Sometimes we overlook the ends, because we’re so focused on the means.

Today in marketing, that means can be algorithms and machine-built lookalike audiences and automations.

But as our latest guest explained in her podcast guest application, all that technology doesn’t matter if you don’t focus on the right ends: “It's all about the story – and it needs to include empathy.”

To hear the story behind that lesson, along with many more lesson-filled stories, I sat down with Carmen Collins, director of social media, Generac [https://www.generac.com/].

Generac is a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange and reported $4.3 billion in net sales for 2024. Collins manages a team of three at Generac.

Stories (with lessons) about what she made in marketing

Sometimes, you just do it. Consequences be damned.
Your network is your net worth.
It's all about the story – and it needs to include empathy.
Speaking of breaking rules, that's her biggest learning, and it's taken her a long time.
Metrics are the best sword and the best shield when it comes to social media marketing
Have your own Fabulous Personal Advisory Board
Advocate and champion for each other

Discussed in this episode

AI Guild – Want to boost your conversions and collaborate with top marketers? Claim your free 3-month AI Guild scholarship [https://join.meclabsai.com/] (from MeclabsAI, MarketingSherpa’s parent company).

Social Media Marketing: Educate your executives (podcast episode #123) [https://marketingsherpa.com/article/interview/social]

Substance Over Style: Good work has to speak for itself (podcast episode #111) [https://marketingsherpa.com/article/interview/substance-over-style]

CMO-CPO Collaboration: Bridge Marketing and Product for collaborative growth (podcast episode #95) [https://marketingsherpa.com/article/interview/CMO]

Innovative Marketing Leadership: It is okay to think outside the box but make sure you don't create surprises (podcast episode #82) [https://marketingsherpa.com/article/interview/innovative]

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This podcast is not about marketing – it is about the marketer. It draws its inspiration from the Flint McGlaughlin quote, “The key to transformative marketing is a transformed marketer” from the Become a Marketer-Philosopher: Create and optimize high-converting webpages [https://meclabs.com/course/] free digital marketing course.

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If you would like to apply to be a guest on How I Made It In Marketing, here is the podcast guest application – https://www.marketingsherpa.com/page/podcast-guest-application

42 - Updates & Recommendations