The Story Power Marketing Show

Tom Ruwitch

Business leaders, coaches, consultants, and thought leaders, The Story Power Podcast will help you harness the power of storytelling so you can grow your business and have fun doing it. Each week, Story Power Marketing's Tom Ruwitch and his guest will share powerful stories, trade business-building insights, and have a few laughs. Tom created this podcast to... ...Help you captivate prospects and inspire them to act… ...so you can get more clients, quickly and easily. That’s what powerful storytelling is all about. That’s what this podcast is all about. 

  1. How to Research Your Way to Greater Profits (with Sean Jordan)

    23H AGO

    How to Research Your Way to Greater Profits (with Sean Jordan)

    Sean Jordan is the President and Principal Investigator for the Research & Planning Group. As a 2009 graduate and current faculty member of the Master of Marketing Research (MMR) program at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville (one of the only professional marketing research post-graduate programs offered in the nation), Sean is equipped with a wide array of quantitative and qualitative research techniques and possesses a number of skills that aid him in research design, data analysis and report presentation. In this episode, Sean explains the difference between quantitative research (numbers like averages and percentages) and qualitative research (listening to what people think and feel through interviews and focus groups), and how qualitative findings are put together by targeting the right participants, conducting about 20–30 interviews, and identifying common themes and illustrative stories. They also discuss how research insights can shape messaging and product strategy, how the internet has shifted research from paper/mail to digital and from in-person/phone to Zoom-based qualitative work, the power and risks in using AI to conduct meaningful research, and how observational research via online video can help you understand market needs. This episode is a treasure trove of information about how to research your target market effectively. DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE 00:54 Meet Sean Jordan + Episode Topic: Research Your Way to Greater Profits 02:22 Quantitative vs. Qualitative Research (Numbers vs. Listening) 03:24 How Qual Interviews Work: Sample Size, Themes & Story “Marketing Fodder” 05:52 Turning Insights into Taglines: Credit Union “Not a Bank, Better” 06:17 Who Research Is For: Full-Service Agency Model + When It’s Worth the Cost 08:20 DIY Research for Small Businesses: Customer Conversations + Better Surveys 10:33 Act on Feedback: Steak-Off-the-Menu Story + Domino’s Research Comeback 16:19 How the Internet Changed Research: Zoom, Speed, and Panel Fraud 19:57 Beyond Interviews: Observational & Secondary Research (Reviews, Case Studies) 22:54 AI in Research: Privacy Risks, Hallucinations & How to Use It Safely 30:30 Where to Find Sean + Final Takeaways on Purpose-Driven Listening 31:49 Wrap-Up: Reviews, Resources, and Closing Credits FULL EPISODE VIDEO https://vimeo.com/1165967433 CONNECT WITH SEAN Website: https://www.researchplan.com; https://www.themarketinggateway.com Social Media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanjjordan/

    34 min
  2. How to Beat The AI Powered Bad Guys (with Robert Siciliano)

    FEB 11

    How to Beat The AI Powered Bad Guys (with Robert Siciliano)

    Cybersecurity expert, good guy hacker, and private investigator Robert Siciliano delivers “straight talk” on safety and security, stripping away jargon to empower everyday protection. A bestselling author and CEO of Safr.Me, and head trainer at Protectnowllc.com he is a trusted commentator featured on CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, and the Today Show, decoding complex threats for mass audiences. Robert shares his journey from physical security to cybersecurity, providing insights on the evolution of cyber threats, the role of AI in scaled operations, and the emotional aspects that make individuals and businesses vulnerable. He outlines practical steps for both individuals and businesses to protect themselves from cyber threats. This episode is packed with actionable advice for anyone looking to enhance their cybersecurity measures. DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE 00:56 Meet the Guest: Robert Siciliano 01:45 Robert's Journey into Security 03:55 The Shift to Cybersecurity 05:28 The Evolution of Cyber Threats 07:28 Human Blind Spots and Security 12:56 The Reality of AI-Powered Scams 19:47 The Rise of AI in Criminal Enterprises 20:28 Real-Life Scams: The Hong Kong CFO Incident 21:11 The Personal Impact of AI Scams 22:24 Understanding the Psychology Behind Scams 23:36 The Human Element in Cybercrime 27:12 Protecting Yourself and Your Business 29:27 Security Awareness and Appreciation 32:31 Resources and Final Thoughts FULL EPISODE VIDEO https://vimeo.com/1163554222 CONNECT WITH ROBERT Website: https://protectnowllc.com/ Book: Identity Theft Privacy: Security Protection and Fraud Prevention: Your Guide to Protecting Yourself from Identity Theft and Computer Fraud

    38 min
  3. Better Questions Bigger Business Growth (with Brandon Towl)

    FEB 4

    Better Questions Bigger Business Growth (with Brandon Towl)

    Brandon N. Towl is a marketing strategist, founder, self-described nerd and “Master of Questions.” After years of working closely with marketing teams, Brandon started noticing a deeper pattern: Many marketing teams were “spinning their wheels” because they were working from guesses. That realization led Brandon to launch Human Driven Understanding, a consultancy dedicated to deep customer interviews and pattern analysis, uncovering the real motivations, fears, language, and decision dynamics that rarely show up in dashboards or surveys. In this episode, he and Tom discuss the importance of asking better questions to understand what truly drives customer decisions. Brandon recounts his journey from clarifying complex ideas for B2B companies with his agency 'Words Have Impact,' to launching 'Human Driven Understanding,' a consultancy focused on deep customer interviews. They get into real-life success stories, demonstrating the tangible benefits of understanding a client's needs through direct communication. DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE 00:58 Meet Brandon Towl: Marketing Strategist and Master of Questions 02:50 Identifying and Solving Marketing Problems 04:58 The Importance of Client Interviews 11:55 Case Study: Law Firm Marketing Transformation 16:02 Choosing the Right Marketing Channels 22:06 Ideal Clients for Human Driven Understanding 24:34 Final Thoughts and Contact Information 26:36 Closing Remarks and Call to Action FULL EPISODE VIDEO https://vimeo.com/1161303382 CONNECT WITH BRANDON Website: hdunderstanding.com; wordshaveimpact.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandontowl/

    29 min
  4. Using Reddit to Ramp Up Sales (with Danny Kirk)

    JAN 28

    Using Reddit to Ramp Up Sales (with Danny Kirk)

    Danny Kirk is the serial founder of ReddiReach, a profitable marketing agency specializing in Reddit marketing, AI search and growth hacking strategies. He's revolutionizing how brands leverage Reddit for organic growth while optimizing for AI search platforms like ChatGPT and Claude. ReddiReach has served over 500 brands, startups and SMBs and helped achieve incredible results such as 9 figure exits. In this episode, he and Tom dive into Reddit's evolution as a marketing platform, its importance in AI training, and practical strategies for businesses to use Reddit effectively. Whether you're a product-based company or a professional service provider, you'll learn how to engage authentically on Reddit and get real results. Danny also shares tips on setting up an optimized Reddit profile and the critical importance of adhering to subreddit rules. DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE 00:57 Meet Danny Kirk: Reddit Marketing Expert 02:00 Understanding Reddit: A Unique Platform 04:18 Reddit's Evolution as a Marketing Tool 05:26 The Impact of AI on Reddit and Marketing 06:42 Leveraging Reddit for Market Research and Brand Awareness 13:36 Effective Reddit Marketing Strategies 16:56 Navigating AI-Generated Content on Reddit 21:54 The Risk of Automation on Personal Brands 22:30 The Future of Platforms Flooded by Low-Quality Content 22:51 Reddit's Market Forces and Incentives 26:54 Practical Strategies for Service Providers on Reddit 32:11 Optimizing Your Reddit Profile 36:22 Engaging with Danny Kirk's Services 38:34 Conclusion and Final Thoughts FULL EPISODE VIDEO https://vimeo.com/1159043603 CONNECT WITH US Website: https://reddireach.com/  Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielpkirk/

    41 min
  5. What Are We Really Trying To Say (with Amos Balongo)

    12/31/2025

    What Are We Really Trying To Say (with Amos Balongo)

    Amos Balongo has been a corporate motivational speaking sensation since moving to the United States from Africa. He has presented at several leadership conferences and summits and traveled to over 32 countries motivating and transforming leaders with his message. In this episode, Amos shares his journey from Africa to the United States, his shift from management consulting to leadership coaching, and the pivotal role of effective communication in leadership. He and Tom discuss common communication mistakes leaders make, the importance of authenticity, and the power of storytelling. Amos also outlines his coaching processes and offers resources for improving communication skills. This episode is essential listening for anyone looking to enhance their leadership abilities through better communication. DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE 01:03 Amos's Journey From Africa to Corporate Leadership 04:33 The Importance of Effective Communication in Leadership 06:07 Common Communication Mistakes Leaders Make 07:01 The Power of Clarity and Simplicity in Messaging 10:56 Developing Effective Communication Skills 12:48 The Role of Authenticity in Leadership 15:07 The Impact of Storytelling in Communication 18:04 Amos's Coaching and Resources 20:43 Conclusion and Final Thoughts FULL EPISODE VIDEO https://vimeo.com/1150499142 CONNECT WITH AMOS Website: https://amosbalongo.com/ Social Media: LinkednIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amosbalongo/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/abalongo Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amosbalongo YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmosBalongoinc Instragram: https://www.instagram.com/amosbalongo Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/46nGeoZTKCYOhrJh7Lfg42

