Be The Drop - Investigating Brand Storytelling

As more and more people turn to online searches to find information, there is increasing pressure to understand how SEO helps business be found online.   Founder of SEO Marketer, Mark Kirk, began building and optimising websites 22 years ago - before google was even google!! Today SeoMarketer employs 8 Australian based team members and 3 international full time employees.  Over the years much has changed but the fundamental requirement for businesses to generate leads from their marketing strategy remains is the same. Mark and his team implement SEO solutions based on their expert understanding of what actually works and what doesn't. In today's episode of Be The Drop, we discuss why you need to focus on website conversion as well as Google ranking, Mark advises on the role of organic v paid ranking and he shares a swag of super handy tips to help your grow your online business leads. If you'd like to learn more about how to use SEO to help your business grow, then join our Online Storytelling That Generates

Pocket Casts is my favourite app for listening to podcasts, and I'm not alone. Recently listed by TIME as one of the 5 best podcast apps, Pocket Casts receives international recognition as one of the leading listening platforms. I was therefore very excited to interview Russell Ivanovic, Pocket Casts Co-Founder and Developer. Russell + Co-Founder Philip Simpson, developed their first app in 2008 - an Australian weather app, which became number 1 in the app store in Australia. Two years later, they quit their day-jobs and begun full time development on the Pocket Casts app.   Pocket Casts was recently acquired by a collective group that includes four of the world's top podcast producers – NPR, WNYC Studios, WBEZ Chicago, and This American Life.  For Russell, the partnership works because the collective group shares his passion for keeping podcast content open and accessible to everyone. In today's episode of Be The Drop, we delve into the world of podcasts, Russell talks about the highs and lows of his busine

This week’s episode was recorded live from the CEO Sleepout where sharing stories helps raise awareness and generate much needed funds for those in need. David Wark, CEO for Vinnies SA recently wrote "Homelessness shouldn’t exist in Australia. There shouldn’t be hunger in Australia. And surely there are enough clothes for all. Vinnies is doing our best to address all of this and it’s with your support that this becomes so much more possible." On Thursday 21st June, I joined over 130 passionate South Australian CEOs, who together with Vinnies, are working to raise funds and awareness. The event, which requires a cold and uncomfortable nights sleep, brings together motivated individuals, to share conversations and strategies on what more can be done? In today's episode of Be The Drop, I interview event MC, Kate Ceberano about the value of action in fundraising, David Wark reveals how funds are distributed, Nick Reade talks about the importance of tangible results and BankSA's support of the Womens Shelter for

In today's crowded digital marketplace, the performance of your website is so important to your business. Yet many SME's struggle to understand what is required to develop an online presence that is functional, engaging and visible in search results. Unless you know a web developer, that is! Tyson Brady is a freelance website developer and former graphic designer. So, as an introduction to our Online Storytelling Program, that looks at how to generate leads from online storytelling, Tyson is the ideal person to give us some tips for how to build a good website. In today's episode of Be The Drop, we discuss Content Management Systems and common website problems; plus, we dip our toes into the often confusing world of Search Engine Optimisation. To explore these topics in more detail, join our Storytelling Superheroes Facebook Group  The Be The Drop podcast is brought to you by Narrative Marketing, the Brand Storytelling Superheroes! Want more business advice and brand storytelling tricks, or how to's to help

Cathy Beaton is an incredible woman. As South Australian State President of Vinnies, her work is integral to the positive impact that Vinnies has on the thousands of homeless people in South Australia. This is a cause that troubles me deeply. So this year, I will once again participate in the CEO Sleepout, spending the night outside, on the street in the cold and wet of mid winter, to raise funds and awareness for the plight of the vulnerable and needy within our community. In today's episode of Be The Drop, we discuss the power of working together, what volunteering means to her, and Cathy reveals how you can make a difference to the poor and needy in your community. DONATE TODAY. All donations, big or small, greatly appreciated ❤️ The Be The Drop podcast is brought to you by Narrative Marketing, the Brand Storytelling Superheroes! Want more business tips and brand storytelling tricks, or how to's to help you do your job? We release new content each week! SUBSCRIBE to the blog here SUBSCRIBE to Be The Dro

