When I think back to 1981, I remember my mom proudly typing away on her Olivetti word processor—the cutting-edge technology of the time. It wasn’t just a machine; it was a symbol of progress. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how technology can transform the way we work—if we’re willing to embrace it.

In this episode of the B2B Marketing Excellence Podcast, I talk about why companies need to evolve with new technology, especially as we head into 2025. Change can feel overwhelming, but it also opens doors to incredible opportunities.

Today, I’ll walk you through three simple, actionable steps to start using AI in your marketing—without feeling like you’re drowning in jargon or complexity:

1. Set Measurable Goals and Get to Know Your Audience Better
   I’ll show you how AI can help you uncover what your audience truly cares about and create strategies that connect with them on a deeper level.
2. Work Smarter with AI-Powered Team Tools
   Imagine freeing up hours of your team’s time by automating repetitive tasks so they can focus on the creative, human side of marketing.
3. Create Personalized Content That Builds Trust
   AI isn’t just about data—it’s about using that data to deliver content that solves problems, speaks to your audience, and builds real relationships.

This episode is packed with relatable examples, practical tips, and encouragement to help you and your team embrace AI as a tool—not a threat. Let’s face it, the world of marketing is evolving, and we need to evolve with it.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 My Mom and the Olivetti: A Look Back at Technology
• 01:53 Why Companies Can’t Afford to Ignore AI
• 03:03 Three Steps to Get Started with AI
• 05:18 Step 1: Set Goals and Know Your Audience
• 10:13 Step 2: Align Your Team with AI Tools
• 13:06 Step 3: Deliver Tailored Content That Resonates
• 16:17 Wrap-Up and Words of Encouragement

Subscribe and Share:
🔔If you’re feeling stuck or unsure about where to start with AI, you’re not alone. Let’s chat about how World Innovators can help you take that first step toward creating smarter, more meaningful marketing strategies.

So grab a cup of tea, hit play, and let’s explore how AI can help your company grow in a way that feels human, authentic, and achievable. I hope this episode Inspires Success.

• Connect on LinkedIn: Donna Peterson
• Explore marketing strategies: World Innovators

🎧 Visit www.worldinnovators.com to learn how we can help you build marketing that connects.

👉 Have questions or want Donna to present this topic to your team? Reach out at [email protected].

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe to the B2B Marketing Excellence & AI Podcast so you never miss an episode!

Do you resist change, even though you know it’s necessary for growth? You’re not alone. This episode is for anyone ready to turn resistance into results.

In this episode, Donna Peterson shares her personal story as she prepares to navigate a year of profound change following the recent passing of her mother and business partner. With a year of unknowns ahead, Donna explores how to embrace this transition and turn it into a positive, transformative experience. Drawing on this deeply personal journey, she reflects on the parallels between adapting to change in life and evolving within the dynamic world of B2B marketing.

In today’s fast-paced business environment, staying the same is no longer an option. Donna explains how marketers can adapt and thrive in a changing world with practical, actionable strategies. You’ll learn how to navigate resistance, embrace new tools, and stay ahead of the curve—without feeling overwhelmed.

Whether you’re grappling with new technologies or rethinking your marketing strategy, this episode offers the inspiration and guidance you need to move forward confidently.

Why You Should Listen:

• Gain clarity on why resistance to change could be holding you and your team back.
• Learn the four steps to embracing change: reflect, educate, start small, and trust the process.
• Hear Donna’s personal story of resilience and how it inspired her to rethink marketing strategies for long-term growth.
• Discover how to enhance your brand recognition with quality marketing tactics that evolve with your audience's needs.

Episode Highlights:

• [0:00] Introduction and Personal Reflection: Donna shares how her year of personal change shaped her views on marketing.
• [0:53] Marketing in a Changing World: Why staying the same isn’t an option in today’s landscape.
• [1:45] Embracing Change in Marketing: The importance of adaptability and innovation.
• [3:28] Steps to Embrace Change: Donna’s actionable framework to help you adapt.
• [5:25] Educating Yourself and Starting Small: How to implement change without overwhelming your team.
• [9:48] Trusting the Process: The value of patience and consistency in navigating change.
• [12:15] Conclusion and Looking Ahead: A message of optimism and a call to action for listeners.

Take the Next Step:

Change can be challenging, but it’s also the key to growth. Ask yourself:
What’s one small change I can make today to improve my marketing efforts?

Donna encourages you to share your reflections and progress:

• Connect on LinkedIn: Donna Peterson
• Explore marketing strategies: World Innovators

Powerful Quote from the Episode:

“In marketing, staying the same is falling behind. It’s time to adapt, evolve, and thrive.”

Subscribe and Share:

🔔 If this episode resonated with you, subscribe to the B2B Marketing Excellence Podcast and leave a review. Share it with colleagues or friends who might need that extra nudge to embrace change in their personal or professional lives.

Let’s embrace change together—one step at a time.

🎧 Visit www.worldinnovators.com to learn how we can help you build marketing that connects.

👉 Have questions or want Donna to present this topic to your team? Reach out at [email protected].

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe to the B2B Marketing Excellence & AI Podcast so you never miss an episode!

The Importance of Human Emotion in B2B Marketing

Episode Summary:
Did you know that 80 million people watch Hallmark Christmas movies each year? What makes these predictable stories so captivating? It's the emotional journey. In this episode, Donna shares how B2B marketers can take inspiration from these feel-good films to infuse emotion into their marketing campaigns.

Donna discusses why humanizing your marketing efforts is critical in today's competitive landscape and offers five actionable steps to help you create campaigns that resonate deeply with your audience. She emphasizes that emotion is not just for consumer brands—it’s a powerful tool for B2B marketers to stand out, build trust, and drive meaningful impact in the marketplace.

Key Takeaways:

• Why emotional resonance works, even in predictable stories.
• How to use storytelling to humanize B2B marketing campaigns.
• Five actionable steps to craft marketing messages that inspire and engage.
• Why now is the time for marketers to prove their value and create campaigns that drive real-world change.

Quote of the Episode:
"The conversation changes the world—just like GE's tagline, we have the power as marketers to make a difference not only in business but in the world."

Stay Connected:
Follow us for updates and new episodes every week with actionable steps to enhance your marketing efforts. Together, we can elevate the industry and drive change.

Have questions or need help? Reach out to Donna directly at [email protected].

Connect with Donna:

• LinkedIn: World Innovators
• Website: World Innovators

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe to the B2B Marketing Excellence Podcast and share this episode with your colleagues who want to improve their email marketing strategies.

🎧 Visit www.worldinnovators.com to learn how we can help you build marketing that connects.

👉 Have questions or want Donna to present this topic to your team? Reach out at [email protected].

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe to the B2B Marketing Excellence & AI Podcast so you never miss an episode!

Episode Summary:

In this episode of the B2B Marketing Excellence Podcast, Donna Peterson dives into a critical challenge facing industrial B2B marketers: avoiding email spam traps and maintaining high-quality, compliant email lists. With 80% of marketers struggling with deliverability issues due to low-quality lists, Donna outlines practical strategies to ensure your campaigns reach the right audience while protecting your domain reputation.

You’ll learn:

1. The Risks of Poor-Quality Lists: Spam traps, blacklisted domains, and disengaged buyers.
2. Laws and Compliance: How regulations like GDPR and CAN-SPAM build trust and ensure accountability.
3. Actionable Checklist: Tips on source credibility, audience alignment, data hygiene, opt-ins, verification tools, and regular updates.
4. The Cost of Neglect: Real-world examples of companies who suffered long-term damage from using cheap or outdated lists.

Resources Mentioned:

• Target Audience Worksheet - https://bit.ly/B2BAudienceWorksheet
• Email Quality-Control Checklist - https://bit.ly/AvoidBadEmailLists
• Recommended Tools: AtData (www.atdata.com)

Episode Breakdown:

• [00:00] Introduction: Why email deliverability matters.
• [00:20] Understanding spam traps and their impact.
• [01:47] The risks and long-term damage of low-quality lists.
• [05:42] Overview of compliance regulations.
• [09:17] A step-by-step guide to maintaining list quality.
• [15:21] Closing thoughts and how to get additional resources.

