What kind of posts perform best on LinkedIn? We'll dive into an overwhelming new analysis of user activity on the platform. Also, Pew recently released its latest data on the usage of all major social media channels. Plus, LinkedIn collaborative articles, the art of commenting to gain favor with your company's stakeholders, and more! WHAT DO YOU THINK? We want to hear from you! Contact us with your comment about the topics we talk about in this episode. Or, are you looking for advice on some aspect of your communications or marketing work? Ask away! We may include your comment or question on next month's show.  Send us a message Record an audio comment or question, click the microphone at the bottom of HansonandHunt.com. EPISODE SUMMARY Maximizing LinkedIn performance New Pew info on social media use Spotlight: Special Bisquick box How to use the art of commenting for PR 2024 Global Comms Report Closing: LinkedIn collaborative articles ARTICLES AND LINKS Key tips on maximizing LinkedIn performance Americans’ social media use ‘Fargo’ season 5-themed Bisquick debuts at remote midwest supermarket How to use the art of commenting for PR Cision and PRWeek 2024 Global Comms Report LinkedIn shares new insights into engagement with collaborative articles Arik's webinar/10 social media trends for 2024 FOLLOW HANSON AND HUNT Show page - HansonandHunt.com Apple Podcasts Spotify RSS feed SIGN UP FOR ARIK'S WEEKLY NEWSLETTER Subscribe MARKETING PODCAST NETWORK Hanson & Hunt is part of the Marketing Podcast Network, a community of like-minded podcasters in collaboration to offer advertisers a more effective and efficient way to reach prospective customers. Learn more at MarketingPodcasts.net. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From the rise of social search to AI's use in content creation there are many trends identified for the new year. We'll talk about a few that are getting attention. Plus, Solo Stove's use of Snoop Dogg, a new free training resource for media measurement, a growing push against career ambition and promotions, and more! WHAT DO YOU THINK? We want to hear from you! Contact us with your comment about the topics we talk about in this episode. Or, are you looking for advice on some aspect of your communications or marketing work? Ask away! We may include your comment or question on next month's show.  Send us a message Record an audio comment or question, click the microphone at the bottom of HansonandHunt.com. EPISODE SUMMARY 2023 Edelman Trust Barometer Gartner social media predictions Spotlight: Solo Stove New media measurement course 2024 trend roundup Closing: Career contentment Closing: Free webinar on social media trends ARTICLES AND LINKS 2023 Edelman Trust Barometer reveals business is the only institution viewed as ethical and competent Gartner predicts 50% of consumers will significantly limit their interactions with social media by 2025 Solo Stove’s viral Snoop Dogg partnership fails to spark up sales The Fundamentals of Media Measurement online course Arik's 10 social media marketing trends for 2024 10 non-obvious social media trends you need to consider right now 11 2024 PR trends you need to start preparing for now Three PR trends agencies can’t afford to miss in 2024 Amber Naslund - It's okay to be content where you are Mark Schaefer - From paycheck to purpose: Why I stopped growing my business Arik's free webinar on 2/8/24: Discover 10 social media trends for 2024 FOLLOW HANSON AND HUNT Show page - HansonandHunt.com Apple Podcasts Spotify RSS feed SIGN UP FOR ARIK'S WEEKLY NEWSLETTER Subscribe MARKETING PODCAST NETWORK Hanson & Hunt is part of the Marketing Podcast Network, a community of like-minded podcasters in collaboration to offer advertisers a more effective and efficient way to reach prospective customers. Learn more at MarketingPodcasts.net. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The quality and trust of AI-powered content vs. human-powered content is a hot topic right now. We'll look at two new studies that get into that. We also chat about the priorities for comms leaders in 2024. Plus, the viral marketing stunt from The North Face that seems too far-fetched to be true, the continued use of bad photos across internal and external comms, what to do about the mess at X, and more! WHAT DO YOU THINK? We want to hear from you! Contact us with your comment about the topics we talk about in this episode. Or, are you looking for advice on some aspect of your communications or marketing work? Ask away! We may include your comment or question on next month's show.  Send us a message Record an audio comment or question, click the microphone at the bottom of HansonandHunt.com. EPISODE SUMMARY Is AI content better and trusted? The employee influencer trend in internal comms Spotlight: The North Face gets "to the choppa" Priorities for comms execs in 2024 Crappy photos on your channels Closing: The mess at X Closing: McDonald’s social job posting ARTICLES AND LINKS AI content Is preferred over human content Readers don't trust AI-generated news The top internal communication trends for 2024 I complained to The North Face after their 'shoddy' waterproof jacket failed me in a New Zealand rain storm. You won't believe what they did next. 8 key priorities for execs and comms leaders 4 bad communications habits to leave in 2023 Elon Musk claims advertisers are trying to ‘blackmail’ him McDonald's job posting for a Director, Social Media and Influencer Marketing FOLLOW HANSON AND HUNT Show page - HansonandHunt.com Apple Podcasts Spotify RSS feed SIGN UP FOR ARIK'S WEEKLY NEWSLETTER Subscribe MARKETING PODCAST NETWORK Hanson & Hunt is part of the Marketing Podcast Network, a community of like-minded podcasters in collaboration to offer advertisers a more effective and efficient way to reach prospective customers. Learn more at MarketingPodcasts.net. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There's some great insight about creators and their fans in the "Creator Connections" report from Teachable. We also chat about the outlook for social media platforms charging for subscriptions. Plus, a post on the impatience so many organizations have right now with their social media strategy. Also, should you help your kid be an influencer? And, how Adidas struggled to manage Kanye, and more! WHAT DO YOU THINK? We want to hear from you! Contact us with your comment about the topics we talk about in this episode. Or, are you looking for advice on some aspect of your communications or marketing work? Ask away! We may include your comment or question on next month's show.  Send us a message Record an audio comment or question, click the microphone at the bottom of HansonandHunt.com. EPISODE SUMMARY Creator Connections report Social media subscriptions Spotlight: Oatly's creative director State of Content Marketing Report Is social media even worth it? Closing: Should you help your kid be an influencer? Closing: What Adidas knew about Kanye ARTICLES AND LINKS Creator Connections report Why social media subscriptions can become the new normal I was axed as Oatly's creative director - here are 5 arguably useful lessons Superpath's State of Content Marketing Report Ann Handley: "Is social media even worth it?"  Your kid won't be an astronaut. Don't fight them about being an influencer Podcast: What Adidas knew about Kanye SMBMSP event on Dec. 15 - Behind the Screens: Insights from social media leaders FOLLOW HANSON AND HUNT Show page - HansonandHunt.com Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts RSS feed SIGN UP FOR ARIK'S WEEKLY NEWSLETTER Subscribe MARKETING PODCAST NETWORK Hanson & Hunt is part of the Marketing Podcast Network, a community of like-minded podcasters in collaboration to offer advertisers a more effective and efficient way to reach prospective customers. Learn more at MarketingPodcasts.net. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Was it ever worth it to share a link to a blog or website on Twitter? We talk about some data from NPR after they left the platform. We also chat about the type of stories that could drive meaningful thought leadership, how LinkedIn turned personal, Edelman’s 2023 Future of Corporate Communications study, and more! WHAT DO YOU THINK? We want to hear from you! Contact us with your comment about the topics we talk about in this episode. Or, are you looking for advice on some aspect of your communications or marketing work? Ask away! We may include your comment or question on next month's show.  Send us a message Record an audio comment or question, click the microphone at the bottom of HansonandHunt.com. SPONSOR Brandpoint EPISODE SUMMARY The lessons from NPR's departure from X The stories leaders need to tell Spotlight: The Tank Museum The weirdness of LinkedIn Edelman’s 2023 Future of Corporate Communications study Closing: Phone etiquette Closing: Social media writing best practices webinar ARTICLES AND LINKS Six months ago NPR left Twitter. The effects have been negligible 5 types of stories leaders need to tell This museum has 300 tanks and over 100 million YouTube views It's not just you. LinkedIn has gotten really weird Edelman’s 2023 Future of Corporate Communications study Text first and never leave a voice mail Social media writing best practices webinar FOLLOW HANSON AND HUNT Show page - HansonandHunt.com Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts RSS feed SIGN UP FOR ARIK'S WEEKLY NEWSLETTER Subscribe MARKETING PODCAST NETWORK Hanson & Hunt is part of the Marketing Podcast Network, a community of like-minded podcasters in collaboration to offer advertisers a more effective and efficient way to reach prospective customers. Learn more at MarketingPodcasts.net. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We chat about Hootsuite's first-ever Social Media Career Report, which has some interesting insights on workload, salaries, mental health and more. We also share what stood out to us in Edelman's Trust at Work report. Plus, Chobani's "ghostwriter" job posting goes viral, an uptick in money spent on influencer marketing, and more! WHAT DO YOU THINK? We want to hear from you! Contact us with your comment about the topics we talk about in this episode. Or, are you looking for advice on some aspect of your communications or marketing work? Ask away! We may include your comment or question on next month's show.  Send us a message Record an audio comment or question, click the microphone at the bottom of HansonandHunt.com. SPONSOR Brandpoint EPISODE SUMMARY Edelman's Trust at Work report Hootsuite's Social Media Career Report Spotlight: 7-Eleven crushes Instagram with cars Chobani's "ghostwriter" job goes viral Big investments in influencer marketing Closing: Fake podcast video clips ARTICLES AND LINKS 2023 Edelman Trust Barometer Special Report: Trust at Work 2023 Social Media Career Report What’s it really like to work in social media? Hootsuite unveils the unfiltered realities of the modern social media manager How 7-Eleven's Instagram grew 600k from... cars? Hundreds of people applied to be a ghostwriter for a yogurt company CEO. The kicker — the job pays up to $278,400 a year The Hollywood strikes are a wake-up call that creators are bigger than social media New report finds that investment in influencer marketing is rising faster than traditional ads The weird rise of fake podcasts People are filming viral fake podcast clips to make whatever they’re saying or selling seem more credible FOLLOW HANSON AND HUNT Show page - HansonandHunt.com Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts RSS feed SIGN UP FOR ARIK'S WEEKLY NEWSLETTER Subscribe MARKETING PODCAST NETWORK Hanson & Hunt is part of the Marketing Podcast Network, a community of like-minded podcasters in collaboration to offer advertisers a more effective and efficient way to reach prospective customers. Learn more at MarketingPodcasts.net. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's time to think differently about your social media accounts. We discuss why a niche approach is in and scale is out. We also chat about one company's shoutout of their social media team in their latest earnings report. Plus, a job involving YouTube that we had no idea was so lucrative, why the dreaded calibration meeting could be holding you back in your career, and more! WHAT DO YOU THINK? We want to hear from you! Contact us with your comment about the topics we talk about in this episode. Or, are you looking for advice on some aspect of your communications or marketing work? Ask away! We may include your comment or question on next month's show.  Send us a message Record an audio comment or question, click the microphone at the bottom of HansonandHunt.com. SPONSOR Brandpoint EPISODE SUMMARY The splintering of social media How to evaluate your marketing channels Spotlight: YouTube thumbnail designers Duolingo salutes its social media team Crisis comms report Closing: Calibration meetings ARTICLES AND LINKS Social media is dead. Welcome to the swipe era How the pandemic changed marketing channels The CMO Survey AI comes for YouTube’s thumbnail industry Duolingo's Q2 earnings It's time to end unhinged social media The state of crisis comms according to the pros There's a secret reason you're not getting promoted FOLLOW HANSON AND HUNT Show page - HansonandHunt.com Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts RSS feed SIGN UP FOR ARIK'S WEEKLY NEWSLETTER Subscribe MARKETING PODCAST NETWORK Hanson & Hunt is part of the Marketing Podcast Network, a community of like-minded podcasters in collaboration to offer advertisers a more effective and efficient way to reach prospective customers. Learn more at MarketingPodcasts.net. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We discuss how going against the grain in social media starts with taking a data-driven approach. We also chat about what early-adopter brands are doing with Threads and how you should be thinking about it from a strategy perspective. Plus, is there any problem with having a side gig? The impact of the FTC's recent updates to its Endorsement Guides, and more! WHAT DO YOU THINK? We want to hear from you! Contact us with your comment about the topics we talk about in this episode. Or, are you looking for advice on some aspect of your communications or marketing work? Ask away! We may include your comment or question on next month's show.  Send us a message Record an audio comment or question, click the microphone at the bottom of HansonandHunt.com. SPONSOR Brandpoint EPISODE SUMMARY Tracking dark social Do a deep dive in your social media data Spotlight: Brand lessons from Barbie The FTC's updated Endorsement Guides Threads takes on Twitter Closing: Are side gigs ok? ARTICLES AND LINKS Dark Social in 2023: Here’s why (and how) you should track it How to be effective on social media - 5 things we learned from a data deep dive Your brand is Barbie Federal Trade Commission announces updated advertising guides to combat deceptive reviews and endorsements FTC publishes updated Endorsement Guides and proposed rule banning fake reviews Threads 101: A strategy guide for brands A comparative analysis: Twitter vs. Threads in terms of interactions How do you feel about your team members or colleagues having "side gigs"? FOLLOW HANSON AND HUNT Show page - HansonandHunt.com Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts RSS feed SIGN UP FOR ARIK'S WEEKLY NEWSLETTER Subscribe MARKETING PODCAST NETWORK Hanson & Hunt is part of the Marketing Podcast Network, a community of like-minded podcasters in collaboration to offer advertisers a more effective and efficient way to reach prospective customers. Learn more at MarketingPodcasts.net. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We discuss a great report from Reuters on how people are getting and interacting with news from social media. We also chat about a growing call for organizations to produce and post less content. Plus, the rise of the bored work colleague, Arik shares his story of getting suspended by Twitter, and more! WHAT DO YOU THINK? We want to hear from you! Contact us with your comment about the topics we talk about in this episode. Or, are you looking for advice on some aspect of your communications or marketing work? Ask away! We may include your comment or question on next month's show.  Send us a message Record an audio comment or question, click the microphone at the bottom of HansonandHunt.com. SPONSOR Brandpoint EPISODE SUMMARY The 2023 State of Social Media Reuters examines social media news habits Spotlight: Saucony sponsors nurses How much content is too much? UGC vs. influencers Closing: The "jobless employed" Closing: Twitter suspended Arik! ARTICLES AND LINKS The 2023 State of Social Media: AI & data take center stage New report looks at social media posting and news consumption trends in 2023 Why Saucony is sponsoring healthcare workers How much content is too much? Agencies are starting to ask that question New report suggests that consumers are far more swayed by UGC than influencers How some people get away with doing nothing at work Arik was booted from Twitter! FOLLOW HANSON AND HUNT Show page - HansonandHunt.com Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts RSS feed SIGN UP FOR ARIK'S WEEKLY NEWSLETTER Subscribe MARKETING PODCAST NETWORK Hanson & Hunt is part of the Marketing Podcast Network, a community of like-minded podcasters in collaboration to offer advertisers a more effective and efficient way to reach prospective customers. Learn more at MarketingPodcasts.net. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We talk about Bud Light's marketing mess and the lessons we all can learn from it. We also spend some time on USC's 2023 Global Communication Report, which focuses on the state of corporate reputation. Plus, what PR managers want in an employee, and more! WHAT DO YOU THINK? We want to hear from you! Contact us with your comment about the topics we talk about in this episode. Or, are you looking for advice on some aspect of your communications or marketing work? Ask away! We may include your comment or question on next month's show.  Send us a message Record an audio comment or question, click the microphone at the bottom of HansonandHunt.com. SPONSOR Brandpoint EPISODE SUMMARY New data on PR pitches to journalists  The metaverse is dead Spotlight: Bud Light gets a beatdown 2023 Global Communication Report The content potential of comments Closing: Preferred skills and mindset of new PR hires ARTICLES AND LINKS Propel Q2 Media Barometer reveals journalist responses overall are still under 3% RIP Metaverse Hold the postmortem: The metaverse was never alive in the first place 'Not a formal campaign': Anheuser-Busch distanced itself from the Bud Light controversy — says it was one camp, one post, one influencer. But is it enough to win back drinkers? Bud Light’s ad backlash shows the complexity of mass marketing 2023 Global Communication Report from the USC Center for Public Relations Six ways to ensure brand reputation Why comments are the new creative brief What PR managers want in an employee FOLLOW HANSON AND HUNT Show page - HansonandHunt.com Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts RSS feed SIGN UP FOR ARIK'S WEEKLY NEWSLETTER Subscribe MARKETING PODCAST NETWORK Hanson & Hunt is part of the Marketing Podcast Network, a community of like-minded podcasters in collaboration to offer advertisers a more effective and efficient way to reach prospective customers. Learn more at MarketingPodcasts.net. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Documentaries and brand films are just two examples of long-form videos that many companies are producing. We talk about why organizations are creating them, how you can know if they're right for you and how you can create them. Also this month, Twitter melts down again. Should you or your company pay to get a blue check next to your username? Plus, we call BS on a couple commonly held assumptions in social media and marketing. Also, an aquarium’s successful made-up social media theme week, and more! WHAT DO YOU THINK? We want to hear from you! Contact us with your comment about the topics we talk about in this episode. Or, are you looking for advice on some aspect of your communications or marketing work? Ask away! We may include your comment or question on next month's show.  Send us a message Record an audio comment or question, click the microphone at the bottom of HansonandHunt.com. SPONSOR Brandpoint EPISODE SUMMARY Top story: Long-form video Spotlight: 'Shrimp Week' Quick News & Quick Takes: Twitter melts down again Quick News & Quick Takes: Creating multidisciplinary marketing teams Quick News & Quick Takes: PwC’s 2023 Trust Survey Q&A: Commonly held assumptions in our work that are complete BS Closing: Lemon8 Closing: Social Media Breakfast MSP ARTICLES AND LINKS How video consumption is changing in 2023 The art of video storytelling and why it matters for your marketing Documentary shorts: The medium for communicating brand values today The 9 best examples of video storytelling Dick's Sporting Goods: 75for75 Grant Recipient/ Westinghouse Football Lynn Melling/515 Productions Monterey Bay Aquarium's ‘Shrimp Week' is a really big deal Twitter failed to scare legacy verified accounts into paying for Twitter Blue Should your business buy Twitter's $1,000 gold checkmark? Modern marketing: Six capabilities for multidisciplinary teams PwC’s 2023 Trust Survey What’s a commonly held assumption in your industry that is complete BS, but no one ever says it?  TikTok owner’s Lemon8 has vaulted into one of America’s most popular apps  Social Media Breakfast - Minneapolis/St. Paul FOLLOW HANSON AND HUNT Show page - HansonandHunt.com Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts RSS feed SIGN UP FOR ARIK'S WEEKLY NEWSLETTER Subscribe MARKETING PODCAST NETWORK Hanson & Hunt is part of the Marketing Podcast Network, a community of like-minded podcasters in collaboration to offer advertisers a more effective and efficient way to reach prospective customers. Learn more at MarketingPodcasts.net. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We all know that social media is getting more fragmented. What the platforms used to be isn't what they are today. And we're all spending our time in more places. So it's time to take a fresh look at how your organization should use its social channels. We offer up five social media truths for 2023. Also this month, is it ok to apply for a marketing or comms job if you don’t meet all the requirements? Plus, why your social media policy for employees might be due for an update. Also, a new report that will help you get your CEO setup for success on LinkedIn, troubling changes to our work relationships, and more! WHAT DO YOU THINK? We want to hear from you! Contact us with your comment about the topics we talk about in this episode. Or, are you looking for advice on some aspect of your communications or marketing work? Ask away! We may include your comment or question on next month's show.  Send us a message Record an audio comment or question, click the microphone at the bottom of HansonandHunt.com. SPONSOR Brandpoint EPISODE SUMMARY Top story: Social media fragmentation Brandpoint report: The Future of the PR Industry Spotlight: Nissan uses TikTok’s BeReal lookalike Quick News & Quick Takes: 'Invisible' CEOs on LinkedIn Quick News & Quick Takes: Update your social media policy Quick News & Quick Takes: A key year for internal communications Q&A: Do you apply to a job even if you don't meet every skill requirement? Closing: Have we forgotten how to be in work relationships? Closing: SMBMSP is back   Closing: Join Arik at the MN IABC Convergence Summit ARTICLES AND LINKS Digiday series: Social Media Fragmentation Arik's webinar: 10 pragmatic social media marketing trends to pay attention to in 2023 The Future of the PR Industry: 2023 Research Report Nissan brings TikTok’s BeReal lookalike to March Madness The Digital Reputation Report: Tracking CEOs on LinkedIn BBC to review social media rules for all staff in bid to resolve Gary Lineker row Employers plan to hit reset on internal communication strategies in 2023 Do you apply to a job even if you don't meet every skill requirement? Have we forgotten how to be in work relationships? Register for SMBMSP: 10 social media trends you should be tracking in 2023 Register for the MN IABC Convergence Summit FOLLOW HANSON AND HUNT Show page - HansonandHunt.com Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts RSS feed SIGN UP FOR ARIK'S WEEKLY NEWSLETTER Subscribe MARKETING PODCAST NETWORK Hanson & Hunt is part of the Marketing Podcast Network, a community of like-minded podcasters in collaboration to offer advertisers a more effective and efficient way to reach prospective customers. Learn more at MarketingPodcasts.net. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We offer our thoughts on generative AI and ChatGPT, advice for how to use it in the content marketing and social media space and how to get your teams thinking about its possibilities. Also this month, why is it still so difficult for some brands to go dark on social? Plus, the best time to go with an agency or a solo consultant. Also, a new "de-influencing" trend, the strategist behind a big brand on TikTok takes on their critics, and more! WHAT DO YOU THINK? We want to hear from you! Contact us with your comment about the topics we talk about in this episode. Or, are you looking for advice on some aspect of your communications or marketing work? Ask away! We may include your comment or question on next month's show.  Send us a message Record an audio comment or question, click the microphone at the bottom of HansonandHunt.com. SPONSOR Brandpoint EPISODE SUMMARY Top story: Generative AI and ChatGPT Spotlight: Red Wing Shoes partners with youth artists Quick News & Quick Takes: Going dark on social media Quick News & Quick Takes: The 2023 Edelman Trust Barometer Quick News & Quick Takes: De-influencing on TikTok Q&A: When do you need an agency and when do you need a consultant? Closing: Insight on Duolingo's social media strategy Arik's workshop: Discover social media trends for 2023 ARTICLES AND LINKS ChatGPT Beyond the basics: 20 non-obvious uses of ChatGPT for marketing AI writer and AI design tools for marketers AI, our new creative collaborator How to use AI writing tools in content marketing The real reason so many creators worry about ChatGPT and generative AI Red Wing Heritage’s latest student-led capsule collection honors the arts and local community Red Wing Shoes and Juxtaposition Arts When should your brand go dark on social media? The 2023 Edelman Trust Barometer De-influencing is TikTok’s response to overconsumption and inauthenticity Zaria Parvez of Duolingo shares insights on their social media strategy Wanted: Interns who can make TikTok hits Hot new job: Chief TikTok officer (LinkedIn thread) Signup for Arik's workshop (2/22/23): Discover social media trends for 2023 Social media is constantly changing, and the way your company uses it also must shift FOLLOW HANSON AND HUNT Show page - HansonandHunt.com Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts RSS feed SIGN UP FOR ARIK'S WEEKLY NEWSLETTER Subscribe MARKETING PODCAST NETWORK Hanson & Hunt is part of the Marketing Podcast Network, a community of like-minded podcasters in collaboration to offer advertisers a more effective and efficient way to reach prospective customers. Learn more at MarketingPodcasts.net. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you noticed who is the face of your favorite brands on TikTok? Sometimes, it's an employee. We talk about some examples of this trend, the risks, and what you should consider if your brand wants to hire an in-house creator. Also this month, humor is on the way out in marketing. Plus, do you need to be active personally on social media to be hired for a social job? Also, a backlash against what some people call the "stuffy and fake" feel of LinkedIn, one company’s drastic move to reduce meetings, and more! WHAT DO YOU THINK? We want to hear from you! Contact us with your comment about the topics we talk about in this episode. Or, are you looking for advice on some aspect of your communications or marketing work? Ask away! We may include your comment or question on next month's show.  Send us a message Record an audio comment or question, click the microphone at the bottom of HansonandHunt.com. SPONSOR Brandpoint EPISODE SUMMARY Top story: In-house creators Spotlight: A ChatGPT commercial with Ryan Reynolds Quick News & Quick Takes: CCO outlook for 2023 Quick News & Quick Takes: The decline of humorous brand messaging Quick News & Quick Takes: 'Shitposting' on LinkedIn Q&A: Do you need to be active on social media personally to get a social media job? Closing: Shopify's “calendar purge” ARTICLES AND LINKS How Gen Z social media managers became the new CMOs Social media managers are becoming the main character What happens when a brand’s TikTok personality leaves? Kwik Trip's TikTok Ryan Reynolds used ChatGPT to make a Mint Mobile ad, and the results were ‘mildly terrifying’ The CCO’s Distinct Outlook on 2023 What types of brand messaging appeal to Americans? People are shitposting on LinkedIn now Shopify is conducting a “calendar purge” Shopify combats the meeting madness FOLLOW HANSON AND HUNT Show page - HansonandHunt.com Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts RSS feed SIGN UP FOR ARIK'S WEEKLY NEWSLETTER Subscribe MARKETING PODCAST NETWORK Hanson & Hunt is part of the Marketing Podcast Network, a community of like-minded podcasters in collaboration to offer advertisers a more effective and efficient way to reach prospective customers. Learn more at MarketingPodcasts.net. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Does influencer marketing really pay off? We’ll look at how you can make the most of your influencer partnerships. Also this month, remember when Lush quit Facebook and a few other social channels? How have they done without them? Plus, the things that annoy PR pros about journalists and vice versa. Also, the importance of making data-driven decisions in comms and marketing, a listener question about salaries for social media jobs, and more! WHAT DO YOU THINK? We want to hear from you! Contact us with your comment about the topics we talk about in this episode. Or, are you looking for advice on some aspect of your communications or marketing work? Ask away! We may include your comment or question on next month's show.  Send us a message Record an audio comment or question, click the microphone at the bottom of HansonandHunt.com. SPONSOR Brandpoint EPISODE SUMMARY Talking Point: Does influencer marketing really pay off? Spotlight: Looking back at Lush's decision to quit some social channels Quick News & Quick Takes: Why it's time to get serious about data Quick News & Quick Takes: Aligning internal and external comms Quick News & Quick Takes: Content marketing trends for 2023 Q&A: Salaries of social media jobs Closing: What annoys PR pros and journalists about each other? ARTICLES AND LINKS Does influencer marketing really pay off? Lush has no regrets about quitting Instagram and Facebook The hard skills gap we continue to ignore (essay in the 2023 Relevance Report) 2023 is the year when internal and external communications align 80+ content marketing trends for success in 2023 We’re simply not paying our social talent nearly enough 18 ways PR people piss off journalists 12 ways journalists piss off PR people FOLLOW HANSON AND HUNT Show page - HansonandHunt.com Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts RSS feed SIGN UP FOR ARIK'S WEEKLY NEWSLETTER Subscribe MARKETING PODCAST NETWORK Hanson & Hunt is part of the Marketing Podcast Network, a community of like-minded podcasters in collaboration to offer advertisers a more effective and efficient way to reach prospective customers. Learn more at MarketingPodcasts.net. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What should your organization be thinking about when it comes to Twitter? Should you stay or go? Also this month, audio content continues to make an impact, a new resource from Tik Tok filled with good advice for marketers, and what consumers expect your CEO to say and do. We also have a listener question about how to choose a host for a company podcast, and more! WHAT DO YOU THINK? We want to hear from you! Contact us with your comment about the topics we talk about in this episode. Or, are you looking for advice on some aspect of your communications or marketing work? Ask away! We may include your comment or question on next month's show.  Send us a message Record an audio comment or question, click the microphone at the bottom of HansonandHunt.com. SPONSOR Brandpoint EPISODE SUMMARY Intro Talking Point: Time to leave Twitter?  Spotlight: Popeyes trolls the Timberwolves Quick News & Quick Takes: 2022 Spoken Word Audio Report Quick News & Quick Takes: TikTok's new resource for marketers Quick News & Quick Takes: Morning Consult report on consumer expectations of CEOs Q&A: How to choose a podcast host Closing: Apologies on social media ARTICLES AND LINKS Musk buying Twitter perfect chance for brands to abandon platform once and for all What marketers want from a Twitter reimagined by Musk Why Elon Musk might be the best thing that ever happened to Twitter Brandpoint: In the know on the top PR trends for 2023 Tweet from Popeyes referencing Karl-Anthony Towns The spoken word audio report 2022 from NPR and Edison Research New resource for businesses from TikTok What consumers expect from CEOs The case against the Twitter apology FOLLOW HANSON AND HUNT Show page - HansonandHunt.com Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts RSS feed SIGN UP FOR ARIK'S WEEKLY NEWSLETTER Subscribe MARKETING PODCAST NETWORK Hanson & Hunt is part of the Marketing Podcast Network, a community of like-minded podcasters in collaboration to offer advertisers a more effective and efficient way to reach prospective customers. Learn more at MarketingPodcasts.net. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The social media platforms, and marketers, are prioritizing short-form and live video. We’ll offer some ideas to help your organization tap into the trend. Also this month, the lack of a career path in content marketing. Plus, what could you do with nine people assigned to your Instagram account? We also have a listener question about how to handle being called 'the social media intern.' Arik defends his stance on the decline of grammar. Plus, get the details on a Minneapolis Hanson & Hunt listener meet-up, and more. ***MINNEAPOLIS LISTENER MEET-UP*** Register for a Hanson & Hunt listener meet-up in Minneapolis on 11/3/22 WHAT DO YOU THINK? We want to hear from you! Contact us with your comment about the topics we talk about in this episode. Or, are you looking for advice on some aspect of your communications or marketing work? Ask away! We may include your comment or question on next month's show.  Send us a message Record an audio comment or question, click the microphone at the bottom of HansonandHunt.com. SPONSOR Brandpoint EPISODE SUMMARY Intro: Minneapolis Hanson & Hunt listener meet-up Talking Point: Short-form social video  Spotlight: A 9-person Instagram team at The Washington Post Quick News & Quick Takes: Content marketing careers Quick News & Quick Takes: Blogger survey Quick News & Quick Takes: The state of digital marketing budgets Q&A: How to end the 'social media intern' joke Closing: Should we give up on grammar? ARTICLES AND LINKS The 9 most important social media trends for 2022 Brands are driving higher reach and engagement by posting Instagram Reels How the Washington Post grew its Instagram following from 600K to 6M Content marketers share salaries, career paths, and more in 2023 New blogging statistics: What content strategies work in 2022? CMOs’ digital spend skews to paid over owned or earned media Give up on grammar FOLLOW HANSON AND HUNT Show page - HansonandHunt.com Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts RSS feed SIGN UP FOR ARIK'S WEEKLY NEWSLETTER Subscribe MARKETING PODCAST NETWORK Hanson & Hunt is part of the Marketing Podcast Network, a community of like-minded podcasters in collaboration to offer advertisers a more effective and efficient way to reach prospective customers. Learn more at MarketingPodcasts.net. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's time to end the thinking that leaders in comms, PR and marketing don't have business chops. We'll discuss earning and keeping the coveted seat at the table, at any point in your career. Also this month, the factors that might make you say no to working with an influencer. Plus, was a recent one word tweet trend worth the effort? And, a listener question about job candidates who dress down for their interviews, and more. WHAT DO YOU THINK? We want to hear from you! Contact us with your comment about the topics we talk about in this episode. Or, are you looking for advice on some aspect of your communications or marketing work? Ask away! We may include your comment or question on next month's show.  Send us a message Record an audio comment or question, click the microphone at the bottom of HansonandHunt.com. SPONSOR Brandpoint EPISODE SUMMARY Intro   Talking Point: Earning and keeping the seat at the table  Spotlight: A one word tweet trend Quick News & Quick Takes: The power of attention Quick News & Quick Takes: Red flags from influencers Quick News & Quick Takes: Top digital skills Q&A: Job candidates who dress down for interviews Closing: Boomerang employees are making big bucks Arik's upcoming webinar: Executives on LinkedIn ARTICLES AND LINKS Latest findings from PwC’s Pulse Survey of CMOs and marketing leaders Understanding the value of PR: Is it time to look for those MBAs? PR measurement: Metrics to use for success Amtrak tweeted “Trains” and it makes sense cause social media managers are ready for a holiday weekend Marketers should pay more attention to attention The five tells that mean you should pass on hiring an influencer Digital most in-demand skill amid ‘techification’ of marketing, study finds Boomerang employees making more $ Bolstering your executive’s LinkedIn presence in 5 simple steps FOLLOW HANSON AND HUNT Show page - HansonandHunt.com Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts RSS feed SIGN UP FOR ARIK'S WEEKLY NEWSLETTER Subscribe MARKETING PODCAST NETWORK Hanson & Hunt is part of the Marketing Podcast Network, a community of like-minded podcasters in collaboration to offer advertisers a more effective and efficient way to reach prospective customers. Learn more at MarketingPodcasts.net. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What are your biggest challenges as a communicator? We'll discuss a new survey of your peers that tackles that, as well as the top comms activities this year. Also this month, the fallout from ‘the crying CEO.’ Plus, have we reached the point where a link included in a social media post is pointless? And, a listener question about the best way for a leader to share company news on LinkedIn, and more. WHAT DO YOU THINK? We want to hear from you! Contact us with your comment about the topics we talk about in this episode. Or, are you looking for advice on some aspect of your communications or marketing work? Ask away! We may include your comment or question on next month's show.  Send us a message Record an audio comment or question, click the microphone at the bottom of HansonandHunt.com. SPONSOR Brandpoint EPISODE SUMMARY Intro   Talking Point: Comms challenges, DE&I, outsourcing  Spotlight: The crying CEO Quick News & Quick Takes: Gen Z's social media shift Quick News & Quick Takes: Content helps B2B buyers Quick News & Quick Takes: Zero-click content Q&A: Best practices for execs sharing company news on LinkedIn ARTICLES AND LINKS The volume and variety of communications work is shifting, finds 5th annual survey of comms pros LinkedIn/Elizabeth Laukka CEO posts crying selfie on LinkedIn after laying off employees — and it goes viral Gen Z shapes new social media era Teens, Social Media and Technology 2022 Vast majority of B2B buyers say vendor content impacts purchase decision Zero-click content: The counterintuitive way to succeed in a platform-native world FOLLOW HANSON AND HUNT Show page - HansonandHunt.com Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts RSS feed SIGN UP FOR ARIK'S WEEKLY NEWSLETTER Subscribe MARKETING PODCAST NETWORK Hanson & Hunt is part of the Marketing Podcast Network, a community of like-minded podcasters in collaboration to offer advertisers a more effective and efficient way to reach prospective customers. Learn more at MarketingPodcasts.net. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does digital reputation really mean? We talk through some ideas for how communicators can help their organizations stand out. Also this month, what's going on with Radio Shack's Twitter account? Plus, how long it takes content creators to make it on their own. And, some advice for anyone just starting out in their comms or marketing career, and more. WHAT DO YOU THINK? We want to hear from you! Contact us with your comment about the topics we talk about in this episode. Or, are you looking for advice on some aspect of your communications or marketing work? Ask away! We may include your comment or question on next month's show.  Send us a message Record an audio comment or question (click the microphone at the bottom of HansonandHunt.com) SPONSOR Brandpoint EPISODE SUMMARY Intro   Talking Point: Building a real reputation online Spotlight: Radio Shack's shocking Twitter strategy Quick News & Quick Takes: Content creator survey Quick News & Quick Takes: Twitter Notes Quick News & Quick Takes: Why brands need to show up in their social comments Q&A: Advice for the college grad heading into the comms workplace Closing: Taking care of yourself during trying times ARTICLES AND LINKS There's only one thing no one can copy: you Meet the guy behind RadioShack’s horny Twitter account 2022 Creator Economy Benchmark Research Future Social newsletter Twitter Notes Half of consumers say they read social media comments to learn about brands Twitter thread from Michael Smart The pressure cooker we’re all sitting in FOLLOW HANSON AND HUNT Show page - HansonandHunt.com Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts RSS feed SIGN UP FOR ARIK'S WEEKLY NEWSLETTER Subscribe MARKETING PODCAST NETWORK Hanson & Hunt is part of the Marketing Podcast Network, a community of like-minded podcasters in collaboration to offer advertisers a more effective and efficient way to reach prospective customers. Learn more at MarketingPodcasts.net. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The threat of a recession, and what impact it could have, is something all marketers and communicators should be thinking about. We offer some ideas for your plans in the months and year ahead. Also this month, evidence of a possible shift to better work-life balance in PR. Plus, are email newsletter on the way out? And, Arik has some advice for getting leaders to use LinkedIn more often. WHAT DO YOU THINK? We want to hear from you! Contact us with your comment about the topics we talk about in this episode. Or, are you looking for advice on some aspect of your communications or marketing work? Ask away! We may include your comment or question on next month's show.  Send us a message Record an audio comment or question (click the microphone at the bottom of HansonandHunt.com) SPONSOR Brandpoint EPISODE SUMMARY Intro   Talking Point: Readying your comms for a recession Spotlight: Novel about the influencer life Quick News & Quick Takes: PR pros survey Quick News & Quick Takes: The social listening struggle Quick News & Quick Takes: Are email newsletters going to die? Q&A: Getting leaders to use LinkedIn more often ARTICLES AND LINKS ‘We all need things to work harder for us’: Marketers at Cannes are braced for a recession It's time to 'double down,' advises P&G's Marc Pritchard around economic slowdown A recession-proof content playbook for marketing leaders What's it like to be an influencer? Jenny Mollen dishes on free stuff and all the strings attached New Muck Rack survey: The State of PR 2022 The State of Social Listening in 2022 The collapse of the email newsletter is coming, long live the newsletter 5 creative tactics to get your executives posting more consistently on LinkedIn Workshop (June 29): Unlock strategies to bolster your LinkedIn presence FOLLOW HANSON AND HUNT Show page - HansonandHunt.com Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts RSS feed SIGN UP FOR ARIK'S WEEKLY NEWSLETTER Subscribe MARKETING PODCAST NETWORK Hanson & Hunt is part of the Marketing Podcast Network, a community of like-minded podcasters in collaboration to offer advertisers a more effective and efficient way to reach prospective customers. Learn more at MarketingPodcasts.net. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It might seem like your organization should be on every social media channel, but does it make strategic sense? We talk through some things to consider when evaluating adding a new channel. Also this month, a great idea to impress your boss, to show how your content and social media program has evolved. Plus, Arik has a more compelling way for your company's new hires to announce their big move on LinkedIn. WHAT DO YOU THINK? We want to hear from you! Contact us with your comment about the topics we talk about in this episode. Or, are you looking for advice on some aspect of your communications or marketing work? Ask away! We may include your comment or question on next month's show.  Send us a message Record an audio comment or question (click the microphone at the bottom of HansonandHunt.com) SPONSOR Brandpoint EPISODE SUMMARY Intro   Talking Point: How do you decide which channels to add? Spotlight: Goop's 'Luxury Diaper' Quick News & Quick Takes: Changes to the LinkedIn feed Quick News & Quick Takes: Avoiding 'Link rot' Quick News & Quick Takes: Show how your content program has evolved Q&A: Kevin has an update on his new job Closing: Arik's idea for companies to showcase new hires on LinkedIn ARTICLES AND LINKS Choosing the right social media channels for your business Goop 'Luxury Diaper' is, of course, a poorly-timed PR stunt Keeping your LinkedIn feed relevant and productive At least 66.5% of links to sites in the last 9 years are dead This is what a 15-year old content strategy looks like Employer branding idea for new hires FOLLOW HANSON AND HUNT Show page - HansonandHunt.com Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts RSS feed SIGN UP FOR ARIK'S WEEKLY NEWSLETTER Subscribe MARKETING PODCAST NETWORK Hanson & Hunt is part of the Marketing Podcast Network, a community of like-minded podcasters in collaboration to offer advertisers a more effective and efficient way to reach prospective customers. Learn more at MarketingPodcasts.net. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many brands employ a 'Let's have some fun' attitude on their social media accounts. But are some trying too hard to get attention? Also this month, tips for maximizing your owned media. Plus, TikTok sees an increase in people sharing their opinions as long-form commentary. And, Arik offers advice for fellow consultants on saying 'no' to clients you don't want to work with. WHAT DO YOU THINK? We want to hear from you! Contact us with your comment about the topics we talk about in this episode. Or, are you looking for advice on some aspect of your communications or marketing work? Ask away! We may include your comment or question on next month's show.  Send us a message Record an audio comment or question (click the microphone at the bottom of HansonandHunt.com) SPONSOR Brandpoint EPISODE SUMMARY Intro   Talking Point: Attention-grabbing social media posts Spotlight: Bud Light newsjacks the NBA Quick News & Quick Takes: How journalists use social Quick News & Quick Takes: Tips for maximizing your owned media Quick News & Quick Takes: The rise of commentary on TikTok Q&A: How to tell would-be clients 'no' ARTICLES AND LINKS Beer brand Pabst Blue Ribbon apologizes for NSFW tweet Southwest tweet about interns Patrick Beverley has hilarious sponsor opportunity with Bud Light New Muck Rack survey: The State of Journalism 2022 The nine things you need to do for owned media success The hottest trend on TikTok? In-depth analysis FOLLOW HANSON AND HUNT Show page - HansonandHunt.com Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts RSS feed SIGN UP FOR ARIK'S WEEKLY NEWSLETTER Subscribe MARKETING PODCAST NETWORK Hanson & Hunt is part of the Marketing Podcast Network, a community of like-minded podcasters in collaboration to offer advertisers a more effective and efficient way to reach prospective customers. Learn more at MarketingPodcasts.net. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Organizations of all types have been encouraging their employees to advocate on their behalf on their personal social media accounts for years. Are these programs effective? We run through some ideas for starting and growing social media advocacy programs. Also this month, what's impacting staff turnover in comms? Plus, is local TV news still effective for PR? And, advice for managing someone who is reluctant to return to your office. WHAT DO YOU THINK? We want to hear from you! Contact us with your comment about the topics we talk about in this episode. Or, are you looking for advice on some aspect of your communications or marketing work? Ask away! We may include your comment or question on next month's show.  Send us a message Record an audio comment or question (click the microphone at the bottom of HansonandHunt.com) SPONSOR Brandpoint EPISODE SUMMARY Intro   Talking Point: Employee advocacy programs  Spotlight: March Madness and NILs Quick News & Quick Takes: CCOs and comms turnover Quick News & Quick Takes: Top PR insights of 2021 Quick News & Quick Takes: Does local TV news need an overhaul? Q&A: Managing a reluctant return to the office ARTICLES AND LINKS Are employee social media advocacy programs really working? From employee to advocate: Mobilize your team to share your brand content What is employee advocacy and how do marketers win with it? Dollar Shave Club signs 'chin-fluencer' to NIL deal for March Madness Gartner survey finds 83% of Chief Communications Officers report growing influence among the C-Suite The top 17 public relations insights of 2021 CBS’s McMahon: Local news needs an overhaul FOLLOW HANSON AND HUNT Show page - HansonandHunt.com Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts RSS feed SIGN UP FOR ARIK'S WEEKLY NEWSLETTER Subscribe MARKETING PODCAST NETWORK Hanson & Hunt is part of the Marketing Podcast Network, a community of like-minded podcasters in collaboration to offer advertisers a more effective and efficient way to reach prospective customers. Learn more at MarketingPodcasts.net. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are a lot of reasons for an organization to use Twitter, Arik reveals what's on the top of his list. Also this month, can process and passion coexist in comms and marketing? Plus, a study that uncovers which roles and skills are wanted the most, and a report from TikTok that suggests the platform continues to inspire people to buy what they see from brands. And, is there a problem if someone wants to 'pick your brain' about your work? Plus, Kevin dares to criticize the Coinbase ad that many marketers thought was the best commercial during this year's Super Bowl. WHAT DO YOU THINK? We want to hear from you! Contact us with your comment about the topics we talk about in this episode. Or, are you looking for advice on some aspect of your communications or marketing work? Ask away! We may include your comment or question on next month's show.  Send us a message Record an audio comment or question (click the microphone at the bottom of HansonandHunt.com) SPONSOR Brandpoint EPISODE SUMMARY Intro   Talking Point: The best reason for an organization to use Twitter  Spotlight: Granfluencers Quick News & Quick Takes: Process and passion Quick News & Quick Takes: What roles and skills are in high demand? Quick News & Quick Takes: The path to purchase on TikTok Q&A: Should you let someone 'pick your brain'? Closing: Coinbase's Super Bowl ad ARTICLES AND LINKS Social media trends for 2022 Twitter users tire of 'sea of same' from brands Senior influencers, or "granfluencers," are smashing stereotypes and making big bucks as social media sensations Is your team run by marketers or bureaucrats? A third of brands hit by data and analytics skills gap TikTok shares new insights into the impact of TikTok clips in the purchase journey LinkedIn/Amber Naslund: Should you let people 'pick your brain'? FOLLOW HANSON AND HUNT Show page - HansonandHunt.com Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts RSS feed SIGN UP FOR ARIK'S WEEKLY NEWSLETTER Subscribe MARKETING PODCAST NETWORK Hanson & Hunt is part of the Marketing Podcast Network, a community of like-minded podcasters in collaboration to offer advertisers a more effective and efficient way to reach prospective customers. Learn more at MarketingPodcasts.net. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As consumers spend more time with user-generated content, on a variety of social channels, there are more opportunities for companies and brands to showcase it. Also this month, is cancel culture affecting brands? Plus, the cost of content production, and we address the mantra of 'fake it until you make it.' Is that good advice for your comms or marketing career? WHAT DO YOU THINK? We want to hear from you! Contact us with your comment about the topics we talk about in this episode. Or, are you looking for advice on some aspect of your communications or marketing work? Ask away! We may include your comment or question on next month's show.  Send us a message Record an audio comment or question (click the microphone at the bottom of HansonandHunt.com) SPONSOR Brandpoint EPISODE SUMMARY Intro   Talking Point: User-generated content  Spotlight: Starbucks teams up with Netflix Quick News & Quick Takes: Is cancel culture affecting brands? Quick News & Quick Takes: A mandate for internal comms Quick News & Quick Takes: The cost of content production Listener question: Should you 'fake it until you make it'? Closing ARTICLES AND LINKS User-generated content represents 39% of time spent with media New report finds social media video now sees as much consumption time as traditional TV Starbucks and Netflix team up on new social content series Cancel culture: Confusing, complex and contentious Five firefights: Where Internal Communication leaders need to shake things up in 2022 The average cost of a B2B content asset is $2,791 Half of companies outsource content, but quality is a persistent challenge Can we all just stop faking it? Arik's Jan. 26 webinar: Discover social media trends for 2022 FOLLOW HANSON AND HUNT Show page - HansonandHunt.com Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts RSS feed SIGN UP FOR ARIK'S WEEKLY NEWSLETTER Subscribe MARKETING PODCAST NETWORK Hanson & Hunt is part of the Marketing Podcast Network, a community of like-minded podcasters in collaboration to offer advertisers a more effective and efficient way to reach prospective customers. Learn more at MarketingPodcasts.net. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're grateful this month to be able to share some audio clips from several former journalists now working in communications and marketing, and have them talk about some challenges of making the move away from news and offer some advice for those thinking about it. Really interesting perspective! Also this month, new data on how long your content performs on the most popular channels. Plus, Pinterest's 2022 trends, Kevin's lessons for communicators from the Disney+ doc "Get Back," and a listener question about wanting to leave a new job soon after starting it.WHAT DO YOU THINK?We want to hear from you! Contact us with your comment about the topics we talk about in this episode. Or, are you looking for advice on some aspect of your communications or marketing work? Ask away! We may include your comment or question on next month's show.  Send a message, comment or question Record an audio comment or question (click the microphone at the bottom of HansonandHunt.com) SPONSORBrandpointEPISODE SUMMARY Intro   1:15 - Talking Point: Former journalists in communications  31:00 - Spotlight: Lessons from "Get Back" 35:35 - Quick News & Quick Takes: How long does content really perform? 37:10 - Quick News & Quick Takes: Pinterest's 2022 trends 38:20 - Quick News & Quick Takes: Pandemic challenges for marketers 40:00 - Listener question: Advice for someone who just started a PR job they hate Closing ARTICLES AND LINKSU.S. newsroom employment has fallen 26% since 2008How to adapt your skills when switching from journalism to the dark sideHow to transition from journalism to marketingCommon misconceptions about switching from journalism to PRWhat journalists should know before switching to PRHow long does your content last?Pinterest Predicts: The 2022 trends your audience will loveLevel up your digital marketing in 2022FOLLOW HANSON AND HUNTShow page - HansonandHunt.comApple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsRSS feedSign up for Arik's weekly newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You can learn a lot about social media - from the person who manages it for your organization. So what should you ask them? We have a few questions to bring to them. Also this month, channel data in the 2021 Global Comms Report from Cision and PRWeek. Plus, what's working right now on Instagram? Also, the importance of analytics and PR, and a listener question about getting off to a good start as a first-time manager.WHAT DO YOU THINK?We want to hear from you! Contact us with your comment about the topics we talk about in this episode. Or, are you looking for advice on some aspect of your communications or marketing work? Ask away! We may include your comment or question on next month's show.  Send a message, comment or question Record an audio comment or question (click the microphone at the bottom of HansonandHunt.com) SPONSORBrandpointEPISODE SUMMARY Intro   1:00 - Talking Point: Questions to ask your social media manager  18:40 - Spotlight: Deluxe takes its purpose to TV 20:20 - Quick News & Quick Takes: Cision/PRWeek 2021 Global Comms Report 22:40 - Quick News & Quick Takes: Analytics and PR 26:20  - Quick News & Quick Takes: What works on Instagram? 29:45 - Listener question: Advice for a new manager Closing ARTICLES AND LINKS10 questions you should ask your social media managerSmall Business Revolution Season 6: Minneapolis and St. Paul, MinnesotaDeluxe to launch sixth and final season of Small Business Revolution seriesCision/PRWeek 2021 Global Comms ReportThe intersection of analytics and PR is too critical to ignoreCarousel posts becoming more popular for brands on InstagramFOLLOW HANSON AND HUNTShow page - HansonandHunt.comApple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsRSS feedSign up for Arik's weekly newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why is there so much crappy thought leadership content out there? We talk about that and what B2B and B2C brands could do to improve it. Also this month, Arik clues you into what he's telling his clients about their reliance on Facebook. Plus, an interesting report on the future of corporate communications, key findings from an annual blogging survey, and a listener question about the potential for ageism in the hybrid and remote work environment.WHAT DO YOU THINK?We want to hear from you! Contact us with your comment about the topics we talk about in this episode. Or, are you looking for advice on some aspect of your communications or marketing work? Ask away! We may include your comment or question on next month's show.  Send a message, comment or question Record an audio comment or question (click the microphone at the bottom of HansonandHunt.com) SPONSORBrandpointEPISODE SUMMARY Intro   :55 - Talking Point: How to improve thought leadership content 9:30 - Spotlight: Arby's rewards RBs 11:05 - Quick News & Quick Takes: Is Facebook still viable for brands? 13:45 - Quick News & Quick Takes: Future of Corporate Communications Study 17:05 - Quick News & Quick Takes: Orbit Media's annual blogging survey 20:55 - Listener question: Will remote and hybrid work lead to more ageism? Closing ARTICLES AND LINKS2021 LinkedIn-Edelman B2B Thought Leadership Impact ReportMarket oversaturated with 'poor-quality' thought leadershipArby's will pay college running backs to declare 'Tonight, I'm getting Arby's!'Is Facebook becoming a liability for brands?2021 Future of Corporate Communications StudySurvey of 1067 bloggers shows which content strategies are working in 2021What’s Next for Content Marketing?FOLLOW HANSON AND HUNTShow page - HansonandHunt.comApple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsRSS feedSign up for Arik's weekly newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Those who create content for blogs and websites are well aware their traffic hasn't been the same for several years. We discuss a post that tees us up for how you can try and break through – perhaps with email newsletters, influencers and employees. And we get into it a bit about the notion that you need to create and distribute your best content possible, all the time. Also this month, a monster of a brand anniversary, the often forgotten truth of 'the long tail' of content marketing, plus a listener question about the job titles you see in communications job postings.WHAT DO YOU THINK?We want to hear from you! Contact us with your comment about the topics we talk about in this episode. Or, are you looking for advice on some aspect of your communications or marketing work? Ask away! We may include your comment or question on next month's show.  Send a message, comment or question Record an audio comment or question (click the microphone at the bottom of HansonandHunt.com) SPONSORBrandpointEPISODE SUMMARY Intro   1:05 - Talking Point: Content publishing challenges 15:35 - Spotlight: A monster of an anniversary 17:55 - Quick News & Quick Takes: What many marketers get wrong 21:25 - Quick News & Quick Takes: The “State of Marketing” report 23:45 - Quick News & Quick Takes: Respecting content's role in the organization 27:55 - Listener question: How do you make sense of job titles in job postings? Closing ARTICLES AND LINKSThe incentives to publish no longer reward the web’s creatorsThe remaking of The Mash: A Monster MiracleYour obsession with demand gen is going to suffocate your B2B marketing“State of Marketing” report from SalesforceContent’s defining problem (and how to solve it)FOLLOW HANSON AND HUNTShow page - HansonandHunt.comApple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsRSS feedSign up for Arik's weekly newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 'return to the office' might be delayed again for many organizations but comms plans still have to be in place for the hybrid workforce. We discuss some things to consider and the challenges of the future workplace. Also this month, we salute the Mayo Clinic for a social media milestone, provide some tips for thought leadership, and more.WHAT DO YOU THINK?We want to hear from you! Contact us with your comment about the topics we talk about in this episode. Or, are you looking for advice on some aspect of your communications or marketing work? Ask away! We may include your comment or question on next month's show.  Send a message, comment or question Record an audio comment or question (click the microphone at the bottom of HansonandHunt.com) SPONSORBrandpointEPISODE SUMMARY Intro   1:15 - Talking Point: Planning for a hybrid workforce 19:20 - Spotlight: Mayo Clinic's social media legacy 21:20 - Quick News & Quick Takes: Challenges of thought leadership 27:20 - Quick News & Quick Takes: YouTube for brands 31:40 - Listener question: How should you respond to customer complaints on Twitter? Closing ARTICLES AND LINKSBig disconnect at the office? Most managers say remote workers are ‘more easily replaceable’What employees are saying about the future of remote workThe Mayo Clinic Center for Social Media and Social Media Health NetworkWhat thought leaders have in common8 reasons why a YouTube channel is a requirement for your brandThe Car MomWhy you shouldn’t engage with customer complaints on TwitterFOLLOW HANSON AND HUNTShow page - HansonandHunt.comApple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsRSS feedSign up for Arik's weekly newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Measurement of your communications efforts and programs is tricky. There's a lot you could track. So what should you pay attention to? From data dashboards to content scoring and focus groups, we talk through some ways to get smarter about your metrics and reporting. Also this month, we look at what Pfizer did to get the word out and build trust in their COVID-19 vaccine, how companies are now working with NCAA athletes, what defines "best-in-class" brand social media activity, and more.WHAT DO YOU THINK?We want to hear from you! Contact us with your comment about the topics we talk about in this episode. Or, are you looking for advice on some aspect of your communications or marketing work? Ask away! We may include your comment or question on next month's show.  Send a message, comment or question Record an audio comment or question (click the microphone at the bottom of HansonandHunt.com) SPONSORBrandpointEPISODE SUMMARY Intro   1:45 - Talking Point: Measurement challenges and advice 21:50 - Spotlight: How Pfizer won the vaccine PR game 25:45 - Quick News & Quick Takes: NCAA athletes are making influencer deals 29:20 - Quick News & Quick Takes: What makes a brand best-in-class in social? 