Betty Gower

As one who interacts with CMOs all the time I can tell you this topic is at or near the top of their collective priority list. And while I am skeptical of those who espouse best practices when it comes to generative AI - only because it is so nascent - I felt compelled to share this particular piece from my fellow CMSWire scribe, Tiffany Holland Why? Glad you asked. I felt compelled for the simple fact I agree with everything Tiffany opined on, which she breaks down into four truths, which are below along with my brief commentary. Do yourself a favor and read her piece. ➡️ Truth #1: Inaction With Generative AI in Marketing Is the Greatest Risk Yes, yes and YES. If I could climb the highest mountain I would and bellow this to the masses below. This ain't the time to "sit this one out" whilst the rest of the world, AKA your competition is taking full advantage. ➡️ Truth #2: Generative AI Offers More Value Than Just Operational Efficiency Tiffany deftly writes of the "narrow view" many CMOs and marketers have of Gen AI, which "offers only short-term benefits and overlooks the true power of machine learning." Dating myself big time here but this reminded me of the late 70's campaign professing that orange juice is not just for breakfast anymore. https://lnkd.in/e95uWbex ➡️ Truth #3: Generative AI Solutions Fails in the Traditional Marketing Model "Generative AI won’t deliver its full potential if organizations try to plug it into outdated operating models." Full Stop! Read and re-read that over and over and over and then, for the love of all things Holy, do NOT blame Gen AI if you do not adhere to this sage advice. ➡️ Truth #4: Ethical Governance of Generative AI in Marketing Is Critical I love that Tiffany saved this one for last because it is THE most important truth, by far. Gen AI and AI in general, is very much akin to the wild west right now; no rules of governance other than those self-imposed. Brands MUST self-govern the way they use Gen AI if for no other reason, it is the ethical thing to do. Please share your thoughts on all of this. I love a good conversation and yes, a debate if need be. Jeanniey John Aakansha Srota Manny Shelly Lou Jeff Raja Ted Lee David Alma Dom Rhonda #ai #GenAI #cmo

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Check out the latest episode of #AdvisorUpside

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Unlock Your Business Potential with a Fractional CMO: Big Results Start with a Bold Marketing Strategy https://wix.to/lEL2ZZH

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My latest article on CMSWire asks CMOs, CEOs, and hiring agencies if industry experience is necessary or overrated. The deeper question I'm getting at here is: are too many great CMO candidates not even getting interviewed because they lack prior industry knowledge? Share your thoughts! Thanks to Sue Keith, Club CMO, Eric Pairitz, James (JD) Dillon, Doug Zarkin and Gaurav Bhatia for being a source! #cmo #marketing #humanresources

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Marketing strategy begins and ends with understanding your customers and then creating messaging that speaks to them and communicates your product's or service's benefit. Tune in to my thought-provoking conversation on StrategyCast with Wes Michael of Rare Patient Voice to learn more! https://lnkd.in/g9J__DUN  #MarketResearch #ConsumerInsights #StrategyCast #ProductDevelopment 

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74% of respondents to the 2024 Edelman Trust Barometer trust "someone like me" as much as scientists 😳 How do we respond in healthcare? Make your subject matter experts known to your stakeholders. From your c-suite to your physician-scientists, brand journalism storytelling and thought leadership can showcase your real people with actual vision, authority and opinions. The challenge in healthcare is how to get the busy leadership folks in your organization to find time to deliver their POV. You don't! 👻 An experienced ghost writer can capture the voice of your c-suite and SMEs through videos, any existing research and short meetings. Then, the SME simply has to review the content. Your leaders are what sets your organization apart only if your stakeholders know about their vision. They choose you when they trust you. Let's talk if you need experienced ghost writing, thought leadership or brand journalism for your hospital or healthcare organization. #ghostwriting #thoughleadership #trust

