Marketing Qualified

Send a textMarketing success often hinges on factors beyond a marketing team's control, yet CMOs continue to take the fall when unrealistic growth targets aren't met. In this refreshingly honest conversation, Mike Griffin and Chris Newton dissect this common pattern where leadership demands impossible acceleration in growth, fires the marketing team when numbers miss, brings in new marketers who also fail, and finally realizes the core issue lies with product-market fit.The hosts dive into Rand Fishkin's viral post claiming "90% of your growth problem is product, not marketing," offering their own experiences and tactical advice for marketing leaders caught in this trap. They share a framework for creating data-driven models that can help marketers have those difficult conversations with leadership before committing to unattainable goals.We also investigate a trending LinkedIn claim about ChatGPT conversations becoming a "massive SEO goldmine" when indexed by Google. Through live testing during the episode, Chris reveals potential technical contradictions in the claim and raises serious privacy concerns about sensitive information being publicly searchable without users fully understanding the implications.This episode highlights the dangerous tendency for marketers to chase the "next shiny thing" while neglecting proven strategies. As Chris pointedly observes, "Some of the saddest and most angry people that I know are those that chase trends," emphasizing that successful marketing often relies on fundamentals that have worked for decades.Whether you're struggling with leadership expectations, evaluating new marketing trends, or simply need validation that you're not crazy for questioning impossible targets, this conversation provides both practical guidance and the reassurance that you're not alone in these common marketing challenges.Visit us at https://www.marketingqualified.ioFollow us on InstagramEmail us at [email protected]

Send a textMarketing and sales alignment has always been a struggle, but in this particularly candid conversation, we unpack two major sources of tension between these departments that rarely get addressed publicly.First, we dive deep into how Glassdoor has transformed from a valuable resource for transparent company reviews into something that increasingly resembles LinkedIn's worst aspects. What started as a platform for honest feedback has morphed into yet another space for performative professional posturing. We propose practical improvements that would make Glassdoor genuinely useful again, like department-specific reviews and expanded C-suite accountability metrics that would help prospective employees understand what they're really getting into when joining a company.The conversation takes a passionate turn when discussing a common friction point between marketing and sales: PowerPoint presentations. Why are salespeople, who typically receive extensive presentation training in their education, constantly asking marketing teams to create or beautify their slides? This practice pulls marketers away from their core responsibilities like lead generation, creating a vicious cycle where sales teams then complain about insufficient leads. We challenge the outdated notion that slide-heavy presentations add value in an era where prospects have already researched extensively before engaging with sales.We also examine the myth of the "typical salesperson," noting that some of the most effective sales professionals aren't the stereotypical extroverted personalities but rather thoughtful listeners who adapt conversations based on customer needs. This realization points to a broader truth about effective communication in business: authentic, customer-focused dialogue trumps rigid processes and generic pitches every time.Ready to challenge your assumptions about marketing-sales dynamics and professional networking platforms? This episode offers both validation and practical insights for anyone navigating these complex relationships. Stay tuned for next week when we'll put our money where our mouths are and pitch fictional products to see if we could cut it in sales ourselves!Visit us at https://www.marketingqualified.ioFollow us on InstagramEmail us at [email protected]

Send a textHave you ever clicked a link only to be bombarded with pop-ups demanding you download an app instead? We're diving into this frustrating digital experience epidemic, with Meta as our primary case study.When Chris tried to view content Mike shared from Instagram, he discovered Meta had implemented a new policy forcing mobile users into their app – no browser viewing allowed. This isn't just an isolated annoyance; it represents a calculated strategy by tech companies to bypass increasing browser privacy protections and collect more first-party data directly through apps."I know why you're forcing me to use the app, and it's not because it's a better experience," Chris points out during our conversation. "It's because you get to gather more data about me." This lack of transparency creates a growing trust gap between platforms and users who increasingly recognize what's happening behind the scenes.While some apps genuinely offer superior functionality (banking apps got our stamp of approval), many companies intentionally cripple browser experiences to drive app adoption. The debate between browser versus app preferences reveals a fundamental tension: do you prioritize convenience or privacy? For privacy-conscious users, browsers provide greater control and fewer tracking mechanisms – precisely why companies are working so hard to push users toward app experiences they can more completely monitor.We lighten things up with two entertaining games: "Buzzword or Bullshit" challenges our ability to distinguish legitimate business terms from complete nonsense (harder than you might think!), while our brand name quiz reveals surprising origins behind household names. Did you know Betty Crocker never existed, but Chef Boyardee was a real person?Subscribe to Marketing Qualified for more honest conversations about marketing strategies, digital experiences, and the sometimes absurd world of corporate communications. We promise to keep it real – unlike Betty Crocker.Visit us at https://www.marketingqualified.ioFollow us on InstagramEmail us at [email protected]

