Modern Day Marketer

"MarketingOps isn't just marketing—it's a product function," says Mike Rizzo, Community-led Founder & CEO at MarketingOps.comIn this episode of The Content Cocktail Hour, host Jonathan Gandolf is joined by Mike Rizzo for a deep dive into the rising influence—and expanding responsibilities—of MarketingOps. From building community-led ecosystems to redefining what it means to "do more with less," Mike shares how MarketingOps professionals are uniquely positioned to own the go-to-market tech stack in today's AI-driven landscape. They explore why MarketingOps can't be reduced to just CRMs or automation platforms, how practitioners can move from order-takers to strategic leaders, and why learning to align with business goals is the real unlock for long-term growth.In this episode, you'll learn:Why MarketingOps is evolving into a strategic functionHow AI is changing the expectations (and tools) in go-to-market rolesWhat it takes to lead with clarity, alignment, and communityResources:Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-gandolf/Explore AudiencePlus: https://audienceplus.comConnect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikedrizzo/Explore MarketingOps: https://www.MarketingOps.comCheck out MOps-Apalooza: https://mopsapalooza.com/Timestamps:(00:00) Intro (02:00) Building community-led growth(04:38) Starting from a team of one(07:00) MarketingOps in the age of AI(13:00) From order-taker to strategic leader(19:00) The GTM tech stack as a product(24:00) Unpopular opinion: MarketingOps isn't marketing

“If you think content is a marketing thing, you're already doing it wrong,” says Selma Chauvin, Chief Revenue Officer at AgorapulseIn this episode of The Content Cocktail Hour, host Jonathan Gandolf welcomes Selma Chauvin to discuss how content must evolve from random acts of marketing into a critical tool for revenue growth. As a former marketer turned CRO, Selma unpacks how she flipped Agorapulse's content strategy—starting at the bottom of the funnel and scaling upward—driven by sales insights and real customer conversations. Selma and Jonathan dive into how to bridge the gap between content creation and sales usage, why marketers should stop obsessing over attribution, and how aligning revenue teams can unlock smarter content strategies.In this episode, you'll learn:Why the biggest content mistake is prioritizing production over promotionHow to reverse-engineer content from real sales conversationsWhat a CRO can do to finally unite marketing and salesResources:Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-gandolf/Explore AudiencePlus: https://www.agorapulse.com/Connect with Selma on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/selma-chauvin/Explore Agorapulse: https://www.agorapulse.com/Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(02:00) Content's two halves: production vs. promotion(05:00) Why most content never gets used by sales(08:45) Sales as the customer of content(11:30) Flipping the funnel: starting with bottom-of-funnel insights(15:15) Building content with fewer assumptions(20:00) Why CROs should not come from sales(23:45) How Selma leads revenue at Agorapulse(25:30) “Let's stop marketing ourselves and just do business”

“Out-of-home marketing might be the most underrated B2B channel right now,” says Charlie Riley, Head of Marketing at OneScreen.ai In this episode of The Content Cocktail Hour, host Jonathan Gandolf sits down with Charlie Riley to explore the creative resurgence of out-of-home (OOH) advertising—and why it's becoming a powerful tool for modern marketers. From billboards and digital signage to guerrilla tactics and experiential stunts, Charlie shares real-world examples of brands breaking through the noise with memorable, measurable campaigns.They dive into how OOH has evolved from guesswork to data-driven precision, what B2B marketers can learn from D2C, and why internal storytelling is just as critical as external messaging. Plus, Charlie offers sharp insights on the limits of marketing titles, the value of partners over vendors, and how small teams can make a big impact.In this episode, you'll learn:How out-of-home fits into modern marketing, and what makes it measurableWhy internal marketing is often more critical than external campaignsHow to use data and instinct to find your ideal customerResources:Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-gandolf/Explore AudiencePlus: https://audienceplus.comConnect with Charlie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlieriley/Explore OneScreen.ai: https://www.onescreen.aiTimestamps:(00:00) Intro(01:27) Charlie's path to marketing leadership(03:15) Why out-of-home is more than just billboards(05:30) Creative case studies and real-world OOH impact(07:10) How OneScreen uses data to eliminate the guesswork(10:45) The B2B vs D2C mindset shift(14:15) Using out-of-home for ABM(16:40) Storytelling with data(19:00) Why marketing titles are often misleading(21:10) Internal marketing is your hidden superpower(23:30) Snorkeling vs. deep diving as a modern marketer(25:00) How to partner with OneScreen

“Favor fit over fame for influencer marketing success,” says Vivien Garnès, co-CEO at UpfluenceIn this episode of The Content Cocktail Hour, Vivien Garnès, co-founder and co-CEO of Upfluence, joins Jonathan Gandolf to unpack influencer marketing in the B2B and B2B2C space. Vivien shares why aligning your influencer's audience with your brand matters more than follower counts, how influencer marketing has matured beyond vanity metrics to focus on real business impact, and why brands should give influencers creative freedom to unlock authentic engagement. She also opens up about her entrepreneurial journey launching Upfluence, how the co-CEO model works for her company, and an unpopular marketing opinion that changed their approach to ad spend.In this episode, you'll learn:Why fit matters more than fame when choosing influencersHow to measure influencer marketing success beyond impressions and likesThe benefits and challenges of sharing creative control with influencersResources:Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-gandolf/Explore AudiencePlus: https://audienceplus.comConnect with Vivien on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vgarnes/?locale=en_USExplore Upfluence: https://www.upfluence.com/Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(00:06) Two schools of thought on B2B influencer marketing(06:20) Favoring fit over fame in influencer partnerships(09:00) Balancing editorial control and influencer freedom(12:15) Tracking meaningful ROI in influencer marketing(14:30) Vivien's entrepreneurial beginnings and launching Upfluence(18:00) How the co-CEO model works for Upfluence(19:50) Branded ad campaigns and marketing assumptions

“Focus beats frenzy every time,” says Jason Hubbard, founder & CEO of DemandMagicIn this episode of The Content Cocktail Hour, Jason Hubbard, founder & CEO of DemandMagic, joins Jonathan Gandolf to explore the evolving world of growth marketing for B2B SaaS companies. Jason shares why narrowing your target market is critical to scaling from series A to B, how AI is transforming go-to-market strategies when applied thoughtfully, and why entrepreneurs need more grit than glamour. He also opens up about his journey as a serial founder and offers practical advice on using AI not as a gimmick but as a problem-solving tool.In this episode, you'll learn:Why tight focus is vital for early-stage startup successHow to approach AI as a tool for solving specific business problemsThe realities and mindset needed to thrive as a serial entrepreneurResources:Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-gandolf/Explore AudiencePlus: https://audienceplus.comConnect with Jason on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hubbardjason/Explore DemandMagic: https://demandmagic.ai/Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(03:00) Jason's growth marketing origins and bootstrapped startup mindset(04:30) The rise of services as software and AI's role(08:20) Why focus beats chasing a wide TAM(11:10) Using AI to solve real business problems, not just for show(14:30) Feeding go-to-market data into AI for actionable insights(16:00) Personal uses of AI and digital nomad lifestyle plans(17:30) The entrepreneurial mindset: why most won't do it twice

“You don't need to dumb down your message—you need to lift it up,” says Zach Messler, messaging strategistIn this episode of The Content Cocktail Hour, Jonathan Gandolf sits down with Zach Messler to unpack what clarity actually means in product marketing, and why so many companies get it wrong.Zach shares the three deceptively simple questions every founder and marketer should be able to answer: “What is it? What does it do? Why does it matter?” He further discusses how to translate product complexity into compelling messaging, and why features don't matter unless they're tied to a deeper narrative. Zach also explains how to test your message in the wild, how to avoid the “everything, everywhere, all at once” trap, and the unlikely branding power of a Friday bourbon toast.In this episode, you'll learn:Why product marketing starts with positioning, and not performance tacticsHow to talk about your product without actually talking about your productWhat message clarity really means Resources:Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-gandolf/Explore AudiencePlus: https://audienceplus.comConnect with Zach on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachmessler/Get Zach's workbook: https://www.clarityrules.com Check out Zach's newsletter: https://boomshockalocka.kit.com/e247950337 Explore zachmessler.com: https://zachmessler.com/ Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(02:18) The bourbon journey begins(05:37) The art of sipping whiskey(07:35) Bourbon collections and their value(13:24) The shift to messaging(14:49) The essence of product marketing(16:40) Defining your product(17:25) The importance of clarity in messaging(17:38) Understanding the power of messaging(18:08) The importance of positioning statements(20:17) Balancing product and problem messaging(25:24) Testing and refining your message(28:45) Connecting features to value(30:28) Creating a messaging guide

