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Embracing Marketing Mistakes — Marketing
Embracing Marketing Mistakes

Welcome to Embracing Marketing Mistakes, the world’s leading irreverent podcast for senior marketers who are tired of the polished corporate b*llshit.

Join Chris Norton and Will Ockenden, founders of the award-winning Prohibition PR, as they sit down with industry leaders to dissect the career-ending f*ck-ups they’d rather forget. The show moves past any pretty vanity metrics to uncover the brutal, honest truths behind marketing disasters, from £30,000 SEO black holes and completely failed companies, to social media crises that went globally viral for all the wrong reasons.

We don’t just celebrate the f*ck-ups; we extract the tactical blueprints you need to avoid them yourself. If you are a business owner, or a CMO looking for a competitive advantage that only comes from real-world experience, this is your weekly masterclass in resilience and strategy.

Listen for: Raw stories from top brands, ex-McKinsey strategists, and industry disruptors.

Learn from: The errors that cost thousands and the recoveries that saved careers.

Get ahead by: Turning other people’s nasty disasters into your unfair market advantage.

If you have a story to tell and would like to appear on the show, tell us your biggest marketing mistake and drop us a line.

Copyright: © 2026 Embracing Marketing Mistakes

Latest Episodes:

EP 13: How did customer complaints fuel a business revolution? Nov 21, 2023

Show notes

Ready to step into the world of unbranded products and discover how a brand was built in a commodity market? We are excited to bring you an interesting conversation with Jack Sutcliffe, founder of Power Sheds, a game-changing company that's shaking up the shed industry in the UK all from its heart in Yorkshire. Jack shares his fascinating journey of rising to the top of an unbranded market, how his company emerged as the 20th fastest-growing in the UK, and his plans for global domination. Hear about their unique modular design, their commitment to sustainability, and the marketing secrets behind their impressive success.
How do you market a shed? Well, sit tight as we dive deeper into the interesting world of shed sales and the marketing strategies that work in this sector! Jack gives us a peek into how Power Sheds successfully uses PPC, social media, and even TV advertising to rake in sales. He sheds light on the importance of customer reviews, the value of an engaged community, and why prioritising customer service is pivotal. Will and I also ponder over intriguing decisions like launching in Germany before Ireland, and the exciting prospects of working with influencers in the right manner.

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Your competitors are being named by AI. Are you? One of our clients went from being named in 4 of 50 buyer prompts to 19 in 90 days. Book your free AI visibility check with Chris here. 👉 [Book free AI Visibility Check] 👈

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EP 12: Navigating the Freelance Landscape: Insights, Challenges, and the Power of Podcasting - Paul Sutton Nov 07, 2023

Show notes

What does it take to become a successful freelancer in the world of digital marketing? Trust us, there's no one better to guide you through this journey than our insightful guest, Paul Sutton. With over 20 years of experience in the industry and a stint as a creative director, Paul has seen it all. From launching a brick-and-mortar store during the global financial crisis and transitioning into e-commerce, to founding a luxury pet accessories business, his journey is a treasure trove of real-life experiences and hard-earned lessons.
But it's not all about work. Paul also candidly talks about the challenges of maintaining a work-life balance as a freelancer. The moment he took paternity leave and the unexpected response he got from his boss, is a story you wouldn't want to miss. As a thought leader, he also shares his trials and tribulations, and the importance of believing in oneself even when times get tough. Paul's top three tips for freelancers are gold nuggets of wisdom that every aspiring freelancer should hear.
Finally, get ready to uncover the power of podcasting. Paul believes that starting a podcast was the best thing he's ever done for his business and he shares why. From the importance of promoting old episodes to the significance of consistently putting out new content, we explore the many facets of podcasting with Paul. This episode is a treasure trove of actionable takeaways, inspiring stories, and real-life experiences. So buckle up and join us as we embark on this fascinating journey with Paul Sutton.

