CultivatED Marketer

Welcome to CultivatED Marketer …

In this fifth episode of CultivatED Marketer, hosts Brent Bowen and Matt Tidwell, PhD, chat with Ben Heisler. Ben is the newly minted host and analyst for Sports Illustrated’s gambling and fantasy sports sections. He most recently was on the other side of microphone as the host and executive producer of the Awful Announcing Podcast. His career has spanned various media including online, radio and TV. We discuss research through informational interviews and job transition.

CultivatED Marketer Ep. 5 — Ben Heisler Show Notes

Brent and Matt talk with Ben Heisler, from Sports Illustrated gambling & fantasy sports sections.

* Ben discusses his new job as host, analyst, writer and editor for two vertical sections in Sports Illustrated — fantasy sports and sports betting (gambling). It’s a fascinating time to be in the industry, especially as the conversations about legalizing gambling are taking place around the world.* Considering how difficult it can be to land a job during the best of times, Matt asks Ben to share advice on getting a new gig during a global pandemic. Ben shares that he was laid off prior to the pandemic and believes there was some good luck at play … but he took advantage of the “informational interview” during his months of job searching.* The group discusses the value of informational interviews and how jobseekers should approach the interview in a way that’s mutually beneficial for everyone involved.* Ben remembers how former college classmates would “box themselves in” by focusing only on sports broadcasting. He believes in the importance of broadening your horizons by learning from others, and being a good writer. He asserts that knowing how to write will help you in any area of life.* When it comes to specialization vs. versatility, Ben says it’s possible to do both. * Matt relates it to what he sees with his own students — trying to find your path and being versatile, but learning specialized skills that can be valuable across many industries.* Ben shares a bit about his experiences as the host of the Awful Announcing podcast. He got to interview famous sports broadcasters such as Joe Buck and Ian Eagle. One of his favorite questions to ask: When did you find your voice?* The group discusses guests Ben’s had on the podcast and the unique stories they’ve shared.* As the show comes to a close, what are Ben’s final pieces of advice? Though he says it’s cliché, “treat people well.” Sending thank-you notes and showing you’re easy to work with can go a long way.

#ICYMI — Meetups discussed with previous guest Angie Pastorek

Free Monthly Workplace Communication Link and Learns: https://edwardscampus.ku.edu/link-and-learns

Graduate Certificate and Master’s Degree in Organizational Communication:

In this fourth episode of CultivatED Marketer, hosts Brent Bowen and Matt Tidwell, PhD, wrap up their discussions from the 2020 Kansas City IABC Business Communicator Summit (BCS). They chat with Angie Pastorek, University of Kansas Program Director and Lead Faculty member for the master’s degree in organizational communication. Her teaching and research interests center around organizational culture and communication practices, membership negotiation, and organizational change.

Welcome to CultivatED Marketer …

In this fourth episode of CultivatED Marketer, hosts Brent Bowen and Matt Tidwell, PhD, wrap up their discussions from the 2020 Kansas City IABC Business Communicator Summit (BCS). They chat with Angie Pastorek, University of Kansas Program Director and Lead Faculty member for the master’s degree in organizational communication. Her teaching and research interests center around organizational culture and communication practices, membership negotiation, and organizational change.

Before Angie Pastorek … Catching Up With Matt and Brent

How bad is it to your personal brand if you’re caught a photo not physically distancing on the national news? 

We all want to get outside during the pandemic, but not necessarily at the expense of our healthy, safety or our personal brand. The gents discuss the Lake of Ozarks bar being featured on the Today Show.

How do you navigate change?

In advance of the interview with Angie, whose discussion covers change. Brent and Matt talk about how the pandemic has only heightened the need to make adaptability a key attribute.

How critical are soft skills or hybrid skills right now?

More communicators and marketers are being promoted in varying leadership roles. What skills are required — whether hard skills or soft skills — to attain that level of advancement?

CultivatED Marketer Ep. 4 — Angie Pastorek, Kansas City IABC BCS Show Notes

Brent and Matt talk with Angie Pastorek at the Kansas City International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Business Communicators Summit (BCS)

Angie teaches graduate courses at The University of Kansas in organizational communication, covering topics such as change management, communication ethics in the workplace, conflict management, professional writing and speaking skills, organizational culture, team development, and engaging workplace diversity. 

She offers free monthly Link and Learns, regardless of whether you’re a current student. If you’re interested in the program she leads, please visit her webpage. Also attached is a printable pdf of the Link and Learn schedule as well.

