Shovel The Sidewalk

There has been a major development in my life over the past several months—I found out my wife is pregnant with twin girls! At Shovel the Sidewalk, we talk a lot about using sound to enhance storytelling for businesses. I now realize that sound also plays a powerful role in shaping the most meaningful moments in our lives. When we first found out we were having twins, my jaw dropped—I’m pretty sure I left a dent in the doctor’s office floor. But when I heard their heartbeats, it truly took my breath away. I can’t tell the story of our sonogram visit without mentioning the moment I heard both of their heartbeats. Paired with the image of seeing them, it created a memory I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Just like hearing a heartbeat can make a personal experience more memorable, the right sound can make your company's message resonate with your customers and community, long after hearing it for the first time.

Authentic storytelling isn’t just great for branding, it’s a powerful retention and recruitment tool. If your company’s story is only being told by leadership, you’re missing out on the most powerful storytellers you have - your employees. People connect with people, not businesses. The most authentic stories come from the people who live and breathe your company’s values every day. Whether it’s the technician on the floor, the account manager building relationships, or the customer service rep solving problems, their experiences create an emotional connection that leadership alone can’t replicate. When you involve your team in telling your company’s story, you’re not just marketing your business. You’re showing employees they are trusted, valued, and appreciated which builds loyalty. When employees feel seen and heard, they’re more engaged, more connected, and more likely to stay with you.

The environment in which you try to tell someone’s story is incredibly important. We know that setting is one of the keys to a story, but I'm talking about using someone's daily environment to help tell their own story. Filming someone telling their story in their own professional environment can unlock some very insightful, honest, and passionate responses. It creates an authentic environment that allows them to show, explain, and more importantly, feel comfortable as they are talking to someone holding a camera. By utilizing the environment someone is very familiar with, we create more authentic, engaging, and memorable stories.

Just purchased a Logitech Blue Yeti microphone or thinking about getting one? Whether it's for Zoom meetings, podcasts, or video calls, this mic is a game-changer. Keep in mind, this microphone has multiple settings making it like having four microphones in one. Here is an overview of the settings and which one is right for you. Cardioid Setting - Perfect for solo use, like podcasts or virtual calls. It gives your voice that close, intimate feel, as if you're in the same room. Bi-directional (Figure 8) Setting - Ideal for two-person interviews. This captures sound from both the front and back, making it perfect for a face-to-face conversation. Omni Mode - This mode captures sound equally from all directions. Great for conference calls or meetings. Stereo Setting - Perfect for musicians and artists. If you're doing a live performance or streaming your show, this mode will make sure every note and sound is captured beautifully. At Shovel the Sidewalk, we recommend the Blue Yeti to all our clients for podcasts and virtual calls. It's our go-to mic for delivering clear, professional audio. Switching to the right setting makes a big difference. If you've been using the wrong mode, no worries. Everything will still sound good but each setting has its purpose. Feel free to reach out with any questions. I love this mic and I'm happy to help!

Your story is the best in the world because it's uniquely your story. Nobody else has it. Humanize your brand by sharing your story, and the stories of your team, clients, customers, and patients. No scripts, just authenticity. Own your uniqueness. #storytelling #authenticity #humanconnection #powerofsound