StoryBrand Marketing Agency
Is Your Marketing Message So Confusing Even Your Own Mom Doesn’t Get It?
We're a StoryBrand Marketing Agency that helps Service Businesses clarify their messaging so everyone wants to work with you!
✓ Build trust and authority in your industry
✓ Connect with CLIENTS WHO ACTUALLY GET IT
✓ MARKETING THAT FEELS NATURAL
WATCH THIS VIDEO
If your message isn’t landing—and the right clients aren’t showing up—it’s not your fault. Most service business owners are great at what they do. They just struggle to talk about it clearly.
In this video, I’ll walk you through how we fix that using the StoryBrand Framework, plus how to get started with either DIY or done-for-you options.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOUR MESSAGE ISN’T CLEAR
Can your mom explain what you do?
Can you easily explain what you do?
Can anyone?
If not, that's the problem we fix.
Because when people don’t understand what you do, they move on. You end up working harder just to stay in the game.
You’re always re-explaining yourself
Your website doesn’t convert visitors into clients
Your leads aren’t the right fit
Referrals become scarce
Marketing is frustrating as all hell
But it doesn’t have to be this way. A clear message makes all of that easier. It’s the difference between chasing leads—and attracting the right ones.
You might not believe it yet, but marketing can actually be the opposite of frustrating when you're doing it right.
MAKE YOUR MARKETING Simpler
Whether you want to learn the system or hand it over completely, the goal is the same: clear messaging that brings in better clients with less effort.
A DIY SYSTEM THAT’S SIMPLE TO FOLLOW
for weekly group coaching, templates, and a proven system that fits seamlessly into your week—without taking over your life.
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COACHING THAT MEETS YOU WHERE YOU ARE
Want someone to walk you through it? Get 1:1 or team coaching to clarify your message and apply the StoryBrand Framework to your business in real time.
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DONE-FOR-YOU MARKETING
Too busy to do it yourself? We’ll build your messaging, write your copy, create the assets you need, and handle your StoryBrand marketing—so you can stay focused on running your business.
HI, I'm Vicky Sidler
And I’VE BEEN WHERE YOU ARE
I know how it feels to stare at your marketing and think, “Why isn’t this working?” That's why I created a StoryBrand Marketing Agency.
All in all, your business isn’t just another brick in the wall—it’s something special. Your story matters, and I’m here to help you share it in a way that feels real, connects with people, and gets results.
As a certified StoryBrand Guide, I specialize in turning complicated ideas into clear, compelling messages that resonate with your audience.
With a background in journalism, I’ve spent decades telling stories that matter and crafting content people want to read.
I’ve developed a proven system to help businesses like yours cut through all the AI trash that's out there and build genuine connections with their audience.
Your story isn’t just important—it’s the reason people will choose your business. Let’s make sure it’s heard loud and clear by the people who need it most.
And sorry if I got Pink Floyd stuck in your head just now...
EVERYTHING STORYBRAND, ALL IN ONE PLACE
Whether you need help with strategy, websites, content, or SEO, I offer the full range of StoryBrand marketing services—done with you or done for you.
StoryBrand Framework
StoryBrand Wireframe
StoryBrand Websites
StoryBrand SEO
StoryBrand Video
StoryBrand Copywriting
StoryBrand Email Sequences
StoryBrand Marketing Funnels
StoryBrand Workshops
StoryBrand Consulting
StoryBrand PPC
StoryBrand Lead Generation
StoryBrand
Social Media
StoryBrand Strategy
StoryBrand Content Marketing
StoryBrand Local Service
StoryBrand Coaching
MARKETING THAT DOESN’T TAKE OVER YOUR LIFE
Whether you want to build it yourself or hand it off completely, as a StoryBrand Marketing Agency, we’ll give you a clear message and a simple system that actually works.
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BOOK A COFFEE CHAT
This is a no-pressure, non-sales call where we discuss what’s working, what’s not, and where you want to go.
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CHOOSE YOUR PATH
Get hands-on support through the StoryBrand Course, 1:1 or team coaching, or let me build the entire marketing system for you—messaging, website, emails, and more.
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FIX YOUR MARKETING
Walk away with a message that resonates, a plan that’s easy to follow, and marketing that works while you sleep and finally delivers results.
COFFEE’S ON ME (OK, NOT REALLY)
But I'm serious about helping you connect with your audience. Let’s grab a coffee (on Zoom) and chat about your marketing goals.
Wondering how to simplify your message? Let’s talk.
Ready to stand out in an AI-saturated world? I’ve got ideas.
Just need clarity? I’ll help you see the big picture.
This isn’t a sales call—just a friendly, low-pressure chat. At the very least, you’ll walk away with some cool ideas you can try on your own.
SCHEDULE YOUR COFFEE CHAT WITH ME (VICKY) TODAY
FIXING YOUR MARKETING SHOULDN’T FEEL IMPOSSIBLE
Most small business owners aren’t marketers—they just want to explain what they do in a way that makes people care.
But when the message isn’t clear, everything else gets harder: websites don’t convert, leads go cold, and social posts fall flat.
