This guy’s a fantastic small business marketer. So fantastic I had to invite him back for a third fireside chat!
Darren Finkelstein (now AKA The Boat Guy) co-owns St.Kilda Boat Sales – a small boating business in Melbourne, Australia that’s punching way, way above its marketing weight in the very tough marketplace of luxury power boats.
Darren first appeared in episode 2 (six years ago!), then again in episode 49. And now he’s back again. Why? Because he continues to produce outstanding marketing that is helping grow his St Kilda Boat Sales business exponentially.
Since we last heard from Darren three years ago, he’s written two best selling books on boating, produced a popular YouTube channel that reports the weekend weather on Port Philip Bay, is an in-demand boating industry keynote speaker, is the weekend weather guy on Melbourne radio station 3AW, and he still finds time to buy, sell and service high end motor boats.
In fact, his business has doubled since we last spoke.
Listen in and discover how consistently publishing helpful marketing content to YouTube, how writing a book, how speaking from stage, how developing a media profile can all lead to massive business success.
Plus I answer a question from a listener who wants to know how to leverage all the awards they’re wining. And I share some great feedback from a State Trooper turned small business owner in Connecticut!
Let’s get stuck right into episode 222 of Australia’s #1 marketing show. Go!
Episode Timeline
- 0:33 Welcome and overview of today’s episode
- 01:37 Getting your online marketing sorted
- 02:53 Listener question from Paul Rutherford of The Vet Lounge about how to leverage awards
- 07:41 Listener feedback from a State Trooper come small business owner in Connecticut
- 11:59 Introduction to todays’ guest – Darren Finkelstein (The Boat Guy) of St. Kilda Boat Sales
- 13:33 Interview with Darren
- 1:03:11 My top 3 marketing tips from chatting with Darren
- 1:05:51 Motivational marketing quote of the week
- 1:06:17 Insight in to upcoming episodes
Resources & links mentioned in this episode
- Netregistry: Get your online marketing sorted!
- Darren Finkelstein’s website
- St.Kilda Boat Sales website
- Hit up Darren up on Twitter and tell him you heard him on The Small Business Big Marketing Show
- Join the The Small Business Big Marketing Forum now
Tweetables
My Top 3 Marketing Tips from chatting with Darren
This week’s top 3 learnings from my chat with St.Kilda Boat Sales Founder Darren Finkelstein:
- What can you do to become the go-to person in your industry?
- Don’t wait for all the ducks to line up, for everything to be perfect. Start creating helpful marketing right this very moment. Go!
- Identify your central question, then break it down in to chapters. Then go write that book!
Over to you!
Let me know YOUR #1 takeaway from this episode by leaving a comment below.
My guest and myself personally read and respond to every comment.
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17 thoughts on “222 – How to thrive when those around you aren’t with Darren Finkelstein AKA The Boat Guy”
Maybe one of my new favorite episodes!! Love it. Need to get back on the book. Sooo much good stuff has come out of Darren’s effort to become a KPI. I also really liked the conversation about building a list. I have been trying to learn a bunch about that right now. Thanks for sharing.
Wow, now that’s saying something Nick, given you’ve listened to quite a few, if not all, twice! You’ve so got a book in you – just look at what you’re doing smashing out those blog posts. Love it! Now go get building that list. Think of it as a retirement plan.
I was about to turn off, not so interested in listening to a couple of mates heckling each other. And then the podcast took off! Great episode, great basic business initiatives and creative thinking
Thanks for choosing to stick around, Patrick. Whilst we heckled each other a little, hopefully you know I’ve been doing the show long enough to ensure I’ll deliver some quality content along the way. Plus, we’ve all got to have some fun ?
Nick wow thanks for the wrap, so glad you got value. Yep build the list, continually ask them what they would find of benefit (problem to solve) and give it to them!
Thanks Patrick glad you hung in there until the banter was over so we could get down to business. Great that we didn’t let you down.
Love your work Darren. One of these days, I am going to get down to AU, and when I do, I’d love to come see you boats…and buy you a drink. Keep up the great work!
Timbo, no disrespect intended, just sharing my “emotional journey” on your product this week. Finished the last 15 minutes yesterday. Darren’s story is bloody inspiring
Beers on a boat, love it. You come, I’ll buy
Another brilliant show guys. And so much energy from Darren! I think this is a guy I must meet. I was feeding off it listening to him and his passion, imagine what it must be like in person. So many great ideas I can’t wait to implement. Again, wanted to pull over and write notes, but will have another listen tomorrow when I can fully absorb it (instead of trying to concentrate on the road and not on my business!)
Thanks Darren and Tim.
Jess, Soar Collective
Funny thing to add – I was actually driving into St Kilda on my way to a meeting and found myself passing the Marina when the show began. Speaking of being tuned in to signs and little ways things are presented by the universe (or whatever you’d like to call it)!
Darren would have loved nothing more than for you to drop in, Jess. Next time, huh?!
Jess you drop in and I’ll buy you a coffee, my pleasure! Lucky caffeine doesn’t affect me!
Fantastic Darren! I’ll certainly take you up on that offer. I’m on the Peninsula but am often in St Kilda. Looking forward to meeting you.
For sure!
I LOVE YOU DARREN “The moment everything changed was when I started collecting email addresses’ yes yes yes!
Thanks Casey, now I’m blushing xxx