The Digital Northants Podcast

 Hannah, Steve and Ken get together again to discuss things that 'caught their eye' in the news.   Steve highlights the Gender Pay Gap Bot on Twitter - "Tweeting Gender Pay Gap Data for #InternationalWomensDay". Created by copywriter Francesca Lawson and software developer Ali Fensome in 2021. As reported in The Drum, the bot "took the internet by storm after it began sharing brands’ “fluffy” posts alongside data exposing their gender pay gap."    Hannah shared the Heinz "Draw Ketchup" ad campaign - that Campaigns Of The World described as created because Heinz were "starting to see brand affinity scores decline as competitors stole share... it conducted a social experiment with participants from 18 countries, anonymously asked to draw ketchup."   Ken discusses 'Brand Purpose' (not to be confused with the purpose of a brand) and picks up on disparaging comments from Mark Ritson, the enfant terrible of the marketing world, stating that customers probably don't care but employees probably do.     Follow Digital Northampton: Twitter @DigiNorthampton Linkedin linkedin.com/company/digital-northampton Eventbrite eventbrite.co.uk/digital-northampton Study Marketing at the University of Northampton Marketing BSc (Hons) Advertising & Digital Marketing BA (Hons) Fashion Marketing & Promotion BA (Hons) Entrepreneurship & Innovation BA (Hons) International Marketing Strategy MSc   Hosted by Ken Punter produced by Oppidium and supported by the University of Northampton   

Hannah and Ken discuss the latest things that have 'caught their eye' in the world of Marketing & Communications. In this episode Ken travels back to the 1980s to discuss the classic book 'Ogilvy on Advertising', where David Ogilvy shares his experience, ethos and thoughts. Regarded as the "Father of Advertising", Ogilvy describes his research based approach and how if advertising doesn't sell the product or service, it can't be regarded as "creative".   Hannah reflects on the wave of "Marketing Trends for 2022" reports that will soon be filling our inboxes, feeds and timelines. She talks about the anxiety and FOMO that these reports can bring and suggests wise and thoughtful ways to make sense of the helpful bits, and ignore the rest.   They finish by talking about the new Digital Northampton 'Meet Ups', hosted at the Waterside Bar at the University of Northampton. These are ongoing events for Digital Marketing & Comms professionals and students, particularly for those early in the their careers or in their first management roles.   Ogilvy on Advertising (Amazon) Mad Men (Season 3. Episode 7 "Seven Twenty Three" - where David Ogilvy's "Confessions of an Advertising Man" is discussed. Available on Amazon Prime) Content Marketing Institute - Definition of Content Marketing  "Content marketing is a strategic marketing approach focused on creating and distributing valuable, relevant, and consistent content to attract and retain a clearly defined audience — and, ultimately, to drive profitable customer action."   Falcon.IO - The Platform for Every Kind of Social Media Marketer Hannah's agency, The Brady Creative   Follow Digital Northampton: Twitter @DigiNorthampton Linkedin linkedin.com/company/digital-northampton Eventbrite eventbrite.co.uk/digital-northampton Study Marketing at the University of Northampton Marketing BSc (Hons) Advertising & Digital Marketing BA (Hons) Fashion Marketing & Promotion BA (Hons) Entrepreneurship & Innovation BA (Hons) International Marketing Strategy MSc   Hosted by Ken Punter produced by Oppidium and supported by the University of Northampton   

Following a bit of a break, Hannah, Steve and Ken start by looking at Dove and BrewDog adverts. They think about 'brand purpose' and how these approaches can work for smaller organisations. They highlight Cinch radio ads as examples of how essential great copywriting is. Finally they talk about a content marketing piece on the Wired website from the Dian Fossey Gorilla fund and reflect on lessons in creating content for charities, large and small. "BrewDog: The Planet's Favourite Beer"  "Dove | Reverse Selfie | Have #TheSelfieTalk"  "cinchCare TV Advert Feat: Rylan"  "WIRED - Every Ape in Planet of the Apes Explained" "Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International" Follow Digital Northampton: Twitter @DigiNorthampton Linkedin linkedin.com/company/digital-northampton Eventbrite eventbrite.co.uk/digital-northampton Study Marketing and Advertising & Digital Marketing at the University of Northampton   Hosted by Ken Punter produced and supported by the University of Northampton.

