The Unpodcast

Subscribe on iTunes RSS Feed On this episode of the UnPodcast, we talked about videos, what makes or keeps them from going viral, crazy headlines and why they work, and what people look at to decide whether or not a video is worth watching. We also discussed self-checkout registers, and the real value of retail spaces. Other topics include: Why people don't share your videos [00:04:46.15] How the view count on a video determines whether or not people watch it [00:08:45.17] Crazy stupid headlines that work [00:10:09.04] Whether or not you should host your videos on YouTube [00:10:45.16] How to properly weight the number of video views [00:12:44.25] The problem with people setting goals [00:13:01.12] Why you should uncheck "recommended videos" on YouTube [00:13:44.22] What matters more than views on your videos [00:14:40.19] The second thing people look at after the number of views[00:15:40.16] The problem with self-checkout [00:17:18.04] The real asset of retail space [00:27:41.19] Whether or not people assets or overhead [00:31:58.28] And so much more. . .   Passion plus knowledge equals profit [Tweet This] Items mentioned in this episode This is a Generic Brand Video Why No One Will Watch Your Crappy Corporate "Viral" Video, and How to Fix It Human cashiers still trump self-checkouts for most grocers OkCupid Blocks Firefox Over Anti-Gay CEO Jim Watson tweet in support of Pride flag goes viral   Video provided by: AtomicSpark Audio recorded by: Wayne Cochrane Sound

Subscribe on iTunes RSS Feed On this episode of the UnPodcast, we talked all about Crowdsourcing, and why we’d rather get our information regarding from “regular” people instead of professional foodies. We also talked about the issue of why some people go out of their way to put other people down. Other topics include: Why a collection of reviews (such as on Yelp) is valuable [00:08:07.21] The most important part of crowdsourcing [00:09:59.21] Why you can't trust the reviews from food sponsors [00:10:46.01] Which food critics you should trust [00:11:25.08] What all food experts should have to do [00:13:16.14] The problem with magazines that make a point of shaming people [00:20:45:04] Why taglines are meaningless [00:23:44.12] When signing a release doesn't matter [00:24:28.13] Why people enjoy seeing the failure of others [00:26:41.04] The return of Moron Mountain [00:29:42.04] How a company won my brother, Chris, over after a less than positive initial experience [00:32:09.23] And so much more. . .   Items mentioned in this episode Yelp Travel Channel’s Andrew Zimmern Suggests “Crowdsourced Expertise” Over Generic Yelp Reviews Rotten Tomatoes Tennessee teacher out of a job after taking sick student to ER and paying the bill Magazine makes fun of cancer survivor's tutu 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 ins and outs of networking events. Among other things, we discussed the types of things you should and should not say or do at networking events, the different types of networkers, and how to gracefully exit a conversation. Other topics include: The importance of both online and offline networking [00:10:12.24] The biggest problem with going into networking events cold [00:10:53.19] Networking tips for students and people new to a field [00:13:02.29] The responsibility of people in the "inside circle" [00:13:54.25] The two purposes networking serves [00:13:57.04] The one word people who are just getting started should NEVER say [00:15:29.23] What you should do both before and after events [00:16:52.19] The biggest problem with networking [00:17:33.21] Two groups of people who couldn't attend our networking events (and why)[00:18:19.23] The best networking I've EVER seen [00:20:14.08] What to do so that when the time comes, people will be open to your pitch [00:21:10.26] The 3 tenets of connection and sales [00:22:43.06] What people do and don't like about networking (from our Facebook Page)[00:23:50.19] The fine line between sharing what you do and selling [00:26:39.07] The type of question you should NEVER ask at a networking event [00:27:12.09] How to gracefully exit a conversation [00:29:11.14] The types of networkers [00:36:19.04] What NOT to do with business cards [00:40:57.29] The importance of being present [00:45:53.12] When you SHOULD give out business cards [00:50:57.19] And so much more. . .   Items mentioned in this episode New Business Networking with Dave Delaney (Podcast) New Business Networking (Book)   Video provided by: AtomicSpark Audio recorded by: Wayne Cochrane Sound

