Be The Drop

You have probably heard the saying "A picture tells a thousand words" well this week we dive into the world of visual storytelling. This is a very special episode of the Be The Drop podcast because it marks the roll-out of our new visual branding for both Be The Drop and Narrative Marketing! As you know we are incredibly passionate about brand storytelling, through both our client work and the podcast, we continually investigating the most effective ways to tell your brand story. To find out more about how important it is for brands to use visual cues to connect with their audience, I caught up with Peter Rufus, Brand Strategist at Nicknack, who are the creative genius' behind our new branding, which we will be rolling out over the next few weeks. For us, there's a clear link between superheroes and business: Superheroes get results; they work hard against all the odds; they're role models and leaders; they stand out from the crowd. These are also the things that we aspire to in business. I truly believe that well articulated brand stories are what will differentiate your brand, from the next. Therefore, brand storytelling is the ultimate superpower for businesses that want to super-charge their marketing strategy. In today's episode of Be The Drop, Peter discusses brand strategy, visual storytelling, and reveals the secret to his creative process... This is Peter's version of Be The Drop... SUBSCRIBE to us in iTunes here (Android users can access through the free app 'Podcast Addict'). SUBSCRIBE to us in SoundCloud here. Get more free marketing resources on our video channel - SUBSCRIBE to us in YouTube here. PS: REMEMBER to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. CONTACT US at [email protected]

Beerenberg is one of my favourite brands. An Adelaide Hills girl, I grew up with Beerenberg as local produce and their strawberry jam was always a household favourite! They have an authentic and human brand narrative, beautiful premium products, and a whole lot of heart in their family-run business. This powerful combination has seen them grow from selling strawberry jam at Adelaide's East End Markets back in the 70's to international distribution and an engaged online community of 27,000 social media followers today. For Marketing Manager Sally Paech, daughter of Grant who started the business 40 years ago, the business is almost another family member. In today's episode of Be The Drop, Sally talks about the marketing magic of brand storytelling, shares practical examples of how to engage your staff, and recalls fond memories of how it all began... To access the weekly podcast episodes as they are released: SUBSCRIBE to us in iTunes here. SUBSCRIBE to us in SoundCloud here. To access the weekly podcast video as they are released - SUBSCRIBE to us in YouTube here. PS: REMEMBER to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. CONTACT US at [email protected]

Today I'm talking with Adelaide theatre aficionado, Ross Vosvotekas, a man of many talents. Card game inventor, app creator, and Director of production company Adapt Enterprises, he is an expert at multi-tasking. Ross is extremely passionate about local creative arts and supporting Adelaide's community of artists and performers. In today's episode of Be The Drop, Ross talks about living your passion, the power of stories to connect people, he reveals what makes live events so unique and we even touch on smashing watermelons on your head... This is Ross' version of Be The Drop... To access the weekly podcast episodes as they are released: SUBSCRIBE to us in iTunes here. SUBSCRIBE to us in SoundCloud here. To access the weekly podcast video as they are released - SUBSCRIBE to us in YouTube here. PS: REMEMBER to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. CONTACT US at [email protected]

Amity Dry has been telling stories for as long as she can remember. Now recognised as a talented singer, actress, writer and composer, Amity believes that it is her ability to be honest and vulnerable in telling her stories, that has helped build her successful career. It was an absolute pleasure to interview Amity at my recent Modern Storytelling event to raise money for Vinnies SA as part of my participation in the CEO Sleepout. I was really excited to investigate with Amity how we can use stories to create the sort of real human connection that can build into something that earns a living. In today's episode of Be The Drop, Amity talks about the difference between fame and credibility in personal branding, we discuss how to resist falling prey to "imposter syndrome", and she reveals the importance of sharing stories that need to be told... To access the weekly podcast episodes as they are released: SUBSCRIBE to us in iTunes here. SUBSCRIBE to us in SoundCloud here. To access the weekly podcast video as they are released - SUBSCRIBE to us in YouTube here. PS: REMEMBER to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. CONTACT US at [email protected]

The overnight temperature dropped to 5 degrees on Thursday 29th June. The air was cold and hung damp around me as I tried to find comfort lying on wet grass, a piece of cardboard underneath me, and one above me. I scrunched deeper into my sleeping bag seeking warmth but the overwhelming feeling was one of being wrapped in icy fingers of cold. For me, this was one night of cold and discomfort, for over 105,000 Australians, this is an experience that they face every night. Night after night. Understanding the power of first hand experience, Vinnies created the CEO Sleepout. The event brings together influential business men and women to raise not only funds but also awareness of the challenges facing those affected by homelessness. To help spread this message, for today's episode of Be The Drop, I interviewed a number of CEOs whilst participating in the event. We discuss what motivates them to give back, why it's important and we also look at what it means to be a part of something bigger than yourself...

Elizabeth Donaldson is the founder of Brick + Mortar, a creative retail and co-working space and cafe; where the focus is on creating a destination for local creatives to connect with the community and other businesses in the creative industries. Having recently turned 2 years old, Brick + Mortar's community was built by Elizabeth from nothing. A brand new concept in a brand new space, it was a huge leap of faith for early adopters. But it's now a vibrant, busy part of the Norwood community, delighting its audience with fresh, interesting and clever locally made products in a design-oriented environment. In today's episode of Be The Drop, Elizabeth discusses the importance of good coffee, how commercially viable doesn't necessarily mean un-creative, and reveals the value of customer service to build brand loyalty... To access the weekly podcast episodes as they are released: SUBSCRIBE to us in iTunes here. SUBSCRIBE to us in SoundCloud here. To access the weekly podcast video as they are released - SUBSCRIBE to us in YouTube here. PS: REMEMBER to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. CONTACT US at [email protected]

