Bananas For Business

In the spring of 2021, the Savannah Banana's show will momentarily leave Grayson Stadium and take it on the road to Mobile, Alabama on March 26. On today’s podcast, Jared Orton walks us through why they chose that city, how they got to the marketing around the announcement, and what it’s been like for the past month and a half since they made the announcement and the feedback they received. With only a couple of weeks before the launch of the One City World Tour, Jared lays out their plans – from creating their announcement video to building the demand before tickets go on sale.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here’s How »Join the Bananas for Business Community today:https://bananasforbusiness.com/LinkedInInstagram

Nothing really matters if you don’t get your team right. The Savannah Bananas does not believe in throwing bodies at problems just for the sake of hiring people. To help achieve the vision they have laid out for 2025, the company employs a meticulous hiring and onboarding process that gets the right people in the bus and puts them in the right seats. Jared Orton discusses how this process unfolds with Bananas Vice-President, Berry Aldridge and Fans First Director, Marie Gentry. Listen in and learn how they find new additions to their team who live and breathe “fans first, entertain always” mission and embody the company values of being caring, different, enthusiastic, fun, growing and hungry.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here’s How »Join the Bananas for Business Community today:https://bananasforbusiness.com/LinkedInInstagram

Baseball is a legit demographic on TikTok and the Savannah Bananas are leading right on top with somewhere around 300,000 followers. Behind this phenomenal rise are Kara Heater and Savanah Alaniz. Kara is the Bananas’ Marketing Director and has been with the team for more than two years, while Savanah is a Pop Culture Prodigy who has shown social media mastery in merely six months since joining the company. Joining forces to educate Jared Orton of the power of this new, powerful platform, Kara and Savanah tell us how they got a good grasp of the TikTok algorithm and found a way to use it to boost the team’s popularity. This episode contains good information that you can use if you’re thinking about putting your business on the platform. If this episode does not convince you that TikTok is not just for 13 year olds, nothing ever will.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here’s How »Join the Bananas for Business Community today:https://bananasforbusiness.com/LinkedInInstagram

The famous cliché quote still stands true - what got us here won't get us there. With the coronavirus impacting the majority of businesses across every industry, it's time to chart a new path, try new things, innovate, experiment. Enjoying considerable success over the years, the Bananas are not satisfied with doing the same thing every single year for the rest of their lives. What else is out there? How can they do things differently? In this episode, Jared Orton takes you on a journey, giving you a front row seat to the Bananas show and what they’re doing in 2020, the coming years, and into the future. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here’s How »Join the Bananas for Business Community today:https://bananasforbusiness.com/LinkedInInstagram

The COVID-19 pandemic wasn’t good news for the whole sports industry and even the Savannah Bananas wasn’t spared the difficulties, at least initially. How was it able to pull off a wonderful season of baseball despite the crisis? In this episode, Jared Orton shares in detail how the Bananas went to a process of adapting to the situation to be able to deliver on their mission of putting fans first and entertaining always. It was a season that was full of stress, tears, fun, joy, and happiness, anxiety, and everything else. At the end of the day, the Bananas did it when nobody else believed they could. How do you think the next seasons will look like for the team? You be the judge.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here’s How »Join the Bananas for Business Community today:https://bananasforbusiness.com/LinkedInInstagram

In its five years of existence, the Savannah Bananas has changed what entertainment means in baseball and the whole sports industry. What does 2025 hold for the world’s most entertaining baseball team? How will they keep their customers and fans excited? How will they keep themselves excited? Join in as Jared Orton lays down the Bananas vision for 2025 in terms of team, product, promotion and impact. The next five years will be a whole new ballgame that will redefine what the Fans First Experience means. Every year from now will be a 24/7/365 Savannah Bananas experience. Listen in to know what to expect!Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here’s How »Join the Bananas for Business Community today:https://bananasforbusiness.com/LinkedInInstagram

After five seasons of tremendous success, even bigger things are coming for the Savannah Bananas in the next three to five years. As part of the big changes that are coming, Jared Orton introduces Season 2 of the Bananas for Business Podcast, where you will get an inside look of how the Bananas pull off their incredible seasons. What does their marketing look like? What does the sales process look like? What's the content plan? How are they hiring people? What is their vision for the future? How are they inspiring people? What does their culture look like? It will be a raw, unfiltered take on what the Bananas are doing to transform sports experience and what the future looks like for the team. Hop right in as Jared peels back the curtain to the future!Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here’s How »Join the Bananas for Business Community today:https://bananasforbusiness.com/LinkedInInstagram

Company culture is often a tricky thing to navigate because whatever that culture is – and every feeling your employees associate with it – it manifests in the way you work and the way your customers perceive you. This is why it’s important to take a long hard look at every aspect of the company culture you have at the forefront and see if it’s something that fits right with all of your employees. Marie Gentry is the Fans First Director of the Savannah Bananas. She joins Jared Orton for a frank discussion about the reasons you should constantly be reexamining your company culture. If you’re building a “fans first” experience, this is definitely one thing you should iron out immediately, so don’t miss this!

