Making a Marketer

In this episode, we're excited to welcome back the Brooke Sellas, CEO and founder of B Squared Media. Join us as we dive deep into the evolving landscape of marketing in the age of AI, exploring how it intersects with social media and customer experience.Brooke shares her invaluable insights on the importance of maintaining a human connection amidst the rise of automation. She discusses how AI can be a powerful tool for analysis and efficiency behind the scenes, but emphasizes that it should never replace the genuine relationships brands build with their customers. The conversation also touches on the pitfalls marketers face when over-automating and the necessity of keeping the human touch alive in customer interactions.Listeners will gain practical strategies for leveraging AI without sacrificing the authenticity that drives customer loyalty and trust. Brooke’s unique perspective as both a thought leader and educator provides a fresh take on navigating the complexities of modern marketing.Key takeaways...- Balance is Key: Utilize AI for data analysis and insights but ensure that human interaction remains at the forefront of customer relationships.- Guardrails Matter: Set clear parameters when using AI tools to prevent outputs that don't align with your brand voice.- Focus on Experience: Prioritize customer experience over sheer automation to foster genuine connections and loyalty.- Engage Authentically: Encourage meaningful conversations on social media rather than just focusing on content creation.Join us for this enlightening discussion filled with practical tips and thought-provoking insights as we explore the future of marketing in a tech-driven world.Our guest...Brooke Sellas is a leading expert in social media marketing and customer care. As the founder of B Squared Media, she has dedicated over 15 years to pioneering innovative strategies that prioritize authentic customer engagement. A sought-after speaker and educator, Brooke also teaches social media studies at New York University and other prestigious institutions, sharing her knowledge and passion for building meaningful connections in the digital age.~._.*._.~Making a Marketer is brought to you by Powers of Marketing - providing exceptional podcast experiences & online and in-person events since 2013. Check out episode 191, and if our show moves you, please share it and let us know your thoughts!Take our LISTENER Community Survey!!! HERE** Our editor Avri makes amazing music! Check out his music on Spotify! **

In this final episode of Season 8(!), we welcome back the incredible Kelly Noble Mirabella, a digital marketing expert renowned for her expertise in AI chat marketing. With over a decade of experience, Kelly shares her insights on the evolution of chatbots and the unique art of chatbot copywriting, emphasizing the importance of creating conversational and engaging interactions.She has the ALL-TIME most downloads of this podcast with her first episode with us about chat marketing (by A LOT). She shares a little secret on this one... back in 2018 (yes, that's how long ago it was and it's still crushing it!), chatbots were not actually AI. But they sure are now!Learn About...- The Evolution of Chat Marketing: Kelly reflects on the journey from traditional chatbots to AI-driven conversational agents, highlighting how advancements in technology have transformed customer interactions.- Crafting Unique Chatbot Copy: Discover the key differences between chatbot copywriting and traditional copywriting, and learn how to create a conversational tone that resonates with users.- Understanding Customer Psychology: Kelly discusses the significance of knowing your audience and tailoring chatbot conversations to meet their needs, enhancing the overall customer experience.- The Role of Humor in Chatbots: Explore how incorporating wit and humor can elevate chatbot interactions, making them more memorable and enjoyable for users.- The Future of AI in Marketing: Kelly shares her excitement about emerging technologies in AI, including voice replication and image analysis, and how these innovations will shape the future of chatbot experiences.Prior shows:Episode 23 – AI Chatbots – Conversation as a Marketing Tool – all-time most downloaded episode! By a lot.Episode 82 - How to Succeed with Chat MarketingOur Guest...Kelly Noble Mirabella, a seasoned digital marketing expert with over a decade of experience, is the driving force behind Stellar Media Marketing. Renowned for her expertise in AI chat marketing, Kelly excels at crafting content and digital marketing strategies. She co-authored "Digital Etiquette for Dummies" and collaborates with high-profile brands like Ecamm, AgoraPulse, ManyChat, and OutBoundEngine on various projects. Stellar Media Marketing offers content and social media marketing, AI chat automations, and consulting services tailored to meet client needs, helping them achieve clarity and success in their marketing endeavors.~._.*._.~Making a Marketer is brought to you by Powers of Marketing - providing exceptional podcast experiences & online and in-person events since 2013. Check out episode 177, and if our show moves you, please share it and let us know your thoughts!Take our LISTENER Community Survey!!! HERE** Our editor Avri makes amazing music! Check out his music on Spotify ! **