    24 min
  6. How to Craft Stories That Persuade and Sell (with David Garfinkel)

    12/10/2025

    How to Craft Stories That Persuade and Sell (with David Garfinkel)

    David Garfinkel has helped copywriters and businesses in more than 100 industries increase profits. His book Breakthrough Copywriting is a #1 Bestseller on Amazon. Way back in 2004, he created and published the first widely used set of Copywriting Templates. Since 1993, he's written sales letters that have brought in as much as $40 million to one business. These days, his main client work is coaching professional copywriters, business owners, and in-house copywriters for organizations. In this episode, David discusses his book The Persuasion Story Code and explains why short, simple persuasion stories are more powerful than lengthy, dramatic tales. He breaks down the six categories and 25 types of persuasion stories that can be used in marketing and sales to build trust, overcome objections, and close deals. He and Tom also touch on the role of AI in storytelling and how to train AI to write persuasive stories effectively. Tune in for a masterclass in copywriting. DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE ~01:04 Introducing David Garfinkel: The Copywriting Master ~03:19 The Power of Persuasion Stories ~04:51 Understanding the Persuasion Story Code ~07:59 The Impact of Short Stories in Business ~15:35 Analyzing Famous Persuasion Stories ~22:00 Finding Your Own Persuasion Stories ~25:59 Understanding the Essence of a Story ~27:02 Real-World Examples of Persuasion Stories ~28:05 The Role of Subtlety in Storytelling ~29:54 Dramatic Impact in Movies vs. Persuasion Stories ~31:30 Effective Storytelling Techniques ~36:01 The Power of Status in Persuasion ~38:41 AI in Copywriting: Challenges and Strategies ~42:03 The Limitations of AI in Creativity ~43:15 Harnessing AI for Better Copywriting ~50:06 Final Thoughts and Resources FULL EPISODE VIDEO https://vimeo.com/1145066407 CONNECT WITH DAVID Books: The Persuasion Story Code: https://a.co/d/itWG12S Breakthrough Copywriting: https://a.co/d/7DfMgE1 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-garfinkel-a51211/

    54 min
  7. How to Apply Bartender Wisdom to Business Success (with Neil Rogers)

    12/03/2025

    How to Apply Bartender Wisdom to Business Success (with Neil Rogers)

    Neil Rogers is an author, speaker, and business leader with over 37 years of experience in marketing & sales, generating revenue and guiding clients through highly effective & result-oriented marketing campaigns. In this episode, Neil shares insights from his book 'Bar Tips: Everything I Needed to Know in Sales I Learned Behind the Bar,' illustrating how his early experiences as a bartender shaped his success in business. He and Tom discuss the importance of systems and processes, the power of hospitality, and how connecting with clients on a personal level can drive business success. Neil emphasizes the significance of consistency, persistence, and tenacity in sales, providing actionable advice for anyone looking to transform their marketing and sales approach through the power of storytelling. DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE 00:57 Meet Neil Rogers: From Bartender to Business Leader 02:12 The Journey from Bartending to Business Success 04:32 Applying Bartender Skills to Sales 06:51 The Birth of 'Bar Tips' and Business Insights 14:20 The Importance of Systems and Processes 18:24 Applying Lifelong Principles 18:55 Lessons from a Top Salesman 21:08 Transitioning to a New Industry 23:30 The Art of Tenacity in Sales 24:01 Hospitality and Personal Connection 31:07 Enhancing Customer Experience 32:21 Conclusion and Resources FULL EPISODE VIDEO https://vimeo.com/1142599906 CONNECT WITH NEIL Websites: rogmark.net  positiveactivity.net  Book: https://www.amazon.com/Bar-Tips-Everything-Needed-Learned/dp/B0BZ1V85T1 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neil-p-rogers-cas-68a4a22/

    36 min
5
out of 5
20 Ratings

About

Business leaders, coaches, consultants, and thought leaders, The Story Power Podcast will help you harness the power of storytelling so you can grow your business and have fun doing it. Each week, Story Power Marketing's Tom Ruwitch and his guest will share powerful stories, trade business-building insights, and have a few laughs. Tom created this podcast to... ...Help you captivate prospects and inspire them to act… ...so you can get more clients, quickly and easily. That’s what powerful storytelling is all about. That’s what this podcast is all about.