Bayard Saunders - Digital Marketing

26/07/2024

Follow this link to the free Google Drive (https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1GXsie3t8630p-UIN2qedlLiVKWJGAys1) to listen to or download the new Jack White album.

Yes, it's free, do it today... Nice work, Jack. Very nicely done. Third Man Records

See also
https://americansongwriter.com/jack-white-subverts-streaming-by-encouraging-fans-to-download-and-distribute-his-new-album-for-free/

Jack White took an interesting approach to release his sixth solo album, encouraging fans to "rip it" and providing a free download.

21/11/2023

Enjoying the company of very bright people, hanging out in Los Angeles with Club CMO formerly The CMO Club... If you are a or in marketing leadership, please consider joining us for the next meeting!

14/11/2023

Woot! ...The The Princeton Review SAT & ACT & Entrepreneur have recognized UCLA Anderson School of Management as #1 Graduate Entrepreneurship Program in the West and Top 5 in the United States!

Check it out: https://www.princetonreview.com/business-school-rankings?rankings=top-50-entrepreneurship-grad

Check out The Princeton Review’s ranking list of the top 50 graduate programs for entrepreneurship education.

10/11/2023

Important precedents being set here for protection of individual rights to your image and likeness. Let's advance technology AND be smart about the possible consequences.

https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/hollywood-actors-secure-safeguards-around-ai-use-screen-2023-11-09/

Movie studios must obtain permission from actors to use their images in material generated by artificial intelligence (AI), and pay performers whenever their digital doubles appear on screen, under the labor agreement that ended a 118-day strike.

21/10/2023

Can we play the happy music yet?

"Economists now project healthier U.S. growth through the beginning of next year, scaling back the odds of a recession to a one-year low, according to Bloomberg's latest monthly survey. Booming consumer spending and a still-strong labor market will keep the economy afloat despite high interest rates and inflation, many survey respondents believe. The economists also said they expect that the Federal Reserve is done raising rates and will cut them in 2024 — but slowly. Fed Chair Jerome Powell said Thursday that “given the uncertainties and risks, and how far we have come, the committee is proceeding carefully.” "

https://www.linkedin.com/news/story/us-outlook-improves-economists-5809940/

See also...

https://www.cbpp.org/research/economy/tracking-the-recovery-from-the-pandemic-recession

https://www.usbank.com/investing/financial-perspectives/market-news/effect-of-job-market-on-the-economy.html

The strong job market combined with a slowing economy are key indicators the Federal Reserve is focused on as it adjusts monetary policy to help fight inflation.

02/09/2023

Been there... done that... I've know a lot of these folks... worked with some. It was a "golden time" and a right place for startups in the southeast...

Some Nashville startups launched from 2010 through 2015 are booking massive returns while others are no longer operating.

19/08/2023

Before you start fear mongering about A.I., consider the potential for positive use...

Discover Brunello Cucinelli's reflections on the evolution of Artificial Intelligence and the role it will play in our lives.

03/08/2023

UCLA founders, alumni, & Venture Accelerator participants:

Applications are LIVE for the UCLA Innovation Showcase! 🚀

Apply & learn more: http://ucla.startuptree.co/event/s/CnHpUXv3PiYej883zkjqhb/2023-UCLA-Innovation-Showcase

This is a two-month, intensive program, running from September to October, that connects founders to investors and mentors, culminating in a large demo day with an opportunity to win cash prizes and awards. The Showcase event is invite-only, attended by early-stage investors, UCLA alumni, faculty, and media representatives.

Who can apply? All current UCLA founders, alumni, & Venture Accelerator participants, with a focus on pre-seed and seed stage companies who are raising.

Important Dates
• Application Deadline: Aug. 8, 11:59p
• Application Finalists Announcement: Aug. 20
• Final Round Tryouts: Aug. 30 in-person ONLY
• Showcase Cohort Announcement: Sept. 1
• Demo Day: Oct. 26

UCLA Anderson School of Management | UCLA | UCLA TDG | UCLA Anderson Alumni Network | UCLA Alumni | UCLA Health | UCLA Samueli School of Engineering | UCLA School of Law | | | | |

15/07/2023

A good analysis, without the hype, and with a global perspective on practical applications of A.I. and the wave of change happening for workers everywhere.

https://restofworld.org/2023/ai-revolution-outsourced-workers/

The global labor force of outsourced and contract workers are early adopters of generative AI — and the most at risk.

06/07/2023

Come on in... the water's fine...

28/06/2023

A change is gonna come... be part of the solution...

The conditions are right for substantial change – but what exactly will that change look like?

21/06/2023

Congratulations to Brand Innovators' Marc Sternberg et al. on the new CLUB CMO... Should have gotten Bill Hader to do the announcement as his SNL character "Stefan" ...something like: "The world's hottest marketing club is "CLUB CMO" ...it's got everything..." 🤣

https://www.brand-innovators.com/news/brand-innovators-goes-global-as-it-welcomes-club-cmo

Brand Innovators has officially welcomed Club CMO to its network.

