The Small Business Big Marketing Podcast with Tim Reid

Loz and Alex cruise around this lucky country in a Volkswagen, entertaining their legion of social media fans with cool pics of themselves sitting by campfires, swimming in deserted beaches and camping by the shores of remote lakes. They look like they’ve fallen off the cover of an Angus and Julia Stone album! Oh, and did I tell you they run a three-year-old hat business called Will and Bear that’s turning over a lazy six-figures annually. And they’ve done it all by slowing down!   A little bit more about hat entrepreneurs Loz Williams and Alex Knorr ... In just three years, ex-mortgage broker Lauren Williams and her product designing boyfriend Alex Knorr have built the online hat empire Will & Bear, from the back seat of their Volkswagen van while touring across Australia. To do so, they’ve adopted an innovative, digital-first business model, which has enabled the Will & Bear brand to experience triple-digit sales growth year-on-year. They use social media brilliantly amassing a loyal tribe of hat lovers across Insta and Facebook, they’ve got a team that spans the globe, and a sustainability initiative that sets them apart from the competition. They also give some pretty good insights into how this generation of millennial business owners see things. And here’s a tip … it’s not all about growing an empire. “We’ve always been really big on outsourcing the things we can’t or don’t want to do or we’re not great at. There’s just no use wasting our time on things like this.” -Loz Williams, Will and Bear Here’s what caught my attention from my chat with serial entrepreneur Carl Hartmann: It’s so refreshing to hear a business owner acknowledge that it’s OK to slow things down. To ask themselves “How much is enough?” “How big do we really want to be?” And how funny to hear that the minute they did this ... things took off! I like the way they’re using their Instagram feed for the more polished visuals or “art” as they call it, and their Instagram Stories for the real life stuff like the chat with the mechanic after their van broke down. What behind-the-scenes stuff would you like to see from this show? Hot me up on Twitter @TimboReid. Loved the way they launched the business by sending their top 100 favourite photographers a hat each. No hard sell. Just a genuine gesture in the hope that the photographers may respond with a hash-tagged photo on their own feed.   “We don’t need to keep growing. We’re just two individuals and we did make a decision to slow things down. And that’s when things really took off!” -Loz Williams, Will and Bear   Loz Williams and Alex Knorr Interview Transcription Tim  Loz and Alex from Will and bear welcome to the small business big marketing show.  Loz  Thanks for having us.  Alex  Thank you.  Tim  Now big question to start with where did you guys meet?  Loz  On Tinder. Actually. Click Here To Download Full Transcription   Resources mentioned: Tye official Will and Bear website Will and Bear on Instagram Will and Bear on Facebook Finders Keepers Markets The Idea Exchange powered by American Express (you’ll find Timbo’s new podcast here mid-July 2019) Last week’s interview withThe E Myth's Michael Gerber Interviews I’ve done with other entrepreneurs who started off selling just one product: Brian Chapman of Power Planter Laura Klein of Snotty Noses Bobby Edwards of Snotty Potty The winner of this week’s Monster Prize Draw is tennis coach Shaun Scrutton of Eaglemont Tennis Club   Please support the following businesses who make this show possible: American Express Business Explorer Credit Card Let your business expenses reward you. Every year.   Yellow Partner with Australia’s #1 online business directory for all your digital marketing needs.   Switchnode Australia’s Internet isn’t great. That’s why Switchnode exist. The solution is here and it’s wireless.   If something in this episode of Australia’s favourite marketing podcast peaked your interest, then let me know by leaving a comment below. May your marketing be the best marketing. [ For more interviews with successful business owners visit Small Business Big Marketing ]Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/marketingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Gerber (author of The eMyth, once voted the best-selling business book of all time) says the vast majority of small business owners are on a fool’s errand. And he’s on a mission to turn them from a bogged down company of one, to an absolutely brilliant company of one thousand. It’s a very repeatable episode 467 of  The (award-winning) Small Business Big Marketing Show thanks to American Express.   A little bit more about The E Myth Revisited’s Michael Gerber ... This is an interview I did with Michael Gerber way back on episode 338. It’s been so popular and had so much positive feedback that I thought I best bring it back to the top of the pile for those of you who haven’t heard it, or even if you have, then it’s probs time to hear it again!   Michael Gerber is the author of the seminal business book called The eMyth. You’ve read The eMyth right?! How’s this for some key stats: 5 million copies sold In 2011, The eMyth was named the best selling business book of all time It’s been sold in 145 countries, translated into 29 languages and taught in 118 universities His client list includes the best of the best - Apple, Infusionsoft, American Express … to name a few … but his true passion is small business owners. INC magazine calls him “The world’s #1 small business guru”   Michael has a dream to transform the state of small business worldwide. He’s been doing that for the last 40-years, and at the time of this interview, he was about to launch his newest book titled Beyond The eMyth.   Here’s just a couple of lines from it: “Great growing companies know how to replicate their success, time after time after time, and by doing so, they grow, grow, grow. This book is going to teach you how to do that. This book is going to teach you how to design, build, grow and launch your company so that it can scale, which means that you can replicate its success. Which in turn means that it possesses the ability to grow like crazy … from a company of one, to a company of one thousand.”   “The problem is not that small business owners don’t work, the problem is that they’re doing the wrong work. As a result, most of their businesses end up in chaos … unmanageable, unpredictable and unrewarding.” -Michael Gerber, The E Myth Revisited   Here’s what caught my attention from my chat with The E Myth Revisited’s author Michael Gerber: Read The eMyth and The eMyth Revisited! The idea of sitting down and asking yourself what your new company would look like based on Michael’s eMyth model sounds like a worthwhile exercise. Don’t be afraid to have a dream.     Michael Gerber Interview Transcription Tim  So I started off by asking him what's missing in the way most businesses are run.  Michael  That's a great question, Tim. I want my answer provocative as it may seem is just about everything. Just about anything and everything that has to be done isn't being done. And if it's being done it's being done for the wrong reason and being done in the wrong way. And that sounds as I say provocative but it's so true. So I've been in this business world you might say of small business for 40 years. It was an afterthought. I didn't start this until I was 41. So you understand before that I wasn't even interested in business. Click Here To Download Full Transcription Resources mentioned: Michael Gerber’s official website Buy The E Myth Revisited Buy Why Marketing Works here Buy Steve Sims Bluefishing : The Art of Making Things Happen here Interview with Canberra Airport owner Stephen Byron Interviews I’ve done with extraordinary business owners: Katherine Maslem of Shift Jack Gance of Chemist Warehouse Brian Chapman of PowerPlanter Winner of this week’s Monster Prize Draw is David Noble of Oz Drug Testing.   Please support the following businesses who make this show possible: American Express Business Explorer Credit Card Let your business expenses reward you. Every year.   Switchnode Australia’s Internet isn’t great. That’s why Switchnode exist. The solution is here and it’s wireless.   If something in this episode of Australia’s favourite marketing podcast peaked your interest, then let me know by leaving a comment below. May your marketing be the best marketing.  [ For more interviews with successful business owners visit Small Business Big Marketing ]Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/marketingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jeff Swystun who in a previous life was the CMO at Interbrand, and the CCO at DDB Worldwide. He then saw the light, escaped the cubicle and went out on his own to become a consulting CMO to brands wanting to lead. But where it gets interesting is Jeff has just released a book called Why Marketing Works, in which he identifies through a mountain of his own roll-up-the-sleeves research, 7 timeless principles that well and truly prove his thesis. Rest-assured, his 7 principles apply to businesses of all sizes, industries, and types of business, whether you’re selling B2B, B2C or my favourite P2P! A little bit more about Why Marketing Works author Jeff Swystun ... Jeff acts as a consulting chief marketing officer to leading brands and brands wanting to lead. He loves to solve complex business challenges through branding and marketing. For large branding and marketing engagements, Jeff accesses a network of talented top-tier consulting, agency & design professionals. It is a collective of on-demand experts and implementers that focus on branding and marketing. His book, Why Marketing Works, won the Publish or Perish writing contest and reached #1 in advertising on Amazon. He hopes that The New Yorker, one day, will publish one of his short stories.   So strap in as Jeff shares: Misconceptions business owners have about marketing Why marketing works! How he researched the book His 7-principles that prove his thesis of why marketing works Plus plenty more business and marketing insights ...   “Tell stories and lots of them. They’re the currency of humankind.” - Jeff Swystun, Why Marketing Works Here’s what caught my attention from my chat with Why Marketing Works author Jeff Swystun: Use emotion to connect as quickly as possible with your prospects and customers. A great way to do this is to show that you understand the problems they have that you can solve. Build a community around your brand. In an era where we’re all looking down at a screen way too much, the idea of bringing people together excites the hell out of me. ** Awkward conversation time! ** I’ve been pretty hopeless at doing this! Build relationships - As Jeff said, “We’re all emotional beings looking for relevance, context, and connection.”   Jeff Swystun Interview Transcription Tim Jeff Swystun welcome to the small business big marketing show. Jeff Yeah. So happy to be here. Thanks for having me on. Tim Now Jeff as one marketer to another. I would love to know what your definition of marketing is? Click Here To Download Full Transcription Resources mentioned: Jeff Swystun’s official website Buy Why Marketing Works here Buy Steve Sims Bluefishing : The Art of Making Things Happen here Interviews I’ve done with three other business authors: Darren Finkelstein - How to thrive when those around you aren't Andrew Griffiths - How to write a book for your business Michael Gerber - How to grow from a company of one to an enterprise Winner of this week’s Monster Prize Draw is Damien De Caneva of Point Cook Physical, who, according to his website, doesn’t just treat injuries, he prevents them!   “We’re all emotional beings seeking relevance, context and connection.” -Jeff Swystun, Why Marketing Works   Please support the following businesses who make this show possible:   American Express Business Explorer Credit Card Let your business expenses reward you. Every year.   Switchnode Australia’s Internet isn’t great. That’s why Switchnode exist. The solution is here and it’s wireless.   If something in this episode of Australia’s favourite marketing podcast peaked your interest, then let me know by leaving a comment below. May your marketing be the best marketing. [ For more interviews with successful business owners visit Small Business Big Marketing ] Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/marketingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Naturopath Katherine Maslen decided that charging by the hour had hairs on it … so, she bravely launched the world’s first natural healthcare membership model. Did it get a few existing clients’ noses out of joint? Yes! Would she do it all again? Hell yeah!   A little bit more about Shift’s Katherine Maslen ... Katherine Maslen is a naturopath, nutritionist, author, mother, podcast host and founder of Shift, where her and her team work with people to help them make shifts in their health and their life. She owns Shift Brisbane, her flagship clinic where she has a team of 15, Shift Rockhampton, her regional Queensland clinic and Shift Anywhere, her virtual membership business.   So strap in as Katherine shares: A very personal story about why she became a Naturopath The trials and tribulations of launching the business Those moments of acceleration when the business really took off Why she went from charging by the hour to a monthly membership model How she’s built a strong personal brand in her chosen niche using podcasting, self-publishing, blogging, keynote speaking Plus plenty more business and marketing insights ...   “The first years of business were both exciting and traumatising. I didn’t know what I was doing essentially. It was a bit like jumping off a cliff and build the plane on the way down!”- Katherine Maslen, Shift   Here’s what caught my attention from my chat with naturopath Katherine Maslen: I love her move to the monthly Membership-based model. Not only does it provide surety of income, it gives patients a clear pathway to access the modalities they need. I love the fact that there are a limited number of memberships, creating a sense of scarcity and something special. I love how the Membership model encourages Katherine and her team to add additional layers to the customer experience including a multitude of workshops, parties, even a private Facebook group.   Katherine Maslen Interview Transcription Tim Katherine Maslen welcome finally to the small business big marketing show. Katherine Thank you so much for having me. Tim Awesome. A fellow podcaster. Now I want to start off by asking why did you become a naturopath in the first place. Cause sounds like a pretty interesting story to me. Click Here To Download Full Transcription Resources mentioned: Shifts official website Katherine Maslen's personal brand website Last week’s interview with the round beach towel creator Victoria Beattie Interviews I’ve done with other business owners who have challenged the norm: Lyre’s Non-Alcoholic Spirit’s Mark Living Beer Cartel’s Richard Kelsey Moxie’s Mia Klitsas Winner of this week’s Monster Prize Draw is life coach Dr. Ben Carvosso of The On Button Coffee Port   “I’m like a butterfly about to break out of its cocoon and it friggin hurts and it’s uncomfortable. But I can see really good things will come out of this (brand refresh) and I can see that happening already.” - Katherine Maslen, Shift   Please support the following businesses who make this show possible: American Express Business Explorer Credit Card Let your business expenses reward you. Every year. Switchnode Australia’s Internet isn’t great. That’s why Switchnode exist. The solution is here and it’s wireless.   If something in this episode of Australia’s favourite marketing podcast peaked your interest, then let me know by leaving a comment below. May your marketing be the best marketing. [ For more interviews with successful business owners visit Small Business Big Marketing ]Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/marketingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can you believe the round beach towel wasn’t a thing until just six years ago?! Like, how did it not get invented decades ago?! Well, stop scratching your head because you’re about to meet Victoria Beattie, the creator who’s already sold 120,000 of them!   A little bit more about The Beach People’s Victoria Beattie (and her sister Emma) ... The Beach People was founded in the summer of 2013 by sisters Emma Henderson and Victoria Beattie in the Northern Rivers of New South Wales, Australia. Inspired by their family, friends and seaside lifestyle, with their passion for creating beautiful and iconic products, their first collection of round towels sold out in weeks. A few short years later, they are building a globally admired brand of seaside luxe essentials for everyone, everywhere to enhance one’s living spaces and life experiences from the beach to home.   So strap in as Victoria shares: Where the idea for a round beach towel came from How they got it to market The ups and downs of starting an ecommerce business How she manages the multitude of rip-offs flooding the market Why they’ve expanded beyond beach towels Plus plenty more marketing and business insights ... “We thought… oh well worst case, we have to gift our friends and family the stock for the next 10 years. Ha!” - Victoria Beattie, The Beach People   Here’s what caught my attention from my chat with round beach towel co-creator Victoria Beattie: The story of how Victoria got her truck license so she could drive to the docks and pick up her stock is a great reminder of just how passionate and motivated (and a little cray cray) us small business owners are. I love how Vic doesn't have a background in marketing, but has such a passion for it. If you’re not enjoying your marketing then hand it off to someone who does or listen to the entire back catalogue of this show … 464 episodes and counting! I love the fact that the girls have a Watch List with 80 brands on it who may potentially steal their ideas.   Victoria Beattie Interview Transcription Tim Hey, Victoria Beattie of the beach people welcome to the small business big marketing show. Victoria Thank you for having me. It's good to be here. Tim Now Vic why did it take so long for someone to invent the round beach towel? Click Here To Download Full Transcription Resources mentioned: The Beach People’s official Australian website The Beach People’s official American website Last week’s interview with Robbie Bell on how to offer amazing service as a wholesaler Interviews I’ve done with others who’ve had a whacky business idea and created a successful business from it: Renae Bunster from Bunsters Hot Sauces Mark Livings from Lyre’s Non-Alcoholic Spirits Laura Klein from Snotty Noses Winner of this week’s Monster Prize Draw is Dan McQuillan of Gold Coast Real Estate agent Kollosche   “My tips for starting a business? Trust your gut, it’s usually right. Work to your strengths and outsource your weaknesses, don’t stick your head in the sand on important things like accounting.  Know what you are and aren’t, don’t try to be everything to everyone. Define your brand and stick to it!” - Victoria Beattie, The Beach People   Please support the following businesses who make this show possible:   American Express Business Explorer Credit Card Let your business expenses reward you. Every year.   Switchnode Australia’s Internet isn’t great. That’s why Switchnode exist. The solution is here and it’s wireless.   