TMI with Kevin Ryan

Join digital marketing expert Kevin M. Ryan as he tackles the most complex issues of the day. He'll get to the bottom of it with help from other marketing digital experts, celebrity guests, and the voices in his own head. You loved reading his stuff in AdAge, iMedia, Marketing Land, Media Post and the odd placement in places like Forbes and for some reason Popular Mechanics. You remembered him from that time he spoke at that conference and thought, “Did he just say that?” Now, embrace him in his own forum, TMI with Kevin Ryan.

Rebranding Socialism as Conscious Capitalism 12/10/2020

Rebranding Socialism as Conscious Capitalism Joseph Jaffe has written five best-selling books and thousands of columns, along with launching the CoronaTV show during the pandemic. He and Kevin talk about reconciling our current state to look at the opportunities with wonder and awe, how a social contract would help the way we talk to each other online, and the deep need to reclaim social media and make it less political. Joseph also talks about conscious capitalism and how we can make money but still help each other, and why he believes we all need political couples therapy. Takeaways: [4:25] CoronaTV is a thoughtful and insightful show, not a call! [6:18] The global pandemic has many downsides and it is a life-changing event, but there is some good in it. For Joseph, it was developing CoronaTV where he has deep conversations with thought leaders and entertaining friends, and he is finding that he wouldn’t have time to dig in as deep if we weren’t home in quarantine. [9:12] It’s not that Joseph and Kevin feel bad for people still getting that corporate paycheck, but for those that have been laid off, it is almost like they have been given the gift of a reset. Joseph hopes that after all we have been through over the past couple of months, we won’t go back to our old bad ways and habits. [10:48] We can still be a capitalist society and make money, but we can be conscious about it and not at the expense of human beings. This is what Joseph calls “Conscious Capitalism.” [13:38] The biggest challenge we have now in marketing is apathy. [21:19] Kevin and Joseph discuss how social media and Twitter has become more of a broadcasting platform than a space for people to thoughtfully share balanced and nuanced information. Our algorithms are keeping us isolated and taking away the ability to think critically or see the other side of the argument. [33:22] For the “blue checks” on social media, there must be accountability in what you say and how you say it. Being verified on a social media site doesn’t necessarily mean you are worthy of having a platform to spread your message out into the world without any questioning or counterbalance of thought. [40:20] Joseph discusses the idea of a “Supreme Court of Truth” social contract where we are open to hearing the perspective of others, believe there is truth in their statement, and open to compromise. [47”07] We need to reclaim social media and not have everything so politicized. Quotes: “Sometimes you gotta be pushed. We might not have the fortitude or the stomach to see the change in our lives, if not for these life-changing moments.” “They say hindsight is 2020, except in 2020 when you don’t need hindsight to realize it sucks.” Mentioned in This Episode: /episode/index/show/tmikmr/id/17140475

At The Frontlines of Changing The Way We Communicate, Market, and Consume with Dan Granger 12/03/2020

