Robots Milking Cows?! - An Interview With Tanna Soukup
In the latest episode of the Nostalgia Street podcast, host Jeff is without his usual partner Vince, who is mysteriously absent due to "Ugandan syphilis and paralysis below the lips" – a condition concocted by Jeff in jest. Nevertheless, they carry on with their guest, Tanna Soukup from Strategie LLC, and dive into a nostalgic conversation about her past growing up on a farm in Leota, Minnesota.
The episode starts with a playful banter between Jeff and Tanna as they discuss hypothetical love story mashups from classic movies, with Tanna choosing Ryan Gosling's character from "The Notebook" and Sandra Bullock's character from a movie she can't quite recall.
As the conversation unfolds, Tanna shares delightful anecdotes from her childhood on the farm, including her experiences with dairy farming, caring for calves, and the introduction of robotic milkers. Jeff's curiosity about farming life leads to a humorous exchange about cows' preferences in music and the intricacies of milking procedures.
Tanna reminisces about her family dynamics, her small-town school experiences, and the challenges and joys of growing up in a tight-knit community. Despite the limitations of rural life, Tanna expresses her eagerness to explore new opportunities beyond the farm and embrace the world beyond Leota.
Throughout the episode, Jeff's lighthearted humor and Tanna's warm storytelling create an engaging atmosphere, offering listeners a glimpse into the charming simplicity of farm life and the resilience and resourcefulness it fosters.
Tanna shared anecdotes from her childhood, reminiscing about the numerous farm accidents that occurred, particularly involving her brothers and father. From broken bones to stitches, the family made frequent visits to the ER, much to her mother's dismay. Tanna humorously recalled a mishap with a four-wheeler, deflecting blame onto her brother, and a memorable incident involving a creek and a failed attempt to keep it a secret from her dad.
Transitioning to her college years at Augustana, Tanna discussed her initial aspirations to become an elementary teacher and her minor in special education. She reflected on her love for running, both in high school and college, including her participation in cross country and half marathons. Despite a knee injury that halted her running, Tanna found alternative ways to stay active.
The conversation shifted to Tanna's entrepreneurial ventures, starting with a women's clothing boutique she launched with her mother during college. They utilized social media marketing to promote their unique style and catered to customers nationwide. Tanna then transitioned into digital marketing roles at Sanford and JDS Industries before ultimately founding her own marketing consultancy, Strategie.
With Strategie, Tanna aims to help business owners navigate the complex world of marketing by developing tailored strategies aligned with their goals. She emphasized the importance of taking calculated risks and the invaluable support she received from her husband and family throughout her journey.
The discussion touches on a variety of topics, including the misconception that social media marketing is easy and can be handled independently by business owners. Tanna emphasizes the importance of strategic planning and the potential pitfalls of trying to juggle marketing efforts alongside running a business. She highlights the value of entrusting marketing responsibilities to experts like herself, allowing business owners to focus on core operations while ensuring effective promotion.
Jeff and Tanna also delve into the evolving dynamics of social media platforms and the challenges businesses face in reaching their target audience amid changing algorithms and advertising models. They explore the role of platforms like TikTok and discuss the privacy concerns associated with data tracking and targeted advertising.
Throughout the conversation, Tanna's passion for her work shines through, as she shares her vision for building a boutique marketing agency centered on fostering meaningful relationships with both clients and employees. She emphasizes the importance of integrity, commitment, and positivity in business endeavors, drawing from her upbringing and personal experiences.
The episode concludes with lighthearted anecdotes from Tanna's past, reinforcing the themes of resilience, adaptability, and finding humor in life's mishaps. Jeff and Tanna's engaging banter leaves listeners entertained and informed, offering valuable insights into the world of marketing and entrepreneurship.
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