Send a textDigital interfaces are becoming increasingly customizable, but is this enhancing our experience or just masking intrusive marketing? Mike and Chris take us on a fascinating journey through app personalization, starting with Starbucks' customizable icons and exploring how seemingly minor features can drive significant engagement.Ever wished your weather app had personality? The hosts introduce "Carrot," a weather app that lets you adjust its tone from professional to downright profane. It's a perfect example of how even the mundane can become engaging through creative personalization. This sparks a deeper conversation about what makes users actually want to open an application repeatedly.The most mind-bending segment explores Google's Notebook LM, an AI tool that transforms websites and documents into realistic-sounding podcast conversations between virtual hosts. The implications for content creation are enormous – and potentially concerning. The episode even includes a demonstration where the AI creates a podcast about their own show notes! The line between authentic human communication and AI-generated content continues to blur in ways that marketers must navigate thoughtfully.The discussion takes a critical turn when addressing notification strategies that frustrate users. Both hosts share personal experiences with apps that force an all-or-nothing approach to notifications, preventing users from receiving only the alerts they actually want. Using examples from banking apps, they advocate for contextually relevant communications that respect users' actual situations rather than generic promotions.The episode concludes with "Hack or Whack," a rapid-fire evaluation of marketing tactics ranging from incentivized demos to competitor search ads. Their candid assessments cut through the hype to focus on which strategies actually deliver results in the real world.Ready to transform your marketing approach? Subscribe now and join the conversation about where the line falls between innovative engagement and digital harassment.Visit us at https://www.marketingqualified.ioFollow us on InstagramEmail us at [email protected]

Send a textMike and Chris explore how artificial intelligence might be making us lazier thinkers while discussing the evolving landscape of digital marketing in 2025. They dissect everything from frustrating LinkedIn engagement tactics to surprising platform effectiveness and emerging B2B influencer trends. Other topics covered include:• Is using ChatGPT for basic ideation making us intellectually lazy• The ubiquitous "comment for resource" LinkedIn tactic that rarely delivers• Why Instagram is surprisingly effective for some B2B marketing campaigns• Reddit's emerging importance in SEO strategy despite lack of first-party data• The challenges and opportunities in B2B influencer marketing• HubSpot implementation challenges and the importance of executive summaries• Why testing channel effectiveness trumps assumptions about platform demographicsLeave us a comment to let us know what you think about the discussion!Visit us at https://www.marketingqualified.ioFollow us on InstagramEmail us at [email protected]

Send a textChris and Mike run an experiment by secretly introducing an AI-generated guest named "Naomi" to test how long it takes to spot a synthetic podcast participant, highlighting important questions about authenticity in marketing communications. Also in this episode: • AI guest "Naomi" claims to be a VP of Marketing who deleted her LinkedIn account, immediately raising suspicion because no VP could have an ego small enough to actually do that• The guys discuss how a "What the Sistine Chapel taught me about B2B sales" post on LinkedIn showcases the forced business analogies plaguing professional social media• Apologies for the (inexpensive) inconvenience: Handling internal company complaints about seeing their own ads • Why session recording tools like Microsoft Clarity often capture non-representative user behaviors that get cherry-picked to support predetermined narratives• To Mike's surprise, Instagram outperformed LinkedIn as a lead generation channel in a recent campaign, reinforcing the importance of continuous channel experimentationVisit us at https://www.marketingqualified.ioFollow us on InstagramEmail us at [email protected]

