The Business Communicators

2020 has rocked the status quo for corporations. But, has the agile work environment elevated the value of communications professionals? And, will 2021 mark the year that influencers scrap paid endorsements in favor of equity brand partnerships?

Bonnie Caver, chair of the International Executive Board for IABC, joins The Business Communicators to break down the state of the industry, why 2020 has given communicators a voice at the table, why innovation is transforming the way we work, and the path forward for IABC. 

Then, the Business Communicators discuss influencer marketing and the latest puzzle created by David Dobrik that is changing the way content creators interact with their millions of followers. Is this the future of marketing, and should businesses consider scrapping paid endorsements in favor of an equity stake in their company? 

Connect with The Business Communicators on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn, and find out more about our chapter at IABCHouston.com. And, if you haven’t done so already, be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave us a five-star review. Questions or comments? Send us an email to [email protected] or text “podcast” to (713) 360-0133.

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• Chapter Partner: Mykrantz & Co

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What’s the winning game plan for business success, and how does effective communication impact the outcome? Jamey Rootes, President of the Houston Texans and international best-selling author of The Winning Game Plan, joins The Business Communicators to drop some knowledge about the quintessential leadership playbook for continuous business success. Jamey also discusses his close relationship with former Texans’ owner Bob McNair, and why you don’t need to reinvent the wheel when you can “rip off & do better.”

Then, the trio breaks down news that the U.S. National Labor Relations Board has filed a complaint against Google and its parent company Alphabet, accusing the tech juggernaut illegally surveilling employees. What does this mean for businesses moving forward, and where does trust fall into the equation? 

The show closes with a discussion on a Warner Bros. decision that sent shockwaves through the film industry last week when it announced that its entire slate of 2021 movies — and its big Christmas film, “Wonder Woman 1984” — will debut on HBO Max the same day they appear in movie theaters. 

Connect with The Business Communicators on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn, and find out more about our chapter at IABCHouston.com. And, if you haven’t done so already, be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave us a five-star review. Questions or comments? Send us an email to [email protected] or text “podcast” to (713) 360-0133.

IABC Houston Sponsors

• Diamond Partner: Pierpont Communications
• Chapter Partner: Mykrantz & Co

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Thanksgiving week is here and The Business Communicators welcome America’s Got Talent champion Brandon Leake to the podcast. If you’re not familiar with Brandon, you should be. Not only is he a role model, he is one of the most talented young communicators in the U.S. He’s a gifted storyteller through the art of poetry and spoken word, the founder of Called to Move, and will be in Houston on Monday, Nov. 30, for an exclusive one-night only event at the Houston improv. 

Brandon joins the show to discuss his inspirations and why he got started in the art of spoken word and poetry, his motivations as a communicator to share personal and authentic stories, his role in positively impacting those from underrepresented communities, and tools of his trade that can help any communicator improve their skills.

If you’re interested in seeing Brandon perform at the Houston Improv, click here to purchase tickets. Or, if you’d like to win a pair of tickets to his Houston show, just text “Brandon” to (713) 360-0133.

Connect with The Business Communicators on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn, and find out more about our chapter at IABCHouston.com. And, if you haven’t done so already, be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave us a five-star review. Questions or comments? Send us an email to [email protected] or text “podcast” to (713) 360-0133.

IABC Houston Sponsors

• Diamond Partner: Pierpont Communications
• Chapter Partner: Mykrantz & Co

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Consumers crave authenticity and a real connection from brands, so ‘humaning’ is the newest marketing approach for one popular snack maker. But is ‘humaning’ an ingredient that should be added to the marketing buzzword mix?

Then, The Business Communicators dive into recent research from McKinsey & Company that reveals more than three quarters of buyers and sellers say they now prefer digital self-serve and remote human engagement over face-to-face interactions.

How can this digital shift have an impact on mental health? With less human contact and connection, will it become a means to an end for consumers and businesses? 

Connect with The Business Communicators on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn, and find out more about our chapter at IABCHouston.com. And, if you haven’t done so already, be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave us a five-star review. Questions or comments? Send us an email to [email protected] or text “podcast” to (713) 360-0133.

