The Voice

Our ever-expanding understanding of the human brain and how it works is changing everything from the way we live our lives to way we market products. This stuff isn't just for doctors and researchers anymore. If you looked at the New York Times' list of bestselling books you might see John Medina's Brain Rules and if you watched Oprah Winfrey, you might have seen her interviewing Martin Lindstrom, author of Buyology. The fascinating field of neuromarketing leverages our understanding of how the brain works to better predict how consumers will respond to brand messaging. In short, if you understand how our brain is going to respond to a message before even develop the first concept, you might have already one the battle. Host Danny Starr is joined by Calgary-based neuromarketing practitioner Bob Baily of Francis Moran and Associates to tell you why shouldn't take it personally that consumers don't care about what you have to say about yourself, they only care about what you can do for them and why you have less than a second to get that point across.

Blogging isn't new, yet it seems that brands have really only started to harness the influence of blogs in the last few years. If you are considering a blogger relations program, host Danny Starr discusses what you need to know about working with bloggers to tell your brand's story. If you have already engaged bloggers, the panel shares some tips on how to make sure you're getting the most bang for your buck. This week's panel includes Sherrilynne Starkie, VP of Content Marketing and Social Media at Thornley Fallis, and a blogger in her own right and Anna Epp, a professional photographer and blogger at Life Is Good At The Beach. You can learn more about Sherrilynne on her blog or on Twitter (@Sherrilynne) and Anna on her blog or on Twitter (@Beach_Mama).

As marketers and communicators begin to plan for 2013, it's important to take a few moments to consider what trends are emerging that we can leverage to be more effective. Host Danny Starr uses interviews gathered at the CPRS/IABC Ottawa holiday party coupled with an international perspective courtesy of Steve Seager, Director of Communications for IABC Europe and Middle East to bring you a wealth of insight on what developments you might want to be thinking about for 2013. We hear from: Chris Biber, Searchingworks: President & CEO. Kate Headley, Canadian Nurses Association: External Communications Coordinator. Glenn Schmelzle, Marketing What's New: Principle. Laura Slater, MediaMiser: Marketing Manager. Phil Gaudrea, Algonquin College: Communications Officer. Steve Seager, Storywise: Consultant.

It's 2013 and time for marketers and communicators to take their mobile strategy beyond "apps" and start to think more strategically about how they can add value to people's lives using mobile technology. Host Danny Starr talks via Skype with Whurley from Chaotic Moon. Whurley provides listeners with a number of important questions they need to answer in order to take their mobile strategy to the next level. Learn more about Whurley here. Important Questions Answered: What data should you be looking at when developing your mobile strategy? What in-app data should you be leveraging to make decisions about your app's usefulness? When should you develop a stand-alone app and when you should use the mobile browser? What are some examples of great mobile strategies communications can look to for leadership? What are Whurley's thoughts on BlackBerry 10? What do marketers and communicators need to be thinking about over the next few years?

Alexandra Reid sits down with award-winning marketer and author C.C. Chapman to talk about storytelling and why businesses must learn to think like publishers. Pulling advice from his books, Content Rules and Amazing Things Will Happen, C.C. tells us about today’s online environment and the attention economy and emphasis why it’s so important for businesses to stop stalling and begin developing their online presence NOW. He also explains why he hates the term “content marketing” and shares stories about who did it well and who failed epically. Most importantly, C.C. offers advice about how to become amazing at your job, and find happiness in the work you do. Start the discussion: connect with Alex and C.C. on Twitter - @Techally and @CC_Chapman.

Offering true thought leadership value can fuel your sales pipeline. Find out how as Graham Machacek uncovers strategic and practical insights with John Doerr, co-founder and president of Wellesley Hills Group in Boston. Doerr is also co-author of Professional Services Marketing and Rainmaking Conversations. Graham also gets perspective on thought leadership from Across the Pond in a new segment featuring Stephen Welch, director at Hay Group and IABC chapter president in London, England. CORE INSIGHT: Strike the right balance between ‘too aggressive’ and ‘not enough’ when marketing thought leadership to your audience. The images and case study posted below are referenced in this podcast. Listen, look and learn. If you have questions for Graham Machacek, connect with him at www.macadamian.com or on LinkedIn. Reach out to John Doerr on Twitter - @JohnEDoerr – and at www.raintoday.com.

