Category: Solo Episodes

  • Episode 36 – 5 Ways Marketing Changed in 2025 – #1 Be Careful About Rebranding

    If 2025 had a marketing zodiac sign, it would be the year of the rebrand

    In 2025, many brands like Apple TV and Microsoft made subtle changes that improved their image!

    But then there are brands like the Philadelphia Museum of Art that learned the hard way that if you don’t engage your community, you might end up worse than you were before!

    This is part 1 of a 5 part series I’m doing this week!

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  • Episode 35 – Why I am Worried and Not Worried about AI in Marketing

    Brought to you by AI Sean. Beep Boop (not really).

    AI can’t do it all!

    Did you know an AI named Claudius was tasked with running a vending machine and failed spectacularly? From selling products at a loss to bizarre identity claims, this episode highlights the amusing (and concerning) limitations of AI.

    SOURCE: https://www.anthropic.com/research/project-vend-1

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  • Episode 33 – Marketing Research’s Dynamic Duo – Qual and Quant!

    And the award for best marketing analogy goes to… Episode 33!

    Ever thought about how superheroes could relate to research?

    Superman and Batman represent the two distinct styles of insights research!

    While Superman can embody quantitative analysis with his broad strokes, Batman dives deep into a more qualitative understanding.

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  • Episode 31 – When to Leave Focus Groups to the Professionals

    Think you could handle focus group moderation?

    Have you ever wondered how emotions shape group discussions?

    Today we are diving into the unpredictable world of focus groups and how a professional moderator can guide the conversation!

    Don’t underestimate the power of skilled moderation, it’s the key to unlocking genuine insights!

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  • Episode 30 – Why a High Net Promoter Score Doesn’t Equal Success

    Would you consider coming back to The Marketing Gateway?

    Think a high NPS equals success? Think again!

    In this episode, we discuss the pitfalls of relying on NPS as a measure of customer loyalty.

    Key Insight: Context matters! Customers have different reasons for their recommendations.

    SOURCES:

    The One Number You Need to Grow: https://nashc.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/the-one-number-you-need-to-know.pdf

    Decomposing Brand Loyalty: An Examination of Loyalty Subcomponents, Product Price Range, Consumer Personality, and Willingness to Pay: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-328X/15/2/189

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  • Episode 28 – How Much are YOU Willing to Spend to Keep a Customer?

    Is it 10 cents or maybe 100 dollars?

    Ever lost a customer over just a few cents?

    Listen to my story from my McDonald’s days and learn how small mistakes can lead to big consequences in customer relationships.

    It’s a wake-up call for all businesses to prioritize customer satisfaction!

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  • Episode 27 – The Worst Customer Service Advice I EVER Heard!

    Expecting people to not buy something, makes them not want to buy something. Who knew?!

    Think customer service is just about making the sale? Think again!

    In this episode, we discuss a pivotal moment in my career that taught me how crucial service is for success.

    Picture sources (In order of appearance):

    Miniseries at https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/anonymous-person-paying-with-their-cell-phone-gm1447777322-485498281  

    Porta from https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/multi-ethnic-group-of-people-having-group-therapy-session-gm1372536439-441614679  

    https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2021-01-28/gamestop-gme-squeeze-should-i-invest-and-buy-shares-of-the-hot-stock  

    Springtime78 at https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/kleptomania-gm537906532-95583437  

    Rob Steinberg at https://paletteswap.site/different-colors/unsupervised-preteen-hogging-gamestop-demo-unit-a-force-not-to-be-reckoned-with/  

    https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/veterans-find-work-hiring-our-heroes-job-fairs-flna572988  

    Matic Grmek at https://www.istockphoto.com/video/picking-out-favorite-games-gm1464696547-497312751  

    If your picture was used and you don’t see credit, please let us know so we can add you to our list!

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  • Episode 26 – The Case for Brand Mascots

    They’re greeeeeeat! If you can design them well.

    Remember Flo from Progressive? She’s not just a face; she’s a marketing genius!

    In our latest podcast, we explore how mascots like Flo and the Aflac Duck have skyrocketed brand awareness and success.

    They’re fun, memorable, and can capture your audience’s attention like nothing else!

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  • Episode 25 – “WELCOME TO THE NEXT LEVEL” A Story About SEGA

    SEGA!

    Console wars: a battle of brands and strategies!

    The secret?

    Knowing your customer better than your competitor! Sega’s victory against Nintendo shows the power of understanding your audience!

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  • Episode 24 – The GSTIC Plan

    Measure twice, market once… or whatever the phrase is…

    Planning is everything!

    In this episode, we uncover how the G-STIC framework helps marketers avoid pitfalls by clearly defining goals, strategies, and tactics.

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