If something in this episode of Australia’s favourite marketing podcast peaked your interest, then let me know by leaving a comment below. May your marketing be the best marketing. [ For more interviews with successful business owners visit Small Business Big Marketing ]Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/marketingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Carl Hartmann knows how to grow and scale businesses … from scratch. In fact, he’s one of Australia’s leading serial entrepreneurs, having taken his first idea - Temando - to over 80,000 users, 3-billion transactions and over $55M in funding. And today, he shares his 5 tips for growing and scaling your business.   A little bit more about serial entrepreneur Carl Hartmann ... Carl Hartmann is a prominent, multi-award winning Australian entrepreneur best known from his work as Co-Founder & CEO of Temando which he took from an idea to one of Australia’s largest technology companies. Having exited Temando in 2017, Carl now spends his time looking for the next big thing, investing in companies that make him sit up and take notice. In fact, he’s the co-founder of Lyre’s non-alcoholic spirits - remember we interviewed founder Mark Livings a couple of weeks ago?   So strap in as Carl: Shares the ups and downs of his entrepreneurial journey Give us his top 5 tips on how to scale a business just like yours And every now and then bamboozles me with tech talk that’s way beyond my limit!   “Success is not a birthright, it is a privilege. Life is hard, the odds are against you and it’s only with hard work, tenacity and sacrifice that we achieve success.” - Carl Hartmann, Serial Entrepreneur   Here’s what caught my attention from my chat with serial entrepreneur Carl Hartmann: Be an evangelist for your business. If you can’t, then maybe it’s time to reset your mindset or get out! I love Carl’s generosity of giving back. Whether it be through his adjunct professorship at Queensland Uni, or simply allowing would-be entrepreneurs to pick his brain … it’s great to see people who have made it, giving back. Stay focussed by avoiding rabbit holes. Carl Hartmann Interview Transcription Tim Carl Hartmann welcome to the small business big marketing show. Carl Thanks for having me, Tim. Tim Now amongst other business titles, I see you are the Adjunct Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Queensland. So does that make you like a modern day Dumbledore? Click Here To Download Full Transcription Resources mentioned: Carl Hartmann on LinkedIN Businesses that Carl has started include: Temando - Intelligent shipping & fulfillment software Shortlyster - Intelligent hiring optimisation platform Lyre’s - Non-alcoholic spirits Raddin - Electronic wakeboards Last week’s interview with Robbie Bell on how to offer amazing service as a wholesaler  Interviews I’ve done with other highly successful entrepreneurs: Andrew Banks from Morgan & Banks James Chin-Moody from Sendle Actually, pretty much any of the 460+ interviews you’ll find here are with successful entrepreneurs   “Seriously … hire good people. Business is a team sport.” - Carl Hartmann, Serial Entrepreneur Please support the following businesses who make this show possible:   Authentic Education Learn highly effective marketing strategies directly from the co-founder of a BRW Fast 100 Company at events that are happening around Australia in June and July 2019.   American Express Business Explorer Credit Card Let your business expenses reward you. Every year.   Yellow Partner with Australia’s #1 online business directory for all your digital marketing needs.   Switchnode Australia’s Internet isn’t great. That’s why Switchnode exist. The solution is here and it’s wireless.   If something in this episode of Australia’s favourite marketing podcast peaked your interest, then let me know by leaving a comment below. May your marketing be the best marketing. [ For more interviews with successful business owners visit Small Business Big Marketing ]Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/marketingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

City Larder’s Robbie Bell has worked in some pretty famous kitchens around the world. Now he’s started his own business as a Charkuhturer. You know what that is, right?! And he treats his wholesales as if they were guests in a 5-star restaurant. A little bit more about City Larder’s Robbie Bell ... After completing his apprenticeship as a young chef in England, Robbie Bell spent the first years of his career working for a Michelin-starred chef, and has gone on to hone his skills at some pretty fancy establishments around the world. Then in 2015, seeing a gap in the market for high-end shar-ku-tuh-ree and wanting to put his core skills to good use, Robbie and his wife started the City Larder which now supplies over 180 stockists across Australia with high-end pates and terrines. Robbie also hosts his own podcast - Cooking the Books - which is in its third season. You’ll love Robbie. He’s larger than life and has some solid views on how to build a business you love, and even stronger views on buying local (something I’m particularly passionate about).   “I work for my staff.” - Robbie Bell, City Larder   Here’s what caught my attention from my chat with City Larder’s Robbie Bell: I love the fact that he works for his staff, even to the point that he’s helping one of his young blokes start his own business. What are you doing for your staff?  I love the fact that he’s bringing a 5-star restaurant mentality to a wholesale business.  And I love his view that we should be more interested in supporting our local community than in the next pair of expensive shoes we buy.   Robbie Bell Interview Transcription Tim Robbie Bell. Welcome to the small business show. Robbie Thanks for having me. Tim Mate, you've worked in some pretty serious and well-known kitchens around the world what have you learned about pressure from cooking in some of the world's best kitchens? Click Here To Download Full Transcription Resources mentioned: City Larder’s official website Robbie Bell’s podcast - Cooking the Books Last week’s interview with Cham Tang on how to optimise your Facebook advertising Interviews I’ve done with other great foodies: Daniel Wilson from Huxtaburger Jamie Cook from Stone & Wood Declan Lee from Gelato Messina “Be more interested in your community and not in buying a new pair of shoes!” - Robbie Bell, City Larder   Please support the following businesses who make this show possible:   Authentic Education Learn highly effective marketing strategies directly from the co-founder of a BRW Fast 100 Company at events that are happening around Australia in June and July 2019.   American Express Business Explorer Credit Card Let your business expenses reward you. Every year.   Yellow Partner with Australia’s #1 online business directory for all your digital marketing needs.   Switchnode Australia’s Internet isn’t great. That’s why Switchnode exist. The solution is here and it’s wireless.   If something in this episode of Australia’s favourite marketing podcast peaked your interest, then let me know by leaving a comment below. May your marketing be the best marketing. [For more interviews with successful business owners visit Small Business Big Marketing]Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/marketingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Advertising on Facebook (and Instagram) can be a frustrating exercise, especially if you don’t know what you’re doing. But what if there were 10 simple things you could do to increase your ROI by multiples. Well guess what? There’s ten simple things you could do to increase your ROI by multiples. And today's special guest, who’s spent $2M of his own money on marketing, and is a Facebook Certified Professional Planner, is about to take us through them. One by one.   A little bit more about Authentic’s Cham Tang ... Cham Tang is Head Of Marketing and Co-Founder of Authentic Education, a multi-million dollar BRW Fast Starters 100 Company.   Cham has handled all the marketing in the company since day 1 and is a Facebook Certified Professional Planner. In fact, Cham was personally selected by Facebook to be privately mentored, and has spent over $600,000 in Facebook ads.   He has worked with speakers in the industry such as Anthony Robbins, Dr John Demartini and Chris Howard.   Cham is passionate about helping difference-makers attract more clients with simple marketing strategies.   In this very generous interview he: Shares 10 easy wins to drastically improve your Facebook advertising’s ROI He reveals his biggest marketing learning from working alongside Tony Robbins And he talks about how he overcame a negative, procrastinating mindset in order to create a multi-million training business   “You don’t have to get it right, you just have to get it started!” -Cham Tang, Authentic   Here’s what caught my attention from my chat with Authentic’s Cham Tang: I love Cham’s learning from Tony Robbins … “The same reason they come is the same reason they will buy.” So now your challenge is to find the reason people are coming to your business in the first place. I love Cham’s point about handling objections in your marketing copy. This is copywriting 101 … which BTW he teaches a lot more on during his one-day course - Authentic.com.au I love the idea of spying on your competitors ads inside the Facebook Ads Library.   Cham Tang Interview Transcription Tim Welcome to the small business big marketing show. Cham Thanks for having me. Tim Cham you and I have something in common we both love marketing. What do you particularly love about marketing? Click Here To Download Full Transcription Resources mentioned by Cham: Register here for Cham’s free one-day marketing workshops around Australia and New Zealand Zapier - The easiest way to automate your work Fiverr - Find the perfect freelance services for your business Rev - Fast, quality transcription service Filmora - Simple video editor Emojipedia - The emoji search engine Inshot - Video crop app and video editing app   “The same reason they come is the same reason they will buy” -Tony Robbins   Please support the following businesses who make this show possible:   Authentic Education Learn highly effective marketing strategies directly from the co-founder of a BRW Fast 100 Company at events that are happening around Australia in June and July 2019.   American Express Business Explorer Credit Card Let your business expenses reward you. Every year.   Yellow Partner with Australia’s #1 online business directory for all your digital marketing needs.   Switchnode Australia’s Internet isn’t great. That’s why Switchnode exist. The solution is here and it’s wireless.   If something in this episode of Australia’s favourite marketing podcast peaked your interest, then let me know by leaving a comment below. May your marketing be the best marketing. [For more interviews with successful business owners visit Small Business Big Marketing]Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/marketingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I was emceeing a function the other night when this fellow suggested I have a couple of cheeky G&Ts before going on-stage. “Thanks, but no thanks” was my response, as I never drink when working. Refusing to take no for an answer, he tells me the Gin is completely alcohol-free and tastes exactly like Gin. And in fact, if I didn’t like Gin, there were 12 other flavours to choose from! “Show me the bar!” was my response. That guy was Mark Living’s and he’s cracked the code on a range of alcohol-free spirits called Lyer’s that’s taking the global beverage world by storm. A little bit more about Lyre’s co-founder Mark Livings ... Mark Living’s is the co-founder of a portfolio of businesses across marketing and advertising, logistics and fulfillment, print and merchandise production as well as brand incubation. He’s also an active and successful venture capitalist. His current project is Lyer’s - a non-alcoholic range of spirits that caught my attention at an event I was emceeing. Not only was the visual branding of the range absolutely beautiful, the Gin tastes like Gin and the Bourbon tastes like Bourbon … yet there wasn’t a hint of alcohol in either! You’re going to love this chat as Mark is an absolute expert on branding, launching new products, story-telling and so many other aspects of this dark-art we call marketing.   “In this age of social media, it’s critical to create a social narrative and that’s where our key brand ambassadors have a huge impact on the success of the Lyre’s brand.” - Mark Livings, Lyre’s Here’s what caught my attention from my chat with Lyre’s Mark Livings: As small business owners we can move incredibly quickly, so make the most of your agility. I love how Mark’s built the Lyer’s brand from the ground up. From the story behind the name (the Lyrebird is nature’s greatest mimic), to the visual branding, to the stories that live on each bottle. Check out Lyres.co to see what I mean. I love his use of employing Brand Ambassadors to evangelise the Lyer’s brand. Mark Livings Interview Transcription Tim Well Mark Living's of lyres. Welcome to the small business big marketing show. Mark Thank you Tim. Great to be chatting Click Here To Download Full Transcription Resources mentioned: Lyre's official website Last week’s interview on Last week's episode with Sendle's James Chin-Moody This week’s Monster Prize Draw winner is Jamie Ross of Premium Property Care   Please support the following businesses who make this show possible:   Authentic Education Learn highly effective marketing strategies directly from the co-founder of a BRW Fast 100 Company at events that are happening around Australia in June and July 2019.   American Express Business Explorer Credit Card Let your business expenses reward you. Every year.   Yellow Partner with Australia’s #1 online business directory for all your digital marketing needs.   Switchnode Australia’s Internet isn’t great. That’s why Switchnode exist. The solution is here and it’s wireless.   If something in this episode of Australia’s favourite marketing podcast peaked your interest, then let me know by leaving a comment below. May your marketing be the best marketing. [For more interviews with successful business owners visit Small Business Big Marketing]Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/marketingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are some businesses I wished I’d created. Sendle is one of them. It’s disruptive, fun to use, and solves a painful problem us small business owners have. Today we meet founder James Chin-Moody who tells us how he’s done it.   A little bit more about Sendle co-founder James Chin-Moody ... For the past couple of decades, Sendle founder James Chin-Moody has had an impressive career in anything but small business, working for the United Nations, the CSIRO, even the Australian Bureau of Statistics. For eight years he was a judge on ABC TV’s The New Inventors show. Then finally, just a few short years ago, he saw the light and started a micro business that would soon become Sendle … an online-based parcel delivery service that is taking on the monopolistic Goliath that is Australia Post. Sendle has already been voted Australia’s Best Courier service 2-years in a row, and employs over 100 staff and has experienced 40 months straight of 15% growth. Now full disclosure … I love Sendle. I have no financial interest in it, but I love it. I love what it stands for, what it does, its user interface, the fact that it’s hugely reduced the price of sending a parcel to anywhere in the world, and the time it takes, and the fact that it’s disrupting a staid old business in Aussie Post. So please excuse my embarrassing fan-boyishness that I display throughout this chat.   In this wide-ranging interview James Chin-Moody shares: Where the idea for Sendle came from How he got Sendle to market What Australia Post’s reaction has been Why “Hell yeah” is his major decision criteria Why focusing on few marketing channels is best How focus speeds things up How he’s created a simple, reliable, affordable solution for sending parcels And plenty more ... “We spend all our waking hours figuring out how to make parcel sending a joy and not a chore.” -James Chin-Moody, Sendle Here’s what caught my attention from my chat with Sendle’s James Chin-Moody: I love how James uses extreme examples to get the point across of how good Sendle eg. We can deliver a packet of Tim Tams to Everest Base Camp for just $10!” or “We’ve delivered 4 light hours of parcels so far!” What’s an extreme way you could describe the effectiveness of your business? I love how the Sendle team’s decision-making process is either a Yes, No or Hell Yeah! And I love how they’re constantly asking “How can we make sending a parcel less of a chore and more of a joy?” In order to optimise their customer’s experience. Choose fewer marketing channels and be really good at them.   “We’ve delivered four light years of parcels or thirty times to the sun and back!” - James Chin-Moody, Sendle James Chin-Moody Interview Transcription Tim James Chin-Moody. Welcome to the small business big marketing show. James Thanks for having me Tim. Tim I'm going to be a little bit of a fan boy. So you'll have to excuse that right up front. I love the Sendle brand. Click Here To Download Full Transcription Resources mentioned: Sendle’s official website Last week’s interview on how to build a business podcast with Nigel Morris This week’s Monster Prize Draw winner is Faouzi Daghistani of Newlands Pizza in Coburg   Please support the following businesses who make this show possible:   Authentic Education Learn highly effective marketing strategies directly from the co-founder of a BRW Fast 100 Company at events that are happening around Australia in June and July 2019.   American Express Business Explorer Credit Card Let your business expenses reward you. Every year.   Yellow Partner with Australia’s #1 online business directory for all your digital marketing needs.   Switchnode Australia’s Internet isn’t great. That’s why Switchnode exist. The solution is here and it’s wireless.   If something in this episode of Australia’s favourite marketing podcast peaked your interest, then let me know by leaving a comment below. May your marketing be the best marketing. [For more interviews with successful business owners visit Small Business Big Marketing]Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/marketingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I’m kind of surprised more business owners don’t podcast. I mean, bang for buck, podcasting delivers such amazing returns. Well today’s guest, Nigel Morris of small business Solar Analytics and the Solar Insiders podcast says podcasting is instrumental to his business’s success.   A little bit more about Nigel Morris ... Today’s special guest I met on a road show I’m currently speaking on for a business called Supply Partners. A big thanks to owner Lliam Rickets for introducing me to Nigel Morris who is the business manager at Solar Analytics, a software business that helps you monitor your solar panels’ efficiency. That, in itself, isn’t that exciting. Where it does get exciting is that Nigel is the co-host of a solar energy podcast called Solar Insiders that has been a major contributor to a 10X growth in the business. Now, if you’re a long time listener, you’ll know my thoughts around podcasting for small business. It’s a highly effective medium that, when done well, can build your business and personal brand at a fraction of the cost you may be spending on other marketing channels. Not to mention … it’s fun! So instead of me rattling on about it, let’s hear from someone else involved in a small business (just like you), who’s smashing podcasting out of the park.   