Post Graduate student Aparna Maikkara joins the podcast to talk about IT and Tech in India and her MSc Computing course at the University of Northampton. Aparna describes the IT and innovation hubs in India. She also speaks about key areas of her studies, including Artificial  Intelligence (AI)/machine learning, touching on the ethical dilemmas when biases are subconsciously introduced. She also shares thoughts about women working in IT. Finally, Aparna talks about the presentation she gave within one of Digital Northampton's 'Tech at Ten events' where she spoke about the innovation in the city port of Kochi (link below).  Aparna grew up in Kerala, in the southwestern end of the Indian subcontinent (Government of Kerala), (wikipedia/Kerala) And worked in Bengaluru, one of India's main centres of IT ("Bengaluru world's fastest growing tech hub, London second: Report" - Times of India.) The Digital Northampton 'Tech at Ten' - Kochi, Queen of the Indian Start-Ups (24 March 2021) Computing MSc - University of Northampton   Follow Digital Northampton: Twitter @DigiNorthampton Linkedin linkedin.com/company/digital-northampton Eventbrite eventbrite.co.uk/digital-northampton Hosted by Ken Punter produced by Oppidium, supported by the University of Northampton.      

Managing Director of Jump Media Group Steve Walsh takes a break from the Caught My Eye Podcast to talk about his marketing business and his former life as a full time GB athlete. Ken and Steve talk about many of the things involved with training, preparation and performing as an elite sportsperson and how this can translate to running a business and performing well in a career. They talk about talent vs practice, love of a "thing" vs having intrinsic drive and things such as "Deep work" and the "Laws of Harvest". Finally, Steve talks about the team behind the performer and how he's always looking to draw on the expertise of others to learn, develop and grow, in sport and in running a business.   Jump Media Group are strong supporters of Digital Northampton and created this year's Merged Future website.   Jump Media Group  Steve on Linkedin Steve competing: Optional Routine, European Championships 2012 ( YouTube)    People mentioned and concepts discussed: Pete Lindsay (Psychologist) on Twitter  Tracy Whittaker-Smith, Head National Coach ~ Trampoline Gymnastics at British Gymnastics on Linkedin "Deep Work - Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World   Follow Digital Northampton: Twitter @DigiNorthampton Linkedin linkedin.com/company/digital-northampton Eventbrite eventbrite.co.uk/digital-northampton Hosted by Ken Punter produced by Oppidium, supported by the University of Northampton         

Director of Digital Learning company Spokes Education, Phil Spokes, primary school teacher Grant Malloch and Head of Learning Technology at The University of Northampton, Rob Howe make up the panel to discuss "Digital Learning". An area that had been growing steadily for a number of years suddenly became crucial during the pandemic lock-downs of 2020/21. Ken is joined by Phil, Grant and Rob to look at Digital Learning from the three different perspectives of a private provider, a primary school educator and from within a university. They discuss what is meant by Digital Learning, how each of them use it, whether there are any "cons" alongside the "pros" and what, if any, of the practices that have been adopted during the lock downs, will potentially continue when restrictions are lifted. This is an introductory view of Digital Learning, some podcasts in future will investigate this in greater depth.   Rob on Linkedin Grant on Linkedin Phil on Linkedin   The 'Active Blended Learning' approach at the University of Northampton Spokes Education  Phil Spokes interview on the Digital Northampton podcast    Follow Digital Northampton: Twitter @DigiNorthampton Linkedin linkedin.com/company/digital-northampton Eventbrite eventbrite.co.uk/digital-northampton Hosted by Ken Punter produced by Oppidium    

Hannah Brady, co-Director at marketing agency The Brady Creative, joins the podcast to talk about marketing, setting up a new business during the pandemic and her role as President of the next Generation Chamber at the Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce.   Usually sharing thoughts with Ken and Steve on the 'Caught My Eye' version of the podcast, this time Hannah talks about her career background, including her time studying Marketing at university, prior to setting up The Brady Creative with her mum.    She talks about their business approach and philosophy, gives advice about using social media effectively to engage with prospects and clients and describes what the Next Generation Chamber is, how it works and that you don't have to be a Chamber of Commerce member to join. The Brady Creative Hannah's Linkedin Profile Hannah on Twitter The Brady Creative on Twitter Next Generation Chamber (Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce) Some things discussed: Innocent - "How smoothie brand Innocent became a best seller" - BBC The Body Shop - "A Brief History of The Body Shop" - Guardian Brewdog - "The New Beer Barons: How Two Scottish Kids Turned Wild Flavors, Crowdfunding And Plenty Of Attitude Into A $2 Billion Business" - Forbes   "STOP STARTING YOUR LINKEDIN CONVERSATIONS BY SELLING!" Follow Digital Northampton: Twitter @DigiNorthampton Linkedin linkedin.com/company/digital-northampton Eventbrite eventbrite.co.uk/digital-northampton Hosted by Ken Punter produced by Oppidium. 

Phil Spokes joins the podcast to discuss Digital Learning. He explains what it is (what it isn't), the factors that make it successful and how the COVID pandemic accelerated the levels of interest and use. Phil talks about his background and how he started Spokes Education as Digital Learning creators. Founded in 2013, Spokes Education have worked with clients around the world and across public, private and third sectors delivering expertise and experience in creating digital learning.    Spokes Education  Phil Spokes (LinkedIn) Spokes Education (Twitter)   Follow Digital Northampton: Twitter @DigiNorthampton Linkedin linkedin.com/company/digital-northampton Eventbrite eventbrite.co.uk/digital-northampton Hosted by Ken Punter produced by Oppidium.    

In this episode after months of praising Burger King, Steve picks them up for a major Twitter 'fail' in the UK, Hannah discusses Tommee Tippee's Boob Life campaign being blocked by Facebook and Ken highlights the new book  'Brandsplaining' which shows that 'Sneaky Sexism' is prevalent in marketing to women.   Tommee Tippee's #TheBoobLife 'Tommee Tippee breastfeeding ad campaign banned from Facebook sparking fury' (Daily Mirror) "Burger King apologises after 'women belong in the kitchen' tweet provokes backlash" (The Drum) " 'Sneaky sexism' is on the rise in advertising." (Marketing Week) Brandsplaining (Penguin website)   Follow Digital Northampton: Twitter @DigiNorthampton Linkedin linkedin.com/company/digital-northampton Eventbrite eventbrite.co.uk/digital-northampton Hosted by Ken Punter produced by Oppidium. 

John Sinclair, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Science & Technology (FAST) at the University of Northampton joins the podcast to talk about the University's support for Digital Northampton.   John describes growing up in the north east of Scotland (and being part of the "Doric Diaspora" - see link below). He talks about his background as an academic, initially studying Geography at the University of Aberdeen and moving to London to work as a Research Assistant. He joined the (then) Nene College in 1993 as programme leader for Earth Science. He subsequently became the Divisional Lead for Environmental Science, the Associate Dean, Deputy Dean, Acting Dean and finally Dean of FAST in 2016. John talks about how the Active Blended Learning Approach at the University helped them quickly adjust to teaching students remotely during the pandemic and how the experience of doing this has accelerated the approach to teaching in a way that best suits the individual student.      John's profile page at the University of Northampton John's LinkedIn page University of Northampton 'A Little Doric History' - Scots Language Centre Speyside Distilleries - (Visit Scotland)   Follow Digital Northampton: Twitter @DigiNorthampton Linkedin linkedin.com/company/digital-northampton Eventbrite eventbrite.co.uk/digital-northampton Hosted by Ken Punter produced by Oppidium.   

Following on from the first interview about Search Engine Marketing and Search Engine Optimisation (SEM and SEO) with Alan Perkins recorded in Sept 2020, this episode looks at the subject in more detail.   Ken and Alan talk about the future of search (including voice search) and discuss if it's still 'all about words' or can Google and others search for content in audio and video as well.     Alan is the MD of Silverdisc a digital marketing agency founded in 1993. Silverdisc combines strategic planning, technical engineering and marketing knowledge to help businesses unlock the power of technology and reach their goals. They're based in Kettering, Northamptonshire and work with businesses all over the UK and beyond.   Silverdisc Alan's LinkedIn Profile Introduction to SEM and SEO - Digital Northampton Podcast (Sept 2020)   Follow Digital Northampton: Twitter @DigiNorthampton Linkedin linkedin.com/company/digital-northampton Eventbrite eventbrite.co.uk/digital-northampton Hosted by Ken Punter produced by Oppidium. 

