Ponderings from the Perch

John C. Maxwell famously said, “If you're proactive, you focus on preparing. If you're reactive, you end up focusing on repairing.” True dat.

In this episode of Ponderings from the Perch, our CEO, Priscilla McKinney and Tony D’Amato, a dedicated leader with over 20 years of marketing experience, discuss challenges and opportunities in the marketing ecosystem – from brand awareness to digital transformation. 

Tony emphasizes the importance of understanding and valuing the customer experience, which he has plenty of experience with! As the Senior Manager of Experiential Marketing and Public Relations at 3M, he spent 21 years living and breathing all things CX in the automotive appearance industry. Now leading his own consulting firm, this expertise can guide brands looking for a deep connection to their customers. 

He enters into conversations daily where companies have reached a point of reassessing marketing strategies neglected during high-growth phases. These issues can range from underinvestment in marketing to a lack of clear marketing plans. He knows from experience that a well-thought-out marketing plan aligns with the company's objectives and is built with sustainability in mind. 

“It has to be sustainable, or else what we do is for nothing.” - Tony D’Amato

Ready to fall in love with your own brand and help your customers do the same? Listen to gain a fresh perspective on strategic guidance and sustainable marketing plans.

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As the Transaction Experts, Behaviorally brings decades of global experience and category expertise in consumer marketing insights. They use a unique behavioral framework, cutting-edge AI technology and a digital-first approach to help brands achieve the most valuable moment in marketing. Listen to their award-winning podcast, Our Best Behavior, where they discuss how to achieve the biggest impact in marketing after a purchase is made. Find out more at www.behaviorally.com.

Want to know the real intentions of survey-takers?

Join CloudResearch on October 12th for their upcoming presentation, "A Deeper Dive Inside the Click Farm: What 'LIES' Behind Your Data PART II." Following their groundbreaking webinar on survey fraud, CloudResearch returns to reveal the hidden truths behind survey-taker motivations and address the presence of fraudulent participants, inattentive responders, and bots. Gain insights into the latest findings and discover new strategies to combat fraud in the market research industry. Register now at SurveyFraud.com for this invaluable event, which also includes free access to the Fraud Detection Tool to quantify fraud in your surveys. Don't miss out on securing trust in your data!

What happens when mental health suffers in the workplace? What are we supposed to do? It seems like the obvious answer would be to simply ask for help. But some workplaces don’t allow for it. Also, some of our own minds don’t allow for it. As James Pickles says, “You’ve got to know you have a problem to ask for help.” 

In this episode, Priscilla McKinney, our CEO of Little Bird Marketing, engages in a compelling conversation with James Pickles, Certified Performance Coach and award-winning Wellbeing Consultant. Together, they explore James's remarkable journey from the depths of a mental health crisis to becoming a sought-after keynote speaker and coach.

His story began in the fast-paced world of corporate sales, where he excelled in a high-pressure role. However, beneath the façade of success, James was silently battling stress and burnout, not unlike many professionals today. It wasn't until a candid moment of vulnerability that his journey took an unexpected turn.

Have you experienced the emotional turmoil of stress and burnout in the workplace? Opening up in a work environment can feel like risking your livelihood. People often avoid initiating difficult conversations about mental health due to fear or discomfort. James has a goal to openly share his story to create a safe environment for others to share their struggles.

It's never too late to rediscover our true selves, reclaim our authenticity, and inspire others to do the same. Listen in to learn more about the path to mental wellness in the workplace with Priscilla and James.

SPONSORS

Want to know the real intentions of survey-takers?

Join CloudResearch on October 12th for their upcoming presentation, "A Deeper Dive Inside the Click Farm: What 'LIES' Behind Your Data PART II." Following their groundbreaking webinar on survey fraud, CloudResearch returns to reveal the hidden truths behind survey-taker motivations and address the presence of fraudulent participants, inattentive responders, and bots. Gain insights into the latest findings and discover new strategies to combat fraud in the market research industry. Register now at SurveyFraud.com for this invaluable event, which also includes free access to the Fraud Detection Tool to quantify fraud in your surveys. Don't miss out on securing trust in your data!

Are you looking for experts and tools to collect research data worldwide? Global sampling, field management and data collection are just some of the services that Gazelle Global provides. Visit gazelleglobal.com to learn more about how our expertise can help you unearth quality data that drives meaningful insights. Get your research done anywhere around the world quickly and efficiently. Visit gazelleglobal.com today.