Subscribe on iTunes RSS Feed On this episode of the UnPodcast, we talked about all of the ins and outs of crowdfunding: what it is, what’s good and bad about it, and what you should keep in mind when it comes to investing. We also discussed various Kickstarter projects that I’ve invested in, and crowdfunding projects gone bad. Other topics include: What's right AND wrong with this food truck apology [003:00:00] How Kickstarter and other crowdfunding companies work [00:09:46.12] The 18 projects I've funded on Kickstarter and why I funded them [00:11:31.18] How information about crowdsourcing opportunities spreads [00:12:00.08] Incentives for contributing to crowdfunding projects [00:15:15.13] Good and bad things about crowdfunding [00:16:33.28] Projects that were funded, but not delivered [00:19:14.01] What happens when a kickstarter project is obsolete before it is completely funded What you need to know before investing [00:27:10.04] Two things that create funding [00:28:10.21] Non-disclosures and crowdfunding [00:33:08.15] A big downside of incentive buying and pre-purchasing [00:34:57.25] How to decide how much to invest [00:36:21.22] And so much more. . .   Items mentioned in this episode Indiegogo Kickstarter Kickstarter passed $1 Billion in pledges Food Truck Bites Back at 1-Star Yelp Review With Ukulele Kickstarter Tales Of Founder Woe Life After Kickstarter Podcast Movement Conference Honeyfund Crowdfunding 'scammer' speaks out at SXSW 3-D Doodler Pen Video provided by: AtomicSpark Audio recorded by: Wayne Cochrane Sound

Subscribe on iTunes RSS Feed On this episode of the UnPodcast, we returned to Moron Mountain, where we featured 6 different “morons,” ranging from the sender of a nasty LinkedIn rejection to a man who was willing to go on a shooting rampage in exchange for retweets, to a college student who caused her parents to lose $80,000. We specifically talked about these 6 morons: MORON #1: TeamWork Online's disrespectful comment about the disappearance of the Malaysian Airlines flight [00:07: 30] MORON #2: A nasty LinkedIn rejection[00:14:26.18] MORON #3: Daughter's Facebook brag cost her family $80,000[00:20:47.20] MORON #4: U.S. man arrested for threatening to shoot someone randomly on the street for 100 retweets [00:28:58.09] MORON #5: Federal government says tweets take weeks to produce [00:33:35.03] MORON #6: Vector Marketing Company representative makes remark about "crap made in China" to man and his 7-year-old adopted daughter from China [00:39:05.11] And so much more. . . Video provided by: AtomicSpark Audio recorded by: Wayne Cochrane Sound

Subscribe on iTunes RSS Feed In this episode of the UnPodcast, we talked about the ins and outs of franchises. We specifically discussed the importance of consistency among franchises, the responsibility of individual franchise owners, and how the experience at one location impacts all of the other franchisees. Other topics include: Back to basics with social media [00:10:35.05] Alison's new sentence of the week [00:11:29.19] A good question to ask yourself when you're putting out advertising [00:12:37.16] The most important thing for franchisees to realize [00:14:05.03] The primary difference between one franchise and another [00:14:53.23] How the impact of the experience at one franchise impacts all other locations [00:16:04.28] What people remember more than good service [00:17:39.17] The importance of consistency among franchisees [00:18:17.21] The responsibility of individual franchise owners [00:20:15.01] An exercise to learn how people perceive your company [00:20:56.17] When it's good to be gun shy [00:25:44.29] The impact that rumors have on those who truly have a negative experience [00:32:45.11] The value of creating a community around your product [00:34:32.18] The impact of fake reviews [00:35:48.24] How community is built around a product [00:37:28.23] The problem with community managers [00:41:50.03] The three sides to every story [00:44:17.22] And so much more. . .   Items mentioned in this episode Ikea finds no evidence of incident involving woman breastfeeding in store, mother maintains story Culver's Firehouse Subs   Video provided by: AtomicSpark Audio recorded by: Wayne Cochrane Sound

Subscribe on iTunes RSS Feed On this episode of the UnPodcast, we talked about a company that pays their employees 30% more than the national average, and their motivation for doing so. We also discussed the importance of respecting your time and the time of others you come in contact with, as well as what not to do when sending email. Other topics include: How we get the word out about important information [00:05:39.12] The difference between asking for feedback and running a contest [00:12:32.25] Justifying paying people a living wage [00:18:34.10] The best recruiting you can do for a company [00:19:39.03] A way that companies can keep employees from getting bored [00:20:43.26] How to increase empathy among employees [00:21:20.16] How to be sure that your employees will treat your customers well [00:23:08.25] The high cost of employee turnover [00:25:02.12] Major email mishaps [00:26:04.22] What you should do when you want to write an emotional email [00:35:41.07] The two groups of people you need to make friends with at work [00:37:34.21] How tax write offs work [00:41:12.10] The problem with having your brain picked [00:43:35.08] The importance of valuing your time [00:49:32.16] And so much more. . .   Items mentioned in this episode The No Button [00:01:58.28] Movie of final tweets before dying [00:07:03.29] Why Big Ass Fans Pays 30% Above National Average [00:17:16.01] Dear Five Guys: Don’t Copy Customer on Email Where You Call Him a “Douche” [00:26:04.22]   Video provided by: AtomicSpark Audio recorded by: Wayne Cochrane Sound

