The MadMen Pod

Summary In this conversation, Sameer and Adeel discuss two provocative topics: the concept of authenticity in marketing and the shift from managerial mode to founder mode CEOs. They challenge the idea of authenticity in marketing, arguing that it is overrated and often used as a buzzword without clear meaning. They suggest that innovation, clarity, and adaptability are more important in marketing. They also discuss the importance of founder mode CEOs, who are deeply involved in the details and drive innovation, compared to managerial mode CEOs who focus on following processes. They highlight the need for companies to embrace founder mode to stay competitive and innovative. Keywords: authenticity, marketing, innovation, founder mode, managerial mode, CEOs Takeaways Sound Bites

Check out Jeff Mack on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreymack/ Summary In this conversation, Salim Gheewalla and Jeff Mack discuss the importance of creativity in marketing and how it can lead to sales revenue. They emphasize the need for marketers to find their unique selling proposition and differentiate themselves from competitors. They also highlight the significance of understanding the target audience and creating personalized messaging. The conversation touches on the limitations of traditional marketing funnels and the need to focus on both in-market buyers and cultivating a community of engaged prospects over time. The traditional marketing funnel is no longer effective in generating demand and influencing purchase decisions. The days of pushing customers through a linear funnel are over. Instead, marketing now focuses on acquiring memories and building brand trust and credibility. This is especially important in the B2B space, where branding is becoming more similar to B2C. Marketing's job is to make sales easier, and this can be achieved by personalizing campaigns and showing customers how you can help them in a relevant and meaningful way. Communication and goal-setting are crucial for success in marketing. Keywords creativity, marketing, sales revenue, differentiation, target audience, personalized messaging, marketing funnels, marketing funnel, demand generation, branding, B2B, B2C, acquiring memories, brand trust, credibility, personalization, communication, goal-setting Takeaways Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage 03:01 The Power of Creativity in Marketing and Sales 06:31 Finding Your Unique Selling Proposition 10:44 Understanding the Target Audience and Personalized Messaging 13:34 Rethinking the Traditional Marketing Funnel 22:51 The Death of the Traditional Marketing Funnel 25:09 Acquiring Memories: The New Focus of Marketing 26:23 Branding in the B2B Space: Similarities to B2C 30:02 Making Sales Easier: Personalization and Customer Help 31:18 The Importance of Communication and Goal-Setting in Marketing

Summary The conversation covers various topics including the appeal of unsexy jobs, the rise and fall of trends, and the potential downfall of companies like Tesla and Netflix. The hosts discuss the need to rebrand and market unsexy jobs to make them more appealing to younger generations. They also highlight the importance of timing and cultural relevance in the success of trends. The conversation concludes with shoutouts to the beverage company Water Drop, the alternative retailer Canify, and the shoe line Sneaks by Sarah Blakely. Keywords: unsexy jobs, appeal, rebranding, marketing, trends, timing, cultural relevance, downfall, Tesla, Netflix, Water Drop, Canify, Sneaks Takeaways Sound Bites Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Discussion on Unsexy Jobs 10:14 The Rise and Fall of Trends 13:30 The Changing Job Landscape 21:39 Making Unsexy Jobs More Appealing 29:19 The Potential Downfall of Companies 36:23 Shoutouts to Water Drop, Canify, and Sneaks 40:28 Conclusion and Farewell

Summary In this conversation, the hosts discuss the idea of bridging established brands into new industries based on their brand ethos. They explore the concept of Apple building homes, Nike designing cars, and Gucci entering the gaming industry. Each idea is discussed in detail, including potential features, designs, and market positioning. The hosts highlight the potential for these brands to leverage their existing brand equity and customer loyalty to succeed in new industries. In this conversation, the hosts discuss potential brand extensions for well-known companies. They explore the idea of Gucci entering the gaming industry, Disney creating educational institutions, Tesla launching a clothing line, and Patagonia venturing into the food market. The hosts provide insights into each concept, discussing the potential benefits and challenges. They emphasize the importance of aligning brand values and maintaining differentiation in these new ventures. Keywords brand innovation, Apple homes, Nike cars, Gucci gaming, brand ethos, market positioning, brand extensions, Gucci, gaming industry, Disney, educational institutions, Tesla, clothing line, Patagonia, food market Takeaways Sound Bites Chapters 00:00 Bridging Brands: Apple Homes 09:41 Bridging Brands: Nike Cars 16:07 Bridging Brands: Gucci Gaming 17:01 Gucci: Luxury Gaming Gear and Experiences 20:37 Disney: Educational Institutions with Storytelling 27:36 Tesla: Futuristic and Sustainable Clothing Line 36:33 Patagonia: Ethically Sourced and Sustainable Food Products

