Marketing In The Now

Many marketing leaders are trying to create inbound or social media campaigns that will produce amazing marketing results that can grow rapidly.  My guest, Louis Gudema, the author of the book Bullseye Marketing and a Fractional CMO, makes that case that investments in inbound or social media marketing rarely produce results by themselves. He argues that it takes a multi-channel approach to reach your market place since 95% of your potential customers are not even considering buying today.  The most effective marketing programs have a mix of short term tactics, intent based campaigns, and long term strategies that engage buyers at every level. Do you have an effective multi-channel strategy or are you relying on one channel to drive all of your results? 

Do you need a unique idea to win in the marketplace? Mike Volkin, an author, serial entrepreneur, and Fractional CMO talks with David Reske, CEO of Nowspeed. Volkin believes that you don't need a unique idea, but it's much easier to build a great company when you make innovation a core part of your culture. In his book, The Business Success Formula, he offers a set of innovation evaluation questions that help an organization see if they are on the right track, or if they are stifling innovation and slowing their own growth. Mike also shares important ideas about the role that leaders can play in supporting innovation from the bottom to the very top of the organization. How strong is the culture of innovation in your company? Listen to learn more strategies now!

Bill Gallagher, a renowned scaling and growth expert, CEO, serial entrepreneur, and much more joined David Reske, CEO of Nowspeed and Host of “In The Now” with a conversation largely revolving around the challenges small businesses face when scaling up and the leadership transformations necessary during such phases. A prevailing myth that many hold is the notion that leading a large organization necessitates losing oneself. Bill debunks this, emphasizing that one's ambition and vision for their company need not be suppressed. He advocates for a "100X thinking" approach, a mindset where businesses don't just aim for modest growth but rather envision themselves being world leaders. This not only pushes boundaries but also brings about positive change on a global scale. Drawing inspiration from Daniel Burnham, Bill stresses the importance of big ideas and high aims, likening it to setting goals as ambitious as moon landings or Shackleton's Antarctic journey. Such ambition is akin to taking on challenges as extreme as 300-mile foot races, emphasizing the idea of thinking beyond conventional limits. However, ambition doesn't come without its obstacles. Fear of failure, the daunting prospects of success, and the pervasive imposter syndrome can be significant hindrances. Bill proposes that our Big Hairy Audacious Goals (BHAGs) should indeed be intimidating. They should challenge and stretch our capacities, pushing us to reach further. A significant part of scaling involves attracting, inspiring, and engaging people. Bill suggests that when setting goals, they shouldn't be merely financially driven. Instead, they should be impactful, contributing to the betterment of the world, and something one can proudly dedicate their career to. Leadership dynamics change as a company scales. Effective leaders in scaling businesses lead by influence and not just by authority. They inspire their peers, engage with their teams actively, and emphasize planning and coordination. Furthermore, adopting a coaching mentality, where leaders actively nurture and guide their teams, is crucial. Such leaders understand the fundamentals of their business, align with their team's aspirations, and adopt strategies that suit their unique personality and style. Listen to more of this conversation now!

Many marketing leaders believe that the marketing methods and practices that helped you launch the company, are the ones you should rely on to grow the business. This is especially true when you have early success and results are strong. Mike Mitchell, a fractional CMO and David Reske, CEO of Nowspeed, discuss the belief that marketing strategies need to evolve as a company grows and that it's dangerous to stay the course for too long. Talking to your customers and making sure you have alignment between sales and marketing leaders is the most effective way to make sure you are pivoting in the right direction. Listen to this enlightening conversation about a disciplined approach to changing and evolving his marketing strategy.

In this episode of Marketing In The Now, Hanoz Tabak and David Reske of Nowspeed talk about how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the field of digital marketing, offering profound advantages for businesses that adopt and integrate it effectively into their strategies. Learn about 5 comprehensive strategies for harnessing AI in marketing efforts today!

