Podcast Summary: "Do This, NOT That: Marketing Tips with Jay Schwedelson | Ep. 387"

Release Date: August 1, 2025
Presented By: Marigold
Host: Jay Schwedelson, GURU Media Hub

Introduction

In Episode 387 of "Do This, NOT That: Marketing Tips with Jay Schwedelson," Jay delves into a transformative perspective on content marketing. He challenges the conventional obsession with metrics like download numbers, emphasizing instead the profound value of using content platforms as strategic tools for building meaningful relationships with influential individuals. This episode is a must-listen for marketers aiming to elevate their strategies beyond mere numbers.

The Illusion of Numbers

Jay begins by confronting the common misconception that high download counts equate to success. While celebrating the podcast surpassing one million downloads, he quickly pivots to argue that such metrics are not the ultimate goal.

Jay Schwedelson [00:00:50]: "Who actually cares? We passed $1 million. It's a big, big deal. But who actually cares?"

Jay emphasizes that the true value lies not in the volume of downloads but in the quality of connections fostered through the content.

Content as a Tool for Account-Based Marketing (ABM)

Jay introduces the concept of leveraging content, particularly podcasts and newsletters, as vehicles for Account-Based Marketing. He explains how these platforms can be strategically used to connect with key individuals who can significantly impact one's business.

Jay Schwedelson [00:02:15]: "The reason I started the podcast was that I view it and it is the ultimate ABM play, the ultimate account-based marketing play."

By positioning the podcast as an ABM tool, Jay illustrates how inviting influential guests becomes a pathway to building invaluable business relationships.

Strategy for Building Meaningful Relationships

Central to Jay's strategy is the intentional selection of podcast guests. Rather than focusing on broad audiences, he targets specific individuals whose collaboration can propel his business forward.

Key Strategies Discussed:

1. Inviting High-Profile Guests: Jay shares his approach of inviting renowned figures to his podcast as a means to connect and collaborate.

   Jay Schwedelson [00:03:30]: "When I started the podcast, they'd be like, sure, because everybody's an ego. Everybody wants to be involved."

2. Collaborative Intent: Beyond the interviews, the goal is to establish genuine partnerships with these guests post-episode.

   Jay Schwedelson [00:04:10]: "What I really want to do is talk to her, befriend her and get a collab going."

3. Selective Content Creation: Jay advocates for creating content that serves as a strategic tool rather than just another piece of media.

   Jay Schwedelson [00:06:00]: "Reimagine the content that your company's putting out, the why and... don't focus on downloads."

Real-World Examples and Anecdotes

Jay provides concrete examples of how his podcasting strategy has facilitated connections with industry leaders. Mentioning upcoming guests like Gary Vee and Sophie Miller, he highlights the reciprocal nature of these interactions—where the podcast serves as an invitation for collaboration rather than mere content consumption.

Jay Schwedelson [00:05:20]: "Gary Vee is coming on the podcast in about a week or two. I want to do work with Gary Vee and hitting Gary Vee up and saying, hey, let's do work together. That's crickets. Come on my podcast show. Sure, why not?"

This approach underscores the effectiveness of using content as a relationship-building tool, enabling Jay to bypass the typical barriers faced in direct outreach.

Actionable Takeaways

For marketers seeking to implement Jay's insights, several actionable steps emerge:

1. Shift Focus from Metrics to Relationships: Prioritize building strategic relationships over accumulating high numbers of downloads or followers.

2. Strategic Guest Selection: Invite influential figures in your industry to your content platforms to foster meaningful connections.

3. Intentional Content Strategy: Use your content not just for audience engagement but as a deliberate tool to connect with key stakeholders.

4. Collaborative Mindset: Approach collaborations with the intent to build long-term partnerships that can mutually benefit all parties involved.

Jay Schwedelson [00:06:45]: "You need to think about the content that you are putting out... This is a vehicle for us to meet the exact right people and befriend them, and that is how we're going to win."

Conclusion

In this episode, Jay Schwedelson effectively reframes the purpose of content marketing from mere audience reach to strategic relationship building. By leveraging podcasts and newsletters as tools for Account-Based Marketing, he demonstrates a pathway to forging meaningful connections that can significantly impact business growth. Marketers are encouraged to adopt this relationship-centric approach to unlock new opportunities and elevate their marketing endeavors.

Key Quotes:

• "Who actually cares? We passed $1 million. It's a big, big deal. But who actually cares?" — Jay Schwedelson [00:00:50]

• "The reason I started the podcast was that I view it and it is the ultimate ABM play, the ultimate account-based marketing play." — Jay Schwedelson [00:02:15]

• "Reimagine the content that your company's putting out, the why and... don't focus on downloads." — Jay Schwedelson [00:06:00]

By shifting the focus from quantitative metrics to qualitative relationships, Jay provides a fresh and impactful perspective on marketing strategies, urging marketers to harness the true potential of their content.