Small businesses don’t fail because their owners lack passion or determination. They fail because the systems that should support their success are broken—or worse, nonexistent. Marketing is often the clearest example of this problem. Business owners invest time and money into marketing agencies, only to find themselves locked into dependency, waiting for approval to make the simplest changes, and losing sight of their original vision.

Courtney Hurley and Kelly Evans understand this struggle better than most. With over 30 years of experience, they’ve seen how flawed systems derail small businesses. That’s why they founded Screws + Stilettos and created the Market Like A CMO workshop. Their approach isn’t just about teaching marketing; it’s about equipping entrepreneurs with the systems and strategies they need to take back control and build a business that works for them.

Fixing the System: The Market Like A CMO Workshop

Most small business owners approach marketing the same way they approach many other tasks: they outsource it, hoping someone else will solve the problem. The issue isn’t outsourcing itself—it’s the lack of a system behind it. Without clear processes and ownership, marketing becomes reactive and chaotic.

Hurley and Evans designed the Market Like A CMO workshop to solve this issue at its core. Over eight weeks, participants learn not only how to manage their marketing but also how to build systems that make it scalable and sustainable. The workshop covers everything from setting up websites and managing customer relationships to crafting strategies that deliver real results—all while ensuring that every element is something the business can own and operate independently.

The System for Sustainable Success

A business that relies entirely on external agencies for marketing is like a house built on sand. It may look good on the surface, but it lacks the foundation needed to weather challenges. Hurley and Evans approach marketing as a system—a series of interconnected processes designed to adapt, grow, and thrive under the owner’s control.

One key element of their system is the integration of neuroscience principles into marketing strategies. The workshop teaches participants how to tap into flow, a state of deep focus and creativity that research shows can increase productivity by up to 500 percent. By combining proven marketing tactics with tools for optimizing energy and focus, Hurley and Evans empower business owners to work smarter, not harder.

Systems in Action: A Real Success Story

Consider the story of a 30-year-old retailer struggling to survive during the pandemic. With no online presence and a rapidly dwindling customer base, the business faced an uncertain future. Hurley and Evans stepped in—not with quick fixes, but with a system. They helped the business develop a marketing strategy it could own, implement, and sustain.

The results were transformative. The business saw a 55 percent increase in leads and a 51 percent rise in revenue. More importantly, the owner gained the confidence and tools to make informed decisions without waiting on an external agency. This is what Hurley and Evans aim to achieve with every participant in their workshop.

Building a Business That Works for You

The Market Like A CMO workshop is built on the idea that marketing is just one part of a larger system. It’s not about running campaigns in isolation; it’s about creating processes that connect marketing with the broader goals of the business. From time-blocking techniques that enhance focus to recovery practices that prevent burnout, every element of the workshop is designed to support sustainable growth.

Participants leave the program with more than strategies—they leave with a system. They understand how to manage their marketing assets, optimize their workflows, and create balance in their work and life. They walk away with clarity, control, and the ability to lead their business with purpose.

Taking the First Step Toward Control

Courtney Hurley and Kelly Evans believe that small business owners deserve more than quick fixes and empty promises. They deserve systems that work. The Market Like A CMO workshop provides the roadmap for building those systems, giving entrepreneurs the tools to grow their businesses while staying true to their vision.

If you’re ready to create a marketing system that works for you, not against you, it’s time to take the first step. Visit their workshop page to learn more about how you can take control, scale your business, and finally build a foundation for long-term success.

Because a business without systems isn’t a business—it’s a struggle. And Hurley and Evans are here to help you turn that struggle into something extraordinary. Visit their workshop page to get started.