If you’re tossing around the idea of producing a podcast for your business then you’ll love this chat as we cover: Why Nigel chose podcasting as a major marketing channel. What he loves about podcasting How podcasting has contributed to a 10X growth for Solar Analytics What software and hardware he uses Where he gets ideas for each episode How he puts together an episode How he markets his show And plenty more ...   “I could see that Podcasting was an incredibly effective and increasingly simple way to communicate vast swathes of information and the technology was now incredibly cheap and easy to use.” - Nigel Morris, Solar Insiders Podcast   Here’s what caught my attention from my chat with fellow podcaster and business manager Nigel Morris: I love how he’s created a simple format for each episode that covers five key areas to talk about. I love the way he constantly has his ‘content radar’ on, and captures his ideas on to his smartphone. I love how he’s leveraging all his other marketing channels such as emails, merchandise, brochures and so on to promote the Solar Insiders podcast.   Nigel Morris Interview Transcription Tim I started off by asking Nigel to explain exactly what the solar analytics business does and a little tip here. He nails his elevator pitch beautifully. Nigel Sure. What we do is we help people save more money by optimizing their solar and understanding how they use energy in the home. Pretty much it in a nutshell. We do it through the installation of a little device that allows them to measure energy in the home. And then we apply a whole bunch of really nerdy artificial intelligence and machine learning and run all sorts of clever algorithms over that information that we collect and then displayed in a really simple way on any device a phone an app a computer anything they want to be able to understand to demystify how they're using energy and make sure their solar is working as well as it possibly can. Click Here To Download Full Transcription   Resources mentioned: Solar Analytics official website Solar Insiders podcast Here’s the audio kit Nigel uses Cast - the recording software Nigel uses A past episode I’ve done answering your questions about podcasting How the girls from The Outer Sanctum podcast turned it into a business Six directories to list your podcast: iTunes GooglePlay (If you’re an Aussie podcaster you can’t submit to this directory just yet …. Boo!) Spotify Stitcher PocketCasts Tunein   Please support the following businesses who make this show possible:   American Express Business Explorer Credit Card Let your business expenses reward you. Every year.   Switchnode Australia’s Internet isn’t great. That’s why Switchnode exists. The solution is here and it’s wireless.   If something in this episode of Australia’s favourite marketing podcast peaked your interest, then let me know by leaving a comment below. May your marketing be the best marketing. [For more interviews with successful business owners visit Small Business Big Marketing]Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/marketingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you think selling your product or service is hard, then try selling vintage watches worth thousands of dollars, sight unseen, online. Today’s guest does exactly that - in fact, last year he sold over $2.3M worth ...  and in this revealing chat, he shares his secret sauce on exactly how he does it. Hint: It’s all about how to create extremely personalised online marketing ;0)   A little bit more about Christian Zeron ... In 2014 whilst studying Law, 19 year-old Christian Zeron started selling pre-owned watches from his college dorm room. Fast forward to 2019 and he’s turning over 2.3 million a year through Theo and Harris his luxury watch shop, and his website generates 1.3 million monthly page views using free traffic strategies.   Which raises sooooo many questions, like: How do you sell high-priced watches sight unseen? What’s the biggest sale he’s made online? What marketing is he doing to generate that kind of traffic and revenue? Why aren’t I generating $2.3M a year??!! So strap in as Christian answers all these questions (except the last one!) plus more.   “Every business owner needs an enemy to keep them motivated!” -Christian Zeron, Theo & Harris   Here’s what caught my attention from my chat with vintage watch geek Christian Zeron: I love how he's disrupted a stayed old industry simply by being willing to share his opinions. I love what he calls his “secret recipe to creating effective marketing” and that’s his extremely personal online presence. He has a great knack for finding anecdotes that support his watches. I’ll link to a couple of videos in the show notes. “Everyone needs an enemy to keep them motivated.”   Christian Zeron Interview Transcription TimMy big watch question right up front Christian why when you see a watch presented inmarketing are the hands always at ten past ten? ChristianYou know what it's become such an industry standard at this point. It's like standard ofcare like in medicine it's what you do. If you don't do it you get grilled for it. Click Here To Download Full Transcription   Resources mentioned: Theo & Harris official website & blog Theo & Harris on Facebook Theo & Harris on YouTube Theo & Harris on Instagram Interview with Sophie Lovejoy from Sant and Abel   This week’s winner of the Monster Prize Draw winner is: Dean Myer from quality tree management business … TreeFX   Please support the following businesses who make this show possible:   American Express Business Explorer Credit Card Let your business expenses reward you. Every year.   Switchnode Australia’s Internet isn’t great. That’s why Switchnode exist. The solution is here and it’s wireless.   If something in this episode of Australia’s favourite marketing podcast peaked your interest, then let me know by leaving a comment below. May your marketing be the best marketing. [For more interviews with successful business owners visit Small Business Big Marketing]Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/marketingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 1993, Ray Good AKA Sugeray was one of the world’s top DJs. He then had a breakdown, learnt to meditate and started a seafood empire. Now he’s on a mission to teach mindfulness and meditation to business owners everywhere. Ommmmmmmmmmm ….   A little bit more about Ray Good ... The year was 1993. The Prodigy had just gone platinum, crop tops were cool and Ray Good was living the good life as one of the world’s top 100 DJs, spinning decks at sold out rave in London, Tokyo and Berlin … organising large scale music events … he even owned a Australia’s most respected import record store and his own record label. But then the good life came to an end. Ray was burning out and so were most of his mates. Eventually someone tapped him on the shoulder and suggested he try meditation. And from that point on he’s never looked back. He launched a hugely successful sustainable seafood restaurant empire which he subsequently sold in order to focus 100% on his real passion … helping entrepreneurs and business owners find their Good Place via mediation. As Ray says, “the best guy to teach silence is the one who understands noise!”   In this candid chat Ray shares: His business building strategies His coping strategies How he built Hooked into a mini-empire How and why we should all meditate Ray even takes us through a beautiful guided meditation   “I don’t do crystals, candles or sandals!.” - Ray Good, The Good Place   Here’s what caught my attention from my chat with Ray Good from The Good Place: Invest in yourself and start to meditate. Great names can be the start of a great business idea. Every touch point has to be branded.   Ray Good Interview Transcription Tim I started off by asking Ray to describe his crazy life as a DJ. Ray Well pretty crazy yeah. As you just mentioned I made on the list of the world's top 100 DJs. But also at the same time, I was building up an empire. I was running large scale rave parties in Sydney and dance parties. I had weekly club nights going. I had my own import record store and record label as well. So this is quite an early age I guess this is the early 90s I was probably about 22 23. I'm living the dream and juggling a lot. It was inevitable I guess. I was going to burn out and it's also the first time I've really faced stress and anxiety in what I was doing. Click Here To Download Full Transcription   Resources mentioned: Ray’s official website The Good Place Another episode I did on meditation a few months ago Brands To Life - The branding agency Ray uses   “We all need to power down before we power back up.” - Ray Good, The Good Place   Please support the following businesses who make this show possible:   American Express Business Explorer Credit Card Let your business expenses reward you. Every year.   Switchnode Australia’s Internet isn’t great. That’s why Switchnode exist. The solution is here and it’s wireless.   If something in this episode of Australia’s favourite marketing podcast peaked your interest, then let me know by leaving a comment below. May your marketing be the best marketing. [For more interviews with successful business owners visit Small Business Big Marketing]Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/marketingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Imagine cracking the marketing code to the point where your brand became a household name. That’s exactly what Ben Goodfellow, the founder of the now iconic Tradie underwear brand has done. And in this revealing chat, he shares exactly how he’s done it.   A little bit more about Ben Goodfellow ... I’ve admired from afar the way Ben Goodfellow so quickly made the Tradie underwear brand a household name in Australia. Ben loves brands. In fact, from a very early age, when other kids were swapping footy cards, Ben would sit at the kitchen table with his old man and talk branding! Well, it’s paid off as he’s now responsible for the iconic Tradie underwear brand that next year will be turning over in excess of $100M! So grab a pen and paper as Ben reveals exactly how’s he’s gone about creating a household name from scratch.   In this wide-ranging interview Tradie founder Ben Goodfellow shares: Why he loves brand-building How to build a strong brand How to turn a brand into a household name What marketing he used to get the Tradie name out there And plenty more ...   “I wanted a brand ambassador that I wanted to have a beer with … and so does the rest of Australia.” - Ben Goodfellow, Tradie Underwear   Here’s what caught my attention from my chat with Tradie founder Ben Goodfellow: I like Ben’s passionate definition of a brand being a tribal attachment … where you create something so powerful in the minds of your customers that they want to go to the pub and talk about it. I love how Ben treats every one of his products as a billboard. I think it was a genius move to have a whole lot of buses branded with Tradie’s posters passing Big W’s HQ on a daily basis.   Ben Goodfellow Interview Transcription Tim Ben Goodfellow from Tradie welcome to the small business big marketing show. Ben you seriously sound like you've got the man flu mate. Is it the man flu? Ben Oh, I wouldn't have come to work today if it wasn't for the interview with you. It's a good case of man flu I'll make sure all my staff are very aware of that fact. I was looking for sympathy. Click Here To Download Full Transcription   Resources mentioned: Tradie Underwear’s official website Tradie Underwear on YouTube Tradie underwear on Instagram Tradie underwear on Facebook Tradie’s advertising agency - Incubator   Please support the following businesses who make this show possible:   American Express Business Explorer Credit Card Let your business expenses reward you. Every year.   Switchnode Australia’s Internet isn’t great. That’s why Switchnode exist. The solution is here and it’s wireless.   If something in this episode of Australia’s favourite marketing podcast peaked your interest, then let me know by leaving a comment below. May your marketing be the best marketing [For more interviews with successful business owners visit Small Business Big Marketing]Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/marketingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You know how much the marketing world has changed in the past few years, right? That’s why you listen to this show … to stay on top of the latest trends. Well, today’s episode takes your trendwatching to a whole new level as Australia’s leading Consumer Futurist Amanda Stevens and I have a solid conversation about exactly what you should be doing to super-charge the marketing of that beautiful business of yours.   A little bit more about consumer futurist Amanda Stevens ... In changing times, the customer experience is emerging as the most exciting opportunity to grow market share. Amanda Stevens is a speaker, author, TV Host, and business improvement consultant who is passionate, excited and curious about marketing, consumer psychology, business, and building businesses. Her unique ability to ability to articulate what consumers want, and how brands can connect with them in unique and meaningful ways, has seen her address over 700 conferences in 14 countries. She's currently one of the most in-demand speakers in Australian and is renowned for her articulate, engaging and entertaining style of presenting.   In this wide-ranging interview consumer futurist Amanda Stevens shares: What small business owners are getting wrong in their marketing in 2019 What marketing has caught her attention lately What 6 videos every small business owner should create What is epic marketing and why is it so important What the consumer is thinking today And plenty more ...   “What happens if I train my staff and they leave? What happens if I don’t train my staff and they stay?!” - Amanda Stevens, Consumer Futurist   Here’s what caught my attention from my chat with Amanda Stevens: I love the idea of a customer advisory board. “Make your marketing worthy of a Friday night dinner party conversation.” If you’d like to explore this even further, have a listen to the interview I did with Chick-Fil-A owner Arthur Greeno who talks at length about remarkable marketing. I love Amanda’s view that we all need to be epic in our marketing from the inside out, and that starts with creating an epic customer experience.     “It’s OK to look in your rearview mirror …. just don’t stare.”- Amanda Stevens,Consumer Futurist   Amanda Stevens Interview Transcription   Tim Stevo I would love nothing more than listeners having listened to this episode feeling re inspired about their marketing. Maybe we'll give them a little bit of tough love. Maybe will also give them a little bit of direction as to what they could be doing better than is that deal? Amanda Yeah absolutely. Click Here To Download Full Transcription   Resources mentioned: Amanda Steven’s official website Amanda on LinkedIn Amanda’s blog on the customer advisory board idea Interview with Arthur Greeno on remarkable marketing Monster prize draw winner KRGS Doors   Please support the following businesses who make this show possible:   American Express Business Explorer Credit Card Let your business expenses reward you. Every year.   Yellow Partner with Australia’s #1 online business directory for all your digital marketing needs.   Switchnode Australia’s Internet isn’t great. That’s why Switchnode exist. The solution is here and it’s wireless.   If something in this episode of Australia’s favourite marketing podcast peaked your interest, then let me know by leaving a comment below. May your marketing be the best marketing. [For more interviews with successful business owners visit Small Business Big Marketing]Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/marketingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Love them or loathe them, having The Kardashians endorse your product or service would most likely be good for your business. Well, today’s guests did exactly that, getting millions of dollars of publicity along the way.  And guess how much it cost her?   $50,000? $500,000? $5,000,000?   Nope. It cost her absolutely nothing!   A little bit more about Sophie Lovejoy Adelaide-born, LA-based Sophie Lovejoy is the founder of the sophisticated sleepwear brand Sant and Abel. And as an ex-TV producer, Soph is one of those go-getting business owners who makes things happen. Her biggest marketing claim to fame is she arranged to have every single Kardashian wear her pyjamas multiple times on their hit TV show, on their socials, apps and blogs. The exposure she got is worth millions, and she didn’t pay a cent!   In this candid interview Sant and Abel’s Sophie shares: How and why share started an online pyjama brand Why she loves the Beverly Hills Hotel so much! How she managed to get the world’s most famous reality TV family in the Kardashians to wear her pyjamas And plenty more ...   “The Executive Editor of the Kardashian Apps was already a fan of Sant and Abel. I told my PR company that I wanted them to pitch the story of the collaboration between S&A and the hotel to the Kardashians and offer it as an exclusive. They told me I was aiming very high with this request!” - Sophie Lovejoy, Sant and Abel   Here’s what caught my attention from my chat with Sant and Abel founder Sophie Lovejoy: “Jump in the deep-end then work it out.” I love how Sophie chose to move to LA to access a bigger market, a more exciting business environment and earn $USD. Where could you move to? And I love Sophie’s enthusiasm towards networking … starting with being a regular at the Beverly Hills Hotel!   “Aim for the top. The worst thing that can happen is that they say “NO!”" - Sophie Lovejoy, Sant and Abel   Sophie Lovejoy Interview Transcription   Tim Sophie Lovejoy welcome to the small business big marketing show.   Sophie Thank you. Timbo It's a pleasure to be here.   Tim Now I hear as a young girl you used to teach your friends rude songs in the playground. What was your favorite little ditty? Click Here To Download Full Transcription   Resources mentioned: Sant and Abel’s official website Sant and Abel on Facebook Sant and ABel on Instagram   Please support the following businesses who make this show possible:   American Express Business Explorer Credit Card Let your business expenses reward you. Every year.   Yellow Partner with Australia’s #1 online business directory for all your digital marketing needs.   Switchnode Australia’s Internet isn’t great. That’s why Switchnode exist. The solution is here and it’s wireless.   If something in this episode of Australia’s favourite marketing podcast peaked your interest, then let me know by leaving a comment below. May your marketing be the best marketing. [For more interviews with successful business owners visit Small Business Big Marketing]Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/marketingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elton John is a client of Steve Sims’ business The Bluefish, which is kind of interesting in itself. What’s even more interesting is how Steve came to get Elton as a client in the first place. In this revealing chat Steve shares: How he got Elton John as a client How to get past the Dobermans in order to get to the final decision makers Why relationships take time Why you need to be super self-aware of how others perceive you And plenty more …   “Your imperfections are your perfections.” - Steve Sims, The Bluefish   A little bit about Steve Sims Steve Sims’s day job is to make the impossible possible. With his help and expertise, his clients’ fantasies and wildest dreams come true. Getting married by the Pope in the Vatican, being serenaded by Elton John, and connecting with powerful business moguls like Elon Musk are just a few of the many projects he has worked on. He rarely reveals how he accomplishes the feats that make his clients so happy. But every now and then (like on this show), Steve shares his practical tips, techniques, and strategies to help readers break down any obstacle and turn their dreams into reality.   