The Small Business Big Marketing Podcast with Tim Reid

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.

Michelle Bridges was once a personal trainer in a very crowded marketplace. Like, there’s no shortage of personal trainers, right? Now she’s Australia's most influential with a solid TV profile, an author of ten books, two product ranges and more. Join me, as she explains exactly how she’s built a hugely strong and profitable personal brand. “If your only reason for doing something is to make money, then you might get lucky. Might! But I doubt it very much. First and foremost you really have to be true to your core values.” - Michelle Bridges 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. If you have questions about speaking at conferences then you’ll get this answers in this interview, including: How did it all start - and no, she wasn’t born in front of a TV camera … she worked hard to get where she is. How to build a strong personal brand? Why you need a personal brand? How to avoid procrastination? How to not let perfection get in the way of production? And so much more ... A little more about today’s guest: This very personal chat with Michelle Bridges first appeared on this show way back in 2015. I’d just emceed a conference in which she was a keynote speaker and boy, did she rock the stage. Not only does she have a great story to tell about how she’s built such a strong and profitable personal brand; but she’s a huge proponent of not letting perfection get in the way of productivity. Michelle’s CV is pretty damn impressive. Her TV appearances include being the host of The Biggest Loser, she’s written ten books on living healthy, she has her own clothing and vitamin range, and a fantastic online weight loss course called The 12-Week Body Transformation. And it all started out the back of her beaten up old car, as you’re about to hear. Here’s what caught my attention from my chat with Michelle Bridges: #JFDI - I love Michelle’s approach to getting stuff done. Procrastination is evil … so taking the attitude of being productive over being perfect is, I would argue, world’s best practice. Stop looking at the scoreboard. Instead, put your head down and bum up, and focus on the job at hand. Keep fit or get fit. As business owners, one of the first things to get ignored when growing our businesses is our health and well-being … which is pretty stupid, right? When I lost 30KG a few years ago, my business literally doubled. But the marketing gold doesn’t stop there, in this episode you’ll also discover: Another motivated listener shares four marketing strategies that are working for her, and in return I give her a prize or three! And past guest Riz Syed shares how appearing on this show got him some positive TV coverage  Resources mentioned: Michelle Bridges official website Michelle’s 12 Week Body Transformation Past guest Riz Syed of Zubia’s Brow Bars found himself on TV This week’s winner of the Monster Prize Draw: Laura Klein - Snotty Noses Please support these businesses who make this show possible: Prospa … Australia’s #1 online lender to small businesses. You can quickly apply online for loans up to $250,000, get a fast decision and in most cases receive the funding in under 24 hours. Visit Propsa.com/Timbo or call 1300 882 867, and tell ‘em Timbo sent ya! 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 your DesignCrowd 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 MarketingSupport the show: https://www.patreon.com/marketingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Does public speaking freak you out? I’m guessing that’s a YES! But what if you spoke to a group of your ideal clients, and it generated a cool $150,000 in new business, and got you a full-page article in the Wall Street Journal? Would public speaking still freak you out? I’m guessing not! Today’s guest owns a Drone business, is not a professional public speaker, yet has made it his #1 marketing strategy. And it’s working a treat! “In such a new industry we recognised the need to be seen as the leaders and set out on the speaking circuit as our primary form of direct marketing. With 27 conferences in 2017 we avoid the drone shows but have spoken on landfills, forestry, power infrastructure, agriculture, mining, quarrying, renewable energy and many more. ” - James Rennie, AUAV 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 speaking at conferences then you’ll get this answers in this interview, including: Why should business owners speak at conferences? Why does speaking at conferences position you as an industry authority? How do you decide what conferences to speak at? How do you get accepted as a speaker at an industry conference? How do you become a proficient public speaker? What else do you need to do to make a conference generate a return? Plus plenty more ... A little more about today’s guest: James Rennie, is the co-founder of high tech drone business Australian Unmanned Aerial Vehicles - and, whilst he’s not a professional speaker, he makes a motza from speaking at conferences. You see, five years ago, he and his business partner Andrew, founded one of the first drone service businesses in Australia. At the time, their marketing was focused around explaining what a drone was, and what could be done with one. They then realised that as pioneers in a new industry they needed to be seen as the authorities, and set out on the conference speaking circuit as their primary form of direct marketing. They spoke at 