I am Tom Spitale, a Partner at Impact Planning Group - welcome to our Podcast! Along with my colleagues and Partners... more
The close of the year is the perfect time to reflect on the major trends and events that have shaped... more
Coca-Cola used AI to create 110 personalized versions of its iconic holiday ad in just three days. The discussion... more
Nike’s recent challenges underscore a truth all brands face: staying relevant in a competitive market isn’t easy. As B2B marketers,... more
In this episode, Mary, Tom, and Sean discuss the inefficiencies of traditional finance-driven planning cycles and explore a more flexible,... more
In this episode, Mary, Tom, and Sean discuss the growing role of AI in strategic marketing and how it is... more
In this episode, we explore the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in strategic marketing, focusing on how AI can... more
In this episode, we analyze Southwest Airlines’ recent policy shift from open seating to assigned seating, exploring how even the... more
In this episode, we delve into the strategic importance of using archetypes to simplify and enhance global marketing and learning... more
In this episode, we explore the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in strategic marketing, focusing on how AI can... more
In this second episode of our two-part series on trend prediction, we delve deeper into the importance of identifying and... more
In this episode, we delve into the fascinating world of trend prediction and how our analytical tools have helped us... more
In this episode, we delve into the far-reaching implications of Ozempic, a weight loss drug originally designed for diabetes management,... more
In this podcast, Mary, Tom, and Sean draw from their extensive experience of over 25 years in successful workshop facilitation,... more
In this 2nd podcast in a 3-part series, Mary, Tom and Sean share insights for marketers and product managers seeking... more
In this podcast, Mary, Tom and Sean delves into the intriguing world of Super Bowl ads. The team dissects the... more
In this podcast, Mary, Tom and Sean share insights from their 25+ years of successful workshop facilitation – a key... more
In this episode, Tom Spitale, Mary Abbazia, and Sean Welham reflect on pivotal 2023 events impacting B2B. Tom spotlights Disney+'s... more
The electric vehicle (EV) market has hit a speed bump, catching the attention of marketing leaders seeking insights into the... more
In this insightful podcast, Mary, Sean and Tom unravel the mystery behind Barnes & Noble's enduring success in the face... more
In this thought-provoking episode, the team delves into Claritin's recent innovative ad campaign. Instead of focusing on the product,... more
In this third episode about the role of marketing in organizations, the team goes deeper into a discussion about the... more
There is much talk about how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can make work much more efficient. However, in this podcast, the... more
In this podcast, the team goes deeper into a previous discussion about how marketing is done in different organization. ... more
In this episode of The Accidental Marketer podcast, Mary, Tom, and Sean discuss Tesla as a case study for pricing... more
In this podcast episode, Mary, Sean and Tom discuss the surprising merger between the PGA and LIV Tour that shocked... more
In this episode, the team discusses the strategy behind Disney+ and its impact on the streaming market. The case provides... more
The team continues last episode’s discussion about the fight between two professional golf tours and the profound strategy lessons from... more
Many people are passionate about sports, so it’s fun when the business of sports can teach us about business strategy.... more
There are so many different definitions of marketing that it’s difficult to know exactly what the function is responsible in... more
Can a great strategy change a company’s culture for the better? A healthy strategic process includes a focus on... more
In previous episodes, the team discussed the concepts of prioritizing and managing risk. In this third podcast on the... more
So how do you anticipate risks? And once you’ve identified risk, how do you know which are the important... more
Wars, inflation, supply chain issues, soaring interest rates, pandemics — it’s easy to look at these current risks as reasons... more
What can we learn from the wins and the misses of 2022? On a special episode, we at the Accidental... more
As inflation continues at a high level, marketers who have created strong brands are reaping rewards. How can marketers... more
Though many companies have successfully taken inflationary price increases this year, Netflix was not one of them. Earlier this... more
Inflationary levels not seen since the 1970’s are creating big economic challenges, and many businesses are looking to their marketers... more
In this final episode of our short season covering the unification of Sales and Marketing, the team tackles the always... more
The seemingly permanent increase in virtual B2B sales calls will revitalize needs-based segmentation as a strategy. Marketing and Sales... more
Despite record sales, Pfizer recently announced big cuts to its sales force. What does this have to do with... more
In this final episode of the “New Frontiers” season, the team examines strategies for scaling a platform business. Suppliers... more
In this fifth episode of the “New Frontiers” season, the team discusses whether a company should start a platform business... more
In this fourth episode of the “New Frontiers” season, the team dives deep on how to build a platform strategy.... more
In this episode, the team analyzes whether B2B suppliers should join one of the exploding number of industry platforms. ... more
This week we dive deep into the topics of B2B industry ecosystems: the collection of related products and services... more
In this initial Season 11 episode, Mary, Sean and Tom define the differences between ecosystems, platforms and marketplaces. More... more
In this episode, we discuss dynamic pricing. Airlines and hotels change prices all the time based on current... more
In this episode, we discuss a wide array of pricing models. You’ve already heard about subscription pricing, “pay... more
This week, we look at an executional pricing issue: when your company offers pricing allowances and discounts to customers... more
Our pricing-focused season continues with a look at measuring customer's perception of your offer. Customers are typically willing to... more