32:10 - Listener question: What business email alternative will emerge? Closing ARTICLES AND LINKSLook at analytics to know what your audience really thinks about your contentBusinesses value the role of PR and communications more than everPfizer's vaccine branding victory delivers lessons for marketers everywhereLet's make a deal: NCAA athletes cashing in on name, image and likenessNew research shows social media has created a more competitive landscape for brandsCould Gen Z free the world from email?Digital Summit MinneapolisFOLLOW HANSON AND HUNTShow page - HansonandHunt.comApple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsRSS feedSign up for Arik's weekly newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our June 2021 episode includes:Social media advice for 2021 (:55)Guest: Jen Hartmann, John Deere (13:15)Spotlight: The Carolina Panthers and social engagement (32:55)FleishmanHillard's Authenticity Gap study (34:40)Brand films (39:40)Listener question: How should I network post-pandemic? (45:05)LINKSTALKING POINTFocus more on Facebook, customer service efforts on social in 2021Why you need a content mission statementJen Hartmann, John Deere (LinkedIn / Twitter)Jen Hartmann's tweet about how "we're all just getting started"SPOTLIGHTCarolina Panthers/Social engagement on FacebookQUICK NEWS & QUICK TAKESFleishmanHillard Authenticity Gap study reveals brands are failing on nearly half of what consumers expect of themThe 2021 Authenticity Gap (PDF)Why big companies like DoorDash, 3M and HP are making filmsLISTENER QUESTIONPost-pandemic networkingCLOSINGThese common grammar mistakes make you’re* company look dumbHow grammar mistakes influence people’s perceptions of companiesMORE INFORMATIONHansonandHunt.comApple Podcasts pageSpotify pageSign up for Arik's weekly emailContact Hanson & HuntSPONSORBrandpoint Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our May 2021 episode includes:State of Writing in 2021 (1:00)Guest: Sarah Mitchell, Typeset (4:40)Spotlight: Alaska Air's boomer hype house (21:00)Ragan’s Communications Benchmark Report (24:30)Altimeter's 2021 State of Digital Content (27:30)Listener question: Should I start a business blog? (32:15)LINKSTALKING POINTState of Writing in 2021: Writing is hardHave content marketers thrown in the towel?Sarah Mitchell, TypesetSPOTLIGHTHow Alaska Air came to focus on a boomer hype house for its latest marketing flairQUICK NEWS & QUICK TAKESThe role of communications pros expands dramatically amid relentless global crisesAltimeter: The 2021 State of Digital ContentMORE INFORMATIONHansonandHunt.comApple Podcasts pageSpotify pageSign up for Arik's weekly emailSPONSORBrandpoint Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our April 2021 episode includes:Executive use of LinkedIn (:50)Guest: Lee Odden, TopRank Marketing (6:15)Spotlight: Dove leads on diversity (27:45)The State of Journalism 2021 (29:10)Corporate email study (33:50)Listener question: Brands and Clubhouse (38:50)LINKSTALKING POINTLearn why and how executives should become active on social mediaWebinar: The Business of Executive Thought LeadershipBrandfluence – Why growing executive influence is essential for B2B marketingHow to become a LinkedIn thought leader in 9 easy stepsGeorgia voting law: Business reactsLinkedIn publishes new guide to key content trends amid COVID-19Lee Odden, TopRank MarketingSPOTLIGHTDove offers to pay other brands to diversify their adsQUICK NEWS & QUICK TAKESNew Muck Rack survey: The State of Journalism 2021Corporate email: Too much of too muchMORE INFORMATIONHansonandHunt.comApple Podcasts pageSpotify pageSign up for Arik's weekly emailSPONSORBrandpoint Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our March 2021 episode includes:The 2021 Infinite Dial Report (:50)Guest: Tom Webster, Edison Research (8:00)Spotlight: Viral drone video (24:50)Gallagher's State of the Sector 2021 (28:50)NFTs and marketing (33:05)Listener question: Getting your audience to your blog (37:25)LINKSTALKING POINTThe Infinite Dial 2021The state of podcast listening for 2021/Podcasting finds a wayThe future of social audio: Startups, roadmap, business models and a forecastTom Webster, Edison ResearchSPOTLIGHTThe viral Bryant Lake Bowl drone videoMotorcycle ride inside Rosedale CenterQUICK NEWS & QUICK TAKESState of the Sector 2021The brands are at it again, Taco Bell is hopping on the NFT trainWhat's an NFT? And why are people paying millions to buy them?Why the NFT craze is a bubble waiting to popMORE INFORMATIONHansonandHunt.comApple Podcasts pageSpotify pageSign up for Arik's weekly emailSPONSORBrandpoint Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our February 2021 episode includes:The state of influencer marketing (1:05)Guest: Jason Falls, "Winfluence" (9:10)Spotlight: New Zealand tells tourists to stop copying other people's photos (30:15)What marketers need to know about Clubhouse (33:00)Pandemic changes for B2C content marketers (37:20)Listener question: Social media and executives (40:10)LINKSTALKING POINT10 influencer marketing stats for 2021What marketers need to know about influencer marketing in 2021Jason Falls, "Winfluence"Does "Fake Famous" miss the boat on influencers?SPOTLIGHTNew Zealand tells tourists to stop copying other people's travel photosQUICK NEWS & QUICK TAKESClubhouse app for business, what marketers need to knowB2C content marketers, get ready for more responsibility in 2021MORE INFORMATIONHansonandHunt.comApple Podcasts pageSpotify pageSubscribe to Arik's weekly emailSPONSORBrandpoint Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our January 2021 episode includes:The PESO Model (1:25)Guest: Gini Dietrich, Spin Sucks (7:40)Spotlight: Dairy Queen employee on TikTok (19:15)How employee comms can help fight change fatigue (22:05)Digital marketing trends for 2021 (24:25)Listener question: How should brands approach social media during breaking/developing news? (26:40)LINKSTALKING POINTWhy communicators must (finally) embrace the PESO Model12 Days of Christmas: Eight communications podcastsSpin SucksSPONSOR EVENTS"Bringing the Civil Back Into Civil Discourse: What PR Professionals Need to Know and Do"PR North - Winter EditionSPOTLIGHTAncaster teen gains TikTok fame with viral Dairy Queen videosQUICK NEWS & QUICK TAKESWhy change fatigue from 2020 threatens the business changes needed to survive 20217 digital marketing trends of focus for 2021CLOSINGDo older PR pros ignore influencer marketing?9 social media trends every marketer must know for 2021: A conversation with Arik HansonMORE INFORMATIONHansonandHunt.comApple Podcasts pageSpotify pageSubscribe to Arik's weekly emailSPONSORS   BrandpointMinnesota PRSA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our December 2020 episode, we discuss:Pinterest's "soon-to-be trending" report (4:00)Short-form content (6:50)Comms predictions for 2021 (7:30)Spotlight: KFC's sexy Colonel Sanders movie (10:10)The state of brand journalism (14:20)PRWeek and Cision's Comms Report (30:05)The interview questions job candidates hate (39:50)INTRO SEGMENT12 Days of Christmas: Eight communications podcasts QUICK NEWS & QUICK TAKESPinterest predicts: The soon-to-be trending report for 2021Consumers are obsessed with feel-good short-form content right now9 comms predictions for 2021SPOTLIGHTWhy KFC is pushing a sexy Colonel Sanders movieFull movieTALKING POINTSWhy and how companies are turning to brand journalismPRWeek and Cision's fourth annual Comms ReportFacebook is dead (It just doesn’t know it yet)These are the interview questions candidates hate the most5 new questions hiring managers are asking in interviews nowMORE INFORMATIONHansonandHunt.comApple Podcasts pageSpotify pageSubscribe to Arik's weekly emailSPONSORS   BrandpointMinnesota PRSA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arik and Kevin interview Blois Olson of fluence media. He shares his insights on the political landscape, social media, the impact of COVID-19 on communications, 2021 planning, local media and PR, the benefits of email newsletters and more.LINKSBlois Olson (LinkedIn and Twitter)fluence mediafluence media email newslettersUPCOMING EVENTSocial Media Trends to Watch in 2021: A Conversation with Arik HansonMORE INFORMATIONTheTalkingPointsPodcast.comApple Podcasts pageSpotify pageSubscribe to Arik's weekly emailSPONSORBrandpoint Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our November 2020 episode, we discuss:The 2021 Relevance Report from the USC Center for Public Relations (4:00)The latest IGTV research (7:50)How brands are using sports Twitter to connect with fans (9:50)Spotlight: The Cheetos holiday cookbook (13:55)Social Media Trends 2021 Global Report (16:20)The career path of social media managers (22:10)Generational differences about the return to the office (33:10)QUICK NEWS & QUICK TAKES2021 Relevance Report from the USC Center for Public RelationsThe latest research into 2020 IGTV statsHow brands are using sports Twitter to connect with NFL, NBA and MLB fansSPONSOR NEWSMarsha Pitts-Phillips receives national diversity and inclusion honor from PRSASPOTLIGHTCheetos' holiday cookbook reflects evolving home-cooking needs amid new coronavirus waveTALKING POINTSSocial Media Trends 2021 Global ReportSocial media managers lack clear path to senior leadership rolesOffice life in 2020 sparks debate across generationsMORE INFORMATIONTheTalkingPointsPodcast.comApple Podcasts pageSpotify pageSubscribe to Arik's weekly emailSPONSORS   BrandpointMinnesota PRSA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Plenty of communicators are posting their thoughts on politics on their social media accounts. Should you? Arik discusses that and shares some advice for how to do it.MORE INFORMATIONTheTalkingPointsPodcast.comApple Podcasts pageSpotify pageSubscribe to Arik's weekly emailSPONSORBrandpoint Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our October 2020 episode, we discuss:Social media marketing on Reddit, Twitch and Quora (2:20)New blogging statistics (4:05)LinkedIn Stories (5:20)Spotlight: Ocean Spray and TikTok (8:40)Spotlight: Monster Cereal Sweepstakes (10:45)Social media hot takes (13:45)Refining your approach to employee comms (24:45)Advice if you're in-between jobs (31:25)QUICK NEWS & QUICK TAKESSocial media marketing on Reddit, Twitch and QuoraBlogging still works, especially for the 10% of bloggers who do things very differently8 initial reactions to LinkedIn Stories for users (and brands, eventually)SPONSOR EVENTOktoberfest with IABC, PRSA & MIMASPOTLIGHTOcean Spray finally reacts to viral skateboarding TikTokOcean Spray surprises Tik Tok star with a new cranberry-colored truck after his Fleetwood Mac video went viralInstagram/Monster Cereal SweepstakesA Monster of a sweepstakesTALKING POINTSWhat's your biggest social hot take that will cause a stir with other social media pros? Four digital strategies for “Always-On” employee communicationsWhat they don’t tell you about life in-betweenMORE INFORMATIONTheTalkingPointsPodcast.comApple Podcasts pageSpotify pageSubscribe to Arik's weekly emailSPONSORS   BrandpointMinnesota PRSA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arik interviews Laura King, a director at CorTalent - who manages the company's recruiting and business development - and a co-founder of Marketers'​ Community. She offers advice for your job search, the importance of LinkedIn, ways to stand out, networking tips and more.LINKSLaura KingCorTalentMarketers'​ CommunityMORE INFORMATIONTheTalkingPointsPodcast.comApple Podcasts pageSpotify pageSubscribe to Arik's weekly emailSPONSORBrandpoint Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our September 2020 episode, we discuss:Email makes a comeback in internal comms (3:20)Facebook sets limits on ads (5:20)Microsoft's deepfake detector (6:30)Spotlight: Red Wing Shoes and #LaborDayOn (9:00)Communications planning advice (11:45)PR ethics (24:35)Networking in a pandemic (33:00  )QUICK NEWS & QUICK TAKESEmail is the most-used channel for employee messaging in pandemicFacebook to impose limits on number of adsMicrosoft launches a deepfake detector tool ahead of US electionSPONSOR EVENT"The Intersection of Ethics and Diversity and Inclusion"SPOTLIGHTRed Wing Shoes is doing something cool for Labor DayTALKING POINTSSome emerging themes to guide 2021 digital marketing plansCode of PR ethics? The gray area of communicating a point of viewMORE INFORMATIONTheTalkingPointsPodcast.comApple Podcasts pageSpotify pageSubscribe to Arik's weekly emailSPONSORS   BrandpointMinnesota PRSA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arik examines the complex topic of companies and brands making the decision to take a public stand on politics and key societal issues.LINKSMost Loved Brands 2020Survey reaffirms consumers are serious about brands taking standsBest Buy says 30% of 1,000 new tech hires will be people of color or womenMORE INFORMATIONTheTalkingPointsPodcast.comApple Podcasts pageSpotify pageSubscribe to Arik's weekly emailSPONSORBrandpoint Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our August 2020 episode, we discuss:Instagram Reels (3:00)Cision’s State of the Press Release (5:50)Employee perspectives on COVID-19 (9:05)Spotlight: Country Time's bailout relief fund (13:25)Our "hills to die on" (15:10)The benefits of mixternal collaboration (28:55)How to brag better (35:45)QUICK NEWS & QUICK TAKESFacebook launches its new TikTok clone, Instagram ReelsLet’s be Reels! Can Instagram’s newest feature take on TikTok?We tested Instagram Reels, the TikTok clone. What a dud.Cision’s State of the Press ReleaseEmployee perspectives vary on COVID-19 as companies chart the next normalSPONSOR EVENTCareer Coffee: Creating and Energizing a Personal Advocacy NetworkSPOTLIGHTCountry Time launches littlest bailout relief fund for kids’ lemonade standsTALKING POINTSHot takes wanted: What's a marketing/advertising hill you're willing to die on?11 benefits of mixternal collaboration“Brag Better” by Meredith FinemanBrag Better: Master the art of fearless self-promotion.Brag Better x INGO: How to brag better from home and onlineMORE INFORMATIONTheTalkingPointsPodcast.comApple Podcasts pageSpotify pageSubscribe to Arik's weekly emailSPONSORS   BrandpointMinnesota PRSA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our July 2020 episode, we discuss:Edelman's Trust Barometer Special Report: Brand Trust in 2020 (3:40)What Black Lives Matter supporters want brands to do (4:45)What companies and employees are posting on LinkedIn (5:55)COVID-19’s impact on marketing (7:00)Spotlight: Arby’s audio tweets (9:05)The impact of the Facebook boycott (11:15)Andy Krall of Brandpoint (18:00)Reuters Institute Digital News Report 2020 (20:30)Preventing comms burnout (28:45)OPENINGCONVERGENCE Summit 2020QUICK NEWS & QUICK TAKESTrust Barometer Special Report: Brand Trust in 2020What Black Lives Matter supporters want brands to doCompanies continue to speak up as the conversation on LinkedIn shifts to injusticeFour points about COVID-19’s impact on marketingMINNESOTA PRSA EVENTThe Power of Language: Understanding Complexities when Communicating with Diverse AudiencesSPOTLIGHTArby’s audio tweetsTALKING POINTSFacebook's future keeps getting murkierFacebook has a PR problem, not a long-term revenue problemWalmart, McDonalds, and Geico are the latest companies to reportedly pull advertising from Facebook amid a growing boycottFacebook and Instagram to study racial bias against African Americans, Hispanics on their platformsReuters Institute Digital News Report 2020You can’t do everything so slow yourself downMicrosoft analyzed data on its newly remote workforceI Started a New Job in a PandemicMORE INFORMATIONTheTalkingPointsPodcast.comApple Podcasts pageSpotify pageSubscribe to Arik's weekly emailSPONSORS   BrandpointMinnesota PRSA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arik interviews Marsha Pitts-Phillips, the Diversity and Inclusion Officer for the Minnesota chapter of the Public Relations Society of America, and the president and founder of MRPP & Associates Communications. They discuss a variety of topics relevant to the communications landscape right now, including what companies are saying during this period of social unrest, the vulnerability of leaders, increasing diversity in PR and communications, and more.LINKSTown Hall (Video): Ethical Public Relations, Press Conferences, and Public Engagement During CrisisOther Town Halls from the University of Minnesota's Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass CommunicationsMinnesota PRSA helps establish National Multicultural Endowment Scholarship FundMarsha Pitts-PhillipsMRPP & Associates CommunicationsMORE INFORMATIONTheTalkingPointsPodcast.comApple Podcasts pageSpotify pageSubscribe to Arik's weekly emailSPONSORBrandpoint Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our June 2020 episode, we discuss: The aftermath of the death of George Floyd and the communications aspects (2:30) Instagram's new payouts for influencers (12:00) How podcasting has weathered the pandemic (14:00) Muck Rack's "The State of Journalism 2020" (16:35) Spotlight: 'Your job seems too boring' (20:05) The impact of partisan politics on PR and comms (21:20) The return of the video news release (31:10) Preparing for virtual job interviews (37:40) QUICK NEWS & QUICK TAKESInstagram will (finally) pay influencersPodcasting: Connection and Community During QuarantineThe State of Journalism 2020SPOTLIGHT'Your job seems too boring'TALKING POINTSPartisan politics complicates PR and comms for businessAmazon’s TV package about warehouse safety puts an old practice back in the spotlightHow to make a good impression in a virtual job interviewMORE INFORMATIONTheTalkingPointsPodcast.comApple Podcasts pageSpotify pageSubscribe to Arik's weekly emailSPONSORS   BrandpointMinnesota PRSA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arik interviews Casey Hall of Lumberjack Social. They discuss several trends in social media to pay attention to during the COVID-19 pandemic: Executive use of social media, brand journalism, Instagram, TikTok, pandemic-related content from brands, and Twitch.LINKSLumberjack SocialKey insights: Day one post COVID-19, the mobile app economy takes centre stage, the martech-scape and moreU.S. consumers are flocking to TikTokMORE INFORMATIONTheTalkingPointsPodcast.comApple Podcasts pageSpotify pageSubscribe to Arik's weekly emailSPONSORBrandpoint Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our May 2020 episode, we discuss: Cision's 2020 Global State of the Media Report (3:50) CEOs seeing record engagement on LinkedIn (5:20) The role of social during COVID-19 (7:50) Spotlight: Kaiser Permanente's TikTok win (10:10) Disastertising (12:55) Ideas to prepare for the pandemic rebound (24:50) Bosses who micromanage remote workers (30:35) QUICK NEWS & QUICK TAKESCision's 2020 Global State of the Media ReportCEOs see record engagement on LinkedIn during pandemicCEO social profiles critical comms tools during COVID-19Do The Right Thing: The role of social In COVID-19SPOTLIGHTHow Kaiser Permanente owned TikTok with its #OwnTheCurve COVID-19 campaignTALKING POINTSHow to advertise in a pandemicEvery COVID-19 commercial is exactly the sameLeading with action can reduce the risk of a COVIDwashing backlash26 ways to get ready for the rebound: A playbook for what to do right nowHow to deal with a boss who micromanages your work from homeMORE INFORMATIONTheTalkingPointsPodcast.comApple Podcasts pageSpotify pageSubscribe to Arik's weekly emailSPONSORS   BrandpointMinnesota PRSA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GlobalWebIndex Social media flagship report: The latest social media trends to know for 2020MORE INFORMATIONTheTalkingPointsPodcast.comApple Podcasts pageSpotify pageSubscribe to Arik's weekly emailSPONSORBrandpoint Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thank you for listening. We understandably devoted most of our time in this episode to discussing various aspects of COVID-19 communications.Please take note of a Minnesota PRSA event you also may find helpful, that we mention toward the end of the show: "Communicating during COVID-19: A virtual town hall for communicators by communicators."In our April 2020 episode, we discuss: COVID-19: Observations (6:40) COVID-19: Internal comms (8:25) COVID-19: Brands and social media (14:25) COVID-19: Scott Severson of Brandpoint (22:15) COVID-19: The aftermath (24:45) COVID-19: Job hunting (29:05) COVID-19: Our last few weeks (34:10) The updated PESO Model (42:55) Imposter syndrome (47:15) Minnesota PRSA event: Communicating during COVID-19 (57:30) Spotlight: The Getty Museum's social media challenge (58:00) TALKING POINTS2020 Edelman Special Report on COVID-19People want to hear from brands during the pandemicWhen this is over: The comms community’s 10 hopes for the post COVID-19 worldPRSA resources for communicating in a time of COVID-19COVID-19 resources - International Association of Business CommunicatorsCOVID-19 resources for PR professionals - The Institute for Public RelationsThe newly refreshed PESO Model graphic and processImposter syndrome or incompetence? How do you know the difference?EVENT NOTEMINNESOTA PRSA: Communicating during COVID-19: A virtual town hall for communicators by communicatorsSPOTLIGHTGetty Museum challenges quarantined people to recreate famous works of art, with hilarious resultsGetty Museum - TwitterCLOSINGLeading from homeMORE INFORMATIONTheTalkingPointsPodcast.comApple Podcasts pageSpotify pageSubscribe to Arik's weekly emailSPONSORS   BrandpointMinnesota PRSA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

LINKSHow social networks are surging and changing during the COVID-19 outbreak Content marketing that is truly making a difference during the COVID-19 outbreakBlue Cross joins Allina to launch skilled volunteer effort to create masks for hospitals and clinics LinkedIn: Life Time Inc.How to take your next conference call from your "tent"Brands are creating Zoom backgrounds to class up your quarantineMORE INFORMATIONTheTalkingPointsPodcast.comApple Podcasts pageSpotify pageSubscribe to Arik's weekly emailSPONSORBrandpoint Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Note: One of our discussion items this month is about the communications aspects of the coronavirus (COVID-19). This episode was recorded before March 11, before the most recent developments (the classification of the virus as a pandemic, the restrictions on U.S. travel related to Europe, the NBA's decision to suspend its season, etc...)In our March 2020 episode, we discuss: The impact of the coronavirus on communications (5:30) New data from Shareablee on brand social engagement (7:40) The "State of Writing 2020" report (8:55) Spotlight: McDonald's teams up with Oreo (10:50) The date-less blog post dilemma (12:50) Jessica Smith's 2020 outlook for content strategy (19:15) The connection between being personally active on social media and working in social media (28:10) OPENINGTwitter: Mary Worley at UWECGreg Swan/WTF is Social Media in 2020? (Video)QUICK NEWS & QUICK TAKESLead your business through the coronavirus crisisA working guide to communicating about coronavirusHow to communicate COVID-19 information in your organisationAre brands getting smarter about social?State of Writing 2020SPOTLIGHTThe Shamrock Shake is back at McDonald's along with a brand-new dessertTALKING POINTSThe top arguments for and against including dates on blogs and contentThings to consider and remember in social + sport in 2020Personal social media as a job requirement/Christian Lowery tweetCLOSINGIABC Minnesota's Convergence Summit (March 19)MORE INFORMATIONTheTalkingPointsPodcast.comApple Podcasts pageSpotify pageSubscribe to Arik's weekly emailSPONSORS   BrandpointMinnesota PRSA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arik interviews Shahbaz Khan, director of digital content for the Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Lynx.LINKS Shahbaz Khan - TwitterTimberwolves - TwitterTimberwolves - InstagramTimberwolves - FacebookMORE INFORMATIONTheTalkingPointsPodcast.comApple Podcasts pageSpotify pageSubscribe to Arik's weekly emailSPONSORS   David James GroupBrandpoint Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our February 2020 episode, we discuss: Is it time for brands to hold their tongues on hot topics? (2:05) Poppulo's Employee Communications Report 2020 (3:55) LinkedIn's growth (5:40) Spotlight: An IG account mocking influencers (8:55) Spotlight: Winona, Minnesota's response to Winona Ryder (10:40) Are we in the era of antisocial social media? (16:25) Lessons from the 2020 Edelman Trust Barometer (24:00) Job-hopping in communications (31:00) QUICK NEWS & QUICK TAKESTime for brands to hold their tongues on (some) hot topicsPoppulo Employee Communications Report 2020LinkedIn reaches 675 million membersSPOTLIGHT Influencers in the WildThis new Instagram account is dedicated to capturing the hilarious fourth wall of people taking photos for InstagramBONUS SPOTLIGHTWatch Winona Ryder's Super Bowl commercial, a love note to Winona, Minn.Long-form version of Winona Ryder's video featureWinona Ryder commercial (Super Bowl)Winona Ryder commercial (Extended)Welcome to Winona websiteWinona, Minnesota's "Welcome to the rest of Winona" websiteTALKING POINTSThe era of antisocial social media2020 Edelman Trust BarometerCompetence is not enoughEarning trustMillennials, Gen Z are ditching the job-hopper labelMisunderstood generations: what Millennials and Gen Z actually think about workMORE INFORMATIONTheTalkingPointsPodcast.comApple Podcasts pageSpotify pageSubscribe to Arik's weekly emailSPONSORS   David James GroupBrandpointMinnesota PRSA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

