Embracing Marketing Mistakes

What topic would you like us to cover next?Are you measuring PR ROI all wrong? If you’re relying on outdated metrics like AVEs or vanity impressions, you could be missing the real value of your PR efforts—and losing budget because of it. In this episode, we break down the biggest mistakes brands make when tracking PR success, why traditional measurement methods fail, and what smarter marketers are doing instead.Learn how to prove PR’s impact in a way that actually matters to decision-makers, secure more budget, and align your efforts with real business results. If you’re tired of guesswork and want to track PR the right way, this ROI episode is a must-listen! Is your marketing strategy ready for 2025? Book a free 15-min discovery call with Chris to get tailored insights to boost your brand’s growth. 👉 [Book your call with Chris now] 👈 Subscribe to our Newsletter✒️Don't miss a hilarious fail or event by 👉 subscribing to our newsletter here. 👈 Each week we document what we are doing in our business, we share new things we've discovered, mistakes we've made, and tons of valuable marketing tips! Follow Chris Norton:X, TikTok, LinkedInFollow Will Ockenden:LinkedInFollow The Show: TikTok, YouTube

What topic would you like us to cover next?Nikki Dixon, Director of Brand & Marketing @ Leeds Building Society, shares her journey from retail to finance, highlighting the critical importance of authenticity and community in successful marketing. This episode explores her strategies for rebranding Leeds Building Society and building trust in a competitive and regulated environment.• Discussion on Nikki's career transitions across industries• Insights on effective branding and community engagement• The importance of authenticity in marketing leadership• How regulatory constraints shape marketing strategies in finance• The role of trust in maintaining customer relationships Is your marketing strategy ready for 2025? Book a free 15-min discovery call with Chris to get tailored insights to boost your brand’s growth. 👉 [Book your call with Chris now] 👈 Subscribe to our Newsletter✒️Don't miss a hilarious fail or event by 👉 subscribing to our newsletter here. 👈 Each week we document what we are doing in our business, we share new things we've discovered, mistakes we've made, and tons of valuable marketing tips! Follow Chris Norton:X, TikTok, LinkedInFollow Will Ockenden:LinkedInFollow The Show: TikTok, YouTube

What topic would you like us to cover next?What does a £400 billboard, 1,400 unsold England flags, and a taxi website have in common? For digital PR expert Mark Rofe, they’re all part of a journey filled with creative risks, quirky mistakes, and invaluable marketing lessons. In this episode of Embracing Marketing Mistakes, Mark shares the story of his viral billboard campaign that turned a bold idea into global headlines. With appearances on BBC, This Morning, and even Jimmy Fallon, Mark explains how he used humour, creativity, and a bit of luck to make the stunt a massive PR win.Mark also shares his entrepreneurial side hustles, from his misstep selling England car flags to building an e-commerce Christmas tree business. Each miscalculation taught him valuable lessons in branding, targeting, and navigating unexpected challenges—insights he now uses to teach marketers how to stand out in the crowded digital landscape. This episode goes beyond the usual PR chatter and explores the real-world impact of risk-taking and out-of-the-box thinking.For marketers looking to learn practical, no-nonsense strategies, Mark shares his favourite quick and “lazy” ways to secure coverage, along with actionable advice on crafting campaigns that capture attention. Packed with humour, real-world anecdotes, and expert tips, this episode will leave you inspired to embrace your own marketing experiments—mistakes and all. Is your marketing strategy ready for 2025? Book a free 15-min discovery call with Chris to get tailored insights to boost your brand’s growth. 👉 [Book your call with Chris now] 👈 Subscribe to our Newsletter✒️Don't miss a hilarious fail or event by 👉 subscribing to our newsletter here. 👈 Each week we document what we are doing in our business, we share new things we've discovered, mistakes we've made, and tons of valuable marketing tips! Follow Chris Norton:X, TikTok, LinkedInFollow Will Ockenden:LinkedInFollow The Show: TikTok, YouTube