27 conferences last year for industries as diverse as landfill, forestry, power, refrigeration … just to name a few. So have your pen and paper at the ready, as James explains exactly how he does it, and what it’s lead to. Here’s what caught my attention from my chat with AUAV’s James Rennie: I think James’s conference speaking strategy is simple and brilliant … and I’d love you to adopt it. So here’s my challenge to you … go ahead and write a script for a 15-minute presentation that you know would be of benefit to your prospects. Then, go ahead and create a slide deck that supports your script. Practice it 20 times. Then find a conference that you’d love to speak at and get a spot on the stage. Scary, huh?! I love how James is also embedding himself in the conferences …. Sometimes taking an expo booth, other times sponsoring items like the memory stick. Speaking from stage is one thing, but being part of the overall conference experience is best practice. I loved the Dodgy Operator of the Month idea that he includes in each newsletter. Sometimes we can forget that as business owners and marketers we must entertain as well as educate and be helpful. But the marketing gold doesn’t stop there, in this episode you’ll also discover: Another motivated listener shares four marketing strategies that are working for her, and in return I give her a prize or three! And I have a positive response (unlike the negative response I shared a couple of weeks ago) to the interview I did with Instagram superstars - Stephanie and Laura. Resources mentioned: Australian Unmanned Aerial Vehicles official website How to overcome your fear of public speaking How to become a professional public speaker and build your speaking business This week’s winner of the Monster Prize Draw: Lindsey Marsh - Sew To Grow Ryan Speak from AutomatleyHQ kindly responded positively to my interview with Instagram superstars Stephanie and Laura. Please support these businesses who make this show possible: Prospa … Australia’s #1 online lender to small businesses. You can quickly apply online for loans up to $250,000, get a fast decision and in most cases receive the funding in under 24 hours. Visit Propsa.com/Timbo or call 1300 882 867, and tell ‘em Timbo sent ya! 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 your DesignCrowd 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 MarketingSupport the show: https://www.patreon.com/marketingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As business owners, we spend a lot of time honing our hard skills … productivity, cash flow management … marketing. But what about the softer skills - like empathy and compassion?  They’re just as important, aren’t they? Ex-Buddhist Monk and now small business owner Clarke Scott thinks so, and he’s about to explain how we should use them to grow our precious businesses. “If you can come at everything, not just in business but in your life, by trying to be of service to others, then you’ll find things become a whole lot easier and more rewarding for all involved.” -Clarke Scott, Clarke Scott Education 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 and why to practice being more compassionate in your business then you’ll get this answers in this interview with ex-Buddhist Monk Clarke Scott: What is compassion and why is it important in business? How can business owners be more compassionate? Is being compassionate in business just about other people, or should it include ourselves as well? Plus Clarke shares why he became a Buddhist Monk in the first place and what other learnings he’s now taken in to running his own personal brand marketing agency A little bit more about today’s guest: Throughout the 90s, Clarke lived and studied with Tibetan lamas both in Australia and India, whilst developing several software businesses as a means of supporting himself whilst living as a Buddhist monk. His initial contact with Buddhism came in 1995 when studying music at the Victoria College of the Arts. Since then he's read, thought about, practiced, and lived by the principles found within the Buddhist world-view every day since. Whilst Clarke no longer lives the monastic lifestyle, he is still very much a practising Buddhist, meditating daily, and with a strong belief that we cannot live our life well without creating something that has deep roots in how we view the world around us. Now don’t be fooled, this is not some wishy-washy spiritual chat. Instead, we explore the importance of being a compassionate and empathetic business owner … one who has a solid mindset for being in-service to others … and how that can have a hugely positive impact on our business. Here’s what caught my attention from my chat with Clarke Scott of Clarke Scott Education: I love the whole hourly meditation idea. Set a timer on your computer or watch to beep on the hour, then just stop and focus on your breath for just 60-seconds. I love the idea of stopping and reflecting on where others are at before you make a decision in your business. So often, in the heat of the moment, we can crack it at someone (or yourself) without giving any thought to how someone may be feeling or what they may be going through in their personal life. Whilst we didn’t talk much about personal branding, it is one of Clarke’s core business offerings, and an area of marketing I’m quite passionate about … so I encourage you to look in to it a little more. You’ll find some links in the Resources section below. But the marketing gold