Here’s what caught my attention from my chat with Steve Sims: I love Steve’s idea of having extreme self-awareness, knowing exactly how others will perceive you, and craft your approach accordingly. Accept that building profitable relationships takes time. Respect the ‘puppy Dobermans’ that may be in the between you getting to the big daddy of them all!   Resources mentioned: Steve Sim’s business - The Bluefish Steve Sims book - Bluefishing: The art of making things happen Steve Sims personal website Past Steve Sims interview with Timbo: A simple referral marketing idea The guy who can get you anything This week’s winner of the Monster Prize Draw winner is: Benjamin Forehand of War Ink Manufacturing   Please support the following businesses who make this show possible:   American Express Business Explorer Credit Card Let your business expenses reward you. Every year.   Yellow Partner with Australia’s #1 online business directory for all your digital marketing needs.   Switchnode Australia’s Internet isn’t great. That’s why Switchnode exist. The solution is here and it’s wireless.   If something in this episode of Australia’s favourite marketing podcast peaked your interest, then let me know by leaving a comment below. May your marketing be the best marketing. [For more interviews with successful business owners visit Small Business Big Marketing]Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/marketingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As you may know, one of my favourite types of guests to have on this show is a long-time listener. A business owner who has a huge amount of respect for marketing, and someone who’s actively implementing the ideas they pick up from listening in. Well, that sums up today’s guest beautifully. Here’s what she said to me in an email a few weeks ago: “Hey Timbo, let me know if you’d like to interview a long-time listener, and an awesome Mumpreneur who’s been in business for 5 years, has cracked the $1 million mark per year, mainly from a little battery-powered snot sucker!!  Hint hint – me!!” And the email was signed Laura Klein, SnottyNoses.com.au … Gadgets for good health and good sleep. Well, she had my attention, so I called her up for a chat only to find that she was running a very serious little business … one not to be sneezed at ;0)  (I promise that’s the first and last Dad joke for this episode). SnottyNoses.com.au is an online store, with 25 SKUs, six staff, it’s had some serious media coverage and it turned over $1.7M in the last 12-months.   In this candid chat Laura shares: Why teaching was stifling her creativity How she came across the Battery Powered Snot Sucker The power of a fun business name Why she’s determined to remain a niche business Marketing strategies that are working for her And plenty more …   “I saw an ad for the Battery Powered Snot Sucker in a magazine and didn’t realise it was going to change the entire direction of my life!” - Laura Klein, SnottyNoses.com.au   Here’s what caught my attention from my chat with Snotty Noses’ Laura Klein: The courage she showed in naming her business Snotty Noses. I love Laura’s philosophy around “There’s money in the follow-up.” Her respect for email marketing, plus she’s segmenting her database. (refer to Dan Fagella episode 412)   Resources mentioned: Snotty Noses website The Snotty Noses story Snotty Noses on Facebook   This week’s winner of the Monster Prize Draw winner is: Graham from Ask Roz   Please support the following businesses who make this show possible:   American Express Business Explorer Credit Card Let your business expenses reward you. Every year.   Yellow Partner with Australia’s #1 online business directory for all your digital marketing needs.   Switchnode Australia’s Internet isn’t great. That’s why Switchnode exist. The solution is here and it’s wireless.   If something in this episode of Australia’s favourite marketing podcast peaked your interest, then let me know by leaving a comment below. May your marketing be the best marketing. [For more interviews with successful business owners visit Small Business Big Marketing]Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/marketingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you’re like most small business owners, you’re hugely concerned about your competition. Well imagine this … you open a shop in a street with not one, not two, not three, but 30 competitors all with shops selling similar things to you … and not just in the same town, but in the same street!!! How would you feel? Worried? Would you constantly check what they’re up to? What products they are selling? Would you always have one eye on their prices? Or would you just get on with it like Stuart Stanley does? His shop, RING Jewellers, is based in an area called ‘The Lanes’ in Brighton, on the South Coast of England. It is a jewellery hotspot and the description above is exactly what the area is like.   In this candid chat Stuart talks about how he deals with competitors in business plus: What makes him different from all his competitors Why he loves the helpful marketing concept so much How he manages his precious window displays How he avoids competing on price How to avoid competitor fear And plenty more …   “Competitors are the least of my worries when running my business. I focus on my precious customers and how I can best help them.” - Stuart Stanley, RING Jewellers   Here’s what caught my attention from my chat with Stuart Stanley: Stuart’s willingness to educate his prospects and clients. The fact that he’s even using his window display to educate by talking about the quality of different metals. And I love the fact that even though he’s a small jeweller in a little high street in the UK, that he had the guts and was proud enough of his achievements to reach out to me and request an interview on this show.   Resources mentioned: RING Jeweller’s official website RING Jewellers on Facebook RING Jewellers testimonials RING Jewellers YouTube channel Steve Sims speaker’s website The Bluefish website Please support the following businesses who make this show possible: American Express Business Explorer Credit Card Let your business expenses reward you. Every year.   Switchnode Australia’s Internet isn’t great. That’s why Switchnode exist. The solution is here and it’s wireless.   If something in this episode of Australia’s favourite marketing podcast peaked your interest, then let me know by leaving a comment below. May your marketing be the best marketing.   [For more interviews with successful business owners visit Small Business Big Marketing ]Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/marketingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Retiring in 2016, AFL legend Matthew Pavlich went on to complete his MBA then get involved in his first serious business venture called PickStar, which is now Australia’s largest marketplace to book sporting stars for any event, marketing campaign or fan experience.   In this candid chat Matthew talks about: Life after football Why he loves business so much The similarities between achieving success in business and football Why he’s backing PickStar to disrupt an antiquated marketplace And plenty more …   “PickStar was always going to be a technology company that aimed to disrupt an industry that has never really embraced technology.” -Matthew Pavlich, PickStar   Here’s what caught my attention from my chat with Matthew Pavlich: I love how PickStar’s disrupting a very antiquated marketplace. I love Roger Federer's quote about “Loving the grind”. Exercise is so psychologically beneficial.   Resources mentioned: PickStar’s official website Matthew Pavlich’s Wikipedia page Part 2 of interview on SEO with Dana DiTomaso Snotty Noses official website   Please support the following businesses who make this show possible: American Express Business Explorer Credit Card Let your business expenses reward you. Every year.   Switchnode Australia’s Internet isn’t great. That’s why Switchnode exist. The solution is here and it’s wireless.   If something in this episode of Australia’s favourite marketing podcast peaked your interest, then let me know by leaving a comment below. May your marketing be the best marketing. [For more interviews with successful business owners visit Small Business Big Marketing]Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/marketingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Digital nomads Nat Thomas and Niv Nobacht run serious businesses from wherever they are in the world. As long as they have their computer and a solid Internet connection then life is good. In this candid conversation, you’ll discover the pros and cons of running a location independent business and how it may be able to be applied to the way you run your business. It’s time for a little lateral thinking! In this episode of your favourite marketing podcast you’ll also discover: - Why Nat chose to leave a well-paid job at 20th Century Fox- Why Niv left a secure corporate job in Germany- What you need to survive running a business from anywhere- The highs and lows of running a location independent business- And plenty more … “My digital nomad lifestyle came about when an opportunity presented itself to move to Santiago (crazy, I know!) and I knew in my heart it was “now or never” to step out of my comfort zone and embark on some soul-searching adventure.” - Nat Thomas, The Now With Nat   Here’s what caught my attention from my chat with Nat and Niv: 1. Be flexible in the way you approach your work.2. Be innovative (Phil McKinney’s Killer Innovations).3. Find time for some spirituality.   Resources mentioned: Natalie Thomas’s official website Niv Nobacht’s official website The interview with digital nomad Mark Phillips The interview with Killer Innovations founder Phil McKinney Steve Sims official website Please support the following businesses who make this show possible: American Express Business Explorer Credit Card Let your business expenses reward you. Every year. Switchnode Australia’s Internet isn’t great. That’s why Switchnode exist. The solution is here and it’s wireless.   If something in this episode of Australia’s favourite marketing podcast peaked your interest, then let me know by leaving a comment below. May your marketing be the best marketing. [ For more interviews with successful business owners visit bit.ly/2nRCl6X ]Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/marketingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian Janet DeNeefe met a Balinese man in 1984, and with very little thought, moved to the charming Balinese hillside town of Ubud and threw herself into a new life. She had no plan (she never does as you're about to find out!) … she just knew she was in love. Back then, ducks and cows wandered down the main road and telephones were a luxury. That was 35 years ago. Since then, she’s given birth to four children and numerous businesses … all of which have blossomed. This is a story of a highly creative business woman who doesn’t care for planning, isn’t scared to have an idea and quickly get it to market … and whose Midas touch seems to turn everything to gold. Janet also shares: How she launched her first business in Bali What role her creativity plays in launching and running each business Why she started the Ubud Reader’s & Writer’s Festival and the Ubud Food Festival What role marketing plays in each of her businesses How she manages the family dynamics of working with her husband and now sons And plenty more …   “One day my staff called me and said there were two women here that want to meet you. So I met with them and they turned out to be interior designers who wanted me to provide the soft-furnishings for Sir Richard Branson's Necker Island!” - Janet DeNeefe, Entrepreneur   Here’s what caught my attention from my chat with Janet DeNeefe: Sometimes the idea of moving location to start a business or re-energise an existing business isn’t a bad idea. That doesn’t necessarily mean moving overseas! … it could just be moving down the road in to a new space. I love how Janet’s operating in a variety of different categories - from food, to tourism to homewares. I know there’s a school of thought that says do one thing well; however, if you have another business idea that you’d love to launch, then maybe take some inspiration from how Janet goes about things. I love any business that gives back to the local community. Janet starting the Ubud Readers & Writers Festival following the Bali bombings is a great example of a business with a strong social conscience.   Resources mentioned: Casa Luna - Janet DeNeefe’s cafe Indus - Janet DeNeefe’s restaurant Janet DeNeefe’s personal website & blog Honeymoon Guesthouse - Janet DeNeefe’s Hotel Emporium - Janet DeNeefe’s homeware store   Please support the following businesses who make this show possible:   American Express Business Explorer Credit Card Let your business expenses reward you. Every year.   Switchnode Australia’s Internet isn’t great. That’s why Switchnode exist. The solution is here and it’s wireless.   If something in this episode of Australia’s favourite marketing podcast peaked your interest, then let me know by leaving a comment below. May your marketing be the best marketing. [For more interviews with successful business owners visit Small Business Big Marketing]Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/marketingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2016 went down as a banner year for gun real estate agent Bernard “Bernie” Uechtritz. First, there was the historic and record-breaking sale of the Waggoner Ranch for $994M plus he won a slew of industry awards. Immediately when I read about this property for sale I needed to speak with the agent responsible for the sale. How did he get the listing and how is he going to market a property worth close to one billion Australian dollars!? Join me as I get those questions and many more answered by Texas real estate agent Bernard Uechtritz. Not only is he selling the Waggoner Ranch, but is also responsible for selling some quite stigmatised homes in LA including ones in which murders have taken place! This is a masterclass in how to market expensive real estate. Enjoy!   Bernie also shares: How he got the listing What it takes to go above and beyond when servicing a client The importance of networking Why it’s the simple things in marketing and sales that make the biggest difference And plenty more …   “I’m really just a mongrel-bred kid from a colorful family, who had a wild, adventuresome youth in the jungles and kunai grass plains of Papua New Guinea (PNG). I was never a good scholar or a rule follower because I’ve never been good at sitting still or staying in the lines.” - Bernard Uechtritz, Icon Property   Here’s what caught my attention from my chat with Bernard Uechtritz: Wear down the Dobermans in order to get to the decision makers. Show more passion than your competitors in order to get the deal. Be a hand-shake kind of guy, in a world that spends too much time online.   Resources mentioned: Article on the sale of the Waggoner Ranch Connect with Bernie on LinkedIN The wiki on Stan Kroenke who bought the Waggoner Ranch   Please support the following businesses who make this show possible:   American Express Business Explorer Credit Card Let your business expenses reward you. Every year.   Yellow Partner with Australia's #1 online business directory for all your digital marketing needs.   Switchnode Australia’s Internet isn’t great. That’s why Switchnode exist. The solution is here and it’s wireless.   If something in this episode of Australia’s favourite marketing podcast peaked your interest, then let me know by leaving a comment below. May your marketing be the best marketing.   [For more interviews with successful business owners visit Small Business Big Marketing]Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/marketingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sam Priestley makes a living by dressing up as a fireman then taking his clothes off in front of women. Yes, he’s a stripper! Hannah Priestley, Sam’s wife, runs the business. And it’s a very successful business at that. So much so that Sam works just one day per week, and they both earn far more than they ever did in their previous full time jobs. Oh … and Sam’s character name? Fireman Sam, of course!!   Sam & Hannah also share: Where’s the idea for men On Fire come from? How Hannah feels about her husband being a male stripper How they managed to replace their full-time employment income in just 6-months How they make prospects feel comfortable about enquiring for their services How Google Adwords sky-rocketed their business And plenty more …   “We found our competition to not be very helpful. Just the simple things like getting back to emails or phone calls a week later. That’s just too late for someone trying to book such an important event. So Sam suggested we start as a small side business and do it a whole lot better. ” - Hannah Priestley, Men On Fire   Here’s what caught my attention from my chat with Men On Fire’s Sam & Hannah Priestley: I love the fact that Sam and Hannah communicate constantly and clearly to one another. I love how they've taken a good look at their competitors, identified what’s being done poorly and gone about addressing it in their own business. And I love clarity they have around who does what in the business.     Resources mentioned: Men On Fire’s official website Men On Fire’s official Facebook page   But the marketing gold doesn’t stop there, in this episode: This week’s winner of the Monster Prize Draw winner is: Anthony Spiteri of Pixel 3   Please support the following businesses who make this show possible:   American Express Business Explorer Credit Card Let your business expenses reward you. Every year.   Yellow Partner with Australia's #1 online business directory for all your digital marketing needs.   Switchnode Australia’s Internet isn’t great. That’s why Switchnode exist. The solution is here and it’s wireless.   If something in this episode of Australia’s favourite marketing podcast peaked your interest, then let me know by leaving a comment below. May your marketing be the best marketing. [For more interviews with successful business owners visit Small Business Big Marketing]Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/marketingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Busy mum-of-three Rini Lombard never dreamed about launching her own business, it was her ballet-loving daughter that inspired her to take the leap. Despite the toy manufacturing industry being highly competitive and saturated, Rini launched her line Ballerina & Me, confident that her dolls would bring joy to the whole family. 7000 happy customers later, Rini lives to tell us her success story. Want to know how a business is born out of an experiment with a broomstick? What’s it really like to be your own boss and live your passion? And find out the biggest mistake this small business owner has ever made... Yikes! Hit the PLAY button above to listen now, or subscribe free to hear the full interview.  Rini also shares: How she balances work and being a mum of three The importance of having someone believe in you How getting your name out there at the local markets is a great first step to success Why it’s critical to copyright your brilliant business idea That being a kind human will take you far in business How engaging a PR expert can propel you to the next level When it’s time to delegate some of the workload e.g. social media And plenty more … Here’s what caught my attention from my chat with Ballerina & Me’s Rini Lombard: Rini is crystal clear on the “why” she does what she does - and let me tell you, not a whole lot business owners can articulate this as well as today’s guest. Rini’s enthusiasm is evident in the way she lights up when talking about her business. It was a real joy to chat with her today. Have a meaty and genuine story to tell. Rini has worked with a PR expert to gain some pretty influential press, including a mention on Channel 10’s morning talk show Studio 10 and in The Age newspaper. Again, it’s Rini’s personal story and passion for the “why” she has created this business, plus her truly unique life-size dancing dolls that make her stand out from the crowd. I love that Rini’s business goals are so big that they scare (and excite) her. She has grand plans to grow her business and expand her offering, but will only do so if the new ideas align with her mission to spread joy. In an overpopulated market, it’s Rini’s authenticity that’ll allow her to stand the test of time. Resources mentioned: Ballerina & Me official website Ballerina & Me on Facebook   But the marketing gold doesn’t stop there, in this episode: I give you a real life example of a local business who score 10 out of 10 for grabbing my attention, but shoot themselves in the foot at the pointy end of the deal, aka the moment I was about to throw down the cold, hard c-a-s-h! Womp womp. Don’t let this be you!   Please support the following businesses who make this show possible: American Express Business Explorer Credit Card Let your business expenses reward you. Every year. Yellow Partner with Australia's #1 online business directory for all your digital marketing needs. Switchnode Australia’s Internet isn’t great. That’s why Switchnode exist. The solution is here and it’s wireless. If something in this episode of Australia’s favourite marketing podcast peaked your interest, then let me know by leaving a comment below. May your marketing be the best marketing.   [For more interviews with successful business owners visit Small Business Big Marketing]Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/marketingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Silvestri considers himself the most passionate restaurant owner in Brisbane. And for good reason … Arrivederci Pizzeria is ranked #1 on Ubereats, his 150-seat dining room is full every night of the week and his 25 staff wouldn’t work anywhere else.   There’s loads more tips and insights just like this that will help you build that beautiful business of yours into the empire it deserves to be. Hit the PLAY button above to listen now, or subscribe free to hear the full interview.    David also shares: The importance of passion in business How important it is to follow and react to trends How a Vegan menu changes everything The importance of social media in business growth Why he works in every part of the business The critical role his late Father played in forming who he is as a business owners And plenty more …   “You gotta love business. Treat it as a game. Have some fun. Be competitive. I’m soooo competitive!” - David Silvestri, Arrivederci Pizzeria   Here’s what caught my attention from my chat with Arrivederci Pizzeria’s David Silvestri: I love the fact that David looks out for trends and then acts on the ones he thinks will have a significant impact on his business. Eg. The Vegan Menu is a great example of this. A simple way to keep your finger on the pulse is to subscribe to Google Trends. A more expensive way is to take an overseas trip once a year and see what’s happening in your industry on the other side of the world. I love the fact that David has spend significant time in all parts of his business. Like he said, this then enables him to show great empathy and understanding when chatting with his staff. And I love how David is 100% focussed on offering a personalised experience for each and every one of his guests. Maybe that’s why 90% of his business is repeat business?!   Resources mentioned: Arrivederci Pizzeria official website Arrivederci Pizzeria on Facebook Interviews with other passionate foodies and restauranteurs Daniel Wilson from Huxtaburger Jamie Wood from Stone & Wood Declan Lee from Gelato Messina   But the marketing gold doesn’t stop there, in this episode: This week’s winner of the Monster Prize Draw winner is: Burleigh Driver Training   Please support the following businesses who make this show possible:   American Express Business Explorer Credit Card Let your business expenses reward you. Every year.   Yellow Partner with Australia's #1 online business directory for all your digital marketing needs.   Switchnode Australia’s Internet isn’t great. That’s why Switchnode exist. The solution is here and it’s wireless.   If something in this episode of Australia’s favourite marketing podcast peaked your interest, then let me know by leaving a comment below. May your marketing be the best marketing.   [For more interviews with successful business owners visit Small Business Big Marketing]Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/marketingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tie shop owner (and serial entrepreneur) Jeremy Chen was staring business disaster in the face when the global financial crisis lead to a huge decline in tie wearing. But instead of closing shop, he and his business partner made an ever so slight pivot thanks to one customer that walked in at the right time with a request they were destined to fulfill. “We’re on track for over $6M this year, with 10 people in Melbourne, over 5,000 SKUs and an average growth rate of 50% per annum for the last 7 years. Everything's heading in the right direction.” - Jeremy Chen, BePromotive   There’s loads more tips and insights just like this that will help you build that beautiful business of yours into the empire it deserves to be. Hit the PLAY button above to listen now, or subscribe free to hear the full interview.   Jeremy also shares: What he loves about small business Why he’s started so many businesses Why he decided to pivot and not shut down the tie shop What role marketing has played in each of his businesses And plenty more …   “Advertising is the price you pay for being boring!” - Jeremy Chen, BePromotive   Here’s what caught my attention from my chat with BePromotive’s Jeremy Chen: I loved Jeremy’s attitude to pivoting or grinding it out. Jeremy’s idea of approaching your captive market when things are tight is solid. These are people who already know you and want to help you out. Heading to the Canton Fair was a massive decision given he didn’t really know what he was going there for … yet it certainly paid off.   Resources mentioned: Promotional products business BePromotive’s official website Jeremy Chen on LinkedIN Interview with Clive McCorkell from Arid Zone   But the marketing gold doesn’t stop there, in this episode:   The overall winner for 2018’s Monster Prize Draw winner is: Lindsey Marsh of Sew To Grow   Please support American Express & DesignCrowd who make this show possible: American Express Business Explorer Credit Card  Let your business expenses reward you. Every year.   DesignCrowd Get $100 off your design brief here   If something in this episode of Australia’s favourite marketing podcast peaked your interest, then let me know by leaving a comment below. May your marketing be the best marketing.   For more interviews with successful business owners visit Small Business Big Marketing  Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/marketingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Full-time student Phillip Kuoch fell into the bakery business by accident when his father fell ill shortly after buying the business. Luckily, with 24-hours in everyday, Phillip embraced the challenge and now he’s just launched a brand extension in a donut franchise … and who doesn’t love a donut?!   Here’s the email Phillip sent me requesting to be interviewed. It was a “Yes” from me straight away (Mainly because he was a long time listener ;0):   Hey Timbo! I've been a long time listener and I've applied a lot of the advice and stories from your show to my own business over the last three years and I feel like I should give back what I've learned to the SBBM community. Three years ago, I took over a bakery business and lost a lot of business due to my naiveness in taking on the challenge to operate the business without any baking experience. I met with a lot of hardships with the previous owners trying to sabotage me and with many new businesses opening nearby taking away our business. Fast forward three years now, our business is currently booming and we just opened a second store, with a third pop up store opening tomorrow at QV (come and visit!). We have been ranked as one of the best doughnut shops by several food websites, including the Herald Sun and we also made international news last year by introducing the world's first croissant-doughnut covered in real 24 karat gold. Not meaning to (humble) brag, but I started this business when I was 21 and ran the business whilst I was completing my undergraduate degree in marketing and journalism. I'd love to share my story with you and if you were interested to know more, I'd love to talk!   So, in episode 441 of your favourite marketing podcast, Phillip reveals: Why he chose to take on the bakery as well as study at uni full time How he manages his way through adversity What role innovation plays in growing the business How he generates free (global) publicity Why he’s decided to franchise the business How he deals with imposter syndrome And plenty more ...   Resources mentioned: Goldelucks Bakery offical website Michelle Bridges’ interview The chicken man (Arthur Greeno) interview Phillip mentioned Carolyn Creswell from Carman's Muesli interview     Please support American Express who make this show possible: American Express Business Explorer Credit Card Let your business expenses reward you. Every year.   If something in this episode of Australia’s favourite marketing podcast peaked your interest, then let me know by leaving a comment below. May your marketing be the best marketing.   For more interviews with successful business owners visit Small Business Big MarketingSupport the show: https://www.patreon.com/marketingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peter Wells is the reason I do this show. Not him personally … but the type of person and business owner that he is, having steadily taken a small fishing tackle store from $660,000 in year one to its current $5M turnover after 9-years. Join me as he shares exactly how he’s done it. “The customer is always right until we have the chance to show them otherwise.” - Peter Wells, Davo’s It’s people like Peter Wells that inspire me to continue doing this show after almost 10 years. A small business owner, with an interesting story, who’s never been in the limelight and who’s effectively using some form of marketing to grow their business. Peter used to work on submarines … now he owns Davo’s Fishing & Tackle - a simple bricks and mortar business he bought 9-years ago - that now has three stores on Australia’s beautiful Sunshine Coast. He’s big on customer service, has a hunger for figuring out how retail works, is a lifelong student of personal development and has some great learnings (and stories) from his past life as a submariner.  But this is not one of those chats where everything falls into place … as Pete (and his son) come to grips with how to transition in to the eCommerce space.   In episode 440 of your favourite marketing podcast, Peter reveals: Why he sold a logistics business to buy a little fishing and tackle shop How he stays ahead of retail trends Why it took him so long to start an eCommerce store What he learnt from being a submariner The importance of working closely with suppliers The best marketing he does to attract and retail customers And plenty more ...   Resources mentioned: Davo’s Fishing & Tackle Interview with Paul Nieuwenhuys from Hooked Online & Sinker Interview with Brendan Torazzi   Here’s Yellow’s Do More Business Video Series (Episode 1) that I hosted   Please support American Express who make this show possible: American Express Business Explorer Credit Card Let your business expenses reward you. Every year.   DesignCrowd Get $100 off your next designbrief.   If something in this episode of Australia’s favourite marketing podcast peaked your interest, then let me know by leaving a comment below. May your marketing be the best marketing. For more interviews with successful business owners visit Small Business Big MarketingSupport the show: https://www.patreon.com/marketingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Clearly, SEO is a hot topic amongst small business owners.   Reviews of last week’s episode on SEO included: “Your best yet, Timbo!” And “The most practical marketing podcast I’ve ever listened to!” Well, strap in, because Dana DiTomaso (one of the world's leading SEO experts) continues to answer your most pressing SEO questions to set you up for a profitable year ahead.   Dana is President & Partner at Kick Point, where she applies marketing into strategies to grow clients' businesses, in particular, to ensure that digital and traditional play well together. With her deep experience in digital, Dana can separate real solutions from wastes of time (and budget).   “SEO Is great for getting people to your site … but if your site is boring then no one is going to want to buy your stuff. Spend time getting your website right before putting energy and resources into your SEO.” - Dana DiTomaso, KickPoint   Now, if you haven’t listened to last week’s episode 438 on SEO, then I suggest you do that first, as Dana overviews the fundamentals of SEO that every website must get right. PLUS she also answers around 15 SEO questions that were sent in to me by you.   In part 2, the questions and answer keep coming as we cover: How the little guys can compete against the big brands when it comes to SEO Which SEO play will give you the biggest impact upfront Voice search and SEO The importance of content How to get found locally And plenty more   So, thanks again for your questions which have formed the basis of this and last week’s episodes. Your SEO questions that Dana DiTomaso answers in Part 1 of this two-part SEO series are:   Laurel Guymer of LaPerouse Guesthouse: How do we, a small accommodation business, compete with airbnb, booking.com, wotif.com etc ?   Adam Neilands of Kelapa Organics: With the goal posts constantly changing with Google’s algorithm, where do we start? Out of all the tasks we can complete for SEO which one is the most important/impactful for a stronger ranking on Google?   Cameron Harris of Tank On Cleaning: Should the SEO on each page of my website be the same, or should it be different?   Robert Wheeler of the Rapid Recovery Room: I'm paranoid about voice search, like Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa. Apparently, everyone is voice searching on their phones these days and I'm not sure about the best way to get and keep myself in that game.   Scott Pendlebury of the Renovator Store: I often wonder why most eCommerce companies write their content and then hire an “SEO specialist” to rewrite it.  Given SEO is really about having relevant, amazing and engaging content for the user my question is why isn’t it better to make SEO the core strategy of an eCommerce company’s content team?   Shane Scrutton of Eaglemont Tennis Club: How effective is Google My Business for SEO - ie. does it increase your organic ranking?   Sandy Taylor of Sandy Taylor Digital Marketing: As an SEO Copywriter who works with small businesses who are new to marketing, my #1 question would be whether Google will develop Google My Business into a workable substitute for a website for sole traders and optimistic hobbyists who aren’t ready for a full website yet?   Robert Cagalj of Lease Communications: If I pay for Google Adwords would that increase my "Google juice" after my ad has expired?   Enamul Hasan:How much of an impact does content marketing play when doing local SEO for small businesses? Is it really worthwhile pitching content marketing to local businesses like tradies, small retail shops or service professionals in a local area to help them rank well?   Jim Knott: Can a business perform well from an SEO perspective purely from organic strategies?   Joern Stienz: I run a small Design Training agency and my biggest problem is to find the time and energy to create content (eg. write blog articles). Hence, I ordered a few 1,000-word articles from a text broker portal, but they have not improved my website’s visibility. Any ideas on how to make this work?   Steve Witt of Not Just Travel: If I have 400 local agents all across the UK ... how does each agent get found at a local level?   Charlie Morton: How do I choose keywords? And what constitutes a long-tail keyword?   Leanne Parish: What's the best way to get a website to rank for different geotags? For example, you might have a business based in Tamworth, but they might want to rank in Armidale and Coffs Harbour. How do you get them to rank for areas surrounding Tamworth without adding separate pages? We often get clients who want only 5-page websites, so getting them to rank for a far-reaching service area is proving difficult. Help!   Matt from Stargazing UK: Regarding the layout of a website nowadays … Should you have all of your products