Imagine having a chance to talk with someone who not only lived in, but conquered the world we see depicted on AMC's award-winning drama Mad Men! On this week's episode, host Danny Starr gets a chance to speak with George Parker who shares his thoughts on what makes a successful client/agency relationship based on his over 40 years in the advertising business. Be warned: George doesn't hold anything back. You are guaranteed to learn things that apply to agency and client relationships from this frank discussion of the past, present and future of the world we work in. Core Insight: Don't be afraid to take risks, blaze new trails and trust the people you work with. George Parker is the author of Confessions of a Mad Man and maintains a blog Adscam - a hilarious and honest look at the world of advertising.

Accurate language translation alone isn’t enough to engage diverse cultural communities. Find out why when The Voice co-host Graham Machacek chats with Marie-Josée Gagnon, president and founder of www.casacom.ca, and Francis Lionnet, principal at Comment Parler Aux Anglais? CORE INSIGHT: Adapt languages and content to achieve culturally meaningful communications. This episode is delivered in English but both guests recap key points in French at the end of this podcast (at minute mark 14:22). Connect with Graham Machacek at www.macadamian.com or on LinkedIn. Marie-Josée is on Twitter in three places - @mjgagnon, @CASACOM_Mtl, @CASACOM_Toro. Francis Lionnet online: www.lionnet.ca.

President of MediaStyle and sponsor of The Voice, Ian Capstick, sits down with show hosts Graham Machacek, Danny Starr and Alexandra Reid to discuss the ideas presented during this past season. They focus on the past few episodes that featured founder and CEO of Arment Dietrich, Gini Dietrich; CBC Radio's Terry O'Reiley and President of Twist Image, Mitch Joel. Recorded at the MediaStyle office on Bank Street, this podcast is a chance to hear what we thought were the more meaningful take-aways from the season. If you missed these previous episodes, you can listen here. Stay tuned for upcoming interviews on The Voice!

In this episode of The Voice, host Alexandra Reid explores the vast world of marketing with digital media and advertising rock star Mitch Joel. Mitch tells us that marketing is not dead but at a crossroads, and explains why businesses (both B2B and B2C) must shift to a “digital first posture” to create more powerful marketing engagements. From content marketing to advertising to more traditional marketing strategy, Mitch explains why marketing must move beyond beyond the first "P" - Promotion. Time points: 1:38 - In an earlier podcast, Mitch and Joseph Jaffe debated whether marketing is entering into a renaissance period or if it is dead. Mitch argues it isn’t dead but at a cross roads, and explains where we are now and where we are headed. 4:04 - Mitch says marketing is everything but, in many cases, it has been reduced to just promotion. 6:10 - There is a stark difference in perspectives between agencies and the technologists and venture capitalists who are re-engineering marketing, and so marketers are struggling to use new channels and tools effectively to demonstrate their value to businesses. Mitch expands and offers his perspective on whether the industries are converging or operating as silos, and how to bring those silos together. 11:22 - The number of roles in the marketing department is expanding rapidly. We’re having to wear so many hats as content marketing and other digital activities continue to rise in importance. Mitch explains why businesses should ensure everyone is on the right bus, in the right place, at the right time. 14:48 - Mitch shares his thoughts on bridging traditional and new marketing world with a focus on advertising. 18:14: Mitch shares nuggets from Content Marketing World and how to use novel channels to their best effect.

CBC's Under the Influence host Terry O'Reilly dishes essential intel on the fundamental changes taking place in consumer behaviour and what it means for advertisers, marketers and communicators everywhere. Also -- Is anyone off limits when it comes to advertising? What’s the role of love and religion in the realm of influence? And what ad moved Terry to tears? Find out as Graham Machacek hosts another info-packed edition of The Voice. Connect with Graham on LinkedIn or on Twitter.

