In this episode, Emma and Ruta are joined by the brilliant Shana Pearlman, a seasoned content and brand leader with a journalism background. Shana spills her marketing confession about an expensive mishap with a video vendor (oops!) and then dives into why interviewing is a skill every marketer needs in their toolkit. Whether it’s talking to customers or getting the scoop from subject matter experts, the art of interviewing is all about breaking through the fear and tapping into stories that matter. Expect real talk on how to actually listen, ask the right questions, and use interviewing to strengthen every part of your marketing strategy—from content creation to relationship building.

Takeaways:

• Interviewing = Marketing Superpower: Learn to connect with customers, experts, and stakeholders to unlock valuable insights.
• Fear Not! Interviewing isn’t about pressure—it’s about uncovering great stories that serve your audience.
• Ask Like a Pro: Master open-ended questions, active listening, and the power of awkward silences.
• Beyond Content Creation: These skills can help marketers navigate everything from customer discovery to internal politics.
• The Human Touch Matters: AI is great, but it can’t replace genuine curiosity and the ability to connect with people.
• Strategic Insight: Use your interviewing skills to understand your audience and drive smarter marketing decisions.

Sponsors:

No more 'shit marketing leads' with Leadfeeder by Dealfront!
Extended free trial of their Lead Gen Platform for Blame it on Marketing listeners!

In this episode, Emma and Ruta team up with the marketing team from the Technology for Marketing and eCommerce Expo London, to spill all the dirty secrets of conference and event marketing. They’re calling out the most common mistakes vendors make—like thinking it’s enough to just show up and pitch products. Spoiler: It’s not.

This episode is packed with tips on how to actually engage with your audience, work hand-in-hand with the event’s marketing team, and turn your boring booth into the talk of the expo. Personalization, interactive experiences, and valuable content are the name of the game. Oh, and let’s not forget—using the resources the event organizers offer isn’t just smart, it’s essential.

From pre-event planning to post-event follow-ups, they cover everything you need to know to make your next conference not just another line item on the budget, but a major win for your brand. They even sprinkle in a few hilarious stories from the trenches because, hey, we’ve all been there.

Takeaways:

• Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Engage with the event’s marketing team to create unforgettable experiences.
• Don’t Just Pitch—Provide Value: Ditch the hard sell and focus on delivering content that matters.
• Make it Personal: Stand out by creating personalized, interactive experiences that draw attendees in.
• Use What You’re Given: Maximize your exposure by taking advantage of the resources and tools provided by event organizers.
• Plan Ahead: Set clear goals, communicate with your main contact, and don’t forget the post-event follow-up.
• Learn and Adapt: Keep an eye on competitors, but remember to stay true to your brand and voice.
• Take Care of You: Conferences are marathons, not sprints—eat, drink, and take those much-needed breaks.
• Leadership Matters: Senior leaders should be hands-on and have clear goals for event sponsorships.
• Have Fun with It: A little humor and creativity go a long way, but always align it with your brand values.

Sponsors:

No more 'shit marketing leads' with Leadfeeder by Dealfront!
Extended free trial of their Lead Gen Platform for Blame it on Marketing listeners!

In this episode, Emma and Ruta get real about how Blame it on Marketing went from an idea to a podcast that’s actually, somehow, is working out. This episode serves as their complete playbook, laying out everything they’ve done so far—from costs and time investment to mistakes, tech stack, and all the hard-earned lessons along the way.

They talk about how they built a community and how those in-person events have been more than just an excuse to hang out. There’s a lot of talk about perseverance—because, let’s be honest, we’ve all thought about quitting when things get tough. And if you think you need to be everywhere on social media, think again—they’re all about working smarter, not harder.

Throw in some AI love, a nod to their sponsor Dealfront (because, hey, keeping the lights on isn’t free), and you’ve got an episode that’s as much about learning on the job as it is about celebrating the little wins along the way.