Culture and change management is something I find really fascinating; I've worked with businesses developing their vision and purpose, and seen the difference it makes to the bottom line when staff understand how they fit into the bigger picture of what that business is trying to achieve and why it exists. So I really enjoyed my chat with Culture and Leadership Consultant, Michelle Holland. Adding to her long list of talents, Michelle has just written a book called Energy Vampires Suck, which is a personal leadership journey, written using the metaphor of vampires and slayers. In today's episode of Be The Drop, Michelle discusses facing your demons, LinkedIn networking, and reveals how to boost your team's productivity... Be The Drop is brought to you by Narrative Marketing, the marketing consultancy that exists to help you unlock your storytelling superpower. To access the weekly podcast episodes as they are released: SUBSCRIBE to us in iTunes here. SUBSCRIBE to us in SoundCloud here. To access the weekly podcast videos as they are released - SUBSCRIBE to us in YouTube here. PS: REMEMBER to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. CONTACT US at [email protected]

Using the slogan"the happiest place in the world" might seem ambitious and a very bold statement, but after our visit to Dogcity Daycare, a daycare centre for dogs in Adelaide, I think it is 100% appropriate. After our Be The Drop interview, we saw first hand a workplace that was brimming with happiness and a passion to deliver awesome service for customer of both the two legged and four legged variety. Dogcity Daycare owners, Alex and Daniel bought the business three and a half years ago, when they were in their mid 20s. With minimal experience at running a business between them, they have turned their love of dogs into two thriving centres for well-adjusted pups of all shapes and sizes, with a third centre on the way! In today's episode of Be The Drop, Daniel and Alex talk about the importance of playtime at work, how to motivate and support your staff, and reveal another piece of the puzzle leading us closer to the key to modern storytelling... Be The Drop is created by Narrative Marketing. To access the weekly podcast episodes as they are released: SUBSCRIBE to us in iTunes here. SUBSCRIBE to us in SoundCloud here. To access the weekly podcast video as they are released - SUBSCRIBE to us in YouTube here. PS: REMEMBER to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. CONTACT US at [email protected]

Part of being human is our ability to hope, to cultivate positivity out of tragedy. Sonya Ryan knows this better than most. The Carly Ryan Foundation was set up by Sonya in the wake of her daughter Carly's cruel and untimely death, and exists to promote online safety and reduce the abuse of children nationally. Carly's story is the connector or bridge to Sonya's community, and the art of storytelling is therefore invaluable to her. From launching their own personal safety app to developing Carly's Law, Sonya and her team embrace the digital world but advocate an educated and empowered approach to its use. An extraordinary woman, Sonya embodies the 110% commitment and focus required to "be the drop" and I was honoured she took time out of her jam-packed schedule to speak to me. In today's episode of Be The Drop, Sonya discusses dogged determination, talks about positive connection, and reveals the best way to approach online safety with your children... To access the weekly podcast episodes as they are released: SUBSCRIBE to us in iTunes here. SUBSCRIBE to us in SoundCloud here. To access the weekly podcast video as they are released - SUBSCRIBE to us in YouTube here. PS: REMEMBER to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. CONTACT US at [email protected]

Stories can evoke powerful emotions, inspire change and motivate action. For those of you who are just joining us, Be The Drop is a weekly podcast that investigates the art of communication, specifically storytelling, in today's digital world. By interviewing a wide range of people who have built engaged communities, I investigate and share, the secrets to great communication. Be The Drop is not just an outlet for all kinds of stories, but also a battle cry to "be the drop" that creates a waterfall. With courage, focus and commitment, each and every one of us can start something; but together, we can build something. Today's episode is an update and "take stock" review, as over the past few weeks, I have had a number of "ah-ha" moments on my journey to uncover the common threads within communication that drives action. In today's episode of Be The Drop, I consider what it really means to Be The Drop and reveal the all new 5 step process Be The Drop Manifesto to help you create a waterfall of your own... To access the weekly podcast episodes as they are released: SUBSCRIBE to us in iTunes here. SUBSCRIBE to us in SoundCloud here. To access the weekly podcast video as they are released - SUBSCRIBE to us in YouTube here. PS: REMEMBER to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. CONTACT US at [email protected]

In 2015 I had the privilege of seeing Vinh Giang speak at an event in Adelaide; to describe him as an "inspirational speaker" is an understatement. He refers to himself as "a small individual from a refugee family, born and bred here in South Australia in the northern suburbs." But he is also a magician, an entrepreneur, he runs a video production company and is now a highly sort after keynote speaker, in such high demand in the US that he is in the process of relocating to the US. I knew that Vinh was a must-interview for Be The Drop. Timing, they say, is everything, and as Vinh dives deeply into his new role as a father, time-constraints prevented him from being able to join me in person for this interview. However, lucky for us we live in a world that allows us to connect face-to-face, even if our faces are slightly pixelated on a laptop screen! So that's exactly what we did; my first Be The Drop interview via Skype! Expertly spliced together for Be The Drop's YouTube by our Chief Videographer, Chris. Technology eh?! In today's episode of Be The Drop, Vinh talks about the critical importance of video, discusses the delicate balance between giving and selling to your community, and reveals his top tips for avoiding Tall Poppy Syndrome...

In today's episode I delve into the world of theatre with playwright, Sally Hardy, owner of the theatre company, Free Range Theatrix. Sally is currently immersed in the final stages of production of the play she wrote called Gone Viral for the upcoming DreamBIG Children's Festival. Sally talks us through the steps involved in professionally producing a play, about earning the respect of the artistic community, and reveals how storytelling is her saviour... To access the weekly podcast episodes as they are released: SUBSCRIBE to us in iTunes here. SUBSCRIBE to us in SoundCloud here. To access the weekly podcast video as they are released - SUBSCRIBE to us in YouTube here. PS: REMEMBER to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. CONTACT US at [email protected]

With much laughter involved, I sit down with twins Michael and Danny Philippou, the dynamic duo behind YouTube channel RackaRacka . With over 3.7 Million subscribers and collective video views of close to 500 Million, these 24 year old twin brothers have developed a winning formula. Danny and Michael talk about learning by making mistakes, discuss their first feature film, and reveal why they recently turned down a quarter of a million dollars... To access the weekly podcast episodes as they are released: SUBSCRIBE to us in iTunes here. SUBSCRIBE to us in SoundCloud here. To access the weekly podcast video as they are released - SUBSCRIBE to us in YouTube here. PS: REMEMBER to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. CONTACT US at [email protected]

