Darren: Welcome to The Engaging Marketeer! On today’s episode, I’ve got something we’ve never done before—a returning guest! Yes, someone has actually come back for more. I can’t believe it either. My guest is Tommi Murshed-Parish, a Yorkshireman living on the idyllic island of Gozo in Malta.
Tommi is a videographer who works remotely with clients from all over the world. He specializes in interviewing businesses, their clients, and their customers to create genuine, compelling testimonials. These aren’t your typical Google or LinkedIn reviews; they dive deep into real results and stories.
Today, we’re talking about a seminar that Tommi recently co-hosted, where I had the honor of being one of the speakers. We’ll explore how the event went, the exposure it brought him, and whether he’d do it again.
Fair warning—this episode gets a little meta. I’m interviewing an interviewer about how he conducts interviews! Let’s dive straight in. Tommi, you were kind enough to have me as a guest speaker at the seminar you co-hosted a month or so ago. How did that go for you? What kind of exposure did you get?
Tommi: We’re still in the process of measuring the exposure, but the main thing was, I didn’t want it to suck. And thankfully, it didn’t! In fact, it went really well. Everyone who participated brought their performance game, which I hate to say because it sounds very American, but it’s true. People worked hard and took it seriously.
The content we captured is now a valuable resource. When I use it later as collateral, everyone else who appears in that space will look good by association. That’s a nice long-term benefit.
Darren: One thing I noticed was how slick the whole operation was. Your co-host, Michael, seemed to be running the show behind the scenes. He struck me as an intense guy.
Tommi: Oh, Michael’s incredibly intense, but in the best way. He wasn’t just a co-host; he was pulling all the strings. He handled tech, logistics, and even kept people motivated. Honestly, I just had to show up and be the figurehead.
Darren: If someone wanted to host an event like that, what are the costs involved?
Tommi: Good question. Honestly, I don’t know the exact cost. Michael and I traded value—he hosted the seminar for me in exchange for a video I made for him. That should give you an idea of how valuable both services are.
Networking and Ripple Effects
Darren: From my perspective, the seminar was fantastic for networking. I’ve already had one-on-one meetings and made some introductions to other speakers. Have you experienced a similar ripple effect?
Tommi: Definitely. Events like these have long-term benefits. Too often, people rush into doing another event without maximizing the impact of the last one. I see it differently. The connections and content from that seminar will continue to pay dividends for years. It’s like networking—sometimes, referrals come in years after the initial meeting.
Darren: I know what you mean. Just last week, someone responded to an invite I sent six months ago. You never know when these seeds will grow.
Tommi: Exactly. People come to us at different stages of their journey. All we can do is keep showing up consistently, and the rewards will come in time.
Darren: You’re in Gozo, but your clients are all over the world. What’s life like on a remote island?
Tommi: Life here is quiet and drama-free. Compared to Malta, Gozo is smaller and more laid-back. Malta has around 500,000 people; Gozo has about 33,000. That’s roughly half the population of Halifax!
While the villages are closer together, people aren’t in a rush. It’s not a corporate hub, so if you’re not a remote worker like me, career opportunities are limited. The cost of living is lower, which is a bonus.
Darren: And yet, you’re managing to work with clients across the UK, Ireland, and the US. How does that work logistically?
Tommi: Most of my work is talking heads and interviews—like what we’re doing now. Before the pandemic, I traveled a lot to meet clients. But when lockdowns hit, I had to pivot to remote work. It was a necessity at first, but now clients are used to it, and no one minds that I’m using a laptop instead of a fancy camera.
Darren: When interviewing clients from different countries, do you notice any cultural differences?
Tommi: Not so much cultural differences, but personality differences. The real divide is between extroverts and introverts. Extroverts often perform a persona—they’re charismatic but can use it as a mask. It takes time to dig deeper and get a genuine answer. Introverts, on the other hand, tend to open up quickly when you make them feel safe.
Darren: What makes a good testimonial?
Tommi: The best testimonials highlight results. There are two types:
- Crisis Testimonials: When someone was in a mess, and you came in to fix things.
- Long-Term Testimonials: These are the gold standard. They come months or years after you’ve delivered your service. For example, a website might look great on launch day, but the real value comes from seeing how it drives leads and grows the business over time.
Darren: Do many businesses plan for testimonials months or years down the line?
Tommi: Not nearly enough. Most businesses don’t follow up with clients unless they’re trying to sell something. That’s a missed opportunity. Building relationships and staying in touch—not just for sales—is crucial.
Darren: Video editors hold a lot of power. How do you ensure you’re ethical in your editing?
Tommi: I’m very careful not to misrepresent anyone. I might edit for clarity or brevity, but I never rearrange words or take things out of context. Testimonials should reflect the genuine experience.
Darren: That’s so important. In film school, one of my lecturers demonstrated how editing can manipulate perception. He added gunshot sound effects to a news clip, making it look like a war zone when it wasn’t. It’s frightening how easy it is to tell a completely different story.
Tommi: Exactly. That’s why I keep my edits straightforward. I aim for authenticity over flashiness.
Darren: What’s the best story or result you’ve captured in a testimonial?
Tommi: There are so many, but one that stands out is a widow I interviewed recently. Her husband had passed away, and her health had declined. After working with my client, a trainer, she regained her mobility and her confidence. She even quoted Martin Luther King Jr., saying, “Free at last, free at last, thank God I’m free at last.” It was such a powerful moment.
Darren: What kind of clients are you looking for now?
Tommi: I enjoy working with businesses going for awards or who have won them. These clients care about their reputation and are committed to standing out. Typically, they have a team and are focused on growth.
Darren: And how can they reach you?
Tommi: LinkedIn is the best place. I’m the only Tommi Murshed-Parish on there, so I’m easy to find.
Darren: Tommi, it’s been an absolute pleasure. Thanks for coming back on The Engaging Marketeer.
Tommi: Thank you, Darren. Always a pleasure.