Talking About Marketing

Belle Baker’s thoughtful response to our previous episode on conversational power sparks a deeper exploration into the magic words that either constrain or liberate our thinking. When we default to asking “what should we do?” we’re unknowingly shutting down possibilities, but shifting to “what could we do?” opens creative floodgates. Steve draws unexpected paral...

Rutger Bregman challenges us to create ripple effects from small personal changes that benefit entire communities. Jefferson Fisher revolutionises everyday communication by eliminating power-draining language and embracing uncomfortable directness. A hotel chain’s tone-deaf Mother’s Day spam highlights the need for sensitivity in seasonal marketing. And Golden North’s Giant Twin...

In Person, we discover why songwriters and business folk alike benefit from fresh eyes that ask the right questions, revealing how collaboration creates outcomes greater than the sum of their parts. Principles explores whether archetypes offer genuine strategic value for businesses or simply provide convenient shortcuts to avoid the hard work of authentic brand development. Problems exposes dubiou...

Will Guidara’s journey from awestruck 12-year-old at the Four Seasons to creating one of the world’s best restaurants reveals what “unreasonable hospitality” truly means. Disney’s insistence on breathing animatronic birds teaches us why perfection in unseen details creates experiences customers can feel. Steve confesses how a questionable radio crossfade between Deep...

Willie Nelson once said you should “get to the heart of feelings and keep it to a minimum” for maximum effect. We wish Facebook had taken that advice before building an empire on manipulating our emotions. Sarah Wynn-Williams lifts the veil on tech’s “move fast and break things” mantra in her revealing memoir of life inside Meta’s walls. David shares his belated...

David Duchovny reveals why success can leave you alone on a pedestal while failure invites you into a community of shared experience. We unpack the delightful contradiction of business advice books – from bootstrapping beginners to broccoli-avoiding delegators – and why different paths might all lead to the same summit. Meanwhile, VentraIP’s ‘complimentary’ domain nam...

Rick Caruso demonstrates why planning for disaster means you might be the only building left standing when LA’s wildfires rage through – and why his private firefighter strategy offers lessons for us all. David Lynch’s legacy reminds us that creating characters people genuinely care about is the secret ingredient to making audiences lean in and stay engaged – even when the...

Willie Nelson shows us why getting to the point isn't just good songwriting – it's good business sense, especially when your audience's attention span is shorter than a country music chorus. John Cleese reveals why creativity loves company (as long as it's the right company) and why the Japanese might be onto something with their "juniors first" approach to meetings. LinkedIn's quiet data collecti...

In this episode of Talking About Marketing , we explore the delicate balance between staying true to yourself and navigating external expectations. We begin with Johnny Cash’s iconic song  Man in Black , delving into how moments of clarity can redefine purpose, both in life and in business. Next, we discuss the concept of altruism, inspired by filmmaker Penny Lane’s bold decision to donate a kidne...

Welcome to another thought-provoking episode where we dive deep into the realms of literature, personal insight, and the art of effective marketing. In the  Person  segment, we continue our journey through Dostoevsky’s timeless quotes, applying his reflections on self-awareness and resilience to both personal and professional contexts. Next, in the  Principles  segment, we explore Woody Allen’s un...

Welcome to this episode of  Talking About Marketing , where we’re diving into some deep and sometimes challenging themes. First, in the  Person  segment, we find wisdom in Dostoevsky’s enduring quotes, unpacking how his views on self-awareness and authenticity resonate in our modern, often superficial world. Next, in the  Principles  segment, we explore  Hope for Cynics  by Jamil Zaki, a book that...

In this episode of  Talking About Marketing , Steve and David begin by diving into the concept of the "wild creature mind" from Steve Biddulph's latest book, unpacking how our instincts and body signals often guide us before our logical brain catches up. Moving into the Principles segment, they explore how this awareness can enhance confidence in professional settings, like marketing talks or netw...

