Welcome to “Unsubscribed Thoughts” – Because You’ve Had Enough

This is not your average marketing newsletter. No fluff, no buzzwords, no endless debates on whether MQLs still matter. Just straight-up insights, a few hard truths, and strategies that actually work. Let’s get started.

Why Another Newsletter?

You’re busy. You already get a million emails about marketing trends, AI hype, and yet another “ultimate playbook.” So why should you care about this one?

Because this is where we cut through the noise.

Every week, I’ll be sharing marketing (and leadership) insights based on real experience, not theory. I’ll break down the nonsense, highlight what actually drives impact, and give you something worth thinking about.

If you’re in marketing, leadership, or just trying to navigate the ever-growing mess of GTM strategies, you’ll want to stick around.

Feature Insight: The ROI Mirage – Why CMOs Keep Chasing Ghosts

There’s an inside joke in marketing circles: “What’s the ROI of ROI?”

Marketers are constantly forced to justify every dollar, every campaign, and every experiment in perfectly trackable, boardroom-friendly numbers. But here’s the problem:

• Not everything that matters can be measured.
• Not everything that’s measured actually matters.

Yes, tracking performance is critical. But obsessing over attribution models and short-term numbers often leads to knee-jerk decisions that kill long-term brand growth.

Case in point? Apple. Their privacy updates wrecked ad targeting, and yet, they’re doing just fine because their brand carries the weight. Meanwhile, brands overly reliant on performance marketing saw their CACs skyrocket.

The Takeaway?

CMOs need to stop chasing ghosts and start playing the long game. The brands winning today aren’t just “optimizing ad spend” — they’re owning the conversation.

Marketing BS Detector: “Personalization at Scale” – The Lie We Keep Telling Ourselves :)

Every SaaS platform, every thought leader, and every tech vendor is hyping “personalization at scale.” Sounds great in theory—until you realize most brands are just slapping a {FirstName} tag on generic outreach emails.

Let’s be real: Personalization is only meaningful when it’s actually personal.

What works? Hyper-relevant, moment-driven marketing—not automated sequences that pretend to be human. If your “personalization strategy” involves mass email automation, you’re not personalizing. You’re spamming.

The Sharpened Lens: What’s Worth Your Time This Week?

?? Read: “The Brand Gap” by Marty Neumeier – Because brand isn’t just about visuals; it’s about differentiation.

?? Listen: Dave Gerhardt’s latest podcast on why brand-driven companies are outperforming performance-marketing-first brands.

?? Tool: Check out SparkToro for understanding audience insights beyond ad clicks.

Parting Shot: A Thought to Leave You With

“The best marketing doesn’t feel like marketing.” – Tom Fishburne

Too many brands are shouting. The smart ones? They’re earning attention.

Your Turn – What’s Your Take?

What’s the biggest marketing BS term you’re tired of hearing? Reply and let me know—I’ll feature the best (or worst) in next week’s issue.

Until next time, Sandeep

P.S. If this made you think (or laugh), share it with someone who needs a dose of reality. If not… well, you know where the unsubscribe button is.