#95: Beanie Mania - Building a Digital Empire in the Beanie Baby Boom w/ Brent McCreary

In a world where nostalgia once reigned supreme in marketing, there's a shift happening. Join us in this episode as we sit down with Ted Harrison, founder of neuemotion, to explore how nostalgia as we know it is evolving, presenting new challenges and opportunities for marketers. We'll Cover: Millennial vs. Gen Z Nostalgia: We dive in on how our shared experiences differ. We also reminisce about the one commercial every millennial remembers. CRUNCH Framework Exploration: Ted breaks down the CRUNCH framework, highlighting its relevance in today's marketing landscape. The Fading Allure of Nostalgia: We discuss the challenges marketers face as nostalgia loses its grip in a society fractured by diverse interests. Navigating Fragmentation: Explore innovative strategies for brand connection amidst a cultural landscape where memories are scarce. Tune in for an insightful discussion on crafting compelling marketing campaigns in an era where nostalgia runs dry. Connect with Ted: Twitter @TedVid LinkedIn Check out Ted's book, Entrepreneurial Creativity This episode is sponsored by Klaviyo. They recently introduced Klaviyo AI, which is like a marketing crystal ball! It takes the guesswork out of content creation! Work smarter with tools that help you: • Create targeted segments without sifting through lists • Write and A/B test subject lines • Determine the best send time • Develop smart SMS campaigns AND replies • Translate audience data into actionable insights See how it works: https://bit.ly/3T1N5hF

Would you ever consider yourself an influencer? Spoiler alert: you are one. In this episode, we discuss everyone's power to influence and make an impact in your community, with a little inspiration from Dave Portnoy's One Pizza Bite Reviews. Dave is the controversial founder of the multimedia company and pop culture website, Barstool Sports — and it turns out, people either love him or hate him! But one positive thing Dave does is put small businesses on the map. I share how one simple video made an impact for a local pizza shop here in South Florida. I also share how you can inspire your own customers to leave reviews and amplify your business! This episode is sponsored by Klaviyo. They recently introduced Klaviyo AI, which is like a marketing crystal ball! It takes the guesswork out of content creation! Work smarter with tools that help you: • Create targeted segments without sifting through lists • Write and A/B test subject lines • Determine the best send time • Develop smart SMS campaigns AND replies • Translate audience data into actionable insights See how it works: https://bit.ly/3T1N5hF

In this episode, we explore the intersection of PR and social media education with Kate Stewart, an assistant professor at Jacksonville State University! Kate shares insights into her courses, preparing students for diverse job roles in PR and social media. She discusses her innovative teaching style, which incorporates pop culture references to engage students effectively. We delve into the power of pop culture in the classroom, making complex concepts relatable and captivating students across generations. Kate challenges stigmas associated with social media education and emphasizes the value of internships in the industry. She offers valuable advice to aspiring social media professionals, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and staying current with industry trends. Kate also mentioned several resources to help anyone stay up-to-date in pop culture, trending topics, and the social media industry. Here are the links! BLOG: Homemade Social, boutique marketing agency in Phoenix, AZ  https://www.homemadesocial.com/blog   TWITTER FOLLOW: Annie-Mai shares social media platform updates every Wednesday on Twitter  https://twitter.com/anniemaisocial/status/1750195832995852611?s=20 NEWSLETTER: girlpowermarketing Weekly Social Media Tea https://www.girlpowermarketing.co.uk/newsletter NEWSLETTER: Matt Navarra's Geekout Newsletter  https://geekout.mattnavarra.com/   PODCAST: Talking Points https://open.spotify.com/show/6zoUhcIKRzONWMj0DVhUSGsi=ab35143e131a488f&nd=1&dlsi=7f932e0021f04292   NEWSLETTER: ICYMI | weekly creators and social media pro insights  https://liahaberman.substack.com/ PODCAST: “Curious and Interesting,” a two-minute podcast on what’s new and intriguing in the world of advertising and research  https://jcira.buzzsprout.com/ NEWSLETTER: Social Cat | influencer insights  https://influencerinsights.thesocialcat.com/ NEWSLETTER: Marketing Millennials  https://themarketingmillennials.com/podcast/ Kate is an absolute gem who you'll want to follow! Connect with her on social at @thekatestewart: Website - www.thekatestewart.com  Twitter/X - https://twitter.com/thekatestewart Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thekatestewartLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thekatestewart/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thekatestewart YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thekatestake  For marketing and pop culture lessons sent straight to your inbox, subscribe to my newsletter here! 💌 ⁠⁠https://briannefleming.com/newsletter Tune in to gain valuable insights and guidance from Kate, a seasoned educator and PR expert, whether you're a student exploring social media studies or a newcomer to the field.

Join us for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how Gillette Stadium and the New England Patriots amp up fan excitement both on and off the field. In this episode, we sit down with Kassie Epstein and Abbey Thistle from Gillette Stadium's social media and fan engagement team. They reveal the innovative strategies and creative tactics they use to connect with fans, from leveraging social media platforms to orchestrating unforgettable experiences on the stadium's iconic jumbotron, which is the largest outdoor video screen in the country! From NFL games to concerts and events, hear how the team is making these experiences something their fans will never forget! Follow Kassie Epstein on Twitter @kassieepstein Follow Abbey Thistle on Twitter @acthelin For marketing and pop culture lessons sent straight to your inbox, subscribe to my newsletter here! 💌 ⁠⁠https://briannefleming.com/newsletter

