The Charleston Marketing Podcast Charleston AMA

Explore the intersection of entrepreneurship and AI with Zach Giglio and get an insider's look at Zach's accolade-winning leap from communications to AI marketing mastery. Discover how our stories converge on the common ground of innovation and the transformative potential of artificial intelligence for businesses of all sizes.

Artificial intelligence isn't reserved for the tech elite; it's a tool that's making waves across the business landscape, and this episode peels back the layers of its mystique. Learn how AI is not a job stealer but a powerful collaborator, enhancing how we work and compete in the market. We share our personal experiences and provide a roadmap of resources for the AI-curious, from free online courses to newsletters, dispelling the notion that AI literacy is out of reach for the everyday entrepreneur.

Finally, our conversation takes a practical turn, offering SMB's a toolkit to leverage AI's prowess without the coding headaches. With discussions on AI platforms like ChatGPT and Canva, we demonstrate how AI can streamline marketing and design efforts. We also tackle the ethical considerations and the importance of transparency in AI utilization, all while giving you a glimpse of an upcoming Summerville event that promises to arm SMBs with actionable AI insights. Join us for this episode where business meets the future, narrated by the voices at the forefront of the AI revolution.
Presenting Sponsor: Charleston Radio Group
Title Sponsor: Charleston American Marketing Association
Cohosts: Stephanie Barrow, Mike Compton, Darius Kelly, Kim Russo
Produced and edited: rūmbo Advertising
Photographer: Kelli Morse
Art Director: Taylor Ion
Outreach: Lauren Ellis
CAMA President: Margaret Stypa
Score by: The Strawberry Entrée; Jerry Feels Good, CURRYSAUCE, DBLCRWN, DJ DollaMenu
Voiceover by: Ellison Karesh
Studio Engineer: Brian Cleary

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When Miguel of Holy City Handcraft traded his software engineer's life for the spirited world of content creation, little did he know the intoxicating journey that awaited him. From the warmth of his grandmothers' kitchens in the Philippines to the charming backdrop of Charleston, we, Stephanie Barrow and Darius Kelly, are thrilled to bring you an episode that shakes and stirs a mix of entrepreneurship, content evolution, and the art of the perfect cocktail.

Step into the digital renaissance of culinary and cocktail content with us as we explore the seismic shifts in social media storytelling—the pivot from polished Instagram posts to TikTok's candid charm. Miguel opens up about the creative process, including the technical symphony of lighting and font choices, that goes into crafting the delectable aesthetics of his drink recipes. His solo journey from simple iPhone snaps to multi-camera productions is as much about personal growth as it is about adapting to the ever-changing landscape of platforms hungry for authenticity and connection.

Finally, don your apron and raise your glass to the alchemy of mixology where Miguel divulges his secrets to aging cocktails to perfection and the Boulevardier that stole his heart. This episode isn't just a peek behind the bar but an enlightening look at the rigor and rewards of freelance content creation. If you're thirsting for the perfect blend of entrepreneurial spirit and tangible tips for crafting a brand that resonates with both taste and vision, pull up a stool and lend an ear to this engaging conversation.
Presenting Sponsor: Charleston Radio Group
Title Sponsor: Charleston American Marketing Association
Cohosts: Stephanie Barrow, Mike Compton, Darius Kelly, Kim Russo
Produced and edited: rūmbo Advertising
Photographer: Kelli Morse
Art Director: Taylor Ion
Outreach: Lauren Ellis
CAMA President: Margaret Stypa
Score by: The Strawberry Entrée; Jerry Feels Good, CURRYSAUCE, DBLCRWN, DJ DollaMenu
Voiceover by: Ellison Karesh
Studio Engineer: Brian Cleary

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Ever wondered how to prevent marketing malpractice with a dose of operational transparency? Retta and Jared from In The Black Marketing pull back the curtain on their shift from iHeart Media to pioneering their own firm, where they champion the integrity of authentic branding and operational honesty. As they take us through their entrepreneurial journey, they share the keys to their innovative approach that not only promises, but also delivers, revenue-generating pathways for clients. It's more than just marketing talk; it's about walking the walk, and they're here to show you how it's done.

Dive into the heart of marketing with a discussion that goes beyond surface-level strategies. Together, we tackle the operational challenges businesses face in the marketing realm, from addressing the minutiae that can make or break a company’s reputation to differentiating genuine marketing expertise from mere salesmanship. Rhetta and Jared’s insider perspective will arm you with the patience and strategy needed to navigate the complex marketing landscape, ensuring that your business's growth is built on a solid foundation of understanding and meeting real needs.

Wrap up this comprehensive exploration with tales of 'riches in the niches', where businesses succeed by honing in on their unique offerings and building genuine connections through compelling storytelling. Our guests shed light on the art of thriving in today’s market by embracing continuous learning and the irreplaceable human touch. For marketers, whether novices or veterans, this episode is a treasure trove of actionable advice and heartening stories that underscore the transformative power of authentic relationships and specialized expertise. Join us for a conversation that's as enlightening as it is inspiring, proving that the right approach to marketing can lead to profound success.
Presenting Sponsor: Charleston Radio Group
Title Sponsor: Charleston American Marketing Association
Cohosts: Stephanie Barrow, Mike Compton, Darius Kelly, Kim Russo
Produced and edited: rūmbo Advertising
Photographer: Kelli Morse
Art Director: Taylor Ion
Outreach: Lauren Ellis
CAMA President: Margaret Stypa
Score by: The Strawberry Entrée; Jerry Feels Good, CURRYSAUCE, DBLCRWN, DJ DollaMenu
Voiceover by: Ellison Karesh
Studio Engineer: Brian Cleary

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Stepping into the hallowed halls of Charleston's tech evolution, we're joined by none other than Ernest Andrade, the architect behind the Charleston Digital Corridor's meteoric rise. His exceptional journey from Kuwait to the cobbled streets of Charleston weaves a narrative that intertwines personal growth with the city's thriving tech landscape. Ernest's tale is more than a story of numbers, it's a saga of transforming a modest 18 tech companies into a flourishing community of over 700, each pulsing with the vibrant beat of innovation and collaboration.

