Why a “cold shower” you may ask? Because we know that cold showers are good for us, and yet, we avoid them. Marketers have chores they need to do that they avoid. As a third-generation business owner and seasoned marketer, Ryan Cote knows a thing or two about what marketers should be doing. We discussed this on this week’s episode of the On Brand podcast. (NOTE: Your friendly neighborhood podcaster was both on the go using his secondary mic and a little under the weather so the audio quality is a little sub-par this week.)

About Ryan Cote

Ryan Cote is the Director of Digital Services and Partner at Ballantine, a third- generation family-owned direct mail and digital marketing company based out of Fairfield, NJ. With Ballantine since 2003, a family-owned business started in 1966 by his great-uncle, Ryan now manages the growing digital marketing division.

From lead generation to marketing strategy for small businesses, Ryan and his company rise above the get-featured-quick schemes so often attributed to digital marketing. He loves to geek out on technical marketing talk as well as work with real-world business owners about growing their book of business in today’s online world.

Episode Highlights

Why positioning statements still matter? In an era where many what the “get-featured-quick” schemes, Ryan and the team at Ballantine start with the meat and potatoes of marketing — the positioning statement. “Sometimes clients seem irritated by the questions but often they end up glad that they took the time to answer them.”

Why all the talk of cold showers? We got on the subject of cold showers as Ryan noted that he’d been trying various mindfulness practices such as meditation and cold showers. This prompted me to ask …

What is the cold shower — the thing that’s good for us that we still avoid — that marketers are missing? We both answered this fun question. Ryan said “consistency” while I said “actually measuring something that matters” and email marketing.

What brand has made Ryan smile recently? “I love the Ed Mylett Show!” Ryan shared why this top business podcaster is in heavy rotation for him. As someone who loves podcast recommendations, I’ll have to check this out. 

To learn more, connect with Ryan on LinkedIn and check out the page he made for On Brand listeners on the Ballantine website.

As We Wrap …

Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you’d like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show.

On Brand is sponsored by my new book Brand Now. Discover the seven dynamics to help your brand stand out in our crowded, distracted world. Order now and get special digital extras. Learn more.

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Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet!

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