The Unpodcast

In this episode of the UnPodcast we talk some more about why we switched to WestJet from Air Canada. We also discussed how the erosion that takes place over time with customers creates opportunity for business owners.

In this episode of the UnPodcast, we dig into what’s wrong with Google Glass and how technology can keep us from enjoying the things that really matter.

On this episode of the UnPodcast, we talked about people that we really admire, and in some cases almost worship, and how to handle it when they fall.

Subscribe on iTunes RSS Feed On this episode of the UnPodcast we started off by talking about the good and bad of the holiday season, how businesses should handle political correctness, and what makes a tweet bad. We also discussed how immigrants can use checking in on social media to prove residency, and why we […]

Subscribe on iTunes RSS Feed On this episode of the UnPodcast, we talked about the whole new world of digital boundaries, and how we’re happy that social media wasn’t around when we were growing up. We also discussed how brands should handle both negative and positive feedback on media, and what you should do before […]

Subscribe on iTunes RSS Feed On this episode of the UnPodcast we talked about a hotel in Sweden that offers free hotel rooms (with a catch!) to those who have enough social media fans — and why that may not be a smart move for them. We also talked about how one large company lost […]

Subscribe on iTunes RSS Feed This episode of the UnPodcast, was all about retail. Among other things we discussed how one retail chain makes three times as much money as a result of paying higher wages, how stores can reduce shoplifting, and simple things employees can to do increase sales. We also discussed the best […]

Subscribe on iTunes RSS Feed On this episode of the UnPodcast, we celebrated, because this was our 50th episode! We talked about the highs and lows of podcasting, our biggest surprises when it comes to podcasting, and how to make podcasting seamless and fun. We also talked about my experience with traveling with no electronics […]

Subscribe on iTunes RSS Feed On this episode of the UnPodcast, we talked about the new deal we (the UnPodcast) got with CBS, and how it came about, even though it’s not something we planned. Among other things, we talked about why we’re able to maintain creative control in this new partnership. We also discussed […]

Subscribe on iTunes RSS Feed On this episode of the UnPodcast, we talked all about nonprofit fundraising. I told a story about an experience I had that prompted me to immediately pull out my cell phone and donate not just once, but to also set up a recurring donation. We also discussed the importance of making it easy for people to donate, and how not to raise money for nonprofits.     Other topics include: [00:01:05.12] The worst part about tape masks [00:02:52.12] A connection with an old friend [00:04:12.27] One way I never give to charities [00:05:50.27] A highly scalable, low-cost way for nonprofits to solicit funds [00:10:08.09] The importance of making it easy for people to donate [00:10:58.25] The need to spend money to raise money [00:15:32.00] Tim Hortons Recreates Original Hamilton Store -- in Toronto [00:19:58.14] Something that I find insulting [00:25:14.27] My most retweeted tweet [00:26:20.21] A documentary that was so bad it prompted me to write a review And so much more. . .   Footlong subs are fine. Footlong receipts are not. [Tweet This] Items mentioned in this episode Tim Horton's Camp Day Alumnus sends an appropriate response to a begging letter from his alma mater Tim Hortons recreates original Hamilton store — in Toronto When Jews Were Funny   Video provided by: AtomicSpark Audio recorded by: Wayne Cochrane Sound

Subscribe on iTunes RSS Feed On this episode of the UnPodcast we talked about the good publicity that a company got that came about not as a result of buying it or manipulating it, but because they were genuinely awesome. We also talked about the ethical aspects of taking advantage of the situation when a company makes an honest pricing mistake, and then being upset and bad-mouthing the company when refunds were given.     Other topics include: [00:01:49.28] The New Moron Mountain [00:06:09.07] The surprising reason someone wouldn't share my video with his boss [00:10:27.13] The story of the day [00:12:50.26] Why being awesome is not a campaign [00:13:48.04] How Under Armour got on my radar [00:14:31.14] Why you don't need courses on storytelling [00:14:42.09] Why our focus shouldn't be on putting out fires [00:15:31.00] The importance of saying thanks [00:16:16.28] Why the key to viral isn't spread [00:17:26.10] When it's important to add your logo to an image [00:18:59.06] When differentiating your brand comes in [00:20:10.13] Something that happened on the Internet that upset me [00:20:45.10] The meaning of social extortion [00:24:03.05] The actions of people already upset with a brand [00:28:05.12] This embarrassed me [00:29:15.09] What grows brand defenders [00:30:23.08] Why you can't take one brand's good deed to guilt another brand [00:32:29.12] Why some brands can't stand Twitter [00:32:54.05] What happens once you compromise integrity And so much more. . . Items mentioned in this episode JustKeepingBusy.com Under Armour Just Made This 5-Year-Old Dog Attack Survivor Feel Like A Superhero The One Nightstand You’ll Never Regret   Video provided by: AtomicSpark Audio recorded by: Wayne Cochrane Sound