President of MediaStyle and The Voice sponsor, Ian Capstick, sits down with IABC Ottawa's Graham Machacek and Kelly Rusk to discuss the ideas presented during the latest series of The Voice: News media and Storytelling in the Digital Age. This three-part series featured hosts from Ontario and Canada's largest news shows: Kevin Newman, host of CTV's Question Period; Alan Neal, host of CBC Radio's All in a Day; and Steve Paikin, host of TVO's The Agenda. The panel of experts come together at the MediaStyle office on Bank Street to talk through some of the more meaningful take-aways from these three episodes to help our audience benefit from their great communications advice. If you missed this captivating series, you can listen to the podcasts right here. Stay tuned for some more great interviews for The Voice, starting next week with CBC Radio's Terry O'Reilly!

Following the release of her latest book, Marketing in the Round, award-winning marketing professional Gini Dietrich sat down with Alexandra Reid to discuss the new push for businesses to break down organizational silos and develop a "round" approach to marketing operations. Gini explains what's going on in the world of marketing today that encouraged her to write the book, steps to develop a "round" marketing process, and shares specific applications for this approach for all kinds of businesses. You can learn more about Marketing in the Round by ordering your own copy today, or ask Gini your burning questions by connecting with her on Twitter or over on her popular blog Spin Sucks. If you have questions for Alex, contact her on Twitter or at Francis Moran and Associates.

TVO’s Steve Paikin talks with The Voice co-host Graham Machacek about today’s evolving news media culture. Learn how Paikin manages his workload effectively in a deadline-driven, fast-paced environment and some tips to deliver compelling stories in the digital age. Listeners also get the scoop on what the next generation of communicators need to do to succeed, and how educators can help.

Fundamental changes are taking place in news media. Nowadays, it’s adapt or die for professional communicators of all kinds. In this must-listen edition, IABC’s The Voice co-host, Graham Machacek, chats with veteran newsman Kevin Newman, CTV’s digital news evangelist and co-host of Question Period. The two put context around today’s news media culture and delve into the essential skills 21st-century communicators need to survive. Also learn why it’s important to engage young communicators, and how to do it effectively.

The way in which media is produced and consumed is undergoing a massive shift. Alan Neal, host of CBC Ottawa's All In A Day sat down with Danny Starr at this year's IABC Ottawa Excel Awards to discuss his views on how the digital age has changed how he lives and works. Alan helps us understand how news is gathered and report so that we can be better communicators and consumers of content. Learn more about Alan Neal on the CBC Ottawa website and follow him on Twitter @AlanNealOttawa.

Award-winning campaigns are more than just a way to decorate an agency's trophy case. They provide inspiration and key insight into the best strategies of today that any communicator can use to be more effective in the future. Host Danny Starr got the chance to speak to some of the winners of the 2012 IABC Ottawa Excel awards about what they learned from their successful campaigns that would benefit you. On this podcast are:Al Albania - Acart Communications Mika Trottier & Jason Faber - BV02 Craig Cernak - Halifax Strategy Group Jared Young - McMillan Tony Lyons & Krista Doyle - The Great Waterway Adrian Salamunovic - DNA11/CanvasPop

Marketers and communicators everywhere have spent the last few years trying to deal with increased demands for effectiveness while managing budgets that seem to be getting smaller and smaller. On this episode of The Voice, host Danny Starr speaks to Karine Goneau-Lessar, Chief of Marketing at Health Canada at MARCOM 2012 about how her organization's recent campaigns have used branding, partnerships and social media and targeting to provide provide an above-average return on investment. You can learn more about Health Canada at http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index-eng.php and connect with Danny Starr on Twitter @DannyStarr. Remember, as previously featured on The Voice's episode 33, you can win an signed copy of Scott Stratten's bestselling book “UnMarketing: Stop Marketing. Start Engaging” by emailing us at [email protected] with the answer to the following question: What is Scott’s follow-up to UnMarketing going to be called? Contest closes July 14, 2012. Winner will be chosen at random from the correct entries and notified by email.

**LISTEN AND WIN – Details Below**How can professional communicators thrive in today's fast-paced, information-hungry world? Break down the silos! Find out what this means and how it can be achieved in this special edition of The Voice – packed with essential insights. Graham Machacek drills down on the topic with these subject matter experts: Alan Freeman, journalism veteran and public servant in residence at University of Ottawa; MediaStyle’s Renée Filiatrault, former senior public diplomacy officer in Afghanistan; and Mike Colledge, President, Ipsos Reid Public Affairs. Click here to access the full report, Breaking Down the Silos: The Future Face of Communications. **Win a signed copy of Brian Solis’s book – Engage! The Complete Guide for Brands and Businesses to Build, Cultivate, and Measure Success in the New Web – by emailing us at [email protected] with the answer to the following question: What core insight from Brian Solis does Graham Machacek reference in this episode of The Voice? Contest closes August 1, 2012. Winner will be chosen at random from the correct entries and notified by email.

