Nora DiNuzzo

Blood Sweat & Tears

You’ve worked too hard for it to be this hard.

BS&T is a committed partner to ambitious agencies frustrated by inconsistent growth.

We develop and implement a custom growth strategy that meets you where you are today – whether your goal is to stabilize, sustain, scale or sell your agency.

Co-Founder & Chief Strategy Officer

Pitcher 🍋

Small businesses deserve to grow, too. 

Pitcher is a growth consultancy for entrepreneurs and small businesses (<$25mm).

We work directly with founders to:

+ Diagnose their growth issues 

+ Refine their first-mile strategies (brand, business, content and comms)

+ Optimize their marketing and business development processes to align with growth goals

+ Match small businesses to right-fit service providers

+ Broker strategic alliances and partnerships

Founder & President

Smiths Agency

In September 2022, Smiths Agency (fka Smith Brothers) was acquired by Barkley: barkleyus.com

Vice President of Business Development

Director of Business Development

Business Development Manager

MARC USA

In June 2020, MARC USA merged with two other agencies to form 9 Rooftops: 9rooftops.com

New Business Specialist

Account Manager

You’ve worked too hard for it to be this hard.

Growing up, one thing I never aspired to be was an entrepreneur. 

Running your own company was for the incredibly wealthy (Mr. Burns) or the incredibly innovative (Doc Brown). I was neither.

But what I’ve learned about entrepreneurs over the past few years is that they have one thing in common – they desperately want to fix something that drives them nuts. 

As it turns out – throughout my life and career, a lot of things drove me nuts. 

So nuts that in October 2021, I quit a VP-level job at an ad agency to start my own consultancy – Pitcher – to help small businesses grow.

Because the fact that agencies could rarely find a way to work with companies <$25mm in annual revenue drove me nuts.

Because I believe that small businesses deserve to grow, too. 

In April 2023, I got a call from a friend that I never planned for – with an offer to create something I never considered doing less than two years into being a founder.

A second company.

Because the fact that so many brilliant agencies continuously struggle to grow drove him nuts. 

As it turns out – it drives me nuts, too. 

So nuts that I said yes – and Blood Sweat & Tears was born. 

Yes, born. I have given birth to two human children – and two businesses.

There is not a damn thing women can’t do.

I wasn’t a business developer - until I was.

I wasn’t an executive - until I was.

I wasn’t a strategist - until I was.

I wasn’t a founder - until I was.

I wasn’t a speaker - until I was.

Just because you aren’t yet, doesn’t mean you aren’t in the process of becoming.

So whatever you’re becoming - keep at it.

Until you are.

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This is my quarterly reminder to founders:

GET OUT THERE ✈️

I spent 4 days in NYC this week, and caught up with over 100 people while here.

3 conferences + many co-located events.

An event Christine Olivas and I designed and co-hosted.

Meals and meetups with people who are here in NYC for these events, or are full-time New Yorkers.

Not only did I accomplish a few very specific things with and for some of my clients while here…

But I also strengthened relationships with current clients and partners, and made many new quality connections.

And I learned a lot - particularly at Blackweek. More to come on that next week.

Most importantly… I had a ton of FUN with some of my business besties!

Thank you Christine, Starr Session Varga and Victoria Carrington Chávez✨ for making this week so awesome. Core memory for sure 💖

The hardest thing in business is to say NO.

NO to projects that aren’t profitable enough.

NO to pitches you don’t have a right to win.

NO to people you’d prefer not to enrich.

NO to clients who undervalue you from Day 1.

NO to that one more thing that is going to push you over the edge, mentally or physically.

NO to work that isn’t in your zone of genius.

NO to things that don’t spark joy.

We are so conditioned to people please.

To be yes people. 

Saying no isn’t being difficult.

Saying no is having boundaries and standards for yourself.

As a business owner - it’s also about having standards for the type of organization you are building and leading.

If you lead a team - trust that your Nos and Yeses are being watched very closely by your employees.

It’s one of the reasons I left full-time employment 4 years ago.

