for something even more unique, check out the Kirkland Museum and my favorite, the Clyfford Still Museum.
Evening: Wrap up your art-filled day with a casual happy hour at The Kitchn on the 16th Street Mall. Their drinks and small bites are perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.

Day 3: Boulder Excursion
Morning: Head to Boulder (just a 30-minute drive from Denver). Start with shopping on Pearl St. Mall—you’ll find amazing boutiques, local artisan shops, and fun people-watching spots.
Lunch: Dushanbe Teahouse—an absolute gem! The ambiance is like nothing else in the area, and their menu is a beautiful mix of international flavors. Need I say you must try the teas!
Afternoon: After lunch, spend some time wandering around the Boulder Creek Path or exploring the Chautauqua Park area for beautiful views of the Flatirons.
Evening: On your way back to Denver, stop at a few farmer’s markets for fresh seasonal goodies and local treats.

Day 4: Red Rocks & Wildlife
Morning: Visit Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre – take the Trading Post Trail and hike through spectacular rock formations
Lunch: Pack a picnic to enjoy amid the red rocks
Afternoon: Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge to spot bison, deer, and even bald eagles
Evening: Dinner at The Source food hall with its variety of local vendors

Day 5: Mountain Adventure
Morning: Drive to Rocky Mountain National Park
Lunch: Picnic in the park or stop in Estes Park
Afternoon: Explore Trail Ridge Road (weather permitting) and the park’s hiking trails
Evening: Have dinner at the Stanley Hotel before returning to Denver

Day 6: Urban Adventure
Morning: Mile High Loop at City Park (3.1 miles) for city and mountain views
Lunch: RiNo Art District for local eateries
Afternoon: Cherry Creek Trail exploration
Evening: Sloan’s Lake area for sunset and dinner

Day 7: Final Denver Day
Morning: Last visit to Washington Park
Afternoon: Any missed museums or shopping
Evening: Farewell dinner at your choice of favorite restaurant from the week

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There’s no way I’d be where I am today without the support, belief, and encouragement of some incredible people.

First and foremost, my husband, David Medina, who stood by me even when it seemed like nothing was happening. Entrepreneurship can be a rollercoaster, and having someone who believes in you—especially during the tough moments—makes all the difference. Coming from the corporate world, he supported my dreams even when they seemed unconventional.

Then, there’s my incredible network. LinkedIn has been more than just a business platform for me—it’s been the place where I’ve met some of the most supportive, inspiring, and downright amazing people. It’s where I’ve built lasting relationships with peers, clients, and even some of my closest friends.

One of those friends is Beth Anne Campbell, whom I met on LinkedIn about five years ago. What started as a simple connection turned into a genuine friendship, proving that online networking isn’t just about business—it’s about finding your people.

So my shoutout goes to David, my LinkedIn network, and every person who has been part of my journey. Business isn’t built in isolation, and I’m grateful for every conversation, collaboration, and connection that has helped shape where I am today.

Website: https://www.talktoheidi.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidimedina/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heidi.medina.74/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@talktoheidimedina

Image Credits
All brand photos taken by David Medina