Episode 74: How to Thrive as a PR Freelancer with Saffron Sumner

Ever looked at a pricing page with no actual prices and thought, “Yep, this belongs in the bin”? Us too. In this episode of Marketing Dribble, Rob Boyle and Jonny Kenyon unleash their inner grumps and introduce Room 404 our cheeky spin on Room 101, where bad marketing ideas go to disappear forever. Alongside the brilliant Emma Davies and Ruta Sudmantaite from the podcast 'Blame it on Marketing' we take turns nominating our most cringe-inducing marketing pet hates. From CFOs trying to moonlight as CROs, to buzzwords that need a long nap, this episode is a brutally honest but hilarious therapy session for marketers everywhere. Bring your rage, leave with a laugh. Have a vent with us, and maybe even find a few things you'd like to chuck into Room 404 too. How to connect with Emma and Ruta https://www.linkedin.com/company/blame-it-on-marketing linkedin.com/in/emmadavies1989 linkedin.com/in/rutasudmantaite

In this episode, Rob & Jonny sit down with Valeriya Pilkevich, a trailblazer in AI integration for businesses of all sizes. From startups to Fortune 500s, Valeriya has helped organizations unlock the power of artificial intelligence and she’s here to share exactly how you can do the same. We dive into: The very first steps businesses should take when approaching AI How small and medium-sized enterprises can punch above their weight using smart AI tools Why identifying the right problems matters more than choosing the flashiest tech What AI agents actually are and how marketers can use them effectively The real differences in AI adoption between SMEs and large corporations When (and why) you might need a custom GPT How to future-proof your marketing strategy in an AI-first world Valeriya also shares her experience as a speaker and educator, highlighting the AI topics that are captivating business leaders right now. And for those feeling a bit left behind in the AI race, she offers a golden nugget of advice on where to start and how to stay current. Whether you're just curious or already exploring AI in your business, this episode is packed with practical insights you won't want to miss. Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/valeriya-pilkevich

In this episode of The Marketing Dribble Podcast, Rob Boyle and Jonny Kenyon sit down with legendary marketer Rand Fishkin known from the early days of the Moz Blog and now founder of SparkToro for a wide-ranging conversation on the current state and future of marketing. From the slow death of attribution to the evolving role of SEO, Rand brings clarity and candor to some of the industry's biggest shifts. He dives into why audience research matters more than ever, how marketers can stand out in a noisy digital world, and the underrated value of empathy. You’ll also hear Rand’s take on building high-performing marketing teams, how AI fits into the creative process, and the marketing sins he’d banish forever to the dreaded “404 Room.” Don't worry Rob explains to Rand what a 404 page is !!!!. Whether you're a seasoned marketer or just getting started, this episode delivers sharp insights with plenty of laughs and actionable takeaways (Including Jonny's time on a Jet Ski, and Rob's favourite Retro Game) Check out Rand below on LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/randfishkin https://sparktoro.com/

In this episode, we’re joined by Charley Brennand, the driving force behind PMCR (Performance Manchester) — the vibrant community for performance marketing professionals in the North. We catch up on what’s new since we last spoke, and dive into what it really takes to grow a movement like PMCR. From the behind-the-scenes struggles of running small meetups to the chaos (and reward) of organising large-scale events, Charley shares the highs, the lessons, and everything in between. We chat about the commitment it takes to build a community, why it’s worth it, and the real value people get from turning up, getting involved, and making these events happen. Charley also offers practical advice for anyone looking to follow a similar path — plus a shoutout to the brands, sponsors and people who make it all possible. If you’re into events, community-building, or performance marketing — or thinking of launching your own scene — this one’s for you. Plus checkout the Performance Manchester Event on the 25th June 2025. https://www.performancemcr.com/    