Company culture is often a tricky thing to navigate because whatever that culture is - and every feeling your employees associate with it – it manifests in the way you work and the way your customers perceive you. This is why it's important to take a long hard look at every aspect of the company […]

Online marketing can go a myriad of different ways because there are so many platforms and so many types of content that you can create. At the end of the day, having a foundational knowledge of what’s popular and what’s relevant goes a long way. Without this knowledge, you won’t be able to properly cater to your fanbase and get through to them, especially with the constraints of digital communication. Kara Heater is the Marketing Coordinator for the Savannah Bananas. Joining Jared Orton, Kara illustrates some of the most important fundamentals of online marketing that you should be aware of. The online sphere’s influence can make or break the way your brand is perceived, so don’t get left behind!

Online marketing can go a myriad of different ways because there are so many platforms and so many types of content that you can create. At the end of the day, having a foundational knowledge of what's popular and what's relevant goes a long way. Without this knowledge, you won't be able to properly cater […]

What does it take to achieve world class results? How does one take the leap from being ordinary to becoming extraordinary? These are the questions that Jared Orton explores with today’s guest, David Jones, an instructor, consultant, and executive coach with McClaskey Excellence Institute. David talks briefly about the prestigious Baldrige Awards and how its criteria can be used as a guide to strive for excellence in business. He also explains how striving for excellence is a matter of understanding customers’ key requirements and getting the right people on board and fine-tuning processes to deliver on those all the time. Tune in to this exciting episode and learn how excellent companies seem to have it easy and yet achieve immense gains at the same time.

What does it take to achieve world class results? How does one take the leap from being ordinary to becoming extraordinary? These are the questions that Jared Orton explores with today’s guest, David Jones, an instructor, consultant, and executive coach with McClaskey Excellence Institute. David talks briefly about the prestigious Baldrige Awards and how its […]

In any business, it can be frustrating to realize that you have been working with the wrong client all the while. When onboarding clients, it is essential to ensure that they would be a good fit for what you have to offer. This is especially true in marketing small businesses who like to see their hard-earned money put to good use. Today’s guest, Caleb Shore, runs Conversion Stream, a marketing company that focuses on small businesses. Caleb joins host Jared Orton in an engaging discussion about Conversion Stream’s client-centered approach in which the client’s interests are put first on the table before striking a deal. Listen in as they talk about getting to know clients, their goals and aspirations, and how this profound understanding ultimately helps in successfully marketing their products and services.

In any business, it can be frustrating to realize that you have been working with the wrong client all the while. When onboarding clients, it is essential to ensure that they would be a good fit for what you have to offer. This is especially true in marketing small businesses who like to see their […]

Nowadays, more and more companies are sourcing their online content from content created by their customers. User-generated content has become the lifeblood of online and digital marketing because besides being miles more affordable, who else would you believe about a certain product besides other people who’ve bought the product? Chris Meade is the Co-Founder and Chief Revenue Officer of the game CROSSNET. Jaren Orton speaks to Chris about the beginning of their business, and how they made it big by sourcing user-generated content. Have you begun tapping into the wealth of user-generated content out there for you to use?

Nowadays, more and more companies are sourcing their online content from content created by their customers. User-generated content has become the lifeblood of online and digital marketing because besides being miles more affordable, who else would you believe about a certain product besides other people who've bought the product? Chris Meade is the Co-Founder and […]

The COVID-19 Pandemic has brought out so many changes to the way we do business. In particular, business marketing has seen a sudden shift in the way it now reaches out to the audience. As opposed to overt advertising practices, businesses have now been providing levity, light, and encouragement. In this episode, Jared Orton brings out the person behind the Fans First Experience marketing, Kara Heater, to talk about the business from a marketing perspective, most especially the case of bananas marketing during this COVID-19 situation. Take a deep dive behind the marketing scenes of the show and grab a lesson or two about how to go about it in yours.