What is the Mayor's role within a community? How does somebody in a position of governance view community? How do they communicate with that community? I talked to Mayor of Unley, Lachlan Clyne, who has always been captivated by a sense of community: a community that centres around local facilities, businesses and the people within it. Lachlan is driven by community connections and by the feeling of being part of something bigger than himself. Helping people, uniting people and making things better is what drove him to become one of the youngest ever Mayors in South Australia. In today's episode of Be The Drop, Mayor Clyne talks about the importance of humanisation in communication, about community as the soul and heartbeat of a place, and reveals how to motivate action simply by being open to it... To access the weekly podcast episodes as they are released: SUBSCRIBE to us in iTunes here. SUBSCRIBE to us in SoundCloud here. To access the weekly podcast video as they are released - SUBSCRIBE to us in YouTube here. PS: REMEMBER to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. CONTACT US at [email protected]

Sophie Miller is a ray of Adelaidian sunshine. And when she started using Instagram 3 years ago, she just wanted to spread a little bit of that sunshine by sharing photos of all the great places in Adelaide that she visits. From these humble beginnings, she has grown a following of nearly 30,000 people on Instagram. Her The Streets of Adelaide community, which is made up of an Instagram page, blog and a Facebook page is all about spreading positive vibes about the South Aussie capital. Posting sometimes up to 20 photos a day, it's rare to have fewer than 100 likes on any picture. In today's episode of Be The Drop, Sophie talks about turning strangers into friends, about the importance of integrity, and reveals what channels work best for engaging with her community and why... To access the weekly podcast episodes as they are released: SUBSCRIBE to us in iTunes here. SUBSCRIBE to us in SoundCloud here. To access the weekly podcast video as they are released - SUBSCRIBE to us in YouTube here. PS: REMEMBER to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. CONTACT US at [email protected].

When two shows come together to record a podcast within a podcast, things can get pretty interesting. Particularly when those shows are Be The Drop and The Adelaide Show. Having both participated in the Adelaide Podcast Festival back in March, it was only a matter of time before our shared love of hot cross buns and podcasting brought us together once more for this very special interview. The Adelaide Show is a weekly podcast that was originally named Another Boring Thursday Night In Adelaide as a provocative challenge to people who lazily labelled Adelaide as boring! Covering everything from science to business and sport, the common thread for the cohort of persistent listeners is that they "over-index with their engagement with the community at large," says Steve. Hyper-engagement is in their DNA; they're out and about at night, meeting people and hearing their stories. And it's this human contact element to which we kept returning throughout our interview. In today's episode of Be The Drop, Steve, Nigel and I get philosophical and creative. We talk about the modern technological world and what it means to be human, we explore connection by doing a spontaneous slam poetry jam (in our Facebook videos), and we delve into technology changes that provide audiences with the ability to curate the media they engage with... To access the weekly podcast episodes as they are released: SUBSCRIBE to us in iTunes here. SUBSCRIBE to us in SoundCloud here. To access the weekly podcast video as they are released - SUBSCRIBE to us in YouTube here. PS: REMEMBER to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. CONTACT US at [email protected]

On any given night, more than 105,000 Australians experience homelessness and 44% of those experiencing homelessness are women, and over 17,000 children under the age of 12 do not have a stable place to call home in Australia. These statistics are unacceptable to me, which is why I will be joining business and community leaders from around Australia to take part in the 2017 Vinnies CEO Sleepout, raising awareness and vital funds to support services for the thousands of men, women and children experiencing homelessness across the country. To find out more about how Vinnie's communicate to drive action to respond to homelessness, I interviewed David Wark, Chief Executive Officer for the St Vincent de Paul Society in South Australia. David is committed to serving the people who seek the Society's assistance, be it through utilising his business expertise to ensuring critical support services are maintained, homeless accommodation, conference work or the Vinnies Centres. I encourage. In today's episode of Be The Drop, David talks about not over-inflating his role among the many people who make Vinnies services possible, about uniting the not-for-profit and corporate worlds, and he stresses the importance of the human touch in effective communication... If you also finds these statistics unacceptable, I encourage you to donate much needed funds by following this link to my fundraising page (also included at the bottom of the post). To access the weekly podcast episodes as they are released: SUBSCRIBE to us in iTunes here. SUBSCRIBE to us in SoundCloud here. To access the weekly podcast video as they are released - SUBSCRIBE to us in YouTube here. PS: REMEMBER to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. CONTACT US at [email protected].

What would the world look like if we all worked together and supported one another? It would probably look a bit like jesscaire.com. The world according to Jess Caire is inspired by a future in which her two children are judged not on their gender, but on how hard they work, their values and beliefs. Society has evolved ideals to which we're supposed to aspire, whether we like it or not. However, as a self-confessed "over-achieving people pleaser", Jess found that she had to let go of these impossible expectations she'd set for herself when she became a mother. Believing that she couldn't be the only woman struggling as she was, she began to share her vulnerability online, attaching to it a sense of worth rather than a sense of shame. Her community is about empowering women, getting them to believe in themselves and each other, because only by working together can we break down gender barriers and create a unified response. In today's episode of Be The Drop, Jess talks openly about her own emotional journey from feeling failure to empowerment, reveals how she deals with trolls, plus the importance of building a safe space in order to encourage communication... To access the weekly podcast episodes as they are released: SUBSCRIBE to us in iTunes here. SUBSCRIBE to us in SoundCloud here. To access the weekly podcast video as they are released - SUBSCRIBE to us in YouTube here. PS: REMEMBER to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter CONTACT US at [email protected]

Love it or hate it, climate change is a topic of considerable debate and Seb Henbest, Head of EMEA at Bloomberg NEF, is well informed on the topic, as he tracks policy making, rapid change and new technology relating to renewable energy. Dealing with considerable amounts of data and scientific research that relates to renewables, his challenge is translating it all into information that helps people to make decisions. When your community is as diverse as 'everyone that uses energy', and in a time when the ideological debate around climate change has voters divided, how do you get people to stop and listen? In today's episode of Be The Drop, Seb talks about how to tackle communication for complex and long term issues, how to take into account differnt opions and reveals why social media doesn't always add value... To access the weekly podcast episodes as they are released: SUBSCRIBE to us in iTunes here. SUBSCRIBE to us in SoundCloud here. To access the weekly podcast video as they are released - SUBSCRIBE to us in YouTube here. PS: REMEMBER to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter CONTACT US at [email protected]