doesn’t stop there, in this episode you’ll also discover: What award The Small Business BIg Marketing Show won last Saturday night at the 2018 Australian Podcast Awards Which two motivated listeners win in this week’s Monster Prize Draw Resources mentioned: All the winners and action from the 2018 Australian Podcast Awards Clarke Scott’s official website Other interviews I’ve done on personal branding: Interview with Instagram stars Laura Henshaw and Stephanie Claire-Smith Interview with Mama’s Chicken & Salad Bar owner Wally Khawli Interview with celebrity personal trainer Michelle Bridges This week’s winners of the Monster Prize Draw: Roger Smith - The On Button Michael Carswell - Real World Redneck Please support these businesses who make this show possible: Prospa … Australia’s #1 online lender to small businesses. You can quickly apply online for loans up to $250,000, get a fast decision and in most cases receive the funding in under 24 hours. Visit Propsa.com/Timbo or call 1300 882 867, and tell ‘em Timbo sent ya! 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 your DesignCrowd 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.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/marketingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did you hear the one about the two ex-London lawyers, who are married to each other, who get confused for brother and sister so often it’s weird, who moved to a foreign country (which one of them had never been to before), sell everything they own, have a baby, and start a plant-based Vegan soft serve concept in Santa Monica ... with no prior cooking experience? Me either, until one of them contacted me for a interview! “We landed in Santa Monica where we found people to be very open to trying new concepts and new food items … and it’s really a place where all the early innovators are … and we straight away knew that that’s where we needed to be. ” - Michael Philippou, Frozen Fruit Co. 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 leaving your current job and starting a business you love in a foreign country, then you’ll get the answers in this interview, including: How do you leave a high paying ‘secure’ job to start your own business? How do you get proof-of-concept on a business idea? How do you decide to start a business in a foreign country?! How do you go about setting up a business in the States? How do you create a brand from scratch? How to WOW your customers? How do you find the right staff for your small business? What is Transaction & Reaction Marketing? And plenty more ... Michael Philippou, is an ex-London Lawyer. He and his wife Victoria (also an ex-London Lawyer) both suffer from a massive sweet tooth, but are also conscious about what they eat. So, they started experimenting out-of-hours (like Lawyers don’t work long hours already!) and finally landed upon what they call their fruit-swirl recipe, which they started selling to local businesses. It wasn’t long before they had proof-of-concept, receiving a BBC Good Food Award, quit their jobs and got featured in Vogue, Tatler, and Jamie Oliver’s magazine! They then decided to sell up everything and move to Santa Monica - the heart of Veganism - where they had only 3-months to make this business idea happen before Visa laws would send them packing. You know why I love this story? Because it’s full of business courage and marketing smarts. Here’s two people who’ve had the guts to make a massive life change, to create a product and business they absolutely love, and who are laser-focused on creating amazing customer experiences. Here’s what caught my attention from my chat with Frozen Fruit Co.’s Michael Philippou.: I love Michael’s approach to wowing his customers, and in particular that one simple question he and Victoria ask often … which is “How should the customer feel when they … walk in the store? Read the menu? Interact with a staff member? Taste the product?” If wowing your customer is a part of your marketing that your struggling with then I’d also suggest reading my mate Amanda Stevens book Turning Customers Into Advocates. I love how Michael and Victoria made a very conscious decision to place themselves in a highly innovative environment by moving to Santa Monica … the heart of the Veganism. Now, I’m not suggesting we all pack our bags and head North or South, but I am suggesting it would be a good idea to take stock of who you’re hanging around with the most when it comes to seeking business inspiration. These people, whether you know it or not, will be impacting heavily on your business’s success. I love the fact that the Frozen Fruit Co’s menu is limited to just four flavours. A gutsy move, but  amsart move. Like I said, choice hinders decision, so if you want to make it easier for people to choose to buy from you, offer them a small selection of well thought out products or services. They’ll love you for it. But the marketing gold doesn’t stop there, in this episode you’ll also discover: My response to a listener’s critical feedback about last week’s episode Which two motivated listeners win in this week’s Monster Prize Draw Resources mentioned: The Frozen Fruit Co.’s  official website The Frozen Fruit Co.’s Kickstarter Campaign Michael’s blog for entrepreneurs - My Start-Up Friend Transaction & Reaction Marketing - The book This week’s winners of the Monster Prize Draw: Ben Carvosso - The On Button Christopher Herman - Real World Redneck 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.