The Content Cocktail Hour Jonathan Gandolf

"There's no single way to create content. If you're building a category, use the same terminology as your customers and prospects. Create provocative thought leadership, explaining why this perspective matters. Ensure you're addressing unasked questions." says Dan Morgese, Director of Content Strategy and Research at Gong.

Welcome back to another episode of The Content Cocktail Hour. In this episode, we're excited to be joined by Dan Morgese, the Director of Content Strategy and Research at Gong. Dan discusses the art of balancing quality and quantity in content marketing and shares Gong's unique approach to leveraging data-driven insights, avoiding random acts of content, and effectively internal enabling teams. 
Dan also offers valuable advice for smaller teams looking to get started with research-driven content and highlights the significance of creating content that resonates deeply with the target audience.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
The importance of creating high-quality, valuable content tailored to buyer personasThe power of experimentation with different types of content delivery and measurementThe importance of AI in operational efficiency rather than replacing creativity
Resources:
Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-gandolf/ 
Check out The Juice HQ: https://www.thejuicehq.com/ 
Connect with Dan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danmorgese/ 
Check out Gong: https://www.gong.io/ 

Timestamps
[05:17] Planning editorial calendar based on the organization's priorities
[09:34] Creating high-quality, valuable content for different buyers
[15:20] Organize data strategy, assess viability, and start small
[17:59] Engagement and sharing driving data visibility success
[21:43] Tracking content impact through customer feedback and data

"I owe it to my community and the sales industry to gather data on women's compensation and promotion in sales. There's a lack of comprehensive surveys and sufficient input on these issues," says Alexine Mudawar of Women in Sales.

In this episode of The Content Cocktail Hour, we’re joined by CEO of Women in Sales, Alexine Mudawar. Women in Sales is a thriving community that's shaking up the traditional revenue models by making membership completely free and finding innovative ways to fund their initiatives through corporate sponsorships. Alexine shares her journey from a successful tech sales executive to leading an impactful community, the evolution and role of community-led growth, and the challenges and rewards of venturing on your own.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
The state of women in sales and industry trends and challengesHow organizations should find ways to make revenue from companies, not individual membersChallenges of working independently, whether through budgeting, taxes, and lack of team support
Resources:
Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-gandolf/ 
Check out The Juice HQ: https://www.thejuicehq.com/ 
Connect with Alexine on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexine-mudawar/ 
Check out Simple Strat: https://www.women-in-sales.com/ 


Timestamps:
[00:00] Challenges and opportunities of building community into business
[05:59] Women in sales and diverse career topics
[07:26] Insufficient data for women's compensation in sales
[12:36] Company-led communities prioritizing product-led growth and user connections
[14:51] Launch slowly, build your nest egg, then soar
[18:40] Big organizations and the need to prioritize profits wisely

"As long as you're confident in your interpretation and willing to share your methodology, there's great value in sharing even the basics. Don't be intimidated; there's always more we can improve in our creations," says Ryan Law, Director of Content Marketing at Ahrefs.

In this episode of The Content Cocktail Hour, we’re thrilled to welcome Ryan Law, a content marketer with a fascinating journey through the marketing world, from his early days at university to his current role at Ahrefs. Join host Jonathan Gandolf and Ryan as they discuss Ryan’s extensive use of generative AI in content creation, the importance of proprietary data in developing standout marketing content, and the evolving landscape of SEO amidst the rise of AI.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
Ryan’s content marketing philosophy, the emphasis on research-driven content, and the importance of proprietary dataUsing data to enhance content credibility and challenges and methodologies in data collectionThe role of AI in content marketing and how it can take your business to the next level
Resources:
Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-gandolf/ 
Check out The Juice HQ: https://www.thejuicehq.com/ 
Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thinkingslow/ 
Connect with Ryan on his website: https://ryanlaw.me/ 

Timestamps
[06:08] Effective content marketing balances effort and impact
[07:52] Data-driven trend reports inform ongoing decision-making
[10:35] Balancing data support with content creation challenges
[14:40] AI’s impact on SEO
[19:24] Quality is not always necessary in content marketing
[20:40] Overcoming fears and learning from experience