“Bold moves get bold results,” says JH Scherck, founder & CEO of Growth PlaysIn this episode of The Content Cocktail Hour, JH Scherck, founder & CEO of Growth Plays, joins Jonathan Gandolf to break down what it really takes to win with content in today's fragmented, AI-driven search landscape. JH unpacks why traditional SEO still matters—but only if it's tied to real pipeline—and shares his candid take on how most companies are playing it too safe. From AI-powered discovery to the value of earned media and coined frameworks, he offers a clear-eyed perspective on what's changing (and what's not) in B2B content strategy. If you're tired of surface-level tactics and ready to create content that actually drives results, this one's for you.In this episode, you'll learn:Why SEO still works—if you focus on pipelineHow AI is reshaping search behavior and discoveryWhy bold, creative risks outperform safe plays in marketingResources:Connect with Jonathan Gandolf on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-gandolf/Explore AudiencePlus: https://audienceplus.comConnect with JH Scherck on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jhtscherck/Connect with JH Scherck on X: https://x.com/jhtscherckVisit Growth Plays: https://growthplays.com/Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(01:09) Meet JH Scherck and Growth Plays(02:18) Drinking Dominus and California wine habits(03:06) Is SEO dead? Why it's evolving, not obsolete(05:18) Fragmented search, new discovery behaviors(06:47) Search as an introduction, not the whole journey(07:44) Differentiation and finding your point of leverage(08:51) Why pipeline matters more than traffic(10:38) Content's role in qualified lead generation(12:58) How AI and GEO are influencing visibility(14:56) What earns citations in generative engines(15:27) Coining phrases over chasing keywords(16:51) Why no one has GEO figured out—yet(18:36) Personalization, prompts, and user context in AI(20:11) JH's unpopular opinion: Play it safe, stay stuck(21:29) Career-defining content risks that paid off(22:41) Playing it safe won't get you promoted(23:16) How to connect with JH and Growth Plays

“Our content should be worth someone's time—and money,” says David Ebner, founder & CEO of Content WorkshopIn this episode of The Content Cocktail Hour, David J. Ebner, founder & CEO of Content Workshop, returns to chat with Jonathan Gandolf about the evolving expectations for content in a post-AI world. David shares why content should meet a new “threshold of value”—so good people would willingly pay for it—and explains how this mindset influences everything from newsletters to long-form assets. He also unpacks the tension between automation and authenticity, why “moral marketing” matters, and how brands can embrace SEO and backlinks even in a zero-click search environment. If you're feeling stuck on the AI content hamster wheel, this episode offers a compelling case for slowing down and zigging when everyone else is zagging.In this episode, you'll learn:How to create content that earns attention and trustWhy brands should rethink the ROI of SEO and backlinksHow to frame content creation as a moral decision, not just a metricResources:Connect with Jonathan Gandolf on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-gandolf/Explore AudiencePlus: https://audienceplus.comConnect with David Ebner on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjebnerVisit Content Workshop: https://contentworkshop.comTimestamps:(00:00) Intro(01:06) David's background and the origin of Content Workshop(03:27) Ube mocktails and scaling back on drinking(04:01) Why content should be worth paying for(06:13) Valuing time and attention in the age of AI(08:21) The ROI of high-value content(09:57) Content libraries as recurring revenue assets(11:21) Real examples of premium content from David's team(12:03) Give away the secret sauce(13:54) Standing out with quality, not just quantity(15:55) Why marketers must create with morality in mind(17:22) Who does your content help—and hurt?(20:54) David's unpopular opinion: SEO still matters(22:24) Why backlinks are more important than ever(24:10) What generative engines reveal about good SEO(25:20) How to connect with David and Content Workshop

“In the age of AI, the only differentiator is how you get your people to scale,” says Rachel Downey, founder and CEO of Share Your GeniusIn this episode of The Content Cocktail Hour, Jonathan Gandolf sits down with Rachel Downey, founder and CEO of Share Your Genius, to explore what it really takes to build a high-impact podcast or content feed in today's B2B world.Rachel breaks down the difference between launching a “show” and building a “feed,” why downloads don't tell the whole story, and how marketers should be thinking about ROI in human-first content strategies. She also shares how companies can start small, get scrappy, and make smarter content investments—without sacrificing authenticity.In this episode, you'll learn:Why a podcast might not be the best place to start—and what to do insteadHow to differentiate between metrics of performance and metrics of successWhat “people-first” content actually looks like and how to scale it effectivelyResources:Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-gandolf/Explore AudiencePlus: https://audienceplus.comConnect with Rachel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelelstsdowney/Explore Share Your Genius: https://www.shareyourgenius.comTimestamps:(00:00) Intro(01:26) The evolution of podcasting(02:24) Personal journey in podcasting(04:38) Show vs. feed(06:29) Measuring success in podcasting(14:08) Building a business case for podcasts(17:21) The role of AI in content creation(21:42) Why LinkedIn works better without a plan

“I don't think B2B is as boring as people say it is. I think people are just bored in general,” says Brianna Doe, founder and CEO of Verbatim.In this episode of The Content Cocktail Hour, Jonathan Gandolf sits down with Brianna Doe, founder and CEO of Verbatim, to unpack how B2B brands can show up with the same creative energy as B2C—without chasing trends or bloating their budgets.Brianna shares why influencer marketing deserves a real seat at the B2B table, what a minimum viable pilot program actually looks like, and how building a network on LinkedIn helped her go all-in on her own agency with zero outbound. She also dives into how internal influencers (yes, even your CEO) can drive brand affinity more authentically than any corporate page.In this episode, you'll learn:How to test influencer marketing in B2B—without a 6-figure budgetWhy internal creators are your brand's most underutilized assetWhat it takes to confidently build a business and brand from scratchResources: Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-gandolf/ Explore AudiencePlus: https://audienceplus.com Connect with Brianna on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianna-doe/ Explore Verbatim: https://www.verbatim.comTimestamps:(00:00) Intro(01:07) Brianna's background and current work(01:52) From old fashioneds to margaritas(03:06) Journey into influencer marketing(04:42) Influencer marketing strategies for B2B(12:28) Tools and resources for influencer marketing(13:21) Internal influencers and company culture(16:48) The journey to Verbatim

“Building strong relationships takes time, and that's what many B2B marketers miss,” says Mike Allton, Chief Storyteller at AgorapulseIn this episode of The Content Cocktail Hour, Mike Allton, Chief Storyteller at Agorapulse, joins Jonathan Gandolf to discuss the evolution of social media marketing and why relationships, not quick sales, are the foundation of B2B success. Mike shares his journey from influencer ambassador to storyteller at Agorapulse, his thoughts on how brands can empower employees to share their story, and why relationship-building in social media cannot be automated by AI. He also discusses the challenges of AI-generated content, the importance of brand consistency, and why LinkedIn connection requests shouldn't always lead to a sales pitch.In this episode, you'll learn:How to empower employees to authentically represent your brandWhy building relationships on social media requires patience and timeHow to balance automation with personal connection in B2B marketingResources:Connect with Jonathan Gandolf on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-gandolf/Explore AudiencePlus: https://audienceplus.comConnect with Mike Allton on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeallton/Connect with Mike Allton through The AI Hat: https://theaihat.com/connect/Explore The AI Hat: https://theaihat.com/ Explore Agorapulse: https://www.agorapulse.com/Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(01:31) Mike Allton's journey and role at Agorapulse(04:03) The importance of empowering employees to share brand stories(07:02) The shift from corporate to human voices in social media(11:06) Navigating AI's influence on social media content(12:30) How AI is both a tool and a challenge for content creation(13:04) The dangers of LinkedIn pitch slaps(14:30) Balancing automation and personal connection in outreach(19:17) The evolution of social media marketing in B2B(22:19) The future of relationship-building in digital marketing

“Positioning and messaging might be perfect, but without distribution, it doesn't mean anything,” says Jonathan Pipek, founder and CEO of Blue Manta ConsultingIn this episode of The Content Cocktail Hour, Jonathan Pipek, founder and CEO of Blue Manta Consulting, joins Jonathan Gandolf to unpack the often-misunderstood world of product marketing—and why distribution, not differentiation, is the real battleground for startups. Jonathan shares why startups should consider fractional product marketing support before making their first full-time hire, what's broken about personalization at scale, and why webinars feel increasingly outdated in today's crowded B2B environment. He also dives into the critical role of language, community, and actionable content in building trust with modern buyers.In this episode, you'll learn:When startups should hire product marketing and when they shouldn'tWhy AI personalization at scale often backfiresHow distribution has overtaken positioning as the real growth challengeResources:Connect with Jonathan Gandolf on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-gandolf/Explore AudiencePlus: https://audienceplus.comConnect with Jonathan Pipek on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanpipek/Explore Blue Manta Consulting: https://www.bluemantaconsulting.com/Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(01:31) Jonathan Pipek's background and approach to startups(04:03) Defining product marketing at early-stage companies(07:02) When to hire product marketing full-time vs fractional(11:06) What's not working: AI personalization at scale(12:30) Why ads are delivering diminishing returns(13:04) The distribution problem no one talks about(14:30) How product marketing and content marketing should collaborate(19:17) Why webinars feel outdated in 2025(22:19) Why actionable content beats thought leadership today

“I think AI is not the future. Human-led content is the future. Authentic stories are the future,” says Tim Rath, co-founder and CEO of YOYABAIn this episode of The Content Cocktail Hour, Tim Rath, co-founder and CEO of YOYABA, joins Jonathan to discuss the rise of revenue marketing—and why it's much more than a buzzword. From co-founding an agency with his dad to working with powerhouse brands like HubSpot and Personio, Tim shares what it really takes to scale smartly in today's B2B environment. He also explains why marketing teams need to think beyond MQLs and focus on what actually drives revenue, retention, and growth.In this episode, you'll learn:How revenue marketing shifts focus from lead gen to business outcomesThe importance of product-market fit and message-market fitThe underrated power of personal branding in a noisy AI-driven worldResources:Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-gandolf/Explore AudiencePlus: https://audienceplus.comConnect with Tim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timrathofficial/ Explore YOYABA: https://www.yoyaba.com/ Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(03:52) The concept of revenue marketing(07:22) Aligning marketing and sales for success(12:20) The role of brand marketing(13:37) Keys to rapid business growth(17:01) Founding a business with family(18:32) Building a marketing career from scratch(19:58) AI is not the future

“Don't ask for the meeting. People aren't dumb. Your job is to help them do theirs better,” says Mason Cosby, CEO and co-founder of Scrappy ABMIn this episode of The Content Cocktail Hour, Jonathan Gandolf sits down with Mason Cosby, CEO and co-founder of Scrappy ABM, to break down what account-based marketing really looks like without six-figure software. Mason shares how his team generated $3M in revenue in 18 months using little more than a podcast and LinkedIn—and why most companies get ABM wrong by focusing on tools instead of strategy. He also outlines the criteria for who should and shouldn't be running ABM, and how aligning with finance, sales, and customer success is the real game-changer.In this episode, you'll learn:Why tooling isn't what makes or breaks your ABM program—and what actually doesHow to build a content-led ABM engine using what you already haveThe critical signals that mean your company is (or isn't) ready for ABMResources:Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-gandolf/Explore AudiencePlus: https://audienceplus.comConnect with Mason on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/masoncosby/ Explore Scrappy ABM: https://scrappyabm.com Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(01:20) Marketing insights(01:49) The essence of Scrappy ABM(04:01) Building effective ABM programs(16:28) The role of content in ABM programs(16:56) Starting with what you have(19:23) Mapping content to buyer journeys(26:43) Don't ask for the meeting

“You can't expect customers to come back if they're not getting a good experience,” says Christian Burne, CTO of OshynIn this episode of The Content Cocktail Hour, Jonathan Gandolf sits down with Christian Burne, CTO of Oshyn, to explore the world of digital trust and its critical role in creating exceptional website experiences. From performance and accessibility to security, Christian explains how companies can build trust with their users by focusing on these three key pillars.Christian shares insights from Oshyn's Digital Trust Index, which measures how well websites perform across these areas, and discusses why companies with the best security scores aren't always excelling in other areas. He also explores the implications of headless websites, sharing when they make sense and when they might not be the right fit for every business. The conversation touches on how small adjustments can make a big difference in customer experience and why prioritizing digital hygiene is more important than ever.In this episode, you'll learn:Why security alone isn't enough for a great website experienceHow the Digital Trust Index helps brands measure their online performanceWhen to choose headless websites—and when to reconsiderResources:Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-gandolf/Explore AudiencePlus: https://audienceplus.comConnect with Christian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianburne/Explore Oshyn: https://www.oshyn.com/Check out the Oshyn Digital Trust Index: https://lp.oshyn.com/o/oshyn-digital-trust-index-report/Analyze your site's performance using Oshyn's AI-Enabled Reliability Report: https://www.oshyn.com/reliability-report?utm_source=chatgpt.comTimestamps:(00:00) Intro(01:12) Christian's role at Oshyn and the Digital Trust Index(03:00) The importance of performance, accessibility, and security(06:10) When headless websites make sense(09:30) Key findings from the Digital Trust Index report(12:20) Measuring what matters in web performance(15:00) The role of AI in web experiences(17:00) What companies often overlook in their websites

“The easiest and most reliable way to get amazing talent is to work with your network and your employees' networks,” says Emeric Ernoult, co-founder and CEO of AgorapulseIn this episode of The Content Cocktail Hour, Jonathan Gandolf sits down with Emeric Ernoult, co-founder and CEO of Agorapulse, to explore the power of leveraging social media and networks to build a successful business. Emeric shares how his journey as a SaaS entrepreneur has led him to discover the critical role that social media plays in attracting top talent, driving brand awareness, and generating quality leads.From Agorapulse's early product-led growth to its transformation into a marketing and sales-led company, Emeric discusses how the company shifted its approach and why leveraging your employees and their networks is key to achieving greater success. He also shares his unique take on why branding is just as important as lead generation and how the right social media strategies can yield impressive results.In this episode, you'll learn:How to effectively leverage your employees' networks to hire top talentWhy social media isn't just about posting content, but about creating genuine connectionsThe balance between branding and lead generation in B2B marketingResources:Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-gandolf/Explore AudiencePlus: https://audienceplus.comConnect with Emeric on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ernoult/Explore Agorapulse: https://www.agorapulse.com/Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(01:10) Emeric's background and entrepreneurial journey(03:00) The evolution from product-led to marketing and sales-led at Agorapulse(06:45) The importance of leveraging your employees' networks for growth(10:20) Balancing branding with lead generation(13:30) Measuring social media success and ROI(17:10) The future of social media marketing in B2B(21:00) Key lessons learned from failures and successes in business

“People relate to people, not tasting notes,” says Haley Moore, founder of AcquireIn this episode of The Content Cocktail Hour, Jonathan Gandolf welcomes Haley Moore, founder of Acquire, to explore the intersection of hospitality and B2B marketing. From her Michelin-star sommelier roots to reimagining virtual and in-person events for top brands, Haley shares how human connection—not decks or tasting notes—is the key to unforgettable customer experiences.She shares her belief that the best events aren't necessarily the biggest or most expensive—they're the most personal. Haley breaks down why surprise-and-delight isn't just a hospitality trick, but a scalable B2B strategy, and why the smallest gestures often make the biggest impressions.In this episode, you'll learn:How Acquire brings Michelin-level hospitality to virtual and in-person B2B eventsWhy personalization at scale beats templated “event in a box” strategiesThe power of follow-up: what happens after the event matters mostResources:Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-gandolf/Explore AudiencePlus: https://audienceplus.comConnect with Haley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haley-moore-9606711a6/Explore Acquire: https://acquire-wine.com Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(01:15) Haley's journey in the restaurant business(02:01) The birth of Acquire during the pandemic(02:25) The evolution of virtual events(03:13) The magic of wine and storytelling(05:33) Jonathan's background and insights(08:52) The power of hospitality in business(15:44) Learnings about founding and scaling a business(18:50) How salespeople are missing what actually matters

“Video is a tool for democratizing creative storytelling,” shares Drew Brucker, Director of Brand & Content at GoldcastIn this episode of The Content Cocktail Hour, Drew Brucker, Head of Brand and Content at Goldcast, shares how B2B marketing has evolved in a video-first world, and why companies can no longer afford to avoid using video as a key content strategy. Drew discusses Goldcast's shift from being an event platform to a comprehensive B2B video content solution, and how AI is playing a huge role in making video production more accessible and scalable for marketers. He explores the power of video for building mindshare, the importance of creating memorable content, and why marketers need to adapt to the growing trend of video-first strategies.In this episode, you'll learn:Why video-first content strategies are the future of B2B marketingHow to leverage AI to make video production more efficientThe shift from transactional marketing to relationship-building with mindshareResources:Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-gandolf/Explore AudiencePlus: https://audienceplus.comConnect with Drew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drewbrucker/Explore Goldcast: https://goldcast.ioExplore Content Lab: https://www.goldcast.io/contentlab Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(01:33) Drew's journey and Goldcast's evolution(03:00) The role of AI in content creation(06:00) Shifting to a video-first content strategy(10:00) Building mindshare with video(14:20) Why marketers need to rethink ROI(17:00) The impact of video on brand awareness(20:00) Tips for successfully integrating video in B2B marketing