In this episode, I chat with Ben Chase the Director of NIL Strategy for the Florida Gators. We discuss the evolving landscape of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) in college sports. Ben shares insights into his journey to his current role, a brief history of NIL, and the initial goals of UF's NIL strategy. We discuss why universities have an interest in student-athletes as brands and what they stand to gain. Exploring brand collaborations, Ben talks about the diverse brands UF student-athletes have worked with and highlights notable partnerships. The conversation extends to high school athletes, their preparation for NIL, and crucial advice for entering NIL deals. Join us for a discussion on navigating NIL, relevant not only for student-athletes but also for creators and influencers aiming to build their personal brands and collaborate with others. Follow Ben on Twitter @BenGChase Connect with him on LinkedIn! For marketing and pop culture lessons sent straight to your inbox, subscribe to my newsletter here! 💌 ⁠https://briannefleming.com/newsletter

In this episode of Making the Brand, we dive deep into the world of social media storytelling with Jenn Crim, the Social Media Manager at Opry Entertainment Group in Nashville, Tennessee. Jenn shares her journey, strategies, and creative insights behind managing the social media presence for iconic music venues like the Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium, ACL Live, and Ole Red. From reaching 1 million followers on Instagram to navigating the challenges of the pandemic, Jenn discusses her unique approach to engaging with fans, working with diverse artists, and offering valuable advice for social media professionals and aspiring managers. Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with behind-the-scenes anecdotes and valuable tips from the heart of country music's social media landscape. Connect with Jenn on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifercrim/ Also mentioned — check out Jenny Li Fowler's book: Organic Social Media - How to Build Flourishing Online Communities

It's the year of friendship bracelets! In this episode, Mariah Grippo, Director of VIP Relations at Little Words Project, offers insights into the brand's 10-year journey and the power of "beads on a string." Taylor Swift Sparks Trend: Explore how Taylor Swift's Eras Tour ignited the friendship bracelet trend, setting the stage for Little Words Project's decade-long commitment. VMAs Celeb Endorsement: Get the full story behind the iconic moment at the VMAs when *NSYNC reunited, and Taylor Swift received Little Words Project bracelets. Hear about the PR benefits that followed. Philanthropy and Pop Culture: Learn about Little Words Project's philanthropic journey, selling 100K bracelets, collaborating with 2000+ partners, and donating $675,000 to over 160 causes. Dive into the brand's creative incorporation of pop culture. Evolution into Retail: Explore the strategic move into brick-and-mortar retail and the importance of community in LWP's "Nice Nation." Founders and Friends: Hear about Mariah's decade-long friendship with LWP founder, Adriana Carrig, and how they built the brand together. Follow Mariah Grippo on LinkedIn! Shop The Little Words Project Want more marketing lessons with a pop culture twist? Subscribe to my newsletter! 💌 https://briannefleming.com/newsletter

In this episode, I chat with Beth Booker, founder of Gracie PR. We reflect on scandals, backlashes, and celebrity apologies in 2023 and beyond. Beth shares the strategic aspects of public relations behind these apologies, exploring the delicate balance between reputation management and genuine remorse. In our conversation, we also touch on cancel culture, emphasizing the challenges public figures face in navigating reputation crises. We also highlight the importance of empathy and the distinguishing elements that make a good apology vs. one that misses the mark. Key Points Covered: 🔍 Strategic PR Insights: Explore the nuanced techniques in crafting effective celebrity apologies. 🔄 Cancel Culture Discussion: Delve into the impact of cancel culture on the reputations of public figures. ❤️ The Empathy Factor: Highlight the importance of genuine empathy in the apology process. 🚀 Success or Backfire: Analyze the critical components that determine the outcome of a public apology. 🎧 Whether you're a PR pro or simply fascinated by the dynamics of fame and forgiveness, this episode offers a thought-provoking exploration into the art of making amends in the public eye. Follow Beth Booker on Twitter: @itsbethbooker Check out Gracie PR: https://www.graciepr.com/

In this episode, we do a deep dive into the celebrity divorces of 2023 — the good, the bad, and the messy! Kara Francis, a seasoned divorce lawyer turned coach, discusses and the challenges that come with ending a relationship in the age of social media. What to Expect: Celebrity Divorces Unveiled: We dive into the high-profile divorces of the past year, dissecting headlines and discussing the unique challenges faced by celebrities in the public eye. Social Media's Role: Kara shares valuable insights into the impact of social media on the divorce process, offering practical tips on navigating the digital landscape while safeguarding your well-being and privacy. Empowerment Amid Change: Beyond legalities, we explore the shifting stigmas surrounding divorce. Kara discusses how individuals are reclaiming their power, finding strength in vulnerability, and embracing new beginnings with confidence. Practical Tips for Consideration: Kara doesn't just share insights; she provides actionable tips for anyone considering divorce. Gain valuable advice on preparation, effective communication, and self-care during this challenging time. Whether you're personally navigating a divorce, supporting someone through it, or just curious about the evolving dynamics of relationships, this episode is a must-listen. Visit Kara's website: https://www.karafranciscoaching.com/ Follow Kara on Instagram: @karafranciscoaching Connect with Kara on LinkedIn Special thanks to Fresh Starts Registry and their founders Olivia and Jenny for inspiring this episode and connecting me to Kara! If you're navigating a life change, check out their site here. And if you're on the job hunt in the marketing world, check out Olivia's job listing site, YentaList.com!

In this episode, I chat with Brent McCreary, the teenage visionary behind the go-to Beanie Baby information site in the late '90s. Brent takes us on a nostalgic journey, recounting the Beanie Baby mania and sharing insights into the tech stack that powered the site during that era (Geocities, anyone?) We also discuss why we love to collect things, and the sense of community among Beanie Baby enthusiasts. Brent also dives into the monetization strategies employed during the late '90s compared to today. Tune in for a fun conversation that intertwines nostalgia, old school tech, and the magic of Beanie Babies! Follow Brent on IG: @crazyforconcerts Follow Brent on X/Twitter: @gaygay4gaga