Hire Ground
64 episodes - English - Latest episode: 6 months ago - ★★★★★ - 1 ratingWelcome to Hire Ground, a podcast for better business. I’m Steph Parker – award-winning marketer, longtime instructor, and the person who always tells it like it is. When a group of former students asked me for a way to go beyond our curriculum and talk more broadly about business, this show was born. Get ready for conversations that challenge the status quo when it comes to marketing, career development, and business as a whole based on my own experiences finding success on an unconventional path. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/hiregroundpod/support
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Episodes
Brand Voice & Tone
November 08, 2023 02:44 - 18 minutes - 17.4 MBBrands' personalities are starting to mesh together because marketers are ignoring the insights they should be drawing from to develop their voices and tones. This week, we're going to talk about how to design better, more ownable ways for our brands to show up. Show notes: Qualtrics article about brand voice HubSpot brand voice guide --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/hiregroundpod/support
Think Like A Marketer if You're Hiring A Marketer
October 31, 2023 07:04 - 20 minutes - 19 MBAs marketers, we know how important it is to hook audiences so that they begin along our consumer journey. Yet we often throw our skillset out the window when we go about hiring; we treat job descriptions like admin functions and not like marketing opportunities to a different kind of audience. This week, let's talk about how to use our skills to attract the right talent and communicate more effectively about what our companies need! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.co...
Tactical Prioritization
October 24, 2023 05:33 - 27 minutes - 25.1 MBNo marketing plan is complete without prioritization – whether it's explicitly stated or something you tuck into your back pocket. Whether we're doing it as part of a budget exercise or to simply be prepared, we should always be able to articulate the things our marketing can't live without, the things that would be nice value-adds to maximize our learnings, and the big ideas that are fun what-ifs. How do you know where things fit? Give this episode a listen! --- Support this podcast: htt...
And we're back!
October 17, 2023 19:16 - 16 minutes - 15.2 MBIt's been awhile, huh? Let's catch up and talk about what's been going on – and use that as a jumping-off point to make space for changing directions along your career path. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/hiregroundpod/support
Good Strategic Hygiene
August 29, 2023 05:06 - 21 minutes - 19.6 MBAnnual plans, campaign ideas, and creative concepts are all high-visibility deliverables that often are surrounded by stress. And when things get stressful, we as humans are inclined to take shortcuts. When you let your strategy hygiene go in marketing, you're hurting the integrity of your thinking. This week, we explore 3 key behaviors you want to keep up so that hygiene stays in check and you lay a strong foundation for ideas to build from. Show notes: I recommend following Sweathead and...
Impact & Effort
August 22, 2023 20:16 - 19 minutes - 18.1 MBSeason 4 is here (albeit a bit later in the day than usual) and we're kicking things off with a framework that'll help you make better decisions. It's called the Impact Effort Matrix, and you can use it for marketing and career development efforts alike. Show notes: How an impact effort matrix can help you prioritize tasks ModelThinkers Impact Effort Matrix Impact/Effort Matrix Template on Miro 🤘Check out more information and resources at stephparker.com. --- Support this podcast: ht...
Deets on Season 4
July 11, 2023 05:01 - 2 minutes - 3.83 MBTL;DL the next season of Hire Ground is comin' atcha August 22nd (2023). And after a thoroughly enjoyable time talking about marketing LAST season, we're going to keep exploring the industry alongside the usual work bants. Catch you next month! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/hiregroundpod/support
BONUS: AI (and another TikTok update)
June 06, 2023 05:41 - 26 minutes - 24.5 MBIt's time for a download on artificial intelligence, and all of the things we as marketers need to consider as we take in the many perspectives, innovations, and products that are leveraging it. But first, we have to talk about TikTok. Again. Show notes: Details on the Montana TikTok ban: https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-ban-montana-china-data-chinese-government-71143a3a87c9a0b692d927f72b6fec70 How generative AI can revolutionize customization and user empowerment: https://venturebeat.c...
