Industry Experts & Best Practices

Marketing and PR professionals know well that in order to be successful in our industry, staying updated is a non-negotiable. Whether it’s devouring industry news, taking an online course, or keeping in touch with your past and present clients, staying informed is key. I personally spend hours reading email newsletters from my favorite outlets, listening to podcasts on the subway, and scrolling on social media (It’s okay to doomscroll for four hours on TikTok if it’s for research… right?)When my team at Quantious first started using Meltwater, we focused on how it could empower our clients. It wasn’t until months later that we realized the platform could transform how we kept up with industry trends, saving us countless hours of manual research. Enter the Quantious “Weekly Tech Roundup”—our curated compilation of the most important developments in AI, AR, VR, robotics, and more. This compilation has a vast audience, and is geared towards industry leaders in tech, current clients, and o

 In mid-November, organic carrots at several major stores across the United States were linked to an E. coli outbreak. Also, that week, Delta Airlines said it would start serving Shake Shack cheeseburgers on certain flights from Boston. Consumers reacted to both topics, with concerns and questions over the carrot recall and criticism on social media over Delta’s decision to serve reheated cheeseburgers.While both the carrot recall and Delta Airlines received a significant number of mentions, both finished far behind the number of Taylor Swift mentions over that same time period.  This may seem like an irrelevant comparison, and if we were benchmarking competitors or calculating share of voice from a marketing perspective, it probably would be. However, comparison search in Meltwater can also be a valuable tool when it comes to understanding the true scope of a PR moment or crisis. Today, I’m going to show you why I keep a Taylor Swift search in my library of Explore searches, and how i

Hello! I’m Will, and I’m happy to be added to mCommunity’s #ExpertsWithInsights lineup.For a long time, I was a television news producer at several local stations across the country. I received several local, regional and national awards for the more than 5,000 newscasts I produced during that part of my career. With big changes happening in the media over the past few years, I made the move into communications and haven’t looked back.Everyday is still a learning process (which job isn't?), but it is a process made easier through the use of Meltwater. I am able to use many of the skills I have acquired watching, analyzing and reporting on trends in new and exciting ways. My background in journalism and news production has greatly shaped my approach to PR and communications. I aim to build trusting relationships with stakeholders and media outlets, and I have a proven track record of generating new business and crisis management focusing on reputation management and consumer outreach. W

Hello! I’m Pia Mitchell, Marketing Producer at Quantious. I have a background in both marketing and public relations, and specialize in digital marketing and branding. My career spans everything from digital campaigns to experiential activations, and I approach everything I do with creativity and precision.  I’m passionate about branding, and that goes hand-in-hand with copywriting and project management. At Quantious, I’ve crafted copy for campaigns you’ve likely seen out in the wild, spearheaded our internal PR efforts, and leveraged Meltwater for some incredible trend research, social listening, and competitive analysis. And that’s only the beginning. I previously worked for a PR agency in the luxury fashion space, where I secured placements in top-tier magazines, coordinated campaign strategies, and handled influencer partnerships. I thrive at the intersection of tech and luxury brands, and spend far too much time analyzing how tech is infiltrating–no, redefining–every industry fro

Being a young professional is daunting in and of itself, but when you’re also the only communication professional at your organization, it can feel like a heavy bag to carry. Follies ultimately fall solely in your hands, and I often find myself obsessing over every little detail at any time of the day. I struggle to force work out of my mind during off hours and vacations, I sometimes find it hard to sleep as I lay awake worrying about upcoming projects, and the list could go on and on.  The moral of the story is I’m not perfect, and being young in the communication field is a little (or a lot) anxiety-inducing, especially when you have others looking to you for the answers. It’s challenging, and at many times, a lonely space to live in. So, what do you do when you may have little to no mentorship, or a small network of connections, and are in desperate need of 10 years of experience in five years or less?   Be Realistic I’d prefer my daydreams over reality any day but that’s not reall

In this episode, experience the return of our first #Expert, Danny Gardner, Head of Social Media Insights & Analytics at Haleon. In this interview, Danny dives into the world of social listening and its power to transform social media data into actionable insights. In this conversation, Danny shares how social listening and traditional research methods complement each other and why analytics and data quality are essential in his work. His examples, from gut health to navigating misinformation, illustrate the many ways social listening helps decode consumer sentiment and shape strategies.Danny is an absolute superstar when it comes to social listening! Join us for his powerful insights on tackling misinformation, the influence of emotions on beliefs, the role of consumer feedback (and its limitations), and how values drive consumer behavior. As always, share your thoughts and questions in the comments!  Takeaways:Analytics and data quality are essential for making informed decisions

