Marketing Made Simple: A Relaxed Fireside Chat for Small Business Owners

A relaxed evening of real talk, actionable insights and marketing wisdom — designed just for small business owners like you.

📆Thursday 22 May 2025, 6pm - 8pm
📍 The Foundry Cowork, Gosford
🎟 Tickets: $25 (includes drinks and nibbles)

Establishing authenticity is crucialfor brands who want to build trust, grow a loyal customer base and increase sales (particularly in the small business world where customer connection is key).

But in an increasingly automated, primarily digital landscape that's becoming ever-so-slightly overpopulated with generic marketing efforts (hello, ChatGPT), how can you ensure your business and brand builds real connections with consumers - and ultimately, more sustainable revenue long-term?

Join us, together with Balance Point Marketing, for Marketing Made Simple, the first in a series of fireside panel and casual networking events designed to help small business owners cut through the noise on what actuallyworks when it comes to marketing your business.

Think relatable stories, smart strategies, and honest conversations about building visibility, connection, and confidence in your brand.

About Our Panel

Tash Robertson, Digital Marketing Specialist (aka Google Whisperer) 

Affectionately known as Mrs Google - or just “that Tash girl" when you don’t know who else to call - Tash Robertson has built a reputation for cutting through the noise of the digital marketing world and helping small business owners actually understand what they need to do online. With deep expertise in digital strategy and online visibility, Tash specialises in making Google your business’s best friend. Her trademark clarity and straight-talking advice has helped hundreds of small business owners learn how to optimise their Google Business Profile, manage reviews like a pro, and build trust with the people searching for you right now. If your digital presence feels a little fuzzy or you're not sure how to grow your online reputation in a way that’s authentic and effective, Tash is your go-to. 

Rich Curtis, CEO, FutureBrand Australia 

Rich is the CEO and owner of FutureBrand Australia, a locally owned, B Corp-certified brand transformation company. He works with businesses of all sizes to help them turn their brand purpose into a clear, competitive business advantage - one that drives real growth. His approach combines commercial insight, strategic provocation and creativity, making brands meaningful and practical for business owners and leaders alike. Rich began his career in Bangkok with Dentsu Young & Rubicam, then moved to London to focus on digital strategy at Carat. Since relocating to Australia in 2002, he has held senior roles at Landor and Interbrand before joining FutureBrand in 2014. In 2020, he acquired the Australian business from Interpublic Group, transforming it into an independent and entrepreneurial company with access to FutureBrand’s global network. A graduate of Oxford University, Rich has worked with a long list of businesses across diverse sectors. He’s also a wannabe author and a survivor of his one and only stand-up comedy performance - proof he’s not afraid of a challenge. 

Mel Smith, Marketing & Brand Specialist, Balance Point Marketing 

With over 20 years of marketing experience, Mel has built her career on helping businesses thrive by creating authentic and meaningful brands. ​​ Mel, owner of Balance Point Marketing has helped countless small businesses demystify marketing and bring their brands to life. With her approachable, no-nonsense style, she’s passionate about making marketing accessible and empowering business owners with the confidence to take charge of their brand. After years of working with big brands and large-scale campaigns in the corporate world, Mel made a pivotal shift to focus on what truly excites her: helping small businesses. Why? Because small businesses are the heart of their communities. She’s seen firsthand how transformational marketing can be when it’s approachable, authentic, and tailored to the needs of real people - not just big budgets. Originally from the UK, Mel moved to Australia in 2013, seeking a better balance between life and work. Settling on the coast, she found inspiration in her vibrant community and decided to use her expertise and straight-talking approach to empower local businesses to grow and succeed.

What to Expect:

A relaxed, fireside-style chat with a panel of marketing experts and small business owners covering:

• Where your marketing energy really needs to go

• Why brand consistency matters more than ever

• How to balance transparency with professionalism

• Real examples of brands that resonate, versus those that fall flat.

You'll also get a first look at our upcoming Marketing Mastery Workshop Seriesand comprehensive, step-by-step DIY Marketing Guide — each designed to help you take the next step with confidence.

🥂 Plus:

• Drinks & light nibbles

• Networking with other like-minded business owners

• A supportive, non-intimidating space to learn and ask questions
  

Whether you’re a freelancer, solopreneur, side hustler, or seasoned business owner, this event will help you walk away with clarity, fresh ideas, and maybe even a new biz bestie.