It's Time To Be Present And Leave Twitter

In this episode of Talking About Marketing, Steve Davis and David Olney take us on a journey through mindfulness, the art of leadership, crafting compelling marketing messages, and the enduring power of classic political campaign strategies.

The Person segment delves into the importance of mindfulness and staying present in our fast-paced world.

In Principles, they explore the significance of leadership that empowers others, drawing parallels from politics to small business.

The Problems segment focuses on how to craft marketing messages that truly resonate with your audience.

Finally, in Perspicacity, they reflect on the timeless appeal of the "It's Time" campaign, pondering its relevance in today's political landscape.

Get ready to take notes!

Talking About Marketing podcast episode notes with timecodes

01:20 Person This segment focusses on you, the person, because we believe business is personal.
Mindful Mastery: Taming the Mental Chaos in Business

In the Person segment of this episode, Steve and David dive into the importance of mindfulness, particularly for small business owners who often find themselves overwhelmed by the demands of their roles. Steve shares his personal experience with the Sam Harris mindfulness app, noting how daily mindfulness exercises help him manage the constant stream of thoughts that can often feel like being in the middle of a busy Grand Central Station.

The discussion highlights how mindfulness practices, such as focusing on the present moment, can help individuals manage the internal noise and distractions that arise during a typical day. David adds that through practices like yoga and playing guitar, he’s been able to create a sense of space and calmness, even in the midst of mental chaos. They both agree that being aware of one’s thoughts, without getting lost in them, is a powerful tool not just for personal well-being but also for professional effectiveness.

This segment serves as a reminder that mindfulness isn't just about relaxation; it's about recognizing and managing the flood of thoughts that can derail our focus and productivity. By learning to observe these thoughts without becoming consumed by them, small business owners can maintain clarity and effectiveness in their daily lives, leading to better decision-making and less stress.

It also features some thoughts by professor of psychology at the University of Miami, Dr. Amishi Jha, PhD, from her chat with Sam Harris in an episode of Making Sense, titled, The Roots of Attention.

13:20 Principles This segment focusses principles you can apply in your business today.
Principled Leadership: The Art of Following to Lead Effectively

In the Principles segment, Steve and David explore the concept of leadership through the lens of current political events and small business management. Steve reflects on the disappointment many felt after Joe Biden’s lackluster performance in a public debate against Donald Trump, and the subsequent relief when Kamala Harris was proposed as a more credible candidate. This political drama provides a backdrop for a deeper discussion on the qualities that make a leader truly effective.

David introduces the idea that great leaders aren’t necessarily those who dominate or demand control, but those who empower others to succeed. Drawing inspiration from the pairing of Kamala Harris with Tim Walz, David emphasises the importance of valuing and trusting your team. He explains that many small business founders struggle with this, often trying to do everything themselves or demanding that tasks be done exactly their way. However, by recognising a