At The Frontlines of Changing The Way We Communicate, Market, and Consume with Dan Granger Dan Granger is the CEO of Oxford Road, a Los Angeles-based ad agency that provides innovative and groundbreaking marketing campaigns for some of the best-known brands out there now including Hulu and DollarShaveClub. Dan joins the show to talk about creating real change in the way we communicate, how brands can navigate a divided marketplace, and how we can start to reward content creators and supporters for a more even and factual discourse. Dan also speaks about The Media Roundtable, and how people can get involved. Takeaways: [1:55] Dan discusses how LA traffic ended up being the inspiration for him to work in both FM and AM radio, and then eventually land in podcasting. In the podcasting sphere, he saw the potential to unlock a greater opportunity for different content and advertising possibilities than ever before. [3:43] Dan talks about launching an ad agency that specialized in podcasts, and soon he was placing ads in heavy-hitting shows such as and . [5:19] Dan worked with companies that were early advertisers in the podcast space. He saw how they were able to be innovative and disruptive with their approach and dig even deeper into helping listeners get to know their brand story. [7:30] As the world becomes more and more divided with our political beliefs and us-vs.-them mentality, it is tougher for marketers and brands to navigate how and where to reach their audience. [14:28] Dan’s mission is to create opportunities for media and marketers to be rewarded for bringing people together, rather than only benefitting when we are engaged in canceling and arguing with one another. With how strong the Twitter lynch mob mentality is now along with media bias and corporate influence, we have a long way to go. [19:27] Outrage industrial complex is a strategy that wants to keep us divided with the belief that you can make more money when people are outraged and pitted against each other. [20:00] The purpose of the Media Roundtable is to put a higher premium on words that advance ideas and bring people together to solve those programs. They have members of the media, creators, and brands that are interested, sign a pledge to use their talent and platform to unite rather than divide. [30:45] The Media Roundtable provides a place for thought leaders and marketers to broaden the discussion of how we can have a civil discourse and less a polarizing, monosyllabic, biased one. [48:18] It may be a challenge, but we first could have to make it in Facebook and other corporations' interest to create a financial model where people are rewarded for balanced, fair, and nuanced conversations. Quotes: “The very nature of the podcast listener is looking for different things. They are not afraid to be at the tip of the spear of a new way of doing something.” “News is better served when it’s even-handed.” “We gotta deal with each other, and we gotta keep dealing with each other.” “There is a market for the longer, nuanced conversation, we just have to do work and be patient that it will work out and pay off over time.” Mentioned in This Episode: /episode/index/show/tmikmr/id/17048447

Keeping the Team Dynamic and Culture in a New Remote Landscape with Adam Kleinberg 11/25/2020

Keeping the Team Dynamic and Culture in a New Remote Landscape with Adam Kleinberg This week, I welcome Adam Kleinberg, CEO and Co-Founder of Traction. We discuss the way culture is changing dramatically as a result of employees having the ability to work remotely, and how we can thrive in a remote environment without affecting the work or the team dynamic. Adam talks about Traction’s remote working policy, how they provide everyone with the tools to do their job professionally, and why you will want to make sure the Zoom camera is on when it’s required. Takeaways: [3:33] Adam talks about Traction’s transition of pivoting from being an agency into a brand experience consultancy, designed to support and turbocharge in-house teams. [6:13] Adam’s team makes sure everyone has their basic tools to do the job, whether it’s an office desk, computer monitor, or even phone setup. [9:46] They have also implemented a little of the budget for wellness, and put an emphasis on the work/life balance. [11:10] It is more important than ever to hire people not just for their skills, but if they really show up to be present, and be an integral and helpful member of the team. [12:48] Traction makes sure they let employees know that some meetings require a “camera-on” policy. [16:37] Adam sees a future where some people will choose to continue working remotely, while others will opt to be back in an office. It is up to the CEO and team visionaries to make both possible and functional. [20:49] The future may see more adjustments for salary based on the market in which an employee lives. [29:06] Yes, it’s true. Adam really was blogging back in the 1990s, before it was cool. [30:53] Adam discusses people moving out of the Bay Area and to other locations to be with their family, since it’s not required for the industry in the current moment. Quotes: “We have it in the handbook — don’t be a jerk.” — Adam “Part of building a great company is finding people who align with some sort of cultural ethos.” — Adam “We have to stop thinking about counting impressions and figure out how to make them.” — Adam “Good talent can live anywhere.” — Adam Mentioned in This Episode: /episode/index/show/tmikmr/id/16952501

Integrating Smart Data with Andreas Cohen 10/08/2020

Integrating Smart Data with Andreas Cohen Andreas Cohen is the Tribal Leader of the Smart Data Marketing Elite and founder of I-COM. He joins the show from Spain this week to explain why understanding Smart Data is important for businesses to stay competitive and make sure their message to the customer is consistent and effective. He also discusses the results from the Hackathon, the benefit of organizations that combine behavior with data science, and how he has been adapting and innovating due to the recent shift in networking and professional gatherings in person. Takeaways: The ways in which we defined and categorized data in a company as marketers have changed. While at first, it was about more than just a digital transformation, group leaders soon saw the importance of how data can be the catalyst to transform the business as a whole, and other departments than marketing. Andreas refers to Smart Data Marketing as the art of creatively leveraging value from Data to create competitive advantage in products, user experience, and promotion. I-COM is a Global Sector Association helping its members to achieve competitive advantage in Smart Data Marketing. At I-COM, their Data Science Hackathon broadened the scope of participants, helping them understand marketing and product development in an even broader sense. While we need hyperspecialists, our Chief Data or Digital Officers also will be the ones defining the standards for the organization and overseeing each unit and vendor. Data scientists are trained very skillfully in finding patterns and extracting value from the information they gather. I-COM has meetups where they gather and discuss the industry and obviously that has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. While online chats are great for now, they don’t replace the benefits of the connection that comes with talking to someone offline. We see more companies hiring people in the marketing sciences. Quotes: “For us, it’s about scaling what we are doing selectively.” “Maintaining the integrity of the community is priority number one.” “We are seeing companies get back after the shock and awe of the pandemic.” Mentioned in This Episode: /episode/index/show/tmikmr/id/16322774

