Cultivating Commerce Experience Communities and Personal Brands

Ready to discover the secrets of cultivating community, personalizing marketing, and the power of personal brands?  In this episode, Barbara Rozgonyi interviews Elena Kacan about leveraging technology, managing communities, and crafting accessible yet memorable brand experiences.

Elena brings a unique perspective shaped by nearly a decade in marketing roles at both regional health provider Ortho Carolina and now global commerce experience platform Bloomreach. Her passion for cultivating brand devotion coupled with a knack for spotting consumer insights has fueled Elena’s own rising star. 

Listen in to find out how you can build an authentic personal brand and foster human connections both vital skills in our digital world.

Connect with Elena Kacan on LinkedIn
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Cheers to your success,

Barbara Rozgonyi
Founder, CoryWest Media, Top PR Blogger, Host of Growing Social Now, International Speaker and Inspirational Storyteller, Creative Marketing Team Coach, LinkedIn Social Selling Trainer, Avid Hiker, Natural Photographer

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What do marketers need to know about AI right now - what are the best strategies and the biggest risks? Listen in as Barbara Rozgonyi and Phoebe Svoboda, a brilliant millennial marketer, explore the transformative impact of AI on marketing in 2023 and beyond. From unleashing creativity to navigating potential risks, they cover it what you need to know before 2024. 🚀🔮

Episode Highlights

🧠 AI as a Marketer's Sidekick: Boosting Creativity & Efficiency Learn how AI can be your ultimate ally in brainstorming ideas, editing content, and even generating ad copy. It's a game-changer for efficiency and innovation! 🚀💡

🚨 Navigating Risks: Authenticity, Plagiarism, and Ethical Considerations The episode didn't shy away from the tough questions. How do we maintain authenticity? What about the risks of plagiarism? Barbara and Phoebe delved into ethical considerations and the need for responsible AI use. 🌐🤝

🔮 The Future of AI in Marketing: Balancing Innovation and Responsibility What's in store for AI and marketing in 2024? The speakers shared their visions, emphasizing the need for a balance between innovation and responsibility. Exciting times ahead! 🚀🔗

Phoebe Svoboda: Crafting Client Success | Senior Digital Marketing Director | Visionary Social Media Ad Strategist | Community Engagement Expert

With over a decade of creative expertise, Phoebe excels at crafting comprehensive plans for clients. In the association industry, her efforts led to a 150%+ surge in website traffic and a 300%+ growth in social media following. Her major brand hospitality experience includes Cambria, Hilton, Hyatt, and Marriott, where her visionary approach, content skills, and community engagement expertise create impactful brand-audience connections. Always ahead in the digital marketing game, Phoebe consistently surpasses KPIs, delivering outstanding ROI.

Barbara Rozgonyi: Transformative Digital Marketer PR Thought Leader | Fractional CMO | Inspirational Speaker | LinkedIn Growth Coach | AI Enthusiast | CEO, CoryWest Media

With a rich client portfolio - from Fortune 150 brands to the Federal Reserve to global small businesses, Barbara is a pioneering digital PR thought leader, Fractional CMO, AI ChatGPT enthusiast, and LinkedIn growth coach. The publisher of an award-winning blog, wiredPRworks.com, Barbara hosts the podcast “Growing Social Now.” An inspiring international speaker and motivating global sales trainer, Barbara's live and hybrid programs educate, equip, and elevate. BarbaraRozgonyi.com

Thanks for listening, commenting, liking, sharing, and adding Growing Social Now to your podcast playlist!!
Cheers to your success,

Barbara Rozgonyi
Founder, CoryWest Media, Top PR Blogger, Host of Growing Social Now, International Speaker and Inspirational Storyteller, Creative Marketing Team Coach, LinkedIn Social Selling Trainer, Avid Hiker, Natural Photographer

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What is Rizz? What is #BizRizz and why do you need it to be successful? Rizz, a 2023 word of the year, is short for charisma. You heard it here first! Beyond surface-level buzzwords, Growing Social Now uncovered a treasure trove of tactical personal branding and corporate branding insights from Bella Rose Mortel in her interview with Barbara Rozgonyi. Listen in to find out how you can bring Rizz to your biz - and your personal brand!

