Is it Marketing?: Recent Episodes
Is it Marketing?
Is it Marketing? Join Gabe and Zack from the Calix Customer Success Team as we discuss the latest marketing strategies and tools that you can use in your business.
This week on Buffering, we dive deep into the world of broadband tier naming connections, and explore how Bronze, Silver, and Gold tiers may be holding your brand back. Join Zack and Gabe as we discuss the hidden costs of the “metal standard”, the psychology behind plan names, and how to move beyond generic tiers to build authentic connections with your community.
This week on Buffering, we’re exploring how Google’s Gemini AI is transforming the Chrome browser, making a pivotal shift in digital interaction. Join Zack and Gabe as we discuss actionable strategies for optimizing your content for AI and how you can ensure your message stands out in an agentic, AI-driven world.
In this Ping, we explore how Shop is revolutionizing their customer experience with its frictionless shopping and powerful marketing tools. Join Zack and Gabe as we explore how a personalized Shop is personalizing the checkout process and leveraging post-purchase actions as marketing touchpoints.
This week on Buffering, we are diving into the world of outdated practices that are still haunting broadband service providers, from all-day service appointments to phone-only support, we are exploring the top 10 mistakes that might be ruining your customer experience.
This week on Buffering, we’re taking you on a trip around the globe to explore how international broadband trends are shaping local markets. We’ll be diving into what broadband providers abroad are doing differently, and how North American BSPs can adapt these strategies in your own communities.
This week on Buffering, we are joined by Candy Reim, Vice President of Marketing and Customer Solutions at Midwest Energy & Communications, and Megan Powell, RVP of Success – Broadband Platform at Calix to explore how fiber is the foundation for new revenue streams, and why Market Insights is reshaping how providers benchmark against competitors.
Join Candy, Megan, Gabe, and Zack as we discuss the importance of turning insights into action, and action into impact for your business and subscribers.
This week on Buffering, we are diving deep into how your marketing messages are transformed by your customers’ perceptions, while exploring the “silent rewrite” and how buyers will pull your words into their own stories, reshaping your brand’s narrative. Join Zack and Gabe as we uncover the impact of branding missteps, and the importance of aligning your messages with your customers’ personal needs.
This week on Buffering, we are joined by Roger Lewis, Vice President of Product Management & Business Development at GVTC to share his insights on launching new products and services, and the importance of financial analysis, reducing churn, and developing customer profiles.
Join Zack and Gabe as we hear Roger’s perspective on the future of the broadband space, and share valuable advice for standing out in a competitive market.
In this Ping, we are diving into the fascinating world of Reddit, often referred to as the Front Page of the Internet to explore how they have become one of the most vibrant online communities, and what that means for marketers. Join Zack and Gabe as we break down what makes Reddit so appealing for brands.
This week on Buffering, we are diving deep in to the intricacies of the customer journey, and breaking down each stage from initial awareness to post-purchase engagement, and the financial impact churn and acquisition can have on your business. Join Zack and Gabe as we share insights on how you can optimize every touchpoint to enhance customer satisfaction and drive loyalty.
This week on Buffering, we are diving deeper into the future of prompting, and what happens when AI no longer needs your input to take action. Join Zack and Gabe as we discuss how AI is already reshaping everyday tasks, and how new developments are already preparing us for a future where AI works proactively and independently.
In this Ping, we are breaking down how Crumbl, the cookie giant, is quietly mastering omnichannel marketing. From social media hype to a sleek mobile app and in-store experience, Crumbl’s strategy is as frosted as their cookies.
Join Zack and Gabe as we explore how every brand touchpoint can drive engagement, loyalty, and turn cravings into conversion.
This week on Buffering, we are breaking down the fundamentals of effective AI prompting, and sharing how you can go beyond basic commands to craft precises, strategic inputs that get better results.
Whether you’re new to prompting, or looking to sharpen your skills, we’ll cover the key types of prompts, smart structuring tips, and real-world examples tailored for marketers, strategists, and everyday users alike. Let’s turn vague request into vivid results.
This week on Buffering, we are joined by Laurie Ringler from Cablelynx to share her journey in the broadband industry, and the evolution of Cablelynx and their innovative strategies that keep helps them stand out in a crowded market.
Laurie also shares her insights into creating a more lively and engaging brand identity, and the impact of simplifying service tiers for both customer satisfaction and internal operations. Tune in to hear Laurie’s insights on marketing, customer experience, and the future of broadband services!
Are your ads leading customers to the right destination, or are your invites to the party getting lost in the mail? In this episode of Buffering, we are joined by Joe Koheygi to unpack why sending traffic to generic pages is killing your conversions, and how targeted, personalized landing pages can transform your campaign results.
What does it really mean to personalize a customer experience—and how often are we just faking it? In this episode of Buffering, we are joined by Cory Munchbach to unpack the difference between meaningful personalization and what Cory calls “personalization theater” while also diving into the power of first-party data, the pitfalls of superficial marketing tactics, and why CMOs and CFOs should be best friends.
If you want to capture Gen Z revenue tomorrow, you need to invest today. Join Zack and Gabe as we discuss the purchase behaviors of Gen Z, and how authenticity, reviews, and discounts can drive their buying decisions. From loyalty apps to one-click checkouts, discover what it takes to turn curious clicks into committed customers for the future.
On this episode of Buffering, we sit down with Gina Shuler from Home Telecom to discuss how they are rewriting the broadband playbook, and turning connectivity, content, and community into a competitive edge.
Gen Z is flooding the workforce and reshaping how we think about work, leadership, and growth. Join Zack and Gabe as we revisit a conversation about climbing the corporate ladder or becoming a high-performing individual contributor.
Buyers are faced with choices everywhere, from their cars to their coffee orders. Join Zack and Gabe as we explore the how personalization changes the buyer flow, and how you can make the strategic move to connect with consumers on a more personal level, from the products you design to entire customer journey.
This week on Buffering, we are joined by Alyene Schneidewind, Chief Performance Officer at Logic Monitor to discuss creating high-performance cultures that drive innovation, and the transformative power of AI in business. Don't miss this engaging conversation that offers valuable lessons for leaders and innovators alike.
Is your business ready to move beyond speeds and feeds, and offer value-based offers that focus on customer experience? Join Zack and Gabe as we sit down with Bridget Watkins, Area Vice President of Success at Calix to discuss the power of transformation and how Broadband Service Providers can transform beyond a utility provider, becoming a Broadband Experience Providers (BXPs).
How has Gibson Connect transformed to a Broadband Experience Provider (BXP)? Join Zack and Gabe as we sit down with Scott Goff from Gibson Connect and Tara Young from the Calix GTM Success Team to discuss how Gibson moved beyond speeds and feeds, and into providing a personalized experience for every subscriber.
How are you using data in your marketing? Join Zack and Gabe as we share real-world insights into how you can use data for targeted campaigns while engaging cross-functional teams in your organization.
What happens when broadband leaders decide to make a bigger impact in their communities? Join Zack and Gabe as we sit down with Chris Lovell and Andrea Perry to discuss how CLTel turned personal challenges into a community impact, and how techs and the iFAST program are making impacts beyond the network.
Is your business getting lost in the AI-powered search shuffle? Join Zack and Gabe as we discuss the latest updates to search and SEO, what it means for your customers, and why you may need to adapt or risk disappearing from results.
What if the key to getting more customers wasn’t what you ask, but how you ask? Join Zack and Gabe as we discuss the psychology behind persuasion, and how a shift from calls to action to calls to outcome can drive more conversions, better engagement, and real results.
How can business stay relevant in the digital age? Join Zack and Remy as we discuss how marketing has evolved over time, and why great products and services need great marketing to succeed. We’ll also explore the importance of value creation, and mistakes to avoid in 2025. Don’t miss out on this engaging conversation that will help you elevate your marketing!
Can marketers cut through the noise, and help consumers make purchase decisions with Neuromarketing? Join Zack and Gabe as we discuss the science behind the consumer brain, and how marketers can influence purchasing decisions, even when people don’t remember seeing ads.
Are your customers getting lost on your website? Join Zack and Gabe as we discuss the importance of having a smooth, seamless buyer flow on your website that drives conversions and enhances the customer experience. Tune in today for practical tips and insights for improving your digital storefront while boosting customer engagement.
Are you impressing your customers, and turning them into lifelong fans? Join us as we sit down with Jon Picoult, the founder of Watermark Consulting and author of the bestselling book, “From Impressed to Obsessed: 12 Principles for Turning Customers and Employees Into Lifelong Fans” to discuss the importance of customer experience while sharing practical advice for businesses.
