In the fast-evolving world of marketing, few tools are as timeless and impactful as storytelling. Jim Matuga, founder of InnerAction Media and one of the driving forces behind StoryMaker, recently joined Kirby Hasseman on Delivering Marketing Joy to discuss what ignites his passion, how his company is evolving, and how businesses can leverage storytelling to connect with their audience. Here’s a glimpse into their conversation and some valuable takeaways for marketers and business owners.
The Excitement of New Ventures: IAM Outdoors
Jim shared that after 14 years of leading InnerAction Media, he and his team recently launched a new division called IAM Outdoors. This new venture merges their passion for storytelling with their love of the outdoors, all while capturing the stunning beauty of West Virginia’s Appalachian landscape. The mission? To create high-quality video content for the outdoor industry, which includes everything from hiking and backpacking to fishing and boating.
The Secret to Effective Storytelling
When it comes to marketing, Jim believes that storytelling is key. He pointed out that many organizations make the mistake of focusing on their own credentials, rather than addressing the needs of their customers. “It’s not about you; it’s about your customer and what’s in it for them,” Jim emphasized.
He highlighted the importance of connecting with both the heart and the mind of the audience. Whether through a website, video, or print materials, the story should resonate on a deeper level. To make this connection, Jim’s team of expert storytellers utilizes a well-honed storytelling arc.
“If you can evoke an emotion—whether it’s tears, joy, or curiosity—and make the audience want to hear more, then you’ve successfully connected,” Jim noted.
The Role of AI in Marketing: StoryMaker
One of the most exciting developments Jim discussed was the launch of StoryMaker, a SaaS application designed to help businesses craft their 30-second pitch using AI. “Most businesses struggle with how to tell their story in a concise, impactful way,” he explained. StoryMaker was developed to address this problem by leveraging generative AI to help companies create compelling narratives.
AI has been a game-changer in the marketing world, and Jim believes it’s here to enhance creativity, not replace it. StoryMaker allows users to input data about their business and then generates prompts to create their perfect pitch. “The first time we ran StoryMaker and it worked, it was like magic,” Jim recalled. “We knew we had something special.”
Advice for Small Businesses: Start with a Plan
To close out the conversation, Kirby asked Jim what advice he would give to organizations looking to strengthen their business. Jim’s recommendation was simple but crucial: start with a plan.
“We call it a marketing blueprint,” he explained. “You have to understand who your audience is, what problem you’re solving for them, and how to make your customer the hero of the story.” Whether it’s through different products or services, a solid foundation in marketing strategy is essential to success.
Wrapping Up
As Jim Matuga and his team continue to push the boundaries of storytelling in the marketing world, one thing remains clear: connection is key. Whether through captivating video projects in the great outdoors or crafting the perfect pitch with AI, Jim and InnerAction Media are dedicated to helping businesses tell their story in the most impactful way possible.
To learn more about InnerAction Media, visit interactionmedia.com, or explore their latest outdoor video projects at iamoutdoors.us.
Stay tuned for more insights on storytelling, marketing, and embracing the power of AI!