The Shop Talk Podcast – Episode 000

The Modern Marketer: Insights from Shop Talk Podcast Episode 000

Welcome to the inaugural episode of the Shop Talk Podcast, hosted by Drew Franklin. This episode sets the stage for what promises to be an engaging series highlighting marketing stories, lessons, career insights, and the people behind the scenes. Here’s a deep dive into the key takeaways from this episode.

Summary

1. Introduction of Host and Guest: Drew Franklin introduces himself as both host and guest, sharing his marketing background in Birmingham, Alabama.
2. Career Progression: Drew outlines his career from graduating with a public relations degree to working in marketing roles at various companies, including manufacturing and software industries.
3. Marketing Insights: He discusses the evolution of marketing channels, emphasizing the importance of social media and digital platforms in lead generation and audience engagement.
4. Podcasting as a Key Trend: Drew highlights podcasting as a significant trend for 2020, noting its scalability and versatility in content creation and storytelling.
5. Altec and Teamwork: Drew mentions his current role at Altec, where they are exploring podcasts to onboard new employees and share internal stories, reinforcing teamwork and company values.

Key Concepts and Insights

Introduction to the Podcast

• Host and Guest: Drew Franklin introduces himself in a unique format, setting a casual and engaging tone for the podcast.
• Purpose: The podcast aims to highlight marketing stories, lessons, career insights, and good people in the industry.

Drew Franklin’s Career Path

• Educational Background: Graduated with a public relations degree from the University of Alabama in 2010.
• Early Career: Started as a marketing coordinator at SCA Performance, focusing on social media and lead generation.
• Risk and Growth: Took a risk by joining a startup software company, GradesFirst, where he learned sales, marketing, and client success.
• Leadership Roles: Moved to SPOC Automation as a marketing manager, leading a team and implementing inbound marketing strategies.
• Current Role: Works at Altec on the marketing communications team, appreciating the opportunity to be part of a strategic and collaborative marketing environment.

Evolution of Marketing Channels

• Social Media: Early adoption of Facebook fan pages and other social media channels to build audiences and generate leads.
• Digital Platforms: Emphasizes the importance of digital platforms in pitching value and engaging clients.

Podcasting in 2020

• Top Trend: Identified as a major trend by Wistia, with podcasts becoming the new blogs.
• Scalability: Podcasts offer multiple content formats from a single recording, including audio, video, blogs, and emails.
• Storytelling: Effective for sharing stories, engaging audiences, and providing flexible consumption options.

Altec and Internal Communication

• Employee Onboarding: Using podcasts to onboard new employees and educate them about the company’s offerings.
• Teamwork and Value: Podcasts help showcase different business units and the total value of Altec, fostering a sense of teamwork.

Conclusion and Future Plans

• Test Episode: This was a test to see how the podcast format works, with plans for future episodes based on feedback.
• Audience Engagement: Encourages listeners to provide feedback and suggestions for future content.
• Sponsorship: Thanks Altec for sponsoring the podcast and promoting team merchandise.

Final Thoughts

The debut episode of the Shop Talk Podcast offers a blend of professional insights and personal stories, setting the stage for future episodes that promise to be just as informative and engaging. Drew Franklin’s journey through the marketing landscape provides valuable lessons for marketers at all stages of their careers. As podcasting continues to rise in popularity, it’s clear that this medium will play a crucial role in how brands connect with their audiences.

Stay tuned for more episodes of the Shop Talk Podcast, where we’ll continue to explore the dynamic world of marketing and the stories that drive it.