Podcast Summary: "Do This, NOT That: Marketing Tips with Jay Schwedelson" | Ep. 343

Episode Title: Hate Your Job? Do This! 📒 ASK US ANYTHING!!

Release Date: May 28, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 343 of "Do This, NOT That," hosted by Jay Schwedelson and presented by Marigold, listeners are treated to a concise yet insightful "Ask Us Anything" session. Jay addresses both professional dilemmas and offbeat questions, providing actionable advice rooted in his extensive experience in marketing and hiring.

1. Navigating Job Dissatisfaction: Advice for Jason from Pittsburgh [00:02 - 11:30]

Jason’s Dilemma:
Jason from Pittsburgh reaches out expressing his unhappiness with his current job. He feels stagnant and trapped, contemplating quitting to explore new opportunities.

Jay’s Guidance:
Jay begins by emphasizing a fundamental principle: “If you have a job, I don't care that you hate your job. Don't quit your job until you have another job” (00:45). He underscores the significant advantage of being employed while job hunting, citing a study from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York:

• Employment Status Advantage: Employed individuals receive over three times more job offers per application than their unemployed counterparts.
• Higher Wage Offers: Job offers to employed candidates come with a 44% higher wage increase compared to those extended to unemployed individuals.

Strategic Job Hunting Techniques:

• Stealth Outbound Campaign:
  Jay recommends initiating a subtle outreach strategy by sending direct messages to desired contacts without explicitly asking for a job. Instead, he suggests asking for advice on a potential career pivot:
  “Send them a note saying, listen, I'm thinking about a career pivot, possibly. If you were in my shoes and you really wanted to do X, what would you do?” (03:15). This approach fosters meaningful dialogues and can lead to valuable connections.

• Redefining the Next Job:
  Instead of chasing the elusive "dream job," Jay advises aiming for a position that "sucks less than the job you're in now" and offers opportunities for personal growth. This might involve accepting a lower title or salary initially to gain experience with a reputable brand, enhancing future prospects.

• Upskilling and Continuous Learning:
  Jay dismisses the emphasis on formal education credentials, stating, “Nobody cares what college you went to... What people care about is the stuff that you know” (07:50). He advocates for leveraging free resources to acquire new skills:

  • Free Courses: Platforms like TikTok Academy, Canva’s Social Media Mastery, and Pinterest’s media buying certification.
  • Practical Application: Starting a Shopify store to gain hands-on experience.
  • Enhanced Resume: Incorporating these new skills into LinkedIn and resumes to attract employers looking for expertise in contemporary tools and platforms.

2. The Reboot Debate: Insights on Steve from Baltimore’s Question [11:31 - 23:45]

Steve’s Query:
Steve from Baltimore poses a seemingly off-topic question: “Are you pro or against reboots in general?” He references Jay's attendance at the "reboot of Lilo and Stitch."

Jay’s Perspective on Reboots:

• Generally Pro Reboots:
  Jay supports reboots that respect the original material and bring fresh perspectives. He cites successful examples:

  • Ocean’s Eleven: Praised for revitalizing the classic with a modern twist.
  • Star Trek and Doctor Who: Celebrated for their ability to adapt and thrive in new iterations.

• Critique of Poor Reboots:
  Jay is critical of reboots that fail to capture the essence of the originals:

  • The Hills (MTV): The reboot was deemed “horrendous” compared to the beloved original.
  • Smurfs: Anticipates the upcoming Smurfs reboot to “get exponentially worse.”

• Upcoming Reboots to Watch:

  • Fantastic Four: Jay expresses excitement, predicting it could become “the best superhero movie of all time” due to his fandom and appreciation of previous versions.
  • Naked Gun with Liam Neeson: Uncertain enthusiasm; while Jay admires Liam Neeson’s action roles, he questions the comedic fit.
  • Running Man Reboot: Intrigued by the adaptation’s potential to emulate the classic thrill.
  • Phineas and Ferb: Nostalgic appreciation for the original, though indifferent about the reboot.

• Jurassic World Criticism:
  Jay voices strong disapproval of the Jurassic World reboot, questioning the rationale behind repetitive dinosaur-related chaos and skepticism about Scarlett Johansson's involvement:
  “How much money could they possibly have given to Scarlett Johansson to be in the Jurassic World reboot?” (20:10).

Conclusion on Reboots:
Jay maintains a balanced view, appreciating reboots that honor original narratives while critiquing those that fail to innovate or respect the source material.

Final Thoughts

Throughout the episode, Jay Schwedelson combines practical marketing strategies with candid personal advice, all while engaging with listeners’ diverse questions. His emphasis on data-driven decisions and continuous personal development offers valuable takeaways for marketers and professionals alike.

Notable Quotes:

• Job Security Advantage:
  “If you have a job, I don't care that you hate your job. Don't quit your job until you have another job.” (00:45)

• Stealth Outreach Strategy:
  “Send them a note saying, listen, I'm thinking about a career pivot, possibly. If you were in my shoes and you really wanted to do X, what would you do?” (03:15)

• Value of Skills Over Credentials:
  “Nobody cares what college you went to... What people care about is the stuff that you know.” (07:50)

• Reboot Appreciation:
  “I am pro [reboots]. Ocean's Eleven, amazing reboot... Star Trek... Doctor Who, the newer version... great.” (15:30)

• Jurassic World Critique:
  “How much money could they possibly have given to Scarlett Johansson to be in the Jurassic World reboot?” (20:10)

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