BONUS: 5 Things You Gotta Know About Social, Right Now
May 08, 2023 06:26 - 18 minutes - 17.6 MBExcuse the clickbait (listen-bait?) title, but there REALLY are 5 things happening right now in social media that you should know. New capabilities, new apps, and new discourse to some older conversations to keep you in-the-know and sounding smart to your clients, colleagues, and senior decision-makers. Show notes: Pinterest x Amazon: https://newsroom.pinterest.com/en/post/pinterest-announces-partnership-with-amazon-to-bring-third-party-ad-demand-to-the-platform Clubhouse layoffs: https:...
Biggest Marketing Misconceptions
April 25, 2023 05:23 - 18 minutes - 16.8 MBAs Season 3 comes to a close, it's a good time to bring it all full circle. This week's conversation is about "myth-busting" several commonly-held beliefs about marketing that hold back our work. Stop doing them! Start doing the good stuff instead! And, continue thinking about your audiences first! Show notes: PEW Internet Research Center (this is a mobile fact sheet but one example of what I mentioned during the chat!) https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/fact-sheet/mobile/ Client Ques...
Brand Experience's New Era
April 18, 2023 05:50 - 20 minutes - 19.1 MBBrand experience (BX) has evolved from IRL-only events and marketing stunts into an increasingly digital tactic for generating earned media and brand affinity at scale. Tune in for a discussion on what to consider when designing an activation that can drive results. Show notes: Ford's IWD 2023 activation: https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/news/2023/03/08/ford-flips-the-script-with-men-s-only-edition--celebrating-the-c.html An older article but good for context on the ev...
Creating Departments & Capabilities
April 11, 2023 05:00 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MBBuilding a new capability, team, or department is as exciting as it is daunting. But, it's not completely removed from the process we as marketers undertake when working with a new client or tackling a new brief. This week's conversation walks through steps of the process, important considerations, and how to ensure you make the theoretical something practical for your company. While there's an agency slant to the info here, many of the takeaways can still apply to companies of all kinds. 🤘...
The State of Influencer Marketing
April 04, 2023 05:01 - 22 minutes - 21 MBInfluencer isn't the shiny, new tactic on the block anymore – it's been around for more than a decade. (Nearly two!) A lot has changed since marketers first began recommending sponsored content, and we're at another critical moment in marketing's content creator era. Let's talk about why and what to do about it. Show notes: The State of Influencer Marketing 2023: Benchmark Report https://influencermarketinghub.com/influencer-marketing-benchmark-report/ New Study – 1 in 4 Influencers Bough...
Agency 101
March 28, 2023 05:01 - 28 minutes - 26 MBIf you're trying to decide if agency life is for you, tune in to hear more about what it's like, what skills will help you succeed, and how you can stand out to recruiters without agency experience. And, how to decide if agency life is really for you. It's just another way to work! Show notes: The Different Roles Within Marketing Agency Departments: https://setup.us/blog/different-roles-marketing-agency-departments The Ultimate List of Agency Holding Companies & Their Affiliates: https://...
Operationalizing Innovation
March 21, 2023 05:05 - 21 minutes - 20.1 MBOperationalizing innovation. What does that even mean? What should innovation look like for marketers? This week, let's break it all down. It's an important part of success in any role and something companies need to be thinking about, no matter how risk-averse they are. Show notes: A few different innovation methods/models, https://creately.com/blog/diagrams/methods-of-innovation-process/ 🤘Check out more information and resources at stephparker.com. --- Support this podcast: https://...
Tik Talk
March 14, 2023 05:23 - 19 minutes - 17.7 MBLet's talk about the current state of TikTok. There's a lot swirling – possible legislation that could see it banned in the States, a pivot from growth to sustained engagement as they mature... so what do we do about it as marketers? Contingency planning, proactive guidance, and frequent monitoring – that's what! Show notes: Why TikTok App Bans Are Trending Across the US: Explained, https://news.bloomberglaw.com/privacy-and-data-security/why-tiktok-app-bans-are-trending-across-the-us-expla...
Becoming a Marketer For Hire
March 07, 2023 06:04 - 22 minutes - 20.9 MBAre you one of the marketers curious about striking out on your own? You're not alone, and there's a ton to consider when crafting your game plan. Instead of listening to more chat about business admin (though there are a few resources below so you're not left hanging); let's talk about how you can articulate your value to clients and sell your offerings for $$$. Show notes: Tips for starting out: https://www.upwork.com/resources/how-to-become-a-freelancer A freelancer's guide to taxes: ...