Today I’m excited to share my conversation with Marisa Lather, the Director of Marketing Communications at Bridge Partners.Earlier this year, Marisa was a part of the Meltwater virtual panel discussion 2024 MarComms Trends: Setting You Up for Success, where she shared insights that were so valuable that I simply had to invite her to join me for this full episode. She did not disappoint - Marisa’s experience, insights, and actionable advice around building brands (both personal and professional) and creating mutually beneficial relationships with other teams are not to be missed.Whether you’re new to marketing or a seasoned pro looking for a fresh perspective, have a watch and let Marisa inspire you!  Takeaways:(6:48) Speaking each others’ language can help Sales and Marketing teams align their goals. (10:32) “People want to do business with people they like, and that’s what a brand is.” (13:13) When working on a smaller team, it’s important to stay connected to the organization as a wh

Hello everyone. This week’s episode marks the Season 1 finale of the Expert Exchange podcast, a conversation with Casey Harrison about her story of resilience and the challenges of reaching understanding in uncomfortable situations and working respectfully and productively with those we might disagree with. Casey is the founder and CEO of Polished Strategic Communications, and in this conversation we discuss the journey that led her to found her own business and take on the work that truly aligns with her values and fulfills her creatively and professionally. We immediately jump right in to Casey’s experience at the Indy Chamber during the overturning of Roe v Wade and Indiana’s immediate passage of Senate Bill 1, and she shares the challenges and opportunities of representing the diverse groups represented by the Indy Chamber through this historic period - and that’s just to start! Casey has a lot to say and a truly inspiring story, and I hope you learn as much from her as I did.  Hig

Today’s episode is a marketing masterclass with Allan Dib, the author behind the best sellers, The One Page Marketing Plan and his new book, Lean Marketing. I’m a bit of an Allan fanboy, and I think after listening to his incredible insights you will be too (if you aren’t already).In this episode, we explore everything from building a comprehensive marketing plan to leveraging AI as a marketing enabler - and so much more. We also discuss the cultural nuances of international marketing from the perspective of an Aussie who does a lot of business internationally; and Allan’s perspective on our recurring question about the Entrepreneur, the Specialist, and the Manager (if you’ve listened to other episodes, you’ll know what I mean!) is incredibly thoughtful and and enlightening. I hope you enjoy learning from Allan as much as I did.  Takeaways:A comprehensive marketing plan is essential for success in business. AI tools can be used as enablers to amplify marketing efforts. Identifying sign

Back in university, a professor once told me, “If you want good service, be a good customer.” In my conversation with Emily, we uncover the extension of that philosophy for marketers - that is, if you want to be a good marketer, you need to first be a good customer. Great marketers stay in touch with the humanity and empathy that goes into truly connecting with your audience. As the owner and lead brand strategist with Root + River, Emily is one of those greats whose humanity suffuses everything she does.I was excited to spend this time with Emily, just as I’m excited now to share her insights with you: from the quirks of human identity and how it relates to the customer journey, to the true metrics that matter most: the lives you touch. Emily’s journey is one of radical transformation and embracing what sets you apart, and her insights about how it affects her ability to relate to her clients and her career were revelatory for me. I hope they are for you too.  Takeaways:Finding time f

In this episode, we delve into the crucial role of building trust in business relationships, with a special focus on marketing and public relations. Aaron Jones, Director of Media and Communications at STV Group, joins us to discuss how trust is the cornerstone of successful partnerships, and why personal connections are key to understanding the goals and challenges of clients.We discuss the natural skepticism accompanying the early stages of a business relationship, and how Aaron has overcome that challenge through consistent and meaningful interactions. We also touch on the importance of connecting PR with broader business objectives, as well as PR’s challenges, opportunities, and continuing value in the ever-evolving business environment.Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the importance of trust, and discover practical insights on how to build and sustain it in your business relationships.  Takeaways:Skepticism is often present at the beginning of a business relationship, and

For our first Expert Exchange Podcast, host Dino Delic interviews Sean McNulty, Creator and Writer for The Wakeup Podcast, exploring a range of fascinating topics including entrepreneurship, content creation, and the dynamics of women's sports and MLS. This episode delves into the critical balance between creativity and execution in business, as well as the art of maintaining audience engagement across various industries.Listeners will be treated to insightful discussions on converting casual fans into core enthusiasts, with real-world examples like Tiger Woods in golf and the NFL’s strategies for keeping audiences engaged. The conversation also navigates the complexities of societal issues within brand strategies, highlighted by Bud Light's recent controversy, and underscores the importance of truly understanding one's audience beyond the noise of social media.The podcast provides perspectives on the challenges of sustaining interest and quality in long-running franchises, with a focu

