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If you're a family photographer who feels busy, booked, and still confused about what you should actually be paying yourself… this episode is for you.Maybe you've wondered:-Why does paying myself feel so draining?-Why does everyone else online seem to have it figured out?-Why am I booking sessions but still unsure what I can actually bring home?Here's the truth: Most family photographers aren't underpaid because they're doing something wrong.They're underpaid because they're missing a clear system.In this episode, I walk you through the seven components to consider before deciding how much to pay yourself as a family photographer. This isn't about what Instagram says. This isn't about what another photographer makes. This is about your life. Your household. Your goals.Resources & Links Mentioned In This Episode▸ Read the full blog post that goes with this episode (that way, you get all the links mentioned): https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/stop-guessing-your-pay-family-photographer/▸ Grab The What To Pay Yourself Calculator Here: https://dollydelong.thrivecart.com/what-to-pay-yourself/▸ The Family Photographer's Marketing Society: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/the-family-photographers-marketing-society▸ Grab the FREE 2026 Family Photographers Marketing Trends Report: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/family-photography-marketing-trendsConnect with Me (Dolly DeLong Education)
If blogging always ends up at the bottom of your to-do list (or it feels like something you “should” be doing but never actually follow through on), this episode is for you.In this week's podcast (also a YouTube episode), I'm walking you through why blogging fails for most family photographers and how to fix it with a repeatable system that actually fits your real life.Because blogging isn't dead.It's one of the strongest ways to increase visibility, build trust, and get found by ideal clients, especially in 2026, when parents are searching on Google, Instagram, and even ChatGPT.If you've ever:Been frozen in front of a blank Google DocWondered what to blog about for SEOCopy/pasted something from ChatGPT that didn't sound like youPublished a blog and felt like no one read it…Then this episode will help you rethink blogging from a systems perspective.Resources & Links Mentioned In This Episode▸ Read the full blog post that goes with this episode (that way, you get all the links mentioned): https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/why-is-blogging-important-family-photographers-2026/▸ My FULL Blogging & Visibility System (special price with this link only): https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/blogging-visibility-system-youtube▸ The Family Photographer's Marketing Society: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/the-family-photographers-marketing-society▸ Grab the FREE 2026 Family Photographers Marketing Trends Report: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/family-photography-marketing-trendsConnect with Me (Dolly DeLong Education)
Big question for you, family photographer: Are you treating February like a slow month OR like a setup (like SYSTEMS) month?In this episode of The Systems & Workflow Magic Podcast (also originally recorded as a YouTube video!), I'm walking family photographers through three simple marketing moves to focus on in February 2026 so you're not scrambling for March and April bookings later.This isn't about posting more just to post more.It's about shifting how you think about visibility, urgency, and long-form content, so your marketing actually works for you instead of feeling random or reactive.If you want a calmer spring calendar, this episode is a good reminder and refresher!In this episode, you'll learn how to:• Show up where parents are actively searching — not just scrolling• Create searchable content on Instagram that attracts awareness-stage clients• Teach clients why to book now (instead of just announcing availability)• Use “educational urgency” to fill newborn and maternity calendars• Repurpose one strong piece of content into three formats• Stretch one blog post into a Reel and an email newsletter• Build a consistent marketing rhythm without burning outIf you've been feeling scattered in your marketing or unsure what to focus on this month, press play.Resources & Links Mentioned In This Episode▸ Read the full blog post that goes with this episode (that way, you get all the links mentioned): https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/how-to-market-your-photography-business-february-2026/▸ My FULL Blogging & Visibility System (A ChatBot Suite): https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/blogging-visibility-system▸ The Family Photographer's Marketing Society: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/the-family-photographers-marketing-society▸ Get 25% OFF of Flodesk with my affiliate link: https://flodesk.com/c/DOLLYDELONGEDUCATION▸ Grab the FREE 2026 Family Photographers Marketing Trends Report: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/family-photography-marketing-trendsConnect with Me (Dolly DeLong Education)
Episode #161. Today's episode is a personal understanding topic focused on self-belief, which comes from knowing yourself and owning your strengths, your talents, your past experiences to help you build trust in your future choices. Joining Abby is legendary senior marketer, M&S's Sharry Cramond. Sharry is a multi-award winning marketer – named in the list of the world's top 100 marketers as well as The Marketing Society's prestigious Inspirational Leader award. With a wealth of experience, Sharry leads marketing for Marks and Spencer, one of the UK's most loved and trusted brands and is published author of 'Win Your Lottery". In this episode, Sharry shares her personal story and perspective on self-belief, why it's important for marketers, examples of how she applies positive mindset, and the power of goal-setting. As well as telling the M&S case study about how they have leveraged their workforce to become brand ambassadors. Plus Sharry's 'Highs and Grows' and advice for marketers of tomorrow 00:00:00 Introduction to Self-Belief and Mindset 00:02:38 Sharry's Perspective on Self-Belief 00:05:30 The Importance of Self-Belief for Marketers 00:08:17 Building Self-Belief: Shari's Personal Story 00:13:24 Developing a 'Healthy Thinking Diet' 00:15:26 Radiators vs. Drains: Energy, Attitude and Mindset 00:21:16 Accountability and Achieving Goals 00:22:52 Belief and Commitment in Teams 00:26:30 Key Behaviours for Career Success 00:31:18 The M&S Ambassador Case Study 00:39:54 Sharry's Career Highs and 'Grows' Host: Abigail Dixon FCIM/ICF | LinkedIn Guest: Sharry Cramond | LinkedIn The Whole Marketer podcast is here to support and empower the people behind brands and businesses with the latest technical tools, soft and leadership skills and personal understanding for a fulfilling marketing career and life as a whole. Did you know The Whole Marketer is more than a podcast and book? We're your trusted partners for marketing capability and transformation, providing consultancy, training & workshops, speaking, coaching, mentoring and trusted advisory service. Visit www.thewholemarketer.com to see how we support leaders to build marketing teams with the holistic skills to lead the long-term commercial agenda and deliver the true potential of marketing. Contact hello@thewholemarketer.com to get in touch with Abby and the team
Syl Saller CBE is one of the most respected marketing leaders of her generation. Former Global Chief Marketing and Innovation Officer at Diageo, Syl helped lead a FTSE 10 business with more than 200 brands across 180 countries. Today, she's an executive coach and mentor, President of The Marketing Society, and works closely with C-suite leaders to develop the next generation of marketing leadership.In this episode, Syl shares what the CMO role at Diageo is really like, how to build strong relationships with CEOs and boards, and how to navigate imposter syndrome, difficult conversations, and career-defining moments. We also discuss why she left Diageo, what she'd do differently looking back, and the leadership lessons she now passes on to others.Sign up to our live event, The Calling, on April 21st here:https://event.uncensoredcmo.com/events/uncensoredcmo/2044861Timestamps00:00 - Intro00:53 - What's a CMO role at Diageo really like?02:56 - How to have difficult conversations03:59 - Whats it like being on the board of Diageo?05:04 - Working with Sir Ivan Menezes, legendary Diageo CEO09:10 - How to foster a great relationship with your CEO12:38 - How Syl Saller's childhood shaped her into the leader she is today18:57 - What would Syl Saller do differently in her career21:29 - How to deal with imposter syndrome as a leader25:31 - How to figure out your life and career plan28:08 - The toolkit for planning success31:40 - Why the challenging moments in life can have the best outcomes34:17 - Maintaining a good work life balance with a senior job38:51 - Why Syl left Diageo in 202040:11 - Why Syl Saller became a leadership coach after leaving Diageo43:10 - Three bits of leadership advice from Syl Saller
Hey family photographer, if blogging keeps getting pushed to the bottom of your to-do list because of sessions, editing, or just life… you're not alone.In this episode, I'm walking you through the exact blogging system I use to publish consistent, keyword-optimized blog posts for my family photography business — without staring at a blank screen or reinventing the wheel every month.Blogging used to feel heavy, confusing, and time-consuming for me, too! But once I built a repeatable system (and paired it with trained AI the right way), everything changed. Now I batch four blog posts a month with clarity, confidence, and zero dread.In this episode, you'll learn:Why blogging still matters for family photographers (even with AI everywhere)The “master hub” I use to organize blog ideas, keywords, CTAs, and publishing rhythmsWhy ChatGPT alone is not a blogging strategyHow I pair keyword research with AI to write blogs in my actual voiceThe exact 3-step blogging system I use every single monthHow I repurpose one blog into email marketing, Google My Business, and moreWhat consistent blogging really looks like for a solo family photographerResources & Links Mentioned In This Episode▸ Read the full blog post that goes with this episode (that way, you get all the links mentioned): https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/blogging-for-photographers-a-realistic-system-for-family-photographers/▸ My FULL Blogging & Visibility System (A ChatBot Suite): https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/blogging-visibility-system▸ The Family Photographer's Marketing Society: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/the-family-photographers-marketing-society▸ Get 25% OFF of Flodesk with my affiliate link: https://flodesk.com/c/DOLLYDELONGEDUCATION▸ Grab the FREE 2026 Family Photographers Marketing Trends Report: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/family-photography-marketing-trendsConnect with Me (Dolly DeLong Education)
Have you ever spent time writing an email you knew would help your audience… only to find out it never reached their inbox? (womp womp) In this episode of The Systems & Workflow Magic Podcast, I'm sharing a very real behind-the-scenes lesson from my own email list. After years of consistent weekly emails, I discovered that my newsletters were quietly landing in spam — and I didn't even know it until friends reached out.This episode walks you through exactly what Flodesk support taught me about email deliverability, sender reputation, and the small backend habits that can make or break your email marketing. If you're a family photographer (or creative business owner) who wants your emails to actually get read (and land in your reader's inbox and NOT spam), this one matters.Resources & Links Mentioned In This Episode▸ Read the full blog post that goes with this episode (that way, you get all the links mentioned): https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/email-marketing-deliverability-family-photographers/▸ The Family Photographer's Marketing Society: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/the-family-photographers-marketing-society▸ Get 25% OFF of Flodesk with my affiliate link: https://flodesk.com/c/DOLLYDELONGEDUCATION▸ Grab the FREE 2026 Family Photographers Marketing Trends Report: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/family-photography-marketing-trendsConnect with Dolly DeLong Education
In an AI-driven world, brand visibility is being fundamentally redefined. As AI agents increasingly mediate the customer journey, from initial research through to purchase, brands face a critical question: if AI can't see you, can your customers?In this podcast, Sophie Devonshire, Chief Executive of The Marketing Society, is joined by Steven Carvalho (Senior Manager, Accenture Song) and Alex Pott (Consumer Digital Director, VodafoneThree) to explore how brands can stay visible, relevant, and trusted in this rapidly evolving landscape.We'll be exploring how Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO) is just the tip of the iceberg, because its effects ripple across the entire commercial organisation. Beyond marketing, it influences brand trust, reputation management, competitive positioning, customer experience, data infrastructure, and even how teams collaborate to stay relevant in an AI-driven landscape.The risk is clear: if AI can't see you, neither can your customers. Optimising for AI search is just the starting point in a future where the entire journey, from research to purchase, could be carried out by a customer's AI agent. The challenge is making sure your brand stays visible, relevant, and trusted in that world.With news of ChatGPT in the US rolling out instant checkout, it won't be long before it impacts the commerce experience in UK. This shift will be seismic.Hear how AI is impacting brand visibility and customer experience today, the real-world challenges organisations are facing, and how marketers can shape the business agenda around these agentic opportunities.
SEO still feels overwhelming for a lot of family photographers—and if you're heading into 2026 wondering whether it's even worth your time, this episode is for you.In this episode, I'm breaking down why SEO is not optional for family photographers, even as social media gets louder and attention spans get shorter. Families are still Googling before they book, and SEO is one of the most stable ways to support your marketing without relying only on Instagram.I'm also sharing one free SEO tool I personally use in my own photography and education business, plus a behind-the-scenes look at exactly how I read it and apply it, without getting stuck in SEO confusion.Resources & Links Mentioned In This Episode▸ Read the full blog post that goes with this episode (that way, you get all the links mentioned): https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/seo-for-family-photographers-2026/▸ The Family Photographer's Marketing Society: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/the-family-photographers-marketing-societyConnect with Dolly DeLong Education
Client testimonials are GOLD for your family photography business, but most photographers only use them once and then forget about them. In this episode of The Systems and Workflow Magic Podcast, I'm breaking down six strategic ways family photographers can reuse client testimonials across their entire client journey so they actually do the heavy lifting in your marketing.This episode was inspired by a real conversation in The Family Photographer's Marketing Society, and I'm giving you a behind-the-scenes look at how I coach my students to think like a marketer rather than relying on memory or random posting.If you've ever shared a testimonial on Instagram Stories and hoped for the best, this episode will change how you see testimonials forever.Resources & Links Mentioned In This Episode▸ Read the full blog post that goes with this episode (that way, you get all the links mentioned): https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/reuse-client-testimonials-family-photographers/▸ The Family Photographer's Marketing Society: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/the-family-photographers-marketing-societyConnect with Dolly DeLong Education
January can feel like a weird, quiet, and sometimes panic-inducing month for family photographers. In this episode of The Systems & Workflow Magic Podcast, I'm breaking down three specific marketing seeds you should be planting in January—so you're not scrambling later in the spring.If you've ever wondered:“Is January just a dead month?”“Should I be pushing people to book right now?”“How do I stay visible without feeling salesy or burnt out?”This episode is for you.Whether you're listening on your favorite podcast player or watching this episode on YouTube, you'll learn how to reframe January as a seed-planting month that sets you up for calmer, more consistent bookings in March, April, and beyond.Resources & Links Mentioned In This Episode▸ Read the full blog post that goes with this episode (that way, you get all the links mentioned): https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/january-marketing-for-family-photographers/▸ The Family Photographer's Marketing Society: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/the-family-photographers-marketing-societyConnect with Dolly DeLong Education
In this episode of The Systems & Workflow Magic Podcast, I'm sitting down (coffee + Christmas décor still up, of course