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The perfect conference - the 11 ingredients that are essential: 1. ***Strong editorial focus***: a clear theme or purpose that resonates with a specific audience, avoiding generic topics. It needs to challenge attendees with fresh ideas and perspectives. 2. ***High-caliber speakers***: this is not about celebrities or overhyped figures with little substance but thoughtful, well-spoken individuals who bring unique expertise.  They need to be able to deliver a compelling narrative or actionable insights. 3. ***Engaged audience***: a perfect conference has a knowledgeable and curious audience, who are as much a part of the conversation as the speakers. It’s about fostering dialogue and exchange rather than one-way communication. 4. ***Impeccable venue***: the location should be comfortable, aesthetically pleasing, and functional, offering natural light, good acoustics, and a layout that encourages interaction. The setting reflects the conference’s ambition and quality. 5. ***Exceptional food and hospitality***: offer high-quality, thoughtfully curated meals, snacks, and coffee. The food should reflect local flavours, be fresh, impart a sense of place. It's a chance to extend the experience and build connections informally. 6. ***Efficient time management***: stick to a well-planned schedule that is run as tightly as a well-produced TV or radio show. No one should feel rushed, but equally, sessions shouldn’t overrun or leave attendees with downtime.   7. ***Diverse formats***: keep energy levels high and attention focused. A blend of formats helps maintain engagement and stimulate different forms of learning.   8. ***Networking opportunities***: provide structured and informal opportunities for delegates to meet and exchange ideas. Networking is crucial, so creating spaces and moments for meaningful connections is key. 9. ***Curated attendee list***: an ideal conference doesn’t just sell tickets to anyone. The participants should be carefully chosen to align with the event’s focus, fostering a high level of conversation and interaction. 10. ***Memorable takeaways***: whether it’s a well-designed conference booklet, access to digital resources, or thought-provoking insights, attendees should leave with something valuable—mentally and physically. 11. ***Be a good host***: don’t outsource the essential role of host.  To enjoy high-quality content, impeccable organisation and attention to detail, do give the Monocle Quality of Life conference a go. Extend your summer and join Monocle’s editors in Istanbul 10-12 October 2024. There are still a few tickets left. It’s a conference experience that inspires, educates and connects. #Conference #QualityOfLife #Leadership #Networking

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I enjoyed writing this article for Convince & Convert: Small Businesses’ Struggle for Marketing Confidence in Turbulent Times https://lnkd.in/eNuAayaj with Constant Contact & Ascend2 research.

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So there are numerous compelling reasons why technology startups should use press releases. Press releases can help capture journalists' attention, expand reach beyond the current customer base, build trust among consumers, and garner interest from potential investors. For more insights on how #pressreleases can benefit your technology startup, listen to our latest podcast episode https://bit.ly/3VPWwmT #mediacoverage #pressreleases #marketing #startupmarketing

Digitalzone’s VP of Marketing recently shared the latest insights on the landscape of B2B buyers on the MarTech Podcast – you definitely won’t want to miss this episode. Check it out below.

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Always a treat talking to the mighty Drew Neisser. Drew's built one of the most vibrant communities in B2B. I loved chatting about unbundled ABM – and the importance of approaching Account-Based Marketing systemically. By the way – stay tuned. We have some big announcements in the upcoming weeks about unbundled ABM, both understanding it better, and also helping to provide some solutions that will give companies more choices about how to unlock account-based digital marketing. #B2B #unbundledABM

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A very special package landed on my front porch yesterday - I was honored to be named by both Pavilion & TrustRadius as Fractional Advisor of the Year at this year's GTM awards. This recognition has me reflecting on a critical decision many scaling businesses face: when to hire a full-time CMO versus bringing on a Fractional CMO. Both options offer unique advantages tailored to diverse needs. As your high-growth business scales, understanding which approach best aligns with your strategic marketing objectives and growth ambitions can make all the difference in driving sustainable success. Let's dig into each: Understanding the Distinctions: - Full-Time CMO: Is dedicated to crafting and implementing marketing strategies, leading teams, and driving growth efforts daily. They're fully immersed in company culture and have a thorough understanding of its goals and challenges. - Fractional CMO: A Fractional CMO is an outsourced, part-time marketing expert providing high-level guidance on a contract basis. This role offers flexibility, giving businesses access to marketing expertise without the commitment or cost of a full-time executive. Cost Breakdown - Full-Time CMO: The average annual salary for a full-time CMO in the U.S. ranges from $150,000 to $250,000, excluding bonuses, benefits, equity, and other compensation. - Fractional CMO: Fractional CMOs work part-time with businesses typically paying $8,000 to $30,000 per month, based on factors like expertise level and scope. Pros and Cons: - Full-Time CMO: -- Pros: Offers dedicated leadership and is integrated into the company's operations and goals, ideal for long-term planning. -- Cons: Can be challenging for smaller companies, especially with added expenses for overhead. - Fractional CMO: -- Pros: Offer a cost-effective way to bring in expert guidance without a full-time commitment, offering flexibility to adjust marketing efforts. -- Cons: May not be as integrated into company culture and have limited ability as they often work for multiple companies. When to Choose a Full-Time CMO -Long-Term Strategy Execution: For sustained marketing goals and brand-building, a full-time CMO provides continuous leadership and cohesive strategies. -In-House Integration: Companies needing a marketing leader embedded in the organization to drive cross-department collaboration may benefit from a full-time CMO. When to Choose a Fractional CMO - Budget Constraints: For startups and scaling businesses with limited budgets, a fCMO allows access to expert marketing without high costs. - Specialized Expertise: A fCMO brings targeted skills for specific initiatives, such as product launches or digital campaigns. - Scalability: As needs fluctuate, businesses can easily adjust the scope of an engagement. Ultimately, choosing between a full-time CMO and a Fractional CMO depends on your business's unique needs, resources, and growth stage. #ScalingBusiness #FractionalExecutive #BusinessStrategy #GrowthHacking #fCMO