In this milestone episode 175 of Making a Marketer, we are thrilled to (finally) welcome Tony Christensen, co-founder of Brick Social, to discuss the evolving landscape of digital advertising. Join us as we explore the intriguing concept of "ugly ads" and why they can outperform polished campaigns in today's market.Scrappy? Solo creator? It is a WHOLE new world out there and you can get creative on ads AND organic - so many amazing tips unlocked on this one with Tony.Learn About...- The Shift in Ad Targeting: Tony shares insights on the transition from traditional interest-based targeting to a broader, creative-driven approach, emphasizing the importance of engaging content that really resonates with audiences.- The Power of Creative Variety: Discover how incorporating a diverse range of ad formats— from polished videos to organic-looking posts— can unlock greater success in ad campaigns.- The Role of AI in Marketing: Learn how AI tools can streamline the ad creation process by analyzing customer data and generating effective ad concepts, making it easier for marketers to stay ahead.- Balancing Brand Consistency and Experimentation: Tony discusses strategies for maintaining brand identity while embracing the need for variety and experimentation in ad creative.- Lessons from the Trenches: Reflecting on his experiences, Tony emphasizes the importance of standing firm on marketing strategies that work, even when faced with pushback from clients.Our Guest...Tony Christensen is a digital marketing expert and co-founder of Brick Social, an agency known for crafting high-impact ad campaigns that have generated hundreds of millions in sales for brands willing to break the mold. With a focus on creative innovation and data-driven strategies, Tony empowers businesses to enhance their marketing efforts and achieve remarkable results. Connect with Tony on social media at @tonydoesads and explore his work at Brick Social.~._.*._.~Making a Marketer is brought to you by Powers of Marketing - providing exceptional podcast experiences & online and in-person events since 2013. Check out episode 175, and if our show moves you, please share it and let us know your thoughts!Take our LISTENER Community Survey!!! HERE** Our editor Avri makes amazing music! Check out his music on Spotify ! **

In this episode, we are delighted to welcome back Christina Garnett, a fractional chief customer officer and CX strategist, who shares her insights on the evolving landscape of marketing and customer experience. With her extensive background in community-building and emotional intelligence, Christina discusses the importance of authenticity in a world increasingly influenced by AI and automation.Learn About...- The Human Connection in Marketing: Discover how the push for authenticity and emotional intelligence is becoming more vital as brands navigate the complexities of AI and technology.- Building Community: Christina emphasizes the significance of fostering genuine connections within teams and with customers, highlighting how these relationships can drive loyalty and enhance the overall customer experience.- The Role of Emotional Metrics: Explore why shifting focus from traditional quantitative metrics to emotional engagement metrics can lead to deeper insights and better customer relationships.- Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Christina shares her personal journey of writing her upcoming book, revealing how community support played a crucial role in overcoming self-doubt.- Strategies for Mid-Career Marketers: Learn actionable tips on how to gain buy-in for innovative strategies by aligning your ideas with the goals and values of your organization.Our Guest...Christina Garnett is a renowned fractional chief customer officer, CX strategist, and communications advisor who specializes in creating impactful customer experiences. With her upcoming book, "Transforming Customer Brand Relationships," set to release in September, Christina is dedicated to helping brands build meaningful connections through empathy and emotional intelligence.Check out her last episode with us - 71! HERE~._.*._.~Making a Marketer is brought to you by Powers of Marketing - providing exceptional podcast experiences & online and in-person events since 2013. Check out episode 173, and if our show moves you, please share it and let us know your thoughts!Take our LISTENER Community Survey!!! HERE** Our editor Avri makes amazing music! Check out his music on Spotify ! **