As we close out the year, I wanted to pull back the curtain and share exactly how I'm doing my end-of-year business review — and how I'm planning for 2026 without trying to plan an entire year in one weekend.Whether you're watching this episode on YouTube or listening on your favorite podcast player, it's designed to give you permission to plan realistically, not romantically.I'm walking you through how I review my yearly rhythms, lean on data (not feelings), and prepare my backend systems so my marketing, launches, and content feel sustainable — especially as a mom, photographer, and systems educator.If you're a family photographer or creative business owner who wants clarity, structure, and less burnout heading into a new year, this episode is for you.Resources & Links Mentioned In This Episode▸ Read the full blog post that goes with this episode (that way, you get all the links mentioned): https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/how-im-planning-out-my-next-quarter/▸ Snag The Bookkeeping Template For Creatives Here: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/bookkeeping-template▸ Get 25% OFF on Flodesk here: https://flodesk.com/c/DOLLYDELONGEDUCATION▸ Join the Family Photographer's Marketing Society: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/the-family-photographers-marketing-society▸ End of year review sheet: https://katschmoyer.com/eoy-gift▸ Master Business Operations Trello Board (only $7): https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/master-business-operations-boardConnect with Dolly DeLong Education
If you're listening to this episode around the holidays (or WHENEVER you are listening in to this), I want to encourage you to do something that will instantly bring more clarity into your business for 2026 (and for ANY YEAR): forecast your business expenses.In this episode of The Systems and Workflow Magic Podcast (also available as a YouTube video), I'm pulling back the curtain and showing you exactly how I forecast my business expenses for 2026 using my Bookkeeping Template for Creatives. I'm not starting the new year guessing my overhead.And friend, forecasting is NOT “predicting the future.” It's taking the best data you already have (like your 2025 expenses + recurring subscriptions) and making an informed plan so you can price confidently, set realistic goals, and run your photography business (or creative business) sustainably.Resources & Links Mentioned In This Episode▸ Read the full blog post that goes with this episode (that way, you get all the links mentioned): https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/end-of-year-planning-family-photographers/▸ Snag The Bookkeeping Template For Creatives Here: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/bookkeeping-template▸ Get 25% OFF on Flodesk here: https://flodesk.com/c/DOLLYDELONGEDUCATION▸ Join the Family Photographer's Marketing Society: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/the-family-photographers-marketing-society▸Need a bookkeeper? Check out my amazing Bookkeeper here: https://www.willabbybookkeeping.com/Connect with Dolly DeLong Education
Welcome to "In my humble opinion", a podcast collaboration between The Marketing Society and Publicis Groupe UK that creates a space for marketing leaders to discuss their opinions on topics affecting our industry which they think about but may not always say out loud.You're joining us for our next episode in the series '‘In My Humble Opinion… Gen Z aren't breaking the world, they're holding it togetherFeaturing Lilli English, Chief Strategy Officer at Leo UK, Joe Beveridge, Head of Strategy at Leo UK, and Hannah Pain, Head of Marketing at McDonald's.Lilli, Joe and Hannah tackle one of the most misunderstood generations in recent history – challenging the lazy stereotypes that paint Gen Z as phone-obsessed, feckless and detached, and revealing the surprising truth hidden in Leo's latest Pop Pulse research.Despite the media narrative, this generation isn't breaking things up from their couches. They're the sage voices emerging from the huddle – the micro influencers in every household who are shaping decisions across everything from music and tech to DIY, cooking tomato soup and booking holidays. Where wisdom used to trickle down, it's now rippling out from Gen Z, making them not a fringe cohort or future audience, but a commercial imperative today.They explore Leo's principles for winning with this generation, including why brands need to be "magnet, not mirror" – showing up as an unfiltered, authentic version of themselves rather than desperately trying to speak Gen Z's language. From McDonald's evolution from "confidently humble" to "unashamedly McDonald's", to understanding why this generation holds the keys to the mainstream, they reveal why getting Gen Z right isn't about alienating others – it's your route to reaching everyone.Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review our podcast!Our industry is filled with many brilliant minds with thought provoking views, we can't wait to bring them to you, our next episode of “In my humble opinion” will be coming soon and find our series of content of the same name over at The Marketing Society website here.
Big reminder, friend: if I were your marketing advisor for your family photography business, I would absolutely have you working on your February Valentine's mini sessions in December—yes, while everyone else is still wrapping gifts and closing out their holiday minis.This episode (originally recorded as a YouTube video and repurposed as a podcast) walks you through how to think like a marketer, map out a simple mini-session offer for couples or kids, and align your systems, content, and email marketing before the new year begins.Whether you're a family photographer who loves minis or you're just curious about adding a seasonal cash-injection to your year, this episode will help you:Decide how to position your Valentine's minis (kids, couples, or both)Choose simple, on-brand themes and props your clients can easily say yes toPlan locations, timelines, and logistics now so you're not scrambling in late JanuaryUse Instagram + your blog as top-of-funnel marketing for your minisSet up email segments and nurture using Flodesk (or your ESP of choice)Use your CRM (like Dubsado) to automate booking, communication, and remindersTurn Valentine's minis into an annual, repeatable revenue streamResources & Links Mentioned In This Episode▸ Read the full blog post that goes with this episode (that way, you get all the links mentioned): https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/valentines-mini-sessions-family-photographers/▸ Get 25% OFF on Flodesk here: https://flodesk.com/c/DOLLYDELONGEDUCATION▸ Join the Family Photographer's Marketing Society: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/the-family-photographers-marketing-society▸ Get 30% OFF on Dubsado here: https://www.dubsado.com/?c=dollydelongeducation▸ Free Dubsado Mini Session Roadmap: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/the-dubsado-mini-session-roadmap-opt-inConnect with Dolly DeLong Education
Big news, friends! We are officially heading into a brand new year of marketing, and if you're a family photographer still relying only on Instagram (or whatever the next trendy platform is), this episode is your gentle nudge: it's time to bring email marketing into your 2026 strategy.In today's episode—which originated as a YouTube video—you'll learn why email marketing continues to outperform every other marketing channel, why it future-proofs your family photography business, and how it helps you book more clients with less stress. Plus, at the end of the episode, I'm sharing why Flodesk is my #1 recommendation for photographers who want simple, beautiful, effective email marketing without overwhelm.Whether you're brand new to email marketing or you've been dragging your feet for years (it's okay, I see you!), this episode will give you the clarity and motivation you need to start strong in 2026.Resources & Links Mentioned In This Episode▸ Read the full blog post that goes with this episode (that way, you get all the links mentioned): https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/email-marketing-for-family-photographers/▸ Watch the YouTube video version of this Podcast: https://youtu.be/5FWPcr3BzAA▸ Get 25% OFF on Flodesk here: https://flodesk.com/c/DOLLYDELONGEDUCATION▸ Join the Family Photographer's Marketing Society: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/the-family-photographers-marketing-societyConnect with Dolly DeLong Education
Ever look at another family photographer who's booked out months in advance and think, “What are they doing that I'm not?” Spoiler: it's not talent, it's not the “oversaturated market,” and it is definitely not that you're not good enough.This episode (originally recorded as a YouTube video and repurposed into the podcast) breaks down the eight core foundations—or “cogs”—that keep your family photography business consistently booked instead of stuck in that exhausting feast-or-famine cycle.Whether you're a few years into business or you're finally ready to take it seriously as a real, sustainable business, this one's meant to lovingly call you out and show you exactly where to focus next.Resources & Links Mentioned In This Episode▸ Read the full blog post that goes with this episode (that way, you get all the links mentioned): https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/consistent-bookings-family-photographers/▸ Watch the YouTube video version of this Podcast: https://youtu.be/FIjZ3Yv1byA▸ The Family Photographer's Marketing Society: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/the-family-photographers-marketing-societyConnect with Dolly DeLong Education