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Studies from Wharton indicate that 50 to 60 percent of startups fail due to poor marketing decisions. #oconco #marketing #aicoach Special Thanks to David Thomas! Connect with David Thomas https://lnkd.in/eKx8YT4E

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CMOs, navigating your first 100 days? The latest CMO Success Guide from SBI, The Growth Advisory and The Pedowitz Group offers practical insights to help you excel in your new role. Whether you're aligning your strategy, refining your go-to-market approach, or leveraging AI for efficiency, this guide provides valuable benchmarks and best practices. Dive into topics like establishing a Revenue Growth Office, setting sales goals, and achieving marketing and sales alignment. Explore these actionable strategies and set the foundation for your success. 👉 Read the CMO Success Guide https://lnkd.in/eaDj3gBn #CMOSuccess #MarketingLeadership #RevenueGrowth #ThePedowitzGroup #SBIGrowth

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“… marketing leaders must evolve into strategic contributors whose insights drive core business results.” “… marketing needs to reframe its purpose within the organization. Marketing should not be a support function measured solely by campaign metrics. Instead, it should be positioned as a strategic driver of growth and long-term value. The more CMOs align their objectives with financial goals, the more they amplify their impact and build credibility at the executive table, where critical decisions are made. For marketing leaders, this means demonstrating how their strategies contribute to broader business outcomes — whether through increasing customer lifetime value, enhancing market share or accelerating revenue growth.” I’ll leave these two quotes and avoid further editorial. I have strong views that support these statements. Glad to engage 1 on 1 with proof points (on why) and solutions (that drive business success). https://lnkd.in/eRxyTUu4

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The Multiplier Effect Marketing isn’t just a function—it’s a force multiplier for your business. When done right, it doesn’t just support growth; it accelerates it. The key? Leadership that aligns your vision, strategy, and team. Fractional CMOs don’t just manage campaigns—they reframe possibilities. Curious how this works? Let’s connect. #LeadershipMatters #BusinessGrowth #MarketingExcellence

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As a CMO, I've seen firsthand the transformative power of storytelling in driving brand success. Mastering the art of storytelling isn’t just important—it’s essential. It’s about forging authentic connections, sparking emotions, and driving action. If you are interested in crafting compelling narratives, PMA has a course out that explores just that.  👇 https://lnkd.in/eD9YgUtj I would love to also know what else you think is NB when it comes to driving success or any examples of brand storytelling that has stuck with you. Please feel free to comment below  ✒

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In a world of increasing cookie deprecation, privacy regulations, and budget constraints, #CMOs must be conversant in #data and data collaboration to drive growth for the business. Advancements in technology have made sophisticated data solutions more approachable for marketers. Empowered by these capabilities, CMOs and their teams can enhance #measurement, drive #insights, and ultimately, demonstrate how marketing fuels business growth. Data is not just a tool but a strategic lever for growth. And with data collaboration, CMOs can thrive in an environment where they can measure the real-time effectiveness of their marketing efforts, connect with customers on a deeper level, and drive higher conversion rates. Read my full take on unlocking the power of data for CMOs on @CXMToday.

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