For the past few years, Scott Stratten has been at the forefront of a movement to force companies to stop marketing and start delivering value in form of outstanding experiences that distinguish a brand in an increasingly crowded marketplace. Host Danny Starr had the chance to sit down with Scott in person after his blistering keynote at this year's MARCOM conference to talk about the success of UnMarketing, the best-selling book of the same name, and what he's going to be talking about next. You can connect with Scott on Twitter @UnMarketing or at http://www.unmarketing.com.***Win an signed copy of Scott's bestselling book "UnMarketing: Stop Marketing. Start Engaging" by emailing us at [email protected] with the answer to the following question: What is the name of Scott's follow-up to UnMarketing going to be called? Contest closes July 14, 2012. Winner will be chosen at random from the correct entries and notified by email.

For the past few years, Scott Stratten has been at the forefront of a movement to force companies to stop marketing and start delivering value in form of outstanding experiences that distinguish a brand in an increasingly crowded marketplace. Host Danny Starr had the chance to sit down with Scott in person after his blistering keynote at this year's MARCOM conference to talk about the success of UnMarketing, the best-selling book of the same name, and what he's going to be talking about next. You can connect with Scott on Twitter @UnMarketing or at http://www.unmarketing.com.***Win an signed copy of Scott's bestselling book "UnMarketing: Stop Marketing. Start Engaging" by emailing us at [email protected] with the answer to the following question: What is the name of Scott's follow-up to UnMarketing going to be called? Contest closes July 14, 2012. Winner will be chosen at random from the correct entries and notified by email.

TechCrunch recently reported that online video viewership was up 43% in 2011. In the past few months alone, we've had KONY 2012 surpass 85 million views and a one and half minute video for Dollar Shave Club propel the brand into the minds of consumers across Canada and United States. On this episode of The Voice, Robert Decher and Kyle Braatz share knowledge that will help create effective online videos. From selecting the right production company, to creating content that resonates, you won't want to miss this discussion. Learn more about Robert Decher and his production company RDV Productions athttp://www.rdvproductions.com/ and Kyle Braatz and his company Simple Story Videos at http://www.simplestoryvideos.com/. As always, you can connect with host Danny Starr on Twitter @dannystarr.

With more than 20 years of marketing experience in the high tech industry, VP of corporate marketing Kirsten Watson has played a pivotal role in steering Kinaxis's innovative ventures in new media. In this podcast, Kirsten takes us along on Kinaxis's journey from SEO to social media to a fully integrated content marketing strategy. Our host, Alexandra Reid, moves this discussion beyond the basics of content marketing and asks Kirsten the tough questions. This conversation that followed her IABC Ottawa presentation uncovers the nitty-gritty details of content marketing and how they must all be seamlessly woven together to raise a B2B high tech company's online influence. Learn more about Kirsten Watson and Kinaxis's new media endeavours by connecting with her on LinkedIn. You can also connect with our host, Alexandra Reid, on Twitter @TechAlly.

The old world of sponsorships where brands hand over money in return for a banner or logo at an event is over. On this episode of The Voice, Bernie Colterman from the Centre for Excellence in Public Sector Marketing discusses how brands and events can partner for experiences that engage audiences and boost brand awareness. Learn more about Bernie athttp://www.berniecolterman.ca. Connect with host Danny Starr on twitter @dannystarr.

Last episode The Voice drilled down on the pros and cons of mobile apps within the context of marketing communications campaigns. This week, Graham Machacek continues to explore the topic with a focus on Facebook apps. Find out what to consider before you build one and the implications of Facebook Timeline. This week's special guests are Steve Shock and Nicolas Grégoire-Racicot, Director of Interactive and Strategist at McMillan agency, respectively. CLICK HERE to access slides that accompany this podcast. Connect with our host and guests: @grahamxperience, @shockandco and @NickRacicot.