Subscribe on iTunes RSS Feed On this episode of the UnPodcast we talked about blogging and whether or not it’s dead. Specifically we discussed the importance of only blogging when you truly have something that is useful to say and why you shouldn’t publish everything you write. Your blog isn't open mic night [Tweet This] Other topics include: The most tasteless real estate ad ever [00:05:08.11] Lululemon's back in the news and what Alison's doing about it [00:09:51.14] When to walk away from buying particular products [00:15:03.02] My conversation with Mitch Joel [00:15:36.19] What makes brands inpenetrable [00:17:11.05] The resale industry and when it's right or wrong to resell items[00:18:25.25] The HUGE thing people in business don't like to think about [00:24:06.09] Accountability for franchises [00:27:53.18] Why business blogging isn't like a training bra [00:32:59.00] How you should treat your business [00:35:34.04] What makes a blog better [00:36:27.09] The only decision-based form of digital media [00:39:36.04] What you SHOULD blog about [00:40:54.20] The race to be first, and why it's a bad idea [00:42:04.18] What you should do when someone posts something on social media that is untrue [00:45:06.20] And so much more. . .   Competition is only relevant if you allow it to be.  [Tweet This] Items mentioned in this episode Lululemon Bans Customers Over Online Sales, Apologizes How do you listen to the podcast? Do you watch it on YouTube? Listen to it on Stitcher or iTunes? Leave a comment below to let us know! Video provided by: AtomicSpark Audio recorded by: Wayne Cochrane Sound

Subscribe on iTunes RSS Feed In this episode of the UnPodcast, we talked about what makes tradeshows worth it today. We also discussed the two types of buyers at tradeshows, why tradeshows are more than just having a booth or table, and what you should do when working a booth. Other topics include: The ROI of social media [00:02:48.23] Something to post every day on Facebook [00:04:09.22] An example of a company doing things right [00:06:02.07] What usually happens when you tweet a complaint to a company[00:11:01.01] Our personal experiences with tradeshows [00:19:17.28] How tradeshow organizers can best deal with bad tradeshow food [00:23:07.03 What makes tradeshows worth it [00:24:23.16] Two types of buyers at tradeshows [00:25:40.01] The benefits of offering show specials [00:26:06.26] Over and above things to do in tradeshows and whether or not they're worth it [00:27:13.07] Why tradeshows are more than just having a booth or table [00:28:18.29] Two versions of ROI [00:28:44.15] Tradeshow expectations [00:29:16.20] The two most important things that make everything else irrelevant [00:34:59.24] The importance or researching tradeshow buyers [00:35:42.18] What to do when working a booth [00:36:20.02] What pulls people into your booth [00:38:15.22] The importance of swag being product based [00:41:49.16] Booth babes [00:43:29.00] What not to do at tradeshows [00:46:09.07] What’s wrong with suitcasing [00:46:42.13] And so much more. . .   To be great in business, you only have to be mediocre because everybody else sucks. [Tweet This] Items mentioned in this episode Beats by Dre Headphones Meshfire UnPodcast Episode 3 The Vegas 30 Podcast, Episode 4 Hank Daddy's BBQ IKEA   Never tell your customers they're in the wrong line. [Tweet This]   Video provided by: AtomicSpark Audio recorded by: Wayne Cochrane Sound