When you're going through a crisis, it's very easy to feel like you're completely alone. But BUPA Blogger of the Year and Lifestyle Blogger of the Year 2016, Jenni Eyles, quickly found that this was not at all the case when she was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, aged 41. After being "carved up", undergoing unpleasant treatment and believing she was going to die, Jenni stopped sweating the "small stuff" and 3 years ago created Styling Curvy to share her new-found respect and love for her body. Having worked in fashion retail for 25 years, Styling Curvy is as much about fashion as it is about body confidence and cancer, encouraging women of all ages, shapes and sizes to love themselves in the skin they're in and be more adventurous with fashion. I was super excited to have Jenni as a guest on Be The Drop, which was recorded live at Adelaide Podcast Festival at The Elephant British Pub, with 14,000+ Facebook fans, nearly 17,000 Insta followers and a profitable business to boot, Styling Curvy is the perfect example of a waterfall that grew from a single drop, Jenni definitely embodies #BeTheDrop. In today's episode of Be The Drop, Jenni talks about being stylish, sassy and a little bit badassy, about building trust with your community, and reveals the best way to deal with online abuse... To access the weekly podcast episodes as they are released: SUBSCRIBE to us in iTunes here. SUBSCRIBE to us in SoundCloud here. To access the weekly podcast video as they are released - SUBSCRIBE to us in YouTube here. PS: REMEMBER to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter CONTACT US at [email protected]

If you're the kind of person that wants to work on your business 24/7 and sometimes struggle to find balance - today's podcast is going to be especially beneficial for you! #BusinessAddicts is the podcast for people addicted to business. Loren Bartley is the Producer and Co-Host of #BusinessAddicts, which for the past 2 years has been building its community of predominantly business owners who identify as so passionate about their business that other aspects of their lives can sometimes suffer. This is a community that recognises that passion, but also provides support. In today's episode of Be The Drop, Loren talks about building community for business, about being brave enough to be vulnerable, and she reveals how to feed the beast without starving the person you are... To access the weekly podcast episodes as they are released: SUBSCRIBE to us in iTunes here. SUBSCRIBE to us in SoundCloud here. To access the weekly podcast video as they are released - SUBSCRIBE to us in YouTube here. PS: REMEMBER to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter CONTACT US at [email protected]

How can street art and the community it brings together investigate what it means to be Australian? The Real Australians Say Welcome street art project was inspired by a line in our national anthem. How did this poster series and the subsequent posters spark discussion and debate about multiculturism in Australia? Peter Drew has been making street art for the last 9 years, but he began his Real Australians Say Welcome project back in 2014. While studying in Glasgow for a year, Peter considered in depth what it meant to be Australian; when you go overseas, he says, you "become Australian: Peter, the Australian guy." He felt then that he should have an opinion about what that means. From humble beginnings, you can see his posters all over Australia. In today's episode of Be The Drop, which was recorded live on stage during the Adelaide Podcast Festival at The Elephant British Pub, Peter talks about the power of the ancient forum of outdoor space, considers the notion of unity and reveals why it's important to listen to your haters... To access the weekly podcast episodes as they are released: SUBSCRIBE to us in iTunes here. SUBSCRIBE to us in SoundCloud here. To access the weekly podcast video as they are released - SUBSCRIBE to us in YouTube here. PS: REMEMBER to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter CONTACT US at [email protected]

Set in the age of Amazon and online content, with a backdrop of funding cuts to the arts, how does a Centre for Books, Writing and Ideas make its way in the world? The Wheeler Centre provides a forum for conversation, with extremely varied topics, from erotic literature to human rights, so its community is not a homogenous group. However, that doesn't mean that its members are any less engaged.Hosting around 250 public events every year, around 80% of which are free, the Wheeler Centre has limited barriers to entry for those wishing to participate. Director Michael Williams discusses how in an online world people are increasingly searching for connection to generate a sense of identity. The Wheeler Centre has developed a strong and engaged community by providing a supportive environment for investigating ideas. In today's episode of Be The Drop, Michael talks about implementing a contract to conversation, having pride in your expertise and being a part of something bigger than yourself... To access the weekly podcast episodes as they are released: SUBSCRIBE to us in iTunes here. SUBSCRIBE to us in SoundCloud here. To access the weekly podcast video as they are released - SUBSCRIBE to us in YouTube here. PS: REMEMBER to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter CONTACT US at [email protected]

What happens when a lineup of talented South Australian female change-makers present to room of over 100 passionate business women? The ground shakes (literally there was an earthquake), the room is electric and attendees leave with their heads buzzing full of ideas and inspiration! That's exactly what happened at Sass Summit 2017 on Friday 10th February at the Adelaide Convention Centre. Now in its third year, Sass Summit has gotten bigger each year. I had the absolute privilege of being MC at this incredible event, with the honour of introducing many wonderful female speakers. Whilst there, I also recorded a number of live interviews for today's episode of Be The Drop. In this episode we discuss the value of community for women in business, advice on how to be a female change-maker and what it means to give women permission to rise and thrive together... To access the weekly podcast episodes as they are released: SUBSCRIBE to us in iTunes here. SUBSCRIBE to us in SoundCloud here. To access the weekly podcast video as they are released - SUBSCRIBE to us in YouTube here. PS: REMEMBER to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter CONTACT US at [email protected]

How does cheese bring people together? Sheree Sullivan, Founder of Udder Delights, believes her cheese tells the Australian business story in its simplest form; from local dairy farmers providing the milk, to her making the cheese in historic Hahndorf, being sold by trusted retailers and finally ending up in people's homes. Sheree's community is made up of family owned businesses and consumer families who value handmade, trustworthy food products. From starting the business aged 21 to hiring a National Sales Manager in 2015, Sheree and her husband Saul have built Udder Delights steadily over time in size and profile. In today's episode of Be The Drop, Sheree talks to us about using the media, remaining level headed, and she reveals how to build a business from the ground up... To access the weekly podcast episodes as they are released: SUBSCRIBE to us in iTunes here. SUBSCRIBE to us in SoundCloud here. To access the weekly podcast video as they are released - SUBSCRIBE to us in YouTube here. PS: REMEMBER to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter CONTACT US at [email protected]