And now - saying no is the thing I work on the most. 

Much respect to Pikes Ibiza for their very prominent list of NOs posted at the check in desk outside this storied club. 

I particularly agree with the last one. It’s the #1 NO for my businesses, too.

Now more than ever, it seems that people are afraid to tell the truth.

The safe and sanitized parts are regurgitated over and over as talking points on panels, in op-eds and on the nightly news.

Legal-approved.
Board-sanctioned.
Investor-friendly.

We give the same uncontroversial takes, share the same safe ideas in brainstorms. 

Which then get made into the same neutral and ineffective ads, events and experiences.

No boats rocked. No thoughts provoked. 

And we avoid confronting the truth once again.

Because the truth is incredibly uncomfortable.

Difficult. Painful. Hard. Embarrassing. Shameful, even.

This is why the most important event for me and for everyone to attend is Blackweek.

At Blackweek, the truth is told.

By every speaker. On every topic.

Unvarnished. Raw. Real.

But also empathetic. Hopeful. And in a way that builds community.

Thank you to the truth tellers I was able to witness speak this year at Blackweek 2025 - Don Lemon, Joy Reid, Cindy Gallop and Lola Bakare. 

Your talks were all incredibly powerful, rallying and inspirational.

But most importantly - they were truthful to the core.

Thank you to the founders of Blackweek - Walter T Geer III, Joseph Anthony, Monique Nelson, Dabo Ché, Gabrielle Shirdan, andre gray and Adan Romero.

You have created a world-class event and have programmed what I consider to be the top thought leadership event in the industry.

AND you’ve created an environment and community of complete safety, where we can dare to speak the truth out loud.

This year, I invited two of my friends and clients to join me at Blackweek - Starr Session Varga and Victoria Carrington Chávez✨- both of whom are Black women.

Seeing and hearing how safe, supported, included and appreciated they felt in this space was everything.

I got to see them tell their truth to others. 

And I saw a side of each of them flourish that I know they have to keep behind walls at times, with certain people and in certain spaces.

We should all be free to be ourselves, 100% of the time.

We should all be free to tell the truth, 100% of the time.

At Blackweek, this is the reality.

And it’s why when it’s over every year - none of us want to leave 🖤

In a shock to absolutely no one, LinkedIn doesn’t seem to like that I put the words “truth” and “Black” in the same post.

Nevertheless… I hope my post about Blackweek finds you. Please come over to my page and read it in full. It’s pinned to the top so you can find it.

PS - Blackweek is not just for Black people. Blackweek is for ALL of us.

Christine Olivas and I are in NYC! 🍎

Will we see you tonight at karaoke? 🎤 

Come out, sing a song - and support the BLAC Internship Program 🖤

We have a few spots still available. Text/DM me to get on the list!

Weds 10/8 (TONIGHT!) 5-8p. DM for location 😎

Cherishing time with my family at home before my next stint on the road.

Mick Mize gave me the gift of the mantra FOR NOW - and over the last year I have been working to be as present as I can be, wherever I am.

For now… I’m home and looking forward to celebrating Halloween with my kids - one of their favorite days of the year.

This year, they are being Link from Zelda 🗡️ and a Sloth 🦥 

For now… I’m enjoying the games of chess, bedtime chats and Dave DiNuzzo’s amazing meals (his latest party trick - homemade meatballs and sauce 🍝) 

In November, I will be traveling all 4 weeks of the month. The first three for work, the last one for personal.

I have never done this before. I have traveled 3 of 4 weeks, 4 of 6 weeks… but never 4 consecutive weeks.

While the thought of this is daunting and honestly giving me a bit of the Sunday scaries… I know I can do it.

This is what I have designed my businesses to enable me to do. And these are all incredible reasons to be “getting out there.”

Nov 2-5 in Atlanta for Brandweek.

Nov 10-14 in Austin for a client retreat - my 3rd one with them.

Nov 17-20 in Boston and Rosemary Beach, FL for two events with the 4As ❤️ 

I am so fortunate to have incredible clients and partners who value the time together in-person to exchange ideas, learn from each other, and accelerate our progress.

