The Marketing Dude

The Marketing Dude Dr. Mike Carr | VP Marketing @ Sky Systemz | Educator | Part-Time Rock Star

๐ŸŽธ The Hilarious Reality of My Streaming Earnings in 2023 ๐ŸŽธGather around for a story that'll make your Spotify playlists ...
11/29/2023

๐ŸŽธ The Hilarious Reality of My Streaming Earnings in 2023 ๐ŸŽธ

Gather around for a story that'll make your Spotify playlists weep. This year, from a whopping 75,767 streams on YouTube (not bad for a nobody), I earned a grand total of... wait for it... $32.96. Thatโ€™s right, I'm rolling in fractions of a penny here โ€“ about $0.000435 per stream. At this rate, I'll be a millionaire in, oh, a few millennia.

For perspective, Guns n' Roses released a new song in August that has had 5.1M views! At $0.000435, they made about $2,215 to split between themselves, the label, the publishers, and who knows how many people have their fingers in the pot of a signed musician!

Now, let's play pretend: if each stream were a $1 download, I'd be writing this from a palatial estate in a much nicer neighborhood. But here we are, in the amazing world of music streaming, where exposure pays in good vibes instead of good dollars. I won't even get into how much I spent producing or promoting some of the tracks I released this year...

So, what's the moral of this slightly tragic, slightly comic tale? Supporting your fave musicians goes beyond hitting the play button. Buy that album, get those concert tickets, and hit up the merch booth.

Remember, every time you stream a song, an artist gets a fraction of a penny. And let's face it, we can't all pay rent in good vibes.

๐ŸŽถ๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ’ธ

๐Ÿ’ฅ๐Ÿ’ฅThe Adpocalypse is Here๐Ÿ’ฅ๐Ÿ’ฅSay goodbye to the golden age of stalking your customers across the internet - Google's new a...
07/25/2023

๐Ÿ’ฅ๐Ÿ’ฅThe Adpocalypse is Here๐Ÿ’ฅ๐Ÿ’ฅ

Say goodbye to the golden age of stalking your customers across the internet - Google's new ad privacy settings are ushering in a new era, an era where privacy isn't a polite suggestion but a mandate. Welcome to Google's Privacy Sandbox initiative.

In this new era, the days of hyper-targeted ads, curated by tracking users across apps and websites with third-party cookies, are numbered. So, what does it mean for us, the unsuspecting marketers? Here's the lowdown:

1. Targeting ads based on user interests? Good luck! It's like trying to shoot a bullseye in the dark. We have to say goodbye to our beloved third-party cookies. I'll be holding a virtual candlelight vigil later - BYOC (Bring Your Own Cookies).

2. First-party data becomes the belle of the ball. With third-party cookies out of the picture, we have to turn to our dependable friend - first-party data. So, start working on collecting your customers' info directly. Emails, purchase history, website browsing behavior - it's all gold. Just don't turn into that creepy ex who won't stop asking for details.

3. Contextual targeting is the new hot trend. Show car ads on a car website, kitchenware ads on a cooking blog - revolutionary, isn't it? It's like we're back in the '90s. Get your retro vibes on.

So, marketers, it's time to pull up our socks and embrace the changes. It's like a high-stakes game of Marco Polo, but the pool is now the Internet, and we're all trying to find our customers blindfolded.

Collect that first-party data, get cozy with contextual targeting, test out some new methods, and above all, keep your eyes and ears open for the latest in digital advertising.

BTW, I asked how Google's new policy would impact marketers. So, this is technically from the horse's mouth!

๐Ÿ‚ Fall is almost upon us and so is the commencement of my International Marketing course for UC Lindner Marketing. This ...
07/24/2023

๐Ÿ‚ Fall is almost upon us and so is the commencement of my International Marketing course for UC Lindner Marketing. This time around, I've harnessed the power of in the most fun and artistic way possible, all thanks to .

Imagine a Coca-Cola can, shivering in its metaphorical boots, exploding under the wrath of an arctic gust and polar bear's grip. Or a volcano erupting, oblivious to its impact on global trade routes. Maybe even Teddy Roosevelt, humorously depicted in a political cartoon, unabashedly proclaiming his "Roosevelt Corollary". All these and more are the unique graphics now adorning my lecture slides!

