On Brand with Nick Westergaard

“Brands often fall flat when trying to be an Onion or a Buzzfeed.” As these irreverent powerhouses have taught us, humor can significantly impact your online reach. A mistake many make is trying to execute this potent mixture on their own. What they should be doing is looking to experts like The Onion. As social media lead for Onion Labs, Eric Munn and his team help brands bring the funny while connecting and engaging with their audience.About Eric MunnEric Munn is Social Media Lead for Onion, Inc.’s creative services division, Onion Labs. Munn began his career at TrainSignal, where he grew the company’s social following organically by over 12K in less than a year. Shortly thereafter, Munn was recruited by Social@Ogilvy to help run social strategy for brands like CDW, Jim Beam, Pinnacle Vodka, and Braintree. In what one can only assume was a clerical error, Munn was contact by The Onion in 2014 to lead social strategy for Onion Labs and spends most of his days explaining how jokes work to brand managers.Munn is a graduate of The University of Michigan and asks that all Ohio State alumni please vacate the premises.As We Wrap …Before we go, I want to flip the microphone around to our community …Recently Joe Morris gave a shout out to a recent Social Sound Bite. Thanks Joe!Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you’d like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show.Last but not least … Subscribe to the podcast – You can subscribe to the show via iTunes, Stitcher, and RSS. Rate and review the show – If you like what you’re hearing, head over to iTunes and click that 5-star button to rate the show. And if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review. This helps others find the podcast. OK. How do you rate and review a podcast? Need a quick tutorial on leaving a rating/review in iTunes? Check this out. And finally a reminder that On Brand is brought to you by the Social Brand Forum. This premier digital marketing experience takes place September 22-23 in beautiful Iowa City, Iowa. Learn from experts like Jay Baer, Joe Pulizzi, and Gini Dietrtich in the heart of the heartland. Listeners of the show get the best rate when they register using promo code ONBRAND at socialbrandforum.com. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s Social Sound Bite – recorded live at the KXIC studios in Iowa City – Jay and I discussed new features for brands on Facebook and Instagram. Facebook page managers can answer back in private and Instagram users can now seamlessly switch between accounts. Listen for the full sound bite and enjoy these useful links to the news, trends, and tips included in this week’s show.Last but not least … Subscribe to the podcast – You can subscribe to the show via iTunes, Stitcher, and RSS. Rate and review the show – If you like what you’re hearing, head over to iTunes and click that 5-star button to rate the show. And if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review. This helps others find the podcast. OK. How do you rate and review a podcast? Need a quick tutorial on leaving a rating/review in iTunes? Check this out. Until next week, see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“If you’re looking at risks, you’re going to want to quantify those risks.” Whether its upset customers, out-of-control advocates, or failed campaigns, marketers have their hands full when it comes to managing online brand reputation in the digital age. In his new book — Managing Online Reputation — Communications Advisor Charlie Pownall does just that. I couldn’t wait to learn more on this week’s episode of the On Brand podcast.About Charlie PownallCharlie Pownall is a communications adviser who draws on twenty years’ experience in public relations, government communications, advocacy and digital and social media marketing to advise companies, public sector bodies and individuals how to protect, manage and defend their reputations.Previously Charlie was Regional Managing Director (Asia-Pacific) at public relations consultancy Burson-Marsteller, Global Communications Manager at advertising and marketing network WPP plc and Group Communications Director at European digital agency SYZYGY AG. He started his career as a speechwriter and press officer at the European Commission.Charlie divides his time between Hong Kong and London, and is a regular commentator and speaker at conferences, business schools and universities. He is author of Managing Online Reputation.As We Wrap …Before we go, I want to flip the microphone around to our community …Recently Andrea D. Smith gave a shout out to our recent episode featuring Sarah Green Carmichael of the Harvard Business Review. Thanks for listening, Andrea!Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you’d like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show.Last but not least … Subscribe to the podcast – You can subscribe to the show via iTunes, Stitcher, and RSS. Rate and review the show – If you like what you’re hearing, head over to iTunes and click that 5-star button to rate the show. And if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review. This helps others find the podcast. OK. How do you rate and review a podcast? Need a quick tutorial on leaving a rating/review in iTunes? Check this out. And finally a reminder that On Brand is brought to you by the Social Brand Forum. This premier digital marketing experience takes place September 22-23 in beautiful Iowa City, Iowa. Learn from experts like Jay Baer, Joe Pulizzi, and Gini Dietrtich in the heart of the heartland. Listeners of the show get the best rate when they register using promo code ONBRAND at socialbrandforum.com. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“If you don’t embrace the new rules online you’ll be left behind if you aren’t already.” David Meerman Scott knows a thing or two about new rules. Over a decade ago his landmark book The New Rules of Marketing and PR was first published. Now in its 5th edition and used in classrooms throughout the world, this best-seller continues to set the stage for how we build brands in the digital age. I couldn’t wait to discuss this, his new Newsjacking course, and the role all of this plays in the upcoming presidential primaries on this week’s On Brand podcast.About David Meerman ScottDavid Meerman Scott is an internationally acclaimed strategist whose books and blog are must-reads for professionals seeking to generate attention in ways that grow their business. Scott’s advice and insights help people, products and organizations stand out, get noticed and capture hearts and minds.He is author or co-author of ten books – three are international bestsellers. The New Rules of Marketing & PR, now in its 5th edition, has been translated into 26 languages and is used as a text in hundreds of universities and business schools worldwide. It is a modern business classic with over 350,000 copies sold so far. Scott also authored Real-Time Marketing & PR, a Wall Street Journal bestseller, Newsjacking, World Wide Rave, and the new hit book The New Rules of Sales & Service. He co-authored Marketing the Moon (now in pre-production as a feature-length film titled The Men Who Sold the Moon) and Marketing Lessons from The Grateful Dead. As We Wrap …Before we go, I want to flip the microphone around to our community …Recently Lea Hensel gave a shout out to our recent episode featuring Drew McLellan. She even made a cool social graphic. Thanks Lea!Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you’d like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show.Last but not least … Subscribe to the podcast – You can subscribe to the show via iTunes, Stitcher, and RSS. Rate and review the show – If you like what you’re hearing, head over to iTunes and click that 5-star button to rate the show. And if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review. This helps others find the podcast. OK. How do you rate and review a podcast? Need a quick tutorial on leaving a rating/review in iTunes? Check this out. And finally a reminder that On Brand is brought to you by the Social Brand Forum. This premier digital marketing experience takes place September 22-23 in beautiful Iowa City, Iowa. Learn from experts like Jay Baer, Joe Pulizzi, and Gini Dietrtich in the heart of the heartland. Listeners of the show get the best rate when they register using promo code ONBRAND at socialbrandforum.com. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s Social Sound Bite – recorded live at the KXIC studios in Iowa City – Jay and I discussed a fun story: a Twitter feud between Wendy’s and Burger King, which provided a good reminder on why it’s important to be human online. We also discussed the difference between what men and women search for on Pinterest. Listen for the full sound bite and enjoy these useful links to the news, trends, and tips included in this week’s show.Remember, the Social Sound Bite is just the appetizer! On Monday morning we’ll serve up a fresh new episode of the On Brand Podcast. This week we’ll be talking to marketing strategist and author David Meerman Scott.Last but not least … Subscribe to the podcast – You can subscribe to the show via iTunes, Stitcher, and RSS. Rate and review the show – If you like what you’re hearing, head over to iTunes and click that 5-star button to rate the show. And if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review. This helps others find the podcast. OK. How do you rate and review a podcast? Need a quick tutorial on leaving a rating/review in iTunes? Check this out. Until next week, see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today brands of all shapes and sizes are creating content. However, there are also brands known exclusively for the content they create. Such is the case of the Harvard Business Review, the separate publication arm of the Harvard Business School. How does a brand that’s over 90 years old and an extension of another brand that’s centuries old continue to innovate and evolve? I asked that very question and a few more to HBR Senior Editor Sarah Green Carmichael.About Sarah Green CarmichaelSarah Green Carmichael is a Senior Editor at Harvard Business Review. She also hosts their podcast, the HBR IdeaCast, which has been nominated for two National Magazine Awards under her tenure. Connect with her on Twitter: @skgreen.As We Wrap …Before we go, I want to flip the microphone around to our community …Recently past guest and HBR contributor Heidi Grant Halvorson gave me a shout on Twitter about my upcoming book Get Scrappy. Thanks Heidi!Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you’d like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show.Last but not least … Subscribe to the podcast – You can subscribe to the show via iTunes, Stitcher, and RSS. Rate and review the show – If you like what you’re hearing, head over to iTunes and click that 5-star button to rate the show. And if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review. This helps others find the podcast. OK. How do you rate and review a podcast? Need a quick tutorial on leaving a rating/review in iTunes? Check this out. And finally a reminder that On Brand is brought to you by the Social Brand Forum. This premier digital marketing experience takes place September 22-23 in beautiful Iowa City, Iowa. Learn from experts like Jay Baer, Joe Pulizzi, and Gini Dietrtich in the heart of the heartland. Listeners of the show get the best rate when they register using promo code ONBRAND at socialbrandforum.com.  Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s Social Sound Bite – recorded live at the KXIC studios in Iowa City – Jay and I discussed a new report just released from software provider Domo and CEO.com stating that 61% of Fortune 500 CEOs aren’t active on social media. Listen for the full sound bite and enjoy these useful links to the news, trends, and tips included in this week’s show.Remember, the Social Sound Bite is just the appetizer! On Monday morning we’ll serve up a fresh new episode of the On Brand Podcast. This week we’ll be talking to Sarah Green Carmichael of Harvard Business Review.Last but not least … Subscribe to the podcast – You can subscribe to the show via iTunes, Stitcher, and RSS. Rate and review the show – If you like what you’re hearing, head over to iTunes and click that 5-star button to rate the show. And if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review. This helps others find the podcast. OK. How do you rate and review a podcast? Need a quick tutorial on leaving a rating/review in iTunes? Check this out. Until next week, see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“It’s too possible to be personable.” Live streaming video via platforms such as Periscope and Snapchat have presented marketers with an amazing opportunity to deepen the relationships they have with their customers. However, many brands are apprehensive about this very public, immediate form of content. How will we tell our story? How will we engage with our audience? This week video expert Amy Schmittauer joined us with the answers to all of these questions. About Amy SchmittauerAmy Schmittauer is the Founder & Face of Savvy Sexy Social, an online show helping rising stars and think-big brands embrace their amazing personality and share it with the world. Amy writes, hosts and produces the show, which airs weekly and has an archive of more than 500 episodes. Impacting businesses in almost every country in the World, these advocates have helped Savvy Sexy Social amass more than 2 million YouTube views, giving her a portfolio of work on the platform totaling over 10 million views.Amy’s strategies have led to her career as an internationally-acclaimed public speaker, voted #1 Best Speaker at Social Media Day San Diego in 2015 and with high marks at events such as Tropical Think Tank, Hubspot’s Inbound and Social Media Marketing World.As We Wrap …Before we go, I want to flip the microphone around to our community …Recently previous On Brand guest Denise Lee Yohn, author of What Great Brands Do and the all-new Extraordinary Experiences, gave us a shout on Twitter about our recent episode featuring a guest she introduced use to — Mark Di Somma. Thanks for listening!Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you’d like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show.Last but not least … Subscribe to the podcast – You can subscribe to the show via iTunes, Stitcher, and RSS. Rate and review the show – If you like what you’re hearing, head over to iTunes and click that 5-star button to rate the show. And if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review. This helps others find the podcast. OK. How do you rate and review a podcast? Need a quick tutorial on leaving a rating/review in iTunes? Check this out. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“The expression of your brand strategy should excite the customer.” For Mark Di Somma, brand strategy is as much a creative process as a logical one. It’s about making decisions that enable a brand to change how it’s valued by the people who buy its products and by those who work so hard from the inside to bring the brand to life. It’s about being interesting and staying interesting in a world where attention quickly flags. I couldn’t wait to discuss all of this on this week’s On Brand podcast.About Mark Di SommaMark Di Somma works alongside brand owners and communicators to define, articulate, and elevate the competitive value of their brands at critical moments of change. For Mark, brand is a lens – a very powerful lens – through which to look at how competitive a business is, how well a brand culture works and why people will choose to pay above the market rate for your products.Di Somma started working in advertising, direct marketing, and the design industry as a writer and creative consultant. Today he works on projects for companies of all sizes, in situations ranging from start-up to revival and rescue. He was part of the team that defined New Zealand’s national tourism branding. He rewrote the brand language of Vodafone. He led a creative team that completely rewrote every aspect of AAPT’s customer contact programme in Australia. He was a founding contributor to, and later editor of, the global brand reference site All About Branding.Di Somma regularly shares his thinking and learnings on his blog Upheavals, on platforms such as Branding Strategy Insider and as a brand strategy keynote speaker at conferences.As We Wrap …Before we go, I want to flip the microphone around to our community …Our friends over at Blab who liked our recent episode featuring social video expert Brian Fanzo. Thanks for listening!Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you’d like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show.Last but not least … Subscribe to the podcast – You can subscribe to the show via iTunes, Stitcher, and RSS. Rate and review the show – If you like what you’re hearing, head over to iTunes and click that 5-star button to rate the show. And if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review. This helps others find the podcast. OK. How do you rate and review a podcast? Need a quick tutorial on leaving a rating/review in iTunes? Check this out. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s Social Sound Bite – recorded live at the KXIC studios in Iowa City – Jay and I discussed a topic we’ve been hearing a lot about over the past few months. Is Twitter really going to drop their signature 140-character limit in favor of longer tweets with a 10,000-character limit?! If so, what does this mean? Listen for the full sound bite and enjoy these useful links to the news, trends, and tips included in this week’s show.Last but not least … Subscribe to the podcast – You can subscribe to the show via iTunes, Stitcher, and RSS. Rate and review the show – If you like what you’re hearing, head over to iTunes and click that 5-star button to rate the show. And if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review. This helps others find the podcast. OK. How do you rate and review a podcast? Need a quick tutorial on leaving a rating/review in iTunes? Check this out. Until next week, see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices