Lee Nadler

A very good model for impact and compensation in data jobs.

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One Creator's Opinion Plummets a Company to Near Bankruptcy?! 🤯 Marques Brownlee published a video titled "This is the Worst Car I've Ever Reviewed" which was a detailed review of the Fisker Ocean. True to the title, he didn't recommend the car. The stock was at 75 cents per share on the day he published that video and is currently at 6 cents per share today. Shortly after the video went live, the Fisker team wanted to know how Marques got a hold of the car. They tracked down and called the owner of the vehicle that rented Marques the car for the review. They asked him a variety of questions and showed a lot of concern. Little did the Fisker team know the owner was recording the whole conversation and, shortly after, published it on TikTok. The TikTok went viral, and it has racked up 6+ million views so far. The video is definitely worth a watch: https://lnkd.in/gFmcWpJx MKBHD gave them another fair shot because they stated they've resolved many of the issues with an update. The video just went live and already has wracked up 990k views so far: https://lnkd.in/gNhtT__H Kudos to Marques for giving them a second shot. The real question is, did Marques really cause Fisker to lose that much value? No. Fisker has been losing value since their IP back in 2020. Do I think this is the perfect case study of the power of creators in the press? Absolutely. If you plan to offer a product or service to the public, be prepared for genuine reviews. Be prepared for consumers and creators to share their opinions about your company. Ensure that your product or service is truly valuable to the general public. If it is, this will build up your brand in the marketplace. If it isn't valuable, it will hurt you.

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Wondering what's new in the world of early-stage innovation research? Katie Sheehan's team has helped many brands use conversational research to better explore unmet needs and whitespace territories, understand their real potential in the market, and refine ideas. Register for the next Reach3 Insights masterclass webinar featuring Katie and Matt Kleinschmit to hear what they're learning and best practices you can use right away: https://lnkd.in/gwrpUxga #innovation #marketresearch #productresearch

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Great post from Grace Carney Union Square Ventures on The Fragmentation Of Search: https://lnkd.in/egwnR95D Are consumers willing to pay for Search? We'll be able to answer that question in a subset of what current search excludes, when we launch our edtech MVP of MakeLoveNotPorn Academy in a few months' time: https://lnkd.in/e3jbrak6 - the aggregator hub for the best of the world's #sexed, searchable by age-appropriateness, cultural sensibility etc. At a time when open healthy #sexed is being censored and deplatformed everywhere (including deliberately in search), parents and teachers have told me for years, we'll pay anything for this service (while VCs/investors have refused to fund anything to do with this topic). We'll see - watch this space 😎

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Hellooooo, naming nerds! I find name creation one of the most powerful (and neglected) elements of building a powerful brand. For your Saturday entertainment, here are the origins of all the world’s leading car names. Not surprisingly, many of the names were the founders’ names. Ahhhh, simpler times. A few of them were abbreviations - definitely worth remembering the long form of Alfa, Fiat and BMW for your next cocktail conversation. The best ones, from a pure name nerd perspective? Jaguar - obvious name for a slick race-inspired car. Not so obvious… the company’s name was originally SS Cars, which was, ahem, unfortunate in the late 1930’s, as the UK was entering into war with the Nazis. Jeep - the US answer to Germany’s Kubelwagen - the VW vehicle affectionately dubbed the ‘Thing’ car today. Jeep’s named is shrouded in mystery, but is believed to be a slurred version of GP, or general purpose vehicle. Enjoy. And if you’re at a juncture with your name, drop me a line. It’s my jam. #namingstrategy #brandname #brandstrategy #brandsinvestorslove

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Agencies shouldn't have advertised minimums. Yet...many do. I hear the following from agencies, often. "If they don't have $X per month, we don't want to chat with them" A better reframe is "most of our clients spend $X per month with us" The reason I think it's worth it to explore, most of the time, is because I see budgets balloon every single day. In 2024 alone, I've seen the following. - Brand came to me with a budget of $20k/mo. Ended up signing a retainer for close to $100k/mo. - Brand came to me with a budget of $7k/mo. Ended up signing a retainer for $15k/mo. - Brand came to me with a budget of $10k/mo. Ended up signing a retainer for $30k/mo. - Brand came to me with a (project) budget of $50k. Ended up with a budget of $200k. Agencies who want to grow, should explore. They have to. You'll potentially waste some time. But, you'll potentially find some great clients. When agencies tell me they have minimums, I joke, that brands don't always walk around with a sign on their forehead with their budget on it. To get to the big budgets, you have to be willing to talk about the small stuff, sometimes. If you do, and you think long term v short, over time, you'll be really really really really really glad you did.