In this episode of the Marketing Dribble Podcast, hosts Rob Boyle and Jonny Kenyon welcome Jordan Stachini, founder of co&co — a no-fluff, ROI-driven marketing agency based in Manchester. Together, they dive into the real meaning of conversions, why ROI isn't just about sales, and the importance of aligning sales and marketing teams for long-term success. Jordan shares her insights on the critical role of strategy in marketing, how to manage stakeholder expectations, and the common mistakes businesses make when chasing conversions. The conversation explores how to measure the impact of marketing activities beyond direct revenue, how different channels like SEO and paid search require different approaches to conversion, and why balancing short-term wins with longer-term goals is crucial. They also discuss the full customer journey, the importance of post-sale follow-up, and practical ways to encourage repeat conversions. Packed with no-nonsense advice and actionable tips, this is a must-listen for anyone serious about making their marketing efforts truly count. Connect with Jordan: linkedin.com/in/jordanstachini

In this episode of the Marketing Dribble podcast, hosts Rob and Jonny welcome Dawn Little, a marketing content manager and podcast producer. Dawn shares her journey in podcasting, emphasising the importance of creating engaging and entertaining content, especially in the often dry field of HR. The conversation explores how to leverage mistakes for marketing success, the balance between entertainment and business value, and effective content strategies. Dawn also discusses guerrilla marketing tactics, community engagement, and the significance of planning seasonal content. The episode concludes with valuable advice for aspiring podcasters. Connect with Dawn Little: linkedin.com/in/dawn-little

In this episode of the Marketing Dribble Podcast, Jonny and Rob chat with PR consultant Saffron Sumner about her journey from marketing into PR. She breaks down the power of storytelling, strategic media placements, and how to get businesses to see the real value of PR. We dive into the balance between personal and professional branding, the realities of freelancing, and the common PR scams to watch out for. Saffron also shares practical advice for anyone thinking about going freelance, the essential tools every PR pro should have, and some clever pitching techniques that actually work. On top of that, she talks about her passion for charity work, the lessons she’s learned from self-employment—like building confidence and managing money—and where AI fits into the future of PR. If you're in marketing, PR, or just curious about the industry, this one’s packed with insights you won’t want to miss. Connect with Saffron linkedin.com/in/saffron-sumner

In this episode of the Marketing Dribble podcast, hosts Rob Boyle and Jonny Kenyon welcome Tom Schwab, a pioneer in podcast interview marketing. Tom shares his unique journey from running nuclear power plants to becoming a leader in podcast marketing. He discusses the importance of understanding your audience, the power of podcast guesting, and how to effectively measure the impact of podcast appearances. The conversation also delves into common mistakes to avoid, the significance of personal branding, and empowering employees to represent the brand. Tom concludes with insights on the future of podcasting and the value of sharing knowledge. Connect with Tom: https://interviewvalet.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamtomschwab/

In this episode of Marketing Dribble, we sit down with Adam Faulkner, a seasoned freelancer, mentor, and advocate for independent professionals. Adam shares his journey from transitioning into freelancing to overcoming early challenges and building a trusted personal brand. We dive into key turning points in his career, the power of LinkedIn for marketing success, and the common mistakes freelancers should avoid. Adam also opens up about his passion for helping others achieve their freelance goals and what’s next on his journey. Whether you're considering freelancing or looking to level up your independent career, this episode is packed with insights and actionable advice to set you up for success. 💡 Golden Nugget: Adam shares his top advice for making the leap into freelancing—don’t miss it! Connect with Adam: linkedin.com/in/adamjfaulkner  

Ever thought about hosting your own marketing event but didn’t know where to start? After selling out our first event in less than a week, we decided to do a very frank episode breaking it down step by step—from securing a venue to finding the right speakers, promotion, and all the challenges we faced. Here’s what we covered: 🔍 Getting Started: How we turned an idea into a real event. 📍 Venue & Promotion: Finding a space and getting people through the door without spending a fortune. 🎙️ Speakers: Securing a fantastic line-up that people wanted to see ⚡ Challenges: What can go wrong, will go wrong—bad weather, pizza shortages, and even unexpected competition. 🎉 Wins: What worked well and kept our guests engaged. We also reflect on what we’d change next time and share our plans for future events. Listen now for a behind-the-scenes guide on planning your own marketing event! 🎧