You might worry that getting it right will take too much time, cost too much money, or feel like just another online course you’ll never finish.
That’s why I offer three simple paths: do-it-together support through the StoryBrand Course, 1:1 and team coaching, or done-for-you services where I build your full funnel myself.
You’ll get clear messaging, practical templates, and real support—so your marketing finally works and your business actually grows.
YOUR QUESTIONS, ANSWERED
We know marketing can feel overwhelming, and you probably have questions. That’s why we’ve put together answers to the things people ask us most.
What makes Strategic Marketing Tribe different from other StoryBrand marketing agencies?
We’re the StoryBrand marketing agency that skips the boring "corporate speak." We blend the power of StoryBrand with strategic marketing solutions to craft content that feels human, genuine, and impossible to ignore.
How can your strategic marketing solutions benefit my business?
Our strategic marketing solutions simplify your message, clarify your brand story, and help you connect with your ideal customers. It’s marketing that makes sense and gets results – no jargon, no gimmicks, just growth.
What is StoryBrand, and why does it matter?
Think of StoryBrand as a cheat sheet for marketing clarity. It helps you explain what you do in a way that makes people stop, listen, and say, “Oh, I get it.” We use it to create marketing that feels human and that your audience will actually enjoy reading.
Do I need to be familiar with StoryBrand to work with you?
Not at all! Whether you’re a StoryBrand superfan (like us!) or have no idea what it is, we’ll walk you through everything. We’re here to make the process simple, clear, and (dare we say) fun.
How do I know if this is right for my business?
If people keep saying “I don’t really get what you do,” or you’re getting the wrong kind of leads, it’s a sign your message needs work. That’s what we fix.
What if I don’t have time to take a course?
The course is built for time-strapped business owners. You get short lessons, plug-and-play templates, and live support so you’re never stuck or overwhelmed.
What’s the difference between the course and the done-for-you service?
The course gives you training, tools, and weekly support so you can do it yourself. The done-for-you option means I build your whole funnel for you.
How long does it take to see results?
Most people see clearer messaging and better engagement within a week of applying the one-liner. Bigger results (like leads and conversions) follow as you apply it across your marketing.
What if I’ve already tried StoryBrand and it didn’t work?
Many people try to apply StoryBrand on their own and miss key parts. This course walks you through it step-by-step, with real examples and live feedback from a Certified Guide.
STORY, MEET STRATEGY
Let’s make marketing feel less robotic and more real. Find resources from a StoryBrand Marketing Agency that bring your message—and your business—to life.
AI vs Human Creativity in Problem Solving: What Works Best?
By Vicky Sidler | Published 1 September 2025 at 12:00 GMT+2
If you’ve ever asked ChatGPT to write your business plan, name your next product, and draft your follow-up email—all before lunch—you’re not alone. But here’s the bigger question: can AI actually come up with great ideas? Or are we still the brains of the operation?
According to research published in Organization Science, the answer is somewhere in the middle. Humans bring the spark. AI brings the structure. And when they work together, that’s when the good stuff happens.
Let’s break it down.
TL;DR
AI is great at generating fast, practical ideas
Humans come up with more novel, creative solutions
The best results happen when people and AI collaborate
Prompting AI properly is a skill worth learning
Businesses should use AI as a creative partner, not a replacement
Need help getting your message right? Download the 5-Minute Marketing Fix.
Table of Contents
AI vs Human Creativity in Problem Solving: What Works Best?
Why Harvard Wanted to Know If AI Can Solve Big Problems:
Humans—Weird, Wild, and Wonderfully Unfiltered:
AI—Fast, Focused, and Feasibly Boring
Collaboration—The Sweet Spot Where Innovation Lives
Why Small Businesses Should Pay Attention:
1. Use AI to Stretch Your Thinking:
2. Don’t Expect AI to Do Your Job:
3. Learn to Prompt Like a Pro:
What I Tell My Clients as a StoryBrand and Duct Tape Marketing Guide:
Want More Ideas That Actually Work?
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FAQs on AI and Human Creativity in Business
What did the Harvard study actually test?
Were the human ideas better than the AI ones?
What happens when people and AI work together?
Can small businesses really use AI for creative work?
What’s the best way to get useful output from AI?
What does “prompt engineering” mean?
Why Harvard Wanted to Know If AI Can Solve Big Problems:
When ChatGPT became a thing, it was clear it could write poems, summarise reports, and pretend to be Shakespeare. But could it solve a brand-new business challenge—one that didn’t already have a tidy answer?
That’s what Harvard Business School’s Jacqueline Ng Lane and her research team wanted to find out. Together with Karim Lakhani, Miaomiao Zhang, and others, they tested how AI stacked up against humans when solving creative business problems. Their focus: the circular economy.
That’s the idea that instead of using something once and tossing it, you reuse, repair, or recycle it as part of a closed loop.
Think:
Renting tools instead of buying
Turning food waste into fuel
Designing packaging that pays people to recycle it
Harvard asked two groups—humans and ChatGPT—to come up with ideas. Then they got a third group of expert judges to score each idea on creativity, environmental impact, profitability, and feasibility.