Victoria Fox combines that wonderful mix of friendly and approachable, with hard working and professional; and you're aware of it from the first minute you meet her. As Owner of Adelaide Skydeck, and also the General Manager at the Adelaide Hills Convention Centre, she has many valuable business insights to share.  Victoria has built an award winning team at the Adelaide Hills Convention Centre, guiding them to win the accolade of Best Business Event Venue, firstly in South Australia and then going on to also win at the Australian awards. Whilst she now runs two successful venues, her business journey hasn't always been plain sailing.  In today's episode of Be The Drop, we discuss the importance of teamwork and delegation, why you should never give up, and Victoria gives us some incredible business tips in the Be The Drop "power round"! For hands on advice, join our Storytelling Superheroes Facebook Group where you can ask the team at Narrative Marketing any questions you have. The Be The Drop podcast is bro

The digital content landscape is a noisy space that is constantly evolving. The rate at which this marketing space changes often leaves businesses and marketers with their heads spinning - myself included! So this week, I sit down with my Narrative Marketing team member Jojo Furnival to share some key tips that we’ve learned about how to achieve success with online content. Jojo started blogging for business in 2010, and has witnessed firsthand the evolution of digital content and online search. Through her journey, Jojo has learnt that storytelling is the best way to foster genuine engagement, and yet she also stresses that in the digital age, businesses can’t approach written content without seriously considering Search Engine Optimisation. In today's episode of Be The Drop, we discuss the importance of optimising digital content for both search-ability and readability, we break down some of the jargon terms associated with content optimisation and we also review what you can do to improve your content vis

It's important in small business to get the right business advice. I can safely say that my guest this week, Luke Talbot-Male, can be counted on to give it! Launching a surf school in Port Elliot in 2001 was Luke's way of mingling business with adventure. And what an adventure it has been! At one point, Luke managed 15 different brands and operations, including Heysen Trail walking tours, a team building activities company, a Kangaroo Island backpacker hostel, restaurant, cabin park, and kayak tours in Exmouth, WA! So he has loads of experience building successful businesses; and has been in the top 20 fastest growing South Australian companies four years running. In today's episode of Be The Drop, I chat to Luke about using different communication tactics for different audiences. He reveals how to successfully incorporate remote workers into your Aussie team and explains the importance of a Big Hairy Audacious Goal. -- To explore these topics in more detail, join our Storytelling Superheroes Facebook Group w

These days, it's not enough to have a corporate brand. You need a personal brand too. In some industries, it's more important than others. But across the board, adopting some basic personal branding tips could take your networking and sales efforts to the next level. In today's episode of Be The Drop, I chat to Kristen Werner of KW.Brands about authenticity and visual branding. Plus, she reveals some powerful tips for developing a compelling personal brand. To explore this topic in more detail, join our Storytelling Superheroes Facebook Group where you can ask Kristen and the team at Narrative Marketing any questions you have about personal branding and storytelling. The Be The Drop podcast is brought to you by Narrative Marketing, the Brand Storytelling Superheroes! Want more storytelling tips and tricks, or how to's to help you do your job? We release new content each week! SUBSCRIBE to the blog here SUBSCRIBE to Be The Drop podcast in iTunes here SUBSCRIBE to Be The Drop in Spotify here SUBSCRIBE to Be Th

All of us working in small to medium sized business are acutely aware of the importance of sales to ongoing success. But despite this, it is not uncommon for there to be a reluctance or unease about knowing how to sell.  Sometimes it's as though "sales" is a dirty word. But it's not! And even if your business doesn't have a dedicated salesperson, there are some changes you can make that will help sharpen your sales focus - in a natural and organic way. In today's episode of Be The Drop, I break down 3 key storytelling techniques to supercharge your sales process. I also discuss the importance of building a sales mindset for your business that aligns with your culture, and is true to your story to deliver bottom line results. To explore this topic in more detail, join the discussion in our Storytelling Superheroes Facebook Group. The Be The Drop podcast is brought to you by Narrative Marketing, the Brand Storytelling Superheroes! Want more storytelling tips and tricks, or how to's to help you do your job? We r