Our new podcast season is all about pricing. The vast majority of B2B price-setters do not use the... more
In our season finale of art vs. science in marketing, the team tackles what may be the most important... more
When it comes to dividing markets, software and technologies like machine learning and artificial intelligence are bringing new horsepower to... more
Certain strategic processes require you to rely less on data and more on qualitative observations. Influence mapping is one... more
Today's 24/7 news cycle has combined with the relative informality and popularity of social media to create opportunities —... more
Our season on the art and science of marketing continues with a deep dive into data analysis. Trying to... more
Our new season on the art and science of marketing continues this week with a focus on science. ... more
Our new season tackles an often-heard question: is marketing an art or a science? Certain parts of a marketing... more
There are many advantages to creating a new category, but it doesn't solve all of your marketing problems. In... more
Expanding your marketing to reach a new set of stakeholders can have an effect similar to creating a new category.... more
Companies entering a new category are often intimidated by their more experienced competitors. This episode highlights how being naive... more
Our season on category creation continues with some of our best advice for doing it! A discussion that starts... more
We kickoff a new season on category creation by looking at a common B2B marketing problem: your analysis... more
This seasonal finale of "The Dark Side of Marketing" focuses on something once called "pure, white and deadly." It's... more
This episode's topic discusses the thin line between propaganda and marketing. Sharing information with the intent to persuade is... more
This episode's topic features "The Pharma Bro" — a now-jailed pharmaceutical executive who limited the supply and raised prices of... more
We continue analyzing the dark side of marketing by studying the Opioid Crisis. The villains in this tragedy, Purdue Pharma,... more
In this episode, we continue shining the light on the dark side of marketing by studying the "The Social Dilemma."... more
In season 7, we are shining some light on "the dark side of marketing." People with less-than-wholesome ideals sometimes... more
In this week's episode, we discuss customer acquisition costs and how to make a "reverse ROI argument." A reverse... more
Digging deeper on the last episode's discussion of customer-level ROI metrics, the team unpacks a variety of ways to measure... more
Marketers can’t be content to be judged by short-term campaign metrics only. Mary, Sean and Tom outline a host of... more
As the marketing function becomes more strategic in a company, it becomes harder to discern its impact. The team... more
We start a full season of podcasts on the topic of Marketing Return on Investment (ROI). For a number... more
The second topic in this episode (after the team discusses a segmentation dilemma) is very topical: should you raise... more
We continue discussing "surprise" marketing topics. In this era of CSOs, CDOs and CXOs, Mary asks if businesses should have... more
This season we surprise each other by throwing out un-rehearsed marketing topics and debating them. The second topic on... more
*NOTE: This podcast was recorded prior to the coronavirus pandemic. Sean wrote an article on Linkedin regarding 10 trends that shaped... more
*NOTE: This podcast was recorded prior to the coronavirus pandemic. Brand heresy is the practice of established brands promoting in ways... more
*NOTE: This podcast was recorded prior to the coronavirus pandemic. The trend of gamification applies aspects of game-playing to business, in... more
Our Season 4 podcasts were recorded prior to the Coronavirus pandemic. This special edition podcast was recorded on April... more
*NOTE: This podcast was recorded prior to the coronavirus pandemic. Account-Based Marketing (ABM) is not a new idea,... more
The new generation of B2B buyers have high expectations for the experience of interacting with and buying from suppliers. ... more
Many of us have experienced personalization in our relationships with consumer products and services providers. But can B2Bs personalize... more
This episode focuses on the trend of surge/dynamic pricing - the practice of charging more when demand is higher and... more
This season's discussion of trends continues with a growing phenomena: replacing traditional pricing models with subscription-based pricing. ... more
This new season covers trends that businesses need to know about and have a plan for. This episode discusses... more
The last episode of Season 3 unpacks the interesting cases of Lexus and the Volkswagen Phaeton. These two brands... more
Most marketers are familiar with Net Promoter Score (NPS) -- a metric to measure the strength of your relationships with... more
This week we focus on the agricultural giant John Deere. Amongst the many reasons for Deere's long-term success is... more
This weeks focus is on Netflix, a company that has continually been ahead of huge technological shifts. What kinds... more
Inertia and habit are the enemies of customer-centricity in business. In most industries, market dynamics often change long before... more
Businesses of all types can learn a lot from what pharma companies do when their blockbuster drugs come off patent.... more
One of the most underrated and over-performing businesses in the world is in the refrigeration business in China. You... more
The retailer Kohl's will return items to Amazon for you -- are they crazy? New types of partnerships are... more
B2B companies are seeing some of their high-margin offerings being undercut. Smaller competitors with fewer assets are specializing, moving... more
This season's focus is modern case studies -- successes and failures -- that B2B companies can learn from. This... more
All industries are being affected by new trends, technologies and competitors. With so much uncertainty about the future, companies... more
People who understand value-based pricing know that it's a powerful strategy. So why don't more companies implement? Many... more
When your product or service generates important data that your customers can use in a broader "ecosystem," are their situations... more
The retailer Kohl's will return items to Amazon for you -- are they crazy? New types of partnerships are emerging almost... more