Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Joe Basile. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Joe , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?

The name “Go Humphrey” didn’t exactly pop into my head as my initial choice for a business name. I wanted the name to reflect my values, work philosophy, and unique approach to developing and managing content strategies for my clients.

Like many entrepreneurs, I turned to the animal kingdom for inspiration when creating my brand. I’ve always been captivated by whales, drawn to their strength, intelligence, and the sheer spectacle of their presence. During my research on famous whales, I came across Humphrey.

Back in 1985, there was a humpback whale that deviated from its Mexico to Alaska migration by entering the San Francisco Bay, which garnered significant media attention. Eventually, recorded whale songs led him back to the ocean as a large number of spectators watched. Humpback whales are known for their magical songs that travel great distances. They are mysterious, melodic, and fascinating to me.

Humphrey’s story of exploring the unknown and the name’s Old German origin, which means ‘peaceful warrior,’ greatly appealed to me.

With this compelling story, the name’s meaningful origins, and my affection for whales, “Humphrey” felt like the perfect choice! I added the “Go” to infuse a sense of excitement and cheer. The name carries a certain mystique that I appreciate, and it also serves as an excellent conversation starter.

Being a business owner is no doubt similar to being a warrior, as you must be prepared for anything that comes your way. In my work, I help service-based businesses and non-profit organizations build a toolbox of marketing tactics to test, experiment with, and rely on. I refer to these as “peaceful warrior tactics.” These strategies can guide any business in a clear direction with a strong pace. When I’m working with a client, I encourage them to envision their business as Humphrey:

Move with determination and vigor.
Dare to do something out of the ordinary.
Create your own unique ‘whale song.’

These three simple yet powerful steps are sure to attract an audience’s attention.

If you’d like to learn more about my approach to content strategy and management, please don’t hesitate to visit my website at www.gohumphrey.com.

Joe , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Drawing from a diverse background in theater, wellness, and marketing, I founded Go Humphrey Marketing Solutions. Based in Los Angeles, I specialize in creating highly customized marketing strategies for service-based businesses and non-profit organizations. Each plan offers creative solutions, bolsters efficiency, and introduces innovative ways to promote a company’s services and share expertise.

What sets me apart from the rest is that, in addition to crafting a strategy, I play an essential role in its implementation and in measuring a company’s return on investment through metrics that are truly meaningful to a business.

My clients appreciate my thoughtful and creative approach and the flexibility I provide for creating consistent solutions that work.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

There is a song from a brilliant Broadway musical called “Title of Show” that I was fortunate to see many years ago on Broadway. The chorus goes, “I’d rather be nine people’s favorite thing than a hundred people’s ninth favorite thing.”

I love this idea for many reasons. It’s truly the best example I know of that defines the power of your core audience. I believe it’s the best marketing advice for a service-based business, encapsulated in a catchy song.

In the beginning, it’s very easy to obsess about the numbers related to your reach, email lists, and followers. My suggestion is to keep just nine people in mind when you’re creating your content. What can you share with them? How can you make them think or laugh? What interests them about your work? What can you make them feel a part of?

When you are your core audience’s favorite thing, they will promote who you are and what you do, becoming your most enthusiastic cheerleaders and advocates.

Nine people will tell nine people who, in turn, will tell nine more people, and that’s how your business grows.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

I’m inspired by the concept of “less, but better.” This philosophy, introduced by industrial designer Dieter Rams, is applicable not only to design but also to life and, yes, content marketing! I stumbled upon this idea while reading Greg McKeown’s book, “Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less.”

In the book, McKeown discusses the ways of an Essentialist, which involve doing less but better to maximize your highest possible contribution. It’s not about accomplishing less; it’s about focusing on doing only the right things.

So, if you often find yourself saying “yes” too much and later regretting it, or if you frequently feel overwhelmed by work or life, this book is a valuable resource for reshaping your entrepreneurial mindset because Essentialism is more than a mindset; it’s a way of life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.gohumphrey.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/go_humphrey/
• Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/joebasile13

Image Credits
Sarah Ford Creative