Some apps are wildly successful at driving business objectives. Others, not so much. When does it make sense for marketers to create an app as part of an integrated campaign? What are the potential payoffs and landmines to avoid? Graham Machacek jumps into the wonderful world of apps in this two-part mini series. He interviews Steve Shock and Nicolas Grégoire-Racicot, Director of Interactive and Strategist at McMillan agency, respectively. This installment focuses on mobile apps. Next edition, it's Facebook apps. Connect with our talking heads : @grahamxperience, @shockandco and @NickRacicot.

If you've read IABC's recent Communications World cover story on content curation you know the digital age isn't about "information overload, it's filter failure." But how can content curation drive real business results? Find out now as Graham Machacek takes the topic to the next level with special guest Donna Papacosta, principle at Trafalgar Communications. @Grahamxperience @DonnaPapacosta

Content Strategy is a popular and important topic these days but has your organization taken the time to develop a proper Content Strategy? Host Danny Starr and expert Content Strategist Kristina Mausser discuss what having a proper Content Strategy means and how to effectively manage both content and context to tell your organization's story. Kristina is the Principal and Contest Strategist at Digital Word digitalword.com.

Despite the fact that email marketing doesn't get the same attention as other digital marketing tactics, it is still an important part of any marketing mix. Host Danny Starr and DJ Waldow discuss the relevancy of email marketing in 2012 and how you can improve your results by breaking many of the "rules" that have been popular with email marketers over the years. Also learn how you can harness the power of Batman and Robin to integrate social and email. DJ Waldow is the CEO of Waldow Social and you can learn more about DJ at waldowsocial.com

Is your organization leveraging the power of friends and friendship to grow your business and meet your objectives? Join host Danny Starr and Jackson Wightman as they discuss what is peer to peer marketing and how it can benefit your organization. This episode of The Voice seeks to provide marketers and communicators with some of the keys to a successful peer to peer campaign while outlining some of the common traps and pitfalls that hinder success and how you can avoid them. Follow Jackson Wightman on twitter @JacksonWightman or on his blog www.jacksonwightman.com

Are your key audiences sick of your organization's social media presence? How do your employees feel about it? How about you? Graham Machacek is joined by Mark Evans via Skype to unearth some key insights surrounding this popular topic. Find out if the bubble on social media time-wasters is about to burst and learn top tips to stay focused. Follow Mark's blog at www.markevanstech.com and on his website www.markevans.ca.

Ottawa's startup community is full of talented, innovative and driven entrepreneurs, but it's always a struggle to move a company from "unknown" to "well known." Jud Rasmussen sits with Mercury Grove CEO and Ottawa's resident startup expert Scott Annan to discuss what it takes to start, launch and grow a business in the Ottawa region. This is Jud's final episode with The Voice. We want to thank him for his great interviews, engaging guests, and for being with us since the very beginning of the podcast. Thanks, Jud. You'll be missed!

Discipline and sustainability are just two of the many aspects worth considering when developing a strategic communications plan. Find out more great tips as The Voice co-host Graham Machacek explores the topic with Caroline Kealey, Founder and Principal, Ingenium Communications, and Marlene Floyd, Principal, Earnscliffe Strategy Group. This is the second of two parts recorded with senior communicators in mind.

The Voice co-host Graham Machacek does a deep dive on strategic communications planning with Caroline Kealey, Founder and Principal, Ingenium Communications, and Marlene Floyd, Principal, Earnscliffe Strategy Group. This is the first of two special episodes on the topic that have been recorded especially for senior communicators. IABC Ottawa delivers this special cast just ahead of Caroline Kealey's forthcoming Communications Strategy Lab in Ottawa on November 2.

Are you presenting today? Tomorrow? Ever? Find out what it takes to achieve presentation excellence. Graham Machacek drills down on the importance and practical application of storytelling in presentations with Anil Dilawri, owner of Save it like Sully, and Ken Evraire, Streaming Sports Network Director of Relationship Development and Owner of QuickTwitch Creative. This edition is dedicated to Steve Jobs and it features a special audio clip of his legendary commencement speech at Stanford University in 2005.