What topic would you like us to cover next?Explore the power of podcasting, we discuss why it has become essential in today's marketing world for brands to maximise engagement and ROI. With practical insights and case studies, we reveal how to expose common challenges while crafting a successful podcast.• Understanding the importance of podcasting for modern marketing • Crafting a podcast that resonates with your audience • Effective storytelling and production quality as key components • The three-stage process: strategy, production, and amplification • Real-life examples of successful branded podcasts • Overcoming misconceptions and challenges in podcasting • The potential for community building and brand authority through podcasts  Is your marketing strategy ready for 2025? Book a free 15-min discovery call with Chris to get tailored insights to boost your brand’s growth. 👉 [Book your call with Chris now] 👈 Subscribe to our Newsletter✒️Don't miss a hilarious fail or event by 👉 subscribing to our newsletter here. 👈 Each week we document what we are doing in our business, we share new things we've discovered, mistakes we've made, and tons of valuable marketing tips! Follow Chris Norton:X, TikTok, LinkedInFollow Will Ockenden:LinkedInFollow The Show: TikTok, YouTube

What topic would you like us to cover next?What happens when a legacy brand like Gap teams up with a TikTok star to redefine fashion trends? Senior account manager Sinead Morrissey joins us to share how Julia Huynh's quest for the ultimate "hoodie that hoodies" sparked a groundbreaking collaboration with Gap. This episode looks at the creative process behind Julia's design journey, offering a fresh perspective on influencer marketing and the power of authentic engagement in the digital age.We explore how Gap's innovative approach — involving Julia in the design process — not only tapped into TikTok trends but also set a new standard for brand-influencer partnerships. Discover how social listening and community engagement can transform marketing strategies for legacy brands. Sinead offers insights into the evolution of influencer culture, reflecting on lessons learned from past collaborations and the immense potential of the creator economy. Join us to understand how listening to your audience and collaborating with digital influencers can lead to relevance and relatability in today's fast-paced social media landscape.Is your marketing strategy ready for 2025? Book a free 15-min discovery call with Chris to get tailored insights to boost your brand’s growth. 👉 [Book your call with Chris now] 👈 Subscribe to our Newsletter✒️Don't miss a hilarious fail or event by 👉 subscribing to our newsletter here. 👈 Each week we document what we are doing in our business, we share new things we've discovered, mistakes we've made, and tons of valuable marketing tips! Follow Chris Norton:X, TikTok, LinkedInFollow Will Ockenden:LinkedInFollow The Show: TikTok, YouTube

What topic would you like us to cover next?In this episode of Embracing Marketing Mistakes, we sit down with Brian Keane, bestselling author of The Fitness Mindset and Rewire Your Mindset. Brian opens up about his journey from struggling as a personal trainer — living paycheck to paycheck and actually digging for a bus fare in his sofa cushions — to building a thriving fitness empire and inspiring thousands through his books, podcasts, and coaching.Discover how Brian transformed his mistakes into stepping stones, including the hard lessons of running a business, overcoming self-doubt, and learning to embrace failure as feedback. From practical tips on building resilience and personal branding to the raw truth about setbacks, Brian’s story offers powerful takeaways for marketers and entrepreneurs alike.Explore the art of handling negativity and building resilience in the business world whilst Brian's insights into managing negative feedback and reframing challenges highlight the importance of seeing failure as valuable feedback rather than a final outcome. Drawing lessons from Brian's personal business missteps and triumphs, we dive into the balance of leveraging social media for growth and maintaining sanity online and equipping you with the strategies to overcome obstacles and thrive in both personal and professional pursuits.Get ready for a conversation packed with inspiration, authenticity, and actionable insights that will help you turn failures into opportunities. Is your marketing strategy ready for 2025? Book a free 15-min discovery call with Chris to get tailored insights to boost your brand’s growth. 👉 [Book your call with Chris now] 👈 Subscribe to our Newsletter✒️Don't miss a hilarious fail or event by 👉 subscribing to our newsletter here. 👈 Each week we document what we are doing in our business, we share new things we've discovered, mistakes we've made, and tons of valuable marketing tips! Follow Chris Norton:X, TikTok, LinkedInFollow Will Ockenden:LinkedInFollow The Show: TikTok, YouTube

