In a marketing world obsessed with new shiny objects (TikTok, AI tools, vertical video, stories, reels and YouTube shorts), it is easy to get caught running harder and faster in a quest to break the algorithm code of increased exposure. Chasing social media impressions and engagement certainly can work. And it’s absolutely worthy of your time to keep abreast of trends and … [Read more...]
Disruption
The marketing industry is experiencing really big changes right now – AI, LLMs like ChatGPT, the Twitter rebrand, new platforms like Threads, and the rising power of foreign controlled TikTok. I’m still having a hard time calling the little blue bird “X”. The whole “formerly known as” feels like I’m talking about Prince! Not only is the industry being disrupted, I've been … [Read more...]
Mary Charleson serves as ESTO Awards travel marketing lead judge for a second year
Mary Charleson was thrilled to serve as a lead judge for one of the most important destination marketing organizations in the United States - the U.S. Travel Association, and their annual ESTO Awards. The 2023 awards includ the Destinations Council DESTINY AWARDS, and the National Council of State Tourism Directors MERCURY AWARDS. This is the second consecutive year that Mary … [Read more...]
Ethics & AI: considerations and tools for marketers
Discussions around artificial intelligence these days seem full of hyperbole. Often the outcome is to drive opinions into one of two directions. AI is evil. It will steal jobs, spread misinformation and leave us divided and destitute while we burn and float away. AI is a gift. Sent from the internet Gods, it will increase our productivity, creativity, and leave us sipping … [Read more...]
Marketing as Community Development
A number of years ago I had the pleasure of working with a visionary leader at City University Canada - a Canadian university belonging to a US based private, not for profit, parent brand. CityU Canada has campuses in Vancouver, Victoria, Calgary and Edmonton and specializes in delivering graduate degree programs for working adults in the areas of Master of Education and Master … [Read more...]