There are conversations you have with people that exude such a genuine passion, that you can't help but be swept up in it. In this episode, I had one such conversation with Life Coach and Founder of The Happiness Hunter, Fiona Redding. After reevaluating what was important in her life, Fiona started a walking group, to connect to herself, to others and to nature. Three years on, her personal priority/passion has turned into an Australia-wide movement, bigger than herself; a community of 'Happiness Hunters' walking together and supporting one another. In today's episode of Be The Drop, Fiona talks to me about focus, faith, and changing the world one walk at a time... New Episode Launches every MONDAY! Remember to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter - @be_the_drop CONTACT US at [email protected] Want more from Be The Drop? Visit our website here. SUBSCRIBE to us in SoundCloud here. SUBSCRIBE to us in iTunes here.

If you have a genuine interest in the content you're putting out there, the chances are high that others will feel the same. Before you know it, you've got an audience who are engaged in your content. This is what James Deg, founder of bathblogger.com, discovered after initial interest from Instagram pictures he posted of the unusual baths he'd come across during a trip to Japan. After only 8 months, James' blog has grown significantly and he is expanding his authority in the world of bathing. In today's episode of Be The Drop, James talks to us about finding his niche and gives us his 'two for the price of one' top communication tip... New Episode Launches every MONDAY! Remember to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter - @be_the_drop CONTACT US at [email protected] Want more from Be The Drop? Visit our website here. SUBSCRIBE to us in SoundCloud here. SUBSCRIBE to us in iTunes here.

When you're true to yourself, your communication will always be authentic and unique. This is the advice of Erin Fraser, founder of Blankspace Co, a boutique marketing consultancy focussing on events, brands and lifestyle. After establishing a solid career with big brands such as Estee Lauder, Avon and Tom Ford, Erin took what she'd learned within the professional community she'd built and started something for herself. In today's episode, Erin talks passion, reveals how to handle negativity and gives us her top tips for communicating... New Episode Launches every MONDAY! Remember to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter - @be_the_drop CONTACT US at [email protected] Want more from Be The Drop? Visit our website here. SUBSCRIBE to us in SoundCloud here. SUBSCRIBE to us in iTunes here.

In a world where automation and less face to face contact are starting to take over, John Saldin has identified the value and business opportunities that exist in taking time to build relationships in person. Through his business, Adelaide Business Strategy, John works with a range of clients to connect them with relevant business contacts in order to help them grow their business. The strength of John's strategic business development abilities has been built on face to face communication, and as such, John places significant value in building interpersonal relationships. Here's John's tips for creating a great network that catalysis connection... Get a copy of John's book "Stand Out, Be Different, Succeed" Here! New Episode Launches every MONDAY! Remember to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter - @be_the_drop CONTACT US at [email protected] Want more from Be The Drop? Visit our website here SUBSCRIBE to us in SoundCloud here. SUBSCRIBE to us in iTunes here.

When Carly Barry-Thompson wanted to connect with like-minded women she struggled to find the genuine connection she was looking for. So instead of accepting the options available, she began a facebook group with a group of women she met at a conference. From this facebook group to now a connected and active community of women, Carly is empowering women to take their business to the next level. Here are Carly's tips for fostering a community of female change-makers... New Episode Launches every MONDAY! Remember to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter - @be_the_drop CONTACT US at [email protected] Want more from Be The Drop? Visit our website here SUBSCRIBE to us in SoundCloud here. SUBSCRIBE to us in iTunes here.

When someone shows up as themselves, they emanate ease. Finding this purpose and creativity is a powerful example of how much one person can impact their community. Emily Beaton is an all-around beautiful human. In a short time, she has gone from professional netballer to successful small business owner. Through her custom typography, she has stepped inside the lives and lounge rooms of a whole range of different people. In today's episode of Be The Drop Podcast Emily shares with us how she's gone from zero to typography hero in a hot minute... New Episode Launches every MONDAY! Remember to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter - @be_the_drop CONTACT US at [email protected] Want more from Be The Drop? Visit our website here SUBSCRIBE to us in SoundCloud here. SUBSCRIBE to us in iTunes here.

Well it's that time of the year again where we sit back and reflect on the year that was. We look at the things that have worked, and those things that no longer serve us. This is such a great task to undertake, allowing you to learn the lessons from the previous year and leave behind anything that's not working. For me, the end of 2016 signifies the end of limiting beliefs. One of the biggest things that I am trying to be positive and encourage myself with is around facing imposter syndrome. I touched on this recently in episode 12 and was blown away by the number of people who reached out and shared their feelings of experiencing the same. So in 2016, I pledge to leave the imposter syndrome behind! I will move into 2017 with purpose and the belief in myself that I CAN do this! If you'd like to kick imposter syndrome to the curb in 2017, check out my tips on how to make it happen. New Episode Launches every MONDAY! Remember to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter - @be_the_drop CONTACT US at [email protected] Want more from Be The Drop? Visit our website here SUBSCRIBE to us in SoundCloud here. SUBSCRIBE to us in iTunes here.

2.1 billion cups of coffee are poured every year here in Australia making us the 47th biggest consumers of coffee in the world, a somewhat startling ranking when you stop and think about it. For Vincent Leonardis and the team at CBTB Coffee House in Adelaide's west, its quality over quantity - every time. Taking old fashioned customer service values to every interaction he has with a customer, Vincent and the team are a shining light in how to do customer service right. Here's what he thinks makes all the difference... New Episode Launches every MONDAY! Remember to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter - @be_the_drop CONTACT US at [email protected] Want more from Be The Drop? Visit our website here SUBSCRIBE to us in SoundCloud here. SUBSCRIBE to us in iTunes here.