In this episode, Steve and David dive into the power of small habits and mindset shifts that boost both personal well-being and business growth. In the "Person" segment, they share the story behind Steve's fitness journey, emphasising how physical health influences mental resilience and the importance of a supportive environment. The "Principles" segment explores how preemptive steps—whether in ma...

In this episode of "Talking About Marketing," titled  "Posturefest - Just What The Doctor Ordered,"  Steve Davis and David Olney delve into the multifaceted concept of 'posture' in both professional and personal realms. They explore how adopting the right stance—whether it's trusting experts, asserting confidence in negotiations, staying vigilant against scams, or crafting compelling marketing mes...

In this episode of  Talking About Marketing , Steve Davis and David Olney take us on a journey through mindfulness, the art of leadership, crafting compelling marketing messages, and the enduring power of classic political campaign strategies. The  Person  segment delves into the importance of mindfulness and staying present in our fast-paced world. In  Principles , they explore the significance o...

In this episode of  Talking About Marketing , Steve Davis and David Olney explore the critical factors shaping small business success in today's challenging landscape. They begin by discussing the importance of structured, meaningful conversations and how they can drive better customer engagement and business outcomes. The episode then delves into the fundamentals of effective marketing, emphasisi...

In this unique round-up episode, we dive deep into the essence of our entire podcast series, extracting and examining the most impactful habits and routines that have surfaced in our discussions. This special edition is not just a recap—it's an accountability session for us and a treasure trove of actionable insights for you. Person Segment : Discover personal productivity hacks like taking regula...

In this episode of  Talking About Marketing , Steve Davis and David Olney explore a range of topics that highlight the challenges and opportunities faced by small business owners in today's dynamic environment. The Person segment delves into the current economic instability and its impact on small businesses. Drawing on Edward Chancellor’s book,  The Price of Time , they discuss how economic polic...

In this episode of Talking About Marketing, Steve Davis and David Olney delve into the power of communication, the efficiency of the 80/20 Principle, the pitfalls of relying on AI-generated content, and the allure of doom narratives. The Person segment explores the foundational aspects of effective communication, drawing insights from Steve’s recent talk at the Visitor Information Services confere...

In this thought-provoking episode titled "The Big Potential of Being Better Together," we explore the profound impact of collaboration and collective effort across various facets of life, from personal relationships to professional environments. The episode weaves through different segments, each offering unique insights into how we can harness our collective potential to achieve greater outcomes....

This episode is a deep dive into how you can harness creativity, leadership, and strategic thinking to propel your business forward. In our "Person" segment, we explore the critical role of deadlines in managing tasks effectively, especially in knowledge work. Inspired by insights from Cal Newport, we discuss strategies that can alleviate stress and clarify expectations, empowering you to enhance...

In this episode, hosts Steve Davis and David Olney embark on an insightful journey exploring the profound impacts of AI on communication and the essence of human connection. Through their unique four P's approach—Person, Principles, Problems, and Perspicacity—the episode delves into the transformative power of effective communication, guided by wisdom from Charles Duhigg's book on Super Communicat...

In this episode, Steve Davis and David Olney delve into the fascinating world of human irrationality, particularly as it pertains to customer behaviour. Drawing on insights from behavioural economics, the hosts explore whether it's possible to anticipate the seemingly unpredictable actions of customers. The discussion is sparked by Steve's appreciation for David's consistently insightful, albeit u...

In this episode's "Person" segment, we dive into "The Expectation Effect" by David Robson, uncovering how our brains function as prediction machines and the profound impact our expectations have on our mental energy and capabilities. Through groundbreaking research and practical insights, we explore the transformative power of altering our beliefs about our cognitive resources. This discussion off...

Welcome to the launch of Series 4 of "Talking About Marketing," where we dissect the essence of marketing through our unique four P's approach: Person, Principles, Problems, and Perspicacity. This episode is a journey through the intricacies of personal development, timeless principles, navigating challenges, and helpful insights in the marketing realm, both theoretical and practical. In our openi...