Ponderings from the Perch

Spending too much money on in-person events?

Experiencing FOMO when you don’t go to an industry conference? 

Struggling to get a return on investment from your trade show booth? 

You are not alone. 

Today, on Ponderings from the Perch, CEO and Momma Bird at Little Bird Marketing, Priscilla McKinney, delivers the tried and true maxim for in-person events: “What you put into it is what you’ll get out of it.” She outlines tips to make the most of your experience during the next conference…should you choose to go!

Time and money are lost when business leaders and execs don’t take full advantage of the conference season with tools for networking or when companies invest a lot of money but not enough time planning. Planning ahead seems like a simple mandate, but it is amazing how many plan a lot of details but little strategy to get the most out of the time and budget! 

Also, planning HOW your team will participate is critical, and Priscilla shares networking tips and how to hold teams accountable for outcomes from this marketing spend. In this episode, you’ll learn how to make the most of EVERY conference and turn an ordinary business event into an opportunity for meaningful connections.

SPONSORS

Priscilla McKinney, CEO at Little Bird Marketing, is thrilled to announce the release of her book, “Collaboration is the New Competition: Why the Future of Work Rewards A Cross Pollinating Hive Mind and How Not to Get Left Behind.” The book’s chapters are designed to be time-efficient, ensuring busy professionals can easily integrate these transformative ideas into their workflow. From discussing the state of affairs in business to providing fundamental strategies and seven practical anchors for staying on course, this book offers a fresh perspective and a competitive advantage in today’s complex business landscape. Visit priscillamckinney.com for more information.

Don’t let the learning stop here. Little Bird Marketing’s 12-week social selling course is a practical hands-on experience designed specifically to help you network effectively and at scale, build rapport with targeted audiences, expand your influence, and become the go-to authority in your area of expertise. So this is not a quick “tips and tricks” for LinkedIn’s success flash in the pan. It’s a commitment to changing the way you show up online and experience career-shifting breakthroughs. This is expert instruction in small cohorts with personalized one-on-one coaching. If you’re interested, learn more at https://littlebirdmarketing.com/social-influence-course/

Q: Who do you call if your insights are taking you to Japan? 

A: Myth-busting Japanese culture expert Dominic Carter and his team.

Today, our CEO and Momma Bird, Priscilla McKinney, welcomes a good friend and experienced researcher, Dominic Carter, Representative Director and CEO of The Carter Group.

Originally from Australia, where he was educated and started his career, Dominic has lived and worked in Japan since 1999. He has launched and nurtured several successful businesses in the market on his own account and worked as a key consultant on numerous large-scale launches and business expansions for his clients, which include some of the largest names in the world. His professional focus is the translation of cultural and customer insights into effective strategies for market entrants and established players.

Brands looking to expand to the Japanese market need researchers and recruiters who know and understand both them and the Japanese people. The Carter Group has professionals who can bridge the gap between brands and target Japanese consumers effectively. The work is crazy interesting, and it takes serious expertise to help brands find a way forward in a culture they don’t know. The worst outcomes start with assumptions, and that is what The Carter Group breaks down quickly.

Too often, brands think simple translations of their ads will bring them into a new market. But not understanding the culture really backfires. Dominic says, “Localization is much more than just translation.” Even something as seemingly simple as a skincare product and the promises it makes can differ significantly and impact a marketing campaign when introduced to a new culture. These small but meaningful changes influence the reactions to brands and products every day.

Their team brings real meaning to business strategy and applies cultural insights to translate the voice of the Japanese consumer. If you’re into international business, you don’t want to miss this episode!  

SPONSORS

Priscilla McKinney, CEO at Little Bird Marketing, is thrilled to announce the release of her book, “Collaboration is the New Competition: Why the Future of Work Rewards A Cross Pollinating Hive Mind and How Not to Get Left Behind.” The book’s chapters are designed to be time-efficient, ensuring busy professionals can easily integrate these transformative ideas into their workflow. From discussing the state of affairs in business to providing fundamental strategies and seven practical anchors for staying on course, this book offers a fresh perspective and a competitive advantage in today’s complex business landscape. Visit priscillamckinney.com for more information.

Don’t let the learning stop here. Little Bird Marketing’s 12-week social selling course is a practical hands-on experience designed specifically to help you network effectively and at scale, build rapport with targeted audiences, expand your influence, and become the go-to authority in your area of expertise. So, this is not a quick “tips and tricks” for LinkedIn’s success flash in the pan. It’s a commitment to changing the way you show up online and experience career-shifting breakthroughs. This is expert instruction in small cohorts with personalized one-on-one coaching. If you’re interested, learn more at https://littlebirdmarketing.com/social-influence-course/

You have been questioned.

The marketing and market research industries have been challenged.

But what if we had the courage to face them boldly?

Join Priscilla McKinney, CEO and Momma Bird, here at Little Bird Marketing as she welcomes inspirational and aspirational colleague Eileen Campbell. With an amazing amount of experience in the industry and a finger on the pulse of what the change makers are thinking about today, she shares her insightful perspective about what conversations we should be having for better outcomes, including:

• How do we help our clients grow their business?
• How do we start moving at a faster pace that is more in alignment with the pace of business?
• How do we increase the amount of value we bring to the C-suite table for better decision-making?
• How do we clarify the voice of the consumer to the stakeholders?

As we continue to partner with businesses to help them face their most pressing challenges, we all can start asking better questions of each other. Eileen underscores that she is accessible for help within the industry and wants us to address tough issues that will help us all move forward better.

SPONSORS

Priscilla McKinney, CEO at Little Bird Marketing, is thrilled to announce the release of her book, “Collaboration is the New Competition: Why the Future of Work Rewards A Cross Pollinating Hive Mind and How Not to Get Left Behind.” The book’s chapters are designed to be time-efficient, ensuring busy professionals can easily integrate these transformative ideas into their workflow. From discussing the state of affairs in business to providing fundamental strategies and seven practical anchors for staying on course, this book offers a fresh perspective and a competitive advantage in today’s complex business landscape. Visit priscillamckinney.com for more information.

Are you looking for experts and tools to collect research data worldwide? Global sampling, field management and data collection are just some of the services that Gazelle Global provides. Visit gazelleglobal.com to learn more about how our expertise can help you unearth quality data that drives meaningful insights. Get your research done anywhere around the world quickly and efficiently. Visit gazelleglobal.com today.

What level of energy is needed to produce h@!y sh!t level of insights? Let’s just ask the? Verve team!

Today, Priscilla McKinney chats with Alex Charlton, the SVP at Verve North America, a global insights consultancy. The conversation delved into how Verve approaches marketing, consumer insights, and market research in a rapidly changing post-pandemic world.

Unlike traditional agencies, Verve boasts a team of experts from behavioral scientists to tech experts, data scientists to cultural experts, all working collaboratively. This integrated approach synthesizes complex challenges more effectively to deliver a usable understanding of how culture and other unwritten rules and beliefs are driving consumer sentiment and behavior.

Alex emphasizes that technology should solve problems, not create them.

The team and leaders at Verve North America know that in this digital age, it’s vital to be a modern insights agency that leverages a wide range of tools and techniques to understand consumer behavior. And while there may not be an “ideal” client, Alex highlights the importance of receiving complex and challenging briefs. These briefs present opportunities for the team to use their array of skills and expertise to provide valuable solutions.

By combining AI, cultural analysis, and a diverse team of experts, they are an invaluable partner for businesses navigating the evolving market landscape. They bring, well, the verve to it all, and you can too!

SPONSORS

Priscilla McKinney, CEO at Little Bird Marketing, is thrilled to announce the release of her book, “Collaboration is the New Competition: Why the Future of Work Rewards A Cross Pollinating Hive Mind and How Not to Get Left Behind.” The book’s chapters are designed to be time-efficient, ensuring busy professionals can easily integrate these transformative ideas into their workflow. From discussing the state of affairs in business to providing fundamental strategies and seven practical anchors for staying on course, this book offers a fresh perspective and a competitive advantage in today’s complex business landscape. Visit priscillamckinney.com for more information.

Are you looking for experts and tools to collect research data worldwide? Global sampling, field management and data collection are just some of the services that Gazelle Global provides. Visit gazelleglobal.com to learn more about how our expertise can help you unearth quality data that drives meaningful insights. Get your research done anywhere around the world quickly and efficiently. Visit gazelleglobal.com today.

John C. Maxwell famously said, “If you’re proactive, you focus on preparing. If you’re reactive, you end up focusing on repairing.” True dat.

In this episode of Ponderings from the Perch, our CEO, Priscilla McKinney and Tony D’Amato, a dedicated leader with over 20 years of marketing experience, discuss challenges and opportunities in the marketing ecosystem – from brand awareness to digital transformation. 

Tony emphasizes the importance of understanding and valuing the customer experience, which he has plenty of experience with! As the Senior Manager of Experiential Marketing and Public Relations at 3M, he spent 21 years living and breathing all things CX in the automotive appearance industry. Now leading his own consulting firm, this expertise can guide brands looking for a deep connection to their customers. 

He enters into conversations daily where companies have reached a point of reassessing marketing strategies neglected during high-growth phases. These issues can range from underinvestment in marketing to a lack of clear marketing plans. He knows from experience that a well-thought-out marketing plan aligns with the company’s objectives and is built with sustainability in mind. 

“It has to be sustainable, or else what we do is for nothing.” – Tony D’Amato

Ready to fall in love with your own brand and help your customers do the same? Listen to gain a fresh perspective on strategic guidance and sustainable marketing plans.

SPONSORS

As the Transaction Experts, Behaviorally brings decades of global experience and category expertise in consumer marketing insights. They use a unique behavioral framework, cutting-edge AI technology and a digital-first approach to help brands achieve the most valuable moment in marketing. Listen to their award-winning podcast, Our Best Behavior, where they discuss how to achieve the biggest impact in marketing after a purchase is made. Find out more at www.behaviorally.com.

Want to know the real intentions of survey-takers?

Join CloudResearch on October 12th for their upcoming presentation, “A Deeper Dive Inside the Click Farm: What ‘LIES’ Behind Your Data PART II.” Following their groundbreaking webinar on survey fraud, CloudResearch returns to reveal the hidden truths behind survey-taker motivations and address the presence of fraudulent participants, inattentive responders, and bots. Gain insights into the latest findings and discover new strategies to combat fraud in the market research industry. Register now at SurveyFraud.com for this invaluable event, which also includes free access to the Fraud Detection Tool to quantify fraud in your surveys. Don’t miss out on securing trust in your data!

What happens when mental health suffers in the workplace? What are we supposed to do? It seems like the obvious answer would be to simply ask for help. But some workplaces don’t allow for it. Also, some of our own minds don’t allow for it. As James Pickles says, “You’ve got to know you have a problem to ask for help.” 

In this episode, Priscilla McKinney, our CEO of Little Bird Marketing, engages in a compelling conversation with James Pickles, Certified Performance Coach and award-winning Wellbeing Consultant. Together, they explore James’s remarkable journey from the depths of a mental health crisis to becoming a sought-after keynote speaker and coach.

His story began in the fast-paced world of corporate sales, where he excelled in a high-pressure role. However, beneath the façade of success, James was silently battling stress and burnout, not unlike many professionals today. It wasn’t until a candid moment of vulnerability that his journey took an unexpected turn.

Have you experienced the emotional turmoil of stress and burnout in the workplace? Opening up in a work environment can feel like risking your livelihood. People often avoid initiating difficult conversations about mental health due to fear or discomfort. James has a goal to openly share his story to create a safe environment for others to share their struggles.

It’s never too late to rediscover our true selves, reclaim our authenticity, and inspire others to do the same. Listen in to learn more about the path to mental wellness in the workplace with Priscilla and James.

SPONSORS

Want to know the real intentions of survey-takers?

Join CloudResearch on October 12th for their upcoming presentation, “A Deeper Dive Inside the Click Farm: What ‘LIES’ Behind Your Data PART II.” Following their groundbreaking webinar on survey fraud, CloudResearch returns to reveal the hidden truths behind survey-taker motivations and address the presence of fraudulent participants, inattentive responders, and bots. Gain insights into the latest findings and discover new strategies to combat fraud in the market research industry. Register now at SurveyFraud.com for this invaluable event, which also includes free access to the Fraud Detection Tool to quantify fraud in your surveys. Don’t miss out on securing trust in your data!

Are you looking for experts and tools to collect research data worldwide? Global sampling, field management and data collection are just some of the services that Gazelle Global provides. Visit gazelleglobal.com to learn more about how our expertise can help you unearth quality data that drives meaningful insights. Get your research done anywhere around the world quickly and efficiently. Visit gazelleglobal.com today.

If only Auguste and Louis Lumière could see where their motion picture invention is today. Audiences were spellbound by the film of the workers pouring out of the Lumière factory. Cat videos would blow their minds.

Let’s just start with this fact: simply including the word ‘video’ in the subject line of an email can increase click-through rates by approximately 20%! Add to that the fact that the majority of people are visual learners, and you have a compelling case for creating video content for your business! In this podcast, Little Bird Marketing CEO Priscilla McKinney covers plenty more reasons why video should be an integral part of your marketing strategy.

Video is a versatile and powerful tool that can significantly elevate your content marketing efforts. By incorporating video strategically, you can boost brand awareness, drive sales, grow your social following, educate and delight your audience, and establish yourself as a trusted authority in your field. Don’t miss out on the incredible potential of video in your marketing strategy.

Avoid typical mistakes in content marketing with a little guidance from expert-level strategy.