Nothing will ever beat in-person for collaboration, relationship building and strengthening.

But traveling is full on. It’s exhausting. And I miss my family like crazy when I’m gone.

I’m so grateful to Dave for being my partner that makes this all possible. I could never do this without him holding it down for our kids every day that I’m on the road.

He stepped away from full-time work exactly 1 year ago, so I could pursue my dream of building the businesses I want to run, and believe the world needs. 

For now… this is what we need to do for our family to thrive.

I share this because traveling and building businesses can seem glamorous. And sometimes, it is.

But it also involves an enormous amount of coordination, tough decisions, and sacrifices. Especially if you are a parent or have a partner.

Whatever FOR NOW looks like for you this week, next month or the rest of this year… I wish you peace and presence to enjoy every single moment.

But also - I know how hard it all is, too. And it’s okay to say that out loud and admit it.

Back on my travel grind ✈️ 

Q4 has historically been my busiest quarter, and this year is no exception!

I’m traveling 13 of the next 19 days. 

Next up - Atlanta for Brandweek with RP3 Agency! Come find me if you’ll be there 👀 

Anyone else a road warrior this quarter?

My top tips for staying healthy while traveling during the Fall (besides getting your vaccines):

💦 3X Hydration - water, electrolytes and tea! ☕️ My fave is Throat Coat by Traditional Medicinals - an OG singers trick, if you have to talk a lot for work like I do.

💊 Vitamin Boost - New Myers IVs at Restore Hyper Wellness every other week, and green goodness from JOE & THE JUICE 💚 

💤 Rest & Recharge - I try to limit alcohol and caffeine to maximize quality sleep. Endel is my favorite app to relax and fall asleep to.

Let me know if I can catch you during my travels:

Atlanta - Nov 2-5
Austin - Nov 10-14
Boston - Nov 17-18

The advice I needed to hear from Bozoma Saint John at Brandweek yesterday:

Don’t listen to anyone.

What she said next made us all sit up and lean forward…

“They will advise based on fear. Especially the people who love you and care about you.”

Throughout my career and more recently my moves into entrepreneurship, I received plenty of unsolicited advice and opinions about the choices I was making.

And Boz is right - so much of it came from the people who care about me the most.

I didn’t listen.

Instead, at every turn - I followed my instincts, and trusted my gut.

Boz said because of this, she has such confidence in the decisions she makes - and that even when something can outwardly look like a mistake to others, it’s all part of the path that gets you to your next thing.

I have only one regret in life, which is that I never got to see Prince perform live 💜

But professional regrets? Zero.

Everything I said yes to.
Every time I trusted my instincts.
Each time I didn’t listen to anyone else.

Those are the moments and the decisions that got me to precisely where I am today.

Niki Clark Marketing

Niki Clark Marketing is not your typical marketing agency. Instead of the generic, one size fits all philosophy, Niki Clark Marketing is dedicated to your personal marketing success and creating the client relationships that are crucial for your growth.

Not your typical marketing agency - because who wants typical anyway?

Founder & CEO

1st Gen Entrepreneurs

Founding Member

Motherhood

FMG Suite

- Responsible for introducing new product and enhancing existing services
- Conduct thorough research and perform market research to understand what consumers look for in their ideal products and services

- Develop marketing strategies for clients 
- Develop and execute content strategy for monthly marketing initiatives 
- Train marketing consultants on best practices and trends
- Deeply care about customer satisfaction and engagement
- Define and refine customer experience
- Host the monthly webinars

Product Marketing Manager

As a member of FMG's DEI Council, I have been actively involved in driving diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. I have collaborated with my colleagues to identify areas where our company can improve diversity and inclusivity, and have helped develop and implement strategies to address these issues. In addition, I have participated in employee resource groups and other DEI-related programs, where I have gained valuable insights into the experiences of underrepresented groups in our company. Through my involvement with DEI, I am committed to fostering a culture where all employees feel valued and supported, and where diversity is celebrated as a strength.