LINKSIn 2020, social media will be less social13 top B2B social media marketing trends and predictions for 202012 social media trends to watch in 2020MORE INFORMATIONTheTalkingPointsPodcast.comApple Podcasts pageSpotify pageSubscribe to Arik's weekly emailSPONSORS   David James GroupBrandpoint Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our January 2020 episode, we discuss: Facebook's ban on deepfakes (3:00) A study that says comms directors are in “content chaos” (4:50) How social media 'stumps' marketers (7:00) Spotlight: Panera addresses angry tweets (9:45) The differences between a heritage brand and an innovator brand (12:05) Gen Z's impact on social media marketing (19:20) The skills communicators need to succeed (26:50) QUICK NEWS & QUICK TAKES Facebook bans deepfakesStudy: Most comms directors are experiencing “content chaos”Comms leaders reveal their ‘top 3’ content challenges for 2020Social media 'stumps' marketersSPOTLIGHTPanera hires Phyllis from 'The Office' to address angry tweetsTALKING POINTSHeritage brands are finally waking upGen Z is reinventing social media marketing'Creativity' most in-demand soft skill for 2020CLOSINGArik's LinkedIn post about tough-to-spell namesMORE INFORMATIONTheTalkingPointsPodcast.comApple Podcasts pageSpotify pageSubscribe to Arik's weekly emailSPONSORS   David James GroupBrandpoint Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're closing out 2019 with this interview episode featuring Nick Westergaard, chief strategist and partner at Brand Driven Digital. Nick also teaches at the University of Iowa, speaks at numerous conferences, hosts the "On Brand" podcast, and has written two books: "Brand Now" and "Get Scrappy."We talked with Nick in his office in Iowa City about his background, what organizations should consider if they're thinking about starting a podcast, the dangers of "checklist marketing," how brands can stand out in a crowded online world, what it means to be scrappy in your content production, the state of social media marketing heading into 2020, and more.Nick Westergaard (LinkedIn)NickWestergaard.comBrand Driven DigitalMORE INFORMATIONTheTalkingPointsPodcast.comFacebook GroupApple Podcasts pageSpotify pageSubscribe to Arik's weekly emailSPONSORS   David James GroupBrandpoint Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our December 2019 episode, we discuss: The FTC's new advertising disclosures guidance for online influencers (2:30) The Spoken Word Audio Report from NPR/Edison Research (3:55) Content marketing planning for 2020 (4:55) Spotlight: South Dakota is on meth (7:10) Cision and PRWeek's 2019 Global Comms Report (15:20) The 2020 Relevance Report from the USC Center for Public Relations (18:35) Doug Kessler's view of the state of content marketing (25:25) Tom Snee, University of Iowa (31:00) Social Media Breakfast MSP's employer branding event (42:30) Quick News & Quick TakesFTC demystifies influencer disclosure with new resourcesThe Spoken Word Audio Report from NPR and Edison Research4 major content marketing trends for 2020: How to prepare for next yearTalking Points Spotlight‘Meth. We’re on it,’ South Dakota says in ridiculed ad campaign that cost $449,000Behind the scenes of the “Meth. We’re on it.” campaign and how it got approved"Meth. We're On It." is a new antidrug campaign in South Dakota. Seriously.The cold, hard truth: The PR and ad industries are still hooked on “vanity metrics”Talking Points3 surprising stats from PRWeek/Cision’s Global PR ReportCision and PRWeek release 2019 Global Comms Report: The Path To Progress, Demonstrating The Rise Of Earned Media2020 Relevance Report from the USC Center for Public RelationsSomething happenedFive years of Crap content: an anniversary of sortsTalking Points ShoutoutTom Snee, University of IowaClosingBrands being social: How to build & nurture an effective employer brandMORE INFORMATIONTheTalkingPointsPodcast.comFacebook GroupApple Podcasts pageSpotify pageSubscribe to Arik's weekly emailSPONSORS   David James GroupBrandpoint Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our interview episode for November features Lisa Grimm, former director of social media and influencer marketing at Whole Foods. She previously held marketing and communications at space150 and Mall of America, among others. She talks about how she's spending her time during her current sabbatical, shares some great takeaways and tips from her responsibilities and projects while navigating the evolution of social media at Whole Foods, offers a few marketing trends she's thinking about today, and more.MORE INFORMATIONShow page and linksFacebook GroupApple Podcasts pageSpotify pageSubscribe to Arik's weekly emailSPONSORS   David James GroupBrandpoint Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our November 2019 episode, we discuss: Social Media Breakfast MSP's podcasting event (2:20) PRWeek & Boston University's 2019 Bellwether Survey (3:10) How to promote podcasts (4:20) Results from a poll of B2B marketers (6:30) Spotlight: An issue for Panera (10:00) Ideas for a behind-the-scenes video series (12:45) How blogging has changed (18:40) Using paid social for PR (24:50) Shoutout interview: Joshua Carter, Tunheim (30:50) MORE INFORMATIONShow page and linksFacebook GroupApple Podcasts pageSpotify pageSubscribe to Arik's weekly emailSPONSORS   David James GroupBrandpointMinnesota PRSA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our interview episode for October features Scott Severson, president of Brandpoint. He talks about the content marketing strategies and tactics involved in employer branding. And he offers ideas for getting started, measurement and how a positive employer brand supports an organization's recruiting and reputation.MORE INFORMATIONShow page and linksFacebook GroupApple Podcasts pageSpotify pageSubscribe to Arik's weekly emailSPONSORBrandpoint Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our October 2019 episode, we discuss: Social Media Breakfast MSP's podcasting event (2:05) The Page Society's CCO report (3:40) A PESO primer (6:15) Why fewer people see brands as political (7:45) Spotlight: P&G's TV show (10:40) The impact of employee social advocacy programs on personal brands (12:30) If YouTube should be getting more attention (20:30) 7 social media trends to be aware of before 2020 hits (25:35) Shoutout interview: Karen Freberg, University of Louisville (30:00) MORE INFORMATIONShow page and linksFacebook GroupApple Podcasts pageSpotify pageSubscribe to Arik's weekly emailSPONSORS   David James GroupBrandpointMinnesota PRSA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our latest “Hot Topics” edition focuses on podcasting for businesses and organizations.We’re joined by Gary Jordan from NASA's "Houston We Have a Podcast," Marie McGehee from Verizon's "Up To Speed" and LouAnn Berglund Haaf from Cambria's "Beyond the Surface." Kevin also joins in as a guest, to talk about the "A Taste of General Mills" podcast that he oversees at General Mills.In this discussion, we cover: why and how our guests started their podcasts, how they plan and maintain them, advice to get a podcast underway, and more.MORE INFORMATIONShow page and linksFacebook GroupApple Podcasts pageSpotify pageSubscribe to Arik's weekly emailSPONSORS   David James GroupBrandpoint Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our September 2019 episode, we discuss: The death of the click in Google searches (3:45) Adobe's 2019 Brand Content Survey (5:35) Facebook's move to remove Like counts (7:25) Spotlight: A perhaps strategic Twitter war win for Popeye's (9:40)  The fading relevance of AP style (14:30) Why you and your coworkers should be more active on LinkedIn (25:00) What to do when your channel audiences "ghost" you (34:15) Shoutout interview: Rose McKinney, Pineapple RM (39:05)  MORE INFORMATIONShow page*Get the links for Episode 119Facebook GroupApple Podcasts pageSpotify pageSubscribe to Arik's weekly emailSPONSORS   David James GroupBrandpointMinnesota PRSA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our interview episode for August features Drew Navolio, vice president of Client Services; and Dan Jasker, director of Digital Services, at David James Group. They talk about their work with the Society of Women Engineers and the organization's blog: “All Together Now.” Plus, they discuss blog platforms, content strategy and blogging best practices.MORE INFORMATIONLinks and show page: TheTalkingPointsPodcast.comFacebook GroupApple Podcasts pageSpotify pageSubscribe to Arik's weekly emailSPONSORDavid James Group Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In their August 2019 episode, Arik Hanson and Kevin Hunt discuss: The "demetrication" trend in social media (2:00) A lesson from news websites about how not to overwhelm your online readers (4:10) Edelman's employee backlash (6:30) Spotlight: REI's new magazine (9:25) Arik's advice for your personal social media activity (10:50) Does taking risks in a marketing campaign make it more effective? (17:25) Facebook wants communicators to create groups, but should you? (23:30) Shoutout interview: Ashley Voge, Smiths Medical (32:35)  MORE INFORMATIONShow page*Get the links for Episode 117Facebook GroupApple Podcasts pageSpotify pageSubscribe to Arik's weekly emailSPONSORS   David James GroupBrandpointMinnesota PRSA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our 5th anniversary edition - Thanks for listening! The Quick News & Quick Takes segment this month includes Ogilvy's latest Global Media Influence Survey (4:00), why you're seeing posts from people you don't follow in your Instagram feed (5:40) and some mobile marketing data at the halfway point of 2019 (8:10).The Talking Points Spotlight features an ice cream vendor who decided to do something about a deluge of influencers asking him for free ice cream (11:00). And, the Talking Points in this episode feature discussions about some of the challenges of creating content for employees (15:00), the scary scenario presented by Wayfair's employee walkout (24:25) and how communicators can answer the question, what is PR? (34:45).Plus, the Talking Points Shoutout for this month goes to Ryan Pena, social media strategist for Be The Match (40:00). He talks about his career, social media trends, and why we should be paying attention to TikTok.For show notes, visit TheTalkingPointsPodcast.com. If you have feedback or a suggestion for an interview, article or topic, reach out to us on the show’s Facebook group. Or, find us on LinkedIn. Thanks for listening!SPONSORS   David James GroupBrandpointMinnesota PRSA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our interview episode for June features Chris Iles, senior director, Brand Experience and Innovation, with the Minnesota Twins. With the team having its best season in years, he's got a great gig. Iles talks with us about his career, role and his team with the Twins. Plus, how the Twins approach creative content and innovation for the experience fans have with the team both inside and outside Target Field in Minneapolis. He also offers some advice for anyone wanting to work in sports.For show notes, visit TheTalkingPointsPodcast.com. If you have feedback or a suggestion for an interview, article or topic, join the show’s Facebook group. Or, find us on LinkedIn. Thanks for listening!SPONSORSDavid James GroupBrandpoint Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Quick News & Quick Takes segment this month includes the 2019 Social Media Marketing Industry Report from Social Media Examiner (3:20), a report on podcasting behavior and podcast advertising (6:10) and a revealing study that examines the state of social media teams (8:15).The Talking Points Spotlight features the Wikipedia drama with The North Face (13:10).And, the Talking Points in this episode feature discussions about the comeback of the community in social media marketing (16:50), Facebook’s handling of the Nancy Pelosi “shallowfake” video (27:15), and the argument for targeting “the smallest viable audience” and also using micro-influencers (34:45).Plus, the Talking Points Shoutout for this month goes to Stephanie Moncada, communications lead at Ingersoll Rand. (42:05). She talks about her role, earning a 2019 Women in Business Award, her advice for women in communications, and the strategic communications approach at her company.For show notes, visit TheTalkingPointsPodcast.com. If you have feedback or a suggestion for an interview, article or topic, reach out to us on the show’s Facebook group. Or, find us on LinkedIn. Thanks for listening!SPONSORS   David James GroupBrandpointMinnesota PRSA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our interview episode for May features Maggie Habashy, director of external operations for the 2019 Minneapolis Final Four Local Organizing Committee. She talks with us about her role on the committee, what it was like to be part of the Final Four, and the lessons learned by stepping out and experiencing a big event like that in her PR/communications career.For show notes, visit TheTalkingPointsPodcast.com. If you have feedback or a suggestion for an interview, article or topic, join the show’s Facebook group. Or, find us on LinkedIn. Thanks for listening!SPONSORSDavid James GroupBrandpoint Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Quick News & Quick Takes segment this month includes stories about Facebook’s redesign (3:05), Instagram tests hiding likes (4:45) and Cision's 2019 State of the Media report (6:55).The Talking Points Spotlight features a milestone for Delta’s Sky magazine (9:40), plus a heads-up for our Minnesota listeners about an event the weekend of May 18-19 called “Doors Open Minneapolis” (12:05).And, the Talking Points in this episode feature discussions about earned media’s potential for increasing sales through an owned media tactic like a blog (13:50), why there’s low trust in what influencers post in social (19:50) and advice for saying ‘No’ when a colleague or executive brings you something ‘for social’ or PR (26:20).Plus, the Talking Points Shoutout for this month goes to Tom Jollie, senior vice president at Padilla (35:40). He talks about why it’s important for communicators to find organizations to volunteer with, the scope of his work, advice for PR grads looking for their first job, and more.For show notes, visit TheTalkingPointsPodcast.com. If you have feedback or a suggestion for an interview, article or topic, reach out to us on the show’s Facebook group. Or, find us on LinkedIn. Thanks for listening!SPONSORSDavid James GroupBrandpointMinnesota PRSA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our latest “Hot Topics” edition focuses on Instagram Stories. We’re joined by Michelle Voss, director of social media for the University of Minnesota Athletics Department; Caitlin Hannah, social media strategist at Explore Minnesota Tourism; and Carrie Wyman, director of marketing at Brandpoint.In this discussion, we cover: how they are using Instagram Stories, how they’re creating them, their strategy, measurement, length of a Story, the use of links, advice for getting started using Stories, and more.For show notes, visit TheTalkingPointsPodcast.com. If you have feedback or a suggestion for an interview, article or topic, reach out to us on the show’s Facebook group. Or, find us on LinkedIn. Thanks for listening!SPONSORBrandpoint Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Quick News & Quick Takes segment this month includes stories about “Gullennials” who trust people online more than their parents (3:25), a website making it more clear when articles are old (5:15), and an “unpopular” list of marketing trends for 2019 (6:50).The Talking Points Spotlight features Budweiser’s tribute to NBA great Dwyane Wade (10:10).And, the Talking Points in this episode feature discussions about the PR industry’s involvement with influencers, is PR missing the boat? (16:15). Also, what the annual Global Communications Report from USC Annenberg says about PR trends and the CEO’s view of PR (22:35), and there’s a renewed focus on mental health concerns facing the comms profession (31:40).Plus, the Talking Points Shoutout for this month goes to Bianca Jones, associate manager in External Communications at Best Buy (39:55). She talks about her role there, and what she does with the Minnesota PRSA.For show notes, visit TheTalkingPointsPodcast.com. If you have feedback or a suggestion for an interview, article or topic, reach out to us on the show’s Facebook group. Or, find us on LinkedIn. Thanks for listening!SPONSORSDavid James GroupBrandpointMinnesota PRSA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Quick News & Quick Takes segment this month includes the latest data on podcast consumption, and a Facebook exodus too (2:50), how Instagram is being used to spread hate (4:50), and media trends highlighted at SXSW (7:55 ).The Talking Points Spotlight features a timely basketball-themed event from Land O’Lakes (11:00).And, the Talking Points in this episode feature discussions about how newsrooms are handling their metrics and what communicators can learn from their approach (13:00), the true value of social media engagement and the importance of “lurkers” (25:00), and a survey with some interesting trends in corporate communications and PR (35:55).Plus, the Talking Points Shoutout for this month goes to Sue Serna, global director of social media at Cargill (42:30). She talks about her role guiding Cargill’s social social footprint and the challenges that work can offer at a large company, her involvement in industry networking and how she made the move from journalism to the corporate world.For show notes, visit TheTalkingPointsPodcast.com. If you have feedback or a suggestion for an interview, article or topic, reach out to us on the show’s Facebook group. Or, find us on LinkedIn. Thanks for listening!SPONSORSDavid James GroupBrandpointMinnesota PRSA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our interview episode for March features Ron Zywicki, managing director and partner at the David James Group. He talks with us about working with nonprofits on rebranding, what  to take into account with those projects, and more. For show notes, visit TheTalkingPointsPodcast.com. If you have feedback or a suggestion for an interview, article or topic, reach out to us on the show’s Facebook group. Or, find us on LinkedIn. Thanks for listening!SPONSORDavid James Group Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Quick News & Quick Takes segment this month includes discussions about the 2019 Edelman Trust Barometer’s emphasis on employees and their employers (4:40), a survey that suggests CEOs want to talk sales, not social issues (6:45) and a Facebook report on what Instagram users expect from brands (8:10).The Talking Points Spotlight features a social media-friendly destination in Puerto Rico that Kevin recently saw firsthand (10:25).And, the Talking Points in this episode feature takeaways from Buffer’s 2019 State of Social Report (12:55), why a data journalism approach should be considered by companies and brands in their content (18:00) and the “hot new channel for reaching real people,” for both internal and external comms purposes (27:15).Plus, the Talking Points Shoutout for this month goes to Gretchen DeSutter, formerly in media relations at Thomson Reuters (36:00). She shares some great advice for cultivating and managing relationships with reporters.For show notes, visit TheTalkingPointsPodcast.com. If you have feedback or a suggestion for an interview, article or topic, reach out to us on the show’s Facebook group. Or, find us on LinkedIn. Thanks for listening!SPONSORSDavid James GroupBrandpointMinnesota PRSA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our interview episode for February features John Lucas, assistant vice chancellor for Communications at the University of Wisconsin. He talks about his work managing internal and external projects, which focuses on helping UW tell its own story on a variety of channels. He also highlights his team and the content they produce, the university’s use of social media, his vision for guiding various communications efforts in the face of trends in digital and social, ongoing support for the UW chancellor’s communications, and more. For show notes, visit TheTalkingPointsPodcast.com. If you have feedback or a suggestion for an interview, article or topic, reach out to us on the show’s Facebook group. Or, find us on LinkedIn. Thanks for listening!SPONSORSDavid James GroupBrandpoint Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Quick News and Quick Takes segment this month includes stories about research into the true pace of the spread of a technology platform or behavior online (4:55), a new AI tool for reporters at Forbes to provide thought-starters for their stories (6:20), and a survey of public attitudes about what the social media platforms serve up in their algorithms (7:45). The Talking Points Spotlight features one brand’s unique tiered-approach to influencer marketing (10:00). And, the Talking Points in this episode feature discussions about podcasting by businesses, brands or organizations (12:30), how fake sponsored content could cause problems for communicators (20:25), why we should be paying more attention to LinkedIn as a comms channel (29:00), and can Facebook right the ship by being more like Instagram? (33:15). Plus, the Talking Points Shoutout for this month goes to Bridget Jewell, social creative director at Periscope (37:00). She talks about her role and recent brand-related projects, as well as her previous work at Mall of America.For show notes, visit TheTalkingPointsPodcast.com. If you have feedback or a suggestion for an interview, article or topic, reach out to us on the show’s Facebook group. Or, find us on LinkedIn. Thanks for listening!SPONSORSDavid James GroupMinnesota PRSA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here’s our first “Hot Topics” edition of 2019. The focus of this one is on executive use of social media. We’re joined by Tom Buchheim of American Family Insurance in Madison, Wisconsin, a company whose program with CEO Jack Salzwedel is recognized as one of the most dynamic and successful among Fortune 500 brands. Buchheim and Salzwedel’s work earned a 2017 PR Daily Award for Best Executive Visibility. In this interview, we cover: How Salzwedel became more active in social media, how Buchheim supports him and other executives at American Family, advice if you think social media isn’t the right fit for your CEO or executives, the opinion that some people have that executives shouldn’t be on social media, why a CEO using social media is not the norm and what prevents them from getting involved, how to plan and produce content for a CEO, choosing the right channels for a CEO and leadership team, the use of ghostwriting, lessons Buchheim has learned and advice for a first step to get an executive social media program up and running. For show notes, visit TheTalkingPointsPodcast.com. If you have feedback or a suggestion for an interview, article or topic, reach out to us on the show’s Facebook group. Or, find us on LinkedIn. Thanks for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This road trip episode from our recent visit to Madison, Wisconsin, gave us a chance to reflect on some lessons from the various stops on our career path. Also, we tackle a few career questions we’ve received recently: advice for the college student who feels like they’ve done a lot to prepare for a communications career but still can’t quite get their foot in the door, advice for experienced communicators seeking a promotion, and how can you become a better leader in your role. Our show page is TheTalkingPointsPodcast.com. If you have feedback or a suggestion for an interview, article or topic, reach out to us on the show’s Facebook group. Or, find us on LinkedIn. Thanks for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our first-ever road trip episode, recorded in the car on the way to Madison, Wisconsin. So It’s a much different format than you’re used to from us. We asked you for questions related to your work in communications, so we took them one by one as we made our way through the Badger state. Pardon the in-car road noise! Topics include: Email marketing, paid social, managing digital communications during a crisis, millennials as a misguided focus of advertisers, content measurement dashboards, hashtag use on Instagram, graphic design, internal company-wide email newsletters, slow change in transforming internal communications and structuring a corporate communications team. Plus, we have some fun with a few extra non-comms questions to help you get to know us better. We’ll post another road trip episode - from the ride back to Minnesota - on December 31, where we focused on career advice for communicators. Our show page is TheTalkingPointsPodcast.com. If you have feedback or a suggestion for an interview, article or topic, reach out to us on the show’s Facebook group. Or, find us on LinkedIn. Thanks for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We recorded this episode at the University of Wisconsin. The Quick News and Quick Takes segment this month includes stories about Facebook’s business and PR troubles (4:10), data about Instagram Stories (7:10), and why the news consumption habits of high school students will require big changes for the news industry (9:25). The Talking Points Spotlight features a “Mythbusters” campaign at the University of Wisconsin (12:00). And, the three Talking Points in this episode feature discussions about the optimal posting frequency for organizations on Facebook (14:05), things to look for in 2019 in internal communications, PR, social media and marketing (21:45), and we share some lessons learned from producing 100 episodes of this podcast since 2014 (30:50). Plus, the Talking Points Shoutout for this month goes to Kyle Casey, a social marketing and multimedia intern with the University of Wisconsin (43:50). He talks about some of the projects he works on and shares some advice for students interested in being a part of social media and marketing in their undergraduate years. For show notes, visit TheTalkingPointsPodcast.com. If you have feedback or a suggestion for an interview, article or topic, reach out to us on the show’s Facebook group. Or, find us on LinkedIn. Thanks for listening, and Happy Holidays! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s our 100th show - thanks for listening! Here’s a bonus episode for November, as Arik talks with Natalie Bushaw, senior director of Public Relations and Internal Communications at Life Time. In this interview, she talks about her role in leading how Life Time communicates both externally and internally, her career (agency and corporate) and the importance of earned media, among other topics. For show notes, visit TheTalkingPointsPodcast.com. If you have feedback or a suggestion for an interview, article or topic, reach out to us on the show’s Facebook group. Or, find us on LinkedIn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thanks for listening! Here’s our November episode: The Quick News & Quick Takes segment this month includes a great resource for employee advocacy programs (2:30), blogging stats and trends from Orbit’s annual survey (6:15) and a writer’s idea on how to fix podcasting before it jumps the shark (8:20). The Talking Points Spotlight highlights a battle of the bands in Minnesota, to help raise money to fund scholarships designed to foster more diversity in the creative industry (12:00). And, the three Talking Points in this episode feature discussions about corporate storytelling and content strategy (13:35), the 2019 Relevance Report from USC Annenberg’s Center for Public Relations (25:05) and a survey of global communicators, including their challenges (33:15). Plus, the Talking Points Shoutout for this month goes to Cameron Potts of Deluxe Corporation (39:20). He talks about what could be one of the bigger content marketing campaigns ever built. For show notes and links to the stories we talked about, visit TheTalkingPointsPodcast.com. If you have feedback or a suggestion for an interview, article or topic, reach out to us on the show’s Facebook group. Or, find each of us on LinkedIn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thanks for listening! Here’s the latest edition of our “Hot Topics” series. The focus of this show is on influencer marketing. We’re joined by Chanel Schmidt from Sleep Number and Maggie LaMaack of Fast Horse. They bring their perspective, from working with influencers of all kinds, so we cover quite a bit in this conversation: How to identify and evaluate potential influencers, tools, metrics, risks, disclosure, structuring influencer marketing oversight in-house or within an agency, and some advice if you’re thinking about getting started with influencer marketing. For show notes, visit http://www.TheTalkingPointsPodcast.com/. If you have feedback or a suggestion for an interview, article or topic, reach out to us on the show’s Facebook group, just search for “Talking Points Podcast Group” there. Or, find each of us on LinkedIn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thanks for listening! Here’s our October episode: The Quick News & Quick Takes segment this month includes stories about the use of social media by the Fortune 500 and the popularity of the platforms (2:15), what people expect when they interact with a brand or company on social media (5:25) and an interesting survey of PR and social media salaries (7:30). The Talking Points Spotlight is on a unique art display that lit up Minneapolis (10:15). And, the three Talking Points in this episode feature discussions about the rise of dark social and the impact for companies trying to break through the noise online (13:30), the new Edelman report that says people want brands to take a stand (23:30), and are there ways to make organic social media succeed? (32:10). Plus, the Talking Points Shoutout for this month goes to Monica Wiant, a director of social media at U.S. Bank (36:55). She talks about her role, the challenges of working in social media today, and what makes an employee advocacy work best. For show notes and links to the stories we talked about, visit http://www.TheTalkingPointsPodcast.com/. If you have feedback or a suggestion for an interview, article or topic, reach out to us on the show’s Facebook group, just search for “Talking Points Podcast Group” there. Or, find each of us on LinkedIn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thanks for listening! Here’s a bonus episode for September, as Arik talks with Felicia Johnson, social media manager with the Minnesota Vikings. In this interview, she talks about her role on the front lines of the NFL. Cool job! Johnson also talks about the fact that women are behind many of the social media accounts for professional sports teams. And, she offers advice for anyone looking to break into a social media sports job. For show notes, visit http://www.TheTalkingPointsPodcast.com/. If you have feedback or a suggestion for an interview, article or topic, reach out to us on the show’s Facebook group, just search for “Talking Points Podcast Group” there. Or, find each of us on LinkedIn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thanks for listening! Here’s our September episode: The Quick News & Quick Takes segment this month includes stories about how people get their news in social media (5:45), a look at new data about social media advertising (7:45) and tools that aim to help increase employee engagement (9:15). The Talking Points Spotlight highlights how Land O’Lakes honored female farmers with a custom country song (11:55). And, the three Talking Points in this episode feature discussions about a unique study of the the best times to post in social media (15:00), how brands ‘surprise and delight’ fans (22:10) and the takeaways from two recent content marketing conferences (34:05). Plus, the Talking Points Shoutout for this month goes to Greg Zimprich of Medtronic (45:35). He talks about his role there in financial communications, his work with the Minnesota PRSA, and his connection to Wheaties during his time in PR at General Mills. For show notes and links to the stories we talked about, visit http://www.TheTalkingPointsPodcast.com/. If you have feedback or a suggestion for an interview, article or topic, reach out to us on the show’s Facebook group, just search for “Talking Points Podcast Group” there. Or, find each of us on LinkedIn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thanks for listening! Here’s a bonus episode for August, as Kevin talks with Chad Mitchell, former senior director of digital communications at Walmart, now with Perfect Sense as a VP, Corporate Practice. In this interview, he talks about his career at Walmart and the company’s approach to storytelling. He also discusses the challenges for corporate communications departments today when it comes to resources, strategy, digital assets management, and why some find it difficult to produce brand storytelling or brand journalism. For show notes, visit http://www.TheTalkingPointsPodcast.com/. If you have feedback or a suggestion for an interview, article or topic, reach out to us on the show’s Facebook group, just search for “Talking Points Podcast Group” there. Or, find each of us on LinkedIn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thanks for listening! Here’s our August episode: The Quick News & Quick Takes segment this month includes stories about declining engagement on Facebook (5:10), a study about executive decision-making: do they go with their gut or with data? (6:45) And, the smart audio report from NPR and Edison Research (8:30). The Talking Points Spotlight highlights a PR and marketing campaign from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota about caregivers (11:15). And, the three Talking Points in this episode feature discussions about IGTV and how organizations can put it to use (13:20), the state of corporate media relations and a reporter;s column that got communicators talking (22:55), and the “2018 Edelman Trust Barometer Special Report: Brands and Social Media” (33:20). Plus, the Talking Points Shoutout for this month goes to Christina Milanowski, social media manager at Regis Corporation (40:20). She talks about her career, and how she’s prioritizing Instagram in her work. For show notes and links to the stories we talked about, visit http://www.TheTalkingPointsPodcast.com/. If you have feedback or a suggestion for an interview, article or topic, reach out to us on the show’s Facebook group, just search for “Talking Points Podcast Group” there. Or, find each of us on LinkedIn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thanks for listening! Here’s the second edition of our “Hot Topics” series. The focus of the discussion in this show is on gender differences in the practice of public relations, and work-life balance for women in PR roles. We’re joined by Amelia Reigstad, faculty member at the University of Minnesota Hubbard School of Journalism & Mass Communication. And, Amie Hoffner, vice president and director, Corporate Communications, at TCF Financial Corporation. Reigstad recently researched how gender and different communication styles and personality traits of men and women contribute to the culture of the PR workplace. And, how PR practitioners often “perform” in their roles. While Hoffner has done research on work-life balance and the reality of what that means today for women in PR. For show notes, visit http://www.TheTalkingPointsPodcast.com/. If you have feedback or a suggestion for an interview, article or topic, reach out to us on the show’s Facebook group, just search for “Talking Points Podcast Group” there. Or, find each of us on LinkedIn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thanks for listening! Here’s our June episode: The Quick News & Quick Takes segment this month includes stories about how Facebook is hiring people to help combat fake news (4:35), the huge increase in the creation and consumption of the story format, like Instagram Stories (5:20) and a study on journalists’ options of the press release (7:30). The Talking Points Spotlight highlights how Macy’s is using employees in a role usually reserved for third party influencers (9:05). And, the three Talking Points in this episode feature discussions about content workflows with some advice for creating and managing content (14:05), an article that seeks to explain why most social media manager jobs are filled by women (22:05) and the takeaways for communicators in Mary Meeker’s 2018 Internet Trends Report (36:55). Plus, the Talking Points Shoutout for this month goes to Martha McCarthy Krueger of The Social Lights. She talks about her agency and how it got started, and their future (43:10). For show notes and links to the stories we talked about, visit http://www.TheTalkingPointsPodcast.com/. If you have feedback or a suggestion for an interview, article or topic, reach out to us on the show’s Facebook group, just search for “Talking Points Podcast Group” there. Or, find each of us on LinkedIn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thanks for listening! Here’s a bonus episode for June, as Kevin and Arik talk with Brad Ruiter, vice president of communications for the Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Lynx basketball teams. In this interview, he talks about his role and how his staff is structured, the day-to-day work for professional sports, and offers advice for anyone looking to get into sports PR, among other topics. For show notes, visit http://www.TheTalkingPointsPodcast.com/. If you have feedback or a suggestion for an interview, article or topic, reach out to us on the show’s Facebook group, just search for “Talking Points Podcast Group” there. Or, find each of us on LinkedIn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thanks for listening! Here’s our May episode: The Quick News & Quick Takes segment this month includes stories about the rise of Reddit (3:20), the 2018 USC Annenberg survey on Global Communications and PR (4:45), and the end of the Klout era (7:40). The Talking Points Spotlight highlights the conference calls that The New York Times is hosting for certain subscribers (9:45). And, the three Talking Points in this episode feature discussions about an article Arik wrote about why agency experience is so valuable (12:05), the 10 year anniversary of the book “Groundswell” and what it got right about social media and where we go from here (24:30) and why there’s an overemphasis on content tools over content creation and strategy (38:25). Plus, the Talking Points Shoutout for this month goes to George Fiddler of Olson Engage. He tells us about his work and career as a creative director (48:50). For show notes and links to the stories we talked about, visit http://www.TheTalkingPointsPodcast.com/. If you have feedback or a suggestion for an interview, article or topic, reach out to us on the show’s Facebook group, just search for “Talking Points Podcast Group” there. Or, find each of us on LinkedIn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thanks for listening! Here’s a bonus episode for April, as Kevin talks with Vineeta Sawkar, senior media relations manager for the University of St. Thomas. Vineeta spent the first part of her career in television news, as an award-winning reporter and anchor (she worked with Kevin at KSTP-TV in Minneapolis/St. Paul). In this interview, she talks about her work in TV, making the transition away from journalism to a corporate role and her latest position at St. Thomas. She also offers advice for PR pros and communicators for working with journalists. For show notes, visit http://www.TheTalkingPointsPodcast.com/. If you have feedback or a suggestion for an interview, article or topic, reach out to us on the show’s Facebook group, just search for “Talking Points Podcast Group” there. Or, find each of us on LinkedIn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thanks for listening! Here’s our April episode: The Quick News & Quick Takes segment this month includes stories about the response by companies and brands to Facebook’s controversy (2:45), LinkedIn’s decision to open up video uploads for companies (4:40) and why communicators everywhere need to pay attention to GDPR (7:00). The Talking Points Spotlight highlights how H&R Block handled “National Shred Day” (9:15). And, the three Talking Points in this episode feature discussions about a study that said employees would leave their company because of poor workplace communications (12:00), corporate storytelling (21:40) and alarming data about bots on Twitter (31:50). Plus, the Talking Points Shoutout for this month goes to Andy Jacobson, director of strategic communications at HealthFitness (37:55). For show notes and links to the stories we talked about, visit http://www.TheTalkingPointsPodcast.com/. If you have feedback or a suggestion for an interview, article or topic, reach out to us on the show’s Facebook group, just search for “Talking Points Podcast Group” there. Or, find each of us on LinkedIn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thanks for listening! Here’s a bonus episode for March, the first edition of our “Hot Topics” series. The focus of the discussion is the impact of “fake news” (or more appropriately, misinformation) being shared online. What can communicators and marketers do to make sure the truth about their companies, brands and organizations is not manipulated? We’re joined by Bruce Anderson and Susan Beatty. For show notes, visit http://www.TheTalkingPointsPodcast.com/. If you have feedback or a suggestion for an interview, article or topic, reach out to us on the show’s Facebook group, just search for “Talking Points Podcast Group” there. Or, find each of us on LinkedIn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thanks for listening! Here’s our March episode: The Quick News & Quick Takes segment this month includes stories about what YouTube creators really earn from their content (2:40), new data from the Pew Research Center about social media use (4:20) and the takeaways from the 2018 Infinite Dial study (5:25). The Talking Points Spotlight highlights an interesting podcast from McDonald’s (8:15). And, the three Talking Points in this episode feature discussions about the death watch for Facebook (12:45), a post that says companies and brands focus too much on their existing fans and customers (23:30) and why social sharing has continued to decline (30:05). Plus, the Talking Points Shoutout for this month goes to Kristin Zima, social media director at Optum. Arik talked with her about her role, what she looks for in hiring for her team, and more (36:30). For show notes and links to the stories we talked about, visit http://www.TheTalkingPointsPodcast.com/. If you have feedback or a suggestion for an interview, article or topic, reach out to us on the show’s Facebook group, just search for “Talking Points Podcast Group” there. Or, find each of us on LinkedIn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thanks for listening! Here’s a bonus episode for February, as Arik talks with Heidi McGuire, communications business partner for the Trane Commercial business, within Ingersoll Rand,. Their conversation covers her career path, the trends in communications that she’s paying attention to, how executives and employees have a stronger voice online, the Super Bowl activations in Minneapolis, and the challenge of engaging employees in internal communications. For show notes, visit http://www.TheTalkingPointsPodcast.com/. If you have feedback or a suggestion for an interview, article or topic, reach out to us on the show’s Facebook group, just search for “Talking Points Podcast Group” there. Or, find each of us on LinkedIn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thanks for listening! Here’s our February episode: The Quick News & Quick Takes segment this month includes stories about the social media activity of CEOs (2:00), Facebook’s declining user count (3:10) and the 2018 Edelman Trust Barometer (6:05). The Talking Points Spotlight highlights the marketing activity in Minneapolis for the Super Bowl (8:40). The Talking Points in this episode feature discussions about why it’s a good time to work in internal communications (12:45), a new criticism of brands aiming to be publishers (17:55), the investigation by The New York Times into fake social media followers (31:10) and a roundup of several articles exploring trends in influencer marketing (39:20). Plus, the Talking Points Shoutout for this month goes to Jen Bowring-McDonough of the Center for Victims of Torture. Kevin talked with her about what she does for CVT and the variety of experiences she’s had in her media relations career (51:10). For show notes and links to the stories we talked about, visit http://www.TheTalkingPointsPodcast.com/. If you have feedback or a suggestion for an interview, article or topic, reach out to us on the show’s Facebook group, just search for “Talking Points Podcast Group” there. Or, find each of us on LinkedIn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thanks for listening! We kick off 2018 with a jam-packed show: The Quick News & Quick Takes segment this month includes stories about a new study of consumer opinions about brands taking a stand (5:30), the newest features and user stats about Instagram (8:00) and there’s new data about the decline of TV news viewership so we ponder if PR pros should even pitch local TV stations anymore (10:40). The Talking Points Spotlight shines on Explore Minnesota’s latest use of its #OnlyInMN hashtag (12:45). And, the three Talking Points in this episode feature discussions about Arik’s eight realistic social media trends for 2018 (13:55), what the data says about the sustainability of content marketing and “Content Shock” and why you may want to adjust your distribution strategy (20:55) and we share our thoughts on the impact of Facebook’s announcement that it will favor posts from your friends and family instead of from news outlets and companies/brands (29:20). Plus, the Talking Points Shoutout for this month goes to Danny Olson of Weber Shandwick. He tells us about his work on Super Bowl 52’s Digital Marketing Committee, for the Host Committee (38:30). In the close of the show, we share details about the next event in Arik’s “sparked” digital and social media training series (46:10). For show notes and links to the stories we talked about, visit http://www.TheTalkingPointsPodcast.com/. If you have feedback or a suggestion for an interview, article or topic, reach out to us on the show’s Facebook group, just search for “Talking Points Podcast Group.” Or, find each of us on LinkedIn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Quick News & Quick Takes segment this month includes stories about the rise of the “headline browser” (3:30), influencer campaigns and the use of trackable URLs (5:40), and why your podcast’s success might depend on the “super-listener” (7:50). The Talking Points Spotlight highlights Patagonia and the POTUS (10:20). And, the three Talking Points in this episode feature discussions about a presentation on the future of media that with some eye-opening stats (12:50), the not-so-secret way some brands get into Forbes, Fast Company and the Huffington Post (19:15), and the key insights in an annual study of corporate social media use by the Fortune 500 (26:10). Plus, the Talking Points Shoutout for this month goes to Jamie Plesser (31:40). And in the Talking Points “2 Cents” segment, Arik highlights a Vanity Fair article that suggests we’re all ready for the end of the social media era (33:15) and Kevin offers the three things Warren Buffett looks for in a person (40:45). For show notes, visit http://www.TheTalkingPointsPodcast.com/. If you have feedback or a suggestion for an article or topic for the show, reach out to Arik or Kevin on LinkedIn. Thanks for listening. Join us again in 2018! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A bonus episode for December, as Arik talks with Mykl Roventine of Orange Jackalope Creative in Minneapolis, Social Media Breakfast - Minneapolis-St Paul (SMBMSP), and Get Social Events. Their conversation primarily covers the history and evolution of SMBMSP (believed to be the longest running chapter in the U.S.), as well as where social media is headed in 2018. (Apologies for some audio difficulties in the first few minutes). For show notes, visit http://www.TheTalkingPointsPodcast.com/. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Quick News & Quick Takes segment this month includes stories about what influencers are looking for from companies, brands and organizations (5:45), a report on employee attitudes about the workplace and what’s costing them time (7:55), and an annual survey of bloggers about their frequency, writing time and more (11:40). The Talking Points Spotlight highlights Walmart’s podcast (15:00). And, the three Talking Points in this episode feature discussions about the supposed death of organic content (17:20), the evolution of social media - 10 years after the first Social Media Breakfast-Minneapolis/St. Paul event (27:40), and an extensive report about the use and adoption of internal social media platforms (38:10). Plus, the Talking Points Shoutout for this month goes to Perry Cowen of Graco (49:30). And in the Talking Points “2 Cents” segment, Kevin highlights why many millennials are apparently very open to sharing their salary information (50:10) and Arik shares a story that seeks to explain why incompetent men make their way up the management ladder (56:00). For show notes, visit http://www.TheTalkingPointsPodcast.com/. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Quick News & Quick Takes segment this month includes stories about Walmart using Facebook’s Workplace (5:15), the type of content that people are reading on LinkedIn (6:25), and the frequency of social posts by brands (8:30). The Talking Points Spotlight highlights the Mayo Clinic and Amazon’s Alexa (9:55). And, the three Talking Points in this episode feature discussions about content strategy and what’s changed about companies acting like publishers (12:00), Edelman’s new survey about brands speaking up on politics and social issues (18:35), and how communicators can prepare for the fake news peddlers who are ready to pounce (26:45). Plus, the Talking Points Shoutout for this month goes to Paul Maccabee (34:50). And in the Talking Points “2 Cents” segment, Arik highlights a story about the emphasis on year-round training for youth and high school athletes (36:00), and Kevin found an article that can help you answer the question most people ask the first time they meet you (48:40). For show notes, visit http://www.TheTalkingPointsPodcast.com/. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Quick News & Quick Takes segment includes stories about how people are getting their news (31:50), an employee advocacy survey (33:50) and the latest numbers about teen use of Snapchat, Instagram and Facebook (38:10). The Talking Points Spotlight highlights an unsung hero of Hurricane Harvey (40:10). And, the three Talking Points in this episode feature discussions about the difference between commenting and conversation (42:15), why companies and brands are still having trouble staying quiet online in the middle of major news (48:30) and what reporters wish PR pros would do and not do (56:45). Plus, the Talking Points Shoutout for this month goes to Rob Koch (1:02:50), a former TV news meteorologist turned content marketer. The episode also features a conversation with Sarah Grap, senior PR manager at Mall of America (4:30). And in the Talking Points “2 Cents” segment, Kevin highlights a study that says today’s high school students are getting more A’s but doing worse on college entrance tests (1:04:30) and Arik explains the difference between an amateur and a professional (1:10:50). For show notes, visit http://www.TheTalkingPointsPodcast.com/. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arik talks with Cydney Strommen of Fast Horse in Minneapolis. The conversation covers the state of influencer marketing. Strommen talks about the role of influencers today, how companies/brands can evaluate and monitor influencers, what most companies/brands don’t do right and more. For show notes, visit http://www.TheTalkingPointsPodcast.com/. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arik and Kevin recorded this month’s show after the Minnesota PRSA’s first-ever Digital Skills Workshop in Minneapolis. The Quick News & Quick Takes segment includes stories about brand use of messaging apps (16:15), a study about the technology used by communicators in their organizations (17:45) and the popularity of live-streaming (19:40). The Talking Points Spotlight highlights Cambria (20:45). And, the three Talking Points in this episode feature discussions about the current risk environment for corporations around digital/social (23:00), Arik’s disdain for popular blog post headlines (28:35) and why PR pros need to be in the room with execs and others who do media interviews (34:35). Plus, the Talking Points Shoutout for this month goes to Heather Cmiel, president of the Minnesota PRSA (39:30). The episode also features a conversation with Kristen Pechacek, senior manager of digital marketing at Self Esteem Brands (4:45). For show notes, visit http://www.TheTalkingPointsPodcast.com/. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Quick News & Quick Takes segment this month includes stories about the popularity of interactive content (1:55), new data on smartphone use (3:45) and Instagram’s big advantage when it comes to engagement (5:10). The Talking Points Spotlight highlights the Star Tribune’s 150th anniversary in Minneapolis (6:30). And, the three Talking Points in this episode feature discussions about Mary Meeker’s 2017 Internet Trends Report (7:50), the collaboration and approval process in content production (14:10), and the death of organic social media posting (22:30). The Talking Points Shoutout goes to Brian Bellmont of Bellmont Partners PR (30:15). Plus, in the Talking Points 2 Cents segment at the end of the show, Arik and Kevin talk about the NBA Finals (31:30), the best advice from some recent commencement speeches (37:30), teenagers and summer jobs (41:15) and the potential of voice technology (46:15). For show notes, visit http://www.TheTalkingPointsPodcast.com/. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Quick News & Quick Takes segment includes stories about the FTC’s recent reachout to influencers and marketers (2:35), a lack of recognition for CEOs among their employees (3:30) and new data on podcast awareness and listening (5:10). The Talking Points Spotlight highlights Mall of America (6:45). And, the three Talking Points in this episode feature discussions about the supposed demise of corporate storytelling (8:50), the effectiveness of snark by brands in social media (26:45), and the most in-demand marketing skills in 2017 (32:10). The Talking Points Shoutout goes to Zach Spanton (35:30). Plus, in the Talking Points 2 Cents segment at the end of the show, Arik and Kevin weigh in on LaVar Ball’s ongoing antics (36:45), the NBA Playoffs (39:50), “Imposter Syndrome” (43:05) and the workplace obsession with “hustle” (48:10). For show notes, visit http://www.TheTalkingPointsPodcast.com/. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arik and Kevin went on-location again, this time from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. The episode features a conversation with UWEC Chancellor Jim Schmidt about his use of social media, blogging and thoughts on leadership communication (27:00). The Quick News & Quick Takes segment includes stories about the online engagement of CEOs (3:00), a Google survey about the brands that Gen Z thinks are "cool" (5:00) and the increasing use of brand stickers (6:45). The Talking Points Spotlight highlights the UWEC Instagram account (9:00). And the three Talking Points in this episode feature articles about career advice for the young public relations pro (10:45), the USC Annenberg study that predicts a convergence of PR and marketing (15:00), and why the web is still full of sites that are poorly designed for the user experience (22:55). For show notes, visit http://www.TheTalkingPointsPodcast.com/. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is there a “truther” movement underway in marketing? Arik and Kevin discuss a post that said more people in the industry think “this internet stuff is a bunch of hooey.” Also, clients of PR pros are often confused about what PR really is or does, the importance of having differentiated content and serving a niche audience, YouTube picks up viewers and announces its own live TV service, and more. Plus, in the Talking Points “2 Cents” segment, news about an “Adulting School.” Yes, really. And, it’s March Madness time so of course there is some college hoops talk. For show notes, visit http://thetalkingpointspodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Communicators are talking about the 2017 Edelman Trust Barometer, so Arik and Kevin tee that up this month and discuss what it means for PR and corporate communications. Also, a new approach to influencer marketing and who should “own” it, revisiting the concept of “content shock,” the use of emojis in business communication, and more. Plus, in the Talking Points “2 Cents” segment, commentary about Gen Z (the “Pivotals”), working from home and the Super Bowl game/commercials. For show notes, visit http://thetalkingpointspodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The first episode of 2017 kicks off the new year with discussions about Help a Reporter Out (HARO), the PR implications of voice technology, and Richard Edelman’s PR predictions for 2017. Plus, in Quick News & Quick Takes: Facebook’s new live audio feature, a survey of social media use by executives, and the most-shared video brand of 2016. Also, in the Talking Points “2 Cents” segment, Arik and Kevin put on their talk radio hats and discuss Minnesota sports (the collapse of the Vikings’ season, the Gopher football’s team’s new rah-rah head coach and the strong start by the Gopher men’s basketball team), plus a New York Times story that looked at the unwritten rules kids apply to using social media with their friends. For show notes, visit http://thetalkingpointspodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The alarming rise and influence of fake news tops the discussion by Arik and Kevin in this month’s episode. They explore what it means for PR pros in companies and brands. Also, bloggers are apparently spending more time writing fewer posts, and that’s a good thing. Plus, IBM launches an internal radio station, a push for “programming” to replace the infatuation with different kinds of “content,” mobile solutions for employee communications and more. Also, a new segment to close the show: the Talking Points “2 Cents.” It will be a chance for Arik and Kevin to sound off on some non-communications topics at the end of every episode (of course, the current Minnesota sports landscape dominates their discussion in the inaugural edition). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arik and Kevin took the show on the road, to PR students at Winona State University. This episode features interviews with two WSU students, plus a Q&A segment that shows what’s on the minds of soon-to-be PR pros. Before that, the topics up for discussion include a silly but thought-provoking piece by 60 Minutes about the rise of social media influencers, new data on the corporate use of social media and a report that said no one is paying attention to press releases, or are they? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arik and Kevin talk about improving the PR agency/client relationship, and a desire by some companies and brands to move from producing more content to working with influencers to be more relevant to culture. Plus, what global chief communications officers view as their top priority, what’s keeping businesses from podcasting, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Interview edition - Jeff O’Keefe, the manager of digital and social media at Richard Childress Racing, joins Kevin to talk about his role, RCR’s approach to social media and content creation, and his view on the evolution of social media in NASCAR and the sports world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Should the brand exodus from Twitter begin? That’s one of the topics up for discussion by Arik and Kevin in this episode. Also, in Quick News & Quick Takes, what are reporters looking for in the subject line of your pitch? Plus, Walmart steals a page from James Corden. Is it the job of internal communications to monitor what employees are saying on your internal platforms? And, the PR strategy that only the NFL seems to be able to get away with. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Companies and brands often ask, ‘Is our audience there?’ before deciding to try a new social media platform. Is that the right question? Arik and Kevin discuss that in this episode. Also, a new segment (“Quick News & Quick Takes”) debuts to highlight a few news items in the communications world since the last show, including LinkedIn’s new 30-second videos from LinkedIn Influencers. Other links discussed deal with “snackable” versus long-form content on the web, and why Pinterest is better than Snapchat for visual content in the months ahead. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Interview edition - Tom Forsythe, who is about to retire as vice president and chief communications officer at General Mills after 25 years with the company, joins Arik and Kevin to reflect on his career, and the evolution of corporate communications and PR. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Influencer marketing is the hot topic in 2016. Arik and Kevin take it on in this episode, and the cost and value of an influencer. Also, what Microsoft’s acquisition of LinkedIn means for corporate communications. Plus, a Pew study on what employees are doing on social media reignites concerns about employee productivity and why some companies block social media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Guest co-host Martha Krueger - co-founder and CEO of The Social Lights - joins Kevin. They discuss a survey of brand social media activity about the most popular platforms, content types and the frequency of posts. Also, does the word “social” apply to all social media? Plus, why your next job might come your way because of your personal blog. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Interview edition - Mike Pilarz, content marketing evangelist at LinkedIn, joins Arik and Kevin to discuss his work, trends in content marketing and some advice for individuals and businesses looking to make better use of LinkedIn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Guest co-host Becca Bijoch - senior publicist at Lola Red PR - joins Arik and Kevin. They discuss the rise of private messaging platforms and the implications for PR and marketing. Also, should brand and company social media leaders still spend some time on the tactical side, "in the trenches"? Plus, the key trends facing PR agencies, including billing and a push toward paid media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are the days of being slave to the page view coming to an end? Wishful thinking? Arik and Kevin discuss a story about the philosophical struggle that news websites - and companies for that matter - face when creating content. Also, it’s job hunting season for would-be marketers and PR pros. What digital skills are in demand? And, are we still looking for generalists or specialists? Plus, more momentum for corporate and brand publishers to adopt a more refined content strategy for all their channels, beyond their blogs, and to not necessarily obsess about driving traffic back to your site. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arik and Kevin kick off their discussion in this episode with the marketing lessons from a hip hop mixtape from Hamburger Helper. Also, an article that was passed around in the tech community recently questioned whether there’s still confusion over traditional vs. digital marketing. Plus, should a business do its own PR? Arik has a fun take on that one. And, the current state of the corporate website newsroom. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Interview edition - Steve Lubetkin, managing partner of The Lubetkin Media Companies, joins Kevin to discuss podcasting. Lubetkin co-authored “The Business of Podcasting” with Donna Papacosta. The conversation address why a business, brand or organization should podcast, how to produce and host a show, and trends in podcast listening. And given his experience in PR and corporate communications, he also shares his perspective on how companies should structure their PR and comms teams for storytelling and content production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Guest co-host Susan Beatty - vice president of External Brand Communications at U.S. Bank - joins Arik and Kevin. They discuss a comprehensive new report on employee advocacy out this week from Altimeter Group. Also, just how prevalent is podcasting? Results from the latest Infinite Dial study should spark some ideas for communicators. Plus, a not too often thought about side effect of the increase in content from companies and brands. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the assumed reach and influence of the major social platforms continues to be called into question, where should companies and brands invest their social time and resources? In this episode, Arik and Kevin consider the shift to messaging apps as one solution. Part of that discussion also involves the continued consumer distrust of anything that looks like advertising, so is the solution “Trust Content”? Also on the trust angle, a post that wonders if there are benefits to creating unbranded content or websites? Plus, the Mayo Clinic’s use of Periscope makes the Talking Points Spotlight. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arik and Kevin discuss a content idea used by some mainstream media outlets, on their social channels, that should be copied by more companies and brands. Also, AVEs are soundly criticized by the PR industry, but what about impressions? And a study of content marketing output and engagement isn’t surprising - we should think about producing less content, right? - however customer service could be the answer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Companies and brands might be assuming that their employees have a significant level of social media skills. Arik and Kevin talk about why social media training should be prioritized in 2016. A recent post ripped the notion of ’brands as publishers,’ saying the success of content should be judged on views, links and shares. Plus, the declining sales of newspapers and what it means for earned media and media relations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many companies and brands are thinking about, or already are, producing podcasts. Arik and Kevin recap an event they participated in on the topic, and talk about the opportunities and challenges of business podcasting. Also, does PR now have a stronger place in the marketing mix? Plus, a communications or PR degree provides a solid foundation for a PR career, but is it necessary? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arik and Kevin discuss a new report on the state of corporate social media (and employee social media advocacy), how PR pros can and should interact with journalists, a decline in traffic for some of the web’s biggest publishers, and what companies/brands can learn from the mainstream media for promoting their content in social media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arik and Kevin close out 2015 with some thoughts on social sharing, video marketing, corporate spokespeople in social media, user experience on websites and why we all might need to put the phone down a little bit more, get offline, and take in our surroundings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Fortune 500 is cooling on corporate blogging according to new data on social media usage by big companies. Arik and Kevin discuss that finding, plus the other platforms the F500 is active on. Also, breakfast emojis take over our Spotlight in this show. The blog comment might be on its way out on business blogs. And what journalists are looking for from PR and corporate communications. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Interview edition - Jen Swanson, Director of Digital Marketing at Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota, joins Arik and Kevin to talk about her role with the launch of a new marketing campaign and website, her career, and her personal blogging. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you considering messaging apps for your PR or marketing programs? Arik and Kevin share some interesting data from a new survey of the tech and media landscape, with a big focus on messaging's future. Also, Target gets creepy for Halloween, how creating behind-the-scenes content can work for or against you, plus it's time to take a look at your social referral traffic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So what do journalists want from a PR pro? Arik and Kevin share their thoughts. Also, why your company or brand - and your leaders - should express an opinion on a blog or in social media. Plus, the challenges of being both a content creator and a content consumer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Guest co-host Bryan Vincent - director, Digital Communications and Social Media at UnitedHealth Group - joins Arik and Kevin. They discuss why some companies are not taking advantage of LinkedIn, a new content partnership between Mayo Clinic and the Minneapolis Star Tribune, the real reason companies should be active in social media, plus blog posts as Op-Eds. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Communicators have a tough job, trying to restore or grow trust in their company CEO. Arik and Kevin look at a report on CEO trust and have some advice. Also, making the most of an internship from the standpoint of the student and the company. Plus, troubling times for disclosure of social sponsorships. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Let's burn down our social media programs and just start over. Right? Arik and Kevin consider two thoughtful posts that take on the true impact of social. Also, the latest demographics for the most popular platforms (and what it means for LinkedIn), we also spotlight an influencer event that proves you don't always need to invite the A-listers. Plus, the trends in PR that you may not be paying attention to but should. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Real-time marketing: what is it, really, and has it jumped the shark? Arik and Kevin share their thoughts. Also, an interesting campaign that has the tech industry talking, Facebook's video views are under scrutiny, and why the best corporate blogs name their authors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Guest co-host Heather Rist - director, Social Media and Content at Deluxe Corp. - joins Arik and Kevin. They discuss the increasing use of emojis by brands and companies. Also, the true impact of a corporate blog, and why many companies are bringing marketing back inhouse. Plus, they spotlight a cool drone project from GE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brands and companies are so focused on creating content, are they missing a content curation opportunity? Arik and Kevin mull that over. Also, PR pros sitting in on interviews with their company's subject matter experts, corporate writing that needs some help, and the content that could make you look lame. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Interview edition - Jason Keath, CEO of Social Fresh, joins Kevin to talk about a variety of social media topics, including podcasting, blogging, the social platforms and his Social Fresh Conference. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Podcasting is easy, right? Arik and Kevin reflect on one year of producing shows, the lessons they've learned and the overall state of podcasting today. Also, how Coca-Cola made the most of a Mad Men finale connection, a surprising study about customer service on social media, a new way for Facebook to serve up more of the content you like to read, and a word of warning for brands flocking to Instagram. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Everybody's talking about Mary Meeker's latest Internet Trends Report, so Arik and Kevin are too - they share a few highlights and the takeaways. Also, KFC's Colonel heads to Twitter, journalists still think PR pros lie for a living, what gives? Plus, native advertising comes to TV newscasts, and the importance of crisis planning in a real-time and mobile world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Guest co-host Jamie Plesser - director, Interactive Marketing Strategy and Execution at Allianz Life - joins Arik and Kevin. The topics they discuss include Facebook's Instant Articles, the state of search marketing and why the social media manager might need to step up. Plus, Adobe takes the Talking Points spotlight with an innovative use of audio, and Arik talks about having to fire a client. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's graduation season, so Arik and Kevin offer up some advice for PR and journalism majors out there. Also, Tide tried tying into the NFL draft - did it work? Plus, Buzzfeed solves a big part of the social media sharing puzzle, why some journalists struggle in making the move to a content creator role on the brand or agency side, and the words in press releases that should just plain go away. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's one thing to create good content, but how do you get more eyeballs on it online? You may need an "alpha audience." Arik and Kevin discuss that concept. Plus, Target had a big PR and social media win, despite some challenges around keeping products in stock. Also, blogging styles then and now, the continued presence of BS in online writing, and how PR pros should approach personal branding. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is social media now nothing more than advertising? Arik and Kevin discuss a provocative post. Also, consumer trust of the PR industry, the quality of corporate writing, and trends for 2015 in branded content. Plus, the new "Poltergeist" had a scary - personalized - promotional push online. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A new report looked into the habits and attitudes toward news consumption in social media by millennials. Also in this episode, Arik and Kevin chat about Meerkat and the potential of social video streaming for companies and brands. Plus, are the best days for bloggers behind us, in terms of relationships with brands? And, three content formats some say will be big in 2015. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Interview edition - Shel Holtz, of Holtz Communications + Technology, and the co-host of the long-running "For Immediate Release" podcast. Arik and Kevin talked with Holtz about podcasting, internal communications and the importance of the employee audience, the disconnect between digital/social skills and senior PR leaders, a new approach for employee advocacy, and the demise of Google+. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The real social media strength of Twitter isn't its potential to drive traffic to your company or brand's website or blog. Arik and Kevin discuss a reporter's recent post that expressed surprise at his Twitter stats related to the links he's shared. Also, an "Ad Contrarian" post that bashes brands stressing online engagement and conversation, the role news organizations play in spreading hoaxes and lies on the web, and more fallout from the ugly Justine Sacco saga. Plus, Buick goes to the dogs, in the Talking Points spotlight. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If your company or brand is ever fortunate to have a commercial in the Super Bowl, will you recommend the PR boost for an early release online? Arik and Kevin crunch the numbers on the ads that aired Sunday night. Also, social media "war rooms" are a common sight on the big game's big night - are they necessary? Plus, when a PR pro should consider firing a client, the reality of content strategy in large organizations, and Snapchat allows media outlets to make a new play in mobile with their new "Discover" feature. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Awareness isn't everything in PR, marketing and social media. Instead, there's a growing call for making stronger connections with consumers. Arik and Kevin talk about that. Also, PR and paid media, the modern journalist's view of their day-to-day work, and some of the disruptive forces that marketers and communicators need to pay attention to in the new year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Evil trolls on the Internet have the potential to make life miserable for business and brands. Arik and Kevin discuss how to handle the hate. Also, Allstate's "Mayhem Sale," the use of "social" in job titles and the potential burnout of social media pros, the importance of customer experience over content, and the future of "above the fold" layouts on the web. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Forget about predictions for 2015 - in PR, marketing and social media - instead, Arik and Kevin focus their year-end episode on actual trends to pay attention to: 1) The increase in branded apps, 2) Analytics for PR, 3) Visual design and photography, and 4) An "ignition strategy" for content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Interview edition - Chad Mitchell, senior director of digital communications at Walmart, talks about how his team is structured, their work and responsibilities, a Black Friday tactic on Twitter involving a store employee, the company's overall approach to Twitter and the mission of the Walmart blog. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The story about Black Friday and Cyber Monday wasn't just the deals and what was sold. They also were notable for a big increase in social chatter around them and how brands engaged with consumers. Also this week, Facebook's crackdown on promotional posts from companies and brands, the Girl Scouts are finally setup to sell cookies online, the differences between brand journalism and content marketing, and the biggest PR win of 2014. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Interview edition - David Jungers and Erin Vande Steeg, senior social media strategists at Mall of America, talk about their roles, how they manage social media content creation and engagement, their emphasis on the customer experience and how they work with Mall of America's 520 tenants. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Target found out what can happen when grown men tweet as if they are high school girls. Really. We talk about #AlexFromTarget. There's another great hashtag worth chatting about: #TechnologyandStuff. Chevy had some fun with that one. Also this week, Verizon jumps into brand journalism, IHOP tweets at "the kids" and a post that suggested the "old" tactics of PR are outdated. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Interview edition - Andy Sernovitz, CEO of SocialMedia.org, provides his perspective on social media use in big brands, along with three rules every social media leader should keep in mind. And, Natanya Anderson, director of social media and digital marketing for Whole Foods Market, explains her role and team - and how they prioritize listening and storytelling. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Guest co-host Greg Swan - SVP of consumer and digital marketing, emerging media innovation and strategic partnerships at Weber Shandwick Minneapolis - helps run through several topics, including wearable tech and augmented reality, animated gifs, Ello, Snapchat ads and trends in advertising overall. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is it time to rethink social media marketing campaign tactics, especially after the campaign runs its course? Shoutlet's Greg Gerik shares his thoughts. Also, Target tried something unique with Instagram for Halloween. A new report looks at the social media activity of Fortune 500 CEOs. Plus, Edelman's comprehensive study of the relationship between consumers and brands, and McDonald's is criticized for taking consumers behind the scenes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Interview edition - Jay Baer, president, Convince & Convert, discusses why content is important to PR pros and marketers, the "farming principle" when it comes to the success of your content efforts and what he is excited about when working with his clients today. And, Hannah Godfrey, North American Food and Beverage Lead for Brandwatch, talks about the importance of social listening and content creation, what to consider in your content planning process, and the role of sentiment analysis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

LinkedIn has opened up its publishing platform to all U.S. users. So, is it for everyone? We also look at a unique way to promote tourism in Minnesota. Plus, the relationship between PR pros and reporters, the definition of a "corporate" blog and Derek Jeter jumps into the content business with some of the biggest names in sports. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ello is everywhere, so Arik and Kevin consider the immediate reaction and what its launch means to the social space. Also, should someone tasked to lead social business within a company also have a strong online presence? Millennials seem to be the focus of every marketer and campaign. Plus, a PR plan for messaging the earnings gap between a company's CEO and employees. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Interview edition - Scott Monty, the executive vice president of strategy at SHIFT Communications, discusses moving from Ford to the agency side, his view of real-time marketing, how to mobilize employees for advocacy and more. Plus, he even offers some advice for parents related to social media and kids. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Interview edition - Chris Boudreaux and Susan Emerick, co-authors of "The Most Powerful Brand on Earth," talk about the state of employee advocacy programs in companies, what they offer employees, businesses and what you should think about if you're looking to get a program started. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lawyers are crucial to the success of a company or brand's social media program - so how can communicators and marketers make sure the Law department doesn't slow things down? Arik and Kevin have some ideas. Also this week, a study points out the inefficiency of the average marketer's workday. Plus, finding the right perspective on social media engagement and the push to become a true social business. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is Barbie's Showcase page on LinkedIn evidence of a successful brand digital marketing campaign? Arik and Kevin also discuss the lure of real-time marketing, PR's potential use in lead generation, early adoption by brands of new platforms and tools (Instagram's Hyperlapse app) and Arik reveals why he left the corporate world behind and set out to build a solo PR career. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Fortune 500 is increasing its use of social media - except in the area of blogging. What else does a new study say? We talk about it with the Umass Dartmouth researcher behind the interesting data. Also, what is "click flu"? Does your business have it? Plus, measuring engaged time on your content and websites, Twitter changes up its timeline, and Kevin shares some of the challenges he's facing in corporate blogging. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Guest co-host Lee Odden of TopRank Online Marketing, and author of "Optimize," offers his perspective on how companies and brands should build a content strategy. Also, should publishers - and companies - repost and reuse their online content? A new report on the challenges that journalists face and their content needs from companies. Plus, the PR and marketing lessons of the Ice Bucket Challenge. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How are companies and brands managing influencer relations? It's a broad topic and Arik and Kevin discuss several aspects of it, including working with bloggers. Also this week, why are there so many women working in PR? Plus, Red Bull's content machine and Facebook's decision to end like-baiting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Interview edition - Holly Spaeth, supervisor of marketing communications/social at Polaris, tells Arik and Kevin about her team's role in several recent motorcycle launches for the company. She also discusses her team's structure, the changes in the approach to social media at Polaris over the last few years and her unique approach to hiring. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Guest co-host Lionel Menchaca of W2O Group talks about his role there, his pioneering work in social media at Dell and why he sought a new direction for his career. In the weekly news recap, Lionel chats with Arik and Kevin about a blog post that suggests company blogs should be judged by the number of comments they receive. Also, they discuss a post by Jay Baer that could get companies and brands to flip their thinking on content and engagement across their social channels. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Digital transformation is underway at companies of all sizes - but how is it going? Arik and Kevin discuss a report tracking the benefits and challenges of the effort. Also this week, some trends in the evolution of social media - have you heard of the rise of "dark social"? Microsoft announced layoffs in a clumsy way, brand journalism has matured, press releases need some help to stand out, and a mayor gets kudos for heading to Reddit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What's the secret to making memorable videos for YouTube? What are big brands thinking about in terms of their approach to global social media and paid media? Arik and Kevin kick off this week's show with those topics. They also talk about employee advocacy, ghostwriting, sponsored content (do consumers trust it?), Twitter's new analytics and a project in Minneapolis that got some buzz during the MLB All Star Game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arik and Kevin discuss some projections for spending on digital among CMOs, a new take on the "Every Company is a Media Company" mantra, suggestions for future job titles in social media and marketing, Taylor Swift's thoughts on building an audience, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arik and Kevin discuss a survey of PR pros about paid media, blogging habits and best practices, GE's new "Pressing" site and Facebook's controversial A/B testing in the news feed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices