Renegade Thinkers Unite: Marketing Tips From Cmos And Expert Marketers

What’s on the horizon for B2B marketing in 2025? In this episode, guest host Jamie Gier steps in for Drew Neisser to explore where top CMOs are placing their bets for the future. Joined by Charles Groome of Biz2Credit, Tom Bianchi of Acquia, and Josh Leatherman of Service Express, this conversation dives deep into the strategies, tools, and tactics poised to drive success in the coming year. In this episode:  Charles Groome shares his top three bets for 2025, including brand-led events, cross-channel marketing, and influencer strategies tailored to niche audiences.  Tom Bianchi reveals how Acquia is aligning new product launches with focused segmentation and ABM tactics to optimize marketing ROI.  Josh Leatherman explores how marketers can leverage AI to enhance analytics, drive predictability, and sharpen account-based sales and marketing strategies.  The group also explores the results from a 5-part poll series:  40% of marketers expect budget increases in 2025.  Events are

Attribution is one of the toughest challenges for modern marketers—how do you measure what truly drives revenue in a complex, multi-touch journey? In this episode, Drew Neisser sits down with Taran Nandha, Founder and CEO of Growth Natives and DiGGrowth, to unpack the intricacies of marketing attribution and analytics. In this episode:   Taran identifies the top mistakes marketers make with attribution, from relying on vanity metrics to overlooking offline touchpoints.  He explains the importance of aligning people, processes, and tools to build an effective attribution system that delivers insights aligned with business objectives.  Learn how to move beyond first-touch and last-touch models by embracing multi-touch attribution and account-based analytics for a more complete picture of customer journeys. You’ll also discover:  How to connect and normalize data across platforms like CRMs, marketing automation tools, and ad channels.  Practical tips on using cohorts and journey

What does it take to turn marketing into a true driver of business success? In this episode, Drew dives deep into this question with three expert CMOs—Shirley Macbeth of Forrester, Dan Lowden of Blackbird.ai, and Ali McCarthy of Amplify Your Voice Studio—who reveal how they keep marketing aligned with business objectives while pushing the boundaries of creativity and strategy.  In this episode:  Shirley Macbeth explains how Forrester’s “Plan on a Page” framework keeps marketing focused on top business objectives and the importance of prioritization in achieving meaningful results.  Dan Lowden shares his proven “Marketing Playbook” that drives brand and revenue impact, detailing the role of compelling content in engaging target audiences and supporting sales.  Ali McCarthy discusses the importance of a clear growth plan to align marketing with financial goals and maintain focus across the entire team.  You’ll also learn:  How to prioritize effectively in a resource-constrained enviro

What does it take to create B2B research that journalists can’t resist?  In this episode, Drew Neisser sits down with research experts Becky Lawlor of Redpoint Content and Curtis Sparrer of Bospar PR to reveal the secrets of crafting and pitching impactful studies that capture media attention.  In this episode:  Becky Lawlor shares the top three mistakes to avoid in research design, emphasizing the importance of aligning with media trends, targeting the right audience, and writing effective survey questions.  Curtis Sparrer highlights how to create “killer stats” that drive media coverage, and explains why a successful study must tell a story that resonates beyond niche audiences.  You’ll also learn:  Why it’s essential to conduct quality checks on survey audiences and design  How to adapt your findings for multiple uses, from PR to lead generation  Practical tips on “news-jacking” and tapping into timely topics for maximum impact  Tune in to discover how to make your re

For CMOs, strategy is as much about what not to do as it is about what to focus on. In this episode, we explore the transformative power of focus with three marketing leaders who have mastered the art of saying "no" to the nonessential.   Highlights include:  JD Dillon shares how Tigo Energy’s "Green Glove Service" transformed customer service into a brand differentiator and rallied the entire organization around a simple, powerful concept.   Laura Beaulieu discusses her approach at Holistiplan to amplify customer voices through webinars and referrals, focusing on building an influencer pipeline that converts loyal customers into brand advocates.  Kevin Briody explains how Edmentum consolidated multiple websites to simplify the customer experience, reduce internal complexity, and drive more impactful marketing through a streamlined digital presence. (He's now CMO of Meteor Education).   We also cover the challenges of prioritizing in a fast-paced environment, strategies for creating

Most businesses profess to love their customers. However, only a few have figured out how to transform brand love into advocacy on a consistent and scalable basis. Enter this episode's guests:  Tejal Parekh, previously of Upside  Rebecca Stone of Cisco  Suzanne Reed of LBMC In this insightful conversation, these three powerhouse CMOs share their unique approaches to turning satisfied customers into vocal advocates. They dive into the essential elements of building a successful customer advocacy program, from structuring advocacy within the organization to funding and measuring its success. Listen in as they explore the balance between short-term goals and long-term impact, and reveal real-world strategies to elevate customer voices. Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to scale your advocacy efforts, this episode offers invaluable insights for B2B marketers committed to fostering genuine customer loyalty and influence.  For full show notes and transcripts, visit https://reneg

In this special Drew-on-Drew episode of Renegade Marketers Unite, Drew Neisser sits down with... himself, to tackle the biggest marketing questions for 2025. From AI’s takeover to the comeback of in-person events, Drew wrestles with the trends that will shape the future of marketing.  Expect bold predictions, sharp insights, and a little friendly self-debate as Drew explores how CMOs can stay ahead of the curve.   Key Takeaways:  How AI will supercharge marketing (and what it won’t do).  The growing importance of the CMO+.   How to expand your impact beyond marketing.  Why in-person events are about to boom again.  This episode is packed with tips to future-proof your strategy.   By the way, we're diving MUCH deeper into these ideas at our CMO Super Huddle on November 8th in Palo Alto. It’s a one-day, action-packed event designed for B2B CMOs to share, learn, and build strategies for 2025 and beyond. Learn more at cmohuddles.com.  For full show notes and transcripts, visit htt

What if AI could do more than save time—what if it could engage employees, excite customers, and inspire creativity? In this episode of Renegade Marketers Unite, Drew Neisser chats with the inventive Jenny Nicholson to uncover how B2B marketers can transform their approach using generative AI. From reimagining decision-making to turning everyday tasks into playful, monster-slaying missions, Jenny shares innovative ways AI can spark creativity and boost engagement. Tune in to for real-world examples and insights on AI's true promise—to build more human experiences and transform the way we work. Key Takeaways: Unlock AI’s potential for creativity, not just efficiency  Explore fresh ideas for team engagement and customer interaction  Why every marketer should experiment with AI to push boundaries Perfect for B2B marketers looking to take their AI strategies to the next level!   For full show notes and transcripts, visit https://renegademarketing.com/podcasts/ To learn more about CMO Hudd

What does it take to move up market and start targeting the enterprise market? In this episode, host Drew Neisser is joined by Allyson Havener (SVP of Marketing at TrustRadius), Sheri Chin (CMO of Galileo Financial Technologies), and Jakki Geiger (most recently CMO of Hazelcast) to discuss how to navigate the strategic shift.  From aligning sales and marketing teams to crafting tailored messaging, these marketing leaders share real-world experiences on what works—and what doesn’t—when moving up market. Key Discussion Points: How to identify when it’s time to move up market. The internal shifts needed to target enterprise customers successfully. Leveraging account-based marketing and targeted content for larger deals. The importance of partnerships in breaking into the enterprise market. How to balance retaining SMB customers while scaling to serve enterprise clients. Tune in to hear real-world strategies for taking your business to the next level by moving up market.  For full show notes and transc

Does your marketing strategy rely on short-term fixes and MQL targets? This episode will show you why it’s time to return to a deeper, more sustainable approach. Drew Neisser sits down with Jon Miller to tackle the tough questions, like whether the traditional marketing playbook is broken—and how CMOs can fix it. Jon shares actionable insights on: Revisiting the Fundamentals: Why product-market fit, positioning, and reputation are more important than ever for marketing success.  Doing Right by the Customer: How focusing on short-term results can undermine the customer experience and damage long-term growth.  Embracing AI for the Long Haul: Why CMOs need to prepare for AI's lasting impact (beyond content creation) to stay competitive. If you're ready to move beyond outdated tactics and rethink your approach to marketing, this episode offers practical strategies for success. Tune in!  For full show notes and transcripts, visit https://renegademarketing.com/podcasts/ To learn more about CM

What does it take to build a demand gen machine that not only delivers leads but drives real, measurable business impact? In this episode, host Drew Neisser is joined by Michael Callahan (Salt Security), James B. Stanton (CuraLinc Healthcare), and Jeff Morgan (Elements) to discuss how they've built scalable, high-performing demand gen engines.  From refining incentive strategies to focusing on ideal customer profiles (ICP), these seasoned marketers share practical tips on boosting conversion rates and maximizing ROI in B2B marketing. Learn how to align sales and marketing teams, leverage AI and automation tools, and avoid common pitfalls that can derail even the best demand gen strategies.  Key Discussion Points:  How to fine-tune incentives to attract the right prospects.  Why narrowing your ICP can boost conversions and drive more qualified leads.  The power of partnerships in driving down customer acquisition costs.  How AI tools are enhancing marketing efficiency and delivering

What do surfboards, The Grateful Dead, and the Savannah Bananas baseball team have in common? If you ask marketing expert David Meerman Scott, they all hold valuable lessons for creating a standout marketing strategy that connects deeply with your audience.  In this episode, David joins host Drew Neisser to discuss the latest (9th!) edition of his iconic book, The New Rules of Marketing & PR, and how CMOs can navigate a rapidly changing landscape with AI, content creation, and fan-building strategies. From redefining traditional marketing to real-world examples with unconventional success, David offers practical advice for B2B CMOs aiming to stay ahead in 2025 and beyond.  A few key takeaways:  Why understanding your audience is still the bedrock of effective marketing.  How AI is impacting content creation—and where companies are getting it wrong.  The power of newsjacking: how to inject your brand into breaking news to capture attention and boost visibility.  The enduring valu

What does it take to build a powerhouse B2B marketing team that can scale and succeed in today’s fast-paced world? In this episode, CMOs Marca Armstrong (Sensera Systems), Lesley Davis (Waggoner Engineering), and Isabelle Papoulias (BackBox) share their proven strategies for assembling and nurturing high-performing teams.  Key topics discussed include:  Hiring for complementary skills to strengthen your team’s capabilities.  Nurturing internal talent to unlock potential and promote from within.  Aligning marketing efforts with business goals to drive strategic growth.  Balancing creativity with AI to stay relevant in the evolving marketing landscape.  Tune in to learn how these marketing leaders are building teams that make a lasting impact.  For full show notes and transcripts, visit https://renegademarketing.com/podcasts/ To learn more about CMO Huddles, visit https://cmohuddles.com/

How can CMOs effectively coach their CEOs and cultivate a strong, productive relationship? In this episode, executive coach Susan Gurnik shares her expert strategies for CMOs looking to navigate the complex dynamics of working with CEOs, whether they're first-timers or seasoned leaders.  Learn how to actively listen and align with your CEO's vision, even when it's not fully formed.  Discover techniques for handling high-stress situations and managing all different flavors of executive leaders.  Explore real-world examples of successful CEO-CMO relationships and how subtle coaching can lead to transformational growth.  Understand the importance of setting boundaries, using common language, and being adaptable in the face of ever-changing business demands. If you're a marketing leader looking to strengthen your relationship with your CEO and drive greater success for your organization, this episode is packed with practical advice and insights you won't want to miss!    For full show

How can marketing truly lead transformational change in an organization? In this episode, top B2B CMOs Paige O'Neill of Seismic, Kevin Ruane of Precisely, and Amy Messano of Altair share their experiences and strategies for driving big change within their organizations.  Uncover the strategies behind successful brand consolidation and the impact it has on growth and employee engagement. Explore how to position marketing at the center of your business strategy and why it’s crucial for driving long-term success. Hear real-life stories of how these marketing leaders have navigated the challenges of shifting to ABM, embracing generative AI, and fostering a culture of innovation. Gain insights into securing and maintaining executive and board-level buy-in for ambitious marketing initiatives. If you're ready to take on the role of a change agent in your organization, this episode offers the insights and inspiration you need to lead with confidence. Tune in!   For full show notes and transcripts, visit https:

Standing out in the B2B world isn’t getting any easier. In this episode, we dive deep into the art of positioning with Allyson Letteri, author of Standout Startup. Learn the top three mistakes brands make and how to avoid them  Discover how to create compelling messaging that sets you apart  Hear real-world success stories from companies like Handshake and Thumbtack  Understand the importance of alignment between marketing and sales  Get actionable tips on content strategy and customer journey optimization If you're ready to transform your startup into a standout success, this episode is packed with practical advice you won't want to miss!  And to hear more from Allyson, she’ll be speaking at the upcoming CMO Super Huddle in Palo Alto (Nov 7th-8th, 2024).   For full show notes and transcripts, visit https://renegademarketing.com/podcasts/ To learn more about CMO Huddles, visit https://cmohuddles.com/

Struggling with your executive job search? Dive into this can't-miss episode featuring marketing guru Drew Neisser! Discover:  Why the B2B CMO job market is so challenging right now The 6-step process to land your next role faster How to craft a personal brand that stands out Tactics for leveraging LinkedIn (and avoiding its pitfalls) Interview prep secrets to outshine the competition The truth about starting a consultancy during transition  Plus:  Should you build a personal website? Is the CMO role really "dying"? Video introductions: yay or nay?  Packed with actionable advice and insider tips used in the CMO Huddles Transition Team curriculum, this episode is a must-listen for any B2B marketing leader navigating career transitions in today's competitive landscape. A special thank you to today’s guest host, Julie Michelle Morris and the DIY Influence Community for inviting Drew to share his wisdom and guiding the conversation.   For full show notes and transcripts, visit https://renegademar

“Even if great writing eludes you, brevity needn’t.”  This powerful principle drives Smart Brevity, the transformative communication method pioneered by the founders of Axios. Join co-author Roy Schwartz, a true brevity mastermind, reveals how to ditch corporate waffle and get to the point. Discover strategies to distill complex ideas into impactful bites across the organization, like:  Visualizing your audience (literally) The magic formula of "What's New" and "Why It Matters"  Mastering information hierarchy Crafting compelling internal updates Transforming your team into concise communicators Learn why 200,000+ pros swear by Smart Brevity. Your audience (and inbox) will thank you.   For full show notes and transcripts, visit https://renegademarketing.com/podcasts/ To learn more about CMO Huddles, visit https://cmohuddles.com/

How are top marketers leveraging data to drive business growth and make smarter decisions? From demand creation to lead conversion, this episode explores the metrics that truly matter in today's B2B landscape.  Host Drew Neisser welcomes a stellar panel of veteran CMOs to dive deep into the data-driven world of modern marketing: Jamie Gier of Dexcare, Grant Johnson (previously Billtrust), and Julia Goebel of Komodo Health   Tune in for their expertise on: Pipeline contribution and revenue forecasting Brand health measurement   Aligning marketing with sales through analytics   Proving marketing ROI to the C-suite   This episode is packed with actionable insights for metrics maestros and analytics novices alike. Don’t miss it!      For full show notes and transcripts, visit https://renegademarketing.com/podcasts/ To learn more about CMO Huddles, visit https://cmohuddles.com/

What’s working today in SEO for B2B SaaS brands?    In this data-packed episode, digital marketing expert Tom Shapiro, CEO of Stratabeat, unveils the answers, drawing from an extensive study of 250 B2B SaaS websites. Prepare to challenge your assumptions and discover actionable strategies that can dramatically improve your search rankings and organic traffic.  Key findings include:  Blogging 5-8x per month increases Google top 10 keywords by 47.9%, compared to just 10% for 1-4 posts   Websites offering online tools saw a 40.8% boost in top 10 keyword rankings   Original research boosted top 10 keyword rankings by 36% on average  Audience segmentation led to a 31.7% increase in Google top 10 rankings, vs. 12.4% for non-segmented sites   Discover why blogging frequency is the low-hanging fruit you can't afford to ignore, learn how online tools can unexpectedly boost your SEO, and find out why audience segmentation might be your secret weapon. This data-driven deep dive challenges