Whether it be a service or a product, consumers look to the marketplace when we are in need of something or someone to help makes our lives that little bit easier. It has been seen time and time again that the businesses who are able to be most helpful to their customers, throughout every stage of the buyer's journey, are the ones who are most successful. Abbie Allen of Lifestyle Elements has found herself a niche in the marketplace, where being helpful is taken to whole new level - Abbie and her service exist purely to help you achieve your goals, by taking your to-do list and getting it done for you. Upon realising she had a knack for helping other people, Abbie has turned her passion into a thriving business. Here are her tips for engaging and being helpful in business. New Episode Launches every MONDAY! Remember to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter - @be_the_drop CONTACT US at [email protected] Want more from Be The Drop? Visit our website here SUBSCRIBE to us in SoundCloud here. SUBSCRIBE to us in iTunes here.

Beach volleyball and being a better at business communication are rarely heard in the same sentence and one can be forgiven for thinking the parallels between the two are limited. But, in episode 14 of Be The Drop Podcast I chat with Olympic Beach Volleyballer Becchara Palmer. Becchara shares openly with us tips around connecting to a wide and diverse community through storytelling and the lessons beach volleyball has taught her. The lineup of BTD include a not-for-profit CEO, an Olympian, change makers in numerous industries, a reality TV winner and a social media influencer. New Episode Launches every MONDAY! Remember to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter - @be_the_drop CONTACT US at [email protected] Want more from Be The Drop? Visit our website here SUBSCRIBE to us in SoundCloud here. SUBSCRIBE to us in iTunes here.

Imagine finding a void and filling it with a community that you help to create with imagination and strategy. Chess is a very strategic and thoughtful game, to become a master chess player takes practice, skill and sound strategy. It's these principles that Max Mason, of The Henry Austin Restaurant, uses to inspire his next move in business. From developing communication strategies to professional development opportunities, here's some insight into what makes Max Mason a highly effective business owner. Impacting Community with a Subliminal and Intelligent Connection Bringing interesting people together by using their strengths is the key for building a new community. When it comes to strategy, Max is never sure what chess piece he is, but he believes in using an energetic approach to getting things done. Building a community can be a very long game, and Max is in it for the long haul. Passion enthusiasm and energy arehis keys to moving forward. Motivating Community to Take Action and Delivering on What You Say People want to support new businesses and new experiences, but they also want familiarity. Letting people know what they are going to get and then making sure you and your constituents deliver on those promises will create trust. It is absolutely paramount to not only deliver but to over deliver and let people walk away knowing what to expect. When it comes to negativity, sometimes accepting and being ok with the prospect of it is the key. You can't please everyone. Social Platforms and Emphasizing the Positive There was a time when Twitter was the king of social media, but with a visual product like unique food items Instagram is a very effective medium. People love to see what it is you offer and especially in a restaurant where what the food looks like is as important as what it tastes like. A brilliant strategy suggested by Max is to use social media to tell your own story - no one knows your story or tells it as well as you can. Also, stay away from using platforms that you don't understand - it is possible to do more harm than good if you don't know what you are doing. The same applies to hiring other people to do your social media. Take control of your own voice behind the narrative. Be The Drop Communication Tip Max's top communication tips are to be honest and intelligent. If you face a problem honestly, you can never get into trouble. About Max Max Mason is the owner of The Henry Austin Restaurant & Bar. Max has built his communication skills across a broad range of experiences. He has been a maritime archaeologist who made charts of the Antarctic and a festival organizer. Now, he is the man behind The Henry Austin Restaurant & Bar which serves locally sourced food and the finest wines. He opened The Henry Austin in a building that had been empty for the last 6 years, but prior to that it had been one of the cities busiest restaurants for 40 years. Working with the city council and other business owners, Max is building and revitalizing the midtown community of Adelaide. He is passionate about this community because this is the group that Max and his restaurant connect with. A chess set symbolizes Max's approach to business and interacting with his community. He uses strategy to decide his next move and how it will impact his community. He is also cognizant of the reaction his community will have to the decisions he makes. Resources The Henry Austin Restaurant & Bar Instagram @theHenryAustin To access the weekly podcast episodes as they are released: SUBSCRIBE

What are the keys elements required to build a proactive community around your business, service or charity? This important question is central to the investigative journey that I have embarked on with my podcast, Be The Drop. Through my interviews with a wide range of top communicators, I am creating a roadmap for listeners who want to build their own community. In this weeks In this weeks episode, I flip the normal structure and instead, I am the person being interviewed! I talk with the spunky Kristen Werner about the key tips that have been shared in the episodes so far. We discuss central themes and standout communication strategies as well as new aspects the podcast will explore. This episode is jam packed with valuable insights that you can action. New Episode Launches every MONDAY! Remember to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter - @be_the_drop CONTACT US at [email protected] Want more from Be The Drop? Visit our website here SUBSCRIBE to us in iTunes here.

Be The Drop - Kathy Wong Social Enterprise a Way to Give Back and Build Community with Kathy Wong Have you ever wondered how to make a difference through creating and connecting to a community? Kathy Wong has done just that. She found a way to give back through her social enterprise Moeloco. I sat down with Kathy and learned how her burning passion to make a difference in the world led to her establishing a social enterprise. One that enabled her to establish a product and a community while giving back in a meaningful way. Creating a Business Model That Can Foster and Impact Change Kathy knew she wanted to find a way to give back, and she knew she was not alone in that desire. In her pursuit of finding a way to give back Kathy discovered the social enterprise model. This is where a product or service creates income that allows the enterprise to give back. Inspiration struck while Kathy was at the beach, and she decided her product would be thongs or flip-flops that leave a print of an inspirational message in the sand. She also knew that shoes in India were a luxury, and kids were not able to go to school if they didn't have shoes. Kathy also knew that there were many liked minded people that wanted to give back, but didn't know where to start. She started sharing her stories and ideas on Facebook and was delighted to discover that people all over the globe were responding and being inspired. Creating Connections Through Story and Community Passion A community of like minded people with a desire to help was built through Kathy sharing her story on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. What started out as Kathy sharing affirmations and mantras turned into the story of the Moeloco product unfolding as the community evolved. Kathy thinks she inspired people because they would see themselves in the story. They were inspired because as things unfolded they realized if she could do it, they could do it. The community is what makes it all possible and that is really powerful. Motivating the Community to Take Action Continual engagement can turn passion into action. By telling and continuing the story through blog posts and living the story through events, action is inspired. When people can see and feel the relationship of the children in India it is very powerful. They plan a yearly trip to India, so that people can see and build on the relationships that are fostered through the organization and the community of supporters. Community Passion Overcomes Negativity Negativity has only come from outside the community. Some have asked, "why are you only giving shoes, and not more". The shoes give a helping hand, but the real benefit of the social enterprise is the education. When people are living in such abject poverty, everything can't be changed overnight. Small steps can lead to big change. The community is so passionate about the cause that when negativity was encountered they responded for Kathy. The community shares the passion and tells the story. This helps to find opportunity and to collaborate with other communities and charities. This story has actually inspired others to create their own social enterprises. Communication Platforms The audience is always on Facebook. Major channels for communication they use are Facebook and Instagram, but they also share the stories through their blogs and YouTube videos, but they use...

