Episode Notes [01:14] Unexpected Email from Employer [05:49] The Deferred Resignation Program [06:34] Initial Reactions and Concerns [08:01] Evaluating the Offer [08:21] Enhanced Standards of Conduct [08:55] Personal Reflections and Concerns [12:21] Seeking Advice and Making a Decision [13:01] Option One: Do Not Resign [14:56] Option Two: Resign [16:44] Insights from Conversations [21:30] Making The Decision [23:51] Final Thoughts and Gratitude Resources Mentioned Sebastian Junger The Soul of Shame by Curt Thompson Donald Trump Elon Musk Steve Bannon Russell Vought Derek Sivers Sumner Crenshaw Brian Fretwell at Finding Good Chad Littlefield The Thought Leaders Practice by Matt Church Simon Cowell Beauty Pill Producer Ben Ford Questions Asked Is it legitimate, and can it be trusted? How are you feeling? What questions come to your mind? Where does your mind go? Are you seeking safety? Would this have been an adrenaline rush as you raced to send the resignation response? What an "enhanced standard" regarding loyalty and trustworthiness was? What are these new "enhanced standards?" Are they beyond what my Constitutional oath requires? If I don't resign, how bright will the target on my back glow? My leadership has supported all my work, but would termination direction come from higher up the chain of command? What would you recommend if we talked over coffee? What questions would you ask? How would you use listening? How would you use silence? How is this scenario playing out in your mind and body? What is coming to the surface for you? How might that influence what you are about to say to me? What are the chances of my name popping on a list and getting fired? How about the chances of being part of an official Reduction in Force and early retirement? Would the administration make a better offer? What do I know about the pending job market? What did I expect the workplace to be like and did I want to be there as the contractions took place? Will the administration pay me through the end of September or will they renege? Can I sufficiently build the Curated Questions business to transition by 1 October? - Do I have the faith or confidence to step into this future as a sole practitioner and grow Curated Questions into all I envisioned? Was this purpose calling? What would I expect the job market to look like at the end of summer if I hadn't developed the income streams to maintain our lifestyle? What is your recommendation? Did it change from your initial recommendation? Where in your body are you feeling the uncertainty? Are you processing this scenario in parallel with your decision as if you had received the email? What additional questions should I have considered? Who else should I have consulted with? How would you have changed my risk rating? What is the correct length of the pregnant pause before making an important announcement? What processes would you use in my circumstance, and what would be different? What questions are at the top of your list to get to a decision? Who would be the members of your pantheon you would counsel with to gain clarity? Apart from the heady analysis, what other key practices would you include in your journey through a similar situation?…
Unlock the full spectrum of marketing with Marketing D-Koded, the podcast that empowers business owners with in-depth strategies and insights. Join co-hosts Daniel Kodam and Jackie Strack to dive deep in the world of marketing and emerge with a clear understanding of how to drive results for your business. You'll get the inside scoop on entire marketing strategies from concept to execution, giving you the tools and knowledge to succeed in today's competitive landscape.
Unlock the full spectrum of marketing with Marketing D-Koded, the podcast that empowers business owners with in-depth strategies and insights. Join co-hosts Daniel Kodam and Jackie Strack to dive deep in the world of marketing and emerge with a clear understanding of how to drive results for your business. You'll get the inside scoop on entire marketing strategies from concept to execution, giving you the tools and knowledge to succeed in today's competitive landscape.
In this episode, Daniel and Jackie talk about how to change your business and marketing strategy with uncertain economic times. With recent changes in the U.S. presidency and ongoing global issues like war and tariff changes, consumer confidence has been shaken, leading to reduced traffic and sales for many businesses. Daniel and Jackie discuss how the unstable environment can impact businesses differently, depending on factors like the cost of their goods or services and whether they're operating in the business-to-business (B2B) or business-to-consumer (B2C) space. Jackie and Daniel stress the importance of evaluating and adapting marketing strategies during these volatile times. They emphasize the need to rethink analytics, bolster brand awareness, experiment with new marketing tactics, and ensure consistent follow-up with potential leads. They also provide actionable steps for business owners, such as updating their websites, maintaining an active online presence, and trying new marketing channels, to help them weather the storm and come out stronger on the other side. To sign up for your free online fitness assessment, visit: https://www.dkodetech.com/free-fitness-assessment/ Key Topics Discussed: Current U.S. political changes and their impact on consumer confidence How Economic Uncertainty affects marketing and Business Sales Comparison of current challenges with past events like COVID-19 The importance of adaptability in marketing strategies Specific challenges faced by B2B and B2C businesses during uncertainty The significance of updating online presence and experimenting with new marketing tactics Strategies for maintaining engagement with potential leads Role of brand awareness and community engagement in marketing resilience Checklist for business owners to optimize their marketing approach…
Does being too authentic potentially hurt your brand? The answer may surprise you. In this episode, Jackie and Daniel discuss the significance of authenticity in businesses and unpack its essence beyond just the visible elements like websites and business cards. They discuss why it's so important to be true to your values and understand who you are as a company. They also talk about large brands like McDonald's and Apple, showcasing how these companies stay true to their core values, which have contributed significantly to their success. Daniel emphasizes how authenticity, if leveraged correctly, can turn negative experiences into opportunities to demonstrate a company's values and strengths. The importance of consistent customer and employee interactions aligning with the company’s brand image is also highlighted, ultimately reinforcing the need for marketing and internal practices that resonate with the true essence of the business. To sign up for your free online fitness assessment, visit: https://www.dkodetech.com/free-fitness-assessment/ Key Topics Discussed Summary: Definition and personal interpretation of authenticity Importance of incorporating authenticity in business marketing Real-world examples illustrating the consequences of inauthentic branding Negative experiences as opportunities to demonstrate authenticity Comparison of major brands like McDonald's and Apple in maintaining authenticity Role of employees in upholding the company’s authentic image Practical tips for maintaining authenticity in marketing strategies Importance of third-party feedback on marketing materials…
In this episode, Daniel and Jackie discuss how to effectively set and achieve your marketing goals for the New Year. They emphasize the importance of creating a structured marketing plan and outline the critical steps to prevent your goals from falling short. They also talk about the concept of SMART goals, explaining how goals should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound to ensure success. They further explore the idea of knowing your strengths and weaknesses and leveraging the right tools and people to fill gaps in your abilities. Jackie shares insights on how personality assessments can aid in creating a balanced and effective team. They wrap up by stressing the importance of measuring your progress regularly, understanding changes in your performance, and adapting your strategies accordingly. By following these guidelines, business owners can set realistic goals and achieve them effectively throughout the year. To sign up for your free online fitness assessment, visit: https://www.dkodetech.com/free-fitness-assessment Key Topics Discussed Importance of creating a structured marketing plan Explanation of SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) Benefits of breaking down goals into actionable tasks Knowing your strengths and weaknesses in marketing Role of personality assessments in team building Real-life examples of overcoming marketing challenges Importance of measuring progress regularly Adapting and refining marketing strategies…
In this episode, Daniel and Jackie explore the nuances of content marketing with a particular focus on the role of AI. The discussion begins with Jackie sharing her perspective on content marketing, which she sees as integral to marketing strategies. She talks about the evolving perception of content marketing and the recent influence of AI tools like Gemini and ChatGPT in content creation. Daniel and Jackie debate the pros and cons of relying on AI for content generation, with Jackie emphasizing that while AI can expedite research, the actual content should be penned by humans to ensure quality and usefulness. The episode also discusses the specifics of producing high-quality, useful content. They touch upon techniques such as social media listening, competitive analysis, and direct customer feedback to understand relevant topics. They stress the importance of interlinking content to create a cohesive narrative and maintaining easy access points for customer interaction. Finally, Daniel shares insights into the shift from backlinks to digital PR as a more effective strategy in content marketing, providing high-quality connections that enhance search engine optimization and overall online presence. To sign up for your free online fitness assessment, visit: https://www.dkodetech.com/free-fitness-assessment/ Key Topics Discussed: The importance of content marketing in modern marketing strategies. Differentiation between AI-generated content and human-written content. AI's role in assisting research for content creation. Strategies for identifying useful content topics through social media listening and customer feedback. A practical approach to interlinking content for better SEO and user engagement. The transition from backlinks to digital PR for higher quality connections and improved SEO.…
On this episode of Marketing D-Koded, Jackie and Daniel tackle what every business needs to know about Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Daniel begins by addressing the confusion surrounding what SEO truly entails and emphasizes that many business owners and marketing directors often misunderstand it. He explains that SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, is critical for getting a business higher up in Google search results, particularly in competitive industries. Throughout the episode, they discuss key factors influencing SEO, including content quality, directory listings, website speed, and backlinks. Jackie also discusses the importance of high-quality content in SEO, explaining how outdated techniques like keyword stuffing and hidden text are ineffective and can harm a website's ranking. They also stress that content should be valuable and relevant to users, making it crucial for business owners to work with companies that provide localized, timely, and engaging content. They also advise choosing the right SEO company, cautioning against those who don't prioritize content or use dubious backlink strategies. To get your free marketing fitness assessment, visit: https://www.dkodetech.com/free-fitness-assessment/ Key Topics Discussed Misunderstanding of SEO among business owners Importance of high-quality, relevant content Factors influencing SEO success: content, Google tools, directory listings, website speed Avoiding misleading SEO companies that only address parts of SEO Importance of on-page SEO optimization Human-written content vs. AI-generated content in SEO Setting and measuring SEO goals Long-term nature of SEO and managing expectations Choosing the right SEO company SEO vs. pure lead generation…
If you're ready to launch a business or make some major changes with your current business, how do you approach the marketing plan as a whole? In this episode of Marketing D-Koded, Daniel and Jackie discuss the essential steps for business owners who are just starting out or making significant changes in their enterprises. They focus specifically on the marketing aspect of launching a new business, emphasizing the importance of having a rough business idea, setting a realistic budget, and creating a detailed marketing plan. They also talk about being adaptable and nimble in the face of market changes and business challenges. They also outline four critical elements for new business owners: having a solid but flexible business idea, creating a budget, planning marketing strategies, and maintaining adaptability. They share real-world examples and personal experiences of some of their clients and offer practical advice on logos, websites, and the need for a solid online presence. Learn the foundational knowledge you need to start marketing a new business, effectively. To get your free marketing fitness assessment, visit: https://www.dkodetech.com/free-fitness-assessment/ Key Topics Discussed: The importance of having a solid business idea Passion as a key driver for long-term business success Imagining and planning for your business’s end goal Creating a realistic budget based on research and resources The necessity of consistent branding in logos and websites The critical role of a website as an online business card Using social media and digital business cards for marketing Strategizing budget allocation for effective marketing Conducting market research to refine marketing efforts The importance of being nimble and open to change Staying aware and responsive to market conditions Balancing vulnerability with confidence in business Building a support network for brainstorming and advice…
Are cookies going away or staying, and how can you best use what's available for your marketing campaigns? Daniel and Jackie are talking all things cookies in this latest episode of Marketing D-Koded as they dive deep into the realm of third-party cookies and their implications for both consumers and marketers. talk about what cookies are, and how companies are currently using them, plus the significant role they play in tailored advertising. They also discuss the recent news about the extended use of third-party cookies, highlighting the privacy concerns that many users have and the need for marketers to balance the demand for targeted advertising with consumer rights. They touch on the different types of cookies—first-party and third-party cookies—and the essential metrics marketers should focus on for effective campaigns. The conversation navigates through the difficulties small businesses face due to the high costs of customer acquisition and the importance of broad-based marketing strategies. To get your free marketing fitness assessment, visit: https://www.dkodetech.com/free-fitness-assessment/ Key Topics Discussed Summary: Focus on third-party cookies in current marketing practices Explanation of cookies and their function in data collection Privacy concerns and the push to eliminate cookies Differences between first-party and third-party cookies Consequences of the removal of cookies on marketing Importance of analyzing marketing metrics Customer acquisition costs and their impact Different marketing strategies for small vs. large businesses Seasonal and industry-specific cycles Utilization of advanced tools for user analysis Importance of broad-based marketing strategies Understanding and leveraging local community behaviors…
Will Google change its business plan after a recent court ruling? Daniel and Jackie tackle the recent legal ruling labeling Google a monopoly. They discuss the implications of Google's dominant 90% market share in the search engine sector and explore the potential outcomes of the ruling, including Google's ongoing appeals and the possible unbundling of its tech and exclusive partnerships. Jackie provides historical context by referencing the 2000 Microsoft monopoly case, describing parallels that might influence Google's future adjustments. They also cover the impact of such rulings on the broader tech industry, talking about how technology advancements have previously reshaped monopolies, such as the rise of cell phones diminishing AT&T's control. They consider the implications of marketing strategies due to shifts in the search engine landscape, emphasizing the consistent need for high-quality content and online visibility. They end with predictions on how future technological developments, especially AI, might further shift the landscape within the next five years. To get your free marketing fitness assessment, visit: https://www.dkodetech.com/free-fitness-assessment/ Key Topics Discussed: Google’s monopoly status and market share in search engines Historical context from the Microsoft monopoly case Potential outcomes and Google's ongoing appeals Effects of unbundling Google's exclusive partnerships Broader tech industry impact and political implications Consumer behavior, privacy concerns, and marketing impact Historical examples of technological advances reshaping monopolies Predictions for future changes in the industry Importance of high-quality content and online visibility…
Hosts Daniel Kodam and Jackie Strack explore the multifaceted challenges and strategies associated with effective marketing in this first episode of Marketing D-Koded. Learn the importance of continuously monitoring websites for bugs and usability issues and why even the smallest of oversights can have massive impact on user experience and SEO. They also talk about the negative impact slow page loading speeds, broken links, and unresponsive design can have on your SEO rank. Jackie and Daniel also talk about the role of social media in modern marketing. Businesses can achieve better algorithm results by implementing the "VAC" approach—which stands for video, accountability, and consistency. They stress the importance of detailed attention to social media performance, setting SMART goals, and utilizing platforms like Loomly, Hootsuite, and Buffer for scheduling and analytics. To cap it off, they discuss how companies must carefully monitor and measure results, providing continuous feedback to their marketing teams or outside marketing personnel to ensure sustained success. To get your free marketing fitness assessment, visit: https://www.dkodetech.com/free-fitness-assessment/ Key Topics Discussed: Why you should regularly check the website for bugs and usability issues The importance of content and technical SEO Why you should always be monitoring website speed and broken links How to utilize LinkedIn for effective prospecting How to hire professional support for marketing Recognizing the complexity of social media management Setting and measuring social media goals How to hold marketing personnel accountable with KPIs The importance of continuous feedback and adjustment in marketing Setting SMART goals for marketing strategy success…
Are you setting the right goals for your marketing campaigns? In this episode of Marketing D-Koded, Jackie and Daniel break down the importance and relevance of SMART goals in the marketing industry. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound, and they discuss why these criteria are vital to creating effective marketing plans. Daniel shares real-world examples, such as helping a restaurant client set a goal to break even by the end of the year using specific email campaigns as a measurable tactic. Jackie discusses recalibrating goals to ensure they are achievable and the benefits of using SMART goals for client communication and project management. They also talk about potential pitfalls of setting SMART goals, such as unrealistic deadlines and lack of access to data points, and how to navigate these challenges. They recommend starting with a 12-month marketing plan while ensuring each goal meets the SMART criteria and identifying responsible stakeholders. They also discuss why aligning goals with current market conditions and adapting to changing environments is crucial to your long-term success. To get your free marketing fitness assessment, visit: https://www.dkodetech.com/free-fitness-assessment/ Key Topics Discussed; Defining each element of SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound Real-world examples of setting SMART goals for a restaurant client Challenges in ensuring goals are measurable and achievable Recalibrating goals to ensure they are realistic Importance of identifying responsible stakeholders for goal accountability Potential pitfalls of SMART goals: unrealistic deadlines and lack of necessary data Breaking down large goals into manageable sub-goals Benefits of SMART goals in client communication and project management Staying adaptable and relevant to current market conditions…