Click to listen here: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/787c1eca-4303-4bab-a716-3bdaaee52946/
Shownotes
In this podcast episode, host Rob Lawrence interviews Mandeep Birdy.
With extensive experience in humanitarian work and social impact, and as a key figure behind the Start, Build, and Grow app, Mandeep shares her journey developing the app, highlighting some of its features and benefits.
Mandeep shares her passion for storytelling in marketing and the unique advantages of apps over traditional websites. She recounts inspiring stories, including helping a retired priest maintain community engagement through an app.
Our conversation today underscores the importance of clear brand values, the democratisation of app development, and fostering genuine connections with your customer base and community through digital tools.
In this episode you'll learn:
Mandeep's Background (00:02:24)
Mandeep shares her 20-year experience in humanitarian work and community development, emphasising her marketing strengths.
The Journey into Marketing (00:03:43)
Mandeep discusses her transition from community magazine production to various marketing roles, highlighting her creative approach.
The Importance of Storytelling (00:04:05)
She emphasizes the significance of storytelling in marketing to showcase impactful work in humanitarian efforts.
The Start Build and Grow App (00:06:55)
Rob inquires about Mandeep's involvement with the Start Build and Grow app and its developmental journey.
Creating the App (00:07:05)
Mandeep recounts her experience as a participant and her motivation to create an app for community engagement.
Support from the Start Build and Grow Team (00:09:04)
She appreciates the supportive leadership team and their commitment to participant success in the program.
Features of the App (00:11:59)
Mandeep outlines the app's features, including a glossary, resource library, and participant directory for enhanced engagement.
Apps vs. Websites (00:14:14)
Mandeep discusses the advantages of apps over websites in fostering direct communication and user engagement.
Engagement Through Push Notifications (00:15:28)
She explains how push notifications enhance engagement by delivering targeted messages to interested users.
Community and Engagement Tools (00:17:36)
Rob reflects on the app's interactive features that support users in their business journey and community building.
Apps in the Bigger Ecosystem (00:19:23)
Mandeep begins to share insights on how apps integrate into broader marketing and business strategies.
The Priest's Story (00:19:46)
Mandeep shares a story about a retired priest's inclusive sermons and his struggle with the church hierarchy.
The Need for an App (00:21:06)
The priest seeks a solution to maintain connection with his congregation after retirement, exploring various platforms.
Successful App Launch (00:22:01)
Mandeep demonstrates the app to the priest, leading to a successful launch that serves his community's needs.
Community Engagement through Apps (00:23:05)
Mandeep highlights the importance of apps in community engagement, drawing parallels with the Start Build Grow app.
Cost of App Development (00:25:10)
Rob questions the affordability of app development for startups compared to past high costs.
No-Code Solutions (00:26:14)
Mandeep discusses the benefits of no-code solutions, making app development more accessible and affordable for clients.
Exploring Digital Marketing (00:31:22)
Rob and Mandeep discuss the evolution of digital marketing, emphasizing its accessibility and simplicity.
Funding Options for Apps (00:31:49)
Mandeep mentions various financial support options available for those looking to build apps, including grants.
Common Challenges in Marketing (00:32:44)
Mandeep identifies common struggles clients face in digital marketing and emphasizes the importance of clarity in messaging.
Strategic Marketing Platforms (00:35:38)
Mandeep explains the importance of selecting the right platforms for marketing and engaging with the target audience effectively.
Understanding Brand Value vs. Awareness (00:36:37)
Discussion on the importance of brand value over mere brand awareness for effective marketing.
The McDonald's Analogy (00:37:21)
Mandeep uses McDonald's to illustrate the disconnect between brand awareness and audience values.
Clarifying Purpose in Coaching (00:39:06)
Mandeep shares a coaching experience focused on discovering and clarifying personal purpose.
Failed Purpose and Its Benefits (00:40:51)
Exploration of how failed purposes can provide valuable insights and lead to personal rediscovery.
Intimate Networking Groups (00:43:15)
Mandeep discusses the creation of Elevation Networks for purpose-driven professionals seeking support.
The Importance of Human Connections (00:45:31)
The significance of fostering human connections in networking to facilitate meaningful conversations.
Helping Others Write Their Stories (00:48:28)
Mandeep shares her experience assisting others in writing books to amplify their impactful stories.
Top Tips for Small Business Owners (00:53:00)
Advice on being creative while remaining smart about investments and managing expectations in business.
Wisdom in Applied Knowledge (00:54:36)
Mandeep shares insights from her experience, emphasizing the value of practical knowledge in business journeys.
Connecting on LinkedIn (00:55:06)
Mandeep suggests LinkedIn as the best platform to connect.
About Mandeep:
With over 20 years of marketing and coaching, Mandeep’s original background involved supporting humanitarian and charitable activities; from organisations that investigate abuse in the field of mental health, to preparing volunteers to set up emergency shelters and orphanages amid the earthquake that shattered Haiti in 2010. Mandeep continues to support such causes, while also helping businesses to understand and navigate marketing.
Over these 20 years, Mandeep noticed how volunteers and clients alike had one thing in common; they wanted to help.