StoryBrand Marketing Agency

Is Your Marketing Message So Confusing Even Your Own Mom Doesn’t Get It?

We're an award-winning 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

Join the StoryBrand Course

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...

Hear Directly from DONALD MILLER

In this short clip, StoryBrand’s founder Donald Miller explains why clear messaging and a simple marketing plan change everything.

Donald shares why newsletters are back, what a full StoryBrand campaign includes, and how a certified guide helps you focus on what actually works—without wasting money or time.

Watch to see how working with a StoryBrand Certified Guide can make a measurable difference for your business.

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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https://assets.cdn.filesafe.space/kJ0HTx71roamzOBLLJ9Q/media/66215c9b78944a2e943c19b3.jpeg

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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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3

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.

Women Creating Wealth Summit 2025: Why It’s a Big Deal

Women Creating Wealth Summit 2025: Why It’s a Big Deal

October 09, 20257 min read
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By Vicky Sidler | Published 9 October 2025 at 12:00 GMT+2

If you’ve ever been the only woman in the room, or the only small business owner at a big-brand conference, this one’s for you.

The Women Creating Wealth Entrepreneurship 2025 Summit is landing in Sandton from 13 to 15 October. I’ve been invited to attend, and I’ll be watching closely—because this isn’t just another event with awkward name tags. According to the Graça Machel Trust, this year’s Summit is part birthday celebration, part movement-building, and part economic revolution.

Yes, there will be panels and programs. But there’s also a real sense of urgency. A call to stop admiring the problem and start solving it. Because while inequality grows and uncertainty deepens, thousands of women across Africa are busy building businesses anyway. With or without investor decks.

This Summit shines a light on them. It’s not about finding unicorns. It’s about funding the women already carrying their communities on their backs.


TL;DR:

  • Summit takes place 13–15 October in Sandton, South Africa

  • Celebrates 15 years of the Graça Machel Trust and Graça Machel’s 80th birthday

  • Focuses on intergenerational leadership, capital access, and action

  • Over 5,000 women supported since 2016 through the Women Creating Wealth program

  • Goal: support 10,000 entrepreneurs to generate $1B in revenue and 200,000 jobs

👉 Need help getting your message right? Download the 5-Minute Marketing Fix


Table of Contents:


Why This Summit Matters (Even If You’re Not Attending):

Let’s be honest. Most small business owners are too busy keeping the lights on to attend multi-day events. But this one is worth watching even from afar. Here’s why.

The women driving this movement aren’t waiting for policy to catch up. They’re working with what they have—limited capital, fragmented support systems, and decades of inherited barriers. And they’re still growing businesses that create jobs, feed families, and spark local change.

The Graça Machel Trust’s Women Creating Wealth program has already supported over 5,000 women entrepreneurs across seven African countries. The next goal? Ten thousand entrepreneurs. One billion dollars in revenue. Two hundred thousand new jobs. By 2030, that ambition scales to 50,000 women-led businesses across 14 countries.

This Summit is the checkpoint. A place to ask: what’s working, what’s not, and who’s coming with?

Barriers Worth Naming (So We Can Break Them):

The usual suspects show up in every region:

  • Confidence gaps and unpaid care work that eat up women’s time

  • A $42 billion gender financing gap across the continent

  • Policies that weren’t built for women’s realities

  • Limited access to markets, procurement, or even basic tech

  • The persistent myth that small women-led businesses can’t scale

If you run a business and feel stuck, it’s probably not just you. It’s the system. The good news? Systems can be redesigned. Especially when you put 5,000 women entrepreneurs in a room with investors, buyers, and policy people who are ready to listen.

From Words to Work—What Makes This Different:

What sets this Summit apart isn’t the glossy program. It’s the tone.

It’s grounded. Focused on modest but meaningful shifts. No promises of miracle funding or fairy godmother mentorships. Just practical tools, direct connections, and honest conversations.

This year adds some special weight too. It marks the 15-year anniversary of the Graça Machel Trust and the 80th birthday of Mama Machel herself. But the spotlight isn’t on her. It’s on the network of women she’s helped grow—leaders who know that wealth is about more than income. It’s about impact.

What Small Businesses Can Learn From This:

Even if you’re outside the Summit, the takeaways are clear.