Clips and highlights from previous Digital Northampton podcasts have been brought together to celebrate and support International Women's Day 2021.   University of Northampton Senior Lecturer Kardi Somerfield,  Clare Elsby (Regional Policy lead for East Midlands FSB and Elsby & Co), Hannah Brady (Director at The Brady Creative), recent Advertising and Digital Marketing graduate Katie Rushmer and Charlotte Patrick (Knowledge Transfer & Business Engagement at University of Northampton) all feature in this special edition.   Thanks to every one of them for sharing their time, expertise, wisdom, insight, advice and experiences.   Kardi Somerfield - LinkedIn profile Clare Elsby - LinkedIn profile Katie Rusher - LinkedIn profile Charlotte Patrick - LinkedIn profile Hannah Brady - LinkedIn profile   International Women's Day 2021 FSB East Midlands Elsby & Co Advertising & Digital Marketing BA (Hons) - University of Northampton University of Northampton - Knowledge Transfer Partnerships The Brady Creative Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce - Next Generation Chamber Follow Digital Northampton: Twitter @DigiNorthampton Linkedin linkedin.com/company/digital-northampton Eventbrite eventbrite.co.uk/digital-northampton Hosted by Ken Punter produced by Oppidium. 

Business Psychologist Andrew Lloyd Gordon joins Ken in this episode to talk digital marketing and psychology. Andrew has a long background in consultancy, teaching, mentoring and tutoring in digital marketing and was a key creator of the employment website Jobs.ac.uk, one of the UK's first fully transitional websites. Ken explores Andrew's background from growing up in the West Midlands, his original interest in psychology, joining the Army through to the experience of creating a jobs website without almost no existing examples to draw from. Similar to other interviews in the Digital Northampton series this provides helpful and thoughtful advice about jobs and careers for anyone at any stage of their working life but particularly for people starting out. The paths described almost always take unexpected dips and curves and helpfully dispel any myths about structured routes to success and fulfilment.   Andrew's LinkedIn profile Andrew's website Andrew on Twitter jobs.ac.uk   Follow Digital Northampton: Twitter @DigiNorthampton Linkedin linkedin.com/company/digital-northampton Eventbrite eventbrite.co.uk/digital-northampton Hosted by Ken Punter produced by Oppidium. 

In this episode Hannah discusses the Weetabix, Heinz beans combo, Steve loves the Marmite Dynamite outdoor advert and Ken shares that a TrustPilot  reviewer in the UK is successfully sued for leaving a negative review.    Campaign's coverage of the Marmite "Dynamite" advert by agency Adam & Eve/DDB  "The controversial breakfast Twitter can't swallow." - BBC "Trustpilot to fight order to take down libellous solicitor review" - The Law Society Gazette. Follow Digital Northampton: Twitter @DigiNorthampton Linkedin linkedin.com/company/digital-northampton Eventbrite eventbrite.co.uk/digital-northampton Hosted by Ken Punter produced by Oppidium

Featuring Kevin Rogers, Chairman of the Board of Management at Wilson Browne solicitors and current President of the Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce.  Ken asks Kevin about his route to Wilson Browne and about the type of Law he practices (including a brief discussion about defamation in the digital world). They cover the work of the Chamber of Commerce and Kevin's role as President and within his other voluntary work they talk about being an Enterprise Advisor, an activity within SEMLEP where Kevin gives career advice to pupils in local schools.   Finally they speak about using social media in business and how Kevin's used it to successfully build his profile.    Kevin's Linkedin profile Wilson Browne Solicitors Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP) - Enterprise Advisors   BBC story: "Man To Pay £25,000 damages over negative TrustPilot review." Follow Digital Northampton: Twitter @DigiNorthampton Linkedin linkedin.com/company/digital-northampton Eventbrite eventbrite.co.uk/digital-northampton Hosted by Ken Punter produced by Oppidium.   