Download the checklist and Target Audience Worksheet to ensure your email campaigns avoid spam traps and stay compliant. Have questions or need help? Reach out to Donna directly at [email protected].

Connect with Donna:

• LinkedIn: World Innovators
• Website: World Innovators

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe to the B2B Marketing Excellence Podcast and share this episode with your colleagues who want to improve their email marketing strategies.

#spamTraps #emaillists #b2bmarketing #qualityemaillists #emailmarketing

🎧 Visit www.worldinnovators.com to learn how we can help you build marketing that connects.

👉 Have questions or want Donna to present this topic to your team? Reach out at [email protected].

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe to the B2B Marketing Excellence & AI Podcast so you never miss an episode!

In this episode of the B2B Marketing Excellence Podcast, we’re diving into the critical choice every marketer faces: Should you take the elevator or the stairs? In other words, are you leveraging the power of industry-specific email lists, or are you wasting time with generic ones that don’t deliver? Just like taking the elevator gets you to the right floor faster, using lists from reputable industry publications can help you reach your ideal audience more efficiently and effectively.

Join us as we explore why industry-specific publications are a goldmine for targeted marketing campaigns and how they can boost your email ROI. You’ll also get actionable steps to research and select the best publication lists for your business.

- Why industry-specific publications provide higher ROI and credibility.
- The five-step process for finding the *right* publication lists:
  1. Research: Using tradeshows, conferences, and tools like ChatGPT.
  2. Evaluate Circulation: Ensuring the audience aligns with your industry, job titles, and geography.
  3. Analyze Topics: Understanding what’s top of mind for their readers.
  4. Talk to Publishers: Why open conversations can reveal honest insights.
  5. Enlist a List Broker: How professionals can save you time and ensure quality.
- The importance of aligning your email strategy with your target audience’s needs.

Whether you’re a seasoned marketer or just starting to explore targeted email campaigns, this episode offers a roadmap for smarter, faster, and more effective marketing. Don’t waste time on the stairs—learn how to take the elevator to better results!

- Learn more about sourcing quality email lists at www.worldinnovators.com
- Connect with us on LinkedIn for more actionable tips
- Have a question about industry publications? Email us at [email protected]

Enjoyed this episode? 🔔Subscribe to the B2B Marketing Excellence Podcast and leave a review to let us know how we’re helping you elevate your marketing game. Share this episode with colleagues who could benefit from smarter email list strategies!

#B2BMarketing #EmailMarketing #IndustrySpecificLists #MarketingTips #TargetedMarketing #MarketingROI #ListBroker #EmailCampaigns #MarketingStrategies #WorldInnovators

🎧 Visit www.worldinnovators.com to learn how we can help you build marketing that connects.

👉 Have questions or want Donna to present this topic to your team? Reach out at [email protected].

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe to the B2B Marketing Excellence & AI Podcast so you never miss an episode!

In this episode of the B2B Marketing Excellence Podcast, we explore why misdirected email marketing campaigns fail to reach the right audience. Using the example of being mistakenly targeted as a potential jet buyer, Donna Peterson outlines six crucial steps to improve direct marketing effectiveness – What to Do, Why it Matters.. The six steps

1. Clean Up Your House File

• What to Do: Remove outdated or inactive contacts, ensuring your database is current and accurate.
• Why It Matters: A clutter-free file allows you to focus on engaging the right audience without wasted effort.

2. Analyze Who Really Buys From You

• What to Do: Segment your database to identify your most frequent and profitable buyers. Look at purchase history, industry, job titles, and company size.
• Why It Matters: Knowing your core customer base ensures your efforts are focused on people most likely to convert.

3. Identify Common Demographics

• What to Do: Pinpoint shared traits among your audience, such as location, industry, job level, and company size.
• Why It Matters: Demographics help create clearer buyer personas for precise targeting.