#BizRizz Takeaways for Marketers

Develop an Engaging Corporate Brand Persona

In the age of the “creator economy,” Bella Rose emphasizes audiences connect more with bold personalities than faceless corporations. Give your brand persona an identity that resonates like a relatable character.

Strategically Show Off Your #BizRizz

A dose of infectious energy makes work more motivating and enjoyable for everyone without sacrificing an ounce of productivity.  And adding #BizRizz to your company brand connects you with your customer's PR: Personality + Reputation.

Align with Gen Z’s Greater Purpose

Regarding attracting and retaining Gen Z talent, Bella Rose confronted stereotypes that misrepresent Gen Z as wanting to be all about fun without being productive. She explains Gen Z seeks meaningful work aligned with their values. Provide opportunities to contribute to social causes and corporate social responsibility initiatives they care about. 

The Future Is Friendly: Embracing the Power of Personality Hires

Bella Rose Mortel's illuminating journey not only demystifies the world of “personality hires” but also provides actionable lessons for marketers seeking to create compelling personal brands and more authentic company branding.

Bella Rose Mortel is a Social Media Strategist at Beehiiv, developing content strategy, creation, and distribution across Twitter, Linkedin, Instagram, and TikTok.  Currently based in Austin, TX, she also writes a newsletter, Office Slayers, on being Gen Z in the office. Connect with Bella Rose Mortel on LinkedIn and TikTok
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Connect with Barbara Rozgonyi on LinkedIn 

#newsletters #personalbranding #corporatebranding #beehiiv #growingsocialnow #barbararozgonyi #marketingpodcast #fractionalCMO #employeeengagement #GenZ

Thanks for listening, commenting, liking, sharing, and adding Growing Social Now to your podcast playlist!!
Cheers to your success,

Barbara Rozgonyi
Founder, CoryWest Media, Top PR Blogger, Host of Growing Social Now, International Speaker and Inspirational Storyteller, Creative Marketing Team Coach, LinkedIn Social Selling Trainer, Avid Hiker, Natural Photographer

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In the ever-evolving realm of travel and tourism, staying ahead of emerging trends is paramount for marketers seeking to capture the attention of an adventurous audience. Expedia Group's Unpack '24 report serves as a strategic compass, providing destination marketers and travel professionals with exclusive insights into the key trends shaping the future of travel in 2024 including Generative AI, ChatGPT, and Vibe marketing.

As a new generation of travelers – Gen Gen AI – fully embraces generative AI technology, destination marketers can leverage this trend to enhance the travel experience. With half of respondents expressing curiosity about using AI in trip planning, marketers can explore incorporating AI functionalities into their promotional strategies, offering personalized and tech-savvy travel solutions.

As destination marketers gear up for 2024, Expedia Group's Unpack '24 report serves as an indispensable guide to navigating the evolving landscape of travel trends. From leveraging set-jetting and destination dupes to crafting campaigns around unique vibes and cultural stays, marketers have a wealth of insights to shape compelling narratives for their target audiences. By embracing these trends, destination marketers can not only stay ahead of the curve but also create memorable and resonant experiences that captivate the imaginations of travelers in the coming year.

Need help navigating branding, marketing and PR?
Barbara Rozgonyi is a Fractional CMO, business strategy coach, and keynote speaker.

Barbara Rozgonyi publishes wiredPRworks (https://wiredprworks.com), a top 50 PR blog and is an international keynote speaker.

Barbara Rozgonyi on LinkedIn

Thanks for listening, commenting, liking, sharing, and adding Growing Social Now to your podcast playlist!!
Cheers to your success,

Barbara Rozgonyi
Founder, CoryWest Media, Top PR Blogger, Host of Growing Social Now, International Speaker and Inspirational Storyteller, Creative Marketing Team Coach, LinkedIn Social Selling Trainer, Avid Hiker, Natural Photographer

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1. Digital Dominance: The data screams a clear message – digital is king. With 56% of adults now sourcing news from digital devices, it's imperative for PR strategies to align with this digital shift.
2. Rise of Podcasts: While radio and print decline, podcasts are on the rise. Understanding this trend provides a unique avenue for PR professionals to explore new media placements.
3. Demographic Nuances:  Understanding the preferences of different age groups, genders, and income brackets is paramount for effective PR outreach.
4. Strategic PR Planning: In a world inundated with data, strategic planning becomes the compass for PR professionals. Rozgonyi offers her expertise to help businesses navigate the complexities, attract attention, and connect with their target communities.

More from Pew Research on the changing news trends.

Barbara Rozgonyi publishes wiredPRworks, a top 50 PR blog and is an international keynote speaker.

Thanks for listening, commenting, liking, sharing, and adding Growing Social Now to your podcast playlist!!
Cheers to your success,

Barbara Rozgonyi
Founder, CoryWest Media, Top PR Blogger, Host of Growing Social Now, International Speaker and Inspirational Storyteller, Creative Marketing Team Coach, LinkedIn Social Selling Trainer, Avid Hiker, Natural Photographer

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How does LinkedIn power relationships and impact companies?

Join Barbara Rozgonyi on the latest episode of "Growing Social Now News" as she unravels the secrets behind the influence of professional networks. Barbara highlights results from a groundbreaking Harvard Business School study that maps LinkedIn connections among over 7,700 public U.S. companies.  Listen in and get valuable insights for individuals and businesses looking to navigate the complex landscape of professional networking, leveraging the power of social media, and optimizing LinkedIn connections for tangible business success.

Top Takeaway: Companies whose real-world employee connections put them at the center of their professional communities performed better than peer companies whose workforces were less well-connected and, as a result, on the periphery of the same community.

1. Relationships Matter More Than Ever:  A study mapping 2 billion employee relationships on LinkedIn reveals that companies at the center of professional communities consistently outperform their less-connected counterparts.
2. Social Media as a Turbocharger for Networking: LinkedIn connections become a tangible proxy for real-world connections, providing unique opportunities for measurement and study.
3. Size Doesn't Dictate Connectivity: Contrary to common belief, the study reveals that small companies can shine in connectivity, while large ones may lag. 
4. Professional Networks Contribute to Company Success:  Companies at the center of their networks tend to produce more patented innovations, driving both scientific and economic value.
5. Strategic Importance of LinkedIn Consulting:  Whether optimizing LinkedIn profiles for trade shows, enhancing company visibility, or providing sales team training, LinkedIn consulting serves as a strategic bridge between research and real-world success.
6. Connectivity Drives Innovation: The episode concludes by reinforcing the idea that connectivity directly influences a company's success, driving innovation and market impact. Barbara encourages businesses to foster impactful communications and connections to achieve organizational excellence.

More on the Harvard Business School LinkedIn study.

Barbara Rozgonyi publishes wiredPRworks, a top 50 PR blog, and is an international keynote speaker.

Thanks for listening, commenting, liking, sharing, and adding Growing Social Now to your podcast playlist!!
Cheers to your success,

Barbara Rozgonyi
Founder, CoryWest Media, Top PR Blogger, Host of Growing Social Now, International Speaker and Inspirational Storyteller, Creative Marketing Team Coach, LinkedIn Social Selling Trainer, Avid Hiker, Natural Photographer

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Ever wondered how to turn customers into lifelong fans? In this episode of Growing Social Now, dive deep into the world of Customer Experience (CX) with host Barbara Rozgonyi and CX expert Shelly Chandler. 🚀

🤔 Ever struggled to define CX or understand its role in marketing?
Shelly breaks it down—CX is about the customer's journey, emotions, and expectations at every touchpoint. It's a multidisciplinary approach involving marketing, data analytics, product design, and more.

🌐 How CX and Marketing Work Hand-in-Hand
Discover the dynamic interplay between CX and marketing—beyond silos. Shelly reveals how leading organizations like Amazon, Apple, Disney, and Southwest Airlines seamlessly integrate strategies to build customer-centric cultures.

🌟 Strategic CX Insights for Marketers
Shelly's advice? Identify quick wins aligned with business KPIs, invest in digital CX, and leverage customer insights for emotional engagement. Learn from industry giants who prioritize CX for explosive growth.

🚀 2024 CX Trends You Can't Ignore
Explore the future with insights into trends like Generative AI, Smart Subscriptions, and Sentiment-Driven CX.  Look into the future landscape of customer experience with these game-changing innovations.