In the first 'Caught My Eye' of 2021 Hannah, Steve and Ken discuss the Burger King rebrand, the 'This Is An Ad For Men'​ by L'Oreal and possible legislation in Australia which would mean Facebook, Google and others paying for News content that appears on their sites. Burger King rebrand covered by The Drum L'Oréal Paris Ad for Men - Case Video by McCann Worldwide " 'Inevitable' Google and Facebook will pay for Australian news..." Guardian.com coverage Other things mentioned and discussed: Section 230 (via Wikipedia) - US internet legislation which provides immunity from liability for a "interactive computer service" who publish information provided by third-party users. "Banking On It" (Penguin books website) - "BANKING ON IT is the first-hand account of one woman’s quest to rebuild Britain’s broken banking system." Burger King - Farmer's advert   Follow Digital Northampton: Twitter @DigiNorthampton Linkedin linkedin.com/company/digital-northampton Eventbrite eventbrite.co.uk/digital-northampton Hosted by Ken Punter produced by Oppidium. 

January is often a time we think about new jobs, or career changes. Darren Sharp from Stafford Sharp Associates (SSA Digital) talks about the career journey that brought him into the recruitment sector, the changes in digital, tech and IT roles over the years and advice to anyone looking for a new role this year. Stafford Sharp Associates website Stafford Sharp Associates - Linkedin Stafford Sharp Associates - Twitter Darren Sharp - Linkedin   Follow Digital Northampton: Twitter @DigiNorthampton Linkedin linkedin.com/company/digital-northampton Eventbrite eventbrite.co.uk/digital-northampton Hosted by Ken Punter produced by Oppidium.

Venturing very slightly outside the county for the first podcast of 2021, Ken speaks with Milton Keynes based personal trainer Gareth Snelson.   Alongside the usual work of a personal trainer Gareth specialises in supporting and advising people with long term injury issues or who are recovering from surgery. Gareth also talks about how he adjusted to working remotely and being able to give specific advice and support using digital tools.     This will be really helpful if you're thinking about beginning or re-starting regular exercise, particularly if you're concerning about a current injury. Gareth also talks about his journey to becoming a personal trainer and shares an inspiring story of how he changed his career route and the steps he took. Gareth's website Gareth's Twitter feed Gareth's Linkedin profile Gareth speaks about some books and resources that helped his journey: Atomic Habits by James Clear (link to Bookshop.org) What Color is Your Parachute? - Richard Bolles (link to Bookshop.org) Supertraining - Mel Siff & Yuri Verkhoshansky (link to website of Prof Yuri Verkhoshansky) Follow Digital Northampton: Twitter @DigiNorthampton Linkedin linkedin.com/company/digital-northampton Eventbrite eventbrite.co.uk/digital-northampton Hosted by Ken Punter produced by Oppidium.

In the last podcast of the year Hannah, Steve and Ken talk about Spotify's 2020 Wrapped, where Spotify share (in their words) "The songs you loved most this year, all wrapped up." They discuss the Garner marketing predictions for 2021 and focus on the importance of the recurring, revenue bundles. And finally they talk about the British Airways tweet that upset a number of people in Wales.  Hannah's Spotify 2020 Wrapped Ken's Spotify 2020 Wrapped NME 50 Beautifully Sad Songs (Spotify playlist) Gartner's 2021 Marketing Predictions "Delivering Happiness"  Recurring Revenue Bundles - (Scott Galloway - "Let's Get Ready to Rundle") The Body Coach BBC coverage of "that" British Airways tweet    Follow Digital Northampton: Twitter @DigiNorthampton Linkedin linkedin.com/company/digital-northampton Eventbrite eventbrite.co.uk/digital-northampton Hosted by Ken Punter produced by Oppidium. 

Rob Purdie from Alchemetrix joins the podcast to talk about his background in marketing (particularly Loyalty Marketing). Born and bred in Northants, Rob shares his career journey that encompasses advertising and then a marketing "apprenticeship" at British Steel Corporation in Corby. Rob also talks about loyalty marketing with Carlson in Northampton. Alongside his business interests Rob has had several Non-Executive roles including as  a Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce Board Director, an Ambassador for Tresham College and a founding Trustee of the Northamptonshire Library Plus Trust Charity. He contributes to SEMLEP (South East Midlands LEP) as a member of the ESIF committee, Business Engagement group, Growth Hub panel and Creative & Cultural committee.  We also take a moment to talk a bit about rugby. Rob's Linkedin profile. Alchemetrix South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership   Tricker's Follow Digital Northampton: Twitter @DigiNorthampton Linkedin linkedin.com/company/digital-northampton Eventbrite eventbrite.co.uk/digital-northampton Hosted by Ken Punter produced by Oppidium.