Editor’s Note: If you’re interested in purchasing Chris Yandle’s book ahead of the holiday season, click here.

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• Chapter Partner: Mykrantz & Co

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Allyson Neal isn’t just a digital communications expert -- she’s the author of nine books that are having a lasting impact on children. With 70 percent of all children’s books featuring white children or animals, Neal is changing the status quo by publishing family-oriented books that embrace diversity. She joins The Business Communicators to discuss her career, and why she’s using her platform to create a world that is better for all children.

The episode closes by breaking down the big winner of the 2020 election -- and one you might not expect -- and a viral marketing campaign created by Burger King that is bringing the fast food industry together amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

Connect with The Business Communicators on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn, and find out more about our chapter at IABCHouston.com. And, if you haven’t done so already, be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave us a five-star review. Questions or comments? Send us an email to [email protected] or text “podcast” to (713) 360-0133.

Editor’s Note: If you’re interested in purchasing Allyson’s books ahead of the holiday season, visit her author page on Amazon.

IABC Houston Sponsors

• Diamond Partner: Pierpont Communications
• Chapter Partner: Mykrantz & Co

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It’s election week and season three, episode one of The Business Communicators is here! Austin Staton, Hattie Horn and Thomas Baen discuss the controversy clouding Joe Rogan’s podcast, why reputation is paramount for world leaders and corporations, and the evolving nature of influencer advertising.

Months after Joe Rogan brought the most-downloaded podcast in the world to Spotify in a $100 million deal, his show is under fire after Alex Jones joined him for a three-hour episode last week. By giving the political-extremist and conspiracy theorist a platform to spew misinformation, can Joe Rogan and Spotify coexist moving forward?

While the world has been rocked by COVID-19, effective communication has never been more important. So, who was the best in 2020? Following a report from Provoke Media, The Business Communicators dissects the leaders and corporations that have gotten it right (and wrong) as the world shifts into a new normal – and why it matters.

The show wraps with a discussion on British regulators clamping down on “hidden advertising” by social media influencers. Is influencer marketing an effective tool for advertisers? Is transparency crucial for consumers to make decisions? 

Connect with The Business Communicators on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn, and find out more about our chapter at IABCHouston.com. And, if you haven’t done so already, be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave us a five-star review. Questions or comments? Send us an email to [email protected] or text “podcast” to (713) 360-0133.

IABC Houston Sponsors

• Diamond Partner: Pierpont Communications
• Chapter Partner: Mykrantz & Co

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As season two of The Business Communicators winds down, the podcast introduces two new co-hosts – Hattie Horn and Thomas Baen. Joined by founder Austin Staton, the trio dive into the scandal impacting Dallas-based The Richards Group following Stan Richards’ remarks on a proposed ad campaign for Motel 6 being “too Black” for the chain’s “white supremacist” guests. The fallout has jeopardized the employment status of the firm’s nearly 700 employees and more than $200 million in annual billings. How can the largest independent agency in America move forward?

Then, the podcast shifts gears with the election less than two weeks away and discusses the barrage of campaign texts and phone calls encouraging last-minute donations and support for federal and state-level candidates. Is this an effective campaign and marketing strategy? 

The show wraps up following the Oct. 21 news that Quibi, which is backed by $1.8 billion from Hollywood studios and other investors, intends to wind down its operations and start a process to sell its assets, just six months after its launch. With content being king, is the COVID-19 pandemic to blame, or is stiff competition from the likes of Netflix and Apple TV+ responsible for the six-month lifespan of the “innovative” streaming platform?

Connect with The Business Communicators on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn, and find out more about our chapter at IABCHouston.com. And, if you haven’t done so already, be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave us a five-star review. Questions or comments? Send us an email at [email protected].

Join the IABC Houston Community

Community is a new way to keep in touch with IABC Houston members in real time through text messaging. Whether you’re looking for the latest IABC Houston news, job listings, professional development opportunities or special offers, text “Join” to (713) 360-0133 and we’ll add you to our list (don’t worry, we won’t spam you).  