Free Monthly Workplace Communication Link and Learns: https://edwardscampus.ku.edu/link-and-learns

Graduate Certificate and Master’s Degree in Organizational Communication: https://edwardscampus.ku.edu/communication

Upcoming CultivatED Marketer Guests

* Ben Heisler — Ben is the newly minted host and analyst for Sports Illustrated’s gambling and fantasy sections. He most recently was on the other side of microphone as the host and executive producer of The Awful Announcing Podcast. His career has spanned various media including online, radio and TV. We’ll chat career research through informational interviews and job transition.

In the third episode of CultivatED Marketer, hosts Brent Bowen and Matt Tidwell, PhD, release one of their series of three discussions from 2020 Kansas City IABC Business Communicator Summit (BCS). They chat with LandaJob's Kathryn Lorenzen about the importance of networking and obtaining a master's degree because of the rate and degree of change in marketing.

Welcome to CultivatED Marketer …

In this third episode of CultivatED Marketer, hosts Brent Bowen and Matt Tidwell, PhD, release one of their series of three discussions from 2020 Kansas City IABC Business Communicator Summit (BCS). They chat with LandaJob’s Kathryn Lorenzen about the importance of networking and obtaining a master’s degree.

Before Kathryn Lorenzen … Catching Up With Matt and Brent

How has this pandemic impacted marketers and brands? 

* Pivoting business models* And polarizing — marketers working on either end of the spectrum of out of work to never been busier. Matt and Brent chat about industry dynamics on that point.* Matt highly recommend watching the April 26 60 minute episode on how auto makers pivoted their businesses. It makes one remember World War 2 (WW2) production act

Speaking of businesses that are making pivots 

The Iron District, a North Kansas City food and retail center comprised completely of shipping containers, made a huge successful pivot with their online curbside Saturday pick ups. A lot of what’s transpired with the pandemic is that when people and groups band together in that shared experience, they’ve shown you can survive together.

Even during the pandemic, is networking one of the most important things you could be doing right now?

it’s so important to stay connected. During these trying times, it may have to be in a different way but still network and meet new people when you’re able.

CultivatED Marketer Ep. 3 — Kathryn Lorenzen, Kansas City IABC BCS Show Notes

Brent and Matt talk with Kathryn Lorenzen of LandaJob at the Kansas City International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Business Communicators Summit (BCS)

How do you approach the decision of potentially going back to school for your master’s degree?First, you want to understand the potential value of a masters degree to your career. Then, you can determine what the right program might look like for you.

How do employers view and advanced degree? Is it a differentiator?

It depends. Every organization is different. There are a growing list of job titles and functions that on paper require advanced degrees. The biggest differentiator is the rate and degree change occurring in marketing right now.

Should young professionals join clubs? What makes these young professionals not join?Joining clubs and professional associations is one of the best things a young professional can do. It allows them to meet not only new peers but also possible mentors and learn of opportunities. Unfortunately, trends for memberships seem to be down as competition for programming and our time has never been greater.

What’s the biggest advice when looking at a Masters program?Talk to people. Ask them about their experiences.

In this second episode of CultivatED Marketer, hosts Brent Bowen and Matt Tidwell, PhD, kick off a series of three discussions from 2020 Kansas City IABC Business Communicator Summit (BCS). They chat with conference keynote speaker, author, and Co-founder of Calendar.com John Hall about staying top of mind and building authentic relationships.

Welcome to CultivatED Marketer …

In this second episode of CultivatED Marketer, hosts Brent Bowen and Matt Tidwell, PhD, kick off a series of three discussions from 2020 Kansas City IABC Business Communicator Summit (BCS). They chat with conference keynote speaker, author, and Co-founder of Calendar.com John Hall about staying top of mind and building authentic relationships.

The hosts serving as value scientists in talking with author, KCIABC BCS keynote speaker John Hall (left).

