Marketing strategist with corporate experience.
A marketing strategist with corporate experience is someone who has a deep understanding of marketing principles and strategies, particularly in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry. They have typically worked for large companies with well-known brands and have gained valuable insights into how these companies operate and succeed in the market.
In the podcast transcript, Mr. Mahdi Woodard is introduced as a marketing strategist who has had a diverse and interesting journey in both corporate and entrepreneurial settings. He is described as someone who has experienced corporate success, entrepreneurial ventures, moments of depression, and confusion, but ultimately found his path and achieved great success.
Mr. Woodard describes himself as a marketing strategist, but acknowledges that he is also a CEO, content creator, and other roles that come with his expertise and experience. He helps businesses think through how to grow their online presence and effectively market their products or services.
What sets Mr. Woodard apart is his extensive background in marketing. He mentions being a classically trained CPG marketer, having obtained an undergraduate degree in marketing and corporate finance. He spent close to 10 years working for Mars, a privately owned family business known for brands like Snickers, M&M's, Twix, Starbursts, and Pedigree. He specifically worked in their pet division, gaining experience with multi-billion dollar pet care brands.
During his time at Mars, Mr. Woodard learned valuable lessons about how these companies are built and how they achieve success. He mentions Mars' acquisition of Wrigley, not for its performance or gum, but for its portfolio of advertising outlets at a cheaper price. This strategic move allowed Mars to secure cheaper advertising rates and run more ads, ultimately giving them a competitive advantage in the market. Additionally, owning multiple well-known brands gave Mars leverage when negotiating with retailers like Walmart, allowing them to dictate their pricing and placement strategies.
Mr. Woodard's corporate experience at Mars provides him with a unique perspective as a marketing strategist. He understands the intricacies of building successful brands, leveraging advertising opportunities, and negotiating with retailers. This knowledge and expertise allow him to offer valuable insights and strategies to businesses looking to grow their online presence and succeed in the market.
Marketing is about understanding trends.
Marketing is about understanding trends. Trends play a crucial role in shaping consumer behavior and preferences, and marketers who can identify and capitalize on these trends have a significant advantage in the market. This is evident in the podcast transcript, where Mr. Woodard discusses the importance of understanding trends and how it influences marketing strategies.
One example of understanding trends in marketing is the concept of cool hunting. Cool hunters are individuals who observe and analyze how people, especially young people, are using products and creating trends. They gather this information and provide it to R&D and marketing departments, who then use it to create national campaigns. This approach allows companies to stay relevant and appeal to their target audience by incorporating the latest trends into their marketing efforts.
Another example mentioned in the podcast is guerrilla marketing. This form of marketing involves unconventional and creative strategies to promote a product or service. It often relies on understanding trends and finding unique ways to engage with consumers. For instance, the example of people being paid to recommend specific drinks at a bar demonstrates how understanding consumer preferences and trends can be leveraged to influence purchasing decisions.
Understanding trends is not limited to consumer behavior but also extends to broader societal and cultural trends. By staying informed about social, technological, and economic changes, marketers can anticipate shifts in consumer preferences and adapt their strategies accordingly. This proactive approach allows businesses to stay ahead of the competition and maintain their relevance in the market.
In conclusion, marketing is about understanding trends because trends shape consumer behavior and preferences. Marketers who can identify and capitalize on these trends have a competitive advantage in the market. By incorporating trends into their strategies, businesses can stay relevant, engage with their target audience, and ultimately drive growth and success. Mr. Woodard's experiences in the corporate world and his understanding of trends highlight the importance of this aspect in marketing strategy development.