The MadMen Pod

The MadMen Pod
The MadMen Pod

Welcome to MadMen, the podcast where we dive headfirst into the wild world of up-and-coming brands that are shaking things up! We celebrate the rebels, the disruptors, and fearless innovators who are flipping the script and rewriting the rules of branding. We’re gonna separate the studs from the duds, the winners from the losers, and give you the inside scoop on what makes these brands tick.

  1. EPS 59:The Overrated Buzzword: Authenticity in Marketing

    17 SEPT

    EPS 59:The Overrated Buzzword: Authenticity in Marketing

    SummaryIn this conversation, Sameer and Adeel discuss two provocative topics: the concept of authenticity in marketing and the shift from managerial mode to founder mode CEOs. They challenge the idea of authenticity in marketing, arguing that it is overrated and often used as a buzzword without clear meaning. They suggest that innovation, clarity, and adaptability are more important in marketing. They also discuss the importance of founder mode CEOs, who are deeply involved in the details and drive innovation, compared to managerial mode CEOs who focus on following processes. They highlight the need for companies to embrace founder mode to stay competitive and innovative.   Keywords: authenticity, marketing, innovation, founder mode, managerial mode, CEOs   Takeaways Authenticity in marketing is overrated and often used as a buzzword without clear meaning. Innovation, clarity, and adaptability are more important. Founder mode CEOs, who are deeply involved in the details and drive innovation, are more effective in companies that require constant innovation. Companies need to embrace founder mode to stay competitive and innovative, rather than relying on traditional managerial mode. Technology and remote work have enabled companies to flatten hierarchies and empower employees to take more ownership and responsibility. Sound Bites "Authenticity in marketing is the biggest marketing scam of the century." "Founder mode CEOs are deeply involved in the nitty gritty and drive innovation."

    16 min
  2. EPS 58 - Growth Hacking & Creative Revenue Generation with Jeff Mack

    10 SEPT

    EPS 58 - Growth Hacking & Creative Revenue Generation with Jeff Mack

    Check out Jeff Mack on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreymack/ Summary In this conversation, Salim Gheewalla and Jeff Mack discuss the importance of creativity in marketing and how it can lead to sales revenue. They emphasize the need for marketers to find their unique selling proposition and differentiate themselves from competitors. They also highlight the significance of understanding the target audience and creating personalized messaging. The conversation touches on the limitations of traditional marketing funnels and the need to focus on both in-market buyers and cultivating a community of engaged prospects over time. The traditional marketing funnel is no longer effective in generating demand and influencing purchase decisions. The days of pushing customers through a linear funnel are over. Instead, marketing now focuses on acquiring memories and building brand trust and credibility. This is especially important in the B2B space, where branding is becoming more similar to B2C. Marketing's job is to make sales easier, and this can be achieved by personalizing campaigns and showing customers how you can help them in a relevant and meaningful way. Communication and goal-setting are crucial for success in marketing. Keywords creativity, marketing, sales revenue, differentiation, target audience, personalized messaging, marketing funnels, marketing funnel, demand generation, branding, B2B, B2C, acquiring memories, brand trust, credibility, personalization, communication, goal-setting Takeaways Creativity is a company's competitive advantage in a commoditized marketing landscape. Marketers should focus on finding their unique selling proposition and differentiating themselves from competitors. Understanding the target audience and creating personalized messaging is crucial for success. Traditional marketing funnels may be outdated, and marketers should focus on both in-market buyers and cultivating a community of engaged prospects over time. The traditional marketing funnel is no longer effective in generating demand and influencing purchase decisions. Marketing now focuses on acquiring memories and building brand trust and credibility. Branding is becoming more important in the B2B space, similar to B2C. Marketing's job is to make sales easier by personalizing campaigns and showing customers how you can help them. Communication and goal-setting are crucial for success in marketing. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage03:01 The Power of Creativity in Marketing and Sales06:31 Finding Your Unique Selling Proposition10:44 Understanding the Target Audience and Personalized Messaging13:34 Rethinking the Traditional Marketing Funnel22:51 The Death of the Traditional Marketing Funnel25:09 Acquiring Memories: The New Focus of Marketing26:23 Branding in the B2B Space: Similarities to B2C30:02 Making Sales Easier: Personalization and Customer Help31:18 The Importance of Communication and Goal-Setting in Marketing

    38 min
  3. EPS 57: Making Unsexy jobs sexy (the rebrand) and Companies so big they will FALL

    3 SEPT

    EPS 57: Making Unsexy jobs sexy (the rebrand) and Companies so big they will FALL

