The Duct Tape Marketing Podcast Human Connection Is a Growth Tactic
May 14, 2025
Jonathan Grabowski, co-founder and CMO of Penji, shares insights on the power of human connection in business. He discusses how to effectively scale design while prioritizing empathy over convenience. Grabowski highlights the significance of clear communication in design services and the transformative impact of strategic branding. He emphasizes that while AI can aid in design, the human element remains crucial for building strong customer relationships, ensuring businesses thrive in a competitive landscape.
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Episode notes
Demand Clear Client Communication
- Clients must provide some visual ideas or references for projects to succeed with Penji's model.
- Poor communication from customers often leads to failure and is a primary reason for losing clients.
Design Impacted Big Brand Growth
- Penji contributed to a Philadelphia university's strategic presentations that influenced major internal business changes.
- They also supported a delivery company's branding efforts that helped it grow towards an IPO.
Speed Beats Big Marketing Budgets
- Huge marketing budgets are sometimes wasted on indecision and delay rather than the creative process itself.
- Penji's unlimited design variations model helps reduce inefficiency and speeds up brand decision-making.