Branding Isn't Enough
February 28, 2023 06:22 - 25 minutes - 24 MBFor years, marketers relied on good brand positioning to do it all and didn't think twice about throwing marketing dollars to disguise product issues or bad business. Today's consumers are too smart for that. If you're still hoping that a good brand can solve any problem with your audience, this week's conversation will challenge you to reconsider. Show notes: Barry Schwartz, The Paradox of Choice TED Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/barry_schwartz_the_paradox_of_choice?language=en Using ...
Insights
February 21, 2023 07:00 - 26 minutes - 24.3 MBTo kick off the third season (which is all about marketing) we're talking about insights. Most people think an insight is simply a data point. Most people are wrong. Let's talk about the difference and how you can get there as a marketing strategist so that your work, works. 🤘Check out more information and resources at stephparker.com. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/hiregroundpod/support
Hire Ground Returns in ONE Week!
February 14, 2023 16:15 - 1 minute - 2.2 MBMake sure you subscribe (if you haven't already) to get new episodes when they're hot and fresh, every Tuesday starting February 21st. See you then! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/hiregroundpod/support
News + Season 3 Details!
December 15, 2022 22:11 - 2 minutes - 3.92 MBYou may have noticed – the podcast has gotten a makeover, and that's a beautiful thing. The remit has expanded to go further into business and marketing (not just career development) and there's a new name to drive that point home. Yay for change! By the way, the third season is going to be all about real deal marketing. Think insight generation, IP development, innovation, all sorts of strategy, and structuring your marketing career journey. No buzzwords, no BS. Look out for episodes to sta...
Layoffs and Mandatory Fun
November 29, 2022 20:48 - 18 minutes - 16.8 MBIn the final episode of Season 2, we'll dive into two of the most-talked about topics this week with my usual hot takes. Namely, I'm giving a few tips for swerving job uncertainty and politely declining your company's end-of-year social event. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/hiregroundpod/support
Public Speaking 201
November 01, 2022 13:38 - 22 minutes - 20.9 MBI'm reprising a theme that's a listener favorite: public speaking. Tune in for a few exercises you can do on your own time, at your own pace to tangibly improve your skills (or keep them sharp). This is also a build from public speaking episodes in Season 1, so go listen to those if you haven't already, too. Show notes: Season 1, Presentation Skills Season 1, Speaker of the House --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/hiregroundpod/support
How to Receive Feedback
October 25, 2022 14:47 - 21 minutes - 20.3 MBThere's no way to avoid getting feedback in the workplace, but there's a difference between getting and receiving. In this episode, I'll talk through several ways you can deal with difficult feedback, as well as push back on feedback you disagree with like a pro. Transcripts for all episodes are available at stephparker.com/blog. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/hiregroundpod/support
The Raise Game
October 18, 2022 06:00 - 21 minutes - 19.6 MBAsking for a promotion or a raise can be intimidating – and we're often taught that it can't happen outside of a performance review period (which isn't actually true). If you're looking to get a promotion or raise, this episode will talk you through how to make your case. And if you still want more, have a listen to Holla For A Dolla from the first season. Transcripts for all episodes are available at stephparker.com/blog. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show...
So You Want To Move Abroad
October 11, 2022 06:00 - 23 minutes - 22 MBThere's only so much Googling will tell you about the realities of being an expat. If you're eyeing a move to another country, this episode is a crash course in helping you prepare (or decide if your move is better as a fantasy). I talked at length about this in the first season, and you can catch that episode here. Show notes: Monzo: https://monzo.com Revolut: https://www.revolut.com Wise: https://wise.com/ Transcripts for all episodes are available at stephparker.com/blog. --- Sup...