“Great content is content that's worth 10x the reader's time,” says Ryan Allis, CEO and Founder of SaasRiseIn this episode of The Content Cocktail Hour, Ryan Allis, Founder of SaasRise, shares the playbook behind scaling a content-led B2B growth engine in 2025. He breaks down why traditional inbound and SEO strategies are losing steam, and how AI-personalized outbound and ABM are becoming the new standards for driving qualified leads.Ryan also walks through his weekly content creation workflow, SaasRise's approach to LinkedIn thought leadership, and the underrated power of tracking content impressions across every touchpoint.In this episode, you'll learn:Why inbound marketing and SEO need a major update in the age of AIHow SaasRise uses AI-personalized outbound to achieve high-performing lead genWhat a modern B2B content machine looks like and how to build one from scratchResources:Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-gandolf/Explore AudiencePlus: https://audienceplus.comConnect with Ryan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanallis/Explore SaasRise: https://www.saasrise.com/Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(03:52) Inbound marketing is losing ground(06:31) Reaching cold leads that convert(11:28) How Ryan creates weekly content fast(13:18) Why AI outbound works better now(16:20) What Ryan tracks across all channels(21:38) AI emails are driving most leads

“Marketers are sociologists. We see the entire market. Sales are psychologists. They focus on one thing in front of them,” shares Nadia Davis, VP of Marketing at CaliberMindIn this episode of The Content Cocktail Hour, Nadia Davis, VP of Marketing at CaliberMind, unpacks the realities of ABM, revenue marketing, and why marketing leaders need to align with the language of the boardroom. Nadia shares how ABM has always existed—long before platforms tried to "productize" it—why MQLs aren't actually dead, and the biggest mistake companies make when implementing account-based strategies.She also explores the operational side of marketing, offering insights on why instrumentation and process matter just as much as creativity, and how marketers can set themselves up for success when stepping into new leadership roles.In this episode, you'll learn:Why ABM isn't as new as people think—and how to actually make it workHow to prove marketing's value in the boardroom and tie impact to revenueThe biggest tech trap ABM marketers fall into—and how to avoid itResources: Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-gandolf/ Explore AudiencePlus: https://audienceplus.com Connect with Nadia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadiadavis/ Explore CaliberMind: https://www.calibermind.comTimestamps:(00:00) Intro(01:33) Nadia's marketing journey and insights(03:56) The evolution and misconceptions of ABM(05:16) Defining ABM and its practical applications(08:21) Challenges and strategies in ABM implementation(15:28) Tracking success in ABM and marketing(20:35) Nadia's first 90 Days at CaliberMind(23:41) Why MQLs aren't dead

“The smartest brands are the ones rallying people around a cause—not just selling a product.” says Karthi Ratnam, Co-Founder of Audience HausIn this episode of The Content Cocktail Hour, Karthi Ratnam, co-founder of Audience Haus, joins Jonathan Gandolf to explore the power of Movement Marketing in B2B. Karthi shares how brands can break free from the “sea of sameness” by building authentic, engaged communities that drive lasting demand.She talks about why founder-led movements are the future of B2B marketing, how human psychology plays a crucial role in brand-building, and why traditional marketing tactics are failing in today's landscape. Karthi also discusses the role of AI in sales and marketing, explaining how businesses can leverage AI while keeping human connection at the core of their strategies.In this episode, you'll learn:Why Movement Marketing is the key to standing out in B2BHow AI can enhance, not replace, human-led marketingThe importance of founder-led sales and why leaders should be the face of their brandResources:Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-gandolf/Explore AudiencePlus: https://audienceplus.comConnect with Karthi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karthiratnam/Explore Audience Haus: https://www.audiencehaus.com/Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(01:12) What is Movement Marketing?(03:28) Why traditional B2B marketing is failing(06:45) The psychology behind movement-driven branding(10:02) The rise of founder-led sales and why it matters(14:30) How AI can support human-first marketing(19:20) The challenges of building a brand-led community(24:05) Karthi's unpopular opinion on B2B marketing

“You wouldn't send your AI to a sales dinner to close a deal. You would still go, but the AI can do so much work for you to prepare and even get you that dinner.” says Garrett Scott, VP of Marketing at Bounti.aiIn this episode of The Content Cocktail Hour, Garrett Scott, VP of Marketing at Bounti.ai joins Jonathan Gandolf to discuss how AI is reshaping B2B sales and marketing. Garrett shares insights on how AI augments—not replaces—human decision-making, how Bounti.ai approaches go-to-market strategies, and why personalization and efficiency are the keys to success in the evolving AI landscape.Garrett also dives into the practical ways AI enhances marketing workflows, from eliminating the “blank page” problem to accelerating content production, and explains why the future isn't just about AI—it's about the synergy between AI and human expertise.In this episode, you'll learn:How AI can eliminate the “blank page” problem and accelerate content creationWhy AI should be used to augment human decision-making rather than replace itThe strategy behind Bounti.ai's unique approach to launching multiple AI-driven brandsResources:Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-gandolf/Explore AudiencePlus: https://audienceplus.comConnect with Garrett on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrettscott/Explore Bounti.ai: https://bounti.aiTimestamps:(00:00) Intro(01:09) AI's role in marketing(01:56) The human touch in AI(03:29) AI in sales and marketing(08:13) Bounti Labs' unique approach(13:25) Using AI in daily marketing tasks(15:15) Challenges and success metrics(19:01) Skepticism about LinkedIn

“Social media programs that are built solely for driving awareness are almost always destined to fail, not because they don't achieve their objective, but that they are almost always misaligned,” says Darien Payton, founder and CEO at AntidoteIn this episode of The Content Cocktail Hour, Darien Payton, Founder and CEO of Antidote, challenges the way B2B brands think about social media. Darien breaks down why social media should drive demand—not just awareness—and why creativity is the key to capturing attention and fueling pipeline growth. Darien introduces the concept of Creative Demand, shares real-world examples of unconventional marketing tactics, and explains why taking a clear stance in content is the most effective way to stand out.In this episode, you'll learn:Why traditional social media strategies in B2B are failing—and how to fix themHow Creative Demand combines storytelling and strategy to drive revenueThe role of strategic campaigns in turning social into a demand engineResources:Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-gandolf/Explore AudiencePlus: https://audienceplus.comFollow Darien on X: https://x.com/DarienPaytonConnect with Darien on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darienpayton/Explore Antidote: https://www.antidotemedia.co/Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(01:18) Creative demand explained(03:18) The role of creativity in demand generation(06:14) Successful creative campaigns(08:10) Social media strategies for B2B(14:56) Converting social media into demand(18:47) Misalignment of social media and business objectives

“The minute you put down a sales motion on paper, it's already broken. Like it's no longer relevant, right? It's no longer relevant because your buyer has moved on,” says Ashar Rizqi, co-founder at Bounti.ai.In this episode of The Content Cocktail Hour, Matt Cooley and Ashar Rizqi, co-founders of Bounti.ai, break down the evolving landscape of B2B go-to-market strategies and how AI is shifting the way businesses acquire and engage customers. They share why traditional BDR motions are failing, why agility beats enterprise sales, and how their AI-powered approach is scaling smarter, not harder. They talk about the dangers of AI-generated content flooding marketing channels, why email as a sales tool might be dying, and how product-led strategies are the future of B2B growth.In this episode, you'll learn:How Bounti.ai is building an alternative to enterprise sales motionsWhy AI-driven content saturation could kill email and web marketingThe role of proprietary AI models in reshaping sales and marketingResources:Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-gandolf/Explore AudiencePlus: https://audienceplus.comConnect with Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-cooley-12b2682/Connect with Ashar on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashar-rizqi-6614487/Explore Bounti.ai: http://Bounti.aiTimestamps:(00:00) Intro(01:06) Why traditional go-to-market strategies are broken(04:14) The problem with forecasting in sales(06:32) How Bounty AI automates sales prospecting and outreach(09:46) Why AI should focus on delighting customers, not just efficiency(14:16) The impact of AI on buyer behavior and marketing channels(19:33) Why B2B sales needs a new model

