The Marketing Companion

Mathew Sweezy and Mark Schaefer discuss innovative strategies to build loyalty through experiences and games native to the digital lifestyle. They explore the decline of loyalty in the changing marketing landscape, the use of experiences as rewards in marketing, and successful community-building case studies. The conversation also touches on tokenization, gamified experiences in loyalty programs, and the future potential of technology in building loyalty.

We all make mistakes but rarely talk about them. That changes today as Jay Acunzo and Mark Schaefer reveal their biggest flops, miscues, and embarrassments. A lot of lessons, a lot of fun ... you won't want to miss it! Mark Schaefer is a strategy consultant, college educator, keynote speaker, and the author of 10 books including "KNOWN," “Belonging to the Brand,” and "Marketing Rebellion." His annual marketing retreat is The Uprising. For more of Mark’s insights every week, subcribe to his award-winning blog. Mark also offers classes in personal branding and professional speaking. Jay Acunzo is an author, speaker, and host of the podcast Unthinkable -- the show about marketers who trusted their intuition, not the best practices, and all the unconventional, refreshing things they did to build their brands and leave their legacies. Learn more and find a Starter Pack of episodes at https://jayacunzo.com/unthinkable-podcast

Guest Mark Schaefer and Amanda Russell break down the biggest revolution in retail since Amazon, discussing the rise of Chinese fashion brands Shein and Temu. They explore the unique business models and success factors of these eCommerce platforms, while also delving into the complexities of consumer behavior, ethical concerns, and unconventional pricing strategies in the fashion industry.

Mark Schaefer discusses his transition from money-driven decisions to those that bring joy, along with the five-stage career journey. The podcast covers the influence of Kevin Kelly and Sasha Dictor in global impact work, the difference between Kronos and Chiro's time, and finding contentment and stillness in life. Choosing joy and prioritizing values are also highlighted, along with demographic changes and moving from a self-centric to contribution-focused mindset.

The host shares his experience with COVID-19 and a creative solution to continue recording. They discuss the power and risks of AI, including synthesized voices and AI's impact on accessibility, business leadership, and content creation.

Creators building brands and businesses faster than large brands. The shift from 'influencer' to 'creator' and the negative portrayal of influencers. The power of creators in marketing and challenges of social listening platforms. Importance of channels like Discord and Telegram. Future of communities and creator economy.

Host Mark Schaefer and guest Paul Roetzer, founder of the Marketing AI Institute, discuss the potential applications of personal GPTs, advancements in chat GPT, legal considerations and the need for generative AI policies, the importance of AI literacy, the dangers of AI training itself, the use of personal GPTs for consultative businesses, and the potential AI divide and impact on the workforce.

Mark Schaefer shares his thoughts on the future of marketing, discussing the six pillars that shape it, including AI-driven content and experiences, the metaverse, personal branding, organizational structures, and community building. He explores the potential of AI to create immersive experiences and mentions the importance of personal branding as a defense against AI threats. He also emphasizes the significance of speed in marketing and the shift towards real-time marketing, using Oreo's ad during a power outage at the Super Bowl as an example.

Mark Schaefer and Amanda Russell explore the Pratfall Effect, a psychological model that says we gain trust and credibility through revealing our mistakes. In this fascinating episode, they look at case studies from Mark's dressing habits and a weird burger commercial, to cookies and Mark Zuckerberg's hoodie. Mistakes in marketing can work, but only within a certain context. Mark Schaefer is a strategy consultant, college educator, keynote speaker, and the author of 10 books including "KNOWN," “Belonging to the Brand,” and "Marketing Rebellion." His annual marketing retreat is The Uprising. For more of Mark’s insights every week, subcribe to his award-winning blog. Mark also offers classes in personal branding and professional speaking. Amanda Russell is the founder of the Global Center for Influence (C4In), launching (2023) at the University of Texas at Austin with a mission to help brands & people learn how to position themselves and their companies for success, bridging the gap between academia and practice. Amanda's mission is to enhance how we do 'higher education.  Former Olympic-level athlete, Founder-to-sale Entrepreneur and Marketing Consultant who still loves the brain gymnastics of helping people and companies become more influential among their desired audience. Professor, Author "The Influencer Code", Speaker, Board Member and Director of C4In

Can you base a marketing strategy on generosity? It's complex, exciting, and perhaps a key part of our future in business. Keith Jennings has studied the psychology and sociology of generosity and is convinced it should be a core strategy. Mark and Keith explore this idea and a multitude of angles when kindness counts most of all in this unusual episode! Mark Schaefer is a strategy consultant, college educator, keynote speaker, and the author of 10 books including "KNOWN," “Belonging to the Brand,” and "Marketing Rebellion." His annual marketing retreat is The Uprising. For more of Mark’s insights every week, subcribe to his award-winning blog. Mark also offers classes in personal branding and professional speaking. Keith Jennings is an executive and writer who equips professionals to serve with values, generosity, and social impact. He serves as vice president of community impact with Jackson Healthcare. Connect with him at https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithjennings/.