Hard Truths About Management
October 04, 2022 06:00 - 22 minutes - 20.9 MBI'm really passionate about managing people, so I want to dispel its common misconceptions for new and experienced managers alike. Tune in for more on the art of delegation, 1:1s, and bringing humanity into possibly the most corporate function there is. Transcripts for all episodes are available at stephparker.com/blog. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/hiregroundpod/support
Interview Razzle Dazzle, Part Two
September 27, 2022 06:00 - 25 minutes - 23.9 MBTime to switch sides! Building on our conversation last week, this is what you should be doing to facilitate a great job interview and create a more equitable environment for your applicants. Transcripts for all episodes are available at stephparker.com/blog. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/hiregroundpod/support
Interview Razzle Dazzle, Part One
September 20, 2022 06:00 - 25 minutes - 23.3 MBJob interviews are a necessary evil, but they don't have to feel intimidating. In this episode (and the first in a two-part series), I'll walk through my battle-tested ways to stand out in phone screens, remote interviews, and IRL. Transcripts for all episodes are available at stephparker.com/blog. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/hiregroundpod/support
Rules of the Resumé
September 13, 2022 06:00 - 19 minutes - 36.5 MBGiving good resumé will always set you apart as a candidate, but it's critically important to serve greatness in job markets like this one. Here are 5 ways yours can make an impact based on what I know as a longtime hiring manager... and, well, serial job applicant. Show Notes: 15 One-Page Resumé Templates Canva Resumés Transcripts for all episodes are available at stephparker.com/blog. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/hiregroundpod/support
Brainstorms That Don't Suck
September 06, 2022 06:00 - 23 minutes - 44 MBDo you hate brainstorming meetings? Probably, because most of them are terrible – but they don't have to be. I have several adult learning techniques I use in the classroom that also translate well for engaging meetings that don't feel like a waste of time. Show Notes 20 Brainstorming Techniques from Miro Brainstorm Bible from Planning Dirty Transcripts for all episodes are available at stephparker.com/blog. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/hireground...
(Re)Introducing Career Slut
August 14, 2022 09:35 - 1 minute - 3.52 MBWhether you're an OG listener or a first-timer, it's been a minute since Career Slut graced the airwaves. In this quickie, Steph says a brief hello and talks about how the show delivers an honest dose of professional development for people who care about work, but don't identify with all of the things the corporate world tends to represent. Make sure to follow or subscribe so that you get the latest and greatest episodes when the show returns on September 6th. -- A transcript for this epis...
Speaker of the House
September 14, 2021 07:00 - 35 minutes - 32.8 MBBack by surprising demand, we're talking about how you can elevate your presenting and public speaking skills even further (as a bolt-on to June's 'Presentation Skills' episode). We're also talking about how often you should really be engaging in professional training, and how you can stand out in what feels like a sea of sameness as a freelancer. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/hiregroundpod/support
Working Hard, Hardly Working
September 07, 2021 16:25 - 32 minutes - 30.3 MBIt's time to talk about the one thing that makes hybrid models successful, how to build legit relationships with coworkers from a distance, and what types of talent truly make a team successful. Because work only works when it works for you. Right? Right. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/hiregroundpod/support
Leggo My Ego
August 31, 2021 05:00 - 25 minutes - 23.8 MBWhy are thought leaders so hell-bent on talking about themselves? And why does the corporate world assume that every single employee should one day be a manager? In this episode, we'll explore ways to get ahead without putting yourself on a pedestal or ignoring the true value you can bring to the table. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/hiregroundpod/support
The Politics of Politics
August 17, 2021 05:00 - 34 minutes - 64.4 MB53% of job-quittin' Americans say they want to leave their companies behind in favor of freelancing. A Harvard Business Review contributor suggests that office politics are not only impossible to avoid, but sometimes a good thing. We have a lot to talk about this week. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/hiregroundpod/support
Say What You Mean
August 10, 2021 05:00 - 35 minutes - 32.9 MBThis week, we're breaking down some big, juicy stuff. We'll explore what's really fueling the desire for remote work, break down why FOMO on a passed job opportunity isn't real, and run through the best ways to have uncomfortable conversations at work. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/hiregroundpod/support
Talent Show
August 03, 2021 05:00 - 33 minutes - 31.2 MBThis week, we get into the merits of a 4-day workweek and debunk how companies actually win those "Best Places to Work" awards. We'll also go over an essential list of 6 questions you should be asking every single candidate you interview to make the right hires. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/hiregroundpod/support
Take It or Leave It
July 27, 2021 04:31 - 28 minutes - 26.5 MBCheck it out, Career Slut 2.0 is here. New vibe, same realness. This week, you'll hear the latest arguments in the case for remote work, learn whether or not a thank-you note after an interview actually matters, and evaluate if a job opportunity is truly right (or wrong) for you. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/hiregroundpod/support
Mid-year Career Facelift
July 20, 2021 05:00 - 29 minutes - 20.5 MBChance are, you've developed some bad habits over the course of your career. The good news is, you're only a tweak or two away from improving your day-to-day experience at work by addressing them. In this episode, you'll hear more about how to say no, stop apologizing, find balance, and take truly unplugged PTO.