In this episode of Marketing In The Now, Scott Weiler, a fractional CMO and David Reske, CEO of Nowspeed, talk about the expansive and intricate world of marketing, clarity and focus are key. With a plethora of tools, platforms, and strategies at their disposal, marketers are often found in a dilemma—not due to a scarcity of options but because of an overwhelming abundance. Simplicity in strategy does not mean a lack of sophistication; rather, it involves focusing on what is actionable and adaptable. A marketing strategy should not be a static document adorned with complex jargon but a clear, living guide that directs every marketing effort. This simplicity allows marketers to respond quickly to changes in the market environment without losing sight of their strategic goals. Listen now to learn how to effectively set your marketing priorities!

How to Hire and Manage a Marketing Consultant In the fast-evolving business landscape, the need for expert guidance in marketing has never been more pronounced. Caroline Rothwell, an experienced Chief Marketing Officer with a rich background in various sectors like fashion, real estate, and tech marketing, shares her insights in a podcast interview with Dave Reske, CEO of Nowspeed Marketing. Her advice illuminates the path for businesses of all sizes looking to leverage the expertise of a marketing consultant effectively. Successfully hiring and working with a marketing consultant requires a thoughtful and strategic approach. CEOs must be clear about their needs, use their networks effectively, be ready to invest time, understand their business stage, and define what success looks like for their company. Consultants, in return, offer more than expertise; they provide a partnership in problem-solving and strategy implementation. Rothwell’s insights clearly demonstrate that the right consultant can be a transformative asset for any company, guiding them through the complexities of today's dynamic marketing environment.   Listen to the entire episode now!

Pete Caputa, CEO of Databox and David Reske, CEO of Nowspeed discuss how businesses often find themselves relying heavily on Search Engine Optimization (SEO) to drive traffic and generate leads. However, the digital landscape demands more than just strong SEO. A successful strategy requires an integrated approach to digital advertising campaigns that combines multiple marketing channels and tools to truly capture the complexity of consumer behaviors and preferences. Listen to learn more how this strategy is a necessity!

In the latest edition of the "In the Now" podcast, hosted by David Reske, CEO of Nowspeed Marketing, there was a deep dive into the myths and misunderstandings surrounding growth hacking with guest, Mark Osborne, a seasoned fractional CMO and acclaimed author of “Modern Revenue Strategies”. The episode kicked off with a myth-buster question on whether growth hacking is genuinely the fastest way to double revenue. Osborne quickly dispelled this notion, labeling it as decidedly untrue and emphasizing the importance of debunking this misconception. He also shared insights into the pitfalls of chasing the latest marketing fads—a path that often leads companies astray. He discussed the danger of businesses trying new tactics for short periods without gaining meaningful progress, likening it to Thomas Edison's approach of discovering numerous ways that do not work. Instead, Osborne advocates for a methodical approach focused on building systems designed to attract and retain the right customers, thereby consistently improving revenue. Concluding the podcast, Osborne shared his approach to helping companies develop holistic revenue systems encompassing marketing, sales, and customer success. He stressed the importance of diagnostic tools and shared a free resource for listeners to identify growth gaps in their strategies. Listen to this episode now!

In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Axios HQ’s CMO Chris Willis, a seasoned marketer with a wealth of experience in strategic growth. Also join David Reske, CEO of Nowspeed as they dive deep into the nuances of building a marketing engine that not only drives immediate results but also lays the groundwork for sustainable long-term growth. Chris shares his insights on the importance of understanding the customer journey, the power of incremental improvements, the art of crafting compelling messaging, and the significance of building a scalable, repeatable process. We also explore how investing in awareness can act as a catalyst for exponential growth. Whether you're a business leader looking to refine your marketing strategy or a marketing professional eager to learn from one of the best in the industry, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways that will help you chart a course for strategic growth. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from Chris's expertise and elevate your marketing efforts to new heights!