What’s the first thought that comes to mind when I say Search Engine Optimisation? Let me guess … is it “Frustration?” “Waste of time and money?” “Pain?” Do you get a sick feeling in the pit of your stomach at the mention of this geeky acronym!? Well, however you feel about SEO, it’s critical to your website’s and business’s success. And today I have all your SEO questions answered by one of the world’s leading experts on this very dark art.   Dana is President & Partner at Kick Point, where she applies marketing into strategies to grow clients' businesses, in particular, to ensure that digital and traditional play well together. With her deep experience in digital, Dana can separate real solutions from wastes of time (and budget). “It’s probably easier to start with what SEO is NOT! SEO has grown from being really specific, to now it covers every aspect of online marketing. The bottomline however to getting your SEO right is to start with the basics. So let’s talk about them first up.” - Dana DiTomaso, KickPoint Now, let me guess … If you’re like most small business owners, you’ve spent plenty of time and money on getting your website live. There was probably tears involved, pulling out of hair and just sheer frustration as you found someone to design it, build it, populate it with words, pictures and videos (that you had to create) … and then finally you screamed at your webmaster “I can’t do it anymore … just hit the big green button and send it live!” At that point, you heaved a big sigh of relief, knowing your work there was done and you could get on with much more pressing business matters like attracting great people, calling in outstanding debt and deciding which coffee machine to get for the staff kitchen. But here’s the thing ... Whilst having a website is important for any business … getting it live is simply the start of an ongoing process. You see, your website is a needle in a gigantic haystack called the Internet, and your next (and ongoing) challenge is to ensure it gets found by the right people who are ready to buy. And that’s where SEO (AKA search engine optimisation) steps in … a dark art for most small business owners who either don’t understand it are frustrated by it, have spent money hand over fist getting others to implement it for them or … all of the above. Well, I’m putting a stop to that here and now. Get your SEO right and your website can all of a sudden become an enquiry-generating, money-making machine. And who better to help us do that than Dana DiTomaso who I was kindly introduced to by past guest and SEO legend Rand Fishkin, who was the founder of MOZ, one of the world's leading SEO agencies. With Rand no longer operating in the SEO space, I emailed him a few weeks ago asking who I should chat to get an update on SEO tactics for small business owners as we head into 2019. His immediate response was Dana, a Partner of the Canadian-based digital marketing agency Kick Point. Now, when Rand Fishkin recommends someone, there really is no need to look elsewhere … so I emailed Dana asking her to appear on the show, and she immediately came back with a “Hell yeah!” I then sent a simple email out to my list asking you, my precious listeners, for your most pressing SEO questions. And boy oh boy, was I inundated. So, thanks for your responses, your questions have formed the basis of this and next week’s episodes.   DANA DITOMASO INTERVIEW TRANSCRIPTION Tim I want to start off by asking you what is and what isn't SEO? Dana I think it's probably easier to start with what it does not because SEO over the years I've been working in this field for 18 years now SEO has really grown from being really specific technical and content changes made to a website so you improve your rankings and Google and now it is everything that encompasses so many different aspects of online marketing...Click Here to Download Full Transcription   Resources mentioned: KickPoint’s official website Sign up for KickPoint’s newsletter Moz SEM Rush Google My Business   Please support American Express who make this show possible: American Express Business Explorer Credit Card Let your business expenses reward you. Every year.   If something in this episode of Australia’s favourite marketing podcast peaked your interest, then let me know by leaving a comment below. May your marketing be the best marketing. For more interviews with successful business owners visit Small Business Big MarketingSupport the show: https://www.patreon.com/marketingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leanne Faulkner launched Billy Goat Soap from her kitchen in response to her son’s eczema. By 2010 she had 20 employees and sold product in over 2000 outlets across Australia. By 2011 Australian retailing had slowed significantly, and this took a huge toll on her mental health. After some time off, she returned to work, selling the business a year later. Today, Leanne is a small business mentor and well-being adviser who has a deep passion for ensuring other small business owners don’t experience the same lows as she did. “It’s critical for small business owners to have some sort of interest that is not work-related. The minute you stop doing that because you just don’t have the time or concentration, that can be a red flag indicating your mental health is under pressure.” - Leanne Faulkner, Fortitude at Work There’s loads more tips and insights just like this that will help you build that beautiful business of yours into the empire it deserves to be. Hit the PLAY button above to listen now, or subscribe free to hear the full interview.    Fortitude at Work’s Leanne Faulkner also shares: How she grew Billie Goat Soap in to a mini empire The highs and lows she experienced in growing the business How she managed her way through a mental breakdown triggered by the business The signs small business owners should watch out for in regards to managing their mental health How to manage adversity in business And much, much more   Here’s what caught my attention from my chat with Leanne Faulkner: Plan for your health and wellbeing before you need to. Talk to someone regularly about how you and your business is going. Separate yourself from your business.   Resources mentioned: Billie Goat Soap’s official website Leanne’s new business - Fortitude at Work Lifeline Australia Ahead for Business Heads Up - Better mental health in the workplace ATO - Small business owners experiencing mental health issues Victorian Small Business Commission - Mental health plan Safe Work NSW Workcover Queensland   Please support American Express who make this show possible: American Express Business Explorer Credit Card Let your business expenses reward you. Every year. And join me at the Idea Exchange in Sydney on November 22, 2018.   If something in this episode of Australia’s favourite marketing podcast peaked your interest, then let me know by leaving a comment below. May your marketing be the best marketing.   For more interviews with successful business owners visit http://bit.ly/2nRCl6XSupport the show: https://www.patreon.com/marketingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sir Richard Branson said, “Mick Spencer was a future business leader to watch”. Why? Because by the ripe old age of 27 years old, Mick Spencer had become a globally recognised CEO, a multi-millionaire entrepreneur, and an investor. Mick is the Founder and CEO of On The Go, a multi-million-dollar, global e-commerce company that enables users to design and manufacture their apparel and accessories. I think you’re going to love this chat. Mick is on a mission to disrupt the world of sporting apparel, he’s built some incredible partnerships with the likes Wesfarmers (one of Australia’s biggest publicly listed companies), our PM was visiting him the day after this interview and his book launched a few days later.   “I was a young punk at university, and after volunteering at a youth camp in Hawaii teaching poorer kids sport and leadership, I realised I wanted to get i to something that got more young people in to sport. But I also loved the Internet and I loved merchandise and technology. And that’s how this dream was born.” - Mick Spencer, On-The-Go Custom Apparel   There’s loads more tips and insights just like this that will help you build that beautiful business of yours into the empire it deserves to be. Hit the PLAY button above to listen now, or subscribe free to hear the full interview.    On-The-Go’s Mick Spencer also shares: How he got his first customer Why partnerships are critical to a business’s success How he maintains work/life balance The best marketing he implements to get more customers Why he loves Google Trends And much, much more   Here’s what caught my attention from my chat with Mick Spencer: Mick’s overall drive and enthusiasm. I love Mick’s philosophy around creating 7-12 touch points before a prospect becomes a customer … and he even takes that one step further by having created a poster that details these touch points, posted all over the office. What a great reminder. Mick mentioned that he has someone within the business constantly following Google Trends.  This is a great way to keep on top of what’s happening in your industry … plus it’s also a great way to get ideas for fresh, timely content.   Resources mentioned: On-The-Go's official website The winner of this week’s Monster Prize Draw is Dr. Ty Belknap from Portbell - out-of-the-box SEO and digital marketing Google Trends   Please support American Express who make this show possible:   American Express Business Explorer Credit Card Let your business expenses reward you. Every year. And join me at the Idea Exchange in Sydney on November 22, 2018.   If something in this episode of Australia’s favourite marketing podcast peaked your interest, then let me know by leaving a comment below. May your marketing be the best marketing.   For more interviews with successful business owners visit http://bit.ly/2nRCl6XSupport the show: https://www.patreon.com/marketingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sam Canning used to be a vegetarian. Now he’s one of Australia’s leading ethical butchers, running six very fancy butchers shops in Melbourne’s most affluent suburbs. His experience in ‘paddock-to-plate’ butcher-shops in the UK inspired him to open his first shop here in Australia - with a focus on animal welfare. In 2010, the first Cannings Butcher Shop was opened in the leafy Melbourne suburb of Hawthorn. Now Sam has 6 shops (and let me tell ya, they’re not your average butcher’s shop) and he’s in the process of opening up two more. This rapid growth hasn’t come without some pain which Sam openly talks about, plus he shares how he’s gone about cleverly disrupting a very stayed industry.   “When you shop with us, you don’t have to wonder whether your dinner was raised under high welfare conditions. It was! We don’t mess around here. Care is the one word that best describes everything we do at cannings … it starts with how the animals are treated, right through to care for customers, suppliers and of course, our 100+ staff.”  - Sam Canning, Cannings Butchers   There’s loads more tips and insights just like this that will help you build that beautiful business of yours into the empire it deserves to be. Hit the PLAY button above to listen now, or subscribe free to hear the full interview.    Sam also shares: Why he became a carnivore The best marketing they do to attract and retain more clients His real estate strategy Why he’s chosen one word to cover all aspects of the Cannings business How he’s managed the rapid growth since opening on 2010 The hardest part of running six butcher’s shops And much, much more.   Here’s what caught my attention from my chat with Sam Canning: I love that Sam’s challenging a very old and stayed industry Cannings use of SMS marketing is clever The fact that they’re documenting all systems and processes is also a smart thing to do before the business gets too big   Resources mentioned: Cannings Butchers official website The winner of this week’s Monster Prize Draw is Danielle Rathman from Heartbeat Handicrafts   Please support American Express who make this show possible: American Express Business Explorer Credit Card Let your business expenses reward you. Every year. And join me at the Idea Exchange in Sydney on November 22, 2018.   If something in this episode of Australia’s favourite marketing podcast peaked your interest, then let me know by leaving a comment below. May your marketing be the best marketing. For more interviews with successful business owners visit Small Business Big MarketingSupport the show: https://www.patreon.com/marketingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brendan Torazzi is a lifestyle entrepreneur owning a number of businesses that, whilst not providing 100% passive income, certainly place him in a position where he can work on them and not in them, as well as travel the world with his family. The businesses cover a few different industries including OH&S, weddings and holiday rentals! But it hasn’t all been a bed of roses for Brendan as you’re about to find out.   “I’ve been practicing meditation daily since 2003 … so all of these little breakdowns I’ve had … rather than having one big one, I have these mini breakdowns, and it’s the meditation that’s enabled me to cope with them along the way.” - Brendan Torazzi,Lifestyle Entrepreneur   There’s loads more tips and insights just like this that will help you build that beautiful business of yours into the empire it deserves to be. Hit the PLAY button above to listen now, or subscribe free to hear the full interview.    Brendan also shares: Describes what a lifestyle business is and why he loves them so much How he decides what businesses to get in to and which to leave alone How he manages his mental health with the help of an Indian yogi How social media has been a winner for his wedding business And much, much more.   Here’s what caught my attention from my chat with Brendan Torazzi: I love Brendan’s willingness to be openly naive. I agree that you can’t always innovate on a product, but you can always innovate on marketing. 99% fail rate! How reassuring!!   Resources mentioned: Training business - https://alertforce.com.au/ OHS business - https://ohs.com.au/ Wedding venue - https://seacliffhouse.com.au/ Byron Bay Holidays - https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/12156633 Rapid Recovery Room - https://www.rapidrecoveryroom.com/   Please support American Express who make this show possible: American Express Business Explorer Credit Card Let your business expenses reward you. Every year. And join me at the Idea Exchange in Sydney on November 22, 2018.   If something in this episode of Australia’s favourite marketing podcast peaked your interest, then let me know by leaving a comment below. May your marketing be the best marketing.   For more interviews with successful business owners visit Small Business Big MarketingSupport the show: https://www.patreon.com/marketingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I’m often asked which has been my favourite interview, having done over 430 interviews with successful business owners over the past 9-years, That I can’t answer. There’s just been too many of them. However, the one I did in 2014 with Platinum Electricians Founder Joshua Nicholls is a bit of a stand-out for a number of reasons: His business story is inspiring His growth has been phenomenal (1,200% in his first 5-years and it’s now close to a $40M business). He’s got a great work / life balance He and his wife Alana have built a culture that attracts great people And he’s created a 21-step customer manifesto that leads to a massive amount of referrals We cover plenty of ground in this chat as Joshua talks about the importance of following your passion, the power of creating a strong visual brand, why she set up shop in an industrial estate, how she generates sales across online, retail and wholesale. And plenty more. There’s loads more tips and insights just like this that will help you build that beautiful business of yours into the empire it deserves to be. Hit the PLAY button above to listen now, or subscribe free to hear the full interview.    Joshua also shares: How he achieved 1,200 growth in five years How he approaches those he admires for business help How and why he created a 21-step customer manifesto How to create raving fans and employees And so much more ...   Here’s what caught my attention from my chat with Joshua Nicholls: Identify people you admire, and ask them if they can help you on your business journey. Just don’t be an Ask Hole! Put in place a customer manifesto - full of little experiences that make your customers smile, refer you to others and remain loyal for a very long time. Love the question Joshua asks - “How does the customer feel once we’ve left their home or business?” Love your employees by putting on great conferences, away-days, training, awards nights. Even just by simply being available to them.   Resources mentioned: Platinum Electrician’s official website   Please support American Express who make this show possible: American Express Business Explorer Credit Card Let your business expenses reward you. Every year. And join me at the Idea Exchange in Melbourne (October 17, 2018) and Sydney (November 22, 2018).   If something in this episode of Australia’s favourite marketing podcast peaked your interest, then let me know by leaving a comment below. May your marketing be the best marketing. For more interviews with successful business owners visit Small Business Big MarketingSupport the show: https://www.patreon.com/marketingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Saya McDermott is a graphic designer by trade. She then became a pilot for a few years. Obvious career change! Now she’s building a skincare business cleverly called Saya Skincare that’s taking on the world.   We cover plenty of ground in this chat as Saya talks about the importance of following your passion, the power of creating a strong visual brand, why she set up shop in an industrial estate, how she generates sales across online, retail and wholesale. And plenty more. “One day we got an order from Panasonic for 10,000 units. Now that was a great day!”-Saya McDermott, Saya Skincare   There’s loads more tips and insights just like this that will help you build that beautiful business of yours into the empire it deserves to be. Hit the PLAY button above to listen now, or subscribe free to hear the full interview.    Saya also shares: Why she made such a big career change How to build a strong visual brand How she’s used social media to attract clients (retail & wholesale) How she got Panasonic to place an order for 10,000 products How she got a contract to supply a new airport on the Sunshine Coast And so much more ...   Here’s what caught my attention from my chat with Saya McDermott: I love the relaxed nature in which she approaches her business. Saya’s blogging strategy is so simple and effective. And I love her branding. I’m a sucker for a strong visual brand - so no matter what your industry, I don’t think there’s any excuse for not having one!   But the marketing gold doesn’t stop there, in this episode: This week’s Monster Prize Draw winner is: Tony Rogers from Grey2Black Photography   Resources mentioned: Saya Skincares official website Saya Skincares Blog Interview with Joshua Nichols about his 21 step customer mantra Interview with Jules Lund about social influencers Interview with Joshua Nichols re customer experience   Please support American Express who make this show possible: American Express Business Explorer Credit Card Let your business expenses reward you. Every year.   And join me at the Idea Exchange in Melbourne (October 17, 2018) and Sydney (November 22, 2018).   If something in this episode of Australia’s favourite marketing podcast peaked your interest, then let me know by leaving a comment below. May your marketing be the best marketing. For more interviews with successful business owners visit Small Business Big MarketingSupport the show: https://www.patreon.com/marketingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scumbags Barber Shop is where I get my haircut. Not just because I’m happy with the cut, but because it’s just so much fun to go there. The staff are all so friendly, it’s an interesting place to hang out, there’s a strong sense of community, plus you get a free beer! What more could you ask for?! Today we chat with Scumbags founder Harrison Mallory about how it all started from a little shop in an industrial estate.   “We’re in the service industry. If you don’t want to service people and make their experience unforgettable then don’t get in to the industry!” - Harrison Mallory, Scumbags Barber Shop   There’s loads more tips and insights just like this that will help you build that beautiful business of yours into the empire it deserves to be. Hit the PLAY button above to listen now, or subscribe free to hear the full interview.    Harrison also tackles: How and why he started Scumbags Why he called his business Scumbags Why he doesn’t want to appeal to everyone Why polarising certain types of customers is good for business How he adds fun to the working week How he creates memorable customer experiences How he attracts and retains great staff And so much more ...   Here’s what caught my attention from my chat with Harrison Mallory: I love that Harrison doesn’t feel the need to appeal to everyone. Instead, he knows who is people are and build his brand, his marketing messages and the whole customer experience around this niche. I love seeing businesses polarise. I love Harrison’s attention to detail when it comes to creating an amazing customer experience. There’s nothing wrong with being a control freak when creating this important aspect of your marketing. And I love how he injects fun in to the business - like the Hawaiian Shirt Fridays. I know ideas like that can seem a little superficial … however, look at it in the context that life’s serious, people are looking for opportunities to smile - and simple ideas like that create a welcome distraction.     