Welcome!

Each week we bring to you a discussion on the latest trends in digital marketing and how you can actually implement these strategies into your organization.

#100 Reinventing Marketing with Michael Dillon

“Marketers that use AI smartly are going to replace marketers that don’t use AI at all.” -Michael Dillon
Michael Dillon is an impassioned Marketing Maestro & Revenue Growth Virtuoso with 20+ years of hands-on experience. From B2B, B2C, SaaS, DTC and healthcare, Michael has been the driving force behind businesses soaring to new heights. In this interview, Michael shares his marketing journey and expertise, from the music industry to becoming a Fractional CMO. Join us for insights on marketing strategies and AI integration.

About the Episode

Welcome to the NTM Growth Marketing blog! Today, we have the pleasure of diving into an insightful discussion with Michael Dillon, a seasoned marketing expert with a diverse background and wealth of knowledge in the field. This blog post captures Michael’s amazing journey, spanning from his early days in the music industry to becoming a fractional CMO, and delves into the strategies and principles that have fueled his success.

From Music Enthusiast to Marketing Maven

Michael starts by sharing his career in chapters, likening his journey to a reinvention story.

Chapter 1: The Music Industry Years

Michael’s initial career was entrenched in the music industry, working in sales and sales management. His passion for music is evident even today, with a piano visible in the background during our conversation.

During his tenure in the music business, Michael began to pivot towards Internet sales and marketing. This early exposure to digital marketing set the foundation for what was to come.

However, the economic turmoil of 2008 led to the company’s closure, prompting Michael to reinvent himself.

Chapter 2: The Agency Experience

This transition marked the beginning of Michael’s second chapter, where he joined various marketing agencies. Over the next 13 years, he gained extensive experience, specializing in SEO, link building, and marketing across different verticals like finance, SaaS, and elective medical sectors.

What stands out is Michael’s dedication to expanding his skill set. From social media to paid ads and leadership training, his thirst for knowledge was unquenchable. His previous leadership experience in sales set the stage for his future role as a marketing leader.

Chapter 3: In-House Marketing and Consulting

After moving to Florida, Michael took on the role of lead marketer for a health tech B2B SaaS company. This period was marked by significant challenges and opportunities, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, AI innovations, and massive layoffs in the SaaS industry.’

Despite the tumultuous times, Michael identified a growing need for his consulting services.

Chapter 4: The Rise of the Fractional CMO

Michael’s story reaches its latest chapter as he embraces the role of a fractional CMO. This move allowed him to leverage his vast experience and offer strategic guidance to a variety of clients, ranging from health tech to mental health and autism advocacy.

How a Sales Background Shaped His Marketing Career

Michael attributes his sales background to his ability to communicate effectively, understand clients’ pain points, and craft compelling messaging. This added skill set proved invaluable as he transitioned into marketing leadership.

“Being a good salesman also means you are really good at communicating, which is always helpful no matter what you’re doing.”

The Importance of Leadership Training

Michael emphasizes that many professionals are promoted based on their expertise but lack the necessary leadership training. For effective communication and management, intentional leadership training is essential.

Storytelling: A Critical Skill

Michael is a strong advocate for storytelling in marketing. Engaging an audience and making them the hero of the story are key elements for successful communication. He credits his storytelling skills to extensive training and learning from experts like Stan Miller.

“If you are a really good storyteller, you’re going to be better at marketing, better at closing sales.”

A Passion for Soccer and Impactful Storytelling

Michael’s love for soccer also reveals his appreciation for compelling narratives. He recounts the story of Tottenham and their transformation under a new manager as an example of unexpected and captivating storytelling in sports.

“It’s amazing to see how a team that lost its star player and faced managerial challenges could turn around and have such a compelling season.”

Measuring Success as a Fractional CMO

Aligning with Company Goals

Success in marketing, according to Michael, depends on understanding and aligning with an organization’s goals. Whether it’s demand generation, reducing churn, or driving upsells, different strategies call for different metrics and approaches.

Michael stresses the importance of comprehensive planning. Knowing your ideal customer profile (ICP), their motivations, and emotional states are crucial for crafting effective campaigns.

Testing and Learning

“If you’re not testing, you’re not learning.”

Michael is a strong advocate for continuous testing.

He believes in rigorous statistical analysis to ensure that decisions are data-driven and based on statistically significant results.

Looking Ahead to 2024: The Role of AI in Marketing

Michael’s enthusiasm for the future is palpable, especially concerning AI. He’s actively developing an AI product, recognizing its potential to accomplish more with less.

Practical Applications of AI

Michael points out that AI can significantly enhance efficiency, particularly in areas where there is a shortage of manpower. This resonates with his past experience working with a robotics automation company.

Connect with Michael Dillon

If you’re inspired by Michael’s journey and insights, you can connect with him via LinkedIn: Michael Thomas Dillon. You can also visit his website askmichaeldillon.com for more information and to book time on his calendar.

Thank you for joining us on this deep dive into Michael Dillon’s marketing journey. His story is a testament to the power of reinvention, continuous learning, and the importance of effective communication and storytelling in marketing.

More Episodes

The School for Humanity Archive

Explore our archive of NTM’s original podcast, The School for Humanity, created to discuss the greatest challenges humanity faces and help promote those who are helping to find solutions. 

Skip to content