In this episode of the Marketing Guides for Small Businesses Podcast, we welcome Stewart Cohen, award-winning photographer, filmmaker, and founder of SC Pictures. Stewart shares valuable insights from decades of working with major brands and agencies, highlighting the power of personal connection, relationship-building, and authentic storytelling in today’s fast-moving marketing landscape.

Stewart explains why first-time clients often hire based on work or price, but long-term clients return because of the connection you build. He describes how nurturing relationships over months or even years is essential in industries with long sales cycles. We discuss practical strategies for staying top-of-mind without overwhelming prospects, including personal outreach, industry visibility, and thoughtful content that positions you as a trusted authority.

As the conversation expands, Stewart outlines how constant industry change—from mergers to shifting buyer roles—makes platforms like LinkedIn essential for staying informed and maintaining relationships. He also shares why he still reads print media and industry reports daily, and how surprising insights often lead to meaningful client touchpoints.

Naturally, the discussion turns to AI. Stewart is candid about how AI tools are transforming creative work—from pre-production to content ideation—and why the genie isn’t going back in the bottle. We explore the gray areas of AI-generated content, copyright concerns, and the global differences in how companies are already using AI at scale. Stewart emphasizes that creatives must evolve with technology, just as they did with digital cameras, Photoshop, and mobile photography.

The episode also dives into branding lessons. Stewart shares why brands often get tired of their own identity long before customers even recognize it—meaning frequent rebrands often destroy hard-earned equity. We compare small-business identity to big-brand campaigns and discuss why evolution beats revolution in long-term brand building.

Next, we explore how video production is changing. Stewart talks about the shift toward vertical formats, low-budget video options, and storytelling that works in today’s fast-scroll environment. He explains how small businesses can use simple, authentic video to create meaningful engagement without massive production budgets.

Other topics include:

Staying authentic in a world full of overproduced brandingHow industry consolidation affects small service providersWhy clear expectations improve client satisfactionWhat consistency in deliverables means for production teamsThe importance of respecting clients’ spaces and time during shootsThe rising cost of paid media and what small businesses must consider before investing in Google or LinkedIn adsHow to reverse-engineer advertising budgets based on customer acquisition costWhy licensing existing content can be a smart, cost-effective option

Stewart closes the episode by sharing where listeners can explore his work—at stewartcohen.com, on LinkedIn, on Instagram @scpictures, or through his stock media platform superstock.com.

This episode is packed with practical, real-world wisdom for marketers, creators, and small-business owners who want to level up their storytelling, build stronger relationships, and navigate the rapidly changing world of video and content creation.

🌐 Connect With Your Marketing Guides

Ian Cantle — Outsourced Marketing & Dental Marketing Heroeshttps://outsourcedmarketing.cahttps://dentalmarketingheroes.comKen Tucker & Paul Barthel — Changescape Webhttps://changescapeweb.comJeff Stec — Tylerica Marketing Systemshttps://tylericasystems.com/

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