Summary In this conversation, the hosts discuss various topics including the Olympics, trends in the marketing industry, and the challenges faced by small businesses. They also delve into the different compensation models used by ad agencies and the impact of Chinese manufacturers on the retail industry. The conversation highlights the importance of supporting small businesses and the need for a balance between performance-based and hourly billing in agency compensation. The conversation explores the future of small businesses and the potential impact of big companies and overseas competition. It also discusses the recent ruling that Google has an illegal monopoly on search and the potential consequences for the company. The hosts speculate on the possibility of Apple launching its own search engine and the implications for the advertising industry. They also touch on Apple's need for a new innovative project and shout out a friend's business. Keywords Olympics, trends, marketing industry, ad agencies, compensation models, small businesses, Chinese manufacturers, retail industry, small businesses, future, big companies, overseas competition, Google, illegal monopoly, search engine, Apple, advertising industry, innovative project, shout out Takeaways Sound Bites

This week's episodes double clicks on consumerism and introduce new products and or rebound trends that have large opportunities. We talk about:

Episode 53 ROS Baby Boomers: The Lost Generation We talk so much about TikTok, Gen Z, young audiences, cool hip trends. This week, we are going to flip the script a bit and talk about Baby Boomers, the lost generation. They don’t always get the love we give, and we tend to only spray ad champagne on brands who do a kickass job at winning young people. But let’s not underestimate old folks. Sameer - a deep dive into the profile of Baby Boomers, and some surprising facts about them that often get overlooked Adeel - 2 brand spotlights whose business relies on baby boomers and talk about how they market to them. (AARP & MyPillow) Salim - 2 brand spotlights who generally appeal to young people but surprisingly resonate with baby boomers (Honda Element & Facebook) Sameer - 1 brand spotlight that is built to last and resonate as we get older (Costco)

Summary In this conversation, Salim and Sameer discuss various topics including Kamala Harris's marketing campaign, brands' involvement in the Olympics, Southwest Airlines' seating policy change, and Google's decision to backtrack on removing third-party cookies. They highlight the success of Kamala Harris's campaign in resonating with Gen Z and the power of storytelling in political marketing. They also discuss the branding efforts of Figs and Sephora in relation to the Olympics. Additionally, they critique Nike's branding for the Olympics and Southwest Airlines' decision to remove open seating. Finally, they touch on Google's change in plans regarding third-party cookies. In this conversation, Sameer and Salim discuss three main themes: the elimination of cookies by Google, companies with hidden revenue streams, and the power of reactive marketing. They explore the implications of Google's decision to remove cookies and the impact it has on advertisers and privacy concerns. They also highlight examples of companies like McDonald's, Sony, and Costco that generate significant revenue from unexpected sources. Lastly, they discuss the effectiveness of reactive marketing through examples like Oreo's Super Bowl tweet, Coors Light's response to a baseball game incident, and California Pizza Kitchen's reaction to a TikTok video. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of adapting to changing trends, finding alternative revenue streams, and leveraging real-time marketing opportunities. Keywords Kamala Harris, marketing campaign, Olympics, branding, Southwest Airlines, open seating, Figs, Sephora, Nike, Google, third-party cookies, cookies, Google, privacy, advertising, revenue streams, reactive marketing Takeaways Chapters 00:00. Introduction and Discussion of Previous Interview 01:17 Kamala Harris's Marketing Campaign 09:02 Branding in the Olympics 16:14 Southwest Airlines' Seating Policy Change 20:24 Google's Backtrack on Removing Third-Party Cookies 21:44 The Impact of Google's Cookie Elimination 24:05 Companies with Hidden Revenue Streams 32:03 The Power of Reactive Marketing