In this episode, we were pumped to welcome ConRoy Smith! An absolute multi-hyphenate, he's a multi-talented actor, musician, and veteran fitness coach who shared his inspiring journey from professional athlete to the entertainment industry. With an extensive background in rugby and coaching, ConRoy shares how the discipline and resilience he cultivated in sports have shaped his approach to his acting career and the personal branding around all of it.Learn About...- The Transition from Sports to Acting: Discover how ConRoy made the leap from professional rugby to pursuing his passion for storytelling through acting, and the pivotal moments that guided his journey.- Embracing Your Personal Brand: Understand the importance of recognizing yourself as a brand, and how to cultivate an authentic presence in the entertainment industry.- The Role of Discipline: ConRoy shares insights on maintaining consistency and discipline amidst the unpredictable nature of acting, and how his athletic background supports his creative endeavors.- The Power of Relationships: Learn how building genuine connections and being a good human can open doors and create opportunities in both acting and marketing (ourselves).- Creative Collaboration: Explore how ConRoy and his peers are taking charge of their careers by creating their own projects and fostering a supportive artistic community.Our Guest...ConRoy Smith is a working actor, musician, and veteran fitness coach based in San Diego/Los Angeles. A former professional rugby player and collegiate track athlete, he brings high-level discipline and presence to every role he plays whether that’s on camera, on stage, or leading a workout.With more than a decade of coaching experience, ConRoy knows what it means to show up for people and for himself. His background in sports and wellness gave him the foundation to pursue his passion for storytelling through acting. Known for being reliable, fun to work with, and consistent, ConRoy is intentional about building a creative career that inspires others to lean into their own version of excellence.~._.*._.~Making a Marketer is brought to you by Powers of Marketing - providing exceptional podcast experiences & online and in-person events since 2013. Check out episode 171, and if our show moves you, please share it and let us know your thoughts!Take our LISTENER Community Survey!!! HERE** Our editor Avri makes amazing music! Check out his music on Spotify ! **

In this episode, we are excited to welcome Susana Mendoza, a seasoned journalist and media contributor, to discuss effective strategies for reaching Spanish-speaking audiences. With over a decade of experience in major Spanish-language outlets, Susana shares her insights on navigating the complexities of the Hispanic media landscape and how brands can authentically connect with diverse Latino communities.Learn About...- The Hispanic Media Landscape: Get an overview of the current state of Hispanic media in the U.S., and understand the challenges and opportunities that exist for brands looking to engage this audience.- Cultural Nuances: Discover why treating the Hispanic market as a monolith can be detrimental, and how to tailor your messaging to resonate with specific communities based on their cultural backgrounds.- Building Relationships: Learn the importance of establishing genuine connections with local communities and grassroots organizations to foster trust and create impactful marketing campaigns.- Avoiding Performative Marketing: Understand how brands can engage with Hispanic audiences beyond just cultural heritage months by implementing year-round strategies that reflect a commitment to community support.- The Power of Authenticity: Susana emphasizes the significance of authenticity in marketing and how brands can avoid pitfalls by prioritizing community needs and cultural relevance in their messaging.Our Guest...Susana Mendoza is a journalist and media strategist with extensive experience reporting on technology, business, and culture for top Spanish-language outlets. Known for her ability to bridge the gap between brands and Latino communities, Susana is passionate about helping organizations craft culturally aware messaging that resonates with diverse audiences.~._.*._.~Making a Marketer is brought to you by Powers of Marketing - providing exceptional podcast experiences & online and in-person events since 2013. Check out episode 169, and if our show moves you, please share it and let us know your thoughts!Take our LISTENER Community Survey!!! HERE** Our editor Avri makes amazing music! Check out his music on Spotify! **

Re-release time! We are re-sharing some of our BEST shows that a.) New listeners just have to hear and b.) Long-time listeners can benefit from hearing again. This one with Dan is one of those."Feedback is a gift and as long as you’re willing to take it."--In this episode, we welcome the always insightful and delightful (and newly minted Certified Speaking Professional) Dan Gingiss, CSP, to discuss the powerful intersection of customer experience and marketing. Dan dives into how exceptional customer experiences can serve as the best marketing tool for businesses.Learn About...- The Essence of Customer Experience: Discover how customer experience encompasses every interaction a customer has with a brand, and why feelings play a crucial role in shaping perceptions.- Customer Service vs. Customer Experience: Understand the difference between customer service and customer experience, and how effective service can enhance overall brand loyalty.- The Impact of Social Media: Explore how social media has transformed customer feedback into a powerful voice, enabling customers to demand better experiences from brands.- Complaints as Opportunities: Learn why customer complaints should be viewed as valuable feedback and how addressing them can lead to improved services and stronger customer relationships.- The Importance of Communication: Gain insights into how brands can foster better communication strategies both internally and externally to ensure a seamless customer journey.Our Guest...Dan Gingiss is an international keynote speaker and customer experience expert who believes that a remarkable experience is your best competitive advantage. His 20-year professional career included leadership positions at McDonald’s, Discover and Humana. Dan is the author of two books, The Experience Maker and Winning at Social Customer Care, and he co-hosted the award-winning Experience This! podcast.~._.*._.~Making a Marketer is brought to you by Powers of Marketing - providing exceptional podcast experiences & online and in-person events since 2013. Check out episode 167, and if our show moves you, please share it and let us know your thoughts! Take our LISTENER Community Survey!!! HERE** Our editor Avri makes amazing music! Check out his music on Spotify! **