🔥 Meet the Expert: Shelly Chandler
With over 25 years in CX strategy, Shelly is a catalyst for driving action within organizations. Hear her wisdom on aligning CX and marketing, embracing trends, and creating unbeatable customer experiences.

🎧 Ready to Transform Your CX Game?
Join Barbara and Shelly in this insightful episode—your ticket to turning customers into advocates. Listen now for actionable CX strategies and a glimpse into the future of customer experience.

Guest Credentials:
Shelly Chandler - Senior CX Strategist, Industry Veteran, Transformative Leader.
Connect with Shelly on LinkedIn.

Host:
Barbara Rozgonyi - Communication Innovator, Founder of CoryWest Media, Digital Marketing PR Thought Leader.
Connect with Barbara on LinkedIn and visit BarbaraRozgonyi.com to book transformative training, speaking, consulting, or coaching programs.

Thanks for listening, commenting, liking, sharing, and adding Growing Social Now to your podcast playlist!!
Cheers to your success,

Barbara Rozgonyi
Founder, CoryWest Media, Top PR Blogger, Host of Growing Social Now, International Speaker and Inspirational Storyteller, Creative Marketing Team Coach, LinkedIn Social Selling Trainer, Avid Hiker, Natural Photographer

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From the early days of social networks to the latest AI-powered tools like Microsoft Teams, let's explore the intersection of technology, culture, and productivity - and tells you what's coming next. Listen in as the co-founders of Social Media Club Chicago - Jeff Willinger, Microsoft MVP and Digital Experience Director at Withum, and Barbara Rozgonyi, a PR and digital marketing expert - take us on a journey through the changing landscape of workplace collaboration. 

Future of Work with Jeff Willinger Top Takeaways

1. Blend of Physical and Digital Collaboration: The future workplace will seamlessly integrate in-person and online collaboration, thanks to tools like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive.
2. AI-Powered Productivity: AI assistants like Microsoft's Copilot can enhance productivity by automating tasks like meeting note-taking, enabling employees to focus on more substantive work.
3. Technology Supports, Doesn't Replace People: While technology like AI can automate tasks, it's designed to support and enhance human collaboration, not replace workers.
4. Culture Remains Crucial: No matter how advanced the technology, a supportive and inclusive workplace culture established by leadership is essential for engaging employees and unlocking their potential.
5. The Power of Community: Creating a sense of community is crucial for employee engagement through diversity groups, community service projects, and social events.
6. Leadership's Role in Culture: Leadership plays a pivotal role in establishing and nurturing workplace culture. Digital tools can reinforce this culture and connect distributed teams.
7. Innovation in Collaboration Tools: Collaboration tools have evolved significantly, enabling seamless digital teamwork across different locations.
8. AI as an Assistant, Not a Replacement: AI, such as Copilot, serves as an assistant that handles routine tasks, freeing employees to focus on more strategic and creative work.
9. Putting People First: The success of any technology initiative hinges on putting people at the center to enhance the human experience, not overshadow it.
10. Continuous Evolution: Workplace communication and collaboration will continue to evolve, but nurturing culture and community will always be a top priority.

Connect with Jeff Willinger on LinkedIn
Jeff Willinger at Withum

Connect with Barbara Rozgonyi on LinkedIn

Thanks for listening, commenting, liking, sharing, and adding Growing Social Now to your podcast playlist!!
Cheers to your success,

Barbara Rozgonyi
Founder, CoryWest Media, Top PR Blogger, Host of Growing Social Now, International Speaker and Inspirational Storyteller, Creative Marketing Team Coach, LinkedIn Social Selling Trainer, Avid Hiker, Natural Photographer

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The role of the fractional Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) has gained prominence as businesses seek outside expertise to thrive in today's landscape. To explore this emerging opportunity,  Barbara Rozgonyi, an experienced marketing consultant and fractional CMO, answers your questions.

What is a Fractional CMO?

A fractional CMO provides on-demand guidance to create change. They audit a business from all angles and craft strategies to streamline operations, boost revenue, and unlock growth. While the title is new, Barbara has fulfilled this CMO role for years.

When to Engage a Fractional CMO

Hiring a fractional CMO brings an objective external perspective. For family businesses running unchanged for decades, a fresh look identifies areas needing adaptation. Preparing a company for sale also benefits from elevating marketing practices.