“People read three-star reviews. They don't read five-star reviews. People are looking for truth. They're looking for actual helpful content, and nothing's five stars,” says Allyson Havener, CMO at TrustRadiusIn this episode of The Content Cocktail Hour, Allyson Havener, CMO at TrustRadius, explores how reviews, AI, and data-driven content are shaping modern B2B marketing. Allyson shares why quality beats quantity when it comes to reviews, how TrustRadius is setting the industry standard for authenticity in customer voice, and why proprietary data is a brand's secret weapon in the age of AI. She also offers her unique perspective on why CMOs, not CROs, should lead go-to-market teams and how aligning marketing with finance is a game-changer.In this episode, you'll learn:Why TrustRadius rejects nearly half of its submitted reviews to maintain quality and credibilityHow AI is affecting buyer trust—and how businesses can protect their content from becoming commoditizedThe hidden power of proprietary data and how it fuels content, product, and marketing strategyResources:Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-gandolf/Explore AudiencePlus: https://audienceplus.comConnect with Allyson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allyson-havenerExplore TrustRadius: https://www.trustradius.comTimestamps:(00:00) Intro(01:16) Understanding TrustRadius(02:04) Balancing vendor and buyer solutions(04:54) The importance of quality reviews(05:53) Philosophy and strategy at TrustRadius(08:52) AI's role in reviews(12:39) TrustRadius' data-driven content strategy(17:32) The value of content marketing(23:38) Why CMOs may be better suited to lead revenue teams

“Identify the things that are eating away at people's time to do the jobs that they are getting paid to do,” says Josh Carter, Senior Director of Demand Generation at PavilionIn this episode of The Content Cocktail Hour, Josh Carter, Senior Director of Demand Generation at Pavilion, explores the unique challenges of marketing a professional membership community. Josh shares how Pavilion approaches demand generation differently than traditional B2B companies, why referrals are their most powerful growth engine, and how AI is transforming both internal efficiency and the buyer experience. He also explains the crucial role of a brand in long-term marketing success and why companies need to rethink how they leverage AI in their content strategies.In this episode, you'll learn:Why referrals drive 60-70% of Pavilion's new memberships - and how they activate that channelHow AI is helping sales teams personalize outreach and improve conversion ratesThe role of brand investment in building long-term demand and trustResources:Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-gandolf/Explore AudiencePlus: https://audienceplus.comConnect with Josh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshcarter1116Explore Pavilion: https://www.joinpavilion.com/2024 B2B Buying Disconnect Report by TrustRadius and Pavilion: https://www.joinpavilion.com/resource/trustradius-2024-b2b-buying-disconnect-reportTimestamps:(00:00) Intro(02:00) Understanding Pavilion's unique DemandGen approach(04:06) The role of AI in Pavilion's sales process(04:57) Optimizing the sales funnel with AI(06:02) Leveraging AI for personalized marketing(15:17) Building a centralized AI knowledge repository(17:29) Balancing AI and brand authenticity(21:55) The importance of brand in B2B marketing

“If you're a content marketer, it's probably the golden era of your practice coming, because creativity is going to be rewarded,” says Anthony Kennada, Founder and CEO of AudiencePlusIn this episode of The Content Cocktail Hour, Anthony Kennada, founder and CEO of AudiencePlus, breaks down a major announcement—the merger of AudiencePlus and The Juice. They discuss how this game-changing move brings together two companies that were tackling the same challenge from different angles, ultimately empowering B2B marketers to create, distribute, and convert content more effectively than ever before. Jonathan and Anthony explore the state of B2B marketing today, why traditional lead-generation tactics are failing, and how AI, first-party data, and owned media are shaping the future. In this episode, you'll learn:Why traditional inbound marketing is broken—and what's replacing itHow first-party data and AI are reshaping B2B content strategiesThe real reason brand and demand should never be separateResources:Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-gandolf/Connect with Anthony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akennadaExplore AudiencePlus: https://audienceplus.comTimestamps:(00:00) Intro(01:27) Why the old marketing playbook no longer works(07:36) The myths and realities of multi-touch attribution(13:30) The role of AI and first-party data in marketing's future(15:41) The real reason marketing budgets get cut(21:10) The dark social dilemma: Can it actually be tracked?(22:15) How AudiencePlus and The Juice are combining forces

“I've actually had folks critique me on like, ‘Why are you Do I Need SEO if you believe in video so much?' I'm trying to like, lead the charge and letting folks know—YouTube is SEO,” says Devin Pickell, Founder at Do I Need SEOIn this episode of The Content Cocktail Hour, Devin Pickell, founder at Do I Need SEO, breaks down the deep secrets of B2B marketing that most brands overlook. Devin shares how brands can harness YouTube as an SEO powerhouse, why video is the missing piece in most content strategies, and how audience engagement drives real business results. He also explains why AI-driven content might already be losing its edge and how brands can stay ahead by focusing on human-first, authentic content.In this episode, you'll learn:Why YouTube is an untapped SEO goldmineHow video content impacts brand trust and discoverabilityThe real reason AI-generated content is losing engagementResources:Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-gandolf/Check out The Juice HQ: https://www.thejuicehq.com/Connect with Devin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devin-pickell/Explore Do I Need SEO: https://www.doineedseo.com/Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(01:06) Devin's background: From SEO to video marketing(07:42) Why YouTube is an SEO powerhouse for B2B brands(11:49) How video builds trust and engagement(13:03) AI content fatigue and the need for human-first content(16:29) The role of audience retention in content success(25:00) How brands can repurpose video content for maximum reach

"I think in 2025, you should market your product before you sell it, before you build it. You start with demand as the top of the funnel," says Amos Bar-Joseph, CEO of Swan AIIn this episode of The Content Cocktail Hour, Amos Bar-Joseph, CEO of Swan AI, joins Jonathan Gandolf to discuss the evolving landscape of B2B sales and marketing in the age of AI. Amos shares his perspective on why traditional go-to-market strategies are outdated and how companies should shift their focus to marketing first, then sales, then product.In this episode, you'll learn:Why founder-led marketing should be a top priority for B2B startupsHow AI can enhance human relationships rather than replace themWhy marketing should come before sales and product in today's go-to-market strategyResources:Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-gandolf/Check out The Juice: https://www.thejuicehq.com/Connect with Amos on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amos-bar-joseph-5a665a142/Check out Swan AI: https://www.getswan.com/Timestamps(00:21) Intro(00:21) Intro(01:21) Amos' entrepreneurial journey(02:11) The philosophy behind Swan AI(03:52) The importance of talent in startups(05:07) Marketing first approach(07:58) Humanity in AI: A new perspective(15:14) Founder-led marketing insights(18:53) The overemphasis on growth at all costs

“Attribution isn't about proving marketing's worth—it's about doing better marketing,” says Drew Smith, Founder and CEO of AttributaIn this episode of The Content Cocktail Hour, Drew Smith, Founder and CEO of Attributa, talks about the real secrets behind marketing attribution—beyond the hype and LinkedIn hot takes. Drew shares why most companies struggle with attribution, the biggest misconceptions about multi-touch tracking, and why the credit game between marketing and sales is a losing battle. He also unpacks the complexities of dark social, self-reported attribution, and how businesses should rethink their approach to tracking marketing success.In this episode, you'll learn:Why marketing attribution should never be about claiming creditHow to ask the right questions before investing in attribution toolsWhen your company actually needs multi-touch attribution (and when it doesn't)Resources:Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-gandolf/Check out The Juice HQ: https://www.thejuicehq.com/Connect with Drew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drewsmitty/Explore Attributa: https://attributa.io/Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(02:14) Why most marketers struggle with attribution(07:36) The myths and realities of multi-touch attribution(11:45) The real reason marketing budgets get cut(15:29) The dark social dilemma: Can it actually be tracked?(21:10) Self-reported attribution vs. data-driven tracking(24:42) Why playing the credit game will hurt your marketing team(28:15) Final thoughts and takeaways