Before John Hall … Catching Up With Matt and Brent

* Brent and Matt discuss the pandemic dress code: Brent going casual this week with Matt working the the video chat mullet — business up top, and shorts out of frame. (Well, they did record on international work in your pajamas day). * Matt’s staying busy, working with students in their new normal or — should we say — new abnormal.* The gents discuss the pandemic as a catalyst and how people have had to adapt and work from home.* That catalyst includes observations on leadership. The time has demonstrated how transparency, empathy and relevancy stand out.* Additionally, part of Cultivated Marketer was about the rate of change in marketing. The catalyst has been the mother of innovation. Particularly if you have any expectation of communicating or meeting with others. (The IABC international conference has gone virtual.)* Or … need simply to stay relevant, such as J Rieger Co., who has re-engineered their work to take their alcohol to make hand sanitizer. Or … Hy-Vee, who 12 weeks ago was in the process of unwinding their grocery delivery business. Not so fast. * Somehow — though it was recorded several weeks prior — staying top of mind is now more relevant that ever. We welcome our first guest, John Hall.

CultivatED Marketer Ep. 2 — John Hall, Kansas City IABC BCS Show Notes

Brent and Matt talk with John Hall at the Kansas City International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Business Communicators Summit (BCS)

* John Hall is the Co-founder and President of Calendar.com, a leading scheduling app that he is convinced will change how we manage and invest our time. He writes weekly columns for Forbes and has contributed to more than 50 online publications. Author of the best selling book, Top of Mind. * John discusses the notion of top of mind and the opportunities it can bring to you.* He shares trust touch points one can use to engage people a certain way so you can affect their life, thereby moving you from their short-term to long-term memory. In fact, he has a particular signature way he closes his keynote addresses that reinforces that idea* John talks about the importance of becoming a “value scientist,” taking every opportunity to ask people what’s valuable to them.* Another practice John covers is “Content Triggering.” It’s the idea of chronicling the ideas or items that people find of value and then re-sharing them.* They review the balance required in staying focused while helping others. In it, John recommends a book called Selfless Service.

In the first episode of CultivatED Marketer, hosts Brent Bowen and Matt Tidwell, PhD, introduce themselves and the show. They talk about why they started the podcast: to help other marketers and themselves with the ever-changing world of marketing professional development. In addition, they’ll regularly bring on guests to showcase exceptional individuals and work being done in the new Midwest of Kansas City and beyond.

Welcome to CultivatED Marketer …

In the first episode of CultivatED Marketer, hosts Brent Bowen and Matt Tidwell, PhD, introduce themselves and the show. They talk about why they started the podcast: to help other marketers and themselves with the ever-changing world of marketing professional development. In addition, they’ll regularly bring on guests to showcase exceptional individuals and work being done in the new Midwest of Kansas City and beyond.

Launching show in midst of COVID-19 — but committed to making the podcast happen!

CultivatED Marketer Welcome Show Notes

Some introductions …

* Co-host Brent Bowen has been a long-time podcast host, producing podcasts since 2009 (or before). Brent is currently the owner of Sparkcade Marketing, which is a small marketing agency in the Kansas City area. He has been in the Marketing area for 25 years, including podcasting. He loves podcast and is running six shows in some form or fashion. Sparkcade offers integrated marketing services with a heavy emphasis on digital marketing. He never thought he would have to break out the crisis manual like he has the in the past few weeks. IABC board. Brent ran internship programs, met great professionals.* Matt Tidwell, PhD, is currently an Assistant Dean for Graduate Studies and Program Director at the University of Kansas, where he runs a master degree program at Edwards Campus in KC for integrated marketing communications for working professionals. Before that, a long career in marketing communications working for different brands around KC. Most time teaching now is in crisis communication. He’s always been a professional development guy. 

Why They Created CultivatED Marketer Podcast

* Motivation behind this show: Professional development has never been so important because of the changes in marketing. People are confused about the right way to approach the marketing field and their professional development. * There’s so much marketing specialty segmentation now. It can be hard figuring out which path would be best for development. They created the show to cut through that clutter and make it less confusing for the person in determining what they want to try to do.*  Plan to promote great work from local organizations, any conferences, sessions or summits that are great to go to, events — when we can get back to them. (IABC to PRSA to engineering and ag marketing groups.)* Intend to shine a light on Kansas City and the great work done in KC* For established marketers, they plan to sharpen the saw — discussing continual learning opportunities and the injection of science that’s taken hold of the field in recent years.* They will point people to great resources, so if you don’t know an answer you can find it for you or a client* Talk case studies — classics, such as the “I am Loved” button to newer items like the award-winning Wendy’s social media campaigns.* Guests could range from Chief Marketing Officers (CMO), independent marketers, and folks in the agency world.

CultivatED Marketer is a bi-weekly podcast focusing on the Midwest marketing communications community — and, more specifically, the professional development needs of...