IABC Houston Sponsors

• Diamond Partner: Pierpont Communications
• Chapter Partner: Mykrantz & Co

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Innovation and finding your discomfort zone can make or break your business. So, how can you make 2020 work for you? Mike Berland, the founder and CEO of Decode M, an insights and strategy firm based in New York, joins The Business Communicators to discuss maintaining momentum in a chaos-driven world, data analytics, digital innovation by the professional sports leagues and brands that have pivoted successfully during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Berland brings decades of knowledge to the conversation from his time spent time working as an executive with Edelman, the former head of communications for the NHL, and a strategic advisor for former NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Listeners will hear his insights on:

• What brands have captured momentum and are thriving amidst the constant crises of 2020?
• What are the threats to momentum that leaders and entrepreneurs should be aware of when it’s sidelined by something like a global pandemic, massive protests, and a volatile election?
• What steps can communicators take to pick up speed and reach maximum momentum quickly once it’s all over and life is back to business as usual?
• And so much more.

Connect with The Business Communicators on Twitter and Instagram, and find out more about our chapter at IABCHouston.com. And, if you haven’t done so already, be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave us a five-star review. Questions or comments? Send us an email to [email protected].

Join the IABC Houston Community

Community is a new way to keep in touch with IABC Houston members in real time through text messaging. Whether you’re looking for the latest IABC Houston news, job listings, professional development opportunities or special offers, text “podcast” to (713) 360-0133 and we’ll add you to our list (don’t worry, we won’t spam you).  

IABC Houston Sponsors

• Diamond Partner: Pierpont Communications
• Chapter Partner: Mykrantz & Co

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Navigating today’s business environment isn’t easy—but it’s not the first time we’ve been forced to rethink our strategies for success. Wood Mackenzie’s Nicole Braley, VP of Marketing for the Americas, joins The Business Communicators podcast for an engaging discussion on rethinking the workplace in the “new normal.”

The work-from-home environment provides challenges but also opportunities for business success. Fear and uncertainty are powerful movers, but business communication professionals need to focus on facilitating connections. The good news is – this is up to you. Yes, each of us has a role to play in championing the most inclusive and effective work environment in this ‘new normal.’ Nicole shares her strategies and tactics that you can immediately implement in reaching a remote and diverse workforce as we all are forced to rethink the workplace in 2020.

Connect with The Business Communicators on Twitter and Instagram, and find out more about our chapter at IABCHouston.com. And, if you haven’t done so already, be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave us a five-star review. Questions or comments? Send us an email at [email protected].

Join the IABC Houston Community

Community is a new way to keep in touch with IABC Houston members in real time through text messaging. Whether you’re looking for the latest IABC Houston news, job listings, professional development opportunities or special offers, text “Join” to (713) 360-0133 and we’ll add you to our list (don’t worry, we won’t spam you).  

IABC Houston Sponsors

• Diamond Partner: Pierpont Communications
• Chapter Partner: Mykrantz & Co

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Shiv Malik, Head of Growth at Streamr, makes his second appearance on The Business Communicators podcast. Has progress been made on the data privacy front in the last 10 months? Shiv brings listeners up to speed on data unions (and what they are) and how consumers are inching closer to owning their personal data.

Shiv, a former investigative journalist at The Guardian, then offers insights on Silicon Valley’s monopolization of user data, how legislation in the EU and U.S. could benefit communicators and consumers alike, and why Chinese-owned apps like TikTok are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to data privacy. 

Then, Chris Mykrantz, founder of Mykrantz & Co., joins the podcast to discuss navigating a post COVID-19 world as communicators and why now is an opportunity to reset your communications strategy and help your organization understand the “new normal.” 

Connect with The Business Communicators on Twitter and Instagram, and find out more about our chapter at IABCHouston.com. And, if you haven’t done so already, be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave us a five-star review. Questions or comments? Send us an email at [email protected].

Join the IABC Houston Community

Community is a new way to keep in touch with IABC Houston members in real time through text messaging. Whether you’re looking for the latest IABC Houston news, job listings, professional development opportunities or special offers, text us at (713) 360-0133 and we’ll add you to our list (don’t worry, we won’t spam you).  

IABC Houston Sponsors

• Diamond Partner: Pierpont Communications
• Chapter Partner: Mykrantz & Co

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