The Marketing Companion

Non-human, AI-generated influencers are now generating millions for their paid sponsors. They don't get sick, they don't complain and they are a significant marketing mega-trend.

Fake news is just the beginning. New technology will allow anyone to create Hollywood-quality effects and replicate humans with uncanny accuracy. What are the implications for society, business and marketing?

In this special episode, Mark Schaefer discusses the stressful realities of the pandemic on his life and urges listeners to consider their historical narrative.

As the pandemic wears on, new customer wants and needs provide opportunities for marketers. Mark and Brooke look at the big word for the next two years: COMFORT.

There is a small edit needed here. Brooke's audio weirdly cut out and then we resumed Marketing dress for success Has Zoom changed the rules for business decorum or should do the rules of "Dress for Success" still apply? Brooke and Mark debate this plus in-home drones and when the power of celebrity endorsements work TOO well!

With all the changes in the world, it's a good time to pause and reflect on the ideal skillset for a marketing career. How has the pandemic changed marketing careers? What is the best way to keep your skills current? Google and other companies saying that a college degree is not important in some tech careers any more. Will that trend move to marketing as well?

Is the hustle culture still relevant in a pandemic era? What does gerbil food and CBD oil have to do with anything? And why are people seeing more UFOs? Mark and Brooke tackle these questions and more on the Marketing Companion's 200th episode!

The pandemic has created an immense challenge for creatives who depend on live sets and collaborations. Mark and Brooke explore the ups and downs of the creative process in a crisis. When will the new TV content come back?

In this special episode, Mark Schaefer talks with Adidas global brand communications director Fabio Tambosi. We explore how the pandemic is re-defining sports, the consumer behaviors that are changing forever, the eCommerce surge, how Adidas pulled off the world's biggest social media hack, and business lessons from LeBron James.

Fashion, food, music, even love ... the pandemic is changing our lives in surprising ways -- with deep implications for marketers. You'll enjoy these insights into the emerging "cottage core" trend, how business can save music, and what happens to love in a crisis.