What topic would you like us to cover next?Robin Smith, Head of Corporate at Censuswide, joins us in unravelling the complexities of modern marketing in our latest episode as we look at a brand new comprehensive report on CMOs.We invited Robin onto the show so you could gain real insight from their inaugural "Voice of the CMO Report" which questioned more than 500 CMOs. The report looks at tackling AI's role in crafting hyper-personalised campaigns while maintaining authenticity. With a keen focus on the challenges of managing brand backlash amidst evolving ESG expectations, Robin underscores the importance of balancing creativity with data to navigate today’s marketing landscape.We explore the gruelling landscape of modern marketing strategies where social listening tools become pivotal in understanding ever-changing customer needs, particularly in B2B sectors. From the rise of podcasts as essential engagement tools to the struggles of CMOs juggling increased demands with shrinking budgets, this episode covers it all. Discover how innovative approaches like outsourcing talent to cost-efficient regions align time zones without compromising quality, offering a lifeline to budget-strapped marketing departments.We cap off the discussion with a candid look at workplace fails and the lessons they offer. From email mishaps to the nuances of maintaining statistical robustness in research, the episode is rich in relatable anecdotes and practical advice. Robin shares exciting future possibilities, like blending natural and synthetic audiences in marketing events, hinting at the technologically innovative road ahead. Buckle up for an episode that promises to enlighten you with its blend of expert insights and real-world experiences. Is your marketing strategy ready for 2025? Book a free 15-min discovery call with Chris to get tailored insights to boost your brand’s growth. 👉 [Book your call with Chris now] 👈 Subscribe to our Newsletter✒️Don't miss a hilarious fail or event by 👉 subscribing to our newsletter here. 👈 Each week we document what we are doing in our business, we share new things we've discovered, mistakes we've made, and tons of valuable marketing tips! Follow Chris Norton:X, TikTok, LinkedInFollow Will Ockenden:LinkedInFollow The Show: TikTok, YouTube

What topic would you like us to cover next?Unlock the secrets to charging what your agency is truly worth with insights from Crispin Manners, CEO of Onvert and former chairman of the PRCA. We explore how agencies can move beyond outdated pricing models by embracing value-based strategies. Crispin shares his journey and experiences, from pioneering roles in the PR industry to growing Kaizo, a tech-focused PR agency that thrived during the tech boom. Discover how focusing on outcomes rather than outputs can elevate your agency's perceived value and profitability.Learn how to overcome common challenges faced by agencies, such as undervaluing services and competing against lower-priced competitors. Crispin provides real-world examples and strategies for demonstrating measurable impact, ensuring your agency stands out in the crowded marketplace. We also discuss the concept of the "hamster wheel of growth," sharing tips on how to scale effectively without sacrificing quality or losing sight of your business goals. By understanding key growth thresholds and maintaining structured processes, agencies can thrive sustainably.Gain clarity on aligning personal and organisational purposes to develop better decision-making and business strategies. Crispin emphasises the importance of understanding the 'why' behind agency goals to attract the right clients and maintain value. Whether it's rethinking growth strategies or interviewing client CEOs for deeper insights, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge for agency owners aiming for long-term success and meaningful outcomes. Join us and transform how you articulate your agency's worth in today's competitive landscape. Is your marketing strategy ready for 2025? Book a free 15-min discovery call with Chris to get tailored insights to boost your brand’s growth. 👉 [Book your call with Chris now] 👈 Subscribe to our Newsletter✒️Don't miss a hilarious fail or event by 👉 subscribing to our newsletter here. 👈 Each week we document what we are doing in our business, we share new things we've discovered, mistakes we've made, and tons of valuable marketing tips! Follow Chris Norton:X, TikTok, LinkedInFollow Will Ockenden:LinkedInFollow The Show: TikTok, YouTube

What topic would you like us to cover next?Unlock the secrets to marketing success in the food and beverage industry in this episode of Embracing Marketing Mistakes, where we dissect both the challenges and triumphs brands experience in this cutthroat arena. Featuring insights from industry experts like Tristan O'Hara of Pub & Bar and James Beeson from The Grocer, we promise you'll walk away understanding the nuances of securing product listings amidst pressures like shrinkflation and misleading labelling. Dive into stories of success with practical advice from our PR agency, Prohibition, and learn from the journeys of brands like St Pierre, Primula Cheese, and Bloom Gin.Join us as we explore the dynamic dance between consumer behaviour, market trends, and marketing strategies. Delve into Coca-Cola's surprising leap into dairy-free products and unpack the lessons from Burger King's infamous Satisfries launch. With a market brimming with optimism and rising consumer confidence, discover how innovative campaigns, like Cereal's audacious moves in the cereal aisle, are reshaping the landscape and capturing attention.Finally, we unravel the art of storytelling in marketing, sharing how compelling narratives and integrated strategies can captivate both media and consumers alike. From Estrella's bold challenge to its competitors to the rise of low and no-alcohol beverages, witness how brands are making waves with disruptive marketing. By leveraging social media insights and third-party reports, learn how to craft dual-focused campaigns that engage trade buyers and consumers, driving organic growth and solidifying brand presence in an ever-evolving market. Is your marketing strategy ready for 2025? Book a free 15-min discovery call with Chris to get tailored insights to boost your brand’s growth. 👉 [Book your call with Chris now] 👈 Subscribe to our Newsletter✒️Don't miss a hilarious fail or event by 👉 subscribing to our newsletter here. 👈 Each week we document what we are doing in our business, we share new things we've discovered, mistakes we've made, and tons of valuable marketing tips! Follow Chris Norton:X, TikTok, LinkedInFollow Will Ockenden:LinkedInFollow The Show: TikTok, YouTube

What topic would you like us to cover next?Ever wondered how rejection can fuel innovation? Zohe Mustafa, the visionary founder and head of marketing at Growth Hakka, shares his inspiring journey from being turned away by advertising agencies to pioneering AI-driven marketing strategies. Learn how Zohe has transformed obstacles into opportunities, including a noteworthy mishap with HubSpot that resulted in an email debacle. His experiences with industry titans like QVC, Virgin Media, and Nokia provide insightful lessons about resilience and adapting to market shifts, particularly the dramatic impact of the iPhone's launch on Nokia's fortunes.Discover the secrets of harnessing data to elevate your marketing game, especially if you're working with a modest budget. We discuss how analysing digital footprints using a 50-metric approach unveils growth opportunities and optimises marketing efforts. Hear about the vital role of data in managing unforeseen challenges, such as a social media crisis faced by Royal Mail during the 2012 Paralympics. This episode is a goldmine of insights on using data-driven strategies to justify marketing budgets and handle public relations challenges effectively.Uncover the potential of AI in marketing, as we explore how it can streamline workflows and boost productivity. From AI workshops to utilising tools like Microsoft's CoPilot and Google's offerings, we delve into the practical applications of AI for marketers. Zohe emphasises the importance of experimentation with different AI tools to find the perfect fit for your marketing goals. Alongside these tech insights, we highlight the timeless power of curiosity and the value of asking questions, encouraging listeners to stay engaged and keep the conversation going. Is your marketing strategy ready for 2025? Book a free 15-min discovery call with Chris to get tailored insights to boost your brand’s growth. 👉 [Book your call with Chris now] 👈 Subscribe to our Newsletter✒️Don't miss a hilarious fail or event by 👉 subscribing to our newsletter here. 👈 Each week we document what we are doing in our business, we share new things we've discovered, mistakes we've made, and tons of valuable marketing tips! Follow Chris Norton:X, TikTok, LinkedInFollow Will Ockenden:LinkedInFollow The Show: TikTok, YouTube