Summary Emily, a small-town mom from Tennessee, has amassed over 500,000 followers on TikTok by being authentic and relatable. Despite her growing platform, she has chosen to maintain her day job for stability. She has had some of her content reposted by big platforms like ESPN and Barstool, but they don't pay her for it. Emily has also faced challenges being non-religious in a religious small town, but she has found a supportive community online. Her loyal following has defended her against online trolls. Despite her success, Emily remains humble and down-to-earth. In this conversation, Emily discusses the future of building a platform and staying relevant as a creator. She mentions the importance of being a trendsetter and finding unique ways to tell stories. Emily also shares her experience of starting on TikTok and the personal stories that resonated with her audience. She talks about overcoming the fear of judgment and embracing her true self on the platform. The conversation also touches on the idea of branching out into different content areas and the role of technical skills in creating captivating content. Emily expresses her love for her supportive following and the impact of TikTok on her small town community. She mentions the possibility of hiring a manager in the future and the importance of staying true to oneself while creating content. Keywords TikTok, small-town mom, authenticity, platform, reposted content, brand deals, TikTok Shop, stability, non-religious, online community, loyal following, challenges, online trolls, platform building, staying relevant, trendsetter, storytelling, personal stories, TikTok, overcoming fear, branching out, technical skills, supportive following, small town community, hiring a manager, staying true to oneself Takeaways Sound Bites Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Generosity 03:13 The Future of People with Platforms 06:25 Mindset When Starting to Post Content 09:44 Reposted Content and Lack of Payment 10:29 Being Recognized in Public 12:18 Building a Following Through Authenticity and Relatability 13:51 The Challenges of Being Non-Religious in a Religious Small Town 16:17 The Genius of Peanut Butter Cracker Sandwiches 18:41 Supportive Followers and Dealing with Trolls 20:32 Maintaining a Day Job for Stability 21:02 Reposted Content and the Lack of Payment 22:01 Success on TikTok Does Not Always Equal Financial Gain 22:38 Building a Platform: The Future and Staying Relevant 25:04 The Power of Personal Stories on TikTok 26:27 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Authenticity 28:17 Branching Out: Exploring Different Content Areas 30:27 The Role of Technical Skills in Creating Captivating Content 34:09 The Impact of TikTok on a Small Town Community 37:31 Considering Hiring a Manager for Content Management 45:03 Staying True to Oneself: The Key to Success

Summary In this conversation, the hosts address the recent events and discuss the marketing and branding implications. They also reflect on their 50th episode and share their favorite memories. They then review their past predictions and discuss the success of Meta's Threads, the growth of Disney, and the decline of Nike. In this conversation, the hosts discuss various brands and their strategies, including Nike's struggle with endorsements, Bud Light's image crisis, the growth of the zero-proof beverage market, the success of Skims as a lifestyle brand, and the potential downfall of Taylor Swift's brand. They also touch on the oversaturation of certain brands and the importance of diversification. Keywords: recent events, marketing, branding, Meta, Threads, Disney, Nike, predictions, brands, Nike, Bud Light, endorsements, image crisis, zero-proof beverages, Skims, Taylor Swift, oversaturation, diversification Takeaways Titles Sound Bites Chapters 00:00 Recent Events and Marketing Implications 07:04 Meta's Threads: A Surprising Success 14:23 Disney's Turnaround: Increased Revenue and Profitability 21:17 Nike's Decline: Competition from Other Brands 22:46 Nike's Struggle with Endorsements 25:40 Bud Light's Image Crisis and Declining Sales 29:23 The Growth of the Zero-Proof Beverage Market 31:19 Skims: From Shapewear to Lifestyle Brand 38:29 The Potential Downfall of Taylor Swift's Brand 41:19 The Dangers of Oversaturation and the Importance of Diversification