In this episode, we also give a shout-out to our amazing video and motion graphics expert, Corey Mitchell! See his work for yourself: https://littlebirdmarketing.com/video/ 

SPONSORS

Want to know the real intentions of survey-takers?

Join CloudResearch on October 12th for their upcoming presentation, “A Deeper Dive Inside the Click Farm: What ‘LIES’ Behind Your Data PART II.” Following their groundbreaking webinar on survey fraud, CloudResearch returns to reveal the hidden truths behind survey-taker motivations and address the presence of fraudulent participants, inattentive responders, and bots. Gain insights into the latest findings and discover new strategies to combat fraud in the market research industry. Register now at SurveyFraud.com for this invaluable event, which also includes free access to the Fraud Detection Tool to quantify fraud in your surveys. Don’t miss out on securing trust in your data!

Ready to advance in your profession as a client-side insights leader? The Insights Association’s Corporate Researchers Conference (CRC) is scheduled for October 25-27 in Chicago. Centered around the theme “Driving Growth in Turbulent Times,” the event will spotlight the essential role of insights in guiding organizations through economic, geopolitical, environmental, and social challenges to spur growth. Keynote speakers will discuss critical topics like DEI, ESG, and data quality. Attendees will have the opportunity to foster connections during various social activities, including city excursions.

Secure your spot today by registering at insightsassociation.org.

Healthcare is a sensitive subject for many struggling with rare diseases or disabilities. Researchers in the healthcare sphere are challenged with finding delicate ways to approach patients. How do researchers advance technology and create positive outcomes for patients? 

In today’s episode, our CEO, Priscilla McKenney, welcomes Wes Michael, President of Rare Patient Voice. His company’s unique approach to building market research panels allows patients and caregivers to contribute their insights to researchers and companies worldwide. Rare Patient Voice has expanded globally, completed numerous projects, and served hundreds of clients, all with the aim of making a positive impact on the lives of participants and future patients and caregivers.

Researchers are being forced to look beyond the basic questions when approaching respondents. Making a difference in the healthcare industry requires a more personalized touch. Instead of relying solely on traditional methods, researchers must introduce additional elements. New methods aim to gain a deeper understanding of what people are thinking and feeling beyond just their verbal responses.

But there is something taking an extreme toll on quality research. Fraud. On average, across the industry, 15 to 30% of market research data is fraudulent. In some studies, the figures are even higher. Wes discusses how he is well-acquainted with the risks associated with fraud in market research. He offers effective strategies to rise above the noise and gain genuine research results.

Listen in for the MR win-win!

SPONSORS

Want to know the real intentions of survey-takers?

Join CloudResearch on October 12th for their upcoming presentation, “A Deeper Dive Inside the Click Farm: What ‘LIES’ Behind Your Data PART II.” Following their groundbreaking webinar on survey fraud, CloudResearch returns to reveal the hidden truths behind survey-taker motivations and address the presence of fraudulent participants, inattentive responders, and bots. Gain insights into the latest findings and discover new strategies to combat fraud in the market research industry. Register now at SurveyFraud.com for this invaluable event, which also includes free access to the Fraud Detection Tool to quantify fraud in your surveys. Don’t miss out on securing trust in your data!

Get ready for a fantastic Insights Marketing Day! This event brings together expert speakers who are authorities in digital marketing and thought leadership, offering powerful and engaging presentations. Attendees will gain essential tips, actionable advice, and tools to improve their company’s marketing. With networking opportunities, a marketing practitioners panel, delicious meals, gelato, and exciting prizes, this event promises to be both informative and enjoyable. Don’t miss out on Insights Marketing Day in Chicago on September 28th. Visit littlebirdmarketing.com/insights-marketing-day for more information.

With a demand for accuracy but an appetite for innovating with new methodologies, finding the right balance between specialization and generalization is often seen as the key to success in delivering quality consumer insights. But what if we told you that there’s more to the story? We’re pulling back the curtain to hear from one of the wizards orchestrating the delivery of insights into the world of finance.

In this episode, Priscilla McKinney, CEO of Little Bird Marketing, welcomes Kerry Sette, VP, and Head of Consumer Insights and Research at Voya Financial, a Fortune 500 financial services company. Together, they dive into the challenges and strategies behind conducting market research in a rapidly changing industry.

The wide range of areas Voya supports includes enterprise brand, media, advertising, corporate social responsibility, employee experience, product development, marketing, advertising, brand health tracking, digital product work, and more. The unique challenge lies in serving both B2B and B2C markets, requiring a deep understanding of various customer constituencies.