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Your competitors are being named by AI. Are you? One of our clients went from being named in 4 of 50 buyer prompts to 19 in 90 days. Book your free AI visibility check with Chris here. 👉 [Book free AI Visibility Check] 👈

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EP 11: Is AI the Ultimate Disruptor in PR? Wadds on the Future of Misinformation Oct 24, 2023

Show notes

Have you ever wondered how disruptive technology is impacting the communications industry? Stephen Waddington, a PR veteran and successful agency owner, gives us an eye-opening perspective in an unmissable chat. Stephen, known for his agile management of agencies even in challenging economic conditions, shares invaluable advice on surviving tough times, from staying true to clients, to effective fiscal management.
In a fascinating twist, we dive into the depths of artificial intelligence (AI) and its game-changing potential in the world of public relations. We explore the tantalizingly complex world of generative AI, examining everything from its alarming capacity to create convincing but fabricated content, to its potential for destructive disinformation campaigns. The ethical implications of AI usage are not overlooked as we unpack the crucial role of trust and safeguards in AI application.
The conversation doesn't stop there. We consider ethical concerns associated with industry disruption and discuss the uncharted territories of AI technology. The tug-of-war between product teams and ethics teams, the lack of effective control mechanisms, and the difficulties of crafting suitable regulations are all addressed.
We look at the effects of the economy on the PR industry, the importance of value, the worrying trend of short-termism, and the phenomena of "ghosting" in the client community. As a bonus, Stephen enlightens us on the factors to consider when deciding to pursue a pitch, such as clear objectives, reasonable time scales, and budget visibility. Tune in for a compelling conversation with one of the industry's leading experts, with over 29 years of experience in public relations.

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Your competitors are being named by AI. Are you? One of our clients went from being named in 4 of 50 buyer prompts to 19 in 90 days. Book your free AI visibility check with Chris here. 👉 [Book free AI Visibility Check] 👈

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EP 10: Are Craft Beers Really Crafty? The Truth Behind Big Beer Marketing Tactics - Rachel Auty Oct 10, 2023

Show notes

The drink industry is probably one of the most, if not the most, competitive and toughest industries to be in at the moment. Rachel Auty is a marketing powerhouse in the brewing industry. Rachel is the head of marketing at Brew York, a director at Beer Writers, and the founder of Women on Tap, so she knows her stuff when it comes to beer and standing out in the market.
We delve into the challenges of standing out in a saturated market, the importance of customer engagement, and the impact of disruptive strategies in the wonderful world of craft beer. I promise we're not just here to talk shop about beer; this is an exploration of marketing strategy, brand identity and how they collide in the craft beer world. We also discuss the rise of women in the brewing industry, and Rachel shares some invaluable advice for aspiring female brewers wanting to make their mark.
Finally, we wrap up our discussion by venturing into the realm of social media and its growing impact on branding and marketing in the craft beer industry. Discover how the right branding, disruption, and a clear message can make all the difference. If you're interested in marketing, craft beer, or simply love a good conversation, this episode is for you. Tune in, grab your favourite beer, and let's learn together.

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Your competitors are being named by AI. Are you? One of our clients went from being named in 4 of 50 buyer prompts to 19 in 90 days. Book your free AI visibility check with Chris here. 👉 [Book free AI Visibility Check] 👈

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Socially Unacceptable - Podcast Show Trailer Oct 06, 2023

Show notes

Welcome to Socially Unacceptable the only top 10 UK podcast for marketers, PR professionals, and entrepreneurs, looking to grow their brands, that actually celebrates the biggest f*ck ups, mistakes, mishaps, and misfortunes.

Every fortnight, our two hosts, Chris Norton, a top 10 PR blogger, and the Founder of Prohibition, and Will Ockenden, a business owner and creative powerhouse, plunge headfirst into riveting stories shared exclusively by industry experts, prominent brand managers, and resilient marketers who've navigated their way through big setbacks, career-ending f@ck up and yet still emerged stronger.
In the first 12 episodes, we cover everything from the ever-evolving world of strategic marketing and the pain of failure.
From distinguishing TikTok content for B2B brands to navigating your communications in an AI-era. We look at mastering the science of influencer marketing for years to come. We discuss real-life business failures and what it feels like to lose six figures overnight, we attempt to cover it all with some fascinating guests and inspiring stories.
Please subscribe to the show and let us know what you think of it.

Send us Fan Mail

Your competitors are being named by AI. Are you? One of our clients went from being named in 4 of 50 buyer prompts to 19 in 90 days. Book your free AI visibility check with Chris here. 👉 [Book free AI Visibility Check] 👈

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The mistakes we see marketers make, every fortnight. 👉 [Subscribe here] 👈

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EP 9: Can TikTok Really Work for B2B? Here’s What You Need to Know - Tom Basgil Sep 26, 2023

Show notes

Have you ever wondered about the intricacies of B2B marketing? Well, we're here to uncover that world for you. In this episode, we are joined by the seasoned growth marketing specialist, Tom Basgil, who guides us through the labyrinth of B2B marketing. We delve deep into the realm of short-term ROI, understand the nuances of social listening, and appreciate the power of employee advocacy in shaping up a brand. And do white papers work anymore? Tom also shares his valuable insights about gatekeeping and the stand-out factors that can make content shine brighter in the saturated B2B market.
As we move further, we explore the latest trends in B2B marketing. Here, the discussion takes an interesting turn towards the people behind the companies, the value of a dedicated TikTok strategy, and how B2B brands can carve out their unique niches in the crowded marketplace. Tom's exceptional expertise helps us understand the importance of AI, social listening, competitive analysis and the role of employee advocacy in B2B marketing. We also touch upon his exceptional strategies to turn C-suite executives into social media advocates and the secrets of being a successful C-suite influencer.
But we don't just stop at the present; we also set our sights on the future of B2B marketing. The conversation then dwells on the importance of personalization in marketing campaigns, the potential of YouTube as a platform for B2B marketing, and the exciting world of AI-generated content. We also explore alternative methods for capturing data, the impact of AI in cybersecurity and the power of podcasts as a content creation tool. So whether you're in B2B or B2C marketing, tune in for this fascinating conversation and learn about the current and future marketing trends and strategies.

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Your competitors are being named by AI. Are you? One of our clients went from being named in 4 of 50 buyer prompts to 19 in 90 days. Book your free AI visibility check with Chris here. 👉 [Book free AI Visibility Check] 👈

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EP 8: How I Lost Six Figures and My First Business - Josh Lachkovic Sep 11, 2023

Show notes

How can you turn your business growth around, even amidst unpredictable times? Look no further! This episode brings you the incredible story of Josh Lachkovic, the founder and managing director of growth agency Amphora.
After failing his first startup, the Wine List, Josh is a testament to resilience, having faced failure and emerged more successful. In an eye-opening chat, Josh unveils his wisdom on facing failure and the lessons learned from his first startup, losing six figures as the pandemic altered buying behaviour drastically.
As we delve deeper into the conversation, we navigate the world of 'bootstrapping,' with Josh sharing valuable advice on how entrepreneurs can use creative strategies in these turbulent times of digital marketing. We also uncover how IOS 14 is an opportunity rather than a problem in paid social advertising, the potential of advanced AI targeting, and how quality creative is the key to engaging consumers.
Josh shares critical insights into understanding user psychology, data, and leveraging social platforms for business growth. So, if you're ready to transform your business and scale it to unimaginable heights, grab your headphones and dive into this enlightening episode with Josh Lachkovic!

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Your competitors are being named by AI. Are you? One of our clients went from being named in 4 of 50 buyer prompts to 19 in 90 days. Book your free AI visibility check with Chris here. 👉 [Book free AI Visibility Check] 👈

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EP 7: The Death of the ‘Kardashian Effect’: Why Influencer Marketing Needs a Makeover Sep 04, 2023

Show notes

Picture this: What if a post from an influencer could impact your brand's reach, bringing exponential growth and loyalty like never before? Well, that's the art and science of influencer marketing, and in today's episode, we're unpacking it all for you. Our hosts' journey through the transformation of influencer marketing, highlighting its evolution from when celebrities charged for a single tweet to the sophisticated system we have today.
We explore the undeniable growth of influencers in the modern marketing world, backed by stats like a whopping 400% increase in the UK. The part where half of millennials trust influencer recommendations over other ads is the real kicker, isn't it? We're not stopping at the stats, oh no! We dive into the strategies, the role of micro-influencers, and the shift from influencer marketing to influencer relations. Plus, we reveal how you can supercharge your paid social campaigns with influencer brand content.
But wait, there's more to it! We're bringing you an understanding of B2C and B2B influencer marketing, guiding you on how to strategize a successful influencer campaign, and enlightening you about the crucial role of compliance. We're armed with practical tips and case studies that will help you stay out of trouble and maximize your influencer marketing performance. And the cherry on top? We discuss how creativity and integration can lead to the best results in influencer marketing.
Our hacks don't stop there, we also have our last influencer marketing hacks for 2024 webinar tomorrow. Register here to save your spot and check out more of our free events!

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Your competitors are being named by AI. Are you? One of our clients went from being named in 4 of 50 buyer prompts to 19 in 90 days. Book your free AI visibility check with Chris here. 👉 [Book free AI Visibility Check] 👈

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EP 6: Top Red Flags in Client Pitches and How to Avoid Bad Deals - Chris Simmons Aug 29, 2023

Show notes

Ever wondered what it takes to run a successful digital agency? Join us as we navigate the nuances of agency leadership and the importance of understanding your numbers, accompanied by Chris Simmance, founder of OMG Center, and the mastermind behind Optus Digital. With a wealth of experience in digital strategy and SEO, Chris takes us through his journey from a travel salesman to the bustling world of digital marketing.
Dive into the common pitfalls that agency owners often stumble upon in their business operations, and discover how to sidestep them. Chris imparts his insights on boosting business performance through understanding numbers and the significance of client retention. Additionally, we examine how to lead score potential clients, set expectations for payment terms, and measure success and scale, with Chris sharing his rule of seven for agency advisors.
But the conversation doesn't stop there. Chris talks about the stages of business growth, the difference between management and leadership, and how to engage your team with a clear vision. We also discuss training and development for agency owners, and the need to stay ahead of industry trends. So, put on your headphones and get ready to revolutionize your agency leadership with us and Chris Simmance. num36sfh

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Your competitors are being named by AI. Are you? One of our clients went from being named in 4 of 50 buyer prompts to 19 in 90 days. Book your free AI visibility check with Chris here. 👉 [Book free AI Visibility Check] 👈

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EP 5: How a Secret Admirer’s Harsh Critique Transformed My Career - Cassie Moyse Aug 15, 2023

Show notes

Ever wondered how to transition from career setbacks to becoming a leading magazine publisher in the UK? Say hello to Cassie Moyse, UK Property Business Woman of the Year and Co-owner/Director of Portfolio North, one of the North's most-read business magazines.
She gives us an insider view into her success story, talking about her magazine Portfolio North, and how she managed to champion print media in an era that's increasingly digital. Starting off as a small print-only magazine, Portfolio North has increased its readership to 35k, launched its own digital edition, and soon its own app.
It's not just about the paper and ink, though. Cassie walks us through the magazine's digital strategy, its exclusive events, the strategic audience targeting, and their unique editorial rule - no negative stories. We also dive into the world of PR, discussing the ingredients of a good PR pitch, the significance of a news angle, and the role of visual assets and rich media in catching the reader's eye.
In the concluding part of our chat, Cassie gets candid about her personal journey. She discusses the importance of personal branding and shares some tips on leveraging LinkedIn. She also gives us a glimpse into the future of publishing and PR, emphasizing the need for creativity and a holistic marketing approach.

Send us Fan Mail

Your competitors are being named by AI. Are you? One of our clients went from being named in 4 of 50 buyer prompts to 19 in 90 days. Book your free AI visibility check with Chris here. 👉 [Book free AI Visibility Check] 👈

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The mistakes we see marketers make, every fortnight. 👉 [Subscribe here] 👈

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