In my talk with Priscilla McKinney, CEO of Little Bird Marketing, we discuss her journey from cultural anthropologist to building a multi-million dollar business, alongside the shifting landscape of MarTech and the industry as a whole.Join us as we examine the evolution of influencer marketing and the fascinating intersections of cultural anthropology and marketing. Priscilla shares her motto of #AlwaysBeHelping, and how it informs everything she does in the spirit of curiosity and collaboration. Priscilla’s insights into how understanding human behavior and decision-making elevate marketing strategies are not to be missed! Give it a watch, and join the conversation with your thoughts and questions in the comments.  Takeaways:Cultural anthropology provides valuable insights into human behavior and decision-making in marketing. Influencers serve as shortcuts for consumers in making purchasing decisions, and their role in marketing has evolved over time. The buyer's journey has become mo

In the latest Expert Exchange podcast, Elorie Slater and I discuss the importance of emotional resonance in branding, and how connecting with customers on a deeper level sets brands apart in a crowded marketplace. As Brand Strategy & Marketing Director at Sports Garage Cycling, Elorie excels at taking a big picture approach to small business marketing strategy, and this conversation really showcases her profound insights into customer needs and behaviors.Elorie illustrates the way customers’ core beliefs about their lives and themselves influence their buying behaviors. She even breaks down psychological phenomena like the Pygmalion Effect, and how these factors fit into the complex machinery of consumer psychology 🧠Get ready for a conversation that will leave you eager to explore new possibilities in your own brand strategies and community-building efforts!  Takeaways:Small businesses benefit from focusing on well-defined inputs and building strong brands. There is often a gap be

In today’s episode of the Expert Exchange podcast, I sit down with Linda Descano, Executive Vice President at Havas Red, as she opens up about her career story as well as the larger stories shaping our industry. Join Linda on her journey from an ambitious 23-year-old interviewing CEOs to her role today: a seasoned professional in the agency world.Linda shares her insights about the dramatic changes in the industry over the past few years, and the challenges faces by companies today. From navigating polarized topics like DEI and sustainability to managing vast amounts of data, Linda brings her perspective and actionable advice on many of the questions on the minds of Communication professionals around the world.Linda’s warmth and wisdom made her a joy to talk to, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy her story just as much as I did. Give it a watch for insights, tips, and Linda’s answer to the question: “What makes a great life?”  TakeawaysResilience and a willingness to take risks are key to succe

In Episode 7, Brittany and I talk about the three key personas essential for running a successful business and how they align with our own roles. She opens up about her journey of kickstarting her own venture, driven by both market demand and her passion for bringing innovative ideas to fruition. We delve into the day-to-day of our daily client interactions, and the balance between tending to existing clients and drumming up new business.During our conversation, Brittany sheds light on the typical challenges her clients face when trying to leverage technology tools, and how her company steps in to help them overcome these obstacles. We also dive into the significance of data and analytics in steering smarter decision-making processes, while acknowledging the complexities of the data-driven landscape.Our discussion touched upon various topics, from grappling with overlapping tools to weighing the merits of point solutions versus suite solutions. We also pondered the meaning of maturity

We're excited to celebrate the 10th episode of the Expert Exchange Podcast with a special guest, Chris Hackney, Meltwater's new Chief Product Officer. We think you’ll be excited to meet Chris and hear about his vision for the future.  In this episode, Chris dives into how we’re revolutionizing customer experiences and harnessing the power of technology to drive innovation. Here’s a sneak peek of what Chris shares in the episode: How Meltwater Puts Customers at the Heart of Our Product Development At Meltwater, customers are the core of our product development process. We leverage diverse data sources—such as usage data, customer feedback, and advisory boards—to ensure our products align with your needs and deliver real value. By prioritizing customer insights, we make informed decisions that enhance your experience with our solutions. Evolving PR and Marketing Strategies  Our approach to PR and marketing is also evolving to meet the demands of a dynamic market. We are shifting

In Episode 9 of the Expert Exchange Podcast, I sit down with Alex Lin-Goldsmith, Senior Director - Communications with Turnitin for an insightful and wide-ranging conversation on the intricacies of marketing. We explore topics such as building trust, managing risks, and the evolving landscape of data utilization.Learn about insights Alex gained in his early career in Hollywood, and the impact of diversity - not just in demographics, but in perspectives - and how it fuels innovation and understanding.Dive into this episode for a discussion on everything from music industry parallels to the concept of legacy, and let Alex challenge you to rethink your approach to marketing in the modern era.   TakeawaysCreativity requires a balance of emotional and factual logic. Taking calculated risks is necessary for growth and innovation. Building trust requires vulnerability, authenticity, and an understanding of power dynamics. Data can support decision-making, but it should be complemented with co

What do great marketers have in common with great improv comedians? They both know how to listen to their audiences and adapt their messaging accordingly. As a former improv actor/comedian turned Director of Product Marketing at ValidMind, Kevin Allen knows a thing or two about where these worlds intersect.In this episode, Kevin Allen opens up about his background and early career in journalism (particularly during the transformative years of the newspaper industry), shares his insights into how technology is reshaping storytelling, and details how listening to your audience and understanding their sense of humor is a skill that never goes out of style.We also chat about his improv background, and how it has informed his work day-to-day - helping him handle tension and spark creativity. He emphasizes the importance of creating a safe space for play and experimentation, and even shares his favorite improv exercise!Check out the episode and learn all about Kevin’s journey from scrappy gi

Since October 2022, our monthly Customer #Experts have been sharing their knowledge and helping others in mCommunity grow. Now, we’re excited to announce that we’re expanding our #ExpertsWithInsights Program, and we want you to be part of it! We're calling on the great minds of mCommunity to join the new season of #ExpertsWithInsights and develop their thought leadership. Who Are We Looking For?We are seeking Customer Experts, Industry Professionals, and Meltwater Product Experts with unique perspectives on marketing and communications. Ideal candidates are those with strong experience in PR, Communications, Marketing, or Data Insights. If you have a passion for sharing your expertise and the lessons you've learned, we want to hear from you. Your real-world experiences and insights can help shape the future of the industry. Join us in this exciting opportunity to elevate your personal brand and become a thought leader in your field.Ways You Can Share Your ExpertiseThere’s more than one

In Episode 6, I sit down with Aaron Strout, Chief Marketing Officer with Real Chemistry, to talk about the ins and outs of running a successful marketing team. In our chat, we dive into how different personality types play into making a business thrive and how they relate to leadership roles. Aaron opens up about his journey as a CMO, talking about the hurdles and shifts he faces as his team and company expand. We also dig into the effects of virtual onboarding and the pros and cons of virtual events. Aaron spills his strategy for event planning, the value of bringing clients along, and finding the sweet spot between crunching numbers and keeping things human.Wrapping up, we tackle the impact of generative AI, and whether Aaron would take the same career path if he had to choose again.   TakeawaysA successful business requires a combination of different personality types, including entrepreneurs, specialists, and managers. As a leader, it is important to empower your team and create op

mCommunity regulars will likely recognize UPLIFT group leader, mChampion, and mCommunity MVP @DEClarke as the guest in Episode 5 of the Expert Exchange Podcast, “From Tools to Tactics: Exploring PR’s Transformation with Meltwater and AI.”In this conversation, David Clarke, Deputy Press Secretary with the NYC Department of Education, discusses his experience with Meltwater and the changes he has observed over the years. He highlights the improvements in Meltwater's database, support, and responsiveness that have made it easier for him to do his job.David also praises mCommunity and mAcademy’s valuable resources and networking opportunities. He emphasizes the power of connecting with professionals in the field and the benefits of sharing expertise and ideas. The conversation delves into the evolution of PR and communications, the specialization of roles, and the importance of AI in the industry. David encourages those starting in the field to leverage their innate skills in social media

In this episode of the Expert Exchange Podcast, host Dino Delic sits down with Tim Bowman, Head of Compete, Product Marketing at Asana. This conversation explores the concept of three personas in business, the importance of teamwork, the role of friction in collaboration, and the challenges of working in large companies. We also delve into the value of competitive intelligence and the secret of being an introvert, and conclude the conversation with a discussion on the career path in competitive intelligence.In this conversation, Tim Bowman discusses the power of declarative memory and abstract thinking, as well as the importance of memory plasticity and learning. He shares his insights on the gap between learning and application and the fear of scaling ideas. Tim also emphasizes the need for milestones in life and the value of progress. He explores the mindsets required for strategy and the significance of optimism, patience, and humility. Tim highlights the benefits of user manuals an

Brandi Boatner, a digital communication expert at IBM, shares her deep insights on social media, storytelling, and her life in New York in a compelling narrative. She stresses the importance of authenticity and living one's truth both in personal and professional realms. Brandi opens up about the complexities of dating in New York, noting the cultural nuances and diverse expectations that shape the dating scene. In her professional capacity at IBM, Brandi excels as a communications specialist, where she is responsible for bringing creative ideas to life and forging them into tangible outcomes. She discusses her career journey extensively, underlining the significance of cultivating strong relationships within the industry. These connections are not only pivotal in her role but also crucial in executing effective brand storytelling. Highlighting a common misconception in influencer marketing, Brandi advises against focusing merely on an influencer's follower count. Instead, she advocate