Integrating the Spreadsheet and the Story with Rishad Tobaccowala 09/23/2020

Integrating the Spreadsheet and the Story with Rishad Tobaccowala Rishad Tobaccowala is an author, speaker, and advisor, named by Time Magazine as one of five “Marketing Innovators.” He joins the show this week to talk about his new book, Restoring the Soul of Business, and how we can transform personally and professionally in this new era of “The Great Re-invention.” Rishad and I also discuss why tech is nothing without talent, how leadership can create an environment for their talent to speak up, and why it’s best to ditch the PowerPoint every now and then at your meetings. Takeaways: [2:48] Rishad wrote his book, Restoring the Soul of Business, after traveling around the world and witnessing how leaders and managers were torn between how important data and tech actually was, and then struggling to understand what that data even meant for their own company. He saw that the companies that integrated data with their story did much better than ones that were solely data-driven. The book is organized into twelve chapters that you can read straight or skip around and it gives the reader much to work with in terms of leadership with a soul. [11:16] As a leader, it is your responsibility to help your people speak up in a safe environment. One example is senior managers asking their team after a meeting why their current course of action possibly may not work, or to encourage hypotheticals of what may go wrong. [22:53] In this time of the Great Re-Invention with COVID-19 and beyond, it is essential that professionals improve their skills and see themselves as a brand. [40:01] Great managers and leaders listen for what’s not being said. As more companies work from home, having smaller breakout meetings face to face (or Zoom to Zoom for now) can help build culture and actually use time wisely. Quotes: “Data is like electricity, you cannot today compete without it.” — R “Yes, leaders do matter, but one of the smartest things leaders do is surround themselves with world-class talent.” — R “The future of your career is up to you. It’s not up to someone in talent management or HR.” — R “We shouldn’t confuse activity with accomplishment.” — Kevin Mentioned in This Episode: | /episode/index/show/tmikmr/id/16133417

The Pathology of Ghosting with David Berkowitz 08/19/2020

The Pathology of Ghosting with David Berkowitz David Berkowitz is my long time friend, colleague, founder of Serial Marketer, and an all-around good guy that will never ghost you. In fact, David feels as though it’s important to write back to everyone — even if it’s just a brief reply. This week he joins me for a conversation on why people ghost, what to do about it, and why you don’t want to be a victim of ghosting karma. We also talk about our definition of being an agent of change, and how that doesn’t always align with what the company is trying to get out of its interview candidates. Takeaways: Not only does David share a name with one of the most well known serial killers ever, aka the Son of Sam, but he used it to his advantage and Serial Marketer now takes the reins in Google search results when you type in his name. During the pandemic, it’s even harder to tell who is really “ghosting” you and who is just dealing with personal issues. It’s best to first not try and take it personally, and come from the perspective that maybe someone is dealing with some hardships. If you are sure you are being ghosted, it’s a likely sign that you dodged a bullet anyway. It may be a blessing in disguise to have someone not answer when they aren’t capable of having hard or uncomfortable conversations. It’s hard when friends ghost, but just downright unprofessional for roles such as recruiters or hiring managers to do it. It’s best not to ghost people even from the perspective that communicating back with them, even brief but respectfully, can lead to something good for you. The industry is enormous, but small enough that if you ghost, chances are you will see them in person at some point. Instead of ending phrases that close the door such as “hope you are well,” asking someone how they are doing in a 1:1 email will most likely yield better results. Even if the message or promotion isn’t a fit for him, David will still take the time to write back to the sender. You must draw boundaries when it comes to interviewing for a position and giving away full business and marketing plans. If they are looking for a consultant, be sure to get hired before you do all the work for free. Quotes: “It’s sobering right now. A little bit of empathy does go far.” — D “The more opportunities I create for others, then that’s more fun. It just gives people that chance to get out there.” — D “When you put a whole bunch of good stuff out there, it comes back to you.” — K Mentioned in This Episode: /episode/index/show/tmikmr/id/15680663

How The Facebook Ad Boycott Is Affecting The Industry with Mike Kujanek 08/13/2020

How The Facebook Ad Boycott Is Affecting The Industry with Mike Kujanek Mike Kujanek is the Founder & CEO at Magnitude Digital, an award-winning full-service digital marketing agency based in New York, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Tokyo. Mike joins the show to talk about how to best navigate the ever-changing world when it comes to digital advertising and social media platforms. Mike and I talk about the Stop Hate for Profit campaign and how big brands pulling out of Facebook ads may affect the entire industry. We also discuss the need to diversify advertising strategies and how we can both participate in social justice and advocacy without taking away necessary revenue. Takeaways: Facebook has been criticized for sharing and monetizing misinformation. In June of 2020, a group of civil rights organizations including the Anti-Defamation League called on businesses to “hit pause on hate” and not advertise in July. Some of the larger advertisers may pull their advertising off Facebook indefinitely until the site is more aggressive against hate speech. The larger brands may be able to not use Facebook, but they have much more support than most small-to-mid-sized companies. Some companies cannot afford to get off Facebook, as they rely on it as one of their main revenue streams. We are in a duopoly where many advertisers are dependent upon the big two: Google and Facebook for their revenue and brand recognition. Brands must learn to not be so beholden on Facebook and treat it as a great communication device, but not the only source of connecting with their customer. It may seem like things are slow and will never pick back up, but this time is just a test of leadership. Keep your will and your drive high, and we will get through this! Quotes: “The world might be coming unglued, but you have to keep commerce and business moving.” “Brands have to be smarter about advanced analytics.” “People who have been pulling themselves up by the bootstraps over the course of time might not have an easier journey, but we are more equipped to handle this adversity.” Mentioned in This Episode: /episode/index/show/tmikmr/id/15604598

Embracing Digital Marketing and What We Can Learn from Comic Book Stores with Jeff Ferguson 07/02/2020

Embracing Digital Marketing and What We Can Learn from Comic Book Stores with Jeff Ferguson Jeff Ferguson joins the show to talk about how brands are stepping up to reengineer their digital involvement to rise and meet the needs of our current climate. Jeff has been on the scene since the early days of digital as a writer for the trades, speaker, and leader in agency, publishing, and the client-side. Jeff and Kevin discuss the role of entrepreneurs to problem-solve and give hope to the industry, adding the notion that we may even take some of these practices with us after the pandemic is over. Then, Jeff and Kevin give examples of the good, bad, and ugly of media responses from different companies about the pandemic, and even slip into a fun role-playing segment of the show! Takeaways: While a few comic book stores and record shops remain closed in all ways, Jeff noticed that there were some that adopted creative strategies to both move inventory and stay connected with their fan base. Some of the new advertising practices we develop in the pandemic will stick with us in the future and become new ways to engage with customers in a positive way (a fancy term for making money). Jeff predicts a shift where both smaller and bigger businesses will realize that including a digital portion of their brand or services will get them that direct-to-consumer sales channel. Also, traditional media channels are seeing the way digital can rewrite, recut, and reimagine their advertising instead of shutting it all down, and they may follow suit in this way as well. Things are going to be different, but it’s not going to be that bad, despite what some advertising reports may tell you. Indulgent posts from CEO’s and grandstanding with a sales message both don’t help. What does help is honest and transparent communication and true care for the brands’ customers and their community. Quotes: “There will be enduring things that we have learned that will stick with us.” Entrepreneurialism has always been about solving problems.” “You have to be able to transform and do whatever you need to do.” Mentioned in This Episode: Geeky Quote from Matt Damon Mars Movie /episode/index/show/tmikmr/id/15060848

Honesty Will Have a Come Back, But Not For the Reasons You Think with Joey Dumont 06/26/2020

Honesty Will Have a Come Back, But Not For the Reasons You Think with Joey Dumont Joey Dumont is a leader in the digital space and known for work that encourages brands to be truthful and genuine with their customers. He joins the show to talk about his role as the Co-Founder and Partner Lead at True Thirty and Executive Producer of the documentary, The Naked Brand. Joey shares how we can take back communication and honesty in the advertising industry and describes a few examples of brands that do it right, and what we can learn from them. Joey was formerly the Partner/Managing Director at Questus, an award-winning digital ad agency. Takeaways: Joey has spent over 15 years in the Advertising space and was the Executive Producer of a documentary that came out in 2012 called The Naked Brand. The Naked Brand showed how corporates and iconic CEO’s had more success with their audience when they were honest and loyal, even about the challenges or not-so-great things surrounding the company. At True Thirty, LLC, Joey combines his advertising background with his colleague’s expertise in journalism and creative strategy. Together, they form a holistic unit that helps brands really know what people are saying about them, which sometimes can be quite shocking and unexpected. The immediate impact of what is being said on social media and how people are saying it is uncharted territory in a way we haven’t seen before. This conversation is a great reminder to use the pause button before we respond in heated arguments online. When we take a minute to check in with our emotions and understand where others may be coming from, our community can become just a little less divided. Not only is being honest the moral thing to do, but it’s also the best thing for your brand and employees. What’s playing out in social media is not always what is reflective of the discourse in real life. Quotes: “It’s not what we think, it’s what is happening about there.” (Joey on his work at True Thirty, LLC) “We have to start to control the contempt for one another. It’s just not going to work.” “Be dead honest about what you are doing, and then you have nothing to hide.” Mentioned in This Episode: IAB Op-Ed on Panic Buying /episode/index/show/tmikmr/id/14979014

Creating Civility and Opportunity with Rob Norman 06/09/2020

Creating Civility and Opportunity with Rob Norman The well-known and widely-respected Rob Norman joins the show this week. Before retiring, Rob served as GroupM’s North American CEO and global chief digital officer. In today’s episode, Rob and Kevin talk about creating a resume that highlights your superpowers, the need to be self-aware and civil to one another now more than ever, and how we can still try to maintain social relationships during this remote time. Takeaways: While many of us are lucky to have a job where we can work from home, we are missing out on getting a feel for what our coworkers and colleagues are up to via osmosis from walking and talking with them. Rob discusses the new form of division where people are forced back to work due to the nature of their work, or the nature of their domestic situation. We must be mindful of businesses that are dependent on large populations for their survival. The more we are self-aware and thoughtful of other people, the more we lessen the risk of harm for the entire population. While we are social creatures and need personal relationships in work and personal life to remain healthy, we can moderate how we engage in social activities to make them safer. Instead of viewing your resume as just one isolated job after another, think about what you can offer now that no one else has done. Yes, some people are close to you for clout, while some are your true friends. When you have a career like Rob where you are truly respected and endeared, they still stick around after retirement. While we may have seen large budget cuts at the start of the pandemic, Rob delineated that it is a response to the emergency, not a reason for us to panic that the industry has changed completely. Quotes: “Don’t think about your resume as a series of jobs, but try to deconstruct it to find a superpower that can arise from something you have done. “A lot of people have a relationship with your business card, and a lot of people have a relationship with you. Sometime’s it’s both.” Mentioned in This Episode: /episode/index/show/tmikmr/id/14757128

Breaking the Mold of Traditional Sales Conversations with Doug Weaver of Upstream 05/15/2020

Breaking the Mold of Traditional Sales Conversations with Doug Weaver of Upstream Doug Weaver is a legend in the world of sales strategy and digital sales leadership. He is also the Founder & CEO of Upstream Group, Inc. and uses his expertise to help others break the mold of traditional sales conversations and get the best results for both themselves and their potential clients. He joins the show to share some of the best practices in digital sales and survival skills during the pandemic. Doug also talks about what strategies work best to keep large virtual meetings interesting and engaging. Takeaways: ● Even though we are temporarily virtual, we can still make connections and help others feel seen and understood. During calls of upwards of 75–80 people, Doug personalizes it by calling people out by name and asking for their opinions while making a presentation. ● People can feel it immediately when you are just going through the motions and not invested in truly helping them. We can show empathy by doing our homework before, and knowing the business of our potential clients. ● While companies ease back into the new office structure, it is important to stay educated and hungry for information that keeps you essential to your industry and job. ● To stay on the edge of your game, you have to know more about your client than your competitor does and be open to knowledge that expands your skillset and helps others. ● We should think less about getting the business of our clients and more about if we actually deserve it. ● Our sales conversations can be a chance to help potential clients overcome a shortcoming in their business, and show that we truly deserve their loyalty. ● Keep learning and challenging yourself every day. Quotes: ● “Authenticity is the new professionalism.” ● “You have to run this not as an entertainer, but as a party host.” ● “We’ve got to understand the client’s business.” ● “Everyone focuses on getting the business, we don’t focus enough on deserving it.” Mentioned in This Episode: /episode/index/show/tmikmr/id/14430911

Digital Networking, CDX, and Audience Customization with Drew Ianni of CDX 05/06/2020

Digital Networking, CDX, and Audience Customization with Drew Ianni of CDX Drew Ianni, Founder, and Chairman of CDX, a conference series for senior digital executives, joins the show this week. Drew and Kevin discuss the merge into the Techonomy family and suggestions as to how we can best adjust to networking digitally for the time being. Drew also shares examples of speakers that connected to the audience and moved them with their words and messages, and also moments that didn’t go to plan, and the lessons learned. He also mentions what we can expect from the virtual conference in June, and ways to take advantage of the editorial content that will be released soon. Takeaways: What is happening now in the virtual conferencing space, and what we can expect in the future. What it was like for CDX to become part of the Techonomy family in this time of restructuring and reformatting how we connect and interact. Advice for conferences to get speakers and bring both actionable insights and connect with the audience. Why the CDX conference remains free to attend, and more about the editorial content that will soon be released. Ways that we can work through the setback of not being able to network face-to-face for the present moment, and best practices for digital networking. The success that conferences have when they get comfortable with being rejected from potential speakers, and continue to hustle and stay humble to book the best guests. Tips for speakers on customizing your speech according to the audience and city. Moments that the speakers and presentations at the CDX conference did not go as planned, and what lessons Drew took away from the experience. When you have respect for the people around you, your audience will get something relevant to them. Quotes: “If you are doing weekly one-on-ones, you have to cherry-pick and pick the best people out of your network.” “It’s a temporary thing you have to figure out. The conference business will be back, and for those in the conference business, can you make it on through to the other side?” Mentioned in This Episode: Martin Sorrell at CDX Conference Video /episode/index/show/tmikmr/id/14312342

Search Engine Marketing with Chris Boggs and the COV-Ad Pandemic 04/29/2020

Search Engine Marketing with Chris Boggs and the COV-Ad Pandemic Chris Boggs is a top-tier digital marketing consultant and one of the stewards in Search Engine Marketing. He joins the show this week to talk about what he has seen change the most over his many years of experience in SEO, PPC, social media, and web analytics, and where he sees the trends moving next. Chris and Kevin also discuss the state of SEMPO (Search Engine Marketing Professionals Organization) and how it spawned many of the digital marketing practices we still see today. Takeaways: ● Chris was a member of the Board of Directors for SEMPO, the Search Engine Marketing Professionals Organization, for 14 years. ● There was an infamous meeting in SEMPO’s history with some uproar and drama that they, fortunately, survived through. ● SEMPO has helped spark interest in executives at the C-Level to care about organic and paid search. ● SEMPO became a part of the Digital Analytics Association and Chris names a few of many of the benefits and support they get from DAA membership. ● Much like Kevin, Chris still communicates with people that he has known for over 14 years thanks to SEMPO and the digital marketing tribe. ● Chris’s intention with SEMPO is to slowly build up educational content and discuss and implement current best practices within the industry. ● Many of the pitch decks, common themes, and terms within the digital marketing world came from SEMPO. While it was the Wild West in that time (and still is to a certain extent) the effort set forth to have consistency and organization did make a big difference. ● Chris doesn’t use his SEMPO position for his own business but instead uses it as a place for unbiased research and to help others. ● We have to embrace AI, but to integrate with it our existing knowledge and experience. Quotes: ● “The goal is to continue to point people in the right place for networking and education.” ● “The role of a company is to put information out there that is not biased and not trying to serve a predetermined agenda is important.” ● “You have to have the experience to benefit from the value of the AI.” Mentioned in This Episode: /episode/index/show/tmikmr/id/14204483

The Do-Good Auto Coalition with CEO Diana Lee 04/24/2020

The Do-Good Auto Coalition with CEO Diana Lee Constellation Agency Cofounder and Do-Good Auto Coalition CEO Diana Lee joins the show today to share how she is helping the auto industry step up in a time of crisis and get food and supplies to the people and organizations that need it most. She shares how her experience from age 18 in the automotive industry gave her a thick skin and can-do attitude that helps her today, what the Do-Good Auto Coalition does in terms of outreach, what challenges they are currently facing, and what you can do to help. Takeaways: The Do-Good Auto Coalition comprises dealers who have volunteered to deliver prescription medicine, food, and other items to needy seniors and others in their communities. Most of the first dealers to sign up are located in and around New York City but the coalition will soon spread to other cities, such as Detroit and Chicago. Diana started selling cars at 18 and used her sales skills to put herself through college. Working in car sales shaped her as a person and gave her a deep understanding of the auto industry and ways that it can help provide resources for others. The Do-Good Auto Coalition focuses on uniting the community and making a meaningful change. The Coalition acts as the middleman between dealers, volunteers, food rescue services, and citizens. The Coalition just did one rescue that consisted of 13,000 lbs. of food and six cars. These types of big changes can happen when we are able to provide transportation for food rescue companies. The DGAC also helps drivers that need work and give a purpose to employees of dealers, automakers, and manufacturers that want to work but can’t. Social distancing is a privilege, and many people have to leave their homes to stand in line for food or other crucial resources. Brands that are aware of how they can help their community and take action will be the first in line to get commerce from loyal customers when business fully resumes. Quotes: “If we don’t actually rescue those foods they will all go to waste, and the pantries need them.” “One volunteer with one car can’t do what we need to do at this point.” “Social distancing is a privilege.” “If I, a healthy human being that’s got resources can’t order food, what happens to everybody else?” Mentioned in This Episode: Automotive News story: DGAC delivers 2,500 lbs of potatoes to a Manhattan food bank: /episode/index/show/tmikmr/id/14136350

Successful Brand Storytelling in the Current Climate 04/16/2020

Successful Brand Storytelling in the Current Climate Tricia Nichols is currently the Chief Marketing Officer at Independent Pet Partners and was Senior Vice President of Marketing at Estee Lauder along with leadership roles in a variety of different industries. Tricia joins the show to talk about how brands can use authentic storytelling to get their message across and bond with the consumer, what customer currency is and how we can gain it in marketing, and the new ways of operating that we can adapt to and thrive in this new way of operating. Takeaways: ● Storytelling is what drew Tricia to marketing and she appreciates that brands can share their story in a way that genuinely helps and moves others. ● Consumers are smarter than ever now and see through a lot of the old manipulative advertising techniques. Things that work in brand storytelling are more mindfulness and microstories. ● Brands must provide a compelling reason for their consumer to follow, trust, and engage with them. ● Consumer currency is a brand bonding metric and a blueprint to keep the consumer at the heart of the whole journey. ● We can build consumer currencies in many ways including providing expertise, filling the white space in that industry, making things easy and fun, and making their customers feel as though they are communicating with a friend. ● Brands must not just know the “how” of what they do, but also the “why.” ● What is most important now is keeping wellness at the forefront of how brands communicate with their consumers. ● It is important to know the difference between educating and providing value, and grandstanding and just speaking for the sake of being heard. ● We can adapt to the new world instead of throwing away everything we know. We will always be pivoting in business since consumers are constantly rewriting their lives. Quotes: ● “You are not just sold by the brand, you are sold by the benefit of what that product is.” ● “Wellness should be on everyone’s mind as number one, right now.” ● “If a brand could do anything, it should be asking how can I help and what do people need to know.” Mentioned in This Episode: /episode/index/show/tmikmr/id/14012951