To keep driving success, one important key to team success is to have “diversity of thought,” Kerry states. She underscores that this single fact truly “makes for a stronger team.” She finds it invaluable, in fact, as the digital transformation of how consumers access financial products continues to change and evolve at a rapid pace.

Kerry shares her experience about striking the right balance between a need for both specialists and generalists on an insights team and more “behind the scenes” wisdom. Find out what it takes to build a strong team that can advocate successfully for the consumer in all circumstances. 

SPONSORS

Priscilla McKinney, CEO at Little Bird Marketing, is thrilled to announce the release of her book, “Collaboration is the New Competition: Why the Future of Work Rewards A Cross Pollinating Hive Mind and How Not to Get Left Behind.” The book’s chapters are designed to be time-efficient, ensuring busy professionals can easily integrate these transformative ideas into their workflow. From discussing the state of affairs in business to providing fundamental strategies and seven practical anchors for staying on course, this book offers a fresh perspective and a competitive advantage in today’s complex business landscape. Visit priscillamckinney.com for more information.

Ready to advance in your profession as a client-side insights leader? The Insights Association’s Corporate Researchers Conference (CRC) is scheduled for October 25-27 in Chicago. Centered around the theme “Driving Growth in Turbulent Times,” the event will spotlight the essential role of insights in guiding organizations through economic, geopolitical, environmental, and social challenges to spur growth. Keynote speakers will discuss critical topics like DEI, ESG, and data quality. Attendees will have the opportunity to foster connections during various social activities, including city excursions. Secure your spot today by registering at insightsassociation.org.

Strap on your headsets and fasten your seatbelts – we’re taking you on a ride through the skies of market research! Welcome to the MRX Mavericks miniseries, where we’ll show you how to soar above the competition like the true Top Guns of the market research industry.

Today, our CEO and Momma Bird, Priscilla McKinney, is joined by Melanie Courtright, the Chief Executive Officer at Insights Association. Melanie is a true vanguard in shaping the future of the insights and analytics industry. With almost three decades of experience, she knows the industry inside out and is a powerful advocate for quality and excellence. As a skilled networker in the market research arena, she can teach you a thing or two about meaningful connections.

Insights Association has a unique role as a service organization dedicated to the insights profession. Melanie explains that their focus is on protecting and strengthening the industry by setting standards of quality, advocating for regulations that make sense, and ensuring the profession’s growth and relevance. They work to prevent overregulation and provide invaluable resources to professionals in the field.

One significant aspect of their work is advocacy, led by Howard Feinberg. Howard is the SVP of Advocacy, and he tirelessly represents the profession in governmental circles. He navigates complex regulations, works to prevent over-taxation of data sales, and ensures that insights professionals aren’t adversely affected by legislation.

The Insights Association also offers numerous ways for professionals to get involved beyond advocacy. With six regional chapters and 12 active committees, there’s a place for everyone to contribute. Whether you’re interested in marketing, events, diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, data quality, or various other aspects, there’s a role waiting for you. The association’s website provides information on how to get involved, or you can simply reach out to Melanie directly at Melanie@insightsassociation.org!

Get in touch with this outstanding team:

Rebekah McWain, CMP, Director, Events.

Art Flanagan, Vice President, Communications.

Nicole Symelidis, SVP, Members & Operations.

Howard Fienberg, CAE, Senior VP, Advocacy.

Jennifer Delfino, VP, IT and Event Solutions.

Remember, you can be a wingman to the MRX Mavericks anytime. Let’s take flight on this journey together!

SPONSORS

Want to know the real intentions of survey-takers?

Join CloudResearch on October 12th for their upcoming presentation, “A Deeper Dive Inside the Click Farm: What ‘LIES’ Behind Your Data PART II.” Following their groundbreaking webinar on survey fraud, CloudResearch returns to reveal the hidden truths behind survey-taker motivations and address the presence of fraudulent participants, inattentive responders, and bots. Gain insights into the latest findings and discover new strategies to combat fraud in the market research industry. Register now at SurveyFraud.com for this invaluable event, which also includes free access to the Fraud Detection Tool to quantify fraud in your surveys. Don’t miss out on securing trust in your data!

Ready to advance in your profession as a client-side insights leader?

The Insights Association’s Corporate Researchers Conference (CRC) is scheduled for October 25-27 in Chicago. Centered around the theme “Driving Growth in Turbulent Times,” the event will spotlight the essential role of insights in guiding organizations through economic, geopolitical, environmental, and social challenges to spur growth. Keynote speakers will discuss critical topics like DEI, ESG, and data quality. Attendees will have the opportunity to foster connections during various social activities, including city excursions.

Secure your spot today by registering at insightsassociation.org.