Mid-year Facelift
July 20, 2021 05:00 - 29 minutes - 20.5 MBChance are, you've developed some bad habits over the course of your career. The good news is, you're only a tweak or two away from improving your day-to-day experience at work by addressing them. In this episode, you'll hear more about how to say no, stop apologizing, find balance, and take truly unplugged PTO. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/hiregroundpod/support
Risk and Reward
July 13, 2021 05:00 - 46 minutes - 31.6 MBRisk is necessary for career growth and progression – but everyone's appetite, and what they're willing to put on the table is different. In this episode, Steph explores how to define where you fall on the risk spectrum, create a solid list of non-negotiables, and why there's no such thing as a failure, even when a decision doesn't pan out. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/hiregroundpod/support
Presentation Skills
June 29, 2021 17:00 - 35 minutes - 24.1 MBJust because we're living in a remote/hybrid work world doesn't mean presentations have to be blah. In this episode, Steph (a trained and experienced public speaker) shares her top tips for sorting out your tech situation, managing your nerves, and delivering your talk tracks like the smart, capable person you are. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/hiregroundpod/support
Ace Your Next Preso
June 29, 2021 17:00 - 35 minutes - 24.1 MBJust because we're living in a remote/hybrid work world doesn't mean presentations have to be blah. In this episode, Steph (a trained and experienced public speaker) shares her top tips for sorting out your tech situation, managing your nerves, and delivering your talk tracks like the smart, capable person you are.
PIVOT!
June 23, 2021 19:00 - 37 minutes - 25.8 MBNo, we're not talking about how to move a couch in a stairwell. Did you know that people change careers about 3 times in the span of their working lives? In this episode, Steph will explore how to nail down the details of how to get to your next destination, and how to socialize it so it becomes a reality.
Pivot!
June 23, 2021 19:00 - 37 minutes - 25.8 MBNo, we're not talking about how to move a couch in a stairwell. Did you know that people change careers about 3 times in the span of their working lives? In this episode, Steph will explore how to nail down the details of how to get to your next destination, and how to socialize it so it becomes a reality. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/hiregroundpod/support
Pivot! Pivot! Pivot!
June 23, 2021 19:00 - 37 minutes - 25.8 MBNo, we're not talking about how to move a couch in a stairwell. Did you know that people change careers about 3 times in the span of their working lives? In this episode, Steph will explore how to nail down the details of how to get to your next destination, and how to socialize it so it becomes a reality. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stephparker/support
Everyone's a Coach
June 15, 2021 04:00 - 47 minutes - 32.7 MBThis week, Steph explores the world of professional coaching & mentorship, calling out some key reasons why it can be mega problematic, and sharing a very personal story as a cautionary tale. Just because someone says something you agree with doesn't mean they're qualified to offer you advice in exchange for your $$$. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/hiregroundpod/support
The Problem With Coaches
June 15, 2021 04:00 - 47 minutes - 32.7 MBThis episode takes the conversation in a different direction. This week, Steph explores the world of professional coaching & mentorship, calling out some key reasons why it's problematic, and sharing a very personal story as a cautionary tale.
Mail Bag: Work Bants
June 08, 2021 04:00 - 30 minutes - 21.3 MBIt's another edition of Mail Bag, where Steph answers a few of your questions. In this episode, she gives a few more answers about how to determine your magic salary number, build your network virtually, define the value of professional certification programs... and there's a bit more quittin' chat. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stephparker/support