Embarking on a reflective journey through their careers, Giorgio Casella and Sam Biggins delve into the pivotal moments that have shaped their professional lives in the latest episode of People Over Pixels.

With two years of running a digital agency under their belts and a combined two decades in marketing and tech, they share valuable insights and lessons learned along the way. The discussion revolves around the importance of perseverance, curiosity, and the willingness to embrace mistakes as crucial components for personal and professional growth.

They candidly recount their own missteps, emphasising that acknowledging failures can lead to significant learning and improvement. The episode highlights the necessity of hard work and dedication, urging listeners to invest time in their own development, whether through personal projects or continuous learning. It’s a powerful reminder that success is often built on the foundation of past experiences, mistakes, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge.

The festive season brings with it a unique marketing phenomenon: Christmas ads.

Becoming a cultural phenomenon that spark both nostalgia and skepticism, they continue to raise questions about their true effectiveness. While some may fondly recall the Coca Cola truck or the emotional narratives of brands like John Lewis, others roll their eyes at what feels like obligatory holiday marketing.

Hosts Giorgio Cassella and Sam Biggins engage in a spirited discussion about the effectiveness of these ads and their ability to create emotional connections with consumers.

They analyse the balance between heartwarming narratives and the expectation of commercialism, questioning if the financial investment in these campaigns yields tangible results. They further examine the changing landscape of media consumption, suggesting that as younger generations gravitate towards digital platforms, the traditional TV ad may not hold the same power it once did.

Together they explore the importance of aligning brand values with advertising messages, positing that without this alignment, even the most beautifully crafted ads may fail to resonate or drive sales.

The central debate revolves around whether these ads genuinely impact a business's bottom line or foster long-term brand loyalty, or if they are merely a tradition that brands continue out of expectation rather than strategy.

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Takeaways:

• Christmas ads evoke nostalgia and emotional responses, but their effectiveness is debated.
• While brands spend heavily on Christmas ads, their impact on sales remains questionable.
• The expectation of Christmas ads creates a cultural norm that brands feel pressured to follow.
• Smaller brands entering the Christmas ad space must carefully craft messages to resonate with audiences.
• John Lewis's annual Christmas ads highlight the tension between creativity and business impact.
• Long-term brand loyalty may not be significantly influenced by emotional holiday advertising.

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💭Want to send us your thoughts on the pod? Message us on LinkedIn:

Find Giorgio on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gjcassella/

Find Sam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-biggins-b88b763b/

Are you looking to get your business award entries noticed, shortlisted and hopefully, to win!? In this episode of People Over Pixels, Giorgio Cassella and Sam Biggins share their top tips for crafting compelling award submissions based on years of experience and numerous wins.

Crafting compelling award entries can feel like a daunting task, yet it is essential for any business looking to gain recognition for its team’s hard work. With insights into the details that matter, the gents discuss how to present your achievements authentically, including both the ups and downs of your journey.

The discussion highlights the importance of narrative in award submissions, urging entrants to weave a cohesive story that not only showcases their achievements but also engages the judges. With a wealth of experience in this arena, the hosts share critical insights gleaned from years of trial and error, including their own successes and setbacks in the award circuit.

Tips include the power of a structured approach - summary, objectives, strategy, and results - as well as the necessity of including both quantitative and qualitative metrics to provide a comprehensive view of a project’s impact.

Ultimately, the conversation fosters a mindset of continuous improvement and resilience, encouraging listeners to embrace both the challenges and triumphs inherent in the award submission process.

Tune in for a wealth of strategies that will help you elevate your award entries and increase your chances of recognition in the competitive landscape of business awards.

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Takeaways:

• Crafting a compelling narrative is crucial for engaging judges during award entries.
• Include both quantitative and qualitative metrics to support your award submissions effectively.
• Use supplementary information and visuals to enhance clarity and impact in your entries.
• Detailing the ups and downs of your projects showcases resilience and authenticity.
• Ensure your entries highlight the unique aspects that set your agency apart from competitors.
• Do not take negative feedback personally; focus on continuous improvement and learning.

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✨Enjoyed listening? Leave a rating or review and subscribe ready for new episodes.

💭Want to send us your thoughts on the pod? Message us on LinkedIn:

Find Giorgio on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gjcassella/

Find Sam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-biggins-b88b763b/