  1. Community matters. Collective action beats solo hustle.

  2. Messaging matters. If your story isn’t clear, your pitch will flop.

  3. Small shifts create momentum. You don’t need massive capital to start building.

  4. Policy isn’t out of reach. Local voices can influence real change.

  5. Invest in leadership at every age. The Summit includes youth hosts and storytelling walls for a reason. The next generation is already here.

If you’re a woman-led business fighting for your corner, know this: the energy building in Sandton is coming your way. And your story is part of the bigger picture.

I’ll be there in person, taking notes, connecting dots, and cheering from the back row. But if you can’t make it, don’t worry. You can still take the first step toward stronger messaging with my 5-Minute Marketing Fix.

Because getting your message right shouldn’t require a PR team or a million-dollar budget. It just takes one sentence that connects.

👉 Download it free here


Related Articles:

1. I'm Writing a Book for Risk-Averse Entrepreneurs Like Me

If you liked the Summit’s focus on real-world entrepreneurship without the pitch-deck pressure, this piece explores how to grow steadily without gambling your savings or sanity.

2. SME Confidence Up in South Africa—But Growth Still Faces Barriers

This article digs into the local business climate many Summit attendees face and shares actionable insights for overcoming growth bottlenecks through clear messaging and stronger support.

3. Global SME Ministerial Set for G20

Zooming out to the global stage, this post shows how policy shifts around financing, connectivity, and support for women-led MSMEs are aligning with the Summit’s mission for system-level change.

4. Embedded Financing Boosts SMB Growth by Up to 50%

Want real solutions to the funding gap? This article looks at how embedded finance is helping women entrepreneurs access capital without the bank loan drama.

5. Women in Leadership: Why Empathy Is Real Strength

The Summit celebrates care-driven leadership. This article unpacks why empathy isn’t a weakness, but one of the strongest strategic tools in any woman’s business toolkit.


FAQs About the Women Creating Wealth Summit 2025

1. What is the Women Creating Wealth Summit?

It’s a three-day entrepreneurship gathering hosted by the Graça Machel Trust. The 2025 Summit runs from 13 to 15 October in Sandton, South Africa. It brings together women and youth entrepreneurs, funders, policymakers, and ecosystem partners to share ideas, tackle barriers, and strengthen inclusive business growth across Africa.

2. Who should attend the Summit?

If you’re a woman entrepreneur, youth founder, business support partner, policymaker, or investor working in or with African markets, this Summit was built for you. It’s especially useful for those interested in real-world problem-solving, intergenerational leadership, and closing financing gaps.

3. What are the main themes for 2025?

Each day focuses on a core theme:

  • Day 1: Leadership, resilience, and lived experience

  • Day 2: Money, markets, mindset, and innovation

  • Day 3: Advocacy, legacy, and celebration

Together, the sessions spotlight what’s working, what’s broken, and what actions can create long-term change.

4. What makes this different from other entrepreneurship events?

It’s practical, not performative. The Summit centers real entrepreneurs with real challenges. There’s a strong focus on modest but meaningful support, collective action, and funding that works for women-led businesses—not just startup theatre.

5. Why is the Graça Machel Trust involved?

The Trust has spent 15 years advancing women’s leadership and economic participation in Africa. Their Women Creating Wealth program has already helped more than 5,000 entrepreneurs and created over 50,000 jobs. The Summit is both a celebration of that work and a strategic launchpad for the next phase.

6. What is the $1B goal mentioned in the blog?

The Trust aims to support 10,000 women entrepreneurs to collectively drive $1 billion in revenue and 200,000 new jobs by 2030. That’s part of a bigger push to reach 50,000 businesses across 14 African countries.

7. Can I attend if I’m not based in South Africa?

Yes. While it’s happening in Johannesburg, the Summit is open to participants from across the continent and beyond. Many sessions are designed to be relevant no matter where you’re based.

8. What can I do if I can’t attend in person?

Follow the conversations online, connect with participants, and use the insights to strengthen your own business or advocacy work. You can also download the5-Minute Marketing Fix to sharpen your messaging—one of the first steps to scaling your influence and impact.

blog author image

Vicky Sidler

Vicky Sidler is a seasoned journalist and StoryBrand Certified Guide with a knack for turning marketing confusion into crystal-clear messaging that actually works. Armed with years of experience and an almost suspiciously large collection of pens, she creates stories that connect on a human level.

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