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I don't usually do LI on Saturdays but this was too good to not share. For the Founders in my community this advice from Angel Investor Katie Dunn provides The How-To on introducing yourself to others at Pitch events. While it's for the upcoming #NYTW it applies in anywhere. Study it. Follow it. If I may add: 🙂 Remember investors are human, not ATMs. Connect from a place of sincerity and don't just ask about them as a gesture, sincerely be more curious and care. While you may be anxious and/or excited about the opportunity of getting a deal, building relationships and reciprocity is always the most valuable win. Maybe they don't invest in your business today, but they may another time, or may be a better match for someone else in your network (offer the introduction). 💰 The money and the match is out there. Be assertive, but patient. Remember, you're not proving your self-worth as a human being, you are already doing your damn best being where you are. You are proving why your product/service is of benefit to the world today, that there's market demand for it, that it's able to generate an ROI and scale, and why you and your team are the best suited to lead the company forward. 💪 Own your strengths with confidence, these are your gifts, but also be humble and don't downplay your weaknesses. Know what they are and what's required to solve for them, see them as opportunities for growth and outside support. ⚡️ Psych yourself up, and ground yourself to find a healthy balance of energy. Athletes do this before the game, musicians before the show, speakers before the stage. Get good rest and sleep, hydrate, eat well, don't overdo the caffeine, go barefoot outside (true grounding on the Earth), stretch, and then do some jumping jacks, pushups - or similar to take that grounded energy and lift it up into a place of confidence and go-get-em attitude and helping get everything flowing through your body. You got this. Put on the music that makes you feel good, squeeze your loved ones, and breathe. ⭐️ Last but not least, remember your North Star. Remember why you're doing this in the first place. What sparked you on this journey, how would those engaged with your product/service be better off because of your success, what happened along your journey in life that put you in the right place and the right time to be where you are today. Find the thread. This will help you feel a connection to something greater than just you... whatever that is... In sum - treat this as a human experience, not a transactional one. ✌️ #pitching #networking #founders #startups

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https://lnkd.in/d35gBii5 So, Jaguar's new campaign... what can I say? It’s like they’re marketing a $150k car to people who can’t even afford to look at it in the showroom. Seriously, who is this ad even for? Even if you’re targeting the .0001% of the population, this one misses the mark by a mile. Infinity tried this whole “no cars in an ad” gimmick years ago – remember that? (Here’s a reminder: https://lnkd.in/dDWUc7cx) It was a multi-million-dollar flop. Jaguar’s current attempt feels like it’s heading in the same direction, only with a much more ironic, tone-deaf tagline: “Copy Nothing.” Really? The company that’s been copying former owner, Ford and its competitors for decades is telling us to “Copy Nothing”? If irony had a face, this would be it. And I don't get the correlation between men dressing like women in colorful outfits/makeup, brandishing sledge hammers, just to convey individuality. Maybe they've invented a new form of trans-portation? LOL. Let’s be real—Jaguar is still the overpriced, under-performing vanilla in a market full of colorful, exciting competitors. If this marketing stunt was aiming to be the next “Bud Light marketing disaster,” Jaguar, you’d at least have to be relevant. But since we all know that’s not the way it is, let’s skip the funeral and go straight to the wake – it’ll be way more fun. But hey, if this ad somehow convinces you to buy, just be sure to buy two... One for the garage and one to keep in the shop. After all, it's the totally unique Ford, I mean, Jaguar.

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Most DTC brand growth stagnation today is due to a strategic misdirection over the last several years... Focusing on acquiring the cheapest customer, instead of the most valuable.

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As a the owner of digital marketing agency Agency 8200 and as someone in the branding and marketing space for decades, it's fascinating to witness major shifts in the automotive industry, especially when it comes to in-car technology. General Motors decision to remove Apple CarPlay from their dashboards is a bold move that could significantly impact their brand perception and customer loyalty. In this insightful article from #BusinessWeek, we see the potential implications of GM's strategy. Will this decision alienate loyal Apple users, or will it pave the way for innovative, proprietary systems that enhance the driving experience? As digital marketers, we understand the power of user experience and brand loyalty. It's crucial for companies to balance innovation with consumer preferences to maintain a strong market presence. #DigitalMarketing #BrandStrategy #UserExperience #CustomerLoyalty #AutomotiveIndustry #Innovation #Technology https://lnkd.in/dGdXGEis

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GORP-core: Fashion Trend or Strategic Opportunity? The buzz around GORP-core has outdoor and performance brands buzzing—yet there’s a fine line between seizing an opportunity and falling into a trap. What started as a trend grounded in utility and function, but elevated by cultural pioneers, has led many brands to pivot toward a style-driven approach, catering to segments like the Luxury Lovers, Stormhunters, and Tastemakers. 🌍✨ But here’s the challenge: chasing style trends can push brands into a cycle of “what’s next?” 🔄 Without a solid anchor in performance and innovation, the focus on aesthetics can dilute authenticity, leaving core outdoor consumers—like the Functionalists (28% of the market)—questioning where the brand stands. When brands focus too heavily on lifestyle trends, they risk losing the trust of their largest and most loyal segment, those who value protection, performance and practicality. However, this shift doesn’t have to be negative. The key is balance. Brands can successfully expand their reach without alienating their core by staying true to what defines them—innovation, performance, and sustainability. Want to make sure your brand stays authentic and compelling 2025 and beyond? Let’s talk about how to craft a strategy that resonates—keeping you ahead of trends while staying true to who you are. Navigating these complex dynamics requires a clear strategy rooted in real consumer insights. At Above The Clouds Communication , we help brands find that balance—guiding them to make informed decisions on strategic marketing, messaging, and positioning to build long-term relevance and trust. In a time when consumer behaviors and trends shift rapidly, understanding what truly drives your audience is more critical than ever. Whether it’s embracing new opportunities or solidifying your core, it all starts with the right insights. #Outdoor #sports #Performance #BrandStrategy #GORPCore #OutdoorInnovation #Sustainability #FashionTrends #ispo #ispomunich #ispomunich2024 #strategy #marketing

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Branding is about "getting people to think differently" David Placek uncovers how to do that through naming. We chat about... → Behind the scenes of naming Lucid, the EV car company. → The importance of creating value through a brand name. → Lexicon's overall philosophy behind naming. → Advice for founders who might be able to afford a big naming effort. A huge thank you to David for spending time with me, again — it's always a pleasure. 🙏 𝗦𝗲𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲: https://lnkd.in/efRC8qg7 #brandnaming #brandagency

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5 Reasons I’m Going to Judge Unicorn Pitches - GSD Demo Day: Wed Oct 30th 10am 1. It’s a LIVE pitch contest with 25 judges – VCs, corporate folks, start-up experts 2. Six startups pitch their projects and there’s always something to learn about pitching. 3. Get a gander at next gen innovation 4. Learn from fellow judges and get insights into what investors are looking for 5. Get new ideas for our client’s pitch decks   Here's the Eventbrite link if you’d like to join us: https://ow.ly/qklK50S83lG #VentureCapital #StartUps #UnicornPitches

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I speak with strategists, lots of them, most days, most of the day. The consensus is as we approach a seismic event in the U.S. next week, is that a performance-oriented focus has seriously wounded the appetite for great strategic thinking. That's certainly borne out through job losses that I'm aware of over the last year. Yes, the media and advertising industry is in the midst of structural change. This will continue for a few more years. And yes, there is a pressure on the C-Suite to make those numbers, so if the business emphasizes annual bonuses, of course decision making emphasizes a more transactional approach both brand and agency-side. The good news - As well as an industry facing structural change we have all been on the wrong end of an economic cycle. The good news, high inflation and interest rates are heading in the right direction and coming into 2025 as rates start to come down, as the tide comes in, all boats will rise, getting work should be relatively easier. The Really Good News/Endless Opportunity For Strategists Each week I hear about new examples of agency strategists either building completely new businesses from scratch or working for start-ups, non-profits or brand-side. Many of you have fear that your skills are not transferable and so beyond the agency business your opportunities limited. This is not true. Absolutely wrong. You might not have the same title; You might not use all the skills you've used, day-to-day, but your skills, as long as you can communicate the value they deliver, will always be needed. I ask you, what business new or existing, doesn't require expertise either to identify and connect with a target audience? Yes, I hear you mention 'technology!' Yes, it can do a lot and no doubt will much more! My belief is that as important as data is, while we are trying to understand and influence the behaviour of audiences that are human, the best understanding and work (even if it costs more) will always come from an 'emphasis' on human engagement. The possibilities for smart strategists are endless. This is why I'm optimistic.

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Hello Friends, When Elliott Hill was announced as the returning CEO of Nike, I couldn't help but draw comparisons to Apple's legendary Steve Jobs comeback. As someone who loves studying brand evolution, I wondered: who else has managed to make their way back from the brink? You could say who conducted a little "Brand Séance" 👻 (See what I did there?) These aren't your typical comeback stories. From Victoria's Secret's bold reinvention to Stanley 1913 's TikTok-fueled rise, we're seeing heritage brands rewrite their legacies in fascinating ways—with some Nike alumni in the mix. Great comebacks require bold moves and a deep understanding of what made your brand iconic. What fascinates me most? How these brands tap into their heritage while conjuring something entirely new. It's not just resurrection—it's reinvention with a dash of nostalgia. Check out my latest piece featuring Gap, BIRKENSTOCK, J.Crew, and more. Which transformation has you most intrigued? (As a side note, I gave an honorable mention to the last Blockbuster. As of today, the legendary final Blockbuster, located in Oregon, is closing its doors. RIP Blockbuster.) —-------- I’m Gina, founder of Goodstory. I turn complex problems into simple solutions for your marketing team. It's like being a magician, except instead of pulling rabbits out of hats, I'm pulling market share out of thin air. If your startup or enterprise needs help unifying your brand narrative & messaging across multiple channels and markets, we just might be made for each other. Get in touch to join our mission to transform how brands connect, communicate, and conquer. It’s a good story. #brandstorytelling #branding #Startups #TechTrends #DigitalTransformation #marketing #fundraising #strategy #datadriven #videomarketing #BrandEvolution

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