This week on Buffering, we are joined by Kevin Budelmann, President and co-founder of Peopledesign, a leading a strategy and design firm helping their clients with business strategy, brand identity, and marketing programs. Kevin co-wrote Brand Identity Essentials and is adjunct faculty at Northwestern University and Michigan State University. Join Kevin, Zack, and Gabe as we discuss S-Curves, decision making, and how you can modify your current business model to avoid commoditization.
Are you creating a disconnect with your customers by using industry jargon in your marketing? Join Zack and Gabe as we explore how using familiar, simple language builds trust with your customers, and provide practical tips for enhancing your customer engagement.
The broadband industry has an unprecedented need for technical talent and workforce transformation. Join Zack and Gabe as we sit down with Jeannine Lyons, RVP of Success Education to discuss how Calix Success Education is showing love in education and building a future-ready talent pipeline for local communities.
This week, we are joined by Account Success Leader Remy Soubry to discuss what we didn’t learn in school, and what we’ve learned at different points in our careers, including everything from Excel to our ever-changing career aspirations.
The broadband industry has unique challenges related to customer experience. John Zack and Gabe as we sit down with Calix Chief Customer Officer John Durocher to unpack insights on how you can rethink the customer journey and solve real customer problems.
Visual storytelling continues to take over social media, have you considered how this impacts your marketing strategy? Join Zack and Gabe as we discuss the growing focus on content marketing, and the importance of targeting Millennials and Gen Z in 2025.
Are your promotions boring? Join Gabe and Zack as we discuss how you can take your marketing personalization to the next level with carefully curated offers that resonate with your customers.
It’s officially “New Year, New you” season, and your customers are ready to make 2025 their best year yet. Are you ready to do the same? Join Gabe and Zack as we discuss different approaches when marketing to your existing customers by using data to start the New Year off right.
With 2025 just weeks away, join Gabe and Zack as we discuss the tools and trends that have shaped 2024, and to review some of the predictions we made on everything from customer experience, AI, and to pricing psychology.
Are your competitors your biggest threat, or distraction? Join Zack and Gabe as we discuss how understanding consumer preferences and looking to where you are going is just as important as understanding your competitive landscape.
Is your website hurting peoples feelings? Join Zack and Gabe as we discuss how you can create a site that visitors will love, while avoiding distractions and mistakes.
How does marketing impact your customers' experience? Join Gabe and Zack as we discuss why customer experience is important, and how your marketing team should be involved every step of the way.
Join Zack and Gabe as we sit down with Josh and Jordan Wehe to discuss how Jade Communications is transforming their business and making unconventional investments in their community.
How are you navigating the challenges of innovation and disruption? Join Gabe and Zack as we discuss how companies are maintaining a balance between efficiency and innovation.
How are BSPs revolutionizing their business offerings? Join Jenny Leiker as we sit down with RTC and SCTelcom to discuss their SmartBiz journey.
Join Zack, Gabe, and Brent as we sit down with Erica Dooley-Dorocke to discuss Smithville's new innovative offer strategy that ensures every customer is connected and protected.
Join Gabe and Zack as we discuss ConneXions 2024, and how marketers are creating personalized offers, moving beyond speeds and feeds while avoiding a race to the bottom on price.
Join Zack and Gabe as we sit down with Wendy Crenner and Roxie Ayres to discuss how SCTelcom made the transformative journey that challenges the conventional broadband business model, while propelling SCTelcom to new heights.
Join Zack and Gabe as we sit down with Russell Kacer, President of YK Communications to discuss how YK Communications is building brand loyalty and launching new services to protect members of their community.
We are excited to launch the Buffering Podcast – Powered by Success! Join Gabe Petersen and Zack Kilgore each week as we share inspiring customer stories and discuss the latest marketing strategies and tools that drive business results.
How does Brand Loyalty relate to the Oakland A's? Join Zack and Gabe as we discuss how customers are choosing products and brands, and what creates loyalty.
Will iOS 18 change how marketers engage with customers? Join Zack and Gabe as we discuss some of the latest features in iOS 18, and how marketers can adapt to ensure their messages continue to reach the right audience.