“Be strategic. Say no to things. Less is more,” says Aneesh Lal, Founder of the Wishly GroupIn this episode of The Content Cocktail Hour, Aneesh Lal, Founder of the Wishly Group, shares his journey from media sales to building a successful creator talent agency. Aneesh talks about how brands can leverage multi-channel, multi-month strategies to create lasting audience connections. He also emphasizes the value of strategic brand partnerships, creator empowerment, and avoiding the pitfalls of overextending on brand deals.In this episode, you'll learn:Why creators should focus on fewer, higher-value brand dealsThe importance of multi-channel strategies in influencer marketingHow to measure success and build trust in creator-brand partnershipsResources:Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-gandolf/Check out The Juice HQ: https://www.thejuicehq.com/Connect with Aneesh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aneeshlal/Explore the Wishly Group: https://www.wishlygroup.ca/Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(01:01) Aneesh's career journey and starting the Wishly Group(06:33) Less is more when it comes to brand deals(07:43) Multi-channel influencer marketing strategies(10:24) How to measure success in brand collaborations(18:19) The future of B2B influencer marketing on LinkedIn

“If you don't have anything interesting to say, people won't care, no matter how good your targeting is,” says Kae Neskovic, Executive Creative Director at SupersideIn this episode of The Content Cocktail Hour, Kae Neskovic, Executive Creative Director at Superside, talks about how branding is evolving in the face of competition and the integration of AI in creative workflows. Kae explores the balance between creativity and efficiency in a resource-constrained marketing landscape, sharing insights into how Superside invests in building brand foundations that drive long-term success. She also highlights the growing importance of human connection in B2B marketing and the rising demand for authentic, people-driven brand strategies.In this episode, you'll learn:Why branding is more important than ever in a competitive B2B marketHow AI complements creativity without replacing the human touchThe value of creating communities and fostering authentic connectionsResources:Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-gandolf/Check out The Juice HQ: https://www.thejuicehq.com/Connect with Kae on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/koviljka/Explore Superside: https://www.superside.com/Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(01:05) From agency life to Superside(03:50) Navigating the pressures on creative teams(06:34) Using AI to streamline workflows and amplify creativity(12:35) Brand as a driver of efficiency(18:37) Remote work and its impact on collaboration(25:35) Building communities through authentic marketing

“If partnerships aren't a top priority, maybe revenue isn't either,” says Tyler Calder, CMO at PartnerStackIn this episode of The Content Cocktail Hour, Tyler Calder, Chief Marketing Officer at PartnerStack, talks about the evolving role of partnerships in B2B marketing. Tyler shares his approach to redefining partnerships as a key driver of indirect revenue, explains why companies should shift focus from tactics to outcomes, and explores the parallels between partnerships, marketing, and entrepreneurship. He highlights how PartnerStack applies its own principles, from co-marketing to account-based strategies, and why bias toward action is essential for success.In this episode, you'll learn:Why partnerships are more than just integrations—they're about indirect revenueHow to align partnerships with business outcomes, from awareness to revenueThe importance of balancing long-term strategy with short-term actionResources:Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-gandolf/ Check out The Juice HQ: https://www.thejuicehq.com/ Connect with Tyler on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-calder/Explore PartnerStack: https://partnerstack.com/Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(02:39) Defining partnerships as indirect revenue(06:28) Aligning partnerships with strategic business outcomes(10:45) Why revenue should drive partnership priorities(14:12) Balancing short-term wins and long-term partnership goals(19:36) PartnerStack's partnership-driven marketing strategy

“If you haven't figured out what your customers actually care about and what they connect with, you're just not allowed to use AI,” says Hiba Amin, Founder at Sandia ConsultingIn this episode of The Content Cocktail Hour, Hiba Amin, content consultant and founder of Sandia Consulting, shares her unique “Shrek AI Framework,” emphasizing why finding your core story is essential before leveraging AI in marketing. Hiba talks about her personal journey of going “mini-viral” on LinkedIn, the importance of balancing creativity and technology, and why scaling without quality is a recipe for failure. She also explains how marketers can find small wins with AI, avoid burnout, and embrace fun and authenticity in their work.In this episode, you'll learn:Why you must define your core message before using AI for scalabilityHow the Dunning-Kruger effect applies to AI adoption in marketingPractical ways to start small with AI and build your confidenceResources:Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-gandolf/ Check out The Juice HQ: https://www.thejuicehq.com/ Connect with Hiba on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hibaamin/Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(02:39) The Shrek AI Framework(06:28) What “Finding Your Shrek” means(10:45) Why Marketers Should Limit AI Dependence(14:12) How to use AI without losing your soul(19:36) How Hiba balances creativity, fun, and authenticity

"Your post doesn't just need to be the best post out there. It needs to be better than all of the posts that are on the first search results page," says Ben Kazinik, Sr. SEO Manager at monday.comIn this episode of The Content Cocktail Hour, Ben Kazinik, Senior SEO Manager at monday.com, explains why success in SEO writing comes from a mix of strategic content creation and thoughtful optimization. Ben breaks down the power of manual research, shares how tools like Ahrefs and Phrase.io uncover SEO gaps, and stresses the value of internal linking to boost rankings. He also discusses how AI is shifting search results and what marketers must do to adapt. In this episode, you'll learn:How to strike the right balance between creating and optimizing SEO content Why manual research is crucial for outperforming competitors Practical ways to improve SEO with tools, internal links, and targeted strategies Resources:Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-gandolf/ Check out The Juice HQ: https://www.thejuicehq.com/ Connect with Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-kazinik/Check out monday.com: http://monday.comCheck out SEO Bros: https://www.youtube.com/@seo-brosTimestamps:(00:00) Intro(03:42) How to create competitive SEO content(05:35) New content vs optimizing content for SEO(10:37) Inside monday.com's content team structure(13:08) PLG vs sales-led content strategy differences(14:19) How AI is changing SEO performance(16:19) Top SEO tools for small businesses(19:26) The SEO Bros and their roast series

“People are going to talk about you whether you're in the room or not. Why not take a proactive approach and help augment that narrative?” says Gianna Scorsone, COO and co-founder at Champion HQIn this episode of The Content Cocktail Hour, Gianna Scorsone, Co-Founder & COO at Champion HQ, talks about the importance of focusing on customer retention, cross-functional alignment, and leveraging AI to identify your brand advocates. She also talks about her experience scaling businesses from $5M to $100M, the value of customer-led growth, and why SaaS organizations often overcomplicate their approach to growth.In this episode, you'll learn:Why customer marketing is the voice of the customerHow AI-powered tools can identify champions and drive advocacyThe key to aligning teams for sustainable growthResources:Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-gandolf/Check out The Juice HQ: https://www.thejuicehq.com/Connect with Gianna on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/giannascorsone/Learn more about Champion HQ: https://www.championhq.com/Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(01:05) Gianna's journey from sales leader to co-founder(05:30) Why customer retention is key to growth(08:06) From start up to scale up(09:53) Creating marketing strategies based on your customer base(12:04) Identifying your ‘champion' users(13:29) Leveraging AI to identify and nurture customer champions(16:45) The best customer marketing campaign(20:10) Breaking free from the hamster wheel of traditional growth strategies

“We've started to create a flywheel with AI workflows—connecting sales, marketing, and everything in between,” says Nathan Thompson, Head of Content Strategy at copy.aiIn this episode of The Content Cocktail Hour, Nathan Thompson, Head of Content Strategy at copy.ai, explains how AI workflows are reshaping marketing and copywriting. Nathan shares his journey from building scrappy, organic content strategies to leading innovative, AI-driven processes at copy.ai. He explains why the future of AI in marketing isn't just about generating text but about connecting strategies, breaking silos, and creating cohesive workflows.In this episode, you'll learn:Why AI workflows outperform task-based tools like ChatGPTHow to break data silos and align sales and marketing through AIPractical ways to use AI for thought leadership, SEO, and campaign executionResources:Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-gandolf/Check out The Juice HQ: https://www.thejuicehq.com/Connect with Nathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-likes-writing/Learn more about copy.ai: https://www.copy.ai/Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(01:13) Nathan's journey in content strategy and AI(05:57) Why workflows are the future of marketing(10:42) Breaking silos between sales and marketing with AI(15:20) How to create authentic thought leadership content at scale(20:45) The role of AI in building personalized campaigns(24:50) Nathan's advice for marketers starting with AI

“Today, the best content is super fun. Don't be afraid to let your brand freak flag fly,” says Rob Carpenter, Founder of AudienceLedIn this episode of The Content Cocktail Hour, Rob Carpenter, founder of AudienceLed, shares his journey from being a marketing leader to launching AudienceLed, a service helping B2B companies navigate a new era of audience-driven growth. Rob explains the evolution of marketing strategies, the diminishing returns of old playbooks, and why brands must embrace community-led and creator partnerships to build trust and relevance. He also gives practical advice on co-marketing, why fun and authenticity are key to standing out, and the importance of collaboration in today's visible markets.In this episode, you'll learn:What “audience-led growth” means and why it's vital todayHow brands can co-create meaningful campaigns with creatorsWays to make your marketing fun, engaging, and impactfulResources:Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-gandolf/Check out The Juice HQ: https://www.thejuicehq.com/Connect with Rob on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robmcarpenter/Learn more about AudienceLed: https://www.audienceled.com/Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(01:27) Rob's journey to founding Audience Led(05:33) Why traditional marketing playbooks no longer work(09:40) Audience-led growth: how it works and why it matters(14:15) Co-marketing and building authentic relationships with creators(19:51) The power of fun and creativity in marketing(24:00) Rob's thoughts on B2B influencer strategies

