The Catalyst

Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce
  • 5.0 (1)
  • MARKETING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Build smart. Move fast. Get the edge that lasts. The Catalyst is a high-energy livecast and podcast for business owners and operators ready to scale influence, sharpen execution, and stay ahead in a noisy market. Real conversations. Real strategy. Real momentum.

Episodes

  1. 2D AGO

    Crafting Compelling Videos for Non-Profits

    Most nonprofits think a big budget is what makes a compelling video. Mike Bauch and Philip Redd reveal why storytelling — not spending — is your secret weapon to turn viewers into supporters. Ready to see how a 3-minute video can change lives and boost your cause? This episode dives into the magic behind creating videos that resonate, whether for a gala or social media. Mike shares his insider tips on using just an iPhone to craft powerful content, from capturing authentic moments to mastering sound and lighting — no Hollywood budget required. Meanwhile, Philip offers a behind-the-scenes look at how videos tell stories that move donors from awareness to action, especially for smaller nonprofits with limited resources.You'll discover: Why emotional storytelling beats fancy effects (and how to do it)The importance of capturing authentic moments over perfectionHow to leverage simple equipment like your phone for professional resultsWhy a small, heartfelt video can have a bigger impact than millions of viewsCreative ways to repurpose footage across events, social media, and donor events If you’re a nonprofit leader feeling stuck on how to boost your visibility without a Hollywood tech crew, this episode is your new best friend. It’s not about how much you spend — it’s about how well you tell your story. Because at the end of the day, a heartfelt video creates a lasting impression far beyond the static numbers.Trust us, this is essential listening if you want your nonprofit's story to shine on a shoestring budget. Grab your phone, and let’s make an impact — one story at a time. Mike Bauch is the director of Wolfgang Media and a seasoned videographer known for transforming simple footage into emotionally resonant stories for nonprofits and brands alike. Philip Redd is the program director at the Boys and Girls Club of Long Beach, responsible for harnessing video storytelling to inspire donors and community support.

    34 min

  2. MAR 30

    The Secret Sauce Small Businesses Ignore That Builds Lasting Loyalty

    Most small businesses are throwing away big branding advantages by thinking it’s just a logo or a catchphrase. Turns out, your brand is more like a secret sauce; consistent, memorable, and insanely powerful. If you know how to serve it right. Matt Bardocz from the figure agency drops truth bombs on how even a tiny coffee cart or local restaurant can create a brand experience that customers trust, repeat, and rave about, without spending millions. You'll discover: Why consistency is your secret weapon (and how a mismatch in product descriptions can blow your credibility). The five customer “phases” (Spectators, Shoppers, and the All-Important Buyers) and how to turn casual window-shoppers into loyal fans. The sneaky role of employee messaging and brand standards in shaping perceptions. How delivering on promises transforms customers into brand ambassadors (the unpaid marketing dream). Plus, insider tips on fixing cracks in your customer journey—like confusing checkout processes that sabotage your sales. Skip this, and you risk turning interested visitors into ghost customers, wasting all that marketing effort. Tune in if you're ready to build a brand that not only stands out but keeps customers coming back for more—like that favorite pair of sneakers or that reliable burger joint. Perfect for small biz owners, retail rebels, and restaurant folks who want their brand to actually work FOR them, instead of just looking good on paper. Want to level up your branding game? Matt’s got the advice and a free offer to chat. Because in the world of business, the difference between a one-hit wonder and a loyal customer base might just be a few smart tweaks.