Subscribe on iTunes RSS Feed On this episode of the UnPodcast, we discussed the coming release of my book, UnSelling, why I can’t discount my books on Kindle, and why the quality of books has gone down in recent years. We also talked about some major social media blunders ranging from a teen in the Netherlands whose foolish tweet resulted in her arrest, and the failed Twitter hashtag attempt of the NYPD. Other topics include: Our joint bio [00:02:08.03] What I find truly fascinating [00:03:49.11] The UnBook Club [00:05:45.00] The coming release of UnSelling [00:06:06.16] Why my Kindle books aren't discounted [00:07:03.09] Why the quality of books has gone done [00:08:27.26] My favorite line [00:12:48.28] Just because it's legal, doesn't make it right [00:15:47.28] My observation about meeting planners [00:17:13.01] What sums up so much in social media for me [00:21:53.29] Why article shares are not an indicator of success [00:22:06.26] The most important data when it comes to content marketing [00:24:12.12] The value of being a "front page" site [00:25:31.06] The importance of the content behind the headlines [00:27:19.16] What's more important than the time of day you send out your newsletters [00:27:56.03] The importance of knowing your end game in social media [00:28:30.02] Why I spend time on Facebook [00:29:42.29] The place for proper newspapers [00:31:51.11] The consequences of a foolish tweet [00:34:00.03] NYPD hashtag gone bad [00:42:55.23] Passive exposure vs. active exposure [00:45:21.22] When hashtags work [00:47:04.29] And so much more. . .   You can't control something with law that needs to be controlled with common sense. [Tweet This] Items mentioned in this episode The Wisdom of Psychopaths ‘Hip hop-themed’ table horrifies cancer benefit guests NPR’s April Fool’s Day Prank Was An Absolute Masterpiece What Actually Makes Things Viral Will Blow Your Mind Dutch Police Make Arrest In Teen Twitter Terror Threat Judge Finds Social Media Disclaimers For Employees Are Unlawful This NYPD Idea Backfired Horribly On Twitter Video provided by: AtomicSpark Audio recorded by: Wayne Cochrane Sound

Subscribe on iTunes RSS Feed On this episode of the UnPodcast, we talked about E-cigarette etiquette and how in spite of the fact that E-Cigarettes aren’t yet highly regulated, common sense thinking reveals when it’s rude to vape. We also discussed business and HR considerations when it comes to electronic cigarettes. Other topics include: A problem with most hotels[00:03:37.10] What I haven't done in seven months [00:04:41.08] How people are screwing up the use of e-cigarettes [00:05:17.10] The behavior of a vendor that shocked me [00:05:41.06] What caught me off guard in the middle of a keynote presentation [00:06:37.05] The difference between whether you can or should do something [00:07:43.21] Similarities between cell phones and e-cigarettes [00:09:34.08] E-cigarettes at the workplace [00:11:07.12] The difference between education and entitlement [00:12:33.23] Why e-cigarettes being harmless doesn't matter [00:13:20.26] A common sense approach to e-cigarettes [00:15:31.05] Why e-cigarettes don't need to be regulated in the same was a real cigarettes [00:18:24.15] The hardest thing I ever had to do when working in HR [00:19:38.08] Considerations with nicotine gum [00:21:25.22] The plain and simple job of business and HR [00:23:24.28] Why some states are banning e-cigarettes [00:26:07.09] And so much more. . .   Whatever is outside of what has always happened is a problem [Tweet This] Items mentioned in this episode Vape Pens Blu Disposible E-cigarettes   Video provided by: AtomicSpark Audio recorded by: Wayne Cochrane Sound

Subscribe on iTunes RSS Feed On this episode of the UnPodcast, we talked about problems associated with marketing based on gender, race, and other demographics and what marketing should be focused on instead. We discussed several toys and other products that focus on targeting girls vs. boys, and the way that those products should be marketed. Other topics include: [00:03:05.10] Favorite brands of Canadian women [00:05:35.03] The most surprising favorite brand [00:06:13.24] The question of the episode -- does it make sense to cater directly to women and say that this product is specifically for women? [00:06:41.28] The most basic fundamental of business [00:07:08.06] The fine line between focus vs. stereotype [00:08:55.08] An important aspect of branding [00:09:24.00] What to do if you're not getting the market you want [00:11:53.16] The issue of how we sell things to boys ]00:12:07.06] Who Legos are for [00:16:30.04] Pens for men vs. women [00:18:03.04] What should not be the defining thing when it comes to marketing [00:19:40.28] What you should target in marketing instead of demographics [00:20:22.17] A true disservice to children [00:21:14.13] The thing that is so bad that it would make Alison turn against Martha Stewart [00:26:19.24] The problem that occurs when you label something as being for girls [00:30:36.15] What's wrong with being told that one of your choices is bad [00:34:11.08] A huge problem with children's clothing [00:37:11.12] When bias is OK And so much more. . .   Items mentioned in this episode Tim Hortons Wal-Mart Costco Facebook Apple Shoppers Drug Mart Starbucks Google IKEA Dove Legos Bic for Her (Best Amazon reviews) Goldiblox Video provided by: AtomicSpark Audio recorded by: Wayne Cochrane Sound

Subscribe on iTunes RSS Feed On this episode of the UnPodcast, we interviewed Chris Farias of Kitestring on the topic of being an ambassador for a local area. Chris shared his experience with moving to a town with a bad reputation and his part in changing the way the city is viewed. We also discussed excuses that people make about why they don’t do social, and the real truth behind their words. Other topics include: The importance of a professional headshot that is current, and what to do when you can't afford to hire a professional photographer [00:04:41.18] Impenetrable brands [00:06:42.26] Kitestring interview about upcoming book [00:08:03.12] Whether or not to use a logo or photo of yourself as an avatar [00:08:32.07] The challenge of multiple person social media accounts [00:10:02.20] The impact of trashing businesses online [00:12:32.14] Building brand ambassadors [00:14:01.10] One Spark [00:17:03.01] Why we interviewed Chris for UnSelling and for this podcast episode [00:22:26.17] When brands should hire social media help [00:31:20.08] The importance of classifying social media as an actual business practice [00:33:08.20] The importance of speaking the language of your clients [00:37:23.17] What networking should look like [00:46:00.07] And so much more. . .   Items mentioned in this episode One Spark Chris Farias City of Hamilton Video provided by: AtomicSpark Audio recorded by: Wayne Cochrane Sound