If only Auguste and Louis Lumière could see where their motion picture invention is today. Audiences were spellbound by the film of the workers pouring out of the Lumière factory. Cat videos would blow their minds.

Let’s just start with this fact: simply including the word 'video' in the subject line of an email can increase click-through rates by approximately 20%! Add to that the fact that the majority of people are visual learners, and you have a compelling case for creating video content for your business! In this podcast, Little Bird Marketing CEO Priscilla McKinney covers plenty more reasons why video should be an integral part of your marketing strategy.

Video is a versatile and powerful tool that can significantly elevate your content marketing efforts. By incorporating video strategically, you can boost brand awareness, drive sales, grow your social following, educate and delight your audience, and establish yourself as a trusted authority in your field. Don't miss out on the incredible potential of video in your marketing strategy.

Avoid typical mistakes in content marketing with a little guidance from expert-level strategy.

In this episode, we also give a shout-out to our amazing video and motion graphics expert, Corey Mitchell! See his work for yourself: https://littlebirdmarketing.com/video/ 

SPONSORS

Want to know the real intentions of survey-takers?

Join CloudResearch on October 12th for their upcoming presentation, "A Deeper Dive Inside the Click Farm: What 'LIES' Behind Your Data PART II." Following their groundbreaking webinar on survey fraud, CloudResearch returns to reveal the hidden truths behind survey-taker motivations and address the presence of fraudulent participants, inattentive responders, and bots. Gain insights into the latest findings and discover new strategies to combat fraud in the market research industry. Register now at SurveyFraud.com for this invaluable event, which also includes free access to the Fraud Detection Tool to quantify fraud in your surveys. Don't miss out on securing trust in your data!

Ready to advance in your profession as a client-side insights leader? The Insights Association's Corporate Researchers Conference (CRC) is scheduled for October 25-27 in Chicago. Centered around the theme "Driving Growth in Turbulent Times," the event will spotlight the essential role of insights in guiding organizations through economic, geopolitical, environmental, and social challenges to spur growth. Keynote speakers will discuss critical topics like DEI, ESG, and data quality. Attendees will have the opportunity to foster connections during various social activities, including city excursions.

Secure your spot today by registering at insightsassociation.org.

Healthcare is a sensitive subject for many struggling with rare diseases or disabilities. Researchers in the healthcare sphere are challenged with finding delicate ways to approach patients. How do researchers advance technology and create positive outcomes for patients? 

In today’s episode, our CEO, Priscilla McKenney, welcomes Wes Michael, President of Rare Patient Voice. His company's unique approach to building market research panels allows patients and caregivers to contribute their insights to researchers and companies worldwide. Rare Patient Voice has expanded globally, completed numerous projects, and served hundreds of clients, all with the aim of making a positive impact on the lives of participants and future patients and caregivers.

Researchers are being forced to look beyond the basic questions when approaching respondents. Making a difference in the healthcare industry requires a more personalized touch. Instead of relying solely on traditional methods, researchers must introduce additional elements. New methods aim to gain a deeper understanding of what people are thinking and feeling beyond just their verbal responses.

But there is something taking an extreme toll on quality research. Fraud. On average, across the industry, 15 to 30% of market research data is fraudulent. In some studies, the figures are even higher. Wes discusses how he is well-acquainted with the risks associated with fraud in market research. He offers effective strategies to rise above the noise and gain genuine research results.

Listen in for the MR win-win!

SPONSORS

Want to know the real intentions of survey-takers?

Join CloudResearch on October 12th for their upcoming presentation, "A Deeper Dive Inside the Click Farm: What 'LIES' Behind Your Data PART II." Following their groundbreaking webinar on survey fraud, CloudResearch returns to reveal the hidden truths behind survey-taker motivations and address the presence of fraudulent participants, inattentive responders, and bots. Gain insights into the latest findings and discover new strategies to combat fraud in the market research industry. Register now at SurveyFraud.com for this invaluable event, which also includes free access to the Fraud Detection Tool to quantify fraud in your surveys. Don't miss out on securing trust in your data!

Get ready for a fantastic Insights Marketing Day! This event brings together expert speakers who are authorities in digital marketing and thought leadership, offering powerful and engaging presentations. Attendees will gain essential tips, actionable advice, and tools to improve their company's marketing. With networking opportunities, a marketing practitioners panel, delicious meals, gelato, and exciting prizes, this event promises to be both informative and enjoyable. Don't miss out on Insights Marketing Day in Chicago on September 28th. Visit littlebirdmarketing.com/insights-marketing-day for more information.