Today, I had the pleasure of chatting with Jim and Christina from Mr. and Mrs. Romance, a travel blog from his and her perspective. These two are an absolute blast, and it is obvious that they love what they do. They are funny, honest, and yet very protective of the community of followers that have gathered. A community they see more as friends. The kind of friends you candidly recount stories to about your recent trip to Bali. Giving them the inside scoops on what is "Must See" and "Must Avoid". They highlight their reviews with the good and not so good which has been fundamental in the trust that they have earned. Here's the scoop on how Mr. & Mrs. Romance keep their readers coming back for more. Uniting and Bringing the Community Together Sharing a story through images and video is how Jim and Christina unite their community and it's through these images they take people on the journey with them. The stories are a way to connect everyone. Jim is the writer, and they've found men are attracted to a blog written in a male voice. The evolution of their community is thanks to telling stories through images and using an authentic voice. It has also grown their community into what feels like a group of trusted friends. Trust, Authenticity, and Passion Creates a Community Connection Jim and Christina now have a larger platform to share their travel adventures, and they take the trust of their readership very seriously. Trust is built through honest advice that in helpful and thorough. For them, seeing people come back to the site and share their own experiences of a place show them that they are connecting in a meaningful way. Their community extends to the places they visit, and the small businesses they support through sharing their experiences within them. They love nothing more than knowing people are visiting these small and sometimes remote places because of a review they've uploaded. Telling good stories by playing to their personal strengths of Christina focusing on photography and Jim focusing on the writing is what motivates readers to take action and follow their travel suggestions. They tell really good stories by expressing how they feel when they are in these places. The passion of their shared experiences is what people want to tap into and as such inspires Jim & Christina to continue to share their experiences. Kinship and Handling Negativity Having a positive mindset and sharing the results of the new adventure creates kinship in the community. When Jim blogs he imagines that he is blogging to a friend. Putting out positivity, they remain open minded and objective. In a way that creates a safe, but positive space. Successful Platform of Communication Everything revolves around the blog, but social media is where the engagement happens. The community likes to hang out on Instagram and Facebook. The social engagement on these platforms drives traffic back to the blog. Be The Drop - Top Communication Tip Being authentic works. Tell a genuine story and people will read it and come back for more and even take action. Honest information is fun. About Jim and Christina Jim and Christina met at random back in 2000. They soon realised that they shared many insights about the world around them and decided to explore it together. They are still together today, and blog about their adventures. They have a mutual love of eating, drinking, and exploring new places and sharing their adventures. Tweetables "We take people on our journey with us through our stories on our camera and connect everyone in our community" Christina "Trust is all...

Today our guest is James Sideris, the creative genius behind Nutorious. Our interview got off to a cracking start as James brought a dark chocolate, coconut, macadamia muffin with raspberry and toasted meringue with a Bounty injection. James uses powerful combinatoins of tastes in his treats to help relay the passion he puts in his food with his customers and audience. James creates real engagement with his audience through new and innovative tastes that create real culinary experiences for his customers. James Sideris and Communication That Connects: James unites his community through excitement generated by the creativity of his baked goods. He has built a community by creating products that offer an "experience for the senses" and encouraging people to share their experiences on social media. The Nutorious community are encouraged to take action by sharing their visual experience of his baked goods. Instagram is the key platform that James uses - his delicious images are very well suited to this visual platform. James' top communication tip is to be positive. He believes in openness and encouraging others as positivity will create a passionate community. Building people up is the best way to encourage growth for yourself and others. Resources Mentioned in Today's Show Nutorious James on Instagram @NuttybyNutorious James on Facebook To access the weekly podcast episodes as they are released: SUBSCRIBE to us in iTunes here. SUBSCRIBE to us in SoundCloud here. To access the weekly podcast video as they are released - SUBSCRIBE to us in YouTube here. Enjoy! Amelia xx P.S. REMEMBER to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter - @be_the_drop CONTACT US at [email protected]

Welcome to Episode 8 of Be The Drop Podcast. Today I chat about all things not-for-profit with Ian Steele, Founder of Kickstart for Kids. Today's podcast guest is Ian Steele, CEO of not-for-profit Kickstart for Kids. A former builder and disadvantaged youth counsellor, Ian started noticing a distinct difference between his kids at home and those he worked with day in day out. After delving a little deeper, Ian came to a startling realization. Kids as close as 5km's out of the CBD were living in impoverish conditions, eating from dumpsters or not eating at all. Ian kicked into action and is now the CEO of Kickstart for Kids. Ian is a passionate, compassionate and yet very matter of fact communicator. He splits his time between acquiring new program sponsors, touching base with volunteers and spreading the word of KSFK to help as many kids as possible. Today Ian touches on the different elements of a not-for-profit community (volunteers, kids, corporate sponsors), the difference he's making in all these communities, how important the one on one communication with is volunteers is, how easy it is to motivate his community and what happens when he hears 'no.' The lineup for the first season of BTD include a not-for-profit CEO, an Olympian, change makers in numerous industries, a reality TV winner and a social media influencer. New Episode Launches every MONDAY! Remember to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter - @be_the_drop CONTACT US at [email protected] Want more from Be The Drop? Visit our website here SUBSCRIBE to us in SoundCloud here.