“If you do that in a kind of fake way, people are going to smell it from a mile away. Their BS radars are going to go off,” says Shawnie Hamer, Director of Brand and Content Marketing at CrossbeamIn this episode of The Content Cocktail Hour, Shawnie Hamer, Director of Brand and Content Marketing at Crossbeam, tells us how Crossbeam uses Ecosystem-Led Growth to strengthen partnerships and create authentic, value-driven content. Shawnie shares her unique journey from academia to content marketing leadership and emphasizes the importance of aligning marketing efforts with customer trust. She also talks about the misconceptions around AI in content creation and highlights the irreplaceable value of human creativity.In this episode, you'll learn:What Ecosystem-Led Growth is and how it empowers go-to-market strategiesWhy authentic content outperforms keyword-focused traffic tacticsHow to create content that earns trust and delivers real valueResources:Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-gandolf/Check out The Juice HQ: https://www.thejuicehq.com/Connect with Shawnie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawniehamer/Explore Crossbeam: https://www.crossbeam.com/Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(01:06) Shawnie's background: From teaching to content marketing(07:42) The power of trust in Ecosystem-Led Growth(11:49) Aligning with larger brands authentically(13:03) Quality vs. quantity in content strategy(16:29) Listening to customers to create impactful content(25:00) Why AI won't replace authentic content creation(26:34) Crossbeam's new website and interactive elements

“Sponsor is not a dirty word. And I think that when it's handled correctly, it can be very effective,” says Aaron Leeder, VP of Partnerships & Alliances at PavilionIn this episode of The Content Cocktail Hour, Aaron Leeder, VP of Partnerships & Alliances at Pavilion, shares the art of balancing sponsorships with community building. Aaron explains how Pavilion prioritizes member-first values while creating meaningful partnerships with brands. He also explores the value of unique activations like salon dinners and the shifting impact of event sponsorships in cultivating genuine connections. From creative event strategies to building favorability within a community, Aaron highlights the importance of long-term relationship building in today's marketing landscape.In this episode, you'll learn:Why sponsorships can enhance both member and sponsor experiencesHow to balance sponsorship revenue without compromising community valuesThe power of creative activations like dinners and social experiencesResources:Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-gandolf/Check out The Juice HQ: https://www.thejuicehq.com/Connect with Aaron on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronleeder/Learn more about Pavilion: https://www.joinpavilion.com/Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(01:13) Aaron's unique path from music to partnerships at Pavilion(05:29) Balancing member-first values with sponsorship strategies(10:17) The ROI of creative activations like salon dinners(14:42) Tips for maximizing sponsorships(18:32) Creating amazing customer experiences through salon dinners(20:26) Long-term thinking in sponsorship and relationship building

“AI makes content creation easier, but curating the right information at the right time is what truly drives success,” says Jesse Bourgeault-Trickey, Global Deployment Manager at HappeoIn this episode of The Content Cocktail Hour, Jesse Bourgeault-Trickey, Global Deployment Manager at Happeo, talks about the challenges and opportunities of knowledge management and intranet systems. Drawing from his extensive experience, Jesse shares why aligning HR, IT, and Ops creates a “three-legged stool” for efficiency, how AI is transforming intranet functionality, and why curation is now more critical than content creation. He also explains the impact of knowledge systems on employee retention and how proactive strategies can help organizations avoid costly inefficiencies.In this episode, you'll learn:How AI-powered knowledge engines close content gapsThe ROI of self-serve intranets in reducing redundanciesWhy shared ownership leads to successful intranet adoptionResources:Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-gandolf/Check out The Juice HQ: https://www.thejuicehq.com/Connect with Jesse on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessebtrickey/Learn more about Happeo: https://happeo.com/Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(01:25) The importance of shared ownership in intranet success(04:10) How AI is transforming knowledge management(08:45) Proactive vs. reactive approaches to intranet adoption(12:30) The ROI of reducing redundancy through self-serve systems(17:20) Creating feedback loops for internal and external insights(21:40) Curation vs. content overload: Striking the right balance

“The distance between passable and great content is enormous—and only creativity can bridge the gap,” says David Ebner, President at Content Workshop.In this episode of The Content Cocktail Hour, David Ebner, President at Content Workshop, explores the future of B2B content marketing and why creativity and storytelling matter more than ever in the era of AI writing. He shares insights on balancing measurable outcomes with bold ideas, the limitations of AI in storytelling, and how to create campaigns that resonate emotionally with your audience. David and Jonathan also recount their LinkedIn campaign experiment and discuss the role of influence, collaboration, and choosing the right medium for content creation.In this episode, you'll learn:Why taking creative risks leads to memorable contentHow to leverage co-creation and influence in your campaignsThe difference between “passable” and “great” contentResources:Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-gandolf/Check out The Juice HQ: https://www.thejuicehq.com/Connect with David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjebner/Learn more about Content Workshop: https://contentworkshop.com/Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(01:13) Why creativity is essential in measurable marketing(03:34) Leveraging storytelling to build emotional connections(07:24) Why AI struggles with great storytelling (12:12) The viral LinkedIn campaign experiment(17:38) The value of influence and co-creation in marketing(22:08) Bold ideas vs. safe strategies

“The thing with territory planning is that people think of it as boring and terrible, I wanted the whole thing to have good energy, like a Corona commercial,” says Kevin Davis, Co-Founder and CEO of BoogieBoardIn this episode of The Content Cocktail Hour, Kevin Davis, Co-Founder and CEO of Boogie Board, shares his journey from sales leader to startup founder and how his company is reimagining territory planning. Kevin explores the evolving challenges of territory design in a hybrid world, the intersection of account-based marketing and sales strategies, and the importance of aligning internal teams around customer focus. Kevin also talks about the value of open-sourcing internal resources and how it's helped his team create meaningful content for both internal use and external distribution.In this episode, you'll learn: How to align your sales territories with your marketing strategies How open-sourcing content can help small businesses and teams grow Lessons from launching a startup in a rapidly changing environmentResources:Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-gandolf/Check out The Juice HQ: https://www.thejuicehq.com/Connect with Kevin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinboogie/Learn more about BoogieBoard: https://boogieboard.ai/Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(01:13) Kevin's journey from sales to startup founder(05:29) The evolution of sales territories in a hybrid world(07:33) Aligning sales territories and marketing strategies(10:18) The overlap of account-based marketing and territory design(17:10) Open-sourcing content for business growth(20:44) Transitioning to a founder-led strategy

“If you want your content to resonate, you need to understand your audience deeply and craft your message with intention,” says Tommy Walker, Founder of The Content StudioIn this episode of The Content Cocktail Hour, Tommy Walker, Founder of The Content Studio, shares some valuable marketing insights from their “State of Discontent” report on content marketing. He reveals why understanding audience motivations, conducting meaningful research, and prioritizing creative fulfillment are essential for creating content that truly connects with your audience. Tommy also discusses how the report's findings can guide marketers toward more effective strategies in 2024 and beyond.In this episode, you'll learn:Key challenges facing content marketers and how to overcome themThe role of audience research in driving authentic engagementPractical steps for improving creative satisfaction and executionResources:Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-gandolf/Check out The Juice HQ: https://www.thejuicehq.com/Connect with Tommy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommyismyname/Learn more about The Content Studio: https://www.thecontentstudio.com/Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(03:14) Why content marketers feel “disconnected”(07:45) The importance of audience research(12:18) How to balance creativity with leadership expectations(15:40) The juiciest insights from the “State of Discontent” report(19:02) Strategies for content marketing success in 2024 and beyond