MidJourney AI has been my tireless co-creator, churning out stunning and thought-provoking visuals that leap off my slides. Why? To drive the essence of international business's susceptibility to Geography, Climate, and Topography right into the minds of my students. (At least for this lecture).

AI and education โ€“ itโ€™s like discovering the joy of dipping fries into a milkshake โ€“ an unexpected combination that turns out to be surprisingly satisfying! ๐Ÿ˜‰

So here's to MidJourney AI, the Picasso to my lecture theatre, and to all the fun we educators can have when you adopt technology as your co-pilot. Now, who's up for some more exploding Coca-Cola cans?

In the world of marketing, we've all heard the romanticized mantra: "If you build it, they will come." Thanks to Kevin C...
07/22/2023

In the world of marketing, we've all heard the romanticized mantra: "If you build it, they will come." Thanks to Kevin Costner's baseball diamond in a cornfield, this phrase has taken root as one of the most enduring - and misleading - marketing myths.โšพ๏ธ

Contrary to what the movies would have you believe, building a product or service is just the first inning in the game of marketing. Just imagine if Costner had built his field, then sat back, expecting the ghost players to just show up. Spoiler alert: He'd be waiting a long time. ๐Ÿ‘ป

The reality is, marketing is more than just erecting a baseball diamond in your cornfield (or launching a product). It involves researching to understand who your ghost players (customers) are, strategizing the best way to attract them, and optimizing your channels to ensure they can find you.

And it doesn't stop once they arrive. Once you've got your ghost players on the field, you need to keep them engaged, so they keep coming back. Think: concessions stand, fan merchandise, maybe even a live announcer.

So, while "If you build it, they will come" might make for great cinema, the true marketing story is: "If you build it, market it strategically, analyze your audience, optimize your channels, then continually engage them, they just might comeโ€ฆand stick around." And remember, "thereโ€™s no crying in marketing"โ€ฆwait, wrong movie. ๐Ÿคฃ

07/21/2023

๐Ÿš€ Just published a fresh piece on the fascinating intersection of artificial intelligence and content creation. ๐ŸŽฏ Dive in to discover how AI tools like ๐Ÿค– and ๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ are not just complementing, but revolutionizing the way we strategize, write, and visualize our content. ๐Ÿ’ก And before you ask, no, these AI tools ๐Ÿค– haven't learned to appreciate my top-notch humor or make a barista-quality espresso (yet). But who knows what the future holds? ๐Ÿ˜… Grab a cup of coffee โ˜•๏ธ (made by a human, of course) and give it a read! Your thoughts and comments are always welcome. Let's discuss the future of ๐Ÿ’ก .

After watching 'Indiana Jones and the Dumpster Fire of Destiny' it got me thinking about what's happening to the movie i...
07/18/2023

After watching 'Indiana Jones and the Dumpster Fire of Destiny' it got me thinking about what's happening to the movie industry, or specifically the movie star. The decline of the blockbuster movie isn't news to anyone who's been awake for the past decade. No longer are we treated to the sight of anxious crowds waiting for the clock to strike midnight on release day. Instead, we now huddle in the darkness of our own homes, bathed in the glow of Netflix or Disney+.

But why the decline? It's simple: movie stars are no longer the dazzling, unattainable figures they once were. Today, with the democratizing power of the internet, they're as accessible as your Uncle Joe's latest Facebook rant.

Through social media, we can catch our favorite A-listers sipping lattes, walking their pets, or even performing the mundane act of grocery shopping. It's as if the man behind the curtain was not only revealed, but he's also offering a live tour of Oz via Instagram Stories. The enigma of their exclusive, star-studded lives that once kept us enchanted and lining up at the box office has been replaced with the dull familiarity of everyday exposure.

Of course, some may argue that this accessibility makes our favorite celebs more relatable. But there's a reason we don't make films about average people doing average things. Who wants to see Ryan Reynolds brushing his teeth? We prefer him in his red latex suit, fighting bad guys with dry wit and an endless supply of bullets. With the exception of Tom Cruise or Keanu Reeves - the characters are the real stars now.

This shift from actors to characters is palpable. We no longer flock to the cinemas to bask in the charisma of an actor; we come to see Iron Man, not Robert Downey Jr. The name on the poster has become less important than the emblem on the superheroโ€™s chest.

Movies, it seems, have been demoted to just another consumable content, falling in line with cat videos and 30-second TikTok dances. It's no longer about the magnetism of the lead actor, but the pull of the story, the intrigue of the character. After all, a good character can withstand multiple actors. James Bond, anyone?

Maybe it's a good thing. Maybe the relentless focus on actors and actresses was detracting from the actual art of cinema โ€“ the storytelling, the world-building, the exploration of complex human emotions and relationships. Or maybe we've simply traded one obsession for another, replacing our infatuation with unattainable celebrities with an equally potent obsession with fictional characters.

Either way, it seems like the sun is setting on the era of the movie star. As we squint into the horizon, it's the silhouettes of characters that stand tall, while the figures of the actors fade into the twilight. One can only hope they remember to turn off their Instagram live feed as they exit the stage.

๐Ÿ“ฃ Attention aspiring entrepreneurs, bootstrappers, and anyone who's ever daydreamed about their new app dethroning Zucke...
07/16/2023

๐Ÿ“ฃ Attention aspiring entrepreneurs, bootstrappers, and anyone who's ever daydreamed about their new app dethroning Zuckerberg: I've got a two-word secret for you โ€“ Content Marketing. Shhhh... don't tell the big guys, it's our secret weapon.

Look, I know what you're thinking: "Just what I need, another buzzword." But bear with me. Content Marketing is not just the flavor of the month. It's like the Sriracha of business strategies: a little spicy, ubiquitous, and adds a kick to even the most bland of startups.

In this brave new world of ours, where every Tom, Dick, and Harry is starting their own "revolutionary" companies, the competition is as fierce as a Black Friday sale at at Wal-Mart. And while we'd all love to summon the Angel Investor Fairy with a clap of our hands, only a select few make the cut.

For the rest of us, we need to earn our users. That's where content marketing strides in, like a superhero in a snappy suit and glasses. Itโ€™s about offering valuable, engaging, and informative content to your audience. Basically, you're not shoving your product down their throats but educating, entertaining, or inspiring them instead.

In other words, we are all on a first date with our potential customers. So let's not just talk about ourselves and how amazing we are. Let's try to be interesting, listen, and provide value. Who knows, they might even swipe right. ๐Ÿ˜‰

To be clear, content marketing wonโ€™t instantaneously transform your garage-based start-up into the next unicorn. It's more like the slow cooker of growth strategies - it takes time and consistent effort. But I promise you, when it's ready, the result is a flavorful, tender customer base that won't ghost you after a free trial.

So, dear start-ups, remember to infuse your journey with a healthy dash of content marketing. Because the game isn't about who has the flashiest product or the fanciest pitch deck. It's about who can connect, engage, and yes, create content that doesn't induce yawns.

And if you ever figure out how to summon that Angel Investor Fairy, do let me know. I've got a couple of start-up ideas I wouldn't mind funding. ๐Ÿ˜„

As I sip on my evening Woodford Reserve Double Oaked whiskey, neat (yes, Iโ€™m that guy), I contemplate the incessant hum ...
07/13/2023

As I sip on my evening Woodford Reserve Double Oaked whiskey, neat (yes, Iโ€™m that guy), I contemplate the incessant hum of the word "relationships," currently echoing through the corridors of the marketing world.

At times, it feels as if B2B marketing is morphing into a soap opera, complete with dramatic pauses and plot twists. We may have swapped out the lavish mansions and secret affairs for office cubicles and revenue goals, but the emotional highs and lows are seemingly the same.

Despite the theatrical analogy, there's an underlying truth that can't be overlooked. When we strip B2B marketing of its power suits, its pie charts, and its ROI calculations, we're left with the fundamental essence of relationship-building.

Let's take a moment to reflect. B2B isn't just business-to-business. It's human-to-human, person-to-person. You're interacting with individuals who, for all their professionalism, also indulge in midnight ice-cream raids, name their cars, and passionately discuss the latest superhero blockbuster (who doesnโ€™t love a good debate over the best Avenger?).

People, even in business, crave connection, familiarity, trust. Think back to the last time you invested in that dazzling piece of enterprise software. Was it just the gleaming prospect of increased productivity that seduced you, or was it also the rapport with the account manager who patiently answered your 101 questions and listened to you talk about your kids' t-ball tournaments?

Too many B2B companies act as though they're in a relay race, simply passing the baton from one customer to the next in a bid to seal as many deals as possible. But we're not in this for the quick sprint, are we? That would be like asking someone out and then spending the entire date scrolling through your social media feed for your next date. Doesn't sound particularly appealing, does it?

Instead, think of it more like a marathon, where each step is built on mutual respect and understanding. Yes, it takes effort, it takes commitment, and it might even require you to remember a few quirky anecdotes. But in the end, you're not just clinching a business deal, but securing a business ally.

So, B2B marketers, letโ€™s trade our spreadsheets for empathy, our cold calls for meaningful conversations, and our transactional encounters for enduring connections. Why? Because that's where the true magic unfurls, and who knows, you might even find a comrade for your next bourbon tasting session.

So, letโ€™s raise our glasses (pick your favorite beverage) and toast to a future of relationship-driven B2B marketing. Because even our LinkedIn inboxes could use a bit more heart.

In this week's video, coming Wednesday, I'm going to be talking about how employee advocacy can be a driver for your mar...
04/02/2023

In this week's video, coming Wednesday, I'm going to be talking about how employee advocacy can be a driver for your marketing strategy.

๐ŸŽธ From the desk of the Marketing Dude ๐ŸŽธ Are you amped up to electrify your game with some rockin' marketing tips? ๐Ÿš€ I've...
03/30/2023

๐ŸŽธ From the desk of the Marketing Dude ๐ŸŽธ Are you amped up to electrify your game with some rockin' marketing tips? ๐Ÿš€ I've put together FIVE head-bangin' ideas to keep you jammin' and productive all week long! ๐ŸŽถ๐Ÿ”ฅ So, let's dive into this week's setlist of marketing awesomeness! ๐Ÿ˜Ž

1๏ธโƒฃ Unleash Your Brand's Anthem ๐ŸŽค

Let your audience become die-hard fans of your brand by sharing a an awesome story! Give them a backstage pass into your journey. Authenticity is your secret weapon! ๐Ÿค˜๐ŸŒŸ

2๏ธโƒฃ Video Content Rocks ๐ŸŽฅ

Cue the spotlight! ๐ŸŽฌ Embrace video marketing! The visual is just as important as your text or audio. Your audience will devour that visual content like a mosh pit in action! ๐Ÿฟ๐Ÿ‘€

3๏ธโƒฃ Hashtag Like a Rockstar ๐Ÿท๏ธ

Don't let your brand get lost in the crowd! Strategically use hashtags on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn to amplify your reach and invite more rockers to your brand's gig! ๐Ÿฅณ๐ŸŽ‰

4๏ธโƒฃ A/B Test to Find Your Perfect Tune ๐Ÿงช

No more playing by ear! ๐Ÿšซ A/B test your emails, ads, and social media posts to discover what vibes with your audience. Use those insights to throw a marketing concert they won't forget! ๐ŸŽฏ๐Ÿ•บ

5๏ธโƒฃ Build a Rock Solid Fanbase ๐Ÿค—

Remember, your audience is made up of real people, not just groupies! Engage with them, ask questions, and genuinely care about their needs. The stronger the connection, the louder the applause! ๐ŸŽต๐Ÿ’•

Now, go forth and start rocking your marketing, friends! ๐ŸŒŸ๐ŸŽธ If you found these tips useful, don't forget to share the mixtape with your peeps! And stay tuned for more weekly marketing jams that'll get you groovin'! ๐Ÿ˜‰๐Ÿ’ผ

03/29/2023

Unlock the power of persuasion with this brief overview of Dr. Robert Cialdini's 6 Principles of Persuasion! Learn how to effectively apply these time-tested techniques in real-life situations to become a master influencer and better marketer. Click play to start your journey!

Buy the Book Here!
https://a.co/d/iiR1Ocx

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