In this episode, David and Sherehan delve into a crucial question for startup founders: Can a startup CEO effectively serve as the CMO? Sherehan firmly believes the answer is "Absolutely not." While wearing multiple hats is common in the early stages due to budget constraints, she emphasizes the necessity of eventually separating these roles. Sherehan explains that the CEO's focus should be on strategic leadership, while the CMO's expertise is crucial for effective marketing, highlighting the opposing disciplines of these roles. They further discuss the importance of bringing in a dedicated CMO, as the roles are fundamentally different. The CMO is meant to experiment and innovate, while the CEO provides structure and ensures overall success. Sherehan also touches on the complexity of measuring marketing results, noting that not everything can be quantified and guaranteed. Factors like learning from case studies and adjusting strategies based on results are key for success. Additionally, Sherehan advises against hiring a CMO and then dictating how they should do their job. Trusting the expertise of the CMO and allowing them the freedom to lead the marketing efforts is crucial for achieving optimal results. Listen to this episode now!

Welcome to this enlightening episode of our podcast, where we delve into the dynamic world of event marketing with the expertise of Alec Mountain, a renowned master in event creation and community building. In this episode, Alec shares his innovative strategies and best practices that have shaped his success in the industry.   Discover the secrets to identifying your target audience and learn how to balance value with business goals for your events. Gain insights into leveraging digital platforms for effective outreach and explore the art of blending educational and networking elements to maximize impact.   This episode is a must-listen for both seasoned event marketers and those just starting their journey. Tune in to equip yourself with the tools and knowledge to craft events that resonate deeply with your audience and achieve tangible business results.   Transform your event strategies and create powerful community-building experiences with the wisdom shared in this episode. Don't miss out on this opportunity to elevate your event marketing game!

The episode of “In The Now” is with Lisa Nickerson, CEO of Nickerson PR on how to integrate PR with Digital Marketing and podcast host David Reske, who is also CEO of Nowspeed.  In a digital world where the lines between various marketing domains are increasingly blurred, understanding the seamless integration of PR and digital marketing is crucial. This interview gives a court-side view of how leaders of Digital and PR agencies think about marrying the credibility of PR with the targeted efficiency of digital marketing. From leveraging earned media to enhancing your brand's digital presence in crisis times, this interview covers a wide range of topics.   Whether you’re a marketing professional seeking to refine your strategy or a business owner looking to amplify your brand’s voice, this interview can help you think about marketing in new ways. Listen to it now!     

In this episode of “In The Now”, industry experts delve into the intricacies of leveraging Amazon's platform for optimal sales performance. With insights from David Reske, CEO of Nowspeed Marketing, and Mike Begg, CEO of AMZ Advisors, the Podcast provides a comprehensive guide to navigating the competitive landscape of Amazon. Key highlights include the significance of Amazon in online product searches, the dual role of the platform in brand visibility and sales, and strategies for identifying winning products and niche categories. The podcast emphasizes the importance of brand power, social proof, and effective advertising tactics in maximizing sales on Amazon. Furthermore, it addresses common challenges faced by sellers and offers guidance on adapting to Amazon's evolving landscape. Overall, the podcast equips readers with actionable strategies and expert advice to excel in selling on the world's largest online marketplace. Listen to it now! 

In this edition of "In the Now," David Reske interviews John Hewitt, a notable figure in the tax industry and a seasoned entrepreneur. Hewitt, who founded Jackson Hewitt and Liberty Tax Service, has significantly impacted the business world by helping over 5,000 people start their own businesses. He also established Loyalty Brands and has expanded it to 12 brands within five years. Hewitt's approach challenges the myth that merely meeting customer expectations is the goal of a business; he advocates for exceeding them through proactive customer feedback and referral solicitation, despite employees generally not being adept at the latter. Hewitt shares insights on exceeding customer expectations in franchises, maintaining quality and consistency, and the growth strategy for franchises. He tackles the complexity of managing Loyalty Brands across diverse markets by focusing on customer service fundamentals. He identifies the tax and pet industries as the fastest-growing business sectors, emphasizing the necessity of structure, systems, and the collective learning from everyone involved for scalable success. Listen to learn more!