Takeaways:

• You don’t need a perfect plan to start a podcast—just keep it real and valuable.
• Building a community around your podcast isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a game-changer.
• Automation tools like Dripify and Zapier are your best friends for promoting and growing your audience.
• In-person events? Total game-changer for podcast engagement and growth.
• The secret sauce? Perseverance. Most podcasts don’t make it past a few episodes, so sticking with it is half the battle.
• Focusing on just a few social platforms
• Having a co-host is the ultimate hack for staying accountable and keeping the podcast going strong.
• AI isn’t just a buzzword—it’s making the podcast production smoother than ever.

Sponsors:

No more 'shit marketing leads' with Leadfeeder by Dealfront!
Extended free trial of their Lead Gen Platform for Blame it on Marketing listeners!

In this episode, Maddie and Megan talk to us about guerrilla marketing and its punchy impact on B2B brands. They’re talking about why playing it safe won’t cut it anymore, and why bold, creative, and downright unconventional tactics are the way forward. From branded beers to cheeky merch, they break down some of their campaigns that made waves and sparked serious buzz. They also dig into the fears that come with going guerrilla, like ticking off your audience or getting pushback from the higher-ups. The key takeaway? You need a safe space to experiment if you want to shake things up and make a real splash.

Takeaways:

Bold or Bust: Guerrilla marketing is all about going big, bold, and unapologetically creative.

Stand Out in B2B: When everyone else is playing it safe, guerrilla tactics help your brand cut through the noise.

Safe Spaces Matter: Innovation thrives where there’s room to try, fail, and try again.

Buzzworthy Campaigns: The best guerrilla moves get people talking and keep your brand on their minds.

Risk and Reward: Sure, there’s the fear of alienating your audience, but without risk, there’s no reward.

Creativity is King: To stand out and engage, you’ve got to be willing to take some risks and get creative.

Balance is Key: Mixing fun with strategy and keeping an eye on the results is how you win.

Sponsors:

No more 'shit marketing leads' with Leadfeeder by Dealfront!
Extended free trial of their Lead Gen Platform for Blame it on Marketing listeners!

Emma and Ruta get real about what it's like to be a woman in the marketing industry. Joined by their guest, Beth Crowe, they tackle everything from gender bias and the motherhood penalty to the glaring lack of women in leadership. They’re spilling the tea on the double standards, sharing personal war stories, and shining a light on why diversity and inclusion aren’t just buzzwords—they’re necessities. The conversation doesn’t shy away from the hard stuff, like the self-doubt and competition that can trip women up, and the boys' club mentality that’s still hanging around. But they’re also dishing out hope, talking about how women can support each other, and why men need to step up if we’re ever going to see real change.

Takeaways:

• Gender bias is alive and well in marketing, and it’s time to call it out.
• Motherhood shouldn’t derail your career, but too often, it does.
• Women in leadership? Still way too rare, and that needs to change.
• Supportive policies and true diversity aren’t optional—they’re crucial.
• Women lifting each other up could be the secret sauce to smashing the boys' club.
• Men, we need you on board. Real change requires all hands on deck.
• The fight for equal pay and career opportunities isn’t over yet, so let’s keep pushing.

Sponsors:

No more 'shit marketing leads' with Leadfeeder by Dealfront!
Extended free trial of their Lead Gen Platform for Blame it on Marketing listeners!

In this episode, Emma and Ruta dive into the world of marketing generalists with their guest, Michelle Boland. They kick things off by defining what it means to be a generalist and how it stacks up against being a specialist. Spoiler alert: specialists aren’t always the top dogs!

Michelle dishes out her top 10 must-have skills for generalists, including everything from learning agility and marketing planning to data analysis and brand governance. The trio chats about the unique challenges generalists face, especially when juggling a bit of everything.

They also tackle the myth that generalists are less valuable than specialists and spill the tea on the earning potential of both. Plus, there’s a deep dive into the unrealistic expectations of the so-called 'unicorn marketer'—you know, the mythical creature expected to excel in every marketing niche.