“Content isn't just a lead magnet, it's a strategic tool that can guide prospects at every stage of the buyer journey,” says Tom Rudnai, CEO of Demand-Genius. “In this episode of The Content Cocktail Hour, Tom Rudnai, CEO of Demand-Genius, discusses how high-value content drives revenue, and how we can effectively attribute our content to business growth. He shares insights from his background in media and B2B SaaS on redefining content marketing strategies, revealing how Demand-Genius uses content to close gaps in the buyer journey. Tom also talks about the compelling shifts in content creation, and why engaging your sales team as content “connectors” can make all the difference.In this episode, you'll learn:How to turn B2B content into a revenue-driving assetWhy traditional metrics often miss the mark on measuring content effectivenessPractical tips for using AI and SEO strategies for high-impact contentResources:Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-gandolf/ Check out The Juice HQ: https://www.thejuicehq.com/ Connect with Tom on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-rudnai-0539b6151/Check out Demand-Genius: https://www.demand-genius.com/Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(02:46) The content strategy shift from branding to revenue(06:32) The role of content in guiding buyers through the funnel(10:18) Using data for content attribution and measurement(14:05) Why AI is reshaping SEO and content distribution(17:45) Empowering sales with content as “information connectors”

"There's two ways to be creative: you can sing and dance, or you can create environments where singers and dancers can flourish. I'm the second," says Patrick Reynolds, CMO at BlueConicIn this episode of The Content Cocktail Hour, our guest is Patrick Reynolds, CMO of BlueConic. Patrick shares how BlueConic leverages first-party data to build tailored, empathetic customer experiences during busy shopping seasons like Black Friday. He also talks about his insights on the evolving role of AI, which helps marketers focus on creativity and strategy by automating repetitive tasks, and explains why the best marketing often works quietly in the background, enhancing customer engagement without overshadowing it.In this episode, you'll learn:How to use first-party data to create personalized experiences that resonate with customers during high-stakes shopping seasonsThe importance of balancing data-driven insights with empathy to better serve consumersWhy AI can be a game-changer in freeing marketers to focus on strategic, creative workResources:Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-gandolf/ Check out The Juice HQ: https://www.thejuicehq.com/ Connect with Patrick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patreynolds/Check out BlueConic: https://www.blueconic.com/Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(03:24) Black Friday and Cyber Monday strategies(04:37) The importance of empathy in marketing(08:29) Leveraging customer data for better marketing(10:20) Balancing data and creativity in marketing(17:40) Content strategy and measurement(20:46) The role of AI in modern marketing(23:43) Why marketing should be invisible to the consumer

"If you want to portray your message exactly the way your brand would say it, then use your brand to say it. If you want to use an influencer to say it, then you need to let that person shine through. Otherwise, your content won't work," says Tanya Alain, VP of Marketing at UpfluenceIn this episode of The Content Cocktail Hour, Tanya Alain, VP of Marketing at Upfluence, shares the key strategies that make influencer marketing a brand game-changer. She breaks down the dos and don'ts of partnering with influencers, from finding voices that resonate with your brand's audience to letting the influencer's authenticity shine for stronger engagement. She also talks about how they do influencer marketing at Upfluence and how AI may change the way we do influencer marketing and content marketing in general.In this episode, you'll learn:Effective strategies for making influencer marketing successfulHow influencer authenticity can help your brand succeedHow AI is reshaping content marketing and what that means for influencer marketingResources:Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-gandolf/ Check out The Juice HQ: https://www.thejuicehq.com/ Connect with Tanya on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanya-alain/Check out Upfluence: https://www.upfluence.com/Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(02:59) What is influencer marketing(05:31) Balancing brand voice and influencer authenticity(08:34) How to get started with influencer marketing(10:53) How Upfluence does influencer marketing(15:32) The future of influencer marketing with AI

“Now, where we feel pretty strongly and what we kind of benchmark this company against is we still believe humans need to do two core things. They need to be the creatives and the strategists,” says Elaine Zelby, CRO and co-founder at TofuIn this episode of The Content Cocktail Hour, Elaine Zelby, CRO and Co-founder of Tofu, shares her journey from biomechanical engineering to growth marketing and founding a top-of-funnel platform. She discusses why many B2B companies face challenges with tool overload and siloed workflows, as well as how AI and automation can rebundle and streamline marketing efforts for leaner, more efficient teams. Elaine also explores how content serves as the backbone of marketing strategy, emphasizing its role across every funnel stage.In this episode, you'll learn:How Tofu is redefining top-of-funnel strategies with a unified platform approachWhy many companies struggle with too many tools and data silosPractical AI applications for automating and scaling marketing tasksResources:Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-gandolf/ Check out The Juice HQ: https://www.thejuicehq.com/ Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elainezelbyCheck out Tofu: https://www.tofuhq.com/Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(07:32) The role of content in marketing(09:37) AI's impact on creative work(10:29) Getting started with AI(12:34) Exploring AI opportunities in professional life(13:21) Practical applications of AI in marketing(14:25) Rebundling AI for marketing efficiency(14:59) Solving tool fatigue for growth teams(18:10) Innovative uses of AI in content marketing

"A fractional CMO can be incredibly effective and can get you where you want to go far faster than going through the entire process of hiring a VP who you might fire in nine months anyway," says Shannon Curran, CMO & Advisor at SSC ConsultingIn this episode of The Content Cocktail Hour, Shannon Curran, Fractional CMO & Advisor at SSC Consulting, shares what life as a fractional CMO looks like and how this growing trend is reshaping marketing for early-stage B2B companies. Shannon explains why more founders are turning to fractional CMOs to scale faster and make smarter marketing decisions. She also gets into strategies for founder storytelling and effective budgeting for your marketing campaigns.In this episode, you'll learn:Why founders might want to hire fractional CMOs for more effective marketing strategiesKey marketing strategies for scaling early-stage companies The role of founder storytelling in brand growthResources:Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-gandolf/ Check out The Juice HQ: https://www.thejuicehq.com/ Connect with Shannon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-sweeny-curran-55332942/Check out SSC Consulting: https://sscconsulting.io/Timestamps(00:00) Intro(03:42) Current budgeting and planning trends in marketing(10:12) Differentiating founder brand from company brand(15:23) Aligning content strategies with your brand(16:20) Corporate content strategy vs. Founder content strategy(18:18) Transitioning to Fractional CMO(21:12) Challenges of becoming a fractional CMO(24:23) Fractional CMO vs. VP of Marketing

"Usually it starts with a pilot campaign, and that means that you're not trying to validate that ABM works. What you're really trying to do is to create a repeatable model,” says Vincent DeCastro, President at ABM AgencyIn this episode of The Content Cocktail Hour, Vincent DeCastro, President of ABM Agency, explains the foundations of Account-Based Marketing (ABM) and why it's a game changer for B2B marketers. He walks through the process of building focused target account lists and outlines the importance of aligning your ABM efforts with business objectives. Vincent also highlights the value of first-party intent data in understanding when an account is truly in-market, and shares advice on how to successfully align sales and marketing teams. Lastly, he offers a thoughtful perspective on why third-party intent data can be unreliable.In this episode, you'll learn:The steps to building an effective ABM strategyWhy first-party intent data is key to ABM successHow to align sales and marketing around ABM goalsResources:Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-gandolf/ Check out The Juice HQ: https://www.thejuicehq.com/ Connect with Vincent on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincentdecastro/Check out ABM Agency:https://abmagency.com/Timestamps(00:00) Intro(03:19) The rise and misconceptions of ABM(06:53) Effective ABM strategies(09:30) Building a target account list for ABM(11:57) Reverse engineering in ABM(13:21) Who should own ABM?(15:02) In-house vs. outsourced ABM(15:31) ABM maturity model(18:24) The role of third-party intent data

"That's how everyone should approach working with AI SDRs. You have to experiment. There is no rule of thumb on how to build things when you're launching AI outreach," says Alina Karnaukh, Head of Marketing at AiSDRIn this episode of The Content Cocktail Hour, Alina Karnaukh, Head of Marketing at AiSDR, shares how AI SDR technology is transforming sales and marketing efforts. Alina talks about the rise of AI-powered sales agents, the balance between human SDRs and automation, and how AiSDR uses AI to scale outreach while keeping campaigns personal. She also highlights the importance of experimentation and how marketers can refine their strategies in a fast-paced industry.In this episode, you'll learn:How AI SDRs can streamline sales outreach and save time on repetitive tasks The balance between human SDR personalization and AI automation Strategies for experimenting and scaling AI-powered marketing campaigns Resources:Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-gandolf/ Check out The Juice HQ: https://www.thejuicehq.com/ Connect with Alina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alinakarnaukh/Check out AiSDR: https://aisdr.com/Timestamps(00:00) Intro(02:43) Exploring the world of AI SDRs(05:11) Why AiSDR still values the work of human SDRs(10:50) How AiSDR creates their own marketing content(19:56) Tips to getting started with AI SDRs(21:05) Creating standout content by being vulnerable