Many people believe that if you are on the right track, you will have no doubt, be confident and just keep going. During This Episode of “In The Now”, guest, Sara Sabin, an executive coach with her own podcast,  talks with David Reske, CEO of Nowspeed. This conversation is eye opening to the benefits of constructive doubt in a person's life. She believes that it's important to understand both the emotional and rational sides of our situations before making a decision. An additional thought is that we can even use imposter syndrome positively to help us move forward as leaders. Listen to her more about her philosophy! 

Many leaders believe that the best way to compensate sales people is to pay a straight commission to motivate , and put most of the risk of sales effectiveness on the sales people themselves. Henning Schwinum, co-founder and managing partner of Vendux, talks about how he has a radically different view with David Reske, CEO of Nowspeed and Host of “In The Now”. Schwinum believes that sales success happens when the right sales and marketing systems and process are in place to build your brand, generate leads, and support sales people in their work. If you have the right systems in place, you will find that the best sales people deliver a strong ROI, and you don't need to put all of the financial risk on them any more than you'd put it on your engineers or accountants.     This provocative conversation may change how you think about sales compensation, marketing support, and even how to structure your sales teams for success. Listen to learn more about the right compensation model for sales people!

In this episode of the In the Now Podcast, David Reske, CEO of Nowspeed, interviews business expert Electra Govoni to debunk the pervasive myth that business owners need to "carry the world on their shoulders." Many entrepreneurs operate under the belief that no one else can handle their business as well as they can. Govoni unpacks the dangers of this mindset, which include the fast track to burnout, limitations on scalability, and the impossibility of selling a business that's overly reliant on one person. To mitigate these risks, Govoni offers pragmatic solutions. She advises business owners to focus on the truly critical aspects of their operations, and to consider bringing in fractional leaders or consultants for specialized roles. Process documentation is also highlighted as a crucial step in building a team that cares as much about the business as the owner does. A company culture rooted in a shared sense of purpose, mission, and vision helps inspire dedication among team members. Govoni also delves into the downsides of the 'solo hero' approach, including the negative impact on one's health, stress levels, and personal relationships. She dismantles the cliché that business owners must work 60-hour weeks to succeed, advocating instead for a more balanced, sustainable model that distinguishes between building a company and merely creating a job for oneself. Designing roles with delegation in mind, she argues, can liberate business owners from the burdens they unnecessarily impose on themselves. The role of a business coach in this transformational journey is vital. According to Govoni, a coach helps entrepreneurs set goals, decide on critical functions that don't necessarily need to be managed by them (like administration and financials), and build the confidence to delegate and trust others. By focusing on being visionary leaders rather than operational workhorses, business owners can indeed create successful, scalable enterprises without sacrificing their well-being. Listen to this episode now!

In a revealing interview with Christine Perkett, President of Perkett PR, along with host, David Reske, CEO of Nowspeed Marketing, the essence of personal branding in career progression is highlighted. Contrary to seeing it as vanity, Perkett underscores it as a “walking resume” vital in today’s digital age. She emphasizes the blend of personal and professional lives online and the power individuals hold in shaping their narratives. Drawing inspiration from Martha Stewart's brand evolution, Perkett believes personal brands can pivot and evolve. She advises newcomers to identify their values and adapt content to various platforms, differentiating genuine personal branding from profit-driven influencers. Hear more about how the rules of personal branding can change over time!

In a recent discussion, CMO Ian Feder and David Reske, CEO of Nowspeed, delved into content marketing's true essence, challenging the myth that it's solely about information delivery. Ian stressed the vital role of emotions in decision-making, highlighting differences between B2B and B2C dynamics. Feder emphasized a customer-centric approach, involving in-depth research, clear CTAs, and understanding the customer's journey. He also advocated for recognizing media consumption habits to tailor campaigns effectively. Feder's insights advocate for a holistic, emotionally-informed, and adaptive content marketing approach, underscoring the importance of continuous evolution based on comprehensive data. Listen to it in more detail now!