Summary In this episode, Salim and Adeel discuss various marketing campaigns and trends. They start by talking about Gymshark's 'We Do Gym' campaign, which resonates with serious fitness enthusiasts. They then discuss Patrick Mahomes' partnership with Coors Light and the creative marketing strategies they have employed. The conversation then shifts to the EU charging Microsoft with antitrust violations related to their bundling practices. Finally, they highlight the Paralympics' social media content as a brand to watch, as they have effectively used trendy sounds and humor to engage their audience. Keywords: Marketing campaigns, Gymshark, Coors Light, Patrick Mahomes, EU charges Microsoft, antitrust violations, Paralympics, social media content Takeaways Titles Sound Bites Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Nostalgia 01:39 Gymshark's 'We Do Gym' Campaign 09:52 EU Charges Microsoft with Antitrust Violations 30:29 Trending News: EU Charges Microsoft 37:13 One Year Anniversary and Conclusion

In this conversation, the hosts discuss various hot takes on different topics, including age limits for political office, the myth of brand loyalty, the manipulation of limited drops, the decline of celebrity influence, and the rise of employee-generated content. They explore the changing dynamics of consumer behavior and the impact on marketing strategies. The conversation highlights the need for authenticity, vision, and innovation in brand messaging. Keywords: age limits, political office, brand loyalty, limited drops, celebrity influence, employee-generated content, consumer behavior, marketing strategies, authenticity, vision, innovation Takeaways Titles Sound Bites Chapters 00:00Introduction and Controversial Topics 03:06Age Limits for Political Office 06:01The Myth of Brand Loyalty 09:04The Manipulation of Limited Drops 12:50The Decline of Celebrity Influence 35:05Conclusion and Call to Action

Adeel and Salim do some quick hits to discuss the following:

Summary In this conversation, the hosts discuss the revival of three brands: Banana Republic, Blockbuster, and Kodak. They analyze the past successes and failures of each brand and propose strategies to bring them back to relevance. For Banana Republic, they suggest reigniting the explorer spirit and becoming the go-to brand for travel fashion. For Blockbuster, they propose creating a classics movie-only streaming service that combines nostalgia with convenience. And for Kodak, they recommend leveraging the vintage aesthetic and targeting photography enthusiasts with a Kodak app and immersive experiences. Keywords brand revival, Banana Republic, Blockbuster, Kodak, travel fashion, classics movie streaming, vintage aesthetic, photography enthusiasts Takeaways Titles Sound Bites Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:04 Reviving Banana Republic: Reigniting the Explorer Spirit 15:32 Blockbuster: A Classics Movie-Only Streaming Service 32:20 Conclusion

SummaryIn this conversation, the hosts discuss various topics including recent news, product market fit, and the rebranding of companies. They explore how certain foods got their names, such as coconuts and mahi-mahi, and how marketers played a role in renaming them. They also discuss the rebranding of Facebook to Meta and Twitter to X, and the impact it had on their respective companies. Additionally, they touch on the repositioning of YouTube from its original name, TuneIn. The conversation covers various topics including rebranding and repositioning, the incorporation of AI in company identities, and the growth of cricket in the US. The hosts discuss how companies like TuneIn and YouTube have successfully repositioned themselves to thrive in the market. They also explore the trend of companies incorporating AI in their branding and the challenges they face in monetizing AI. Additionally, they discuss the rise of cricket in the US and the potential market for the sport, highlighting the growing interest and investment in Major League Cricket. Keywords: foods, names, marketers, rebranding, Meta, Facebook, Twitter, X, YouTube, TuneIn, rebranding, repositioning, AI, cricket, TuneIn, YouTube, meta, metaverse, market fit, Major League Cricket Takeaways Titles Sound Bites Chapters 00:00 The Influence of Marketers in Naming Foods 11:58. Rebranding: Exploring New Avenues 13:25. Meta: A New Chapter for Facebook 14:21. Twitter's Controversial Rebrand to X 14:51. YouTube's Transformation from TuneIn 23:09. The Rise of Cricket in the US

Dive into an expansive discussion in this week's episode of Mad Men Podcast, where the panel explores a multitude of pivotal trends shaping the worlds of sports, technology, travel, and marketing. From the excitement of the NBA playoffs to the nuances of AI voice technology, we cover the intersection of technology and cultural shifts, examining how these elements influence everything from consumer behavior to marketing strategies. Key Discussions: AI and Culture: Delve into the transformative impact of AI on cultural dynamics, focusing particularly on voice technology. Explore its implications for copyright and intellectual property, highlighting the ever-blurring lines between technology and human creativity. Pride Marketing: Analyze the strategic marketing efforts of major retailers like Walmart and Target during Pride events. Discuss how these campaigns reflect broader societal changes and cater to the LGBTQ community and its allies, underpinning a shift towards more inclusive marketing practices. Travel and Events: Reflect on the spike in travel bookings for Pride celebrations and dissect the global appeal of Taylor Swift’s concerts, particularly her pricing strategies across Europe versus the US. Advertising Effectiveness: Evaluate the role and effectiveness of billboards and online cookies. From billboards used for both directional and controversial messaging to the evolving role of cookies in website personalization amid new regulations. Viral Trends and Social Media: Consider the dynamics of viral content sharing across social platforms. Discuss its potential to drive significant online traffic and the broader implications for real-world change, alongside the specific impact of viral marketing on consumer engagement. Takeaways: Sound Bites:

Sameer welcomes special guest Varun Jindal, a seasoned marketer who has seen all sides of social marketing - from community management to brand partnerships - formerly at Dentsu, PepsiCo and TikTok. Varun and Sameer dive in on how far influencer marketing has come, and share some predictions of the future.

This week on the podcast, we delve into "Rebrands Due to Social Pressures," highlighting significant changes organizations have made in response to evolving societal values. The episode focuses on the recent rebrand of Boy Scouts to Scouting America, aiming for greater inclusivity. We discuss other impactful rebrands, including Aunt Jennie's, Eskimo Pie's transition to a more culturally sensitive brand identity, and L’Oréal's decision to remove terms like “whitening” from their products to promote racial equality. Join us as we explore how these brands have navigated the pressures and the implications of their actions. Plus, we'll touch on highlights from the Met Gala.

Navigating New Horizons: Brand Movements and Refreshes In this week's episode, we explore the dynamic shifts in the marketing landscape and the rejuvenation of brand identities. Our discussions are segmented into three insightful parts: Segment 1 - Brands on the Move: Dive into what's currently trending in the marketing world. From the intriguing Umax app to Zillow's engaging Bluey ad and the strategic pivot of Hollister from brick-and-mortar to online, we cover a spectrum of brands making significant moves. We also delve into the influential power of reviews with a look at MKBHD's take on Humane & Fisker Ocean. Segment 2 - Recent Brand Refresh: We analyze and share our thoughts on the latest brand refreshes that are reshaping perceptions and reinvigorating consumer interest. Discover the transformations of Bumble, Liquid IV, and the transition from Lifetime Fitness to simply Lifetime, along with other notable refreshes. Segment 3 - In-Person vs. Online Engagement: In this discussion, we assess the shifting strategies of companies as they navigate the balance between online presence and in-person engagements. This segment focuses on how both B2C and B2B entities are adapting to a world where physical presence is becoming increasingly valued alongside digital interactions. Join us as we unpack these developments, providing unique insights into how brands are adapting, transforming, and thriving in today's fast-evolving market.

Pioneers of Innovation: Crafting Markets from Scratch In this compelling episode dive into the fascinating world of 'Category Creation.' Join our hosts as they unravel stories of brands that didn't just enter the market—they created it! From Lululemon's yoga pants revolutionizing fitness wear to Tesla's charge into electric vehicles, discover how these companies shaped consumer culture and established thriving markets where none existed. Episode Highlights: Yoga Pants by Lululemon: How Lululemon turned athletic wear into a lifestyle statement. Electric Dreams by Tesla: Tesla's bold venture into making electric cars a mainstream choice The Energy Burst by Red Bull: Detailing how Red Bull created and dominated the energy drink market. Chilling Innovation by Plunge: Delve into how Plunge is making waves with its cold plunge tubs. As we explore these groundbreaking innovations, learn about the strategies these pioneers used to create demand, captivate early adopters, and scale their ventures into global phenomena. Tune in for a dose of inspiration and insight into the art of creating a category!