Fact, it’s been a difficult summer for Work Tech companies - and it’s not just one company struggling; it’s everyone. Pipelines are not where they need to be, customer acquisition costs are up, and buyers are not buying…inflicting pain in many ways. In this episode of hey, Bret’s Starr - Work Tech Weekly’s Podcast, Steve and I are not complaining about the state of Work Tech, but rather talking about why it’s important to know what is going on and what to do about it! Is there a glimmer of a silver lining? From recent data and observations within the Work Tech industry, there was a clear dip in startup performance that has now bottomed out, and we are starting to see the beginning of a possible bounce back. Buying activity and funding for start-ups is picking up a bit, but it’s not happening quickly. We feel that times like these are great opportunities to focus on continuous improvement, especially when it comes to brand and marketing. Frame your decisions on what is possible to achieve rather than flipping the model. Steve and I are breaking it down…thanks for listening. Bret Sign up for Work Tech Weekly Newsletter to stay up to date on: Top headlines in Work Tech News The latest research and trends Insights into the fast-changing market And a little fun, because we all need that too! https://thestarrconspiracy.com/subscribe/ Join our “hey, Bret Starr!” YouTube Channel Want to work together? Let’s talk! https://thestarrconspiracy.com/contact/

This week, Steve and I talk about brand. The measures for determining the success of a branding strategy are brand recognition (do people know you exist?), functional association (do they know what you do?), and brand attributes (attitudes, behaviors, and beliefs). These are all healthy aspects of a branding strategy, and when performing well each can have a significant impact on the success of your business. Listen up as we break down differences between brand and branding and share some insight into our most recent ebook - Click here: Great brands are built during down markets. Time to make your move. And more great stuff…. Sign up for Work Tech Weekly Newsletter to stay up to date on: Top headlines in Work Tech News The latest research and trends Insights into the fast-changing market And a little fun, because we all need that too! https://thestarrconspiracy.com/subscribe/ Join our “hey, Bret Starr!” YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXMTcvXgM1TlzTzdymp5Hvw Want to work together? Let’s talk! https://thestarrconspiracy.com/contact/ Companies discussed: SeatGeek Taleo Conexa Gong Okta 00:32:29

Join Steve and me this week as we celebrate and look back over the past 15 years as business partners at The Starr Conspiracy.  

The Work Tech landscape has changed, but our commitment to quality, creativity, and excellence is constant. Together, we have seen the results of our unique approach to content creation, proving the value of exceptional talent and expertise within our organization.  

Listen up as we talk about the early days at The Starr Conspiracy and where we are now!

Sign up for Work Tech Weekly Newsletter to stay up to date on: Top headlines in Work Tech News The latest research and trends Insights into the fast-changing market And a little fun, because we all need that too! Sign up for our Work Tech Weekly Newsletter

Join our “hey, Bret Starr!”  YouTube Channel

Want to work together?  Let's Talk

In a world where virtual communication is the way we work, events offer a chance for face-to-face interactions, foster deeper connections and relationships, and quite honestly, we miss them. 

The ability to meet and engage with potential customers, partners, and industry influencers can lead to valuable business opportunities that may not have been possible through virtual interactions alone.

While events may have changed in format and approach, their importance in Work Tech has not diminished. They provide opportunities for professionals to connect, learn, and showcase their expertise, making them a strategic and valuable component of a company's overall marketing and networking strategy in 2023.

Get to an event in 2023! 

Download our very cool Asset:  Know before you show - The big book of Work Tech Events, 2023

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• Top headlines in Work Tech News
• The latest research and trends
• Insights into the fast-changing market

And a little fun, because we all need that too!

https://thestarrconspiracy.com/subscribe/

Join our “hey, Bret Starr!”  YouTube Channel Want to work together? Let’s talk! 

https://thestarrconspiracy.com/contact/

This week on Episode 34 of the Work Tech Weekly Podcast, Bret and Steve dig into artificial intelligence, the impact of AI on businesses and organizations, and how AI helps save time and improve efficiency. There is currently a hype cycle for generative AI, but it is important to consider the consequences and the need for caution when it comes to generative AI and the workforce. Listen up… Sign up for Work Tech Weekly Newsletter to stay up to date on: Top headlines in Work Tech News The latest research and trends Insights into the fast-changing market And a little fun, because we all need that too! https://thestarrconspiracy.com/subscribe/ Join our “hey, Bret Starr!” YouTube Channel Want to work together? Let’s talk! https://thestarrconspiracy.com/contact/

We are in a downturn.  Every company everywhere is modulating its burn rates.   But, there is a lot that can be achieved during times like these.   If we overcorrect and decide not to spend money, companies will suffer and talented individuals will be difficult to find and retain.  

There is a limited window to tighten corporate belts.  There are companies that understand that this is the time to invest.  At this moment, judicious use of resources is paramount, including investing in brand and marketing. 

When thinking about your sales team, a significant part of the year’s revenue will come from expanding your share of wallet with existing customers.  Create relationships, go the extra mile, and don’t be in a hurry to get the deal done.

This is the moment to have conversations with customers about economy and technology.  Conversations and relationships are working and direct marketing is NOT where we are at. In times like these, blocking and tackling won’t work. 

Companies need close-end work and a holistic approach to customer experience.  To conquer today’s financial challenges requires an entire mindset change.  Problem solving, critical thinking and creating a defining moment in customer experience must be the focus.

Join Steve and I as we delve into creating opportunity now.

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• The latest research and trends
• Insights into the fast-changing market

And a little fun, because we all need that too!

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Happy New Year!  In our first podcast of 2023,  Steve and I take a look at Artificial Intelligence in the marketing and Work Tech arena.   AI feels like it came out of nowhere...but, it has been a slow build over a decade and the timing could not be better.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to significantly impact both marketing and work tech. In marketing, AI can be used for personalization, customer segmentation, and targeted advertising, as well as for automating repetitive tasks and analyzing customer data. In work tech, AI can be used to improve efficiency, automate tasks, and make better decisions. 

Generative AI is limitless; from a content development standpoint, creative illustrations, drafting content, outlines and research are just a couple ways AI has entered the workplace, it's even editing and producing video content.

However, there are also concerns about job displacement, privacy, and bias that need to be addressed.  It is also important to note that there will always be a human component involved.  AI lacks the human creativity and intuition, it is humans who possess the expertise, ingenuity and empathy needed for positive outcomes.

Listen up as we explore Artificial Intelligence…

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• The latest research and trends
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The work tech sector is a growing sector, it will live way beyond the current market downturn.  Make sure that when the market is back up again, you are already a leader in the field rather than just picking yourself up from 0. 

The market downturn is your unique opportunity to shine. The most transformational brands are built during market downturns. We talk about why that is and how you can do the same for your company. 

What we discussed 

(01:08) Opportunities of market downturns

(04:42) Tough markets are when great brands are made

(06:29) Will work tech live forever? OR Is work tech in a market downturn? 

(12:50) What shareholders want vs what needs to happen

(22:41) Standing out in down markets 

(25:09) Why a full return to the office isn’t realistic

(28:10) Thanks, Workday?

(30:11) 2008 crisis vs. 2022 - why we’re ok

(34:53) How you can win the market downturn 

“Looking down the road 10 years from now, brands that we're barely familiar with right now will be market leaders.”

Sign up for Work Tech Weekly Newsletter to stay up to date on:

• Top headlines in Work Tech News
• The latest research and trends
• Insights into the fast-changing market

And a little fun, because we all need that too!

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https://thestarrconspiracy.com/contact/