
Rattle & Pedal: B2B Marketing Podcast
Jason Mlicki, agency leader, and Jeff McKay, former global CMO, discuss growth, marketing, and life in professional services in this weekly podcast. The duo offers divergent thoughts on solving the issues practice leaders and marketers confront—or probably should—including stupid sh*t Marketing should NOT do, how Marketing ruins everything, the BS of professional services, and unleashing your Young Turks. Executive guests and industry experts join frequently to share their insights and experiences. It’s all served up with humor and a refreshing dose of reality from two guys who know how to grow firms.
Latest episodes

Nov 10, 2023 • 42min
No Shortcuts to Growth
When you’re missing your revenue targets it’s tempting to chase shortcuts — quick fixes like an aggressive cold email outreach program. Yet, usually, success in the short term requires taking the long view.
The post No Shortcuts to Growth appeared first on Rattle and Pedal.

Oct 23, 2023 • 60min
The Rainmaker Genome Project with Matt Dixon and Rory Channer
DCM Insights founding partners, Matt Dixon and Rory Channer, share the findings of their latest research on what the top pro services partners do differently to drive business development success.
The post The Rainmaker Genome Project with Matt Dixon and Rory Channer appeared first on Rattle and Pedal.

Sep 29, 2023 • 25min
Behind the Headlines-AI’s Impact on Pro Service Marketing
From automating interactions at the drive-thru to writing website content, AI is taking the world by storm. In this episode, Jason and Jeff explore the strategic marketing implications of the latest news on generative AI.
The post Behind the Headlines-AI’s Impact on Pro Service Marketing appeared first on Rattle and Pedal.

Sep 13, 2023 • 50min
Revisiting the BS of PS: Are Things Getting Better? Or Worse?
There’s an inherent dysfunction that keeps firms from reaching their full growth potential. Jason and Jeff revisit one of the podcast’s earliest episodes to discuss what’s changed. And, what’s stayed the same.
The post Revisiting the BS of PS: Are Things Getting Better? Or Worse? appeared first on Rattle and Pedal.

Aug 28, 2023 • 24min
The Rebranding of Twitter to X. Brilliant Move or Colossal Mistake?
The marketing world is all “atwitter” about X. Was this rebrand a brilliant move? Or a colossal mistake? What can professional service firm leaders and marketers learn from the strategy?
The post The Rebranding of Twitter to X. Brilliant Move or Colossal Mistake? appeared first on Rattle and Pedal.

Aug 11, 2023 • 25min
The Cobbler’s Children Have No Shoes
Some strategy firms lack a sound business strategy. Some HR consulting firms lack effective people discipline. Why do firms struggle to apply their expertise to their own businesses?
The post The Cobbler’s Children Have No Shoes appeared first on Rattle and Pedal.

13 snips
Jul 24, 2023 • 32min
Building a Differentiated Client Experience
Discover how minor details can shape client perceptions, like a dead plant in an office. Learn about the critical elements of a unique client experience that boost retention and attraction. Explore the contrasting needs of clients in professional services, inspired by fast food versus fine dining. Gain insights on aligning with clients for deeper connections and the importance of seamless interactions across all touchpoints. Finally, find out how employee satisfaction ties directly to client loyalty and effective recovery from missteps.

Jul 7, 2023 • 33min
Thought Leadership Development: The Pros and Cons of 3 Proven Models
Dive into the ins and outs of thought leadership development models: insourced, outsourced, and co-sourced. Discover how intellectual capital boosts B2B competitiveness and the essential strategies for institutionalizing knowledge. Content marketers must blend strategic insight with industry trends, ensuring their roles evolve alongside changing demands. Learn the trade-offs of various business models, and navigate the complexities of outsourcing versus co-sourcing, focusing on collaboration while maintaining authenticity. This conversation is packed with valuable insights for enhancing leadership and market presence.

Jun 16, 2023 • 33min
12 Reasons Your Marketing Strategy is Failing
From culture to rewards to the “partners’ boat fund,” Jeff and Jason explore all the reasons firms’ marketing strategies fail.
The post 12 Reasons Your Marketing Strategy is Failing appeared first on Rattle and Pedal.

19 snips
Jun 2, 2023 • 38min
Thought Leadership in 5 Steps
The hosts dive into the essentials of crafting a thought leadership strategy in five actionable steps. They dissect how it differs from a traditional content strategy, emphasizing its role in shaping business futures. The discussion highlights the importance of structured client interviews for gaining valuable insights and aligning leadership initiatives with actual client needs. Common pitfalls in development are also shared, along with key traits like selflessness and curiosity that are crucial for success.