How to Build a Brand That Connects: Storytelling, Messaging & Starting Small with Hanna-Mari Kirs

What if the clarity you’re craving in your brand already lives inside of you—just waiting to be shaped into a story that actually connects? In today’s episode, I’m joined by Hanna-Mari Kirs, brand narrative strategist and founder of Heroes and Guides. We talk about what really matters in the early days of business-building (hint: it’s not your Instagram handle), how to find your voice as a purposeful entrepreneur, and why storytelling isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the heart of a brand that converts. What You’ll Learn: Why your philosophy is more important than your business name The magic of talking to just 5 potential clients before you build anything How storytelling helps your audience tell themselves a new story (the one that inspires them to buy) If you’re in the early stages of launching your marketing business—or revisiting your brand from a place of deeper alignment—this episode is for you. Mentioned in This Episode: Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller Hanna-Mari’s upcoming course: Get Your Story Straight 👉 Join the waitlist here: heroesandguides.com/yourway — and get 30% off as a listener of this podcast! Connect with Hanna-Mari: 🌐 Website: heroesandguides.com 📲 Instagram Join the Marketing Your Way Community This is a space for women in marketing and creative roles to stay sharp, stay supported, and stay inspired. Whether you lead a team, run freelance projects, or work inside a brand or agency — you’re welcome here. Inside the group, we: Share marketing insights, campaign wins, and lessons learned Post weekly industry news, creative trends, and AI tools worth trying Talk about how real marketers are streamlining their work with tech Host casual Zoom chats to ask questions, bounce ideas, and learn together There’s no pressure to start a business or change careers. This is simply a place to connect with smart, like-minded women who get it — and share what’s really working in the world of modern marketing. Join now! Thank you to our affiliate partner: 1. FloDesk - the easiest, most beautiful email marketing tool out there. Stunning templates. Simple automation. No limits on subscribers or emails. Best part? You get 50% off your first year — that’s just $19 a month! Grab the deal here. Want more behind-the-scenes? Connect with me on Instagram or Linkedin  Subscribe & Review Don’t miss what’s next — be sure to subscribe, leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify, and share this episode with someone who needs the nudge. *This page contains an affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you sign up through it. I only share tools I trust and recommend. Visit the episode page