DEI Council

Twenty Over Ten

Marketing Success Coach

Client Service Associate

RGT Wealth Advisors

RGT Wealth Advisors is a Registered Investment Advisory firm located in Dallas, TX. We’ve been serving clients with the highest standards of integrity, excellence, and innovation since 1985. RGT simplifies the complex details of managing wealth so our clients can relax and enjoy their success. We formulate innovative strategies, develop integrated financial independence plans, and implement personal investment portfolios that grow and evolve with our clients’ ever-changing lives. RGT is an independent, fee-only firm that provides conflict-free advice – always in our clients’ best interests. At RGT, our Core Values guide every action we take as individuals and as a firm. Our Core Values are Service, Integrity, Teamwork, Performance, Strategic and Professionalism.

Marketing Assistant

Brand Ambassador

RGT Wealth Advisors is a Registered Investment Advisory firm located in Dallas, TX and Orange County, CA. We’ve been serving clients with the highest standards of integrity, excellence, and innovation since 1985. RGT simplifies the complex details of managing wealth so our clients can relax and enjoy their success. We formulate innovative strategies, develop integrated financial independence plans, and implement personal investment portfolios that grow and evolve with our clients’ ever-changing lives. RGT is an independent, fee-only firm that provides conflict-free advice – always in our clients’ best interests. At RGT, our Core Values guide every action we take as individuals and as a firm. Our Core Values are Service, Integrity, Teamwork, Performance, Strategic and Professionalism.

Receptionist & Brand Ambassador

Forever 21

Manage the store 
Responsible for opening/closing the store 
Recruit and hire new employees 
Coach and develop management 
Drive sales and upt 
Lead a staff of 80+ 
Visual Merchandise 
Process shipment 
Manage payroll and budget 
Meet with district manager to execute directives 
Recruit new applicants 
Coordinate with other store managers 
Perform visual merchandising standards 
Execute corporate directives 
Ensure proper marketing 
Enforce maximum selling

Store Manager

Manage the store 
Responsible for opening/closing the store 
Supply order 
Recruit and hire new employees 
Coach and develop management 
Drive sales and upt 
In charge of store funds 
Lead a team of 60+ staff members 
Visual merchandise 
Process shipment 
Manage payroll and budget 
Execute directives on a timely manner 
Assist customers in fast pace fashion

Co Manager

Fossil Watches

Assistant

Neiman Marcus

January 2008-June 2009                           Neiman Marcus            Dallas, TX
                        Department Manger Women’s Contemporary
                        Manage staff of 8+
                        Receive and merchandise incoming product
                        Attend product based meetings on a weekly basis
                        Meet and communicate with buyers and vendors on
                        a daily basis
                        Meet with executives on financial planning

Department Manager

Simplifying marketing for financial advisors I Saving you time so you can focus on your clients I Making sure you stay well connected with your clients and prospects

Hey there! So glad you stopped by!

My name is Niki and I am a marketing consultant, coach, and specialist for financial advisors. 

Sometimes, I’m simply a sounding board. 

Advisors need someone to talk to also!

In 2016 I got my FPQP designation because I find finance incredibly interesting. This designation and education allow me to serve you better.

I help with marketing strategies, building brand awareness, thought leadership, and growing your business.

Let's show the world what a great advisor you are!

As a woman in the finance industry, I am a strong advocate for amplifying the voices of females in finance! 

People always like to know a person’s “why.”

Here’s mine:

Working with financial advisors has to be one of the most fulfilling things I get to do.

Advisors are some of the most caring and selfless people I know. I see what they do each and every day and how much they care for their clients.

If I can help you with your marketing and business growth so you can take care of your clients better, everyone wins!

When not working, I am pestering my husband, learning about how to not annoy my pre-teen daughter, kissing all over our one-year-old baby boy. chasing after my dogs, and constantly taking pictures. 

On a quest to dive deeper into the bible and learn more about Jesus! Highly recommend the book Driven by Eternity! 

