The Not-So-Corporate Podcast

When it comes to feedback, the anticipation and uncertainty that comes with waiting for it is often the hardest part.  In this week’s very special episode (the first 360 podcast), we talk the pain and pleasure of giving and receiving feedback. On this week’s podcast, we have a roundtable talk about feedback – how to give it, take it, and understand it.

It’s no secret that marketing is continuing to shift from brand building to revenue generation.  Return on Investment. Minimum viable investment.  Lifetime value of a client.  These KPIs are just a few of the handful that are becoming basic, marketing-101 type data points.  So if you’re not already focused on data, analytics, and providing insight – you might want to consider starting. On this week’s podcast, we have a roundtable talk about how data, analytics, and positioning marketing within real-world business challenges can help you drive value for your client base.  

On this week’s podcast we have a roundtable talk about VR, AR, and 360 video.  How it’s currently being used.  What we love about it.  What we hate about it.  And why Google Cardboard feels the need to put safety instructions on the box.

Join us as we work through the fantastical world of podcasting.  On this roundtable, we eventually get around to sharing the key steps involved in setting up a podcast and growing your audience.  We also come up with a new hashtag #FreeDrones, talk about Al Pacino and what Kyle needs to do to impress his MBA classmates.  

Join the podcast crew as we explore the wacky world of managing ridiculous amounts of data.  Kyle, Louis, Maneesh and Mark talk, “the good ole’ days,” what’s key when setting up data management strategies for creative firms, and data sheets on drive failure rates. All fun stuff, we promise.

If you’re in a creative field there’s nothing simple about scoping a project and closing a sale. In our world of complex client problems, a hyper-competitive industry, and an increasing focus on commoditizing services, more and more prospects and clients are coming to us with an idea of what they need, how they want to work and what they feel it should cost; that’s a tough position to be in. Michael Harris and his book, Insight Selling, helps explain and teach the steps needed to raise above the technical and logistical details that bog scoping conversations down. We talk tips, tricks, selling strategies and even run through a few stories – all to provide the most value possible for our clients.      

A few members of the zoo crew, aka Louis, Roland, Kyle and Mark sit down to discuss the process of pitching a project to a prospect – what we like, what we don’t like, why a Ram 1500 Ecodiesel is a great truck, we’ve literally and figuratively got it all.

In this crazy world of social media, Twitter and facebook every now and again you come across someone doing something really unique.  That was certainly the case when we connected with Premiere Bro (AKA Sean Schools).  He joins us this week on the podcast to share his story, thoughts, and motivations for starting his blog and fan site.  We also go off on a few tangents that include a story about Kyle falling down the stairs, the difference between red and blue states in the US vs in Canada, and our both our love and hatred of FCP.

Mark’s close friend Evan Carmichael comes on the podcast to talk about risk. As entrepreneurs, both Mark and Evan have taken huge risks in their careers, but they both agree that the bigger risk is not moving forward and following your passions. The two share their experiences and what they have learned about risk, rewards, life, and shenanigans.

Good account management skills are a key element to a businesses growth and success. Tania Stadnik is an expert at keeping her clients on task, on board, and most of all happy. She has worked for agencies for years in an account management role and has recently opened her own firm, Hop Skip Marketing. She joins us on the podcast to talk about great account management; what it takes, her tips and tricks, and why she works so hard and is so dedicated to her clients. What she had to say blew our minds so we are sure it will blow yours!

To celebrate their one-year anniversary, join the gang in a fun episode that looks back at the past year. The four of them talk about Leah’s sassiness, what they’ve learned while podcasting, and who their dream guest would be. Then just to add a little random fun they talk about classic albums they can listen to from start to finish. Join us in a sweet celebration of year one, as we get ready to blow your socks off in year two!  

Andrew Embury is a motion graphic artist who believes in following your dreams, doing whatever it takes, and living life at all costs. Andrew’s career has been an incredible journey of risks and heartbreak. He shares with us his stories and the life lessons he’s picked up along the way. He is a true creative and is an inspiration to anyone struggling with breaking into motion graphics or any other creative industry. Listen up to a podcast that is far from dull!