"Content marketing and strategy are essential foundations for any business. They are not just additional tasks but critical efforts that demonstrate to your audience why your business deserves a seat at the table," says Elizabeth Irvine

In this episode of The Content Cocktail Hour, we're joined by Elizabeth Irvine, the VP of Marketing and Customer Success at MarketMuse, to dive into the evolving role of AI in marketing, the importance of aligning customer success with marketing efforts, and the unique challenges and strengths of being an introvert in a marketing role. 
Elizabeth shares her journey from crafting email copy to leading dual teams, offers tips on leveraging AI technologies, and advises marketers looking to get closer to their customers.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why it is necessary to be in continuous engagement with customers beyond the initial saleHow impactful real-time adjustments to marketing efforts due to customer language and feedback areBeing an introvert can have both challenges and advantages in marketing and professional settings
Resources:
Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-gandolf/Check out The Juice HQ: https://www.thejuicehq.com/Connect with Elizabeth on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethdunlea/Check out MarketMuse: https://www.marketmuse.com/
Timestamps:
[06:05] Generating AI aids in content creation and automation
[11:37] Allocate time to customer calls
[16:06] Marketing's impact beyond revenue
[18:33] Overcoming shyness through smaller work environments
[22:23] Rising investment needed for quality content marketing
[24:31] Personalized marketing's effectiveness

"But that's a beautiful thing around a people-first approach. You build things with other people in a very public way, and that helps you do your marketing and sales in a more efficient way," says Mark Kilens from TACK.

In this episode of The Content Cocktail Hour, we are joined by special guests Nick Bennett and Mark Kilens from TACK. Nick and Mark discuss the evolution of building a community and audience with a people-first approach to business. They share practical strategies to prioritize transparency and authenticity and uncover how transparent pricing, personal marketing emails, and educational, value-based content can revolutionize how you connect with your audience.

Resources:
Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-gandolf/ 
Check out The Juice HQ: https://www.thejuicehq.com/ 
Connect with Nick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickbennett1/
Connect with Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markkilens/ 
Check out TACK: https://www.tackgtm.com/ 
See the TACK Network: https://tacknetwork.com/

Timestamps:
[00:00] Market and customer behaviors
[06:05] Using storytelling, relationships, and partnerships to sell
[07:37] Diversified funnel and community building
[11:18] Leveraging demand
[16:40] Experimenting with podcast and video-based content
[17:24] Transitioning from on-prem to cloud
[20:28] Unlocking opportunities with a well-defined strategy
[25:01] Customer acquisition and growth strategy
[27:42] Generational shift impacting market and consumption habits

"It isn't about using video, podcasts, or any other medium. It's about understanding what your audience is doing. Are they engaging with specific channels? If they're not, that could be an opportunity for you to stand out," says Ali Schwanke, Founder of Simple Strat.

In this episode of The Content Cocktail Hour, we’re joined by the Founder of Simple Strat, Ali Schwanke. She shares her insights on the importance of understanding and using the right channels for your audience, emphasizing the power of video and content creation in building trust and driving engagement. Ali shares the success of HubSpot Hacks and explores how they've effectively balanced their own brand with sub-brands.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
The importance of content sharing and audience feedbackHow to ensure your content has practical, immediate value and aligns with brand promisesHow to be consistent in content creation and sticking to branding themes
Resources:
Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-gandolf/ 
Check out The Juice HQ: https://www.thejuicehq.com/ 
Connect with Ali on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alischwanke/ 
Check out Simple Strat: https://simplestrat.com/ 

Timestamps:
[03:38] Discussing AI, HubSpot hacks, and investing in branding
[07:07] Photography and video experience leading to entrepreneurship
[12:37] Entrepreneurial focus on practical AI in marketing
[14:00] Podcasters aiming to show, not just tell
[18:28] The 7 hours trust-building rule
[20:02] Does everyone need a podcast or YouTube?