Eliminating Confusion

With endless marketing options, determining the right tools is challenging. Changing platforms can disrupt teams. A fractional CMO conducts an unbiased evaluation to make data-backed recommendations.

The Power of Strategy

Business owners often focus on tactics without an overarching strategy. Tactics alone lead astray. A fractional CMO builds a holistic plan tied to goals for optimal growth.

Why Choose Barbara?

With broad experience - from internal comms to podcasting - Barbara offers multifaceted insights. Her “Four Winds” approach dives into digital, direct, dynamic, and data facets of marketing. She ensures your digital presence excels, optimizes communication, injects creative storytelling, and mines data for profitability.

Barbara’s mission is to help businesses serve more people, make more money, and find enjoyment. She's a transformative force to propel any organization forward.

Get Started

Discover if a fractional CMO is right for you through an intro call with Barbara. Access the link on her LinkedIn profile or email hello@barbararozgonyi.com.

Barbara Rozgonyi offers the strategic vision and marketing expertise to guide businesses to the next level. Let her fresh perspective set you up for enduring success.

Thanks for listening, commenting, liking, sharing, and adding Growing Social Now to your podcast playlist!!
Cheers to your success,

Barbara Rozgonyi
Founder, CoryWest Media, Top PR Blogger, Host of Growing Social Now, International Speaker and Inspirational Storyteller, Creative Marketing Team Coach, LinkedIn Social Selling Trainer, Avid Hiker, Natural Photographer

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What could a mindset shift do for you and your people? Lisa Sharapata, CMO of The Arbinger Institute - and one of the 10 most influential CMOs to follow in 2023 -  talks about how much a shift from an inward to an outward mindset matters, in social media, the modern buying experience, collaboration within the marketing community – and everyday life with Barbara Rozgonyi, host of Growing Social Now.

Key Highlights

Embracing Passion Over the "Growth at All Costs" Mindset

Finding Your Inner Light and Strength for Positive Actions

Social Media: The Game-Changer in the Buying Experience

80% of the Buying Experience Happens Before Contacting Sales

Building Communities to Stand Out from the Commodity

Unlocking Human Potential in the Business World

Having inward and outward perspectives drives success in the business world, and life.

When marketers prioritize collaboration, everyone works towards the common good.

Set biases and egos aside to appreciate people’s gifts, passions, and priorities.

Chapters

1 Exploring the Benefits of an Outward Mindset with Lisa Sharapata, Recognized by C I O Look as One of the Most 10 Influential CMOs to Follow in 2023

00:00 - 06:37

2 Bringing Humanity Back to the Workplace: Going Beyond Growth at All Costs

06:37 - 13:14

3 The Mindset Shift: Exploring Social Media, Experiences, and Tapping Into Engagement

13:15 - 18:55

4 The Power of Social Media and the Benefits of Connection Through Online Communities

18:56 - 24:54

About Lisa Sharapata, CMO of Arbinger Institute

With over 20 years of marketing experience, Lisa is passionate about creating growth strategies, building brands, and executing comprehensive, customer-centric initiatives to create a predictable revenue model. Recognized by CIOLook as one of the 10 Most Influential CMO's to Follow in 2023, Demand Gen Report as the 2021 B2B Vanguard and B2B Innovator, and by DMN as a “Woman to Watch,” Lisa is leading the charge for a better B2B buying experience. Lisa is currently the CMO of The Arbinger Institute – a global leadership development and culture transformation organization that helps leaders and teams shift their mindsets to drive organizational changes that lead to exceptional results. Before this, Lisa was the CMO of BoostUp.ai, a Revenue Technology company with several marketing leadership roles in the B2B SaaS Tech space. She is also an advisor for Hushly and a Co-Founder and Board member of the PEAK Community.

Thanks for listening, commenting, liking, sharing, and adding Growing Social Now to your podcast playlist!!
Cheers to your success,

Barbara Rozgonyi
Founder, CoryWest Media, Top PR Blogger, Host of Growing Social Now, International Speaker and Inspirational Storyteller, Creative Marketing Team Coach, LinkedIn Social Selling Trainer, Avid Hiker, Natural Photographer

Barbara Rozgonyi on Facebook
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