With a demand for accuracy but an appetite for innovating with new methodologies, finding the right balance between specialization and generalization is often seen as the key to success in delivering quality consumer insights. But what if we told you that there's more to the story? We’re pulling back the curtain to hear from one of the wizards orchestrating the delivery of insights into the world of finance.

In this episode, Priscilla McKinney, CEO of Little Bird Marketing, welcomes Kerry Sette, VP, and Head of Consumer Insights and Research at Voya Financial, a Fortune 500 financial services company. Together, they dive into the challenges and strategies behind conducting market research in a rapidly changing industry.

The wide range of areas Voya supports includes enterprise brand, media, advertising, corporate social responsibility, employee experience, product development, marketing, advertising, brand health tracking, digital product work, and more. The unique challenge lies in serving both B2B and B2C markets, requiring a deep understanding of various customer constituencies.

To keep driving success, one important key to team success is to have “diversity of thought,” Kerry states. She underscores that this single fact truly “makes for a stronger team.” She finds it invaluable, in fact, as the digital transformation of how consumers access financial products continues to change and evolve at a rapid pace.

Kerry shares her experience about striking the right balance between a need for both specialists and generalists on an insights team and more “behind the scenes” wisdom. Find out what it takes to build a strong team that can advocate successfully for the consumer in all circumstances. 

SPONSORS

Priscilla McKinney, CEO at Little Bird Marketing, is thrilled to announce the release of her book, "Collaboration is the New Competition: Why the Future of Work Rewards A Cross Pollinating Hive Mind and How Not to Get Left Behind." The book's chapters are designed to be time-efficient, ensuring busy professionals can easily integrate these transformative ideas into their workflow. From discussing the state of affairs in business to providing fundamental strategies and seven practical anchors for staying on course, this book offers a fresh perspective and a competitive advantage in today's complex business landscape. Visit priscillamckinney.com for more information.

Ready to advance in your profession as a client-side insights leader? The Insights Association's Corporate Researchers Conference (CRC) is scheduled for October 25-27 in Chicago. Centered around the theme "Driving Growth in Turbulent Times," the event will spotlight the essential role of insights in guiding organizations through economic, geopolitical, environmental, and social challenges to spur growth. Keynote speakers will discuss critical topics like DEI, ESG, and data quality. Attendees will have the opportunity to foster connections during various social activities, including city excursions. Secure your spot today by registering at insightsassociation.org.

Strap on your headsets and fasten your seatbelts - we're taking you on a ride through the skies of market research! Welcome to the MRX Mavericks miniseries, where we'll show you how to soar above the competition like the true Top Guns of the market research industry.

Today, our CEO and Momma Bird, Priscilla McKinney, is joined by Melanie Courtright, the Chief Executive Officer at Insights Association. Melanie is a true vanguard in shaping the future of the insights and analytics industry. With almost three decades of experience, she knows the industry inside out and is a powerful advocate for quality and excellence. As a skilled networker in the market research arena, she can teach you a thing or two about meaningful connections.

Insights Association has a unique role as a service organization dedicated to the insights profession. Melanie explains that their focus is on protecting and strengthening the industry by setting standards of quality, advocating for regulations that make sense, and ensuring the profession's growth and relevance. They work to prevent overregulation and provide invaluable resources to professionals in the field.

One significant aspect of their work is advocacy, led by Howard Feinberg. Howard is the SVP of Advocacy, and he tirelessly represents the profession in governmental circles. He navigates complex regulations, works to prevent over-taxation of data sales, and ensures that insights professionals aren't adversely affected by legislation.

The Insights Association also offers numerous ways for professionals to get involved beyond advocacy. With six regional chapters and 12 active committees, there's a place for everyone to contribute. Whether you're interested in marketing, events, diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, data quality, or various other aspects, there's a role waiting for you. The association's website provides information on how to get involved, or you can simply reach out to Melanie directly at [email protected]!

Get in touch with this outstanding team:

Rebekah McWain, CMP, Director, Events.

Art Flanagan, Vice President, Communications.

Nicole Symelidis, SVP, Members & Operations.

Howard Fienberg, CAE, Senior VP, Advocacy.

Jennifer Delfino, VP, IT and Event Solutions.

Remember, you can be a wingman to the MRX Mavericks anytime. Let’s take flight on this journey together!

SPONSORS

Want to know the real intentions of survey-takers?

Join CloudResearch on October 12th for their upcoming presentation, "A Deeper Dive Inside the Click Farm: What 'LIES' Behind Your Data PART II." Following their groundbreaking webinar on survey fraud, CloudResearch returns to reveal the hidden truths behind survey-taker motivations and address the presence of fraudulent participants, inattentive responders, and bots. Gain insights into the latest findings and discover new strategies to combat fraud in the market research industry. Register now at SurveyFraud.com for this invaluable event, which also includes free access to the Fraud Detection Tool to quantify fraud in your surveys. Don't miss out on securing trust in your data!

Ready to advance in your profession as a client-side insights leader?

The Insights Association's Corporate Researchers Conference (CRC) is scheduled for October 25-27 in Chicago. Centered around the theme "Driving Growth in Turbulent Times," the event will spotlight the essential role of insights in guiding organizations through economic, geopolitical, environmental, and social challenges to spur growth. Keynote speakers will discuss critical topics like DEI, ESG, and data quality. Attendees will have the opportunity to foster connections during various social activities, including city excursions.

Secure your spot today by registering at insightsassociation.org.

Strap on your headsets and fasten your seatbelts - we're taking you on a ride through the skies of market research! Welcome to the MRX Mavericks miniseries, where we'll show you how to soar above the competition like the true Top Guns of the market research industry.

Steve Schlesinger, Executive Chairman of SAGO and Kim Harrison, Founder and CEO of Focus Forward, also serve as executive board members for the Marketing Research Education Foundation. Today, they join our CEO and Momma Bird, Priscilla McKinney, who has served on this same board, to share the message and mission of this amazing organization.

Their mission is to unify, inspire and activate the marketing research community to focus its collective resources on educating children and youth worldwide. Find out more online at http://www.mrgivesback.org. Become a sponsor (https://www.mrgivesback.org/sponsors ), or participate in a fun and engaging campaign during the year. From the Race Around the World to the Backpack Challenge, there are many ways to get involved, do good and have fun while you’re doing it!

Get involved with the Backpack Challenge: https://www.backpackchallenge.org/

MREF: https://www.mrgivesback.org/

Race Around the World for Education: https://www.mrgivesback.org/race

SPONSORS

Get ready for a fantastic Insights Marketing Day! This event brings together expert speakers who are authorities in digital marketing and thought leadership, offering powerful and engaging presentations. Attendees will gain essential tips, actionable advice, and tools to improve their company's marketing. With networking opportunities, a marketing practitioners panel, delicious meals, gelato, and exciting prizes, this event promises to be both informative and enjoyable. Don't miss out on Insights Marketing Day in Chicago on September 28th. Visit littlebirdmarketing.com/insights-marketing-day for more information.

Don’t let the learning stop here. Little Bird Marketing’s 12-week social selling course is a practical hands-on experience designed specifically to help you network effectively and at scale, build rapport with targeted audiences, expand your influence, and become the go-to authority in your area of expertise. So this is not a quick “tips and tricks” for LinkedIn's success flash in the pan. It's a commitment to changing the way you show up online and experience career-shifting breakthroughs. This is expert instruction in small cohorts with personalized one-on-one coaching. If you're interested, learn more at https://littlebirdmarketing.com/social-influence-course/

Strap on your headsets and fasten your seatbelts - we're taking you on a ride through the skies of market research! Welcome to the MRX Mavericks miniseries, where we'll show you how to soar above the competition like the true Top Guns of the market research industry.

Priscilla McKinney, call sign Momma Bird, introduces us to esteemed guest and MRX veteran Dan Quirks of Quirks Media. Dan's mission at Quirks is to expand the company's digital offerings and global presence.

The day-to-day of Dan’s responsibilities revolves around staying abreast of industry trends and delivering valuable information to their audience. At Quirks, they differentiate themselves by primarily catering to end clients and providing free content to support researchers' growth and knowledge.

One significant challenge faced by Quirks is bridging the gap between suppliers' desired content and the information sought by end clients. To address this, they employ a team of skilled editors who ensure that the content meets the needs of both parties.

