We just got an email, we just got an email, we just got an email! It is a marketing message.
Is email marketing becoming obsolete?
Join us as we uncover the harsh truth about email engagement in today’s digital world!
From spam filters to inbox blindness, it’s clear that we need to adapt!
This is part 4 of my 5 part series!
(more…)AI Sean makes his return!
Feeling overwhelmed by AI hype?
In today’s episode, we unpack the reality of AI’s impact on marketing and introduce the idea of Authentic Humanity. Authenticity is key in building trust with customers.
AI can be a tool, but it’s not replacing the human touch anytime soon!
This is part 3 of my 5 part series this week!
SOURCES: https://aimagazine.com/news/mit-why-95-of-enterprise-ai-investments-fail-to-deliver
(more…)“Failure is the opportunity to begin again more intelligently” (Henry Ford)
In today’s episode, we dive into how major brands like Disney, Southwest Airlines, and Target strayed from their core values and faced the fallout.
The lesson? Staying true to your brand matters more than short-term gains!
This is part 2 of my 5 part series this week!
SOURCES: https://metro.co.uk/2025/12/20/airline-starts-charging-double-plus-size-passengers-25651583/ https://www.cnbc.com/2025/03/04/target-outlines-plans-to-grow-sales-by-15-billion-by-2030.html https://www.forbes.com/sites/pamdanziger/2025/12/15/target-withstood-dei-boycotts-to-show-signs-of-reputation-recovery/
(more…)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!
(more…)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
(more…)Very special guests indeed!
Today, I’m speaking with the 2 people that help keep this show going, Trish Mertens and Holly Wooten!
Trish is in charge of scheduling for the podcast, but she is also our interview coordinator on the RPG side. Holly is the in charge of production, but also does data analysis on the RPG side.
I enjoyed getting to have a casual chat with them, while getting to introduce them to our audience, and I look forward to getting to record our 2nd part!
(more…)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.
(more…)Here is part 2 to my interview with Ed Lahue!
What’s it like being in marketing and talking to scientists?
Find out today in part 2 of my interview with Ed Lahue!
Ed’s plug: https://sbdc.missouri.edu/
Ed Lahue, MBA is an Innovation Consultant in St. Louis. Ed helps technology start-ups and established businesses expand their innovation efforts through supporting various universities and SBDC centers. He counsels and teaches new business modeling, market research and other startup curriculum.
With 40 years of experience, Ed has an extensive background in innovation, strategic marketing and branding. His industry experience includes consumer products, healthcare and various industrial sectors. He is a retired innovation & technology counselor with the University of Missouri Extension/Missouri SBDC and holds an MBA in Marketing and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration/Marketing from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville.
(more…)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!
(more…)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
(more…)