Marc Kalan - The Essence of Marketing

Marc Kalan is an Associate Professor of Professional Practice at Rutgers Business School. As a seasoned marketing and sales executive turned award-winning educator, Marc leverages his over 30 years of experience in the corporate world to train future business leaders. He also has an extensive background in consumer packaged goods (CPG) and brand management, working with prominent companies such as Procter & Gamble and Unilever. His fortes include digital marketing and understanding consumer behavior, reflected in the innovative courses and programs he’s developed.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

[02:16] Marc Kalan’s journey of becoming a respected educator after decades in the marketing industry
[08:41] The dynamic, diverse environment of Rutgers Business School and Marc’s educational contributions
[22:17] The constant evolution of marketing, communication, technology, and education
[30:57] The critical role of solving customer needs in successful marketing
[36:51] The importance of adapting to the dynamic marketing environment
[38:45] How Marc’s teaching philosophy encourages student engagement and participation
[40:16] The educational value of engaging presentations in marketing

In this episode…

Have you ever stopped to consider the true nature of your business when selling a product? What are the big companies doing to excel? How could this understanding transform your marketing strategies?

Marc Kalan, a marketing veteran and distinguished educator, delves into facets of marketing beyond mere product focus. He discusses his extensive background in the marketing industry and how he leverages that experience in his role as an educator at Rutgers Business School. Marc elaborates on the importance of understanding consumer behavior and using that insight to create relevant marketing solutions, emphasizing the dynamic, ever-changing nature of the market. His approach focuses on prioritizing the human element, blending tech with timeless marketing techniques like storytelling, and addressing unmet consumer needs to elevate your marketing. With anecdotes and years of wisdom, he underscores the fundamental need for marketers to evolve with technological and societal shifts while maintaining the essence of their marketing strategies.

In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith interviews Marc Kalan, Associate Professor of Professional Practice at Rutgers Business School, about the unalterable core of marketing principles. Marc shares the dynamic, diverse environment of Rutgers Business School and his educational contributions, the constant evolution of marketing, the critical role of solving customer needs in successful marketing, and the importance of adapting to the dynamic marketing environment.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Quotable Moments:

“Brands are breathing entities that deliver consumer expectation and desire.”
“People buy benefits; the outcome sought motivates behavior.”
“We have to recognize, as marketers, what those needs are and then with our teammates, create solutions.”
“Marketing is not about the application of technologies which continue to move forward, but it’s the dissection of challenges, understanding human behaviors.”
“If you can make learning fun, then people want to listen. They want to be involved.”

Action Steps:

Focus on the human element in marketing: Understanding deeply what motivates and drives consumer behaviors helps you meet their current and evolving needs.
Keep up-to-date with technology while reinforcing timeless marketing concepts: As technology advances, combining it with classic strategies can create more effective marketing solutions.
Create solutions that meet unmet or poorly met consumer needs: This proactive approach in marketing can set you apart in a competitive marketplace.
Engage and participate actively in learning and teaching opportunities, regardless of the role or industry: Continuous learning fosters innovation and adaptability.
Incorporate stories and real-life examples in communications to engage and captivate your audience: This method improves the retention and understanding of complex topics, making it an effective teaching and marketing tool.

Sponsor for this episode…

Today’s episode is sponsored by Paul Gregory Media, an 18-year-old digital marketing agency in downtown Naperville, Illinois.

They are one of the few thousand Certified B Corporations worldwide, demonstrating PGM as a leader of a global movement to use business as a force for good, meeting high standards of accountability, transparency, and community involvement. They have been trusted by hundreds of organizations since 2006.

PGM is recognized as one of the top marketing agencies in the region, earning more awards than many of its competitors combined. They have the passion, commitment, and expertise to get it done.

To learn more about the services PGM offers or how they can support you with your marketing needs, visit www.paulgregorymedia.com or email them at [email protected].

Marc Kalan – The Essence of Marketing