4. Uncover Behavioral Insights

• What to Do: Investigate behaviors like events they attend, publications they read, or industry trends they follow.
• Why It Matters: Behavioral insights reveal where and how to reach your audience effectively.

5. Evaluate Relationship Dynamics

• What to Do: Analyze which clients or roles prefer working with you and why. Look for patterns in communication style, preferences, or feedback.
• Why It Matters: Understanding these dynamics helps you tailor your sales and marketing approaches to strengthen relationships.

6. Align Sales & Marketing Feedback

• What to Do: Gather insights from your sales team about customer objections, preferences, and buying triggers. Match these with marketing data to fill in any gaps.
• Why It Matters: Collaboration ensures a seamless experience for prospects and increases conversion opportunities.

Conclusion: If you’re ready to refine your marketing and connect with the right audience, don’t wait. Download our Target Audience Worksheet and start crafting a precise description of your ideal buyer.

Stay Connected: Subscribe to the B2B Marketing Excellence Podcast so you never miss an episode packed with actionable strategies. And, for more marketing insights, head over to the World Innovators YouTube channel—your resource for building stronger connections and driving real results.

Timestamps-

00:00 Introduction: Do I Want to Buy a Jet?

01:09 Common Email Marketing Mistakes

01:56 Step 1: Clean Up Your Database

03:10 Step 2: Analyze Your Database

03:59 Step 3: Identify Common Demographics

04:38 Step 4: Understand Behavioral Insights

06:10 Step 5: Evaluate Relationship Dynamics

08:28 Step 6: Align Sales and Marketing

10:10 Conclusion and Final Tips

#targetaudience #emailmarketing #b2bdirectmarketing #emaillists 

🎧 Visit www.worldinnovators.com to learn how we can help you build marketing that connects.

👉 Have questions or want Donna to present this topic to your team? Reach out at [email protected].

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe to the B2B Marketing Excellence & AI Podcast so you never miss an episode!

In this episode of the Industrial B2B Marketing Excellence Podcast, Donna Peterson explores the concept of the ripple effect and its vital importance for industrial brands. Discover four actionable steps to create a meaningful impact with your messaging and stand out in a crowded marketplace. Learn how purposeful messaging, limiting channels, consistency, and segmentation can help your brand build trust and achieve long-term success. Tune in to learn how to inspire success in yourself and those around you with insightful tips and tactics tailored for industrial marketing.

Timestamps-

00:00 Introduction to the Ripple Effect

01:00 The Importance of Ripple Effect in Industrial Branding

01:20 Standing Out in a Busy Marketplace

01:41 Four Actionable Steps to Make Your Brand Stand Out

06:07 The Power of Purposeful Messaging

09:06 Limiting Your Channels for Maximum Impact

10:48 Consistency is Key

13:16 Effective Segmentation Strategies

14:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

16:34 Subscribe and Stay Updated

If you would like to continue this conversation, please feel free to contact Donna Peterson at [email protected].

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

🔔 Subscribe to the B2B Marketing Excellence podcast so you do not miss an episode.
 

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🎧 Visit www.worldinnovators.com to learn how we can help you build marketing that connects.

👉 Have questions or want Donna to present this topic to your team? Reach out at [email protected].

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe to the B2B Marketing Excellence & AI Podcast so you never miss an episode!

Join Donna Peterson on the B2B Marketing Excellence Podcast as she explores the art of building high-quality email lists for effective marketing. Learn the significance of segmentation, compliance with regulations, and keeping your data fresh. Discover strategic tips like partnering with niche publications, leveraging industry conferences, and using reliable third-party providers to create targeted and compliant email lists. Understand the importance of list hygiene and aligning your sales and marketing teams to drive better engagement and higher conversion rates for premium offers. 

Timestamps-

00:00 Introduction to B2B Marketing Excellence Podcast

01:48 The Importance of Quality Email Lists

03:50 Segmentation and Compliance in Email Marketing

05:39 Ensuring Fresh and Engaged Email Lists

07:32 Strategies for Finding Quality Email Lists

08:45 Leveraging Conferences for Targeted Email Lists

10:54 Leveraging LinkedIn for Audience Building

11:44 The Importance of In-House Email Lists

11:55 Gaining Click-Through Information

13:04 Email Marketing Best Practices

15:12 Pitfalls of Cheap Email Lists

15:47 Ensuring List Hygiene

17:25 Aligning Sales and Marketing Teams

18:23 Final Recap and Call to Action

If you would like to continue this conversation, please feel free to contact Donna Peterson at [email protected].

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

🔔 Subscribe to the B2B Marketing Excellence podcast so you do not miss an episode.
 

• Apple Podcasts
• YouTube
• Spotify
• Amazon Music
• Audible
• YouTube Music

🎧 Visit www.worldinnovators.com to learn how we can help you build marketing that connects.

👉 Have questions or want Donna to present this topic to your team? Reach out at [email protected].

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe to the B2B Marketing Excellence & AI Podcast so you never miss an episode!

In this episode of the B2B Marketing Excellence Podcast, host Donna Peterson discusses the vital role of marketing in today's manufacturing landscape. Joined by Robert Rose, Chief Strategy Advisor for Content Marketing Institute, they explore the importance of storytelling, personalized communication, and building trust with customers. These practical strategies will help you create valuable content that will resonate with your specific audience, and show how leveraging digital tools can help you efficiently and effectively implement a marketing campaign that will increase sales.

Timestamps-

00:00 Introduction to Modern Marketing for Manufacturers

02:45 Creating Valuable Content for Industrial Brands

05:24 The Importance of Personalization in Marketing

07:41 Tactics for Lean Marketing Teams

11:09 Building a Content Strategy

26:19 Evaluating and Scaling Your Marketing Efforts

30:33 Essential Tools for Digital Strategy

33:17 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

If you would like to continue this conversation, please feel free to contact Donna Peterson at [email protected].

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

🔔 Subscribe to the B2B Marketing Excellence podcast so you do not miss an episode.
 

• Apple Podcasts
• YouTube
• Spotify
• Amazon Music
• Audible
• YouTube Music

🎧 Visit www.worldinnovators.com to learn how we can help you build marketing that connects.

👉 Have questions or want Donna to present this topic to your team? Reach out at [email protected].

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe to the B2B Marketing Excellence & AI Podcast so you never miss an episode!

In this episode of the B2B Marketing Excellence Podcast, host Donna Peterson talks with Marc Decker, the Sales Director North at Automatic-Systeme. They discuss the importance of aligning sales and marketing teams to achieve higher revenues, share effective sales techniques and strategies, and emphasize the significance of personal relationships and doing thorough research. Marc also highlights the impact of digitalization, AI tools, and the importance of maintaining trust and authenticity in sales. Tune in for valuable insights on improving your marketing and sales approach in today's competitive landscape.

Timestamps-

00:00 Introduction to Sales and Marketing Alignment

00:23 Meet Mark Decker: Director of Sales for North America

01:27 Effective Sales Techniques and Strategies

02:07 The Importance of Personal Relationships in Sales

03:55 The Role of Research and Cultural Understanding

06:38 The Power of Handwritten Notes

08:00 Leveraging Modern Technologies like ChatGPT

09:48 Balancing Modern and Traditional Approaches

11:21 The Salesperson as a Pioneer

12:44 Adapting to Customer Needs

13:43 Green Energy and Market Adaptation

15:10 Digitalization and Technological Advancements

18:29 Motivating and Educating the Sales Team

22:09 The Importance of Trust and Authenticity

23:28 Challenges and Responsibilities of a Sales Director

27:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

If you would like to continue this conversation, please feel free to contact Donna Peterson at [email protected].

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

🔔 Subscribe to the B2B Marketing Excellence podcast so you do not miss an episode.
 

• Apple Podcasts
• YouTube
• Spotify
• Amazon Music
• Audible
• YouTube Music

🎧 Visit www.worldinnovators.com to learn how we can help you build marketing that connects.

👉 Have questions or want Donna to present this topic to your team? Reach out at [email protected].

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe to the B2B Marketing Excellence & AI Podcast so you never miss an episode!