Phil Scardigno knows A LOT about business. He began his business journey at the tender age of 23 in a family startup manufacturing innovative solvent free bitumen membranes. Today Axis Group has numerous businesses within its portfolio, including new online business Monsta for DIY enthusiasts, and Axis Constructions, a market leader in the construction and metal roofing and cladding industries. In today's episode of Be The Drop, we discuss entrepreneurship and startups, how important people are to your business, and Phil reveals his top tips for building a productive and profitable business. Join the discussion in our Facebook Group!  The Be The Drop podcast is brought to you by Narrative Marketing, the Brand Storytelling Superheroes! Want more storytelling tips and tricks, or how to's to help you do your job? We release new content each week! SUBSCRIBE to the blog here or by using the 'storytelling superpowers' form on the right. SUBSCRIBE to Be The Drop podcast in iTunes here SUBSCRIBE to Be The Drop in Sp

As podcasting becomes a stronger and more widespread communication platform, I'm increasingly asked for my tips to help make the medium work for businesses. This is something I have in common with my guests this week, who I met last year, through the Adelaide Podcast Festival. As well as running this annual Festival, Liam Carter and Andy Martin co-Founded the Auscast Network, a network of podcasts that began on the back of their first podcast, also featuring Big Al, called The Badcast. Today, Auscast Network has 26 podcasts underneath its umbrella, with more in the pipeline. In today's episode of Be The Drop, we discuss the future of podcasting and the advertising benefits businesses can tap into. Plus, Liam and Andy reveal their top tips for getting your podcast up and running. Learn more about Storytelling for Business - Join our Facebook Group!  Want more storytelling tips and tricks, or how to's to help you do your job? We release new content each week! SUBSCRIBE to the blog here SUBSCRIBE to Be The Drop

Voice and tone have incredible impact on the overall success of how your story is communicated. Your tone of voice is an expression of your company’s values and way of thinking, and is something that should not be overlooked. My guest this week, Tamara Linke is an expert at understanding the power of voice. A professional voiceover artist and singer, her voice is her instrument. But it's really much more accurate to describe what she does as voice acting. She's a performer and a storyteller, so naturally I couldn't wait to interview her for Be The Drop! In today's episode of Be The Drop, we discuss the challenges of juggling creative skills with managing a business. We also chat about the growing voiceover industry, and Tamara reveals some of her top voice acting tips. Join our FREE Storytelling Program in our Facebook Group! Want more storytelling tips and tricks, or how to's to help you do your job? We release new content each week! SUBSCRIBE to the blog here or by using the 'storytelling superpowers' form

I am a storyteller. For as long as I can remember, I have loved the potent power of telling stories. But it wasn’t until I was living in the outback mining town of Broken Hill, that I started to understand the much greater impact of storytelling. It was there, set against the burnt red earth, blistering sun and endless blue skies that I began my journey towards a realisation that storytelling is a vital element in all areas of our lives, including business. In today's episode of Be The Drop, I tell the story of my awakening to the power of storytelling, I discuss why storytelling and marketing go hand in hand and look at how the power of story is effective in business. Want to have a compelling business story and a killer About Us page? We've just launched a FREE Storytelling Program via our Facebook Group, Brand Storytelling Superheroes. Click here to  join the Facebook Group today! SUBSCRIBE to us in iTunes here (Android users can access through the free app ‘Podcast Addict’). SUBSCRIBE to us in Stitcher

As consumers we now access increasing amounts of digital content, across more platforms and on more devices. How, when and by whom your content is accessed can now be tracked and analysed in many clever ways. Yet many businesses are overwhelmed when tasked with understanding data to improve communication. With a background in web design and digital strategy, Erica Stacey, founder of Scout Digital has built her business to help prepare her clients to do their best online. In a constantly evolving digital world, Erica increasingly found, that it is training her business clients need. So she now delivers a range of half day digital courses, including Google Analytics, SEO and social media advertising. In today's episode of Be The Drop, we discuss digital strategy, the value of data and its relationship to storytelling, and Erica reveals how to avoid feeling swamped by the ever-changing digital world. Join the discussion in our Facebook Group!  Be The Drop podcast is brought to you by Narrative Marketing, the Bra