Send a textAnyone who's worked in B2B marketing or sales has likely experienced the love-hate (mostly hate) relationship with Salesforce CRM. This passionate, unfiltered conversation dives deep into why this "necessary evil" causes so much frustration despite its dominance in the market.Mike and Chris explore the fundamental paradox at the heart of Salesforce - why its extreme customizability becomes its biggest weakness. When companies need dedicated administrators making six-figure salaries just to keep their CRM functional, something's fundamentally broken. The hosts share war stories about extracting usable data, navigating clunky reporting tools, and the absurdity of Salesforce not even using certain features of their own platform because they're too complicated!The guys also discuss when to (not) use lead gen forms, advocate for product led growth, and lament over dumb attribution challenges. Visit us at https://www.marketingqualified.ioFollow us on InstagramEmail us at [email protected]

Send a textMike and Chris explore workplace challenges through the lens of humor, examining how corporate structures often lead to ineffective management and misaligned priorities.• The Peter Principle suggests people get promoted to their level of incompetence• The Dilbert Principle argues incompetent workers are deliberately promoted to management to minimize damage• QBRs (Quarterly Business Reviews) would be unnecessary with proper data management and process adherence• Retention marketing should be rebranded as customer marketing to better reflect its purpose• Customer retention should be a company-wide responsibility, not siloed to specific departments• Marketing professionals often take too much individual credit for company growth that's truly a team effort• Return-to-office mandates often stem from management's inability to define clear outcomes and lack of trust• Performative work culture values talking about accomplishments more than actual achievementsLet the guys know what you think about the above by reaching out to [email protected] us at https://www.marketingqualified.ioFollow us on InstagramEmail us at [email protected]

Send a textEver stared at your phone during a show with a billion-dollar marketing budget behind it? That's exactly what happened to Chris and Mike with Amazon's Rings of Power, sparking a crucial conversation about marketing's limitations. Despite global campaigns, celebrity endorsements, and prime placement across every imaginable platform, no amount of marketing magic can salvage a fundamentally flawed product.This principle extends far beyond entertainment. In today's hyper-competitive SaaS landscape, the era of marketing your way around mediocrity has ended. We explore how this reality shapes career decisions for marketers—why researching product quality before accepting positions has become non-negotiable. As Chris aptly notes, "99% of the job is demand capture," not creation. The most brilliant campaigns can't generate sustainable interest in something customers fundamentally don't want.Chris and Mike also dive into marketing's daily frustrations: the project management nightmares where simple tasks require multiple tickets across different departments, and the productivity drain of scattered meetings. Chris shares his strategy of clustering all meetings into a single day to protect focused work time—a technique worth considering if you find yourself constantly context-switching.The conversation takes an interesting turn as we discuss "coffee badging"—the emerging practice of employees who badge into offices just long enough to grab coffee before leaving, technically fulfilling attendance requirements while working remotely. This creative response to Amazon's five-day office mandate highlights the growing tension between traditional workplace expectations and outcome-based evaluation.Think Rings of Power is the greatest show ever? Got a different take on the biggest marketing PITA? Let the guys know via email. And don't forget to like and subscribe so you don't miss any future episodes. Visit us at https://www.marketingqualified.ioFollow us on InstagramEmail us at [email protected]

Send a textMarketing tools come and go, but which ones are actually worth your time and investment? Mike Griffin and Chris Newman cut through the hype to examine three marketing staples that might be delivering less value than you think.The conversation kicks off with a provocative question: is website chat functionality dead? While once heralded as the future of lead generation, both hosts share their skepticism about chat's effectiveness as a marketing tool. Chris notes, "From a marketing standpoint, I've never really seen much success with just using chat to close a deal." This leads to a deeper discussion about aligning your digital touchpoints with your audience's actual preferences rather than following industry trends.Company newsletters face similar scrutiny as the hosts admit they rarely read company newsletters themselves – not even their own! This honest assessment reveals why most newsletters fail: they're poorly segmented, overstuffed with irrelevant content, and compete for attention in already crowded inboxes. Drawing from newsletters they actually enjoy like Morning Brew, they outline what makes a newsletter worth opening: respect for readers' time, genuinely useful content, and an engaging approach that builds trust rather than constantly pushing for conversion.Perhaps most eye-opening is their breakdown of pay-per-lead programs, where Chris shares a cautionary tale about spending $4,500 on 100 supposedly qualified leads that resulted in absolutely zero sales meetings. "We might as well just start reporting on impressions," he says, highlighting how focusing purely on lead volume without considering quality can waste both money and sales resources.Whether you're questioning your marketing tech stack or looking to optimize your demand generation strategy, this episode provides the practical guidance you need to make smarter decisions about where to invest your marketing resources. What marketing tools are you clinging to that might need reevaluation? Listen now and join the conversation.Visit us at https://www.marketingqualified.ioFollow us on InstagramEmail us at [email protected]

