There's remote working, and then there's working from a Maltese island! Today on the Engaging Marketeer, I'm talking to video director, filmmaker and BNI member Tommi Murshed-Parish. Tommi is based on the island of Gozo, located just off Malta, which is where he carries out all of his video and BNI work. Tommi is an expert on video, which is why he was able to take this interview on the side of a Gozo road. I'm talking to Tommi about: Why he moved to Gozo: As hard as it is to believe that anyone would EVER want to leave the UK, Tommi and I discuss his relocation, as well as the differences between life in Gozo and Britain. Working remotely: It might be quite hard for some to imagine the concept of a completely remote BNI member, but it's just what Tommi does. He tells me how he manages to find referrals for members in areas as far as South Africa, Mauritius and even Leeds! Video presentations: Tommi uses his expertise in videography to help people, particularly BNI members, to create video presentations which are professional, get their point across and, crucially, that sound good. Him taking this interview on the side of a busy road is just an example of his audio prowess. Please subscribe to the Engaging Marketeer to ensure you never miss an episode from us. About your host: Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA. iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/  Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com  Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.ukSupport the show: https://engageweb.clubSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

'All my business comes from word of mouth' Please don't say this sentence to me. It will infuriate me, and in this episode of the Engaging Marketeer, I'm explaining why this is total nonsense. Now, if you have no ambition to improve, grow or scale your business, then I can understand if the idea of winning more business is unappealing to you. However, if you want your business to reach the levels you dream about, I'm here to tell you what you're REALLY saying when you tell me all your business comes from word-of-mouth referrals. If you're guilty of thinking or, god forbid, SAYING things like this, I implore you to listen to this podcast and hear me out. Please be sure to leave me a five-star rating if you've enjoyed this podcast. Or if you know somebody who could benefit from this little rant, feel free to direct them here (it'll be great word of mouth for the podcast.) Subscribe to the Engaging Marketeer whereever you listen to your podcasts so you never miss another episode from us. About your host: Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA. iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/  Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com  Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.ukSupport the show: https://engageweb.clubSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Would you rather work with the Chinese government as a diplomat, or write content for websites? For me, that would be an easy choice... Luckily, in this episode of the Engaging Marketeer, I'm speaking to somebody who has done both! I'm speaking with Angela Pickett, a former foreign diplomat for the Australian governnment, who now specialises in copywriting online. Angela and I are discussing topics such as: Her process working with clients - as a copywriter, extracting the right information when talking to clients is an integral part of the job. Angela talks me through her interactive approach to client relations. The relationship between copywriting and SEO - We often view these two as going perfectly hand in hand with each other, but it's not always that simple. Angela speaks about what she values first and foremost as a copywriter. And, of course, I would be remiss if I didn't ask Angela about how time as a diplomat, so she tells me her fascinating story. About Angela Pickett Angela Pickett is a copywriter who specialises in SEO website copywriting, sales pages and blog packages for new and existing websites. She loves the challenge of learning about new business and industries. But most of all, she loves learning about, and sharing your business stories. With 20 years of writing for government, small business and not-for-profit organisations in Australia and overseas, she has the skills to make sure your story is memorable. Angela's website: https://www.angelapickett.com.au/ Angela's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-pickett-copywriting/ About your host: Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA. iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/  Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com  Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.ukSupport the show: https://engageweb.clubSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WARNING: This stand-up routine is very dark, and I'm not sorry for it. Last week, I made my epic return to the stand-up comedy stage for the first time in four years, performing at Wirral Mencap's Legends Comedy Night. Here is my routine in all of its offensive glory. I won't spoil anything for you, but if you are easily offended, it might be best to return for next week's podcast. Huge thank you to the amazing team at Wirral Mencap for organising a tremendous event. That is despite the, let's say, imperfect voting system that saw me finish in 3rd place, much to the sadistic delight of the Engage Web team. I've been busy raising money in the run up to the event - you can still donate to me if you'd like: https://www.justgiving.com/page/mr-daz If you'd like to learn more about Wirral Mencap's amazing charity work, you can do so here: https://wirralmencap.org.uk/ Please make sure you stay subscribed to the Engaging Marketeer on your preferred podcast provider to ensure you never miss any of our upcoming episodes. About your host: Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA. iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/  Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com  Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.ukSupport the show: https://engageweb.clubSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you know how to master the psychology of communication? Whether you're focused on writing or speaking, content expert Alia Coster can help you do exactly that. Her four pillars for success aim to help people who aren't naturally strong communicators to take full control of their business communication endeavours. Alia and I are discussing this in this week's episode, along with so much more, including: Nerd stuff - Believe it or not, Alia is just as much of a nerd as myself. We talk about her favourite things to geek out over, and even compare nerdy tattoos. It's heavy-going nerding out. Thailand to Australia to the UK - Alia talks me through her business journey, which began over in Asia, then got even further away from the UK, before she decided to return to our wonderful, beautiful shores. ChatGPT - This isn't the first roast of ChatGPT we've heard on the Engaging Marketeer, and it won't be the last. However, with Alia's particuarly strong feelings, it may be the most negative discussion we've featured yet. About Alia Coster: Alia Coster is a content expert who aims to help businesses with all of their content and communication needs. She approaches everything from a business mindset. She's worn many hats in my time, not “just a writer”, but an entrepreneur. A leader. A salesperson. A marketeer.Whether you're looking for content for you to achieve your goals or providing the coaching that empowers you to take control, the intent is the same. Buy Alia's book 'How to Write When You're Not a Writer': https://thefourpillars.co.uk/book/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliacoster/ About your host: Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA. iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/  Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com  Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.ukSupport the show: https://engageweb.clubSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I'm a geek, and geeks usually don't like talking to people, so how do I manage to bring visitors to BNI meetings every week in my quest to break into the top 10 members in the UK and Ireland? Here's my digital marketing approach to traditional networking. It's nerdy, but you don't need to be a nerd yourself to use it, and you should find it highly effective. I talk about DuxSoup in this podcast, and you can visit https://www.dux-soup.com/ to get a free trail of this LinkedIn automation tool. I also mention https://engageweb.club/, which you can still join for £5 per month until the end of June 2023 and get access to some amazing marketing tips and tools. About your host: Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA. iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/ Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.ukSupport the show: https://engageweb.clubSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the Engaging Marketeer, I'm joined by a very good friend of mine who I've known a long time and is also a client of Engage Web’s, Janine Evans. Janine is an Avon sales leader who has often been misinterpreted by some people in the past as being just a network marketer, even by people in her own family. Every time, she's proven the doubters wrong, building an Avon business worth over six figures. I'm talking to Janine about how she did that and how she actually goes about building a huge business from something that some people think of as just a pastime. Some highlights from this episode include: Janine talking about defeating Stage 4 ovarian cancer, and how she used this gruelling part of her life to fuel her career A discussion of the different ways to find success through Avon, including the differences between Sales Representatives and Sales Leaders, how much time you need to find success, and the characteristics needed to earn a good living with Avon. Janine's thoughts on some of the naysayers that don't see Avon as a 'real' way to make a living. About Janine Evans: Janine Evans is an experienced Sales leader with a demonstrated history of working in the cosmetics industry. Skilled in Retail, Sales, Fundraising, Direct Sales, and Marketing, Janine works extremely hard alongside her team of Sales Representatives and Sales Leaders to fly high and achieve her dreams. Website: https://beaglamourboss.co.uk/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janine-evans-b0195a103/Support the show: https://engageweb.clubSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you know what type of marketing is right for you? Well, it's a tough question, as I explain in this week's podcast. From Google Ads and Facebook Ads to traditional search engine optimisation (SEO), knowing what service will be most beneficial to you is also a matter of understanding what your short-term and long-term goals as a business are. In this episode, I go through some different types of digital marketing and determine which types of businesses would benefit most from them. So, if you're haplessly unaware of what digital marketing service will help you achieve your business goals, this is the podcast for you. As ever, if you've enjoyed this podcast, feel free to subscribe to the Engaging Marketeer and leave me a review. Alternatively, if you know somebody that may benefit from this information, please send it over to them so they can make a smart marketing decision for their business. About your host: Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA. iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/  Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com  Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.ukSupport the show: https://engageweb.clubSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What 'is' copywriting? To some people, it's a mystery. For my guest this week, it's a 'Mistery' that comes naturally. I'm joined in this podcast by Vishma Mistry, the founder of Mistry of Words, a specialist copywriting business where she helps other businesses connect to their audience online through the power of words. In this episode, Vishma and I are discussing her background in copywriting and interest in the English language. Vishma tells me about the inspiration for and troubles involved with starting her own business, as well as her decision to leave the sunny, always friendly UK for the land down under. Anybody interested in the world of copywriting will be fascinated by Vishma's insight into the subject. About Vishma Mistry: Vishma Mistry is a copywriting and marketing professional who has been running her own copywriting business, Mistry Of Words, for over two years. In September 2022, Vishma was a finalist for the Brisbane Young Entrepreneur Of The Year award. Prior to running her own business, Vishma was an established marketing professional, as well as being a freelance journalist. Website: https://www.mistryofwords.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vishma-mistry-84082634/? About your host: Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA. iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/  Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com  Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.ukSupport the show: https://engageweb.clubSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

'I tried digital marketing and it didn't work' In this episode of the Engaging Marketeer, I'm addressing some of the critiques he hears from people who haven't had good experiences with services like Facebook Ads and email marketing from digital marketing agencies. I know why it is that people often have bad experiences with digital marketing, and I'm here to explain that it doesn't have to be this way. If you're considering using an agency to help drive traffic to your website, be sure to give this podcast a listen to help you understand whether or not you should avoid digital marketing. Please subscribe to the Engaging Marketeer to ensure you never miss an episode from us. About your host: Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA. iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/  Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com  Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.ukSupport the show: https://engageweb.clubSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.