Content Alchemy

Shelby Hagerdon and Matt Vojacek welcome Jill Hufford, a marketing strategist at Spark Business Works. They discuss Jill's extensive experience in B2B marketing, the importance of branding and messaging, and the collaboration between sales and marketing teams. Jill shares insights on the challenges of B2B marketing, the differences between B2B and B2C strategies, and her predictions for the future of marketing, emphasizing the need to return to fundamental marketing principles amidst rapid changes in the industry.

In this conversation, Shelby and Matt are joined by Madison Massey (Director of Marketing & Development) to discuss the challenges faced by nonprofits, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Madison shares her journey in the nonprofit sector, detailing her role at St. Stephen's Community House and the impact of funding cuts on their operations. The discussion highlights the importance of problem-solving, community support, and the need for effective marketing strategies to navigate these challenges. They also touch on the complexities of capital campaigns and prioritizing needs within the organization.

In this episode of Content Alchemy, Shelby Hagerdon and Matt Vojacek delve into the intricacies of thought leadership, focusing on the importance of honesty, transparency, and relationship building in content creation. They discuss Matt's 10-week series documenting the growth of Made By Things, exploring the challenges and insights gained from sharing personal stories and experiences. The conversation emphasizes the significance of storytelling in business and how it can foster deeper connections with audiences.

In this episode, Matt is joined by Jess Fogal from Provide at Content Adventure in Columbus, OH. They discuss the evolution of Provide, a fintech company, and its marketing strategies, particularly focusing on the challenges of targeting diverse audiences. They highlight the importance of emotional storytelling and the effectiveness of podcasting as a content marketing tool. Jess shares insights on measuring ROI and the complexities of attribution in marketing, emphasizing the need for a human connection in content creation. They also discuss common mistakes made by marketing teams, the necessity of establishing a strong foundation before pursuing sales enablement, and the critical role of touchpoints in building customer relationships. The conversation also touches on the future of marketing, emphasizing the need for authenticity and the human touch in content creation amidst the rise of AI.

Shelby and Matt discuss the importance of community engagement in content creation, the challenges of data collection, and the dynamics of sales funnels in marketing by exploring data they've collected through their in-person events, Content Adventures.

Happy Valentine's Day! Shelby and Matt were joined by resident Made By Things artists, Melissa Johnson and Colin van't Veld for a fun co-worker version of the Newlywed Game (all themed around content marketing and the artist's perspective, of course). This is a fun episode you can't miss and will give you a better insight into the internal studio's view on branded content. 

In this conversation with Matt and Shelby, David Peregrina shares his journey as a designer and creative director, emphasizing the importance of creating belonging through design. He discusses his experiences in the nonprofit sector, the challenges of working with limited resources, and the significance of storytelling in connecting with communities. David also highlights the role of diversity, equity, and inclusion in organizations.

It's a new year! So, Shelby and Matt are spending this episode reflecting on their journey through the podcast, discussing the lessons learned about the value of creative work, the impact of AI, and the importance of building trust within teams. With 11 episodes so far, there's already a lot to discuss!

Rick Preston shares his journey through the video production industry with Shelby and Matt, discussing his experiences from film school to his current role as Head of Creative Services at Global Payments. He emphasizes the importance of embracing opportunities, the transition from a technical to a strategic mindset, and the role of AI in the creative process. Rick also highlights the challenges of balancing in-house resources with external partnerships and the significance of fostering creativity within teams.

Shelby and Matt are joined by Dilara Casey, who shares her extensive journey in marketing, discussing the evolution of the field, the importance of creativity and strategy, and the impact of AI. She emphasizes the need for aspiring marketers to find their niche and the significance of mid-career transitions. Dilara also reflects on her personal experiences, including her battle with cancer, and how it shaped her perspective on work and fulfillment.