Awsomology

Authenticity vs. The Algorithm

In this episode, Ben and Sue talk about the impact of algorithms on online reach and the importance of authenticity in marketing. How can you strike a balance between creating content for the algorithm and authentic messaging to foster meaningful connections with your audience? Can you stay true to your brand and get seen on social for long-term success? Useful Links: Reach vs. impressions vs. engagement: What’s the difference? [https://sproutsocial.com/insights/reach-vs-impressions/] Why Authenticity Beats Trends in 2025 Marketing [https://www.roboticmarketer.com/why-authenticity-beats-trends-in-2025-marketing/] Brand authenticity and forgiveness [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0148296323005131]

Making Great Marketing Affordable with Andrew Weisz

In this episode of Awsomology, hosts Sue and Ben welcome Andrew Weisz, CEO of Finden Marketing, who shares his journey from a tech background to founding a marketing agency during the pandemic. They discuss the challenges entrepreneurs face in marketing and how agencies can help them succeed AND stay on budget. If you’re in the Duluth, MN area, check out: Chilly Billy's Frozen Yogurt [https://www.chillybillys.com/] Madhouse Burgers [https://madhouseburgers.com/] For your next event, staff, or client gift: Duluth Candy Co. [https://www.duluthcandyco.com/] Northshore Charcuterie [https://northshorecharcuterie.com/] Our Recommendations: Tailspin, John Armbruster [https://bookshop.org/p/books/tailspin-john-armbruster/3af2d13defd0e1a2?ean=9781645383147] Stick, on Apple TV [https://tv.apple.com/us/show/stick/umc.cmc.52w04zy67tiv11p8xvbc57wmc] Purple Cow, Seth Godin [https://bookshop.org/p/books/purple-cow-transform-your-business-by-being-remarkable-seth-godin/145bf773aa113f42?ean=9781101184554&next=t&next=t] American Players Theater [https://americanplayers.org/]

Dr. Richard Kyte: We Can't Flourish Alone

In this episode, Ben and Sue welcome Dr. Richard Kyte, Director of the DB Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership and Endowed Professor of Ethics at Viterbo University. Learn about Dr. Kyte's journey into the study of Ethics, his work on the importance of 'third places', his wise advice for more ethical marketing, and much more. Some Awesome Things: K-pop Demon Hunters [https://www.netflix.com/tudum/kpop-demon-hunters] Perfect Days [https://www.hulu.com/movie/perfect-days-a68e2d56-eeb8-44f3-baaa-3ddb850bb67b] Ralph Waldo Emerson’s Essays [https://bookshop.org/beta-search?keywords=Ralph+Waldo+Emerson] The Ethical Life Podcast [https://open.spotify.com/show/3BXCK3qUnytooVmqKx7SqS] Finding Your Third Place: Building Happier Communities (and Making Great Friends Along the Way) [https://bookshop.org/p/books/finding-your-third-place-how-to-rebuild-and-transform-our-communities-richard-kyte/20705864?ean=9781682754726&next=t] RichardKyte.net [https://www.richardkyte.net/] Never Forgotten Honor Flight [https://neverforgottenhonorflight.com/]

The Top 5 Words We Don't Want to Use Anymore

What do these words even mean? Sue and Ben list the top 5 Marketing words they use way too often, give suggestions for words you can use instead, and then remind themselves that the most important thing is to use the right word at the right time, every time. Listen to see if your favorite (or least favorite) words are on their lists and see if you agree. The ideas shared in this podcast reflect the personal perspectives of our hosts and guests. We believe that the world runs on fresh ideas and share what we've learned through experience, but these conversations aren’t a substitute for professional consultation. The views expressed don’t necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Exclamation Services, its clients, or partners.

Resistance is Futile: AI is Changing the Customer Journey

In the latest episode, Ben and Sue talk about the transformative impact of AI tools like ChatGPT on marketing strategies and how the speed of that transformation is increasing. From the shift in how consumers search for information, with many opting for ChatGPT over traditional search engines, to the importance of creating relatable and context-driven content, they lay out almost everything AI that is on their minds and impacting their daily work. Useful Links: Top Generative AI Chatbots by Market Share – July 2025 [https://firstpagesage.com/reports/top-generative-ai-chatbots/] Goodbye Google? [https://www.techradar.com/tech/people-are-increasingly-swapping-google-for-the-likes-of-chatgpt-according-to-a-major-survey-heres-why] The ideas shared in this podcast reflect the personal perspectives of our hosts and guests. We believe that the world runs on fresh ideas and share what we've learned through experience, but these conversations aren’t a substitute for professional consultation. The views expressed don’t necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Exclamation Services, its clients, or partners.