Small business owners are some of the most resourceful people you’ll meet. They know how to adapt, how to hustle, and how to build something meaningful. But even the most determined entrepreneurs can feel stuck when it comes to marketing. That’s because so many systems designed to “help” small businesses end up doing the opposite. Agencies lock clients into contracts, control their assets, and create a cycle of dependency that’s hard to escape.
Courtney Hurley and Kelly Evans knew there had to be a better way. With decades of marketing experience, they’ve seen firsthand how entrepreneurs get caught in this trap. So, they created Screws + Stilettos to offer an alternative—a path to marketing independence. Their Market Like A CMO workshop is more than a program; it’s a freedom formula that equips small business owners to take back control, scale on their terms, and thrive.
Why Freedom Matters in Marketing
For many entrepreneurs, the dream of starting a business is rooted in freedom: freedom to create, freedom to work on your terms, freedom to pursue what matters most. But when marketing becomes a bottleneck, that freedom feels out of reach. Agencies promise to handle everything for you, but they rarely deliver the autonomy you need. Instead, they lock you into a system where every decision depends on someone else’s timeline and expertise.
Hurley and Evans believe that true freedom in business comes from ownership. That’s why their workshop teaches business owners how to manage their marketing themselves, giving them the tools and confidence to run campaigns, optimize strategies, and adapt to changes without relying on an outside agency.
The Market Like A CMO Workshop: A Practical Path to Independence
The Market Like A CMO workshop isn’t about teaching you how to be a marketer—it’s about helping you run your business more effectively. Over eight weeks, participants learn everything from building websites to managing customer data to creating marketing strategies that actually work. The program is designed to be hands-on and actionable, so you can start seeing results right away.
But here’s what makes it truly unique: Hurley and Evans don’t stop at marketing. They incorporate neuroscience-backed techniques to help business owners optimize their energy, focus, and creativity. By teaching participants how to tap into “flow,” a state of deep concentration and productivity, they ensure that you’re not just working hard—you’re working smart.
The Intersection of Freedom and Focus
Freedom and focus might seem like opposites. After all, isn’t freedom about breaking free from constraints, while focus requires structure? Hurley and Evans show that the two go hand in hand. When you have the right systems in place, you create the space to focus on what matters most. You’re not reacting to every problem or waiting for someone else to solve it—you’re proactively building the business you envisioned.
Through the workshop, participants learn simple, practical ways to reclaim their focus. Techniques like single-tasking, time blocking, and reducing distractions aren’t just productivity hacks; they’re tools for achieving real clarity. And when you combine focus with the freedom to act, the results are transformative.
Real Results for Real Entrepreneurs
One of the most inspiring aspects of Hurley and Evans’ work is their ability to turn theory into practice. Consider the story of a 30-year-old retailer struggling to survive during the pandemic. With no online presence and no clear marketing strategy, the business faced an uncertain future. Hurley and Evans stepped in with a plan that the retailer could execute independently.
The results? A 55% increase in leads and a 51% rise in revenue. But the real victory wasn’t just in the numbers—it was in the business owner’s newfound confidence and capability. They could finally see a path forward, one that didn’t depend on waiting for outside approval or direction.
Designing a Business That Works for You
At its core, the Market Like A CMO workshop is about helping small business owners design businesses that work for them, not the other way around. By teaching marketing independence and sustainable productivity, Hurley and Evans provide a roadmap for building something that aligns with your values, your goals, and your life.
Your Next Step Toward Freedom
If you’re tired of feeling stuck in the agency trap, the Market Like A CMO workshop offers a way out. It’s not just about learning skills—it’s about reclaiming your business, your time, and your energy. Visit their workshop page to learn how you can take the first step toward marketing independence and build a business that thrives on your terms.
Because in the end, the best businesses aren’t just successful—they’re built to set you free. Visit their workshop page to get started.