Big news, family photographers.. the holidays are almost here, and now is the perfect time to start planting those SEO seeds for next year! In this episode, I'm sharing four blog post ideas you can start writing right now to help your photography business get discovered on Google (and yes, even in ChatGPT searches!) long after the holiday season.Whether you're a family photographer, newborn photographer, or creative business owner who wants to show up more consistently online, you'll learn how to:✨ Choose blog post topics that attract your dream clients✨ Create SEO-friendly posts that perform in both Google and AI search tools✨ Repurpose your blog content for social media and email marketing✨ Build long-term visibility for your photography business during slower seasonsResources & Links Mentioned In This Episode▸ Get all of my Black Friday 2025 Deals (dropping the week of November 24th-November 28th): https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/black-friday-deals-2025▸ Watch the YouTube video version of this Podcast: https://youtu.be/HE_cDS43HmY▸ The Family Photographer's Marketing Society: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/the-family-photographers-marketing-societyConnect with Dolly DeLong Education
Welcome to “In my humble opinion”, a podcast collaboration between The Marketing Society and Publicis Groupe UK that creates a space for marketing leaders to discuss their opinions on topics affecting our industry which they think about but may not always say out loud. You will hear industry leaders and experts talk about their views and opinions on deliberately provocative subjects such as the impact of technology on brands and consumers, the future of our industry, the generational divides, diversity and inclusion and more.You're joining us for episode 9 "In My Humble Opinion...if your commerce is disconnected, your growth is too”.Featuring Astrid Lloyd, Managing Director at Publicis Commerce UK and Natalie James, Head of eCommerce, Brown-Forman Europe.Astrid Lloyd and Natalie James tackle one of the most costly blind spots in commerce today – the disconnect between how consumers actually shop and how businesses are still organized to sell.Following on from their panel discussion at The Marketing Society's "Uncomfortable Conversations" breakfast, Astrid and Natalie explore why organisational silos persist despite shoppers moving seamlessly between TikTok, Amazon, Google and physical stores. From fragmented data systems to the "trough of fragmentation" where insights are a mile wide but an inch deep, they examine the structural barriers holding brands back from capturing growth.They discuss why the digital shelf deserves the same attention as physical point-of-sale, the challenge of justifying investment in emerging platforms like TikTok, and the capability gaps that leave digital commerce feeling like an afterthought.Most importantly, they reveal the leadership behaviours needed to drive transformation – and why "following the money" might be the key to breaking down barriers.Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review our podcast!Our industry is filled with many brilliant minds with thought provoking views, we can't wait to bring them to you, our next episode of “In my humble opinion” will be coming soon and find our series of content of the same name over at The Marketing Society website here.
How to Market to Cybersecurity's Most Elusive Buyers: AI, Emotion, and the Human Touch - Interview with Gianna Whitver and Maria Velasquez | Cyber Marketing Con 2025 Coverage | On Location with Sean Martin and Marco CiappelliCyberMarketingCon 2025 In Person & Virtual https://www.cybermarketingconference.comDec 7-10, 2025 in Austin, Texas Why Cybersecurity Marketing Demands a Different PlaybookThe cybersecurity industry presents a paradox for marketers. While practitioners work with cutting-edge technology, traditional marketing approaches consistently fall flat. Gianna Whitver and Maria Velasquez, co-founders of the Cybersecurity Marketing Society, have spent six years understanding why—and they're sharing those insights at CyberMarketingCon 2025 this December in Austin.The challenge begins with the audience itself. Security professionals operate under constant pressure, actively preventing threats while juggling competing priorities. This stress creates an environment where patience for marketing noise evaporates instantly. Unlike other industries where buyers might browse vendor websites or respond to cold outreach, cybersecurity practitioners have both the technical sophistication to evade tracking and the motivation to control their own buying journey."Our buyer is highly elusive," Whitver explains. "They're saving the world and their companies from threats. When vendors reach out, it's an interruption to critical work." This dynamic forces marketers to rethink fundamental assumptions about how business gets done.The numbers tell part of the story. With over 5,000 cybersecurity vendors flooding the market, standing out based solely on technical specifications has become nearly impossible. Many solutions address similar problems with comparable features. The differentiator, Velasquez argues, isn't in the technology itself but in how that technology transforms the buyer's daily experience."We have to shed that technical layer and go for the emotion," Velasquez says. "If they buy our product, how is it gonna make them feel? Are they gonna get their weekends back with family? Are they actually gonna go to sleep without stress?" This human-centered approach represents a fundamental shift from the feeds-and-speeds messaging that dominated cybersecurity marketing for years.The industry is witnessing what Velasquez calls an "evolution slash revolution" in marketing tactics. Humor, entertainment, and authentic storytelling are replacing dense whitepapers as the first touch point. The goal isn't to dumb down complex technology but to create space for meaningful engagement by first addressing the emotional reality of a stressful profession.Trust remains the currency that matters most. Peer recommendations carry exponentially more weight than any advertising campaign. Security professionals rely on trusted networks to validate purchasing decisions, making community building and genuine thought leadership more valuable than aggressive outreach. Word-of-mouth referrals from colleagues who have seen real results trump even the most sophisticated demand generation campaigns.The emergence of AI as a marketing buzzword presents both opportunity and risk. Whitver notes that countless vendors now position themselves as "AI-native" or "agentic AI" solutions without articulating meaningful differentiation. "If that's what you remember about their product, what do you actually do?" she asks. The challenge for marketers is communicating AI's business value without contributing to the noise.CyberMarketingCon 2025 addresses these challenges head-on. Running December 7-10 in Austin, the conference brings together more than 550 marketing professionals for hands-on workshops, peer learning, and practical strategy sessions. Dedicated tracks cover brand, demand generation, operations, communications, and product marketing, with special summits for CEOs and sales leaders.Hands-on AI workshops represent a conference highlight. Attendees can build marketing agents using n8n, explore Clay for go-to-market planning, or participate in a marketer-focused capture-the-flag hacking exercise. The "Marketing Time Machine" theme balances timeless fundamentals with forward-looking innovation, acknowledging that effective marketing requires both solid foundations and experimental thinking.What sets CyberMarketingCon apart is its community-first philosophy. Despite 40-50% year-over-year growth, organizers prioritize maintaining an intimate, reunion-style atmosphere. Many CMOs bring entire teams for what becomes a working offsite, with different members attending specialized sessions then synthesizing insights into unified strategies.The conference's success metric reflects this philosophy. "Our KPI is: is it worth your time?" Whitver says. In an industry where time represents the scarcest resource, that might be the most important question of all.For cybersecurity marketers navigating an increasingly complex landscape, CyberMarketingCon offers something rare—a chance to learn from peers facing identical challenges, build practical skills, and remember that even in a technical industry, it's humans talking to humans. CyberMarketingCon 2025 In Person & Virtual https://www.cybermarketingconference.comDec 7-10, 2025 in Austin, Texas GUEST:Gianna WhitverCo-Founder & CEO, Cybersecurity Marketing Society | Cybersecurity GTM Industry Resource | Cybersecurity Marketing | Bees & Cybersecurity | Podcast Host | Community | (I like to build things & laugh a lot & tell jokes)Maria Velasquez
Have you ever visited a business online and couldn't tell if they were still open—or if they'd shut down years ago?
