Stewart Cohen: Cutting Through the Noise with Credibility & Building a Lasting Business
In this episode, we sit down with a top entrepreneur and filmmaker Stewart Cohen, an expert and business owner of nearly 20 years, to unpack how to build genuine credibility and lasting success in an age of overwhelming digital noise ("cyber noise").
Stewart shares timeless principles from his entrepreneurial journey, shaped by a family legacy of business ownership, and contrasts the foundational strategies of the past with the unique challenges of today.
Stewart argues that in a world where “social media lies, websites lie,” the most valuable currency is in-person credibility. He provides a masterclass in turning client relationships into your most powerful marketing engine and explains why protecting your audience’s attention is the ultimate business discipline.
🎯 Core Takeaways & Episode Timestamps
[03:15] — The Entrepreneurial Blueprint: A Family Legacy
Stewart reveals how growing up with a father and stepfather who were business owners made entrepreneurship feel like a natural path, instilling a deep sense of responsibility where "the buck stops here."
[05:45] — Principle #1: The Non-Negotiable Foundation
The #1 key to his nearly 20-year run? "Do what you love." Stewart contrasts deep passion for your craft with chasing trends, highlighting love as the ultimate driver of resilience and longevity.
[08:10] — A Grounded View on Motivation
A pragmatic look at the time vs. money debate. Stewart acknowledges that paying bills is a powerful early motivator, but stresses that sustainable owners must understand **"the whole arc of business," **not just the fun parts.
[10:30] — Building Credibility: Then vs. Now
Reflecting on marketing 20 years ago (direct mail, in-person meetings) versus today’s landscape. Stewart identifies the modern core challenge: building true credibility when digital personas are cheap and easily fabricated.
[13:00] — Your Best (and Free) Sales Team
Stewart’s central philosophy: "A happy client is also your best salesperson." He makes the strategic case for prioritizing client retention over the relentless chase for new leads, leveraging powerful organic word-of-mouth.
[15:20] — A Key Insight on Feedback
The host shares a critical reframe: that feedback is "the best currency for your business."Stewart identifies this as a powerful lesson on the importance of proactively seeking client input.
[17:00] — A Strategy to Tame the "Cyber Noise"
Stewart’s personal filter: consume only what is relevant to avoid "death scrolling." He gives a concrete example of unfollowing a contact who posted off-brand content, illustrating how irrelevant noise dilutes professional credibility.
[21:15] — Choosing Your Tribe & Clientele
With limited hours in the day, it’s crucial to be intentional. Stewart discusses the importance of identifying and choosing to work with your "tribe"—like-minded people who share a passion for creating excellent work.
[23:40] — The Art of Earning an Inbox
The golden rule for email (and all communication): Be consistently relevant. Every irrelevant message is a withdrawal from your trust bank. You have seconds to prove your message is "worthy" of someone’s time.
[26:30] — Parting Advice & How to Connect
Stewart’s final, overarching lesson is "Be respectful of people’s time." He shares where he focuses his own clean, professional communication.
🔗 Mentioned Resources & Links
Connect with Stewart Cohen:
- LinkedIn: Stewart Cohen
- Production Company: scpictures.com / stewartcohen.com
- Instagram: @scpictures
- Media Licensing: superstock.com
Connect with We Don't PLAY!:
- Website & Our Services: playinc.online
- Bookings/Inquiries/Sponsorships: info@playinc.online
💡 From the Host, Favour Obasi-ike, MBA, MS
Thank you for listening to We Don't PLAY!. Our mission is to help you effectively listen, live, learn, and earn. If you're ready to cut through the digital noise and build a marketing strategy with genuine longevity, we're here to help.
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