We live in an area surrounded by mountains, so there is a lot of time spent exploring, hiking, and searching for antiques in small, mountain towns. 

Hippie at heart!


Specialties:

⚫ Content strategy
⚫ Social media marketing
⚫ Campaign management 
⚫ Email marketing strategy
⚫ Advocate for relatable content
⚫ Brand awareness and recognition
⚫ Engagement and relationship management

And making finance fun!

Follow me for marketing tips and advice.

Niki Clark, FPQP

My homie with the extra chromie.

October is Down Syndrome Awareness month so I will use the platform to share with others about my little man and what he has taught us.

I knew a thing or two about people with Down Syndrome from all the work my mom did when I was a kid. She worked with the community so I was involved in some way or another learning about their lives.

One of my all-time favorite movies is called The Boys Next Door. I highly recommend it. I still quote it to this day.

Something that I have learned these last 21+ months is about Maxwell's development. It is no secret that those with Down Syndrome have a delay but I never knew the reasoning behind why Maxwell hasn't started walking (yet, he's so close!!) or why he doesn't say "dada" or "mama" regularly.

I will do my best to explain: because those with Down Syndrome have low muscle tone (this does not mean they are weak, it means we can't easily see their muscles), their body and brain has to work 10x harder to take that step or lift that toy. So while all the brain's energy is going to learning those movements and storing those memories, some other things have to take a backseat, such as saying "mama." 

That is why we say all progress is good progress because it shows us that there is something happening, just on Maxwell's timetable. And that is ok.

He is one happy little dude (except when he's tired, wants food, or we turn off Elmo).

Maxwell is a good reminder to keep doing what you need to do but don't try to overexert yourself to meet some goal set by society. Be unapologetically you. 💙 💛

Niki Clark, FPQP®

Non-Boring Marketing for Financial Advisors

LinkedIn has made it clear: engagement now matters more than content.

Some comments are getting more impressions than full posts.
That should tell you something.

If you’re spending hours trying to perfect every post but never engaging with others, you’re wasting your time.

Overthinking what to say, when to say it, or how it looks while ignoring real connection is the fastest way to stay invisible.

Your content still matters, and compliance always counts. But if all your energy goes into polishing a post instead of showing up in conversations, you’ve already lost the algorithm and the audience.

Also, the more you engage with others, the more LinkedIn shows your content. 

Perfection doesn’t build visibility.
Participation does.

What’s one way you’ve found to build real engagement on LinkedIn?

If Taylor Swift promotes her brand, despite being one of the most well-known artist in the world, that goes to show you the importance of marketing.

I'm excited to announce that I'm part of the 7-Figure RIA Operations Playbook: a free training series launching November 1st! 🎯

I'm sharing my best strategies on Showing Up in AI Search, and I'm joined by 20+ other experts who work with financial advisors every day.

Each training is actionable, bite-sized (10-15 min), and designed to help you immediately level up your practice.

100% free. 

Get access here: https://lnkd.in/eyxQFEVH

Shout out to Zoe Meggert for putting all of this together.

Last year, our most popular blog was the Holiday Gift Guide - because who doesn't love a good gift! 🎁

Anyone here remember the old Sears Christmas Catalog?

I can still picture myself circling that toy dog that came with a leash. I was convinced no one would know it was fake. (Never got it...)

We love putting together a gift guide for financial advisors. Over the years we have helped firms find the right gifts and discovered some crowd pleasers along the way.

Our top recommendation: 🍭 Sugarwish endless options, easy gifting, and outstanding customer service. Shout out Elizabeth Parker!

It's early October, the perfect time to start planning your holiday gifting. 

🎄Cheers: https://lnkd.in/eN8kUt2q

Also, I realize the holidays aren't about gifts. But as someone who loves gift-giving in general, I love helping firms find meaningful gift ideas. 

Is there any company or item that you love gifting?

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Nora DiNuzzo

Niki Clark, FPQP

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The Battle

Nora DiNuzzo

Niki Clark, FPQP

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Nora DiNuzzo's LinkedIn Performance

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