Sophie Devonshire, Chief Executive of The Marketing Society, joins the IPA New Business Diaries podcast to talk to BBH London's Ellie Olliff about what clients really want from their agencies and how purpose and culture can make the difference between a transactional relationship and a true partnership.
It's officially Q4 of 2025—and if you're a family photographer, you're probably deep in busy season. But here's the truth: now is also the perfect time to plant seeds for 2026 with long-form content that keeps working for you long after the editing rush is over.In this episode (repurposed from my YouTube channel), I'm sharing three SEO-friendly blogging ideas you can batch out this October to attract dream clients, show up in search results, and position yourself as the go-to photographer in your city.Whether you're a family photographer wanting to book more sessions or a small business owner looking for sustainable marketing ideas, you'll walk away with practical, keyword-rich content strategies you can implement right away.Here's what you'll learn in this episode:Why Q4 blogging matters for long-term SEO and future bookingsThree blog post ideas that make you the searchable answer for potential clientsHow to use your existing client galleries to showcase wardrobe inspiration and style guidesAnd so much moreRead the entire blog post hereResources & Links Mentioned In This Episode▸ Watch the YouTube video version of this training (with visuals!) → https://youtu.be/anbj_bb8QVk▸ The Family Photographer's Marketing Society: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/the-family-photographers-marketing-societyConnect with Dolly DeLong Education
Dame Carolyn McCall OBE is the CEO of ITV, the UK's biggest commercial broadcaster. She was previously CEO of The Guardian Media Group and easyJet, and currently serves as President of The Marketing Society.This year marks 70 years of TV advertising, celebrated with the launch of the new report, Living Room Legends, which explores the best ads of the past seven decades.Dame Carolyn joins Jon to discuss the report, why TV advertising is here to stay, and to reflect on some of the greatest ads of all time.Timestamps00:00 – Intro00:42 – 70 years of advertising02:11 – Carolyn's vision for the future of marketing04:15 – Why we need more marketers on boards05:25 – How a CMO can become a CEO08:15 – Overseeing the UK's biggest commercial broadcaster11:35 – How ITV is competing with global streaming giants13:19 – How ITV collaborates with the streaming giants15:15 – The recipe for a long-term hit TV show17:37 – Is TV advertising dead?22:47 – Is TV effective for Gen Z?24:31 – The Living Room Legends report, celebrating 70 years of advertising27:08 – The most emotional ad for Carolyn28:06 – What ads have made Carolyn McCall laugh29:10 – Advertising campaigns that have changed culture31:42 – Airing an ad within 72 hours of Christian Eriksen's cardiac arrest32:23 – Which campaigns have improved over the years33:34 – The best examples of romanticising the product35:13 – Why more SMEs are advertising35:52 – The future of TV advertising
In episode 197, Dolly sits down with Mara and Bekah to share the behind-the-scenes story of why the three of us have teamed up to host the Black Friday 2025 Virtual Summit and how it can help your business prepare with actionable strategies for the busiest sales season of the year. To read the blog post that goes with this podcast episode, click HERE
In Episode 196 of the Systems & Workflow Magic Podcast, I chat with Rebekah Read (Bekah) about how to optimize your Black Friday sales page using SEO and AI so your offers are searchable, compelling, and ready to convert in 2025. To read the ENTIRE blog post that corresponds with this podcast, just click HERE
In this episode, I sit down with Joyce Hamilton of Only Boldly to discuss how busy business owners can utilize AI to prepare for Black Friday with strategy and intention. Joyce shares how she utilizes tools like ChatGPT to brainstorm content, map out her launch plans, and create more efficient systems that actually save her time, both as a mom and a business owner.If you've ever felt behind on your Black Friday prep or overwhelmed by content planning, this episode will show you how to get started now and use AI as a true business assistant.Read the ENTIRE blog post HERE & don't forget to
In this episode of the Systems & Workflow Magic Podcast, I'm joined by Pinterest and blogging expert Kara Duncan to break down how small business owners can use Pinterest trends to create evergreen blog content that supports their Black Friday strategy—and keeps working long after the sale ends.We discuss the three main content buckets (evergreen, trend-based, and timely), how to plan Pinterest content in advance, and why specificity is crucial for driving traffic and conversions. Whether you're brand new to Pinterest or looking to refine your strategy, this episode will help you create intentional content that attracts and nurtures cold traffic for your Q4 promotions.Read the ENTIRE blog post here & don't forget to
If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the idea of running a Black Friday sale or, worse, you've thrown one together the night before Thanksgiving, you are absolutely not alone. But what if this year looked a little different? What if you had a strategic plan in place that not only warmed up your audience but also sold your offer while you're enjoying leftover pie?In this episode of the Systems and Workflow Magic Podcast, I sit down with email marketing strategist Allison Hardy, and we delve into how email funnels can significantly enhance your Black Friday strategy. Whether this is your first-ever sale or you're trying to streamline your fourth Q4 sprint, this conversation is packed with gold.Read the ENTIRE blog post hereResources & Links
"Fundamentally, I'd like to hit the reset button on how we break down silos within organisations so that we can work collaboratively to solve for brilliant customer journeys and brilliant customer experiences." - Claire Moyles, Marketing Director at Sainsbury's Bank
In this BRAND NEW solo episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on why I took a three-month break from releasing new podcast episodes and what's changing (and staying the same) as I move forward. I'm sharing the behind-the-scenes journey of how I've evolved into serving two specific groups of business owners: family photographers who want sustainable systems and marketing strategies, and small business owners who want smart, strategic launch support. You'll also hear the story behind my new membership, the Family Photographer's Marketing Society, and what you can expect from the podcast in the coming months, including a brand new Black Friday series starting next week.Want the full blog post with all the shownotes? Click HereResources & Links
