#234: Messaging | In this episode, Dave sits down with Emma Stratton, founder of Punchy, to break down what great B2B messaging actually looks like - and how to get it right. Emma has worked with hundreds of B2B tech companies to sharpen their positioning, eliminate vague copy, and train marketing teams to write with clarity and impact. They cover what makes messaging actually resonate and how to spot and fix abstract or weak copy. They also dive into Emma’s process for creating message-market fit, doing customer research, and working with execs and cross-functional teams.

And BONUS: they spend the last 20 minutes talking about personal development, productivity, journaling, and managing your mental energy to be a better marketer (and human).

Dave and Emma also cover:

How to go from vague to punchy by writing with specificity and buyer empathy
Why most B2B messaging falls flat and how to avoid the “sea of sameness”
How to use customer interviews, sales calls, and concrete language to create strong messaging
Why writing, meditation, and personal rituals are so important for creative energy

Timestamps

(00:00) - – Intro to Emma
(04:38) - – What makes B2B messaging actually good
(08:20) - – Common messaging mistakes (and why "clarity > clever")
(11:18) - – Positioning vs. messaging: what’s the difference?
(15:31) - – Why it's hard to name great B2B marketing examples
(17:55) - – How to sharpen weak messaging and fix vague positioning statements
(21:03) - – Simplifying complex products without dumbing it down
(25:17) - – How to write for buyers (not just execs)
(28:49) - – Using customer interviews and research to build strong messaging
(33:27) - – Standing out in a crowded, buzzword-filled market
(36:11) - – How storytelling fits into B2B messaging
(39:17) - – Messaging advice for early-stage founders and startups
(42:32) - – How often should you revisit and update messaging?
(44:42) - – Productivity, managing your energy, and staying focused
(47:57) - – Journaling, mindfulness, and being intentional with your time
(51:52) - – Final takeaways

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Mastering Messaging, Copy, and Clarity with Emma Stratton

The Exit Five CMO Podcast (Hosted by Dave Gerhardt)