But the marketing gold doesn’t stop there, in this episode: This week’s Monster Prize Draw winner is: Cameron Harris from Tank On Cleaning   Resources mentioned: Interview with Lisa Conway Interview with Joshua Nichols re customer experience   Please support American Express who make this show possible: American Express Business Explorer Credit Card Let your business expenses reward you. Every year.   And join me at the Idea Exchange in Melbourne (October 17, 2018) and Sydney (November 22, 2018).   If something in this episode of Australia’s favourite marketing podcast peaked your interest, then let me know by leaving a comment below. May your marketing be the best marketing.   For more interviews with successful business owners visit Small Business Big MarketingSupport the show: https://www.patreon.com/marketingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James Castrission has paddled from Australia to New Zealand and walked to the South Pole. Off the back of that, he is now a small business owner himself, starting and running My Adventure Group. The life and business lessons he’s learnt from these two insane adventures are immense … and today he shares them with us so we too can build our beautiful businesses into the empires they deserve to be.   “We’re capable of a lot more than we give ourselves credit for. We’re like a hardcore 4WD just driving around the city streets not using anywhere near what it’s capable of!” -James Castrission   There’s loads more tips and insights just like this that will help you build that beautiful business of yours into the empire it deserves to be. Hit the PLAY button above to listen now, or subscribe free to hear the full interview.   James also tackles: Why he’s embarked on two life-endangering adventures How to take calculated risks How to work effectively with someone in close quarters Why planning is critical What to do when all hope is lost How to raise money through sponsorship How to manage sponsors And so much more ...   A little more about today’s guest,  James Castrission : It’s impossible to talk about James without mentioning his sidekick Jonesy. So … James is half the Cas and Jonesy duo who are two Aussie explorers constantly pushing the boundaries of human endurance. On the 26th January 2012, they made history by completing the longest unsupported polar expedition of all time. In 100 years of polar exploration, no-one had EVER walked from the edge of Antarctica to the South Pole and back without assistance. Many had tried, none had succeeded. After 89 grueling days, they made it back to the coast after having skied 2,275km with everything they needed to survive in the harshest environment on Earth. Four years earlier they Crossed the Ditch – paddling 3,318km without assistance across the Tasman Sea for another world first. They braved 10 metre swells, howling winds, endured severe food and sleep deprivation and adverse winds and currents. They became the first kayakers to cross the Tasman Sea as well as becoming the longest transoceanic double kayak expedition. Staggering upon the shores of New Zealand, the adventurers were sunburnt, bearded, underweight, and physically and mentally wasted…but most of all happy to be alive. The boys are highly regarded as two of Australia’s premier public speakers and have written & produced four award-winning books and documentaries about their expeditions. Cas is an avid rock climber, trail runner and when not on a big expedition can be found galavanting around the Blue Mountains where he resides. He is massively passionate about getting individuals outside and has guided trips all over the planet.   Here’s what caught my attention from my chat with James Castrission: Preparation is everything. Find people who love what you do. We’re all capable of more (loved James’s 4WD analogy).     Resources mentioned: My Adventure Group - James’s new adventure business Interview with Glenn Azar (another crazy adventurer ;0)   Please support American Express who make this show possible: American Express Business Explorer Credit Card Let your business expenses reward you. Every year.   And join me at the Idea Exchange in Melbourne (October 17, 2018) and Sydney (November 22, 2018).   If something in this episode of Australia’s favourite marketing podcast peaked your interest, then let me know by leaving a comment below. May your marketing be the best marketing. For more interviews with successful business owners visit Small Business Big MarketingSupport the show: https://www.patreon.com/marketingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Stand-up comedy gave me an understanding of audience responsiveness. How to work with direct feedback and deliver a great experience. You could quickly ascertain what worked and what didn’t work. This was great in business because you need to be adaptive and responsive to both the client and the market. Also, it gave myself an understanding of the power of face to face contact and rapport.” - Marty Vids   There’s loads more tips and insights just like this that will help you build that beautiful business of yours into the empire it deserves to be. Hit the PLAY button above to listen now, or subscribe free to hear the full interview.    Marty also tackles the following questions: How can comedy influence how you grow a business? What do you do when no-one believes in you? What’s the secret to getting an audience onside? Why should we look to big business for ideas? How can I use humour to get through business challenges? And so much more ...   A little more about today’s guest, Marty Vids: Marty Vids cut his business teeth working in the family Milk Bar from the age of seven. At 16 his career teacher advised him he’d probably be a butcher, Marty started a stand-up comedy career which saw him make audiences laugh on some big stages in Melbourne and Sydney. When it was time to get serious, he took a job at Westpac bank until he realised that he wasn’t cut out for working for the man, and needed to get back to his small business roots. That lead to starting a successful mortgage broking business which he sold for what he calls “the cheque of a lifetime” … a cheque that enabled him and his wife to move to sunny Noosa, where he very quickly lost his identity and had a breakdown. In order to recover, they moved back to Melbourne where he got better then started a second mortgage broking business. After numerous awards, he got out of that, moved back to Noosa and now couldn’t be happier.   Here’s what caught my attention from my chat with Marty Vids: Look for ways to add humour in to your business … with your staff, your clients, your suppliers, yourself. Learn more about this by listening to episode 208 with Troy & Zara. “Play to the light.” I love the idea that there will always be a group of people that love what you have to offer (those in the light as Marty puts it) … and there will be those that don't love what you have to offer. Tailor your marketing to those that love you. “Don’t ask how you can make more money. Ask how you can be better.”   But the marketing gold doesn’t stop there, in this episode: This week’s Monster Prize Draw winner is: Daniel Munday from DPM Performance   Resources mentioned: Interview with Shark Tank’s Andrew Banks Interview with Troy & Zara from Humour Australia   Please support American Express & DesignCrowd who make this show possible: American Express Business Explorer Credit Card Let your business expenses reward you. Every year. And join me at the Idea Exchange in Melbourne (October 17, 2018) and Sydney (November 22, 2018).   DesignCrowd DesignCrowd is the world’s #1 custom design marketplace where, with access to 550,000 designers, you’ll get the perfect design every time. Get $100 off at DesignCrowd.com/Timbo   If something in this episode of Australia’s favourite marketing podcast peaked your interest, then let me know by leaving a comment below. May your marketing be the best marketing.   For more interviews with successful business owners visit Small Business Big MarketingSupport the show: https://www.patreon.com/marketingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Banks made a motza from building two of the world’s largest recruitment companies - Morgan & Bans and Talent 2. He’s also one of the original sharks on the Australian version of Shark Tank in which he’s already invested in nine start-ups. He has an infectious attitude towards business that I know you’re going to love.   “In order to build a solid team culture, we would recruit around people’s personality, style, and passion. So we’d hire Accountants to recruit Accountants, and Engineers to recruit Engineers. We recruit around who the person was as opposed to what they used to do.” – Andrew Banks, Shark Tank   There’s loads more tips and insights just like this that will help you build that beautiful business of yours into the empire it deserves to be. Hit the PLAY button above to listen now, or subscribe free to hear the full interview.    If you have questions about how to build an empire from scratch then you’ll get the answers in this interview with shark Andrew Banks, including: How to build a strong team culture? Why buying an ad in the Super Bowl was one of the best marketing moves ever! How to attract and retain great people. What makes a great leader. How to manage adversity in business. How to become a Shark on Shark Tank! And plenty more …   A little more about today’s guest, Shark Tank’s Andrew Banks: Andrew Banks is a failed actor Andrew Banks. A good-looking failed actor, but a failed actor nonetheless. Realising his days in front of the camera were numbered, he borrowed $5,000 on two credit cards to get his first business off the ground. Fast forward 30 years and he’s established two of the world’s biggest recruitment companies – Morgan & Banks and Talent 2, employing thousands of people globally. Along the way, he’s made an absolute motza! These days, he’s back in front of the camera, as one of the sharks on Network Ten’s Shark Tank, whose task it is to either fund or maul startups and inventors ready to take their idea to the next level. He’s proudly made more mistakes than all of us combined, which places him in a great position to share what it takes to build a business empire literally from scratch.   Here’s what caught my attention from my chat with Andrew Banks from Shark Tank: He’s a genuinely good bloke. Very accessible and very giving of his time.  I loved his advice around finding time to get creative in your business. And his view on marketing versus sales is critical. Too many business owners don’t separate the two. You do because you’re listening to this show .. but what about the rest!?   But the marketing gold doesn’t stop there, in this episode: This week’s Monster Prize Draw winner is: Peter from the Marketing Study Lab   Resources mentioned: Channel Ten’s Shark Tank Andrew Banks Wikipedia listing   Please support American Express who make this show possible: American Express Business Explorer Credit Card Let your business expenses reward you. Every year.   Join me at the Idea Exchange in Melbourne (October 17) and Sydney (November 22).   If something in this episode of Australia’s favourite marketing podcast peaked your interest, then let me know by leaving a comment below. May your marketing be the best marketing.   For more interviews with successful business owners visit Small Business Big MarketingSupport the show: https://www.patreon.com/marketingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

67-year-old Bill Watson is a Noosa legend having sold ice creams and cold drinks on Noosa’s main beach for the past 48 years. How’s that for business longevity?! In this revealing interview, Bill takes us behind-the-scenes of a business most people would kill to own … explaining how it all started, what he’s learned about people over the journey, his simple approach to customer service, and how he’s embedded himself in the local community. There’s loads more tips and insights just like this that will help you build that beautiful business of yours into the empire it deserves to be. Hit the PLAY button above to listen now, or subscribe free to hear the full interview. You’ll also find the full interview transcription below. A little more about today’s guest, Bil Watson of Hey Bill: William ‘Hey Bill’ Watson truly is a Noosa icon. With his signature red quad bike and trailers parked beside the Noosa Surf Club, Hey Bill can be found laughing and joking with the dozens of children waiting for a snow cone. Now a thriving business, Hey Bill started with nothing more than a hessian bag of oranges and a dream to live in paradise. With his car offering beachside accommodation, Hey Bill sold oranges to beachgoers at Tea Tree and Alexandria Bay throughout the summer. “There were more people there than Main Beach in those days,” he explained. Today, Hey Bill and his bevy of beauties can be found traveling between Noosa Surf Club and the river mouth offering ice-creams, drinks and snow cones. And he’s done that for the past 48-years! Here’s what caught my attention from my chat with Hey Bill’s Bill Watson: - Be willing to diversify by constantly challenging your business model.- Focus on what you’re good at and what works.- Bill’s positive approach has got him through.- Standing your ground with customers is not a bad thing. They’re not always right, are they?! But the marketing gold doesn’t stop there, in this episode: This week’s Monster Prize Draw winner is:Shelby Hohnberg from Bohemien Bucket Hats Jingle of the Week - Clean, wax and polish with Mr. Sheen Please support American Express who make this show possible: American Express Business Explorer Credit CardLet your business expenses reward you. Every year. Visit: amex.co/2GLI7i2 Join me at the Idea Exchange in Melbourne (October 17) and Sydney (November 22). If something in this episode of Australia’s favourite marketing podcast peaked your interest, then let me know by leaving a comment below. May your marketing be the best marketing. For more interviews with successful business owners visit Small Business Big MarketingSupport the show: https://www.patreon.com/marketingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Having the right mindset around your marketing goes a long way to ensuring your marketing produces the ROI you're looking for. Today I share a mindset hack that I've been benefitting from for the past 9 years, yet I'm surprised at how many business owners just aren't getting it. PLUS there's plenty more marketing gold in episode 426 of your favourite marketing podcast.   Resources mentioned in today's episode: My interview with traevl blogger Caz makepeace from YtravelInterview with Melissa Maker from Clean My SpaceInterview with Instagram rockstars Stephanie & Laura from KIC GirlsInterview with self-publishing legend Sharon Witt   Monster Prize Draw winner Artist Stephen Crichton   Advertising Jingle of the Week Paul Hogan (Hoges) in that famous old Winfled ad from 1970   Please support American Express who make this show possible: American Express Platinum Card   If something in this episode of Australia’s favourite marketing podcast peaked your interest, then let me know by leaving a comment below. May your marketing be the best marketing.   For more interviews with successful business owners visit Small Business Big MarketingSupport the show: https://www.patreon.com/marketingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Being asked "So, what do you do?" is a golden opportunity to pitch that beautiful business of yours. However, so may business owners get it wrong. So, in today's episode, I introduce you to the capstone pitching model, a way for you to convey what you do, how you do it and why someone whould hand over their hard-earned to you. PLUS I have some ideas for a business owenr who's struggling to attract customers, I help another one choose the right marketing agency, and this week's advertising jingle involves football, meat pies, kangaroos and Holden cars!   This week’s Monster Prize Draw winner is: Anita Affleck from New Zealand's Global Baby   Resources mentioned: Interview with Damien Lee of Mr. Lee's Noodles about resillience in business Eden Health Retreat - don't tell anyone about this incredibly special place to detox, reset and basically head home feeling a whole lot better than when you came! Interview with The Cuddlist, Adam Lippin Here's the website I reviewed for Emmette Therapist Al Reupena   Advertising Jingle of the Week The classic Holden TVC from 1972 - Football, Meat Pies, Kangaroos and Holden Cars!   Please support American Express who make this show possible: American Express Platinum Card   If something in this episode of Australia’s favourite marketing podcast peaked your interest, then let me know by leaving a comment below. May your marketing be the best marketing.   For more interviews with successful business owners visit Small Business Big MarketingSupport the show: https://www.patreon.com/marketingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Saddleback Leather’s Dave Munson uses storytelling to sell his leather bags. Leather bags he thinks even Indiana Jones would love! He tells stories in his website copy, his videos, his product descriptions … even his voicemail! He believes great storytelling has the power to convert idle prospects into raving fans. So sit back and listen in as Dave explains exactly how storytelling has been his business’s secret marketing weapon.   “You know, people really value authenticity in marketing because it’s rare. Sadly we just don’t get it very often. So, it’s a breath of fresh air to hear someone tell a story. And it doesn’t have to be some crazy adventurous story. It could be something as simple as “So, I was arguing with my wife the other day and ….” Just something that has your prospects get interested in what you gave to say and sell.” -Dave Munson,Saddleback Leather   There’s loads more tips and insights just like this that will help you build that beautiful business of yours into the empire it deserves to be. Hit the PLAY button above to listen now, or subscribe free to hear the full interview.   If you have questions about how to identify and tell interesting and compelling stories in your business then you’ll get this answers in this interview, including: What is storytelling in business? Why is storytelling in business so important? How can telling stories about your business convert prospects into customers? What stories does Saddleback Leather tell? How do I identify stories to tell in my business? Do I need to be a great writer to tell stories in my business? And plenty more ...   A little more about today’s guest, Dave Munson of Saddleback Leather: Dave Munson owns Saddleback Leather. A US-based business that makes and sells leather bags Indiana Jones would love. They're Dave’s words, not mine. You see, the guy is a master storyteller. Everywhere you go in his marketing, there’s a story being told. Throughout his website, his videos, his product descriptions. Even his voicemail message, as you heard at the top of the show. The guy loves and respects the power words have when convincing someone to buy from him. Even his tagline evokes story - “Saddleback Leather. They’ll fight over it when you’re dead!” Now I know everyone is banging on about how effective storytelling can be in marketing your business. We’ve covered it a lot on this show. Remember that episode with author Valerie Khoo in which she shared the 8 power stories every business owner must tell? The fact is, we all love a good story. We lean in and we listen when ones being told. So take a listen to what Dave has to say, then start implementing it in your business.   