Episode Summary: "What’s Up THIS WEEK: Micro Events WIN Summer 🧃+ TikTok Trends GONE WRONG 😱 | Ep. 343"

Release Date: May 27, 2025
Host: Jay Schwedelson
Presented By: Marigold

1. Micro Events: The Summer Marketing Trend

Jay Schwedelson kicks off the episode by highlighting the rising trend of micro events during the summer months. These are short, 15-minute events tailored for both business and consumer marketers.

• Higher Engagement: Jay notes that micro events have a 60% higher show-up rate compared to traditional 45 or 60-minute webinars, especially during summer when audiences prefer shorter engagements. (Timestamp: 00:02)

• Content Formats: Examples include 15-minute office hours or Q&A sessions, which resonate well with the summer mindset. Jay suggests adopting this format bi-weekly to capitalize on its effectiveness.

• Platform Considerations: On platforms like LinkedIn, the maximum video length is 15 minutes on desktop and 10 minutes on mobile. Jay emphasizes the importance of adapting content to these constraints to maintain viewer engagement. (Timestamp: 07:30)

• Audience Retention: Using Instagram Live as an example, Jay cites data from CropLink indicating a 70% audience drop-off after 15 minutes. This underscores the need for concise and impactful content. (Timestamp: 10:45)

2. Early Rollout of Pre-Holiday Marketing Campaigns

Jay expresses concern over the premature launch of holiday marketing initiatives by major brands.

• Brand Examples: Sephora is set to release a holiday gift guide sneak peek within the next week, followed by Williams Sonoma's early winter catalog and Etsy's "Holiday Starts Now" campaign in the subsequent two weeks. (Timestamp: 15:20)

• Market Saturation: Jay is skeptical about the timing, questioning whether starting holiday promotions in June dilutes the marketing efforts and confuses consumers. (Timestamp: 16:50)

3. OpenAI Acquires Johnny Ive’s Company: A Shift Towards AI Hardware

A significant development in the tech industry is discussed, focusing on OpenAI's acquisition of Johnny Ive's company.

• About Johnny Ive: Renowned as the lead designer for Apple, Ive is celebrated as one of the greatest hardware designers globally, responsible for the design of iconic products like the iPhone and Apple Watch. (Timestamp: 20:10)

• Future Projects: Under OpenAI, Ive is set to design new AI-focused hardware. Jay describes the anticipated device as a compact, pocket-sized gadget equipped with a microphone and camera, drawing parallels to the defunct company Humane's products. (Timestamp: 21:35)

• Public Reception: Jay expresses mixed feelings about the innovation, questioning the practicality of carrying an additional device and pondering its potential impact over the next two years. (Timestamp: 23:00)

4. Useless Information: Pop Culture and Social Media Trends

Jay transitions to lighter topics, sharing snippets from pop culture and current social media trends.

a. 9 to 5 Reboot with Jennifer Aniston and Dolly Parton

• Reboot Announcement: Jennifer Aniston is actively producing a reboot of the classic film "9 to 5." However, Dolly Parton will not be reprising her starring role. Instead, Parton has given her blessing for the use of her iconic "Nine to Five" song in the project. (Timestamp: 25:15)

• Fan Excitement: Jay expresses enthusiasm for both the reboot and Dolly Parton's continued association, highlighting the enduring legacy of the original movie and its music. (Timestamp: 26:40)

b. TikTok Trends: The Good and The Bad

• Dangerous Trends: Jay criticizes a concerning TikTok trend where students modify their Chromebooks by inserting school supplies into USB slots, leading to devices catching fire. He emphasizes the dangers and discourages the perpetuation of such harmful trends. (Timestamp: 28:05)

  "Can you think of a stupider trend? I hate these stupid trends that are, like, dangerous. I mean please make them stop and stop putting them on the news." (Timestamp: 29:10)

• Positive Trends: On a brighter note, Jay discusses Sprite's successful launch of a new flavor, Sprite + Tea, inspired by a TikTok trend where users infused Sprite with tea bags. This adaptation demonstrates how brands can leverage social media creativity to introduce popular products.

  "They just launched a new Sprite version called Sprite T and it's crushing it." (Timestamp: 31:25)

5. Closing Thoughts

Jay wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to subscribe for more actionable marketing tips and stay updated with the latest trends. He also humorously invites feedback, hinting at the podcast's engaging and candid nature.

Key Takeaways:

• Embrace Micro Events: Short, focused events can significantly boost engagement, especially during periods when audiences seek brevity.

• Adapt to Platform Norms: Understanding and utilizing the content limitations of different platforms can enhance viewer retention and interaction.

• Stay Ahead of Marketing Trends: While innovative, brands should balance creativity with consumer expectations to avoid market fatigue.

• Leverage Social Media Responsibly: Brands can successfully navigate social media trends by adopting and adapting popular content, but it's crucial to discourage and mitigate harmful behaviors.

• Stay Informed: Keeping abreast of developments in technology and pop culture can provide valuable insights for marketing strategies.

This episode of "Do This, NOT That: Marketing Tips with Jay Schwedelson" offers a blend of practical marketing strategies, industry insights, and candid commentary on current trends, making it a valuable listen for marketers aiming to refine their approaches and stay informed.