Nic Kentish has turned a passion for storytelling into a business. Greenbanks Tours delivers personal, 'off the beaten track' tours in many regions of South Australia. But it all began with Hahndorf in the Adelaide Hills. In 1839, Nic's great great grandmother sailed on the Zebra to Australia from Europe, with 52 other families. They settled in Hahndorf, and set about establishing a farming region referred to at the time as "Adelaide's veggie patch". The pioneering women of Hahndorf had to walk steep trails with the Mount Lofty Ranges, to deliver produce to the plains. Nic grew up listening to the stories, told to him by his grandmother. In today's episode of Be The Drop, we discuss the ability of stories to transfer history across generation, Nic talks about his fears in starting a new business and he reveals details of the hardship and triumph of the Pioneering Women from his family. Join the discussion in our Facebook Group!  The Be The Drop podcast is brought to you by Narrative Marketing, the Brand Story

Chester Osborn is a natural born storyteller! Known for his loud shirts, which he claims are a "good hangover cure", Chester started working in the family winery when he was only seven years old. Today, d'Arenberg has 130 years of winemaking heritage to its name, it is the largest biodynamic grower in Australia, and Chester is known as the visionary creator of the d'Arenberg Cube. In today's episode of Be The Drop, we discuss the importance of colour, the power of a story that is unforgettable, and Chester reveals the secrets to his creative success. Join the discussion in our Facebook Group! Want more social media and business storytelling tips and tricks, or how to's to help you do your job? We release new content each week! SUBSCRIBE to the blog here. SUBSCRIBE to the Be The Drop podcast in iTunes here (Android users can access free via 'Podcast Addict'). SUBSCRIBE on YouTube here for the full interview video, behind the scenes, bloopers & more. CONNECT with us on Facebook, follow @be_the_drop on Inst

Edge Recruitment is South Australia's only specialist property and real estate recruitment agency. From identifying a gap in the market back in 1998, Jane Carey and her co-founder Gary Beesley have grown the business into a successful employer of two Directors and 7 members of staff. Her business success has come from hard work, a focus on building meaningful business relationships and by  looking to value-add where possible. In today's episode of Be The Drop, we discuss professional development in business, how to recruit smarter not harder, and Jane reveals the top skill they look for in candidates. Join the discussion in our Facebook Group!  Want more social media and business storytelling tips and tricks, or how to's to help you do your job? We release new content each week! SUBSCRIBE to the blog here. SUBSCRIBE to the Be The Drop podcast in iTunes here (Android users can access free via 'Podcast Addict'). SUBSCRIBE on YouTube here for the full interview video, behind the scenes, bloopers & more. CON

Artificial intelligence fascinates me personally and professionally. From social media algorithms and facial recognition technology to messenger bots, the future of AI is already here. My guest this week, Matthew Michalewicz was "born into it". The son of an AI scientist, who has written several books on the subject, six year old Matthew spent time after school at the university where his father worked.  The family would even attend artificial intelligence conferences while on holiday! Serial entrepreneur Matthew began his first AI business 20 years ago, when few understood the term. In today's episode of Be The Drop, Matthew tells me about his current AI venture Complexica, we discuss the evolution of artificial intelligence, and he reveals whose jobs are most likely to be automated in the future. The Be The Drop podcast is brought to you by Narrative Marketing, the Brand Storytelling Superheroes! Join the discussion in our Facebook Group! Want more social media and business storytelling tips and tricks, or

This week’s episode was recorded LIVE at the Adelaide Podcast Festival. Now in its second year, the festival is getting bigger and better. I was thrilled to again participate in a LIVE podcast recording at the Festival and was joined by the rambunctious Steve Davis of The Adelaide Show podcast. A big shout out to the awesome live audience for their support and for sharing their hilarious poo stories with us (you’ll need to listen to find out what I’m talking about) I also have a quick chat with the event organisers Liam + Andy from the Auscast Network as well Andrew + James from Rooster Radio Podcast about why the podcast festival is an important event for both podcasters and fans alike. In today's episode of Be The Drop, Steve and I discuss the current state of communication and look at why audio is such a powerful marketing channel. We review Facebook's recent algorithm change and discuss how traditional media is merging with new media in current communications. The Be The Drop podcast is brought to you b