“If people genuinely care about sustainability, how can Marketers redesign systems to make the right choice the easiest one?” In this episode of the Can Marketing Save the Planet podcast?, we're joined by Tom Ellis, CEO at Brand Genetics where we explore the psychology behind sustainable behaviour change, specifically digging into motivations, but from many different angles – 12 to be precise! As Tom explains, "If you can align to people's motivations, you can shift their behaviour in a way that feels natural—like they're getting closer to their own goals." Tom shares insights from their research, "Marketing a Difference: A Brand Owner's Guide to Motivating Sustainable Choices," which identifies 12 key motivations, but what caught our eye when we first came across these insights was the way in which the motivations were presented, with six drivers that encourage sustainable actions and six barriers that hold people back. The research breaks each of these down, explaining the psychology and the ‘SO WHAT?' behind them. It's an interesting piece of work and a useful resource for Marketers who are interested in what motivates people. Tom talks about behavioural ‘tricks', or nudges which push us in the right direction, however, given where we are in relation to the climate crisis, these are no longer enough, instead we need to engender deep, motivation-driven behavioural shifts to tackle the increasing challenges. We discuss the power of motivations and how people act based on core human goals (security, belonging, status etc), and showcase how by aligning sustainability with these, there is more opportunity to drive long-term change. Tom's advice to Marketers looking at their audiences and stakeholders is, “move from asking, who are we targeting to, what are they motivated by?” . If people genuinely care about sustainability, how can Marketers redesign systems to make the right choice the easiest one? It's a similar question to the one that came up a couple of years ago when Seth Godin came on the podcast, where he asked… “How can Marketers tell a true story about climate and our impact, so that we can change the systems in our lives, tread more resiliently on the earth, and are more proud of what we are doing?” ...this not only reiterates the significant opportunity Marketers have to drive real and meaningful change, but also the reality that not enough of us are using our skills to do so. So, perhaps start with yourself, what motivates you and what are your drivers or barriers? Tune in as we talk to Tom about: Why motivations matter and how they drive action more than facts. The 12 motivations and how they work. Overcoming barriers, when cost, convenience, and denial hinder progress - how can we address these? The role of habit in driving motivation. Tapping into value rather than guilt. Thinking beyond "consumers", we have got to think of people as humans with complex lives, not just shoppers at a shelf. What to do when the objectives of Marketers and motivations of consumers clash. Link to the research ‘Marketing a Difference: A Brand Owner's Guide to Motivating Sustainable Choices ‘ - here. For more information about Brand Genetics - Link here: And to connect with Tom Ellis - his LinkedIn profile is here. Enjoy - and if you love the podcast, share with your friends, family and colleagues. ________________________________________________________________________ About us… We help Marketers save the planet.
So many creative entrepreneurs dread sending out weekly emails. Maybe you feel you have nothing to say, maybe you forget, maybe you feel like you've already used your best ideas. Today, I am welcoming back Elizabeth McCravy to the podcast, this time to talk about how her automated email system has improved her business and made her email marketing strategy so much easier. Elizabeth is sharing some of her key tips to get started on successfully automating your emails on your own and smoothing out your workflow today. Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:-Get an inside look at Elizabeth McCravy's automated email strategy, which nurtures her audience for nearly a full year with just 27 emails.-Learn how to build and repurpose your own evergreen nurture sequence without overcomplicating it—perfect for busy creative business owners.-Discover how to balance live emails with automations (plus smart tips on avoiding sending multiple emails at once from different funnels).Want the FULL Blog post with ALL the shownotes? Click HEREResources & Links
In this episode of the Systems and Workflow Magic Podcast, I'm joined once again by my friend and fellow systems-loving business owner, Kat Schmoyer. Together, we're diving into all things quarterly planning—specifically, how to approach the next Quarter with intention, strategy, and a whole lot less pressure. Whether you're gearing up for a packed season or you're slowing down to focus on refining your backend, this episode will give you permission and practical tools to finish the year strong without burning out!Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:-Discover Kat's Four Pillars of Quarterly Planning – Learn how “Time, Money, Dreams, and Dailies” can revolutionize how you approach your business goals.-Stop the Burnout Spiral – Hear Kat and Dolly discuss the importance of realistic planning in busy seasons-Get Inspired to Serve & Sustain – Find out how simply focusing on client care in Q4 can be a powerful business strategy.Full Show Notes Here!Mentioned Resources & Links
Reimagining Business in a low-carbon economy… In this episode of Can Marketing Save the Planet, we catch up with Leo Raymond, founder of EdenLab, talking about marketing's potential to reshape business for sustainability. Leo shares his journey into the sustainability space, sparked by a moment of clarity when his son asked him what he did for a living, he shares… "sustainability was jargon-filled, techno-babble nightmarishness… but I saw an opportunity to repoint marketing's creativity towards positive behaviour change." Leo argues that Marketers, as behaviour shaping experts, must pivot their creativity toward systemic solutions. He highlights the disconnect, but also the enormous opportunity between marketing and sustainability, noting the sector's untapped potential for strategic problem-solving. "If businesses can't make money being green, they won't do it. Our role is to help them see the new abundance ahead." EdenLab's mission emerged from the gap he identified, focusing on reimagining markets. Leo also shares his experience of working with brands and discusses EdenLab's new ‘Greenwash Guardian', an AI tool designed to help brands communicate sustainability claims authentically. We touch on challenges such as greenhushing, corporate short-termism, and the need for more collaborative innovation upstream when it comes to circularity. Leo remains optimistic even as we face strange times, advocating for Marketers to move beyond promotion and into systemic innovation, addressing sustainability at the product, pricing, and business-model levels. Leo's call to action is, "believe you're part of the solution", marketing has the power to drive the transition, provided it leans into creativity, evidence, and bold storytelling. Tune in as we talk to Leo about: Marketing's strategic role Opportunity over apocalypse - dramatic, but true Framing sustainability as a growth driver vs. doom driven narratives Challenges around the circular economy Degrowth vs. Innovation – is "degrowth" a hard sell? Leo's request for a brief which proposes how do we, "make twice the profit for half the material throughput" as a viable business objective. For more information, connect with Leo via LinkedIn. For more information about EdenLab and the work they do - Link here: Enjoy - and if you love the podcast, share with your friends, family and colleagues. ________________________________________________________________________ About us… We help Marketers save the planet.
In this REPLAY solo episode, I'm diving into four big reasons why contracts are essential for every creative business owner. Whether you're just starting out or you've been in business for a while, having contracts in place isn't just a nice-to-have—it's a must-listen! The Legal Paige Contract ShopShop Now at The Legal Paige Contract Shop >>Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:1- Learn how contracts protect both you and your clients—yes, even for complimentary sessions.2- Hear how having a contract instantly elevates the professionalism of your brand.3- Get practical, non-intimidating steps to start using contracts (even if you're not ready to hire a lawyer).Full Show Notes Here!Mentioned Resources & Links
In this REPLAY episode, Dolly sits down with her husband, Ty DeLong, for a candid conversation about money, marriage, and what it looked like to pay off over $150K in student loan debt while building a business. You'll hear how their different financial backgrounds impacted their relationship, how they finally got on the same page about money, and the exact systems Ty used to help them get out of debt. Whether you're single or married, in debt or thriving, this episode will encourage you to take a closer look at your numbers and build a more sustainable business.Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:Learn how Dolly and Ty tackled six figures of student loan debt as a married couple while Dolly built her business.Understand how Profit First and basic spreadsheets transformed Dolly's relationship with money.Gain tangible steps and mindset shifts for managing finances as a creative entrepreneur, especially if money feels overwhelming.Full Show NotesClick here to access the full show notesMentioned Resources & LinksThe Bookkeeping Template For Creatives and use code PODCAST for 20% off! Do you want to join The Family Photographer's Marketing Society? Click HEREEpisode 20: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/how-to-pay-yourself-as-a-creative-business-owner/Connect with Dolly DeLong EducationWebsiteInstagramYouTubeThanks for joining me on The Systems and Workflow Magic Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode:Sign up for weekly reminders to stay updated on all things systems, SOPS, marketing, and workflows to impact the backend of YOUR business! You can snag freebies here: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/business-toolsPost a screenshot and some of your favorite key takeaways on your IG story, and tag me @dollydelongeducation so I can repost it!affiliate links included, which means I might make a lil' money when you click. I only recommend people, products, & programs I use & Money Mindset for Creatives, Paying Off Student Loans, Financial Tips For Married Entrepreneurs, Budgeting Tips, Profit First for Creatives, Creative Business Finances, Systems for Small Business Owners, How to Name Every Dollar, Bookkeeping Tips for Creatives, Financial Clarity in Marriage Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
If legacy is defined by the choices we make today, how can Marketers and communicators reframe "business as usual" to align with planetary survival before it's too late? In this episode of Can Marketing Save the Planet? we welcome back Sangeeta Waldron, a communications expert, three times published author, and Founder of Serendipity PR and Media. Sangeeta discusses her latest book, ‘What Will Your Legacy Be?' - expanding on her previous book by reaching a broader audience beyond the business and PR world. It's a book that is so easy to get lost in and a wonderful, empowering hope filled read - reminding us just how much collective climate action is taking place across the world by people from all walks of life. The book features 36 global conversations with scientists, indigenous leaders, business professionals and activists all working toward meaningful environmental change. Sangeeta shares her learnings from her research and writing journey and the moment she realised what she was creating was a book of hope. She tells us, "if you don't have hope, how will you change anything? If you just give up with despair, you're not going to make change." This ethos drives her book, emphasising the power of storytelling in raising awareness and letting people know that they too can take action. Sangeeta explains that a big takeaway from the book was, it made her realise that legacy starts young - the point when you make begin making choices, she shares, “legacy is no longer what we're thinking about as we get older, legacy is now as young as the age of 14, once you can make your own informed choices in what you're buying and doing, that's your legacy, because that is now connected to your carbon footprint.” We discuss many areas in this episode - from the hidden climate cost of war, where conflicts disrupt weather patterns and food systems, to nature's intelligence and how ecosystems thrive on balance, a principle humans have ignored. We dive into the important role of local journalism in educating and empowering community action, and how businesses must adapt for example, seasonal marketing and supply chains need climate-conscious strategies, yet, these aren't currently happening. Sangeeta also shares her transformative experience with Al Gore's Climate Reality Project, underscoring the need for global collaboration. Despite political and corporate resistance, she remains hopeful, urging communicators to speak boldly about the climate crisis. Reflecting on her mission, she explains, "I wrote this book not for the converted, but for those who have no idea, or maybe aren't even interested - because the climate crisis is interconnected with everything." Tune in as we talk to Sangeeta about: How we should learn from indigenous wisdom, where sustainable practices are rooted in reciprocity, something that can guide modern solutions. The critical role of local media and their position and responsibility to inform, tell the truth and build community resilience. The need for strategic thinking when it comes to marketing in today's operating environment, we can't just keep doing what we're doing. How we need conversations which spark change (beyond the echo chamber), and create ripples of action. How everyone has the opportunity to make changes and take action – one person can do so much. For more information, connect with Sangeeta via LinkedIn - and her book can be found globally, in all good bookshops and online, via booksellers. Link here: For more information about Al Gore's Climate Reality Project - Link here: Enjoy - and if you love the podcast, share with your friends, family and colleagues. ________________________________________________________________________ About us… We help Marketers save the planet.
Are you ready to gain clarity and confidence in your business finances? Maybe you peek at your numbers every couple of months, but let's be honest, that just isn't good for your business, and it is probably adding to the intimidation and overwhelm of the task. In this episode, Shanna Skidmore, of Skidmore Consulting, shares how she crafted her experience as a Fortune 100 Financial Advisor and is now helping entrepreneurs and her students build a profitable business they are comfortable and aligned with. If you are ready to set up a “money date” that will help make managing money much less stressful, this episode is for you!Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:Learn how to conduct an effective “money date” for your business.Dive into Shanna's easy-to-follow system to kickstart your financial journey.Be motivated to get comfortable with your finances and get over your fear of peeking at the numbers in your business.Full Show Notes Here!Mentioned Resources & Links
If you're thinking about hosting a summit to grow your audience or launch your next offer, this episode is packed with strategies that are still incredibly relevant for 2025. Krista Miller breaks down the exact trends and systems you need to create a high-converting virtual summit that actually works in today's online space.Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:Hear why you should host your own summitLearn how to set your summit apart by having unique messagingFind out how crafting the perfect pitch can help bring in people who are new to summitsLearn the benefits of launching an offer in your summitFull Show Notes Here!Resources & Links
Writing copy for your audience can feel intimidating, especially if you're trying to sell them something. In this episode, I brought on my dear friend, Emily of Emily Writes Well, to share her 3-step system to writing copy that connects and converts. Listen in as she highlights the importance of your words, communication, and connection!✅For the full transcription + blog + all the resources/links mentioned, click HEREMentioned Resources & Links
Agencies and green claims – Walking the talk or just talking? In our final episode of our four part mini-series on navigating green claims and greenwashing we speak to Adrian Ma, founder of Fanclub PR, about the role of agencies in green claims and the rise of purpose-led marketing. Adrian shares his insights from working with impact-driven brands such as Who Gives a Crap, Music Magpie, SMOL and many more, and dives into the challenges agencies face in balancing creativity with compliance. Adrian talks us through the journey Fanclub PR is on and notes the ‘purpose-led' space is gaining a lot of traction, but with a big question mark over the authenticity and ‘trends' many are jumping on. Adrian explains how at a recent roundtable event he attended, many introduced themselves as ‘purpose-led agencies', in addition to that, Meta descriptions of 450 agencies revealed the number one trend was all related to … you guessed it… purpose. However, as Adrian states, “there's a huge, huge disconnect here when it comes to awareness of green claims, I think the awareness is low and the trend is that most agency people are led by the clients (which is fine), but agencies have a duty of care to their own staff to make sure that they know stuff.” At Fanclub PR Adrian and his team work closely with organisations such as Clean Creatives (two-time guests on the podcast - EP 24 and EP 67), and Creatives for Climate, with whom they have helped create an agency guide to greenwashing to support knowledge, education and awareness. (Linked below). On greenwashing vs. greenhushing, Adrian believes, "good creative agencies should help brands be transparent, giving them the confidence to talk about what they're doing”. We discuss the importance of good communication, something we are very passionate about at Can Marketing Save the Planet, given effective communication is critical to driving engagement and change, both internally and externally. Adrian agrees that communication cannot be underestimated as part of the green claims process, telling us “that process of interrogation is only going to make the work stronger”. As well as good communication we also touch on the future of marketing where Adrian is a firm believer in, "if brands stay consistent with their commitments year after year, they build communities, confidence, and leadership—that's where real change happens." Tune in as we talk to Adrian about: The need for agencies to educate their teams on greenwashing to ensure compliance and ethical, authentic storytelling. How transparency beats perfection and how brands should be sharing both successes and challenges to build trust. The disconnect between sustainability teams (focused on data) and agencies (focused on messaging) and the need for collaboration to bridge that gap. How consistency builds impact and creates deeper engagement than those jumping between campaigns. Why good communication is critical both internally and externally and the need to challenge will only make the work stronger. For more information about Fanclub PR and the work they do… visit https://www.fanclubpr.com/ And here are some related links discussed in the podcast: Creatives for Climate Anti Greenwashing Guide for Agencies Big Brand Came and Stole My Purpose Video case study – Mount Recyclemore Video case study – Winnie The Pooh: Deforested Edition Across this mini-series you've heard some fantastic insights and we've provided plenty of signposts to training and resources. Don't forget… if you're looking to upskill your team with the green claims landscape - you can also check out our 3 hour Greenwashing 101 short training course via our Sustainable Marketing Training Hub. ________________________________________________________________________ About us… We help Marketers save the planet.
My guest this week is someone whose career path may not be linear, but it's been anything but boring. Jason Chebib started out in some of London's top ad agencies, including Ogilvy, Publicis, J. Walter Thompson, and BBDO, where he worked alongside CMOs and future CMOs at brands like Shell, Unilever, Dyson, Mars, and Ford. Then came a pivot—from creating campaigns to teaching the science behind them. Jason traveled the world, training the next generation of marketers in what actually works when it comes to growing brands. Eventually, he jumped back into the deep end—this time client-side at Diageo. First in Amsterdam, working on global strategy for Johnnie Walker, and then in New York as Head of Planning for Diageo North America, where he shaped the future of brands like Smirnoff, Baileys, Guinness, and Captain Morgan. Now fully rooted in the U.S., Jason has worn many hats—from advising agencies to serving as Committee Chair of Agency Relations at the ANA and Co-Chair of the Marketing Society in New York. He brings the kind of perspective that only comes from being deep in the trenches: agency, client, strategy, research, and education. And while he's not one to chase titles, let's just say his next chapter is wide open—and any brand would be lucky to have him. I am proud to call him my friend, my confidant, my mentor: Jason Chebib.
Are you adding email subscribers to your list pretty regularly, but you're stumped about what exactly to DO with them now that you have them? If that's you, you're not alone. Tune in to hear Liz Wilcox share a simple 3-step approach to converting your new leads into customers with a wicked simple welcome sequence. Get ready to walk away from this episode with tangible tips that will take you less than an hour to implement! Plus, your email list will be primed and ready to buy all of the amazingness you have to share with them. What more could you want?Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:-What to do with new subscribers so they transform into happy customers-Why having a welcome sequence is key to creating raving fans-The 4 things that should be included in every highly converting welcome sequenceWant to see ALL The resources & read the blog that goes with this podcast episode? Click HEREResources & Links
In this episode of the Can Marketing Save the Planet? podcast, we continue on our navigating green claims and greenwashing mini-series speaking with Katie Wetherall, a lawyer at ClientEarth about the brilliant work they do and taking a deep dive into the world of plastics, packaging and recycling. It's no secret that marketing tactics in this area are long overdue a review. Clever marketing can mislead consumers with what are essentially false sustainability claims - particularly, when one takes into account the bigger picture and lifecycle of the product they appear on. Katie shares with us her insights from legal actions ClientEarth has taken against major corporations such as BP, Total Energies and KLM for misleading claims. In the case of KLM, she explains, “the Dutch court ruled that their claims about the sustainability of flying were misleading and in fact the judge said they painted a far too rosier picture about these kind of high emission activities and the company's compliance with things like the Paris Agreement.” A lot of Katie's work focuses on greenwashing legal actions and increasingly the area of plastics and consumer goods. The reality of plastic recycling is woeful, Katie shares, “only 9% of all plastic ever produced has been recycled, yet companies continue to label products as "100% recyclable, and even in the UK which has got quite an established sophisticated waste management system the stats hover at around 55%. So I think as an organisation, we argue that that green loop, (sometimes it's a triangle), but that circular symbol, gives a misleading impression of the circularity of plastic.” We go on to talk about the many different challenges of single use plastic; packaging, descriptors and labelling which we see everywhere on products across our everyday lives. Using green symbols and imagery is an area that Katie advises, “I would discourage Marketers from putting the recyclability of a product at the forefront of its marketing, because this is a process they have no control over and which statistics suggest does not work.” There is a lot of great insight and advice shared in this episode which will apply to a lot of organisations, Marketers and products. Tune in as we talk to Katie about: The problem with recycling symbols and should they even be allowed when they don't guarantee recyclability? The need for Marketers to consider the green claims they are making across the lifecycle of their products. The need to prioritise transparency Shifting to reusable packaging models – not relying on broken recycling systems Supporting people to make informed decisions How greenhushing doesn't solve the problem For more information about ClientEarth and the great work they do - visit https://www.clientearth.org/ And, if you're looking to upskill your team with the green claims landscape - be sure to check out our 3 hour Greenwashing 101 short training course via our Sustainable Marketing Training Hub. One more episode in this mini-series to follow, talking ‘agency side' with Fanclub PR. Stay tuned. ________________________________________________________________________ About us… We help Marketers save the planet.
Think AI is just for big businesses with big teams? Think again. In this solo episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on how I used AI to streamline, simplify, and strategically execute my latest launch—while working less than 20 hours a week. Whether you're planning a summit, course, or digital product launch, these five actionable ways to use AI will help you ditch the overwhelm and show up with confidence.Ready to launch smarter, not harder? Hit play and take notes because I know you'll want to try at least one of these strategies for your next launch.