In episode 7 of Be The Drop Podcast, I sat down with Olympic Beach Volleyball Gold Medallist Kerri Pottharst and she talked me through her top tips for building community connection. DOWNLOAD YOUR OWN BUYER PERSONA CHECKLIST HERE! We are all looking to connect with our community and customer base in a meaningful and ultimately profitable way. This means giving them what they are looking for, in the hope that they will return when they are ready to buy what we are selling. But how do you do that? How do you really understand your community in a way that is mutually beneficial? The lineup for the first season of BTD include a not-for-profit CEO, an Olympian, change makers in numerous industries, a reality TV winner and a social media influencer. New Episode Launches every MONDAY! Remember to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter - @be_the_drop CONTACT US at [email protected] Want more from Be The Drop? Visit our website here SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

Welcome to Episode 6 of Be The Drop Podcast. In this week's podcast episode, I chat with Dave Shepherd, Head of Channel Sales at Hubspot Australia. Hailing from the Boston, Dave brings a passion and enthusiasm to all that Hubspot stands for. We talk about how Hubspot use annual events to get face to face with their customers and why they make up an integral part of their business strategy. For anyone listening who has their own business will understand the need for highly motivated staff, Dave touches on their 'Hubspotters' and how they incentivise them to be their best. There are so many good business gems in here, Dave talks about his success being directly related to the success of their partners - and how being good humans is good business. Sit back and enjoy Dave Shepherd. The lineup for the first season of BTD include a not-for-profit CEO, an Olympian, change makers in numerous industries, a reality TV winner and a social media influencer. New Episode Launches every MONDAY! Remember to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter - @be_the_drop CONTACT US at [email protected]

In this episode we talk about the story behind the Beard Season movement and how it has grown and is saving at least one person from melanoma each week. Jimmy talks about how every person he meets is invited to be part of their growing story and this has seen the message spread not only in Australia but around the world. In sharing his Be The Drop communication tip, Jimmy recommends the 'cannon ball' technique - a sure fire way to get attention and bring others along for the ride - but you'll need to listen to the end to hear his advice about this! Just a heads up, we arranged to meet with Jimmy in a little bar in Sydney, the perfect setting for a man like Jimmy. It does however lend to being a little noisier than we'd like, so apologies in advance for any extra background noise you might be able to hear. The lineup for the first season of BTD include a not-for-profit CEO, an Olympian, change makers in numerous industries, a reality TV winner and a social media influencer. New Episode Launches every MONDAY! Remember to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter - @be_the_drop CONTACT US at [email protected]

Hello and welcome to Episode 4 of Be The Drop Podcast. In this episode, we look at understanding the power of who you are and owning that responsibility. The two simple words own it are incredibly powerful for this dynamic pair and their community. Through their business, The Own It Project they share real life experiences, they are bringing back old fashion life lessons, to support and inspire others. Supported by a range of mentors who are also passionate about helping others, they are uniting their community through the sharing of real life stories. Through genuine care and whole lot of drive, these ladies are busy motivating a generation to make a change, to make a positive difference in their life. Listen to their episode to help you find a positive mindset. The lineup for the first season of BTD include a not-for-profit CEO, an Olympian, change makers in numerous industries, a reality TV winner and a social media influencer. New Episode Launches every MONDAY! Remember to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter - @be_the_drop CONTACT US at [email protected]

Welcome to Be The Drop Episode 3. In today's episode, Andrew Morello of Yellow Brick road opens up in this episode and discusses his journey as a simple country boy from Moonee Ponds and the 'sliding door moment' of participating in The Apprentice that has seen him become a successful entrepreneur in Sydney. Andrew provides incredible insights on the importance of working on your core vision, mission and values "all decisions and inspiration for action must be built from this foundation. Then you need to regularly revisit these in order to ensure you reach a common goal." Passing on his father's advice to listeners, Andrew advises "be careful how you treat people on the way up because you never know who you'll need on the way down." The interview with him is filled with many such frank and useful advice, have a listen and find out for yourself: Thank you for listening to Be The Drop Podcast. The lineup for the first season of BTD include a not-for-profit CEO, an Olympian, change makers in numerous industries, a reality TV winner, and a social media influencer. New Episode Launches every MONDAY! Remember to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter - @be_the_drop SUBSCRIBE to us in SoundCloud here. SUBSCRIBE to us in iTunes here. CONTACT US at [email protected] Want more from Be The Drop? Visit our website here

Sarah Jensen is a writer, speaker, goal rocking coach and podcast host helping big-hearted bloggers, dreamers, creatives and business mavens rock their goals and love their life. Sarah's believes in kindness, community and kicking ass. She is also the creator of Rock Your Goals Workshops and sarahjensen.com.au. In this episode we dive into heartfelt communication around how to rediscover your sense of self. Sarah discusses how to break free of limitations that might stop you from embracing your dreams. Her communication strategy is all about empowering others to be themselves, to be confident to be the best version of yourself. Her positive messages are both inspirational and motivational and I am sure you will take away a sense of self empowerment from listening to her insights. Enjoy! SUBSCRIBE to us in iTunes here. SUBSCRIBE to us in SoundCloud here. SUBSCRIBE to us in YouTube here. REMEMBER to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter - @be_the_drop CONTACT US at [email protected]

Today, I talk to the passionate, driven and generous co-founder of Vinomofo - Australia's digital wine guys. In this podcast we talk about who their tribe is, the significance of a small combi-van, what their tribe want and how they go about serving their tribe all in the name of doing good business. I first met Andre in 2014, as a mentor for MEGA, a 12 week entrepreneurship program in which I participated. I was instantly was drawn to his honesty, energy and willingness to share. As always Andre is candid and insightful into what it means to be a tribe leader, and how important that role is, when building good business. Warning: this episode contains some strong language. We have included the language as it's authentic to the way in which Andre communicates with his tribe. If swearing is not your thing, I recommend that you wait until episode 2 which will be released next Monday. REMEMBER to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter - @be_the_drop SUBSCRIBE to us in SoundCloud here. SUBSCRIBE to us in iTunes here. CONTACT US at [email protected]