<p>In this episode of the Marketing Guides for Small Businesses Podcast, we welcome <b>Stewart Cohen</b>, 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 <b>personal connection</b>, <b>relationship-building</b>, and <b>authentic storytelling</b> in today’s fast-moving marketing landscape.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>Naturally, the discussion turns to <b>AI</b>. 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.</p> <p>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 <b>evolution beats revolution</b> in long-term brand building.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>Other topics include:</p> <ul><li>Staying authentic in a world full of overproduced branding</li><li>How industry consolidation affects small service providers</li><li>Why clear expectations improve client satisfaction</li><li>What consistency in deliverables means for production teams</li><li>The importance of respecting clients’ spaces and time during shoots</li><li>The rising cost of paid media and what small businesses must consider before investing in Google or LinkedIn ads</li><li>How to reverse-engineer advertising budgets based on customer acquisition cost</li><li>Why licensing existing content can be a smart, cost-effective option</li></ul> <p>Stewart closes the episode by sharing where listeners can explore his work—at <b>stewartcohen.com</b>, on LinkedIn, on Instagram @scpictures, or through his stock media platform <b>superstock.com</b>.</p> <p>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.</p> <p><b>🌐 Connect With Your Marketing Guides</b></p> <ul><li>Ian Cantle — Outsourced Marketing &amp; Dental Marketing Heroes</li><li><a href="https://outsourcedmarketing.ca/" target="_blank">https://outsourcedmarketing.ca</a></li><li><a href="https://dentalmarketingheroes.com/" target="_blank">https://dentalmarketingheroes.com</a></li><li>Ken Tucker &amp; Paul Barthel — Changescape Web</li><li><a href="https://changescapeweb.com/" target="_blank">https://changescapeweb.com</a></li><li>Jeff Stec — Tylerica Marketing Systems</li><li><a href="https://tylericasystems.com/" target="_blank">https://tylericasystems.com/</a></li></ul>