Jud Rasmussen continues his talk from last week with Greg Macdonald. This week, they talk about how creative vendors can improve their client relations and product.

Is the 'Creative Class' failing its clients? Where are Ottawa's designers and agencies falling short and how can some of them improve their business, the quality of their work and their customer service? Jud Rasmussen sits with Greg MacDonald, the Creative Director of Carleton University Communications, for a candid chat about the creative supplier landscape.

It is often said that the Internet 'has no borders', yet CIRA (Canadian Internet Registration Authority) is proactively engaging Canadians in an effort to frame effective Internet policy. In 2009 CIRA commissioned an opinion survey on Internet policy making, and in February of 2011 it hosted the Canadian Internet Forum. A visit to www.cira.ca will reveal the winners of the organization's .CA Impact Awards. Is this focus on 'Canada's Internet' necessary or useful? Jud Rasmussen sat with David Fowler, CIRA's Director of Marketing and Communications, to find out.

Is your organization following through on its promise to its stakeholders? The Voice co-host Graham Machacek sits down with Jon McGinley, Director of Marketing, Radian6, at the MARCOM conference to dissect the components of a strong brand, the difference between brand and reputation, and how "social listening" can help protect a brand.

A collection of MARCOM attendees weigh in on the best non-proft and government brands in Canada.

Ashton Kutcher and MC Hammer. Egosystem. Context not Content. What the heck does all this mean?? Find out when Graham Machacek sits down with Brian Solis, author of Engage! and principal at Altimeter Group, to discuss new trends in the world of social media, the importance of influencer relations, core concepts from Brian's new book, and how to handle executives who are resistent to social media.

2011 was to be the year of Social Media Measurement. This was to be the year that marketing professionals stopped worrying about their daily tweet count and worked to determine where their social media efforts should be focused. Six months in Jud Rasmussen sits with Scott Lake, the Founder and CEO of SWIX, a social media analytics company, to discuss the changes he is seeing in the social media landscape.

Graham continues his conversation from last week with MARCOM speakers Nick Charney and Bernard Gauthier.

Are you harnessing the power of converging media channels? The Voice co-host Graham Machacek engages in an insightful discussion with MARCOM speakers Bernard Gauthier, CEO of Delta Media, and Nicholas Charney, Advisor to the ADM at Library and Archives Canada.

Graham Machacek chats again with Claire Mills, VP, Professional Development Portfolio, Centre of Excellence for Public Sector Marketing, about what to see at MARCOM and how to get the most out of a conference.

Graham Machacek chats with Claire Mills, VP, Professional Development Portfolio, Centre of Excellence for Public Sector Marketing, to drill down on emerging trends that marketing communications professionals are grappling with and how to handle them on the job. It's all part of another slick info-rich edition of The Voice with special take-home points about the forthcoming MARCOM conference, which takes place June 1 and 2 at the Ottawa Convention Centre.

Do you look at your web site with 'Googly Eyes'? Does Search Marketing factor into your Social Media efforts? What's the bounce rate on your homepage? If you've let Social Media push Search out of your marketing mix then listen in as Jud Rasmussen sits with SearchingWorks founder Chris Biber to discuss Search Marketing fundamentals, how Search and Social should work together and the common mistakes being made on many web sites.

Jobline 3: Graham Macachek chats with Debra Sharpe, Director of Client Services, Creative Niche, about the eight things every job hunter needs to remember when looking for work.

Jobline 2: Reinventing yourself. This isn't just a catch phrase job hunters toss around between interviews. It's at the core of optimal career satisfaction. Graham Machacek chats with Debra Sharpe, Director of Client Services, Creative Niche, about igniting career trajectories with revitalized career passions. Practical tips, advice, and resources are abound in this week's special JOBLINE edition ofThe Voice.

Social Media has transformed the world of marketing and communications, but it has also created new management challenges for team leaders in both private and public sectors.In the Fall of 2010 Jud Rasmussen kicked off his IABC podcast career by sitting with Social Media thought leader Colin McKay to discuss the challenges of managing a wired employee. The Director of Research, Education and Outreach at the Office of the Privacy Commissioner, Colin is a thoughtful, opinionated, experienced and highly sought after speaker. This engaging and informative podcast will prove useful to both employer and employee. It is not to be missed!