Here’s what caught my attention from my chat with Dave Munson from Saddleback Leather: In business, people buy from people they have a relationship with. Storytelling helps you build that relationship. Don’t always look for the sales angle … instead, be on the lookout for stories to tell in your business. People become less price sensitive when you educate them about quality. They become even less price sensitive when you help them.   But the marketing gold doesn’t stop there, in this episode: This week’s Monster Prize Draw winner is: Jackie Silverman from Black Velvet Coffee   Resources mentioned: Saddleback Leather’s official website Interview with Valerie Khoo on the 8 power stories every business must tell   Please support American Express who make this show possible: American Express Business Explorer Credit Card Let your business expenses reward you. Every year.   If something in this episode of Australia’s favourite marketing podcast peaked your interest, then let me know by leaving a comment below. May your marketing be the best marketing.   For more interviews with successful business owners visit Small Business Big MarketingSupport the show: https://www.patreon.com/marketingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jen Geale owns Australia’s largest and most unconventional mountain bike store with her husband Michael and another married couple … with a turnover in excess of ten million dollars a year … and she’s done it all from the comfort of her own home whilst offering exceptional customer service.   “I know deep down that if we worked 80-hours a week we would grow our business just that little bit more., We would make more money. We would be that little further ahead. But we’ve all made a conscious decision that that’s not what what we want.” Jen Geale,Mountain Bikes Direct   There’s loads more tips and insights just like this that will help you build that beautiful business of yours into the empire it deserves to be. Hit the PLAY button above to listen now, or subscribe free to hear the full interview.    If you have questions about how to successfully run an unconventional online store then you’ll get this answers in this interview, including: Why did Mountain Bikes Direct close their bricks and mortar store? Why does being online offer so much flexibility? What was the point when the online business really took off? What’s the most effective marketing for Mountain Bikes DIrect? What technology is critical in running an online store? And plenty more ...   A little more about today’s guest, Mountain Bike Direct’s Jen Geale: Jen Geale owns Mountain Bikes Direct, Australia’s largest selection of mountain biking gear.  She owns it with her husband Michael and two other business partners (also married to each other). She was named by Internet Retailing magazine as one of Australia’s top eCommerce superstars for 2018, and in 2017 was a Telstra Business Award winner, and was included in Smart Company’s Hot 30 Under 30 Awards. During our chat we cover everything from how she built Mountain Bikes Direct to an 8-figure annual turnover, her secret to amazing customer service (when they don’t even have a phone number to call!), how to work with your spouse and of course, what marketing is really working for them.   Here’s what caught my attention from my chat with Mountain Bike Direct’s Jen Geale: I love how Jen’s challenging the way business gets done. No office. Staff all over the place. No phone number. Yet it all works. I love how she shares the content creation around amongst her staff. And specifically how she has them rewrite the product descriptions and reviews, instead of just going with what the manufacturer provides, which is often dull and boring. And I love how a key criteria for introducing new ideas and systems in to the business is to ask the question “Will this lead to a superior customer experience?”   But the marketing gold doesn’t stop there, in this episode: This week’s Monster Prize Draw winner is: Jasmin Pearson from online clothing store Jasley   Resources mentioned: Mountain Bike Directs official website Mountain Bike Direct’s Google Reviews ‘Let my people go surfing’ by Patagonia Founder Yvon Chouinard   Please support American Express who make this show possible: American Express Business Explorer Credit Card Let your business expenses reward you. Every year.   If something in this episode of Australia’s favourite marketing podcast peaked your interest, then let me know by leaving a comment below. May your marketing be the best marketing. For more interviews with successful business owners visit Small Business Big MarketingSupport the show: https://www.patreon.com/marketingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beer Cartel’s Richard Kelsey walks you step-by-step through a simple content marketing strategy utilising an online survey which: Increased revenues by 34% Added 17,000 prospects to his mailing list Got him thousands of dollars in free publicity And positioned his business as an industry authority THAT’S marketing gold … right there!   “When we used to do market research projects in the commercial world they used to cost tens of thousands of dollars. This one we did for Beer Cartel cost $1,500. It’s amazing what us small businesses can do!” -Richard Kelsey,Beer Cartel   There’s loads more tips and insights just like this that will help you build that beautiful business of yours into the empire it deserves to be. Hit the PLAY button above to listen now, or subscribe free to hear the full interview.    If you have questions about how to create effective content and specifically how to use online surveys then you’ll get this answers in this interview, including: How do you create an online survey? What can you achieve from an online survey? How do you get people to complete an online survey? How do you get other businesses to promote an online survey? How do you structure an online survey? Why would you use an online survey to create content? And plenty more ...   A little more about today’s guest, Richard Kelsey of Beer Cartel: Richard Kelsey is the founder of Beer Cartel, an online and bricks & mortar store offering Australia’s largest range of craft beers. 1,100 in fact! He first appeared on this show three years ago, and since then the business has gone from strength to strength. But a few months ago, Richard (an ex Market Researcher - that helps!) decided his sales needed a kick along. He also wanted to significantly increase his database, and become known as an industry authority. So he created an online survey which produced some amazing results, and he’s been kind enough to share exactly how he did it with us, today.   Here’s what caught my attention from my chat with Richard Kelsey from Beer Cartel: I love the idea of a small business taking responsibility for conducting an ambitious piece of market research. And boldly calling it the 2017 Australian Craft Beer Survey. I love the way Richard incentivised other businesses to promote and complete the survey by offering them a personalised report. We call that amplification! I love how a simple Google search will help you identify the best questions to ask in your industry. … Simply Google [Your industry] market research questions.   But the marketing gold doesn’t stop there, in this episode: This week’s Monster Prize Draw winner is: Perth home handyman - Keith Hutchings   Resources mentioned: Beer Cartel’s official website The actual Beer Cartel Survey results The video Beer Cartel used on Facebook   Please support American Express who make this show possible: American Express Business Explorer Credit Card Let your business expenses reward you. Every year.   If something in this episode of Australia’s favourite marketing podcast peaked your interest, then let me know by leaving a comment below. May your marketing be the best marketing. For more interviews with successful business owners visit Small Business Big MarketingSupport the show: https://www.patreon.com/marketingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Carman's Muesli founder Carolyn Creswell is on a mission to create a hugely successful brand, in  Australia’s most cutting-edge workplace, whilst maintaining an enviable work / life balance for herself … and her staff. In this incredibly generous chat, Carolyn talks about how she’s turned Carman’s into a household name, the importance of creating a workplace people love coming to, how she gets the most from her staff and the role branding has played creating strong awareness in a crowded marketplace.   “So many people believe that Carman’s has been an overnight success. The reality is that we’ve been chipping away at this labour of love for well over 20 years now. I was only 18 when my business journey began – buying the tiny muesli business for only $1,000.” - Carolyn Creswell, Carman's Muesli   There’s loads more tips and insights just like this that will help you build that beautiful business of yours into the empire it deserves to be. Hit the PLAY button above to listen now, or subscribe free to hear the full interview.    If you have questions about how to grow and market a successful business whilst maintaining a great work / life balance then you’ll get this answers in this interview, including: How did Carman’s Muesli start? What move lead to the business really taking off? How did Carman’s Muesli become a household name? How do you create a workplace staff love coming to? What’s the secret to a good work / life balance? How do you maintain such strong brand consistency? And plenty more ...   A little more about today’s guest, Carolyn Creswell of Carman's Muesli: Carolyn Creswell who (in 1992) founded Carman’s Muesli, which is today a household brand in Australia with 82 SKUs available in over 5,000 outlets, 35 staff and an annual turnover in excess of $100 million. It also exports to 32 countries. Carolyn is mother to four kids under 13, and is reported by the BRW Rich List to have a personal wealth of $57M. She’s incredibly generous in this chat revealing how she’s built such a successful business whilst retaining an enviable work / life balance, how she attracts and retains great staff, why she’s on a mission to build Australia’s most cutting-edge workplace … and a whole lot more.   Here’s what caught my attention from my chat with Carolyn Creswell from Carman's Muesli: I love the fact that she wrote to every person in Australia with the surname Carman. I love how she gracefully says no to a lot of opportunities. I love her disdain for meetings. Should be more of it!   But the marketing gold doesn’t stop there, in this episode: Another motivated listener wins in this week’s Monster Prize Draw   Resources mentioned: Carman’s Muesli official website Interview with Flip Shelton, another Aussie muesli maker This week’s winner of the Monster Prize Draw is: Leanne Shorter from The Montville Mountain Inn Resort   Please support American Express who make this show possible: American Express Business Explorer Credit Card Let your business expenses reward you. Every year.   If something in this episode of Australia’s favourite marketing podcast peaked your interest, then let me know by leaving a comment below. May your marketing be the best marketing.   For more interviews with successful business owners visit Small Business Big MarketingSupport the show: https://www.patreon.com/marketingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever been so deeply touched by an idea, that you had no choice but to leave a comfortable existence behind, and pursue it … like nothing else mattered? Well, that’s exactly what happened to sleepbus founder Simon Rowe … and whilst it’s still early days, he’s on a mission to ensure that people who are sleeping rough get a comfortable, safe night’s sleep.   “Following 12 months of research including being homeless myself, the idea of sleepbus was developed. From that research, the issue that kept coming up was, not enough safe places to sleep while working on pathways out of homelessness. What was worse, was allowing people to fall deeper into the cycle of homelessness, rather than catching them early, keeping them safe and healthy until they got back on their feet.” - Simon Rowe, sleepbus   There’s loads more insights just like this that will help you build that beautiful business of yours into the empire it deserves to be. Hit the PLAY button above to listen now, or subscribe free to hear the full interview.    Here’s just some of what we cover in this very candid interview: The moment he decided to escape the corporate cubicle and start SleepBus How a traumatic life event at the age of 19 laid the foundation for doing what he does Why he chose to be homeless himself in order to test his concept How he got the first SleepBus to market How he’s getting SleepBus known in a marketplace of 600,000 Australian charities And plenty more ...   A little more about today’s guest, Simon Rowe of sleepbus: Three years ago Simon Rowe left his cushy corporate job in a mahogany-clad corner office, to start sleepbus … a charity that produces fully decked out buses to provide safe, temporary, overnight accommodation to those sleeping rough on the streets. Today he has one fully operational sleepbus in Melbourne, and a vision to build 319 sleepbuses providing over two million safe sleeps per year all over Australia.   Here’s what caught my attention from my chat with Simon Rowe from sleepbus: I love how Simon so clearly articulates the problem he’s solving in two simple words … Safe. Sleep. How clear are you on the problem you’re solving for your precious tribe … If you think you’ve nailed it, then leave a comment below. Simon is also crystal clear on why he does what he does. The fact that he was homeless way back when he was 19 years old is clearly his motivation for putting everything he has in to making sleepbus a success. How clear are you on why you do what you do? I didn’t love some of Simon’s self-talk. Phrases like “Homelessness isn’t sexy” may be true … but reinforcing them in his everyday speak may be damaging to his dream in the long run. What negative things are you innocently saying to yourself and others that may be damaging the way you market your precious business? Simon’s hunger for media coverage. He jumped at the chance for an interview. Then as he was leaving the studio (which was at radio station 3AW) I introduced him to another of the on-air hosts, he pitched his story, and secured another interview on a national radio show. So … what are you doing to secure some media attention, huh?   But the marketing gold doesn’t stop there, in this episode: Another motivated listener wins in this week’s Monster Prize Draw Starting this week I play an advertising jingle from decades gone by - a little marketing reminiscing, if you will.   Resources mentioned: sleepbus official website Interview with the founders of Orange Sky Laundry The episode in which I went on-location with Orange Sky Laundry Interview with Rand Fishkin on SEO best-practices This week’s winners of the Monster Prize Draw: Johnny Leary from Brookfield Poultry Equipment   Please support American Express who make this show possible: American Express Business Explorer Credit Card Let your business expenses reward you. Every year. If something in this episode of Australia’s favourite marketing podcast peaked your interest, then let me know by leaving a comment below. May your marketing be the best marketing.   For more interviews with successful business owners visit Small Business Big MarketingSupport the show: https://www.patreon.com/marketingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you find writing marketing and sales copy about as much fun as going to the Dentist, then listen up, as award-winning copywriter Joanna Wiebe shows you how to write copy that converts. And it’s not painful at all. In fact, it’s rather fun. Just like marketing should be! “If you can’t afford to hire a copywriter, then at least learn how to do it yourself … Just because you can use Microsoft Word does not make you a great writer, but at the other extreme, you don’t need to pay thousands for some whiz bag new copywriting course. There’s plenty of good information out there … including this interview! ” - Joanna Wiebe, Copy Hackers   There’s loads more tips and insights just like this that will help you build that beautiful business of yours into the empire it deserves to be. Hit the PLAY button above to listen now, or subscribe free to hear the full interview.   If you have questions about how to write marketing and sales copy that turns idle prospects into active customers, then you’ll get the answers in this interview, including: What you should expect your copywriter to be able to do (eg. brochures, flyers, Christmas cards, landing pages, sales web copy, sales letters, documents v blog posts). How good copywriting involves an understanding of optimisation, user experience, email & ad conversion. What is so important about understanding your audience and how to find their voice to help you write better copy. How swiping copy from prospects & customers by studying the natural language hidden in testimonials, Facebook, Twitter, and emails can help you find headlines. What research marketing secrets are great for finding the people that might be your customers. How to find the best reviews for your niche and see what messages most matter to your prospects, what their needs and wants are, what’s missing, and what they didn’t love. How a headline that is completely different to what you have used before can produce outstanding results. What is more important than a ‘call to action’ in your copywriting, and how it can increase conversion. How you can use information from customers to write great headlines. The power of simple copy and how it can increase conversion. A little more about today’s guest, Joanna Wiebe of Copy Hackers: Joanna Wiebe is the founder of Copy Hackers, an online portal laser-focused on helping business owners write amazing copy that converts. Whether it be for a marketing brochure, a sales letter, or a slide deck, Joanna and her team are experts at this much misunderstood yet mission critical business skill.   Here’s what caught my attention from my chat with Copy Hackers Joanna Wiebe: Write your first draft and then go and get a writer to polish it. I love the idea of reading and pulling apart reviews of books relevant to your industry on book sites like Amazon, and studying the language being used, what the reviewer loved, what they didn’t love and what was missing. I love how Joanna reinforces what I’ve always said about finding and honouring your voice in all your marketing. Be yourself and avoid being someone you’re not.   But the marketing gold doesn’t stop there, in this episode you’ll also discover: I share some feedback about my interview with Clarke Scott, the ex-Buddhist Monk turned entrepreneur Another motivated listener wins in this week’s Monster Prize Draw   Resources mentioned: Copy Hackers official website Joanna Wiebe on LinkedIn This week’s winners of the Monster Prize Draw: Nick Reid from Reid Stock Feeds   Please support American Express who make this show possible: American Express Business Explorer Credit Card ... it’s the credit card that ensures your business expenses reward you. Search Amex Business.   If something in this episode of Australia’s favourite marketing podcast peaked your interest, then let me know by leaving a comment below. May your marketing be the best marketing.   For more interviews with successful business owners visit Small Business Big MarketingSupport the show: https://www.patreon.com/marketingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.