As a seasoned professional in the MRX world, Dan has experienced the historical transformation of the industry. From a data collection-centric approach, the industry has evolved into a more consultative relationship between suppliers and end clients, where the focus is now on actionable data and insightful storytelling. As Dan says, “For every Coke, there's a Pepsi. For every iPhone, there's a Samsung.” There are competitors in every industry, and market research isn’t exempt. But the key to standing out is BRANDING. In this episode, he provides this helpful mindset as their team comes alongside others to help them stand out from the crowd. 

To learn more about the market research industry's dynamic developments and join the "MRX Mavericks" journey, be sure to tune in!

Listen in closely for information about the 2023 Quirks Awards.

SPONSORS

Don’t let the learning stop here. Little Bird Marketing’s 12-week social selling course is a practical hands-on experience designed specifically to help you network effectively and at scale, build rapport with targeted audiences, expand your influence, and become the go-to authority in your area of expertise. So this is not a quick “tips and tricks” for LinkedIn's success flash in the pan. It's a commitment to changing the way you show up online and experience career-shifting breakthroughs. This is expert instruction in small cohorts with personalized one-on-one coaching. If you're interested, learn more at https://littlebirdmarketing.com/social-influence-course/

Strap on your headsets and fasten your seatbelts - we're taking you on a ride through the skies of market research! Welcome to the MRX Mavericks miniseries, where we'll show you how to soar above the competition like the true Top Guns of the market research industry.

Priscilla McKinney, call sign Momma Bird, is joined by Kristin Luck, Founder of ScaleHouse and consultant known for non-traditional growth strategies. You’ll hear the backstory of how and why Kristin founded  Women in Research and the impact this has made on the industry. Since 2007 this community has focused on empowering the women inside of insights has made a difference helping many to build successful careers and increase representation in leadership roles.

Various programs run by WIRe are working to include women in all spaces, such as mentorship programs, scholarship funds for women in emerging or conflict markets, and the WIRExec forum. They have made serious strides getting more female voices on stages at conferences around the world. All of these programs remain free and open to anyone. Yes, amazing men are a part of the WIRe family! 

The only paid positions include the WIRexec board. This was started as a retreat where senior-level women to connect, network, and share experiences. They have achieved success enough to pay to gather and collaborate as to how to amplify the great work and continue to ensure all other programs at WIRe are free and remain so.

Ready to be inspired and uplifted in the market research industry? Listen to these industry leader besties share their love for Women in Research.

SPONSORS

Priscilla McKinney, CEO at Little Bird Marketing, is excited to announce the release of her book, "Collaboration is the New Competition: Why the Future of Work Rewards A Cross Pollinating Hive Mind and How Not to Get Left Behind." The book's chapters are designed to be time-efficient, ensuring busy professionals can easily integrate these transformative ideas into their workflow. From discussing the state of affairs in business to providing fundamental strategies and seven practical anchors for staying on course, this book offers a fresh perspective and a competitive advantage in today's complex business landscape. Visit priscillamckinney.com for more information.

Strap on your headsets and fasten your seatbelts - we're taking you on a ride through the skies of market research! Welcome to the MRX Mavericks miniseries, where we'll show you how to soar above the competition like the true Top Guns of the market research industry.

Priscilla McKinney, call sign Momma Bird, and Lauren Isaacson took flight in their conversation about the Qualitative Research Consultants Association.

The QRCA is the hot spot for qualitative researchers and UX professionals. They offer the ultimate package: support, training, and networking opportunities. The association focuses on promoting high standards and best practices in qualitative research, including techniques like UX research.

Enter Lauren Isaacson, the self-diagnosed chronic volunteer from Curio Research. This superhero has donned various capes within QRCA, including chapter chair and board member. Lauren's dedication to volunteering is next-level, and she's been spreading her infectious enthusiasm throughout the association.

With 77% of members based in the US and others from all corners of the globe (hello, Canada and beyond), it's like a qualitative research world tour. They don't discriminate when it comes to professionals either—consultants, vendors, recruiters, and those fancy folks from in-house corporate positions are all invited to the party. QRCA knows that diversity makes for the best kind of fiesta!

If you're looking for a wingman or wing woman at QRCA events, Lauren is ready to connect and be your newfound friend. So buckle up, and get ready to soar to new qualitative research heights!

SPONSORS

Looking for an extension of your market research team? EMI Research Solutions delivers quality and unbiased market research data tailored to the needs of your business. With EMI, you get an agile-focused team of researchers with over 22 years of experience. Plus, their podcast Intellicast takes a look at the market research industry from a new perspective. Find out more at emi-rs.com