What they found is worth a second look.
Humans—Weird, Wild, and Wonderfully Unfiltered:
Let’s start with Team Human.
Some of the real-life entries were creative bordering on bizarre. One person suggested making interlocking bricks out of plastic waste and foundry dust. Not exactly ready for mass production, but definitely outside the box.
Another idea involved flies that eat trash. Again, not something you’ll pitch to investors tomorrow, but points for originality.
According to the judges, human-generated ideas were more novel and surprising. But—and here’s the catch—many of them weren’t practical. Great ideas, just hard to implement.
And that’s where the robots took over.
AI—Fast, Focused, and Feasibly Boring
Now for Team Machine.
ChatGPT was given the same brief. With carefully crafted prompts, it generated hundreds of ideas—fast. Most of them were solid. Not revolutionary, but realistic.
One standout example: using food waste to create biogas. It’s not a new idea, but it ticks every box. It’s green, profitable, and can be rolled out today with existing tech.
So what was missing?
Surprise. AI didn’t get weird. It didn’t invent anything totally new. But it nailed feasibility. Over and over.
And when you’re running a business—not a science fiction writers’ room—that matters.
Collaboration—The Sweet Spot Where Innovation Lives
The most interesting part of the study wasn’t that humans and AI are different. It’s how good they are together.
The researchers found that when people worked with ChatGPT to iterate ideas—changing prompts, nudging responses, and asking for more variety—the quality of ideas improved dramatically.
For example, simply asking ChatGPT to “generate another idea that’s different from the last one” pushed the model to try new angles. Suddenly, you weren’t just getting versions of the same idea in different wrapping. You were getting range.
This is where smart business owners can shine.
Why Small Businesses Should Pay Attention:
If you’ve written off AI as something for tech bros and coders, take a second look. This study wasn’t about AI replacing you. It was about making your creativity go further.
Here’s how to use it:
1. Use AI to Stretch Your Thinking:
Stuck for marketing ideas? Ask ChatGPT to generate 10. Then ask for 10 more that don’t sound like the first batch. Push it. Change the voice. Shift the industry. You’ll be amazed what comes back.
2. Don’t Expect AI to Do Your Job:
It can’t feel your market. It doesn’t know your customers. But it can be a surprisingly helpful intern if you give it clear instructions and review the output with fresh eyes.
3. Learn to Prompt Like a Pro:
This is where creativity meets craft. The better your questions, the better the answers. Want better ideas? Describe your business. Tell ChatGPT what industry you’re in. Set constraints. Be specific.
If this sounds like effort, that’s because it is. But unlike that intern, AI doesn’t take lunch breaks.
What I Tell My Clients as a StoryBrand and Duct Tape Marketing Guide:
When I work with service businesses, one thing always comes up: clarity.
You don’t need more ideas. You need better ones. And the best way to get those is through a structured creative process.
Use your own insight to define the problem clearly. Then use AI to flood yourself with options. Then apply your judgment to spot the winner.
That’s the formula. That’s what this study confirmed.
Innovation isn’t about choosing between people and machines. It’s about learning how to work together without turning your brand into a robot in the process.
And no, the trash-eating flies don’t need to come back.
Want More Ideas That Actually Work?
You don’t need a moonshot idea to market your business better. You just need the right message, delivered clearly.
The 5-Minute Marketing Fix will help you create one sharp sentence that gets your audience to pay attention. No AI required. But hey, you can always run it past ChatGPT afterward.
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FAQs on AI and Human Creativity in Business
What did the Harvard study actually test?
Researchers asked both humans and ChatGPT to come up with ideas for the circular economy—where products are reused, repaired, or recycled. The ideas were then scored for creativity, feasibility, profit potential, and environmental impact.
Were the human ideas better than the AI ones?
Human ideas were more novel and creative, but often unrealistic. AI-generated ideas were more practical and easier to implement, though less original.
What happens when people and AI work together?
That’s where the magic happens. The best results came from collaborative approaches, where people guided AI with better prompts and built on the results to create stronger solutions.
Can small businesses really use AI for creative work?
Yes. You don’t need to replace your team. Just use AI to brainstorm faster, test new directions, and sharpen your ideas.
What’s the best way to get useful output from AI?
Start with a clear prompt. Be specific about your industry, the goal, and the format you want. Then refine. Ask for multiple versions. Push it to try new angles.
What does “prompt engineering” mean?
It’s just a fancy term for asking better questions. The more clearly you explain what you want, the better the AI performs.
Do I need to worry about originality if I use AI?
Yes. AI pulls from existing data, so it’s not likely to invent something groundbreaking on its own. That’s where your input matters most.
How can I write a clear message without using AI?
Use the5-Minute Marketing Fix. It walks you through a simple formula to write one sharp sentence that captures your value—fast.
Is your Marketing Message so confusing even your own mom doesn’t get it? Let's clarify your message—so everyone wants to work with you!
Created with clarity (and coffee)