Our Thoughts
Welcome to where we say the quiet parts out loud. From marketing truths and creative trends to business growth strategies, we unpack what works, what doesn't, and what's next. No fluff. Just insights you can actually use.
Why is the CMO position a short-term gig?
“Members of the C-Suite are usually not too surprised to hear that the new CMO is being replaced after barely having time to make any real difference.“ Surprise? No surprise? The average tenure for a CEO is 8+ years, yet the CMO position turns over roughly...
After COVID: The new communications strategy for senior living
It’s time. As Henry Kissinger once said: “The challenge for leaders is to manage the crisis while building the future.” That time is now. This COVID-19 crisis certainly has challenged our industry, but in many ways, it has made us stronger. The new communications...
Turning global communications around on a dime
SSDM had an opportunity to interview Tony Sapienza, Head of Communications North America for ZF, the third-largest automotive tier-one manufacturer, to discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic has altered their communications efforts. ZF has a global workforce of 148,000 in...
This is not your father’s agency business model
“The advertising agency business model has morphed into a much more equitable and transparent one.” Through the looking glass In advertising’s heyday, an agency’s revenue was supported in no small part by a 17.65% media commission on every single...
Marketing Beyond the Cookie
“It’s no secret – as Google goes, so goes much of the online community. So when Google recently confirmed the death of third-party cookies (which have been on life support for the last 12-18 months), it’s no wonder marketing leaders were left panicked and...
No Time to Waste
Marketing in Times of Crisis Although it’s hard to know what to say, take time to craft just the right message, but definitely communicate. This is no time to be quiet. Certainty amidst the chaos I was talking to a friend recently and asked how her 92-year-old...
Celebrating National Reading Month
“I do believe something very magical can happen when you read a book.” ~ J. K. Rowling Everyone at SSDM takes pride in relentless improvement, whether it relates to work, side projects or the pursuit of happiness. We came together to create a list of SSDM’s...
Spring Forward
5 Spring Cleaning Tips Now that we’re back in the groove after the Daylight Savings Time adjustment, it’s time to check your home’s detector batteries, reset your manual watches and double-check your website technologies for smooth sailing this summer. Tip #1:...
Demand gen does not equal lead gen: here’s the difference
It helps to know the end-goal. Demand generation and lead generation are often used synonymously, but actually, they are very, very different. Different in so many ways, from required budget to desired results.” Aligning expectations From an agency standpoint,...
AI Enables Pattern Recognition, The Foundation of Behavioral Marketing
““We have no future because our present is too volatile. We have only risk management. The spinning of the given moment’s scenarios. Pattern recognition.” ~ William Gibson (“cyberpunk” and speculative fiction writer) Curves ahead. Remain alert I think a lot...