Instead of a pre-planned topic, your three Not-So-Corporate hosts embark on a journey of discussion and discovery. They talk about cameras, auditors, sales, social media, nostalgic baseball movies, and so much more. There is passion, there is comedy, and there is intrigue as these three navigate a riveting discussion about things that matter to them. So, spend the next hour with your Phanta friends hanging out!

Mark, Roland and Leah are joined once again by Louis Vazenios, health and safety rep and editor and Phanta Media to talk about freelancers and the video production industry. When you hire a freelancer it’s a risk. You have to be able to trust that they can get the job done, that they won’t embarrass you in front of the client, and that they are a normal decent person. Finding good talent can be a challenge. Where do you start looking? What resources are out there? What do you do when you need to hire someone in a city you aren’t familiar with? The team answers all these questions and more on this episode of The Not-So-Corporate Podcast.

Video ad-blocking allows users access to videos without all the pesky ads. Ad-blocking is becoming increasingly popular among Internet users who relish in an advertisement free browsing experience. For marketers like us, video ad-blocking (or ad-blockers of any kind) seems evil. It blocks all the carefully crafted content we put our blood, sweat, and tears into.  Mark, Leah and Kyle are joined on the podcast by journalist Jared Lindzon, who recently wrote an in-depth article for MarketingMagazine.com about video ad-blocking. They discuss their own ad-blocking practices, where advertisers are going wrong, how ad-blockers are affecting the marketing industry, and how marketers should move forward. It’s a rowdy discussion with everyone weighing in! So pop on those boxing gloves podcast listeners and let’s get ready to RUMBLE in this video ad-blocking throw down!

Mark and Leah are joined by Phanta’s own post-production rock stars Louis and Kyle. All three of the gentlemen on this podcast got their start working inhouse for a company. They talk about the freedom, the isolation, and the how it shaped them into who they are today. The team also discusses why it’s important to be challenged at work and why it’s great to be on a team that pushes you to constantly improve. Mark also attempts to see into the future of our profession and talks about why more and more companies are choosing to hire an in-house videographer. Listen up for these great insights and more on insourcing vs outsourcing for video and social in your business.

Mark, Leah and Roland are joined by Phanta’s head of motion graphics Maneesh to talk about social media marketing for small business. They share Phanta’s own journey in social media marketing, what Leah does day-to-day, and what’s worked and what hasn’t. They also talk brands that they think are doing a great job, where to get awesome ideas, and what’s coming up for Phanta (hint it has to do with the birth of Leah’s child). Whether or not your business is on social media, at this point you know that it’s the fastest growing way to market so let us share our insights with you.

Ryan is crazy about business and marketing. One way that he feeds this passion is by reading a boatload of books on the subject. As a new years project Ryan started the Cut the Crap Podcast where he reads and summarizes popular business books for the average lady or gent who doesn’t find themselves reading a book a week (which is what Ryan does). Ryan also finds the time to write topical and interesting business and marketing related articles for the Globe and Mail. We had him join us on the podcast to talk about his favourite subjects! He explains to us what neo-marketing is as well as helps us understand the affect your location has on your marketing strategy. Then we had a lively debate about business books that have changed our careers and lives. It’s awesome, so listen up!

Scott Stratten is an expert in viral, social, and authentic marketing which is what he refers to as UnMarketing. He is a public speaker that motivates and inspires people to stop wasting their time with crap that isn’t working and instead use his simple ideas to become better marketers and better people. He is also the author of a few cool business books including, The UnMarketing Book and QR Codes Kill Kittens and you know what else? He’s a down-to-earth, awesome guy. Scott joins our podcast trio to discuss (you’ll never guess what…) marketing! We also talk social media, snap chat, man buns, stupid things people do, the absence of common sense, and the joys of Disney cruises. It’s a charismatic and enlightening good time you won’t want to miss!

In this very special motion graphics focused episode, we are not only joined by the founder of Motionographer, Justin Cone but also by our very own Senior Motion Graphics Designer Maneesh Malhotra. The two of them discuss motion graphic trends, working in the motion graphics industry, and what makes great graphics. Justin also explains his curator process for his blog Motionographer and how it’s evolved over time. In this thought-provoking discussion you will learn how motion graphics can be leveraged in your business, where you can find the technical and design help you need and why motion graphics are so valuable. Listen up Phantonia!