Are you turning raw numbers into compelling narratives that captivate your customers? Join Zack and Gabe as we explore why you need to go beyond the charts and spreadsheets, and use data to create stories that connect emotionally and persuade effectively.
Are discounts an effective tool to fuel acquisition and to ensure customer loyalty? Join Zack and Gabe as we discuss how discounting leads to profitability and a higher customer lifetime value.
How does a customer go from hearing about your brand to becoming an advocate? Join Zack and Gabe as we explore the buyer funnel with insights into every stage of the journey.
Don't let churn eat into your profits! Join Zack and Gabe as we discuss churn and how you can use mobile notifications as a channel to keep your customers engaged.
Video is an important tool for marketers, but how often are you creating and posting video content? Join Zack and Gabe as we discuss the latest marketing trends, and how your brand can adopt video content.
How are you offering free trials? Join Zack and Gabe as we discuss the art of optimizing free trials and how you can increase conversions.
As AI continues evolve, companies are integrating into the tools we use every day. Join Zack and Gabe as we revisit AI topics from earlier this year, and discuss the latest innovations from Apple with iOS 18.1, Meta with Llama, and Microsoft with Copilot.
Do you know how your customers view your brand? Join Zack and Gabe as we dive deep into Customer Experience, and why it is so important to build strong, emotional connections with your customers.
Getting your pricing right is one of the most impactful tactics you can use to drive success in your business. Join Zack and Gabe as we dive even deeper into the psychology of pricing and discuss decoy pricing, scaling, framing, and how to position your products and services online.
Do you know what the most impactful factors are for increasing profit, or how your customers perceive value? Join Zack and Gabe as we dive deep into financial metrics that matter, and the psychology of pricing.
How are you building your career? Join Zack and Gabe as we discuss the different career paths people take, and how you can become a strategic thinker, or a strategic doer.
This past week, Apple announced their latest software enhancements, as well as Apple Intelligence. Join Zack & Gabe as we discuss the impact this has on Apple's hardware and software business as the need for developers to build a moat around their businesses has never been greater.
How are major brands like Starbucks and McDonald’s leveraging technology alongside customer experience and loyalty? Join Zack and Gabe as we discuss the strategies behind mobile apps, and the impact it has on an organizations brand.
What does a conversion mean to you? Join us as we discuss different types of conversion actions and how you can improve your own CRO through personalized experiences.
This week, OpenAI released a new AI model, GPT-4o that enables real time interactions with audio, visual, and text. Join Zack and Gabe as we discuss how we have used the GPT-4o model, and where this model could go in the future.
What types of data are you using in your marketing strategy? Join Zack and Gabe as we discuss the types of data you can collect, and how to use it responsibly in a privacy-focused world.
Is AI changing Search Engine Optimization? Join Zack and Gabe as we discuss how search is changing in 2024, and how marketers can stay ahead of the AI curve.
Are you A/B testing your marketing content? A/B testing allows you to compare multiple versions of campaigns to see which resonates best with your audience. Join Zack and Gabe as we review why A/B testing is important, and how you can get started.
Did you know people are more likely to purchase from a personalized experience? Learn how you can created personalized experiences to drive business growth with effective marketing tactics.
How are you using Artificial Intelligence? Join us as we define the different AI platforms, practical use cases, and how marketers can leverage these technologies today.
Gen Z is now purchasing your products and services. How can marketers adapt their strategies to accommodate the new behaviors and buying decisions from this generation?
Meta has one of the largest user bases across all social media platforms, making it an effective way to reach your customers. Building Ads on Facebook can be complicated, and new tools like Advantage + seemingly make it easier, but at what cost?
Welcome to Buffering! In this episode, we re-introduce ourselves and talk more about how we entered the field of marketing, and how AI is playing a pivotal role in the workplace today.
Welcome to Buffering, the latest Podcast from Zack Kilgore and Gabe Petersen! Keep an eye out for new episodes, dropping weekly!
For most marketers Meta Custom Audiences stop at customer list uploads. Join Gabe and Zack from the Calix Customer Success Team as we dive deep into the long list of Custom Audience features. Learn how to target the right person, with the right tactic, at the right time of their journey.
Facebook has been a dominant platform, but should you be using it exclusively to reach your younger audience? Join Gabe and Zack from the Calix Customer Success Team as we discuss the latest studies that show how social media platforms have changed over the years, and why you should adapt your strategy as audiences shift.
How are you using Push Notifications in your marketing strategy? Join Gabe and Zack from the Calix Customer Success Team as we discuss how you can be successful with mobile notifications, and share a few tips and tricks for getting started.
There is a lot happening with the larger players in the telecom industry right now. Join Gabe and Zack from the Calix Customer Success Team as we discuss what changes the "Big Guys" are seeing, and what tactics they are using to acquire subscribers.
Are you using video in your marketing strategy? Join Gabe and Zack from the Calix Customer Success Team as we discuss different ways you can incorporate video into your marketing, and share tips & tricks to help get you started with video.
As Marketers, we love using data, but have you ever wondered exactly how companies like Meta and Google get this data for you to use? Join Gabe and Zack from the Calix Customer Success Team as we discuss how consumers knowingly, and unknowingly, provide data to companies to be used in their marketing efforts.
Are your prices too high? Should they be rounded? What numbers should you actually use for pricing? Join Gabe and Zack from the Calix Customer Success Team as we discuss what steps pricing strategy and psychology, and some methods you can use to set the right prices for your products or services.
How long has it been since you redesigned your website? Have you thought about new features you would like to include on a new side?. Join Gabe and Zack from the Calix Customer Success Team as we discuss what steps you should take prior to redesigning your website, and tools you can use during the process.
Marketing at Broadband Service Providers has always had way too little investment. Join Gabe and Cat Minor from the Calix Customer Success Team as we discuss how you can get your marketing resources right. If you have been fighting for budgets in your organization this is a great listen to understand how you can 1.) get more budget and 2.) allocate your resources correctly.
We've talked about advertising on social media, but your followers may appreciate a break in your traditional tactics. Join Gabe and Zack from the Calix Customer Success Team as we discuss how you can create create organic content and utilize unique tactics to engage with your followers.
What marketing channels are you utilizing? We've talked a lot about Facebook, Instagram, and even TikTok, but are you adapting your content to fit each channel? Join Gabe and Zack from the Calix Customer Success Team as we discuss how you can create short videos to share with your followers and build brand awareness on the latest social media apps.
Are you creating short-form video content for TikTok or Instagram? If you aren’t, why not? Join Gabe and Zack from the Calix Customer Success Team as we discuss how you can create short videos to share with your followers and build brand awareness on the latest social media apps.
Changing your relationship status on Facebook does a lot more than alert your friends of a recent life event. Join Gabe and Zack form the Calix Customer Success Team as we discuss how you can leverage life events, interests, and more on Facebook to add additional targeting to your ads.
The term "Community" gets thrown around a lot. What are the most effective tactics to build a thriving community? What does community look like in the future? The old way of doing things was building a community around a "product", but what about building a community around a "practice". Join Gabe and Zack form the Calix Customer Success Team as we discuss community tactics with Allison Boudreau, the Director of Digital Programs, Education, and Community at Calix.
When does a customer buying journey begin? It's likely a lot earlier than you think. Join Gabe and Zack from the Calix Customer Success Team as we discuss how prospects are looking for a solution to a problem, and how you can be that solution.
Do you know how your visitors are interacting with your website? Have you sat down and watched someone navigate your website? Join Gabe and Zack from the Calix Customer Success Team as we dive into what popular websites are doing right (and wrong), and what tools you can use to improve your web experience.
How are Direct to Consumer companies redefining marketing? Join Gabe and Zack from the Calix Customer Success Team as we discuss how DTC companies are redefining customer journeys and enhancing the buying process, changing how consumers shop for goods and services.
What is churn, and how are companies like Netflix fighting it? Why is Hot Rod a “Cinema Classic”? Join Gabe and Zack from the Calix Customer Success Team as we discuss customer retention strategies and share real examples that you can use to fight churn and build a stronger brand.
What are leading companies doing to improve customer experience? They're using data. Join Gabe and Zack from the Calix Customer Success Team as we discuss how companies are leveraging what they know about their customers to improve their online experience, and what you can do to improve your own customer experience.
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Welcome to the first episode of Is it Marketing? Join Gabe and Zack from the Calix Customer Success team as we discuss Facebook as a digital advertising platform, and how you can make the most out of your Facebook ad investment.