Subscribe on iTunes RSS Feed On this episode of the UnPodcast, we talked about how many business owners feel pressured to be on every social media platform, even if it doesn’t make sense for them to be there. It’s important to ask yourself WHY you are doing what you are, and if there isn’t a good reason to do so, then you need to stop. Other topics include: What you have to do to motivate people to come into a store and purchase rather than buying online [00:11:05.19] Changes in delivery industries [00:11:53.05] The importance of being uniquely human [00:16:49.24] One of the biggest keys for successful social media [00:17:27.01] Why you don't EVER have to be on any social media account [00:17:49.04] How to handle the pressure to be on every social media platform [00:18:58.09] The best way to figure out which social media platforms to be on [00:20:12.02] What your social media strategy needs to be [00:23:45.01] The importance of asking, "why?" [00:24:20.06] Why LinkedIn isn't a social network, but what it IS good for [00:26:32.01] Drive by postings [00:28:57.03] How to find the best groups on LinkedIn [00:29:35.29] The absolutely brilliant thing LinkedIn did last year [00:30:26.10] The worst thing to do on every social media platform [00:31:32.18] How Google Plus is like the rich kid in high school that no one wants to hang out with [00:33:42.13] What you should never make people do on social media [00:40:36.22] And so much more. . .   Funny can't be faked. It's funny or it's not. [Tweet This] Items mentioned in this episode UnPodcast episode 17: The Present and Future of Facebook [00:03:53.24] UnPodcast episode 18: The World of Twitter [00:03:57.26] No sixth sense: '123456' is worst password of 2013 Best Buy Sends Out Coupon That Excludes Most Things You Want At Best Buy[00:07:38.08] Reflections of Motherhood [00:24:19.13] Conference Call in Real Life video[00:25:46.29]   Video provided by: AtomicSpark Audio recorded by: Wayne Cochrane Sound

Subscribe on iTunes RSS Feed On this episode of the UnPodcast, we talked about how tweets are public, and that people should be prepared to accept the consequences - both good and bad -- of their tweets. We also discussed how impressions on Twitter are a lie, and that they don’t hold a candle to real analytics. Other topics include: What our show is NOT called [00:02:37.03] How the list industry works [00:04:46.18] What you should always do if you purchase a mailing list[00:07:17.02] What you don't sell to a 22-year-old [00:08:25.21] The value of a name and address [00:09:33.02] The return of Moron Mountain [00:11:14.26] Reasonable expectations regarding the outcome of a tweet [00:17:18.04] The true meaning of free speech [00:18:06.12] When you should stand up for your brand or employees [00:20:31.03] The worst thing about Twitter [00:21:13.11] The problem of people trying to take ownership of hashtags [00:26:20.17] Why impressions on Twitter are a lie [00:29:22.08] The need for proper analytics [00:31:39.11] How to mute what you don't want to see on Twitter [00:38:27.08] The biggest problem with scheduling on Twitter [00:43:32.05] And so much more. . .   Items mentioned in this episode OfficeMax Blames Data Broker For 'Daughter Killed in Car Crash' Letter [00:02:59.13] Man Buys Promoted Tweet to Complain About British Airways [00:22:02.04] EasyJet threatens not to let passenger board after he criticises airline on Twitter [00:14:28.10] Text messages warn Ukraine protesters they are 'participants in mass riot'[00:18:06.12] JPMorgan’s #AskJPM Twitter Hashtag Backfires Against Bank [00:23:20.14] Narrative PR Take Blogger Meet-Ups to the Next Level[00:29:00.15] UnPodcast episode 18: The Present and Future of Facebook [00:37:12.17] Tweet Bot iPhone app [00:38:27.08]   Video provided by: AtomicSpark Audio recorded by: Wayne Cochrane Sound

Subscribe on iTunes RSS Feed On this episode of the UnPodcast, we discussed the ins and outs of Facebook, including different uses for pages and profiles. We also discussed issues people have with their personal Facebook profiles, as well as some of the concerns that people have when it comes to Facebook Pages not getting much traction, and what to do about it if that’s happened to you. Bad content doesn't go anywhere and bad ads, even if they're paid for don't go as far as good ads. Other topics include: The importance of criticizing in private and praising in public [00:10:23.20] How you should handle it when you don't like what friends post on Facebook [00:11:15.20] The whole point of Facebook [00:12:45.07] What your own happiness depends on [00:14:04.09] Why you shouldn't accept every friend request you get on Facebook [00:15:28.02] The unspoken agreement on Facebook [00:16:17.11] A good rule to help you decide who to friend on Facebook [00:17:31.18] What makes Facebook great [00:18:43.01] The source of most of the content for the UnPodcast [00:19:13.25] How to know who to unfriend on Facebook [00:19:44.20] How Twitter or Facebook becomes "noise" and what to do about it [00:25:45.07] How the sky is (or is not) falling on Facebook [00:28:16.18] The problem with the Princeton study that says Facebook is doomed [00:30:54.08] Why social media predictions don't do any good [00:30:06.27] The average reach of the UnMarketing Facebook Page [00:34:08.03] Why no one sees your posts on Facebook [00:35:31.24] How the UnMarketing Facebook Page got to 20,000+ fans [00:40:57.29] And so much more. . .   Your community becomes your content curators [Tweet This] Items mentioned in this episode Blissdom [00:02:47.12] Finding Our Hunger Podcast [00:03:44.19] Cliff Ravenscraft's Podcasting A to Z [00:05:18.01] CommentCast [00:05:47.12] Facebook 'friend' sends anonymous note: Stop the vacation postings[00:07:57.10] Facebook Princeton Study Debunked [00:28:34.18 The UnMarketing Facebook Page [00:40:57.29] Not being able to enjoy other people's happiness is a problem with you, not a problem with the people who are happy.   Video provided by: AtomicSpark Audio recorded by: Wayne Cochrane Sound