The COVID-19 Pandemic has brought out so many changes to the way we do business. In particular, business marketing has seen a sudden shift in the way it now reaches out to the audience. As opposed to overt advertising practices, businesses have now been providing levity, light, and encouragement. In this episode, Jared Orton brings […]

The way you treat your customers constantly cycles back to the returns you receive from the loyalty you’ve worked for. Making customers feel special will put them in a mindset and position where they feel great about their work with you and give them the inclination to recommend you to their loved ones, and those referrals, in turn, go to you and create new business—and so on. Denise Schroder is one half of the Schroder Real Estate Group, working together with her husband Troy. Jared Orton interviews Denise about the “Red Carpet Treatment” her business rolls out for their most loyal customers, which ends up drumming up more business for her company. The saying goes, “What goes around comes around,” and it’s no different when you’re doing business, so learn what you could be doing today.

The way you treat your customers constantly cycles back to the returns you receive from the loyalty you’ve worked for. Making customers feel special will put them in a mindset and position where they feel great about their work with you and give them the inclination to recommend you to their loved ones, and those […]

A special event, experienced the first time around, can be the most exciting and exhilarating thing, but eventually, if your offerings remain perpetually the same, that’s when things begin to get stale. Reimagining the fan experience is especially important for beloved institutions and events that want to draw in a younger, fresher crowd as well. Jared Orton speaks to Greg Harvey, the Vice President of the Bristol Motor Speedway in East Tennessee. Greg talks about continually adding new elements to the experience of people attending races in order to keep people excited about the things they do. Just like anything else, an experience, no matter how important it is, gets old with repetition. Keeping things fresh, of course, brings life back to any event.

A special event, experienced the first time around, can be the most exciting and exhilarating thing, but eventually, if your offerings remain perpetually the same, that’s when things begin to get stale. Reimagining the fan experience is especially important for beloved institutions and events that want to draw in a younger, fresher crowd as well. […]

Baseball sports and the entire sports industry rely heavily on advertising to generate revenue. What happens then if they go add-free? Following the announcement made by the Savannah Bananas about going ad-free, tons of fans show their excitement about it while some went nuts, with questions about revenues and running out of business spurring out from the audience’s mouth. Today, Jared Orton and Jesse Cole get into a conversation about the ad-free experience. They sit down and discuss the methodology behind the fans first, ad-free experience, helping audiences understand where they are coming from. At the end of the day, it’s all about building fans and not the revenue.

Baseball sports and the entire sports industry rely heavily on advertising to generate revenue. What happens then if they go add-free? Following the announcement made by the Savannah Bananas about going ad-free, tons of fans show their excitement about it while some went nuts, with questions about revenues and running out of business spurring out […]

The landscape of colleges and universities are changing by the day. With the prices going through the roof, many people are questioning whether it is worth it or not. Giving clarity to the challenges faced by the students as well as the universities is Dr. Travis Feezell, President at Hastings College in Hastings, Nebraska. In this episode, Travis shares with us the unique approach they have been taking called Hastings 2.0. True to the Fans First Experience, he tells us how they put students first, focusing on their experience that creates value, unlike any other institutions. He lets us in on the process of reinventing Hastings, the struggles they went through, the conversations they had with the staff and faculty, and the marketing that went behind it. Get inside this conversation in higher education and the college experience with Travis to see how the importance of putting the customers—in this case, the students—first ultimately leads to success.

The landscape of colleges and universities are changing by the day. With the prices going through the roof, many people are questioning whether it is worth it or not. Giving clarity to the challenges faced by the students as well as the universities is Dr. Travis Feezell, President at Hastings College in Hastings, Nebraska. In this episode, Travis […]

Bananas for Business Live Event is an event where Jesse Cole walks you through all the steps that can help you re-imagine your customer experience. Today, Jared Orton shares the speech that Jesse gave during the live event where he shared his backstory and how he started his business. Jesse also reveals some strategies that they do to create the best fan experience. Stay glued to this episode to acquire some amazing marketing tips and life learnings from Jesse.

Bananas for Business Live Event is an event where Jesse Cole walks you through all the steps that can help you re-imagine your customer experience. Today, Jared Orton shares the speech that Jesse gave during the live event where he shared his backstory and how he started his business. Jesse also reveals some strategies that […]

At the core of establishing a strong, reliable brand is developing good communication within your company and with your customers. Good communication is all about clarity, connection, and above all things, kindness. Elizabeth Barry is a master marketer, a business coach, and the author of The Kind Communicator. She sits down with Jared Orton to challenge you to think differently when it comes to communicating your brand’s message. Is it time for you to make a change in the way you’re communicating?

At the core of establishing a strong, reliable brand is developing good communication within your company and with your customers. Good communication is all about clarity, connection, and above all things, kindness. Elizabeth Barry is a master marketer, a business coach, and the author of The Kind Communicator. She sits down with Jared Orton to […]

Banking is a heavy regulated industry that they can’t compete on the price and the product of what they’re doing. One thing that has made Paducah Bank stand out, however, is their relentless focus on client experience. This bank in Paducah, Kentucky operates at a high level and is focused on 100% client experience. Today, Jared Orton brings on Terry Bradley, the Senior Vice President and Director of Retail Client Experience by the Paducah Bank Board of Directors. Terry is all things retail experience with the bank. He talks about how they’re using ideas from Ritz-Carlton, Google, and the book, Good to Great, to create wow moments.

Banking is a heavy regulated industry that they can't compete on the price and the product of what they're doing. One thing that has made Paducah Bank stand out, however, is their relentless focus on client experience. This bank in Paducah, Kentucky operates at a high level and is focused on 100% client experience. Today, […]

There’s so much that goes into building a brand experience that not everyone might be able to see. Getting the right help to build your brand is the best strategy to ensure that you have all your bases covered and your identity figured out. Erica Kelly is the Co-Founder and Chief Creative at Flourish Collaborative. She talks to Jared Orton about the process of building a brand experience from scratch. Let Erica help you figure out what your brand needs to flourish. After all, branding is what others say about your business.

There's so much that goes into building a brand experience that not everyone might be able to see. Getting the right help to build your brand is the best strategy to ensure that you have all your bases covered and your identity figured out. Erica Kelly is the Co-Founder and Chief Creative at Flourish Collaborative. […]

There is no cookie-cutter look of who can best serve customers in this industry. You can do just as remarkably as the others, even if you don’t have the background for it. Chris Dalzell, owner and Founder of Shoreline Construction, is someone who greatly exemplifies this. With awards and recognitions that show how their experience in the field is second to none, Chris shares the great stories they have created for people with their great customer service. He proves to us that out of the box ideas in the custom home building industry often pay off more than the conventional methods. Chris shares the importance of core values and the four pillars and phases they go through on customer experience. Hear stories filled with champagne parties and of people crying of happiness—all of which, in the name of customer experience in this crazy yet equally insightful ride with Chris.

There is no cookie-cutter look of who can best serve customers in this industry. You can do just as remarkably as the others, even if you don’t have the background for it. Chris Dalzell, owner and Founder of Shoreline Construction, is someone who greatly exemplifies this. With awards and recognitions that show how their experience in the […]

The power of having impeccable client relations is something that can’t be underestimated in a business as fast and cutthroat as real estate. Those clients can turn on you in a heartbeat, but they can also be your biggest cheerleaders if you treat them right. Laura Hyatt is Partner and Director of Operations for Team Callahan, a Keller Williams Realty Broker. Together with Jared Orton, Laura discusses why keeping in touch with your client base, your tribe, can only bring you good results. Let Laura show you the power of having a tribe and letting it work for you.

The power of having impeccable client relations is something that can't be underestimated in a business as fast and cutthroat as real estate. Those clients can turn on you in a heartbeat, but they can also be your biggest cheerleaders if you treat them right. Laura Hyatt is Partner and Director of Operations for Team […]

It is so easy to run out of great ideas to rise above the many competitions in a cut-throat industry. IceBound HVAC, however, has found and is taking a fresh approach in a traditional industry and standing out. Husband and wife owners, Tersh and Julie Blissett, share how they are doing things differently for their customers, sharing how to leave a lasting impression. They talk about the first 100 days after they make the sale as well as the debate between automation versus action – of Wow Packages and Happy Calls instead of Thank You Calls. Join in on this fun conversation and realize how you don’t have to be a crazy off the wall industry to do things that are remarkable for your customers.

It is so easy to run out of great ideas to rise above the many competitions in a cut-throat industry. IceBound HVAC, however, has found and is taking a fresh approach in a traditional industry and standing out. Husband and wife owners, Tersh and Julie Blissett, share how they are doing things differently for their […]

Making the customer happy is one of the main rules of business, but