Send a textChris and Mike discusses the biggest misconceptions about digital marketing, lament about opaque pricing pages and sales processes, debate the (lack of) viability of audio books as a marketing channel, and answer the question: Is chat as an acquisition channel dead? And because they can't help themselves, they also dunk on the Rings of Power for a bit. Visit us at https://www.marketingqualified.ioFollow us on InstagramEmail us at [email protected]

Send a textGet ready to laugh, cringe, and gain some valuable insights as Mike Griffin and Chris Newton launch the Marketing Qualified podcast. With their combined two decades of experience in the B2B marketing world, they're pulling back the curtain on the eccentricities and frustrations of the industry. In their inaugural episode, they dive into hilarious mishaps like webinars gone wrong and the challenges they faced in starting this very podcast. But it's not all just funny stories; Mike and Chris also tackle important marketing debates, from live versus pre-recorded content to preserving authentic metrics. Join them as they navigate the marketing world with unfiltered discussions and a commitment to authenticity. In the second chapter, Mike and Chris get real about the frustrations of digital marketing, with a particular focus on webinars. They also touch on internal communication mishaps and the importance of maintaining integrity in marketing metrics. Plus, they discuss the motivation behind starting this podcast and their commitment to providing raw, honest marketing conversations. Don't miss this episode filled with rants, musings, and insights that will make you see the marketing world in a whole new light.Visit us at https://www.marketingqualified.ioFollow us on InstagramEmail us at [email protected]

Send a textCould marketing really be "bullshit"? That's exactly what Dan Cohen, a seasoned marketer with over a decade in the SaaS industry, boldly declared during a job interview—yet still walked away with an offer. Join us as Dan shares this intriguing tale that sets the stage for a lively discussion on the challenges of marketing subpar products. We dive into the serious issues of product-market fit, where marketing's limitations are tested, and explore how companies often overestimate their offerings, resulting in misguided reliance on marketing to do the impossible.Ever wondered which animal would be the most annoying if it could talk? Dan helps us unravel this mystery with a humorous debate that crowns the ostrich as the reigning champion of annoying potential. As we swap stories, we also tackle the real-world friction between sales and marketing teams. When lead management becomes a battlefield, and sales reps are either inundated or left wanting, genuine prospecting skills and clear communication emerge as the unlikely heroes. Discover the pitfalls of rigid sales processes and the importance of directness in transforming prospects into satisfied customers.Prepare for a laugh as "Salty Dan" joins us for a tongue-in-cheek game aimed at decoding the often ridiculous world of marketing acronyms. From GSD (Given Shitty Direction) to KPI (Keep Punting Initiative), we poke fun at the jargons that perplex and amuse. The episode wraps with a reflective look at aligning company messages with customer perceptions, ensuring brand integrity remains intact. Dan's candid insights and humor not only make this episode enlightening but also joyously entertaining.Visit us at https://www.marketingqualified.ioFollow us on InstagramEmail us at [email protected]

Send a textEver wondered how a misstep in marketing could lead to a surprise opportunity? In this episode, we recount the tale of Chick-fil-A’s marketing misfire with TikTok star Miri the Siren and how Shake Shack capitalized on it. Chris and Mike lighten things up with a fun icebreaker about their dogs' autobiographies, imagining hilarious titles that perfectly capture their pets' quirky personalities. We had a blast envisioning Loki's "The Art of Remaining Still" and Bucky's "Help, I'm Trapped in the Wrong Body."The conversation then transitions to a profound exploration of modern corporate leadership. What if AI could replace your CEO? We debate the merits and challenges of such a futuristic concept, from eliminating human biases to making efficient data-driven decisions. Along the way, we take jabs at the high salaries and recycled strategies of traditional CEOs, drawing parallels to ineffective NBA coaches. This thought-provoking segment will make you rethink the future of executive roles and leadership strategies.Finally, we tackle the gap between leading strategy and getting stuck in project management within larger organizations. Mike and Chris share their frustrations and joys of rolling up their sleeves to build workflows and analyze data. We discuss the potential of AI in automating these tasks, providing clean, unbiased insights that can transform campaign reporting and analysis. As always, we wrap up with passion and a few laughs, thanking our listeners for their support. Tune in to get a fresh perspective on marketing, leadership, and the exciting possibilities of AI in the corporate world.Visit us at https://www.marketingqualified.ioFollow us on InstagramEmail us at [email protected]

Send a textWould you take a million dollars today or choose a penny that doubles every day for 30 days? This intriguing thought experiment opens up our latest episode, where we explore the profound implications of both immediate windfalls and long-term investments in life and marketing. We dive into personal stories about IRAs and home improvements, and discuss the critical role of supporting multimedia content creators. Chris and Mike share insights into why many B2B marketers often overlook the power of videos and podcasts, highlighting the surprisingly low costs of starting a podcast as demonstrated through our own experiences.Shifting gears, the conversation moves into the nitty-gritty of measuring marketing ROI and the strategic patience required for campaigns like SEO and webinars. We delve into the importance of influenced pipeline metrics and leading indicators to forecast long-term success. The episode wraps up with our new "Fuck Marry Kill" segment, where we scrutinize various marketing tactics. This time, the spotlight is on repurposing internal training sessions for external engagement, showcasing how sharing in-depth insights can benefit both prospects and teams. Join us for a candid, insightful discussion that promises to reshape your perspective on long-term marketing strategies.Visit us at https://www.marketingqualified.ioFollow us on InstagramEmail us at [email protected]

Send a textEver felt like your time and talent were taken for granted during a job interview? We certainly have, and that's why we're tearing into the murky waters of unpaid interview projects. With anecdotes of ludicrous tasks and wasted hours, we're standing up for the rights of job seekers everywhere. Join us for a no-holds-barred discussion on the ethics and potential illegality of expecting free work from candidates, and why it's high time companies start valuing the effort that goes into these assignments.Shifting from indignation to indulgence, we're serving up a juicy conversation about our fast-food guilty pleasures. It's a battle of the burgers, fries, and chicken nuggets as we reminisce about the iconic marketing that made these meals a staple of our childhoods. And who could forget the year the IKEA catalog outdid the Bible and Harry Potter? Not us! We're dishing out our favorite IKEA memories, sharing those cringe-worthy moments that make us human, and maybe even conjuring up a bit of nostalgia for the simpler times of coupon clipping. So, grab your snack of choice, and let's get into the meaty (and meatball-y) topics at hand.Visit us at https://www.marketingqualified.ioFollow us on InstagramEmail us at [email protected]

Send a textEver wonder why those old beer ads stick in your head like a catchy tune? Grab a cold one and join Mike Griffin and Chris Newton as we unravel the mysteries of viral marketing and its head-scratching evolution. From the chant-worthy classics to today's Super Bowl whiffs, we're dissecting what it takes for a campaign to become part of the cultural zeitgeist. And because it's International Women's Day, we're tipping our hats to the trailblazing ladies who are rewriting the rules of the marketing game.Hold onto your headphones; we're getting real about our face-palm moments in the marketing trenches. Hear about how a HubSpot and Stripe mishap turned into a subscription avalanche, and relive our cringe-worthy pitch where we underestimated a CEO's SEO chops. These tales are not just for laughs—they're rich with hard-earned wisdom on the value of preparation, humility, and tight automation. Plus, we tackle the trend of fractional executive roles. Considering a part-time CMO? We're weighing the balance between innovation and job security, and sharing stories from the front lines of flexible leadership.To cap off this roller-coaster ride of an episode, we're putting our detective hats on for a round of Two Takes and a Fake—can you spot the AI-generated LinkedIn influencer post? The results might just surprise you. Then, we're venting our collective spleen over Google Analytics 4—why fix what isn't broken? Whether you're a marketing maven or a curious bystander, there's something in this episode for you—come for the insights, stay for the laughs and the occasional facepalm moment.Visit us at https://www.marketingqualified.ioFollow us on InstagramEmail us at [email protected]