I'm one of those guys who can incorporate pop culture references into just about anything, but today, I'll be linking them to marketing, content and audience.

Pop culture can put marketing concepts in a fresh context that resonates in unique and meaningful ways. Today's examples include:

• How Miracle of 34th Street teaches a powerful lesson about brand attitudes and consumer behavior
• How The Truman Show demonstrates the disconnect between corporate speak and human connection
• What Coming to America's Randy Watson teaches us about social media
• Why Ted Lasso's and Roy Kent's communication styles tell us about self-awareness
• What Emperor Palpatine reminds us about copywriting

Even if you haven't seen one of these movies or TV episodes, these pop culture moments offer fresh perspectives on creating content that truly connects with your audience.

Professional photos can be the deciding factor when clients choose between experts. John A. Demato, a visual storytelling expert who works with speakers, authors, and consultants, explains why authentic photos can be a real game-changing difference-maker for their business.

Today, he'll share how strategic photography builds meaningful and impactful connections with your audience.

You'll learn:

• Why stock photos and generic poses are disrupting business opportunities
• How to think strategically about photos before the camera comes out
• Why being "camera ready" matters less than you think
• The key differences between smartphone snapshots and professional event photography
• Why your everyday business moments make compelling visual stories
• Why professional photos are an investment in relationship-building, not just marketing

Even if you think your business isn't "visual enough" for professional photography, today's show reveals how professional photos can improve how potential clients perceive and connect with you.

John's website - www.JohnDemato.com

On Linkedin - John A. Demato

While finding the right language is always a challenge in content marketing, some industries get stuck using the same words. In the higher education industry, it can be words like "student-centric."

Brian Piper is the Director of Content Strategy and Assessment at the University of Rochester and the author of Epic Content Marketing for Higher Education.

Today, we'll discuss the challenges and solutions around creating content that connects with today's prospective students and essential audiences, including:

• Why generic buzzwords are killing your message (and what to say instead)
• How to tap into your best marketing resource – the students already on your campus
• Smart ways to make online students feel like part of your community
• How insightful content like podcasts can change minds about higher education and reach multiple audiences
• Why playing the long game in content marketing pays off (and how to measure it)

Even if you're not a student, staff member, or university faculty member, today's show offers some excellent content marketing insights that are valuable for all content marketers.

Brian's website - www.BrianWPiper.com

Brian's Book - Epic Content Marketing for Higher Education

Brian on LinkedIn - Brian Piper

Brian's Podcast - AI for You