To wrap it up, the hosts highlight the importance of having a solid personal development plan, getting coaching and mentoring, and knowing when to call in the specialists.

Tune in for some real talk about setting boundaries and communicating what generalists can (and can’t) do.

Sponsors:

No more 'shit marketing leads' with Leadfeeder by Dealfront!
Extended free trial of their Lead Gen Platform for Blame it on Marketing listeners!

We're diving into why learning and development aren't just nice-to-haves for marketers—they're our responsibility. Our fabulous guests, Robyn Hartley and Tom Blake dish on why staying sharp isn’t just for your boss's benefit but for your personal growth too. We chat about making learning intentional, carving out time for it (yes, even in your busy schedule), and focusing on what truly sparks your interest.

We’re balancing the art of playing to your strengths while also stretching that skillset to keep pace with the ever-evolving marketing landscape. Spoiler alert: it's up to YOU to take charge of your development—don’t just wait for your manager to nudge you.

From setting personal development goals to seeking feedback, we’ve got tips to help you navigate performance management like a pro.

Takeaways:

Confidence is Key: Learning and development aren’t just for show. They’re crucial for boosting your confidence and giving your clients top-notch support and advice.

Intentional Learning: Carve out time for learning, even if you feel guilty or busy. Prioritize your growth—it’s worth it!

Stay Trendy: Keep up with industry changes and trends to hit your target audience with the right message through the right channels.

Embrace Tech: Use automation and AI tools to streamline your processes and free up time for strategic, client-focused activities.

Balance and Growth: Work to your strengths, but don’t get too comfy. Expand your skillset to keep up with the evolving marketing landscape. Own your learning journey!

Set Goals: Be proactive in setting personal development goals. Take charge of your growth.

Seek Feedback: Don’t shy away from feedback and constructive criticism. It’s how you get better!

Stay Updated: Keep an eye on new technologies and trends in marketing. Adapt and learn continuously to stay relevant.

Sponsors:

No more 'shit marketing leads' with Leadfeeder by Dealfront!
Extended free trial of their Lead Gen Platform for Blame it on Marketing listeners!

In this episode, we tackle the monumental shift towards video marketing and why business are still struggling to make video in 2024. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram have exploded in popularity, and Jess shares her expert insights on the hurdles businesses face in creating video content. We're talking about the fear of imperfection, the misalignment between senior leadership and marketing teams, and how brands like Duolingo and Ryanair are nailing it. Video is no longer a nice-to-have; it's a must-have, and we’re here to help you embrace it with open arms.

Finally, we dive into the nitty-gritty of video production. From scriptwriting to editing, Jess emphasises the need for specialised roles and thoughtful strategy. We also touch on the impact of AI in marketing, advocating for a balanced approach that keeps the human touch intact. Whether you're just dipping your toes into video marketing or looking to refine your existing strategy, this episode offers actionable tips and insights to help you stand out. Tune in, take notes, and get ready to transform your video marketing game.

Takeaways:

- Mistakes happen, and it's important to learn from them and move on Companies should prioritize video production and understand the time and resources required for success.
- Short-form video platforms like TikTok have increased the demand for video content.
- There may be a fear of the video production process and a disconnect between senior leadership and marketing teams.
- Generalist marketers may struggle to take on video production without proper training and resources.
- Engaging thumbnails and titles are important for attracting views. Align video content with the interests of the target audience to ensure quality views and conversions.
- Don't prioritize the number of views over the quality of views.
- Video content is often not as respected as written content, but it requires skill and practice to create engaging videos.
- Use AI appropriately in marketing and avoid generating content that is misleading or irrelevant.
- Debrief after each video to identify areas for improvement and refine the video production process.

Check out the Exposure Ninja YouTube channel for some top quality B2B content!
Connect with Jess on https://blameitonmarketing.com

Sponsors:

No more 'shit marketing leads' with Leadfeeder by Dealfront!
Extended free trial of their Lead Gen Platform for Blame it on Marketing listeners!