Marketing in 2026: More Questions Than Answers
2025 gave us a whole TON of data about what's NOT working in Marketing any more. And while we might know what's NOT working, there are still a lot of questions that need to be asked in order to figure out what DOES. So if you’re ready for that exploration, try on these questions :)
The New Pillars of Marketing (for 2026 and beyond)
Marketing hasn't REALLY changed since the beginning of time. We've still got those classic 4P's at work, but the paradigms continue to evolve. What does that mean for the historic “laws” of marketing? This is where marketing gets complex. But there IS a way for it to be simpler. Let’s explore.
The Collaborative Roles of Marketing
As a proud member of The Collaborative Entrepreneurship Incubator, I was recently explosed to the idea of Collaborative Roles and dove into exploring which ones I identify with most. So, I thought I would share a quick run through of the roles and why (and when) they fill certain gaps in marketing. Ready? Let's go!
What’s Your Personal Best Marketing Output?
Yesterday, I rode my GUTS out on the Peloton, and FINALLY beat my Personal Best Output. And it made me think about the effort that goes into most marketing outputs. Would you consider YOURS a "personal best"? Is that even the goal? Let's explore how you can create that if you so desire.
Watch Your Marketing Language
Marketing is ALL about narrative. But what happens when your Marketers (or you) get too caught up in OTHER PEOPLE'S language? Today, let's explore some common areas where our internal language might be letting us down...AND how we can re-frame it to get ourselves back on track.
How We Choose…when all the options look the same
Ever notice when reviewing "platforms" for electoral candidates, that EVERYONE says pretty much the same thing?Marketing falls into that category too. Especially in B2B tech. Or tech in general. And in that case, how do we choose? Let’s take a look at what’s going on in our heads.
Marketing: what are we striving for?
What are YOU striving for? And what are WE striving for? When it comes to marketing, I don't think this language is really in use. Sure, we have GOALS, and METRICS, and likely even a VISION we're following, but if we asked eachother what we are striving for, would we know the answer?
How to Reset Your Marketing (in a flash)
Is your marketing program still not doing what you're hoping it will? The good news is, it's never too late to turn things around. Today, we're going to be exploring the concept of Marketing Sprints; quick little weekly tests that, within 90 days, can turn EVERYTHING around. Down for that? Let's go!
Sparking Joy…with Marketing
I'm a huge fan of the Marie Kondo method of organizing, which is based around only keeping things around you that Spark Joy. And as I was thinking about what tea cup to use today that would most spark my joy, it made me think about whether that's happening in marketing…
Can You Find The Human (in today’s content)?
Do you remember Where's Waldo? Those puzzles where what you have to find is REALLY well hidden, and you actually have to try? Well, I feel like that's HUMAN-ness in our AI world of content creation. Because doing MORE of what you’d rather not do at all, isn’t the answer. So, what is?
How To Create Truly Original Content
A LinkedIn connection recently posed a question about whether anyone was still creating “original content” on LinkedIn. And the answer is, absolutely. But is it in the majority? Well now, that depends on how you define “original content”. Let’s explore…and let our authentic curiosity lead the way.
Marketing for Generative Conversations
If you're reading this article on the internet, and it's 2025 or later, you probably haven't been able to avoid the concept of Generative AI. That is NOT what this article is about; instead it’s all about WHAT we're actually out in the market trying to generate; and the CHOICES we make along the way.
Are you risking Marketing Malpractice?
It's unfortunate that there's no such thing as Marketing Malpractice; because it's created an industry—both fractional and internal—that's failing to meet an "acceptable standard of care". But for practitioners who DO, how do we make that clear with our clients? Let’s explore.
How would YOU solve my problem?
Creating a proposal to win business is pretty common. I’ve done it myself LOADS of times. But, best case scenario, it’s a presentation of what I would do FOR you to solve YOUR problem. But that could be WAY more powerful if YOU were involved in the creation of the solution…so, how can we bring it all together?
Moral Ambition: Available for Marketers?
In the book Moral Ambition, the author urges high‑talent professionals—including marketers—to redirect their skills toward solving pressing global challenges. So, what if we used our smartest marketing peeps to be a force for real change That's what I'm excited to explore with this article :)
Where Does Marketing Authenticity Lead?
When it comes to marketing, people are almost always looking for a destination. And while in real life we realize that there's not just ONE way to reach ONE destination, we tend to get suckered into that way of thinking in marketing. But Marketing Authenticity is about going YOUR way. To YOUR destination.
Your Marketing Magic Bullet...
So, so many people and business are trying to convince you that they have the Magic Bullet solution for you. But with so many on the market, generally what happens is that people get confused. And then NOTHING works. Is there ACTUALLY one thing that makes it all work? There is...but it's not what you think.
How To Become a Strategic Marketer
"Done-For-You" Marketing Services are actually moving businesses farther away from marketing that MATTERS. And while they might seem easy to buy, so you can easily check the box, they aren’t actually leading you to being STRATEGIC. But there ARE things that can 💞
The Myth of "Owning" Your Marketing Leads
We’ve all heard about the so-called danger of lead generation on social media - and the benefit of email marketing - with regard to "owning" your leads. But there's a whole funnel of issues with the concept of assuming that having someone's email address means you "own" the lead. Let's get right to it.
Marketing Archaeology: What are YOUR Bones telling you?
I’ve noticed a similarity between archaeology and the process that goes into discovering a company's brand. It's dirty. Often times, painstaking. But when you discover something that no one else has? Oh the places you'll go. So, how can you become a Marketing Archaeologist? Let’s explore :)