    24 min

  3. FEB 3

    Marketing 2026: Your Space, Your Growth, Your Future

    This Lunch and Learn session focused on the theme of marketing for small businesses in 2026, covering various aspects such as public relations, organic social media, video marketing, local SEO, and the importance of storytelling. The panelists shared insights on common marketing mistakes, how to measure success, and the significance of customer engagement through reviews. They emphasized the need for businesses to understand their unique value propositions and to actively participate in networking and community engagement to build their brands effectively. Takeaways Marketing is crucial for all businesses, regardless of industry. Public relations should be integrated into the marketing mix. Authenticity is key in organic social media strategies. Video marketing can be utilized beyond just social media platforms. Local SEO and Google Business optimization are essential for visibility. Common marketing mistakes include lack of planning and consistency. Measuring success goes beyond metrics; it includes customer satisfaction and engagement. Storytelling is a powerful tool in marketing and brand building. Asking for reviews should be a regular practice for businesses. Hiring marketing professionals requires understanding your specific needs and goals. Chapters 00:00 Welcome and Introduction to Marketing 2026 02:57 Understanding Public Relations in Marketing 05:50 The Role of Organic Social Media 08:53 Creating Effective Video Content for Business 12:03 Navigating Google Business Listings and SEO 15:10 Common Marketing Mistakes and Best Practices 35:03 Harnessing Word of Mouth and Earned Media 39:04 Measuring Marketing Success for Small Businesses 43:54 Building PR from the Ground Up 49:07 Leveraging Resources for Effective Promotion 53:56 Crafting Your Business Story 59:57 Navigating Customer Reviews and Feedback

    58 min

  4. JAN 27

    The Essential Questions Every Entrepreneur Must Ask

    Summary In this episode of the Catalyst podcast, host Stuart Takehara welcomes Matt Bardocz, a seasoned creative director and entrepreneur, to discuss the essential yet challenging questions that business owners must confront. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the foundational reasons behind starting a business, the evolution of passion, and the necessity of a brand refresh as businesses grow and change. Matt outlines a series of discovery questions that can help entrepreneurs clarify their brand's purpose, identify their target audience, and assess the value they provide to customers. The discussion also touches on the impact of competition, the role of AI in business, and the significance of building trust with customers. Keywords business questions, entrepreneurship, brand purpose, customer trust, AI in business, business discovery, Matt Bardocz, Long Beach Chamber of Commerce, branding strategy, small business insights Takeaways Understanding your business's origin story is crucial. Passion for your business can evolve over time. Identifying your brand's value is essential for success. You can't be all things to all people; focus on a specific audience. Building customer trust takes time, but losing it can happen quickly. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Live Stream 02:08 The Importance of Tough Questions 04:12 Discovery Questions for Business 09:53 Understanding Brand Type and Purpose 15:54 Identifying Customer Value 22:54 Understanding Your Customer Base 27:11 The Role of Competitors and Partnerships 28:53 Impact of AI on Business 29:49 The Role of AI in Business Strategy 33:07 Human Experience vs. AI 36:21 Building Trust with Customers 39:29 Rebuilding Trust After Loss 42:14 Understanding Customer Hurdles 46:35 Adapting to Change in Business

    42 min
  5. New Minimum Wage, Reporting Requirements and AI in 2026

    JAN 13

    New Minimum Wage, Reporting Requirements and AI in 2026

    This conversation covers significant changes in California employment laws, including minimum wage updates, new regulations on wage theft, and the implications of AI on the workforce. Audrianne Adams Lee discusses various laws affecting employers and employees, emphasizing the importance of compliance and awareness of rights. The discussion also touches on the need for proper record-keeping and the evolving landscape of workplace protections. Takeaways Minimum wage increases affect various pay rates and require employer adjustments. Employers must provide notice of new pay rates to employees. Judgments for unpaid wages can lead to significant penalties if not resolved promptly. New laws allow employees to file claims for unpaid tips. Employers must prioritize rehiring laid-off workers when positions become available. A new notice will inform employees of their rights regarding workplace issues. The statute of limitations for harassment claims can be reopened under certain conditions. Employers must maintain training records for employees for compliance. Victims of violence have expanded rights to take time off work. Paid family leave now includes designated persons for care.

    43 min
  6. The Catalyst - Promo

    12/19/2025

    The Catalyst - Promo

    The Catalyst - COMING JANUARY 2026 www.LBChamber.com/TheCatalyst

    1 min
  • 6 Episodes

About

Build smart. Move fast. Get the edge that lasts. The Catalyst is a high-energy livecast and podcast for business owners and operators ready to scale influence, sharpen execution, and stay ahead in a noisy market. Real conversations. Real strategy. Real momentum.

Information

  • Creator
    Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce