Doug Zarkin: Moving Your Brand Out of the Friend Zone

03/18/25 • 43 min

This week, Mike welcomes Doug Zarkin, a branding expert with an impressive portfolio that includes Avon and Victoria's Secret Pink. Doug discusses his career journey from post-grad hustling to becoming a chief brand officer, emphasizing key lessons learned along the way. He reveals the principles of emotional connection in branding and marketing, highlighting the importance of listening to consumers and building campaigns that resonate deeply. Doug also delves into the contrasting approaches of branding and marketing and shares actionable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and marketers on how to succeed in the competitive landscape. He passionately shares why there is no right or wrong way in marketing, just a direction to commit to fully.

Doug also introduces his book, 'Moving Your Brand Out of the Friend Zone,' and explores some fascinating case studies, such as transforming Avon's brand appeal to a younger audience and scaling Victoria’s Secret Pink into a fashion powerhouse. With insights on the role of technology and AI in future branding strategies and the essentials of creating impactful ad campaigns, this episode is packed with invaluable knowledge for anyone interested in marketing and brand management. Tune in for Doug's candid insights about the challenges and triumphs of his career, and get inspired to THINK HUMAN in every business and marketing decision.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

Moving Your Brand Out of the Friend Zone

Doug's YouTube Channel

Connect with Doug:

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SPONSORS:

Social Chameleon | Transform Your Podcast

Libsyn: First Month FREE with Promo Code BEGREAT

Riverside | This interview was recorded on Riverside

Want to become a show sponsor? Email [email protected]

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

Moving Your Brand Out of the Friend Zone

Doug's YouTube Channel

Connect with Doug:

Connect with Mike:

SPONSORS:

Social Chameleon | Transform Your Podcast

Libsyn: First Month FREE with Promo Code BEGREAT

Riverside | This interview was recorded on Riverside

Want to become a show sponsor? Email [email protected]

Previous Episode

Are You Stuck in the Past or Ready to Embrace Your Future?

Drawing inspiration from a 'Home Improvement' episode with a cameo appearance by Christopher McDonald, Mike talks about the value of living in the moment, embracing the future, and always striving to grow.

Mike highlights how important it is to surround yourself with positive people, learn new things, and break free from the past—especially your past mistakes. He also discusses how embracing AI has boosted his productivity and is helping drive his business forward.

SPONSORS:

Social Chameleon | Transform Your Podcast

Libsyn: First Month FREE with Promo Code BEGREAT

Riverside | This episode was recorded on Riverside

Want to become a show sponsor? Email [email protected]

Next Episode

Jeremy B. Hill: How Private Credit Is Changing the Game for SMBs

This week, Mike sits down with Jeremy Hill, the visionary founder of JB Capital, to explore his entrepreneurial journey. Jeremy shares how he took a leap of faith in 1995, leaving college to pursue a different path and the accidental beginnings of JB Capital. He discusses the challenges of handling everything by oneself and the importance of delegating tasks to allow for business growth. Jeremy offers insights into the rise of private credit markets and their future impact on small and medium-sized businesses. He explains that understanding the thesis of potential investors and the stage of the business is critical when seeking capital.

Jeremy emphasizes the importance of creating a compelling business story to attract investors and how private markets can provide more flexible and swift funding options compared to traditional banks. The conversation also touches on the balance between work and personal life and the importance of maintaining a focus on family and personal fulfillment. Jeremy's experience and advice provide valuable guidance for any entrepreneur looking to grow their business and navigate the complexities of raising capital.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

Connect with Jeremy:

Connect with Mike:

SPONSORS:

Social Chameleon | Transform Your Podcast

AFFILIATES:

Libsyn: First Month FREE with Promo Code BEGREAT

Riverside | This interview was recorded on Riverside