    SummaryThe conversation covers various topics including the appeal of unsexy jobs, the rise and fall of trends, and the potential downfall of companies like Tesla and Netflix. The hosts discuss the need to rebrand and market unsexy jobs to make them more appealing to younger generations. They also highlight the importance of timing and cultural relevance in the success of trends. The conversation concludes with shoutouts to the beverage company Water Drop, the alternative retailer Canify, and the shoe line Sneaks by Sarah Blakely. Keywords: unsexy jobs, appeal, rebranding, marketing, trends, timing, cultural relevance, downfall, Tesla, Netflix, Water Drop, Canify, Sneaks Takeaways Unsexy jobs can be made more appealing through rebranding and marketing efforts. Timing and cultural relevance play a significant role in the success of trends. Companies like Tesla and Netflix may face challenges and potential downfall due to intense competition and changing market dynamics. Shoutouts to Water Drop, Canify, and Sneaks for their innovative approaches in their respective industries. Sound Bites "Let's rebrand it, right? Let's call it hydro technician, let's call it that." "I think Netflix is going to fail." "I'm going blank, man. I just went total blank." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Discussion on Unsexy Jobs 10:14 The Rise and Fall of Trends 13:30 The Changing Job Landscape 21:39 Making Unsexy Jobs More Appealing 29:19 The Potential Downfall of Companies 36:23 Shoutouts to Water Drop, Canify, and Sneaks 40:28 Conclusion and Farewell

    38 min
  4. EPS 56 - Madmen Lab 2.0 | Nike Cars, Apple Designed Homes, Gucci Gaming, Tesla Clothing

    27 AUG

    EPS 56 - Madmen Lab 2.0 | Nike Cars, Apple Designed Homes, Gucci Gaming, Tesla Clothing

    SummaryIn this conversation, the hosts discuss the idea of bridging established brands into new industries based on their brand ethos. They explore the concept of Apple building homes, Nike designing cars, and Gucci entering the gaming industry. Each idea is discussed in detail, including potential features, designs, and market positioning. The hosts highlight the potential for these brands to leverage their existing brand equity and customer loyalty to succeed in new industries. In this conversation, the hosts discuss potential brand extensions for well-known companies. They explore the idea of Gucci entering the gaming industry, Disney creating educational institutions, Tesla launching a clothing line, and Patagonia venturing into the food market. The hosts provide insights into each concept, discussing the potential benefits and challenges. They emphasize the importance of aligning brand values and maintaining differentiation in these new ventures.   Keywordsbrand innovation, Apple homes, Nike cars, Gucci gaming, brand ethos, market positioning, brand extensions, Gucci, gaming industry, Disney, educational institutions, Tesla, clothing line, Patagonia, food market Takeaways Established brands can leverage their brand ethos to enter new industries and expand their market reach. Bridging brands into new industries requires careful consideration of design, features, and market positioning. Brand equity and customer loyalty can give established brands a competitive advantage in new industries. Collaborations and partnerships can enhance the appeal and exclusivity of brand extensions. Innovation and creativity are key to successfully entering new industries and capturing consumer interest. Brand extensions can be a way for companies to explore new markets and reach new audiences. When considering brand extensions, it is important to align with the core values and identity of the brand. Differentiation is key in brand extensions to stand out in the market. Sustainability and ethical practices are becoming increasingly important factors for consumers. Education can be made more engaging and effective by incorporating storytelling and entertainment. Fashion brands can leverage their design philosophies and sustainability practices to create unique clothing lines. Transparency and traceability are important in the food industry, and brands can leverage their existing trust and reputation to enter this market. Sound Bites "What if Apple built your home?" "What would a Nike car look like?" "What if Gucci got into gaming?" "Think about gamers on Twitch rocking Gucci gaming gear that really brings luxury to gamers on their streams." "The elegance of storytelling and connect them through that, the ideas of inspiration, the ideas of hope and the tools to make it." "The clothing line would feature garments like streamlined silhouettes, really subtle detailing, a lot of vegan leather, and probably a focus on the essentials." Chapters 00:00 Bridging Brands: Apple Homes 09:41 Bridging Brands: Nike Cars 16:07 Bridging Brands: Gucci Gaming 17:01 Gucci: Luxury Gaming Gear and Experiences 20:37 Disney: Educational Institutions with Storytelling 27:36 Tesla: Futuristic and Sustainable Clothing Line 36:33 Patagonia: Ethically Sourced and Sustainable Food Products

    38 min
  5. EPS: 55:  Google is breaking up, Ad Agency Pricing models suck and Small Business need your help

    20 AUG

    EPS: 55: Google is breaking up, Ad Agency Pricing models suck and Small Business need your help