Subscribe on iTunes RSS Feed 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. Other topics include: The very least you should do if you have a newsletter [00:03:01.22] The good things that can come from responding to automated emails [00:03:54.26] The two things in the world that Scott hates [00:04:32.17] What's even worse than Google Glass [00:04:54.07] What entrepreneur means in Latin [00:16:28.13] What Scott never tells Alison [00:18:51.08] An important trait Scott was born with (and Alison wasn't) [00:19:02.07] How dumb criminals use social media [00:23:15.12] Air Canada vs. WestJet [00:27:42.04] How respecting customers is also a way to respect employees [00:33:42.01] How erosion creates opportunity [00:34:58.04] How everyone has their own set of factors that determines what matters [00:38:14.21] The trick for all businesses, when it comes to pricing [00:41:06.09] And so much more. . .   Giveaway This week we're giving away Obols! Leave a comment and tell us your favorite cereal for a chance to win. If you mention Scott's favorite cereal, he'll send an obol and one of his autographed books free to up to four people! Items mentioned in this episode Obol Pet Petter Dupree Johnson Charged With 142 Felony Counts After Cop Sees His Instagram Page Air Canada Surname Policy Called Out For Being 'Archaic' Missouri Bar Responds To Cease And Desist From Starbucks With Epic Letter And $6 Check   Video provided by: AtomicSpark Audio recorded by: Wayne Cochrane Sound

Subscribe on iTunes RSS Feed On this episode of the UnPodcast, we start off with a great feel-good story about a project that involves a 10-year-old boy, a toy, and people from around the world that range from celebrities to homeless people. From there we dig into what’s wrong with Google Glass and how technology can keep us from enjoying the things that really matter. Other topics include: How social media opened doors for getting into CES Regardless of how big a person gets, they’re still only human Wearable technology How calling someone out can cause you to lose some people Why stories matter What can’t be copied What leads to emotional connection to products My biggest problem with CES My biggest problem with Google Glass How Facebook became more relevant for me How overdocumention keeps us from truly experiencing life And so much more. . .   Technology is not a license to stop having manners [Tweet This] Items mentioned in this episode Miguelitos Little Green Car The Vegas 30 Podcast CES (Consumer Electronics Show) Everik Lifesave II Battery Pack Michael Bay Walks Off Stage During Samsung Presentation Nike Plus Saddleback Leather How to Knock off a Bag video Google Glass   The more people you connect with, the less you’re connected. [Tweet This]   Want a chance to win a free,Lifesaver II battery pack? Leave a comment below with the words, “You are my lifesaver.”   Video provided by: AtomicSpark Audio recorded by: Wayne Cochrane Sound

Subscribe on iTunes RSS Feed On this episode of the UnPodcast, we talk all about airlines and how good or bad customer service can change the entire way we view an airline and whether or not we choose to fly on it. We also share some of our best and worst flight experiences. Other topics include: What it’s like to be  mistaken for Jesus Our worst flight experiences EVER Two ways of reacting and the impact of each How travel presents ample opportunities to provide good customer service Levels of outrage How the way things are handled affects the way you view a brand The worst apology a company can give Why it’s never just one thing How Delta has changed my perception of their brand How to change an angry consumer to a content one And so much more. . .   When you offend people directly, you also upset people who are offended indirectly. Problems are unavoidable but communication is optional [Tweet This] Items mentioned in this episode Air Canada Rouge The Loss of Our Family Dog and My WestJet Experience Pilot turns plane back for 11-year-old girl who lost her backpack Grocery Gateway Clever British Airways Billboard Tracks Airplanes as They Fly Overhead Video provided by: AtomicSpark Audio recorded by: Wayne Cochrane Sound