22/03/2023

How soon we forget that Coca-Cola was an early adopter of using AI for creating television commercials... a cautionary tale here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUMX6y2glJ8

Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/zonacmxTwitter: https://twitter.com/zonacmxPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.mx/djenectmx/Web: http://coleccionworldwid...

12/03/2023

First, AI came for the writers...

https://thehustle.co/should-we-automate-the-ceo/

There has been a lot of buzz about how AI might eventually replace lower-rank workers. But why not start with the highest-paid corporate executives?

24/02/2023

From AI LA ...a panel discussion on AI with Shira Lazar...

AI LA, ViceCity Ventures, PMA.LA with hosts Paypal Honey & AE Studio host a discussion about ChatGPT and LLMs

22/02/2023

Is that a DJ in your pocket, or are you just glad to see me?

Serious question: Can serendipity be programmed? Will AI suggest music that is contrary to the users' regular selections? How will we discover and grow our appreciation for new music, outside the range of our AI-defined categorization?

https://newsroom.spotify.com/2023-02-22/spotify-debuts-a-new-ai-dj-right-in-your-pocket/

Personalization is at the heart of what we do at Spotify—just think of fan-favorite playlists like Discover Weekly, or our annual Wrapped campaign. The beauty of these experiences is our ability to deliver the right piece of music for that exact moment in time, and maybe even connect you with your...

21/02/2023

Tuesday, March 7... 6:00pm... looks like fun, swimming with sharks and all... https://www.eventbrite.com/e/founders-live-nashville-tickets-538111073707

The Ultimate Entrepreneurial Experience and Virtual Pitch Competition

17/02/2023

Congratulations to all of the nominees and winners of this year's Nashville Technology Council Awards... including The Wond'ry's own Yesenia Sevilla! Brava! Truly exemplary work represented here - https://www.venturenashville.com/winners-nashville-tech-startups-enterprises-pros-vie-for-ntc-laurels-cms-2231

[Updated 16 Feb 2023 with winners] Judges' experience, victories, scars and hard-earned wisdom help sort Greater Nashville region's talent pool.

24/01/2023

Very excited to Mentor a new cohort this semester at UCLA Anderson School of Management Price Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation... And looking forward to the Venture Accelerator event this month - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/venture-accelerator-at-ucla-anderson-x-berkeley-skydeck-reception-tickets-520916835277

Berkeley SkyDeck, the first official accelerator of UC Berkeley has just opened the application for its Batch 16 cohort! Applications are open for all the startups across the UC ecosystem, and SkyDeck is hosting an event at the Venture Accelerator to tell you more about it. Early stage entrepreneurs from all industries, join us for an informational session and panel followed by a reception where you can get to know fellow UC startup founders.

Between 20 and 25 selected Cohort teams receive a $200K investment from Berkeley SkyDeck Fund. Cohort teams participate in mandatory sessions, are matched with a Lead Advisor, have designated work space at SkyDeck, and present at Demo Day.

Between 10 and 12 selected SkyDeck Europe teams receive a €145K investment from the Berkeley SkyDeck Fund. SkyDeck Europe teams participate in mandatory sessions, are matched with a Lead Advisor, have designated work space when in-person at SkyDeck in Berkeley, and designated work space when in-person at SkyDeck in Milan, and present at Demo Day.

Between 60 and 80 selected Pad-13 teams have access to some of the same resources as Cohort teams, excluding the guaranteed fund investment, aspects of the mentorship program, and ability to pitch to 500+ investors at Demo Day.

The Berkeley SkyDeck Fund has the option of investing in all Pad-13 teams who raise an institutional round up to 10% of that round at the same terms as the other investors.

SkyDeck Cohort and SkyDeck Pad-13 teams receive access to: 500+ SkyDeck Advisors, weekly roundtables, workshops, and events, space to work at SkyDeck (Pad-13 do not have designated space but may work in open areas), and $750K+ in-kind legal, financial, and tech resources from SkyDeck Resource Partners!

SkyDeck has a suite of dedicated business development resources connecting startups to customers in every industry, using our industry partner network and the Berkeley Alumni Network of 500,000 living alums.

Join the Venture Accelerator at UCLA Anderson and Berkeley SkyDeck for an afternoon of networking!

14/01/2023

The problem for brands will be ChatGPT-style AI in search, or as a replacement for search results in consumer buying behavior... AI will produce one comprehensive search result instead of many results... There will be less trying to change consumer perception with paid media ads or SEO of content... Reputation will rule the day... More focus on earned media, reviews of and reporting on actual customer experience for the AI to find... Brands will have to walk the walk, or suffer the consequences... Make actual changes to the quality of their product, the efficiency of their service and operations, or die trying... That's an entirely new frame of mind for the C-suite.

Don't just take my word for it... Here's what Pete Blackshaw has to say...



https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7019281087222726656/

Ad Age just published my thoughts on OpenAI and ChatGPT. Word of warning: it’s NOT the sexy stuff. Quick digest:

"ChatGPT is all the rage, but amid the hoopla and “creative efficiency exuberance,” life is going to get much more complicated for brands. Don’t believe me. Just grab any OpenAI application and ask whether your favorite brand is sustainable? Or committed to diversity? Or trustworthy with personal data? When digital memory collides with desired brand narrative, things get complicated, confusing and—inevitably—costly for brands. My advice for CMOs/CEOs: balance “more for less’ creative exuberance with a reality check on how these algorithms will position and rank your brand in front of curious buyers. And "Listen before you engage."
A few other soundbites:

— “OpenAI makes the path to smart answers about brands an attractive, sticky and even fun alternative to both Google Search or Wikipedia. We're marching toward “single response” search powered by AI algorithms that crunch through reams of data..

— “ChatGPT heralds the end of long-tail search results. The utility simplifies your universe of results into one integrated “black box” answer. Keep in mind that most brands struggle to own top organic search results, especially on important and consequential queries (e.g. what’s the best dog food). Brands compensate for this through advertising, content optimization and massive spending on search agencies and consultants. AI search is shifting that paradigm."

-- "One silver lining in all this: Internal advocates may get more ammo to push for more impactful and authentic initiatives and strategies. CMOs may also quickly realize that green targets and ESG commitments are among the most important inputs into brand building. Less “check the box,” more “do or die.”

Ad Age just published my thoughts on OpenAI and ChatGPT. Word of warning: it’s NOT the sexy stuff. Quick digest: "ChatGPT is all the rage, but amid the… | 29 comments on LinkedIn

04/01/2023

NEW: Replace your sales and marketing "funnel" with a new vision... Beyond the funnel there is a "beaker" of customer experience, where customer loyalty is nurtured and advocacy grows, becoming a channel to the networks of existing satisfied customers, "pipes" to repurchase and top-of-funnel lead generation, measured like earned media... Want to know more? Send me a message or comment here...

"Funnel & Beaker" © Copyright 2023, Bayard Saunders.

26/10/2022

What he said... show them the money...

19/10/2022

Being a Mentor has been an honor, and my privilege to work with the brilliant faculty, students and staff at Vanderbilt and The Wond'ry.

14/10/2022

APPLY NOW
THREE DAYS LEFT!
Applications due October 17, 2022
Program is open to all founders in the startup community.

The Venture Accelerator at UCLA Anderson offers a six-month program for early-stage startups called Accelerate. The program offers one-on-one mentoring by UCLA Anderson alumni, weekly workshops that focus on the “how to,” connections to capital and regular networking events to engage with the Los Angeles startup ecosystem.

We at UCLA Anderson are excited to help elevate student founders and alumni-led companies from across campus and the Los Angeles startup ecosystem. The Accelerator is now accepting applications for the upcoming winter cohort that will begin early 2023.

https://www.anderson.ucla.edu/about/centers/price-center-for-entrepreneurship-and-innovation/anderson-venture-accelerator/our-programs/six-month-accelerate-program

The Anderson Venture Accelerator offers a curated and immersive experience customized by vertical for early-stage startups. Approximately 10 companies are accepted per cohort. The program runs once a year and offers one-on-one mentoring by UCLA Anderson alumni, weekly workshops that focus on the ...

27/09/2022

Help UCLA raise $50,000 for the project: Venture Accelerator at UCLA Anderson. Your gift will make a difference!

11/09/2022

Congratulations to Karl Zelik and the team at HeroWear

The Army is creating a next-generation ‘Iron Man’ suit for soldier back pain that is lightweight and less clunky than what it's tried in the past.

10/09/2022

Vanderbilt named lead institution of the first NSF Innovation Corps Hub in the Midsouth. Championed by the Wond’ry, Vanderbilt will lead and unify a regional ecosystem of diverse, tech-forward universities to promote inclusive innovation, spur economic development and prosperity and accelerate gro...

26/07/2022

UCLA

Did you know: UCLA is #1 among 225 universities in generating startup businesses and we’re proud of it!

We 💙 our founders at the Venture Accelerator!
Statistic: The Milken Institute
📸 .photography

12/07/2022

Shout-out to General Motors for working with The Moth and bringing the "pop up porch" to people who might otherwise never experience the power of live storytelling... Bravo! ...Encore!

https://themoth.org/the-moth-pop-up-porch-tour

The Moth is a nonprofit organization that builds empathy through live and virtual storytelling shows, open-mic storytelling events, The Moth Radio Hour, The Moth Podcast and storytelling workshops.

04/07/2022

More of the best from this year's Cannes Lions awards

This year's Grand Prix winners took storytelling and stigma-shattering to ambitious heights.