    Summary   In this conversation, the hosts discuss various topics including the Olympics, trends in the marketing industry, and the challenges faced by small businesses. They also delve into the different compensation models used by ad agencies and the impact of Chinese manufacturers on the retail industry. The conversation highlights the importance of supporting small businesses and the need for a balance between performance-based and hourly billing in agency compensation. The conversation explores the future of small businesses and the potential impact of big companies and overseas competition. It also discusses the recent ruling that Google has an illegal monopoly on search and the potential consequences for the company. The hosts speculate on the possibility of Apple launching its own search engine and the implications for the advertising industry. They also touch on Apple's need for a new innovative project and shout out a friend's business.   Keywords Olympics, trends, marketing industry, ad agencies, compensation models, small businesses, Chinese manufacturers, retail industry, small businesses, future, big companies, overseas competition, Google, illegal monopoly, search engine, Apple, advertising industry, innovative project, shout out   Takeaways Supporting small businesses is crucial for their survival and growth. The marketing industry is experiencing changes in compensation models for ad agencies. Chinese manufacturers are having a significant impact on the retail industry. •A balance between performance-based and hourly billing can be an effective compensation model for agencies. The future of small businesses is uncertain due to competition from big companies and overseas competitors. The recent ruling that Google has an illegal monopoly on search could have significant consequences for the company. There is speculation that Apple may launch its own search engine, which could disrupt the advertising industry. Apple needs a new innovative project to maintain its position in the market. Shouting out and supporting friends' businesses is a way to promote small businesses and encourage community support. Sound Bites "Your friends and family probably never wanna buy from you." "Agency compensation is a huge tension point in the industry right now." "Chinese manufacturers will have the majority shareholding of clothing being sold in America." "They're here to stay is what I'm trying to get at. And we're just going to start to see it evolve." "Those will probably go away and that's a very real thing that we should be ready for." "I don't believe the majority of America will support small businesses."

    45 min
  6. EPS 52 - Kamal Harris Marketing, Olympics Marketing Winners & Losers and Mystery Money machines

    30 JUL

    EPS 52 - Kamal Harris Marketing, Olympics Marketing Winners & Losers and Mystery Money machines

    Summary In this conversation, Salim and Sameer discuss various topics including Kamala Harris's marketing campaign, brands' involvement in the Olympics, Southwest Airlines' seating policy change, and Google's decision to backtrack on removing third-party cookies. They highlight the success of Kamala Harris's campaign in resonating with Gen Z and the power of storytelling in political marketing. They also discuss the branding efforts of Figs and Sephora in relation to the Olympics. Additionally, they critique Nike's branding for the Olympics and Southwest Airlines' decision to remove open seating. Finally, they touch on Google's change in plans regarding third-party cookies. In this conversation, Sameer and Salim discuss three main themes: the elimination of cookies by Google, companies with hidden revenue streams, and the power of reactive marketing. They explore the implications of Google's decision to remove cookies and the impact it has on advertisers and privacy concerns. They also highlight examples of companies like McDonald's, Sony, and Costco that generate significant revenue from unexpected sources. Lastly, they discuss the effectiveness of reactive marketing through examples like Oreo's Super Bowl tweet, Coors Light's response to a baseball game incident, and California Pizza Kitchen's reaction to a TikTok video. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of adapting to changing trends, finding alternative revenue streams, and leveraging real-time marketing opportunities. Keywords Kamala Harris, marketing campaign, Olympics, branding, Southwest Airlines, open seating, Figs, Sephora, Nike, Google, third-party cookies, cookies, Google, privacy, advertising, revenue streams, reactive marketing   Takeaways Kamala Harris's marketing campaign successfully resonates with Gen Z and utilizes social listening to create authentic content Figs and Sephora demonstrate effective branding efforts in relation to the Olympics Nike's branding for the Olympics receives criticism for its design choices Southwest Airlines' decision to remove open seating may impact customer loyalty Google's decision to backtrack on removing third-party cookies reflects the need to maintain advertising revenue Google's decision to eliminate cookies has significant implications for advertisers and privacy concerns. Companies like McDonald's, Sony, and Costco generate substantial revenue from unexpected sources. Reactive marketing can turn potential crises into positive brand moments and promotions. Authenticity and brand voice are crucial in successful reactive marketing. Partnerships with other brands can be an effective way to promote movies and entertainment properties. Chapters 00:00.   Introduction and Discussion of Previous Interview01:17      Kamala Harris's Marketing Campaign09:02     Branding in the Olympics16:14      Southwest Airlines' Seating Policy Change20:24     Google's Backtrack on Removing Third-Party Cookies21:44      The Impact of Google's Cookie Elimination24:05     Companies with Hidden Revenue Streams32:03     The Power of Reactive Marketing

    40 min

About

Welcome to MadMen, the podcast where we dive headfirst into the wild world of up-and-coming brands that are shaking things up! We celebrate the rebels, the disruptors, and fearless innovators who are flipping the script and rewriting the rules of branding. We’re gonna separate the studs from the duds, the winners from the losers, and give you the inside scoop on what makes these brands tick.

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