As we chat with Ernest, we uncover the layers that compose the city's allure – the intangible charm, the warmth of the community, and the strategic economic pivots that have sculpted Charleston into an intellectual hub. This episode is a homage to the city's soul, the gravity that pulled Ernest in, and the same force that continues to attract top-tier talent. It's a reflection on the hard-earned wisdom gleaned from public service, the importance of diversity in economic resilience, and the entrepreneurial spirit that fuels the city's heartbeat.

Closing our conversation, we turn to the future, looking through the lens of Ernest's vision for Charleston—a place where the digital and the historical blend seamlessly, offering a lifestyle that buzzes with tech vitality yet maintains its quintessential livability. This episode isn't just about the milestones of the Charleston Digital Corridor; it's about the passion, technology, and inclusive growth that underpin a community. Join us for a journey of insight and strategy, where Ernest's commitment to fostering a resilient tech ecosystem in Charleston is as palpable as the city's famed Southern charm.


Presenting Sponsor: Charleston Radio Group
Title Sponsor: Charleston American Marketing Association
Cohosts: Stephanie Barrow, Mike Compton, Darius Kelly, Kim Russo
Produced and edited: rūmbo Advertising
Photographer: Kelli Morse
Art Director: Taylor Ion
Outreach: Lauren Ellis
CAMA President: Margaret Stypa
Score by: The Strawberry Entrée; Jerry Feels Good, CURRYSAUCE, DBLCRWN, DJ DollaMenu
Voiceover by: Ellison Karesh
Studio Engineer: Brian Cleary

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Picture the scene: the sun setting over Charleston's cobblestone streets, where history meets a thriving creative pulse. It's exactly this allure that captured the heart of Ashley Smith, founder of GSD Advisory, who joins us on the Charleston Marketing Podcast to discuss her voyage from big city life to the charm of the South. Weaving tales of her past in the bustle of LA and NYC into the fabric of Charleston's vibrant scene, Ashley offers up a treasure trove of insights that bridge the worlds of music industry madness and cutting-edge marketing strategy.

Crisis management, a term that often conjures images of frenzied PR teams and last-minute saves, gets the spotlight treatment as we exchange war stories worthy of a Motley Crue afterparty. With a nod to the finesse of figures like Dave Portnoy, we lay bare the blueprint for navigating the treacherous waters of public opinion, crafting a masterclass for both rookies and seasoned professionals. Through a lens of humor and hard-won wisdom, we dissect the art of turning negative reviews into positive momentum, while also sharing our own anecdotes about the unique challenges that Charleston businesses face when the court of public opinion comes knocking.

But why stop at crisis management when the realm of relationship building and business growth beckons? Relationships are the lifeblood of any venture, and we're pulling back the curtain on how to establish boundaries that spell success. We cover the importance of clear contracts and the strategic role of professionals like accountants and attorneys in navigating choppy waters. Punctuated with laughs and a peek into our forthcoming side project exploring Charleston's nightlife through Jake's escapades, we wrap up with a look at how generational shifts in social media are rewriting the rules of engagement. Whether you're a marketing guru or just a fan of savvy business talk infused with southern charm, this episode promises insights and anecdotes that you won't want to miss.
Presenting Sponsor: Charleston Radio Group
Title Sponsor: Charleston American Marketing Association
Cohosts: Stephanie Barrow, Mike Compton, Darius Kelly, Kim Russo
Produced and edited: rūmbo Advertising
Photographer: Kelli Morse
Art Director: Taylor Ion
Outreach: Lauren Ellis
CAMA President: Margaret Stypa
Score by: The Strawberry Entrée; Jerry Feels Good, CURRYSAUCE, DBLCRWN, DJ DollaMenu
Voiceover by: Ellison Karesh
Studio Engineer: Brian Cleary

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Charlotte is the founder of CharlotteBergerPR, an award-winning marketing agency based in Charleston that provides PR, Social Media, and Influencer Marketing services to clients across the US and beyond.
She has spent the last decade working marketing for various clients nationwide, from resorts and restaurants to cruise ships and culinary products. The only thing she may love as equally as using her PR skills to help deserving businesses succeed is providing driven professionals with careers they truly feel empowered by.
In this #CAMACast episode, she shares valuable insights on agency growth and team building, reversing the hustle culture, and how she harnesses the power of PR, social media, and influencer marketing to achieve remarkable results for her agency’s clients.



Presenting Sponsor: Charleston Radio Group
Title Sponsor: Charleston American Marketing Association
Cohosts: Stephanie Barrow, Mike Compton, Darius Kelly, Kim Russo
Produced and edited: rūmbo Advertising
Photographer: Kelli Morse
Art Director: Taylor Ion
Outreach: Lauren Ellis
CAMA President: Margaret Stypa
Score by: The Strawberry Entrée; Jerry Feels Good, CURRYSAUCE, DBLCRWN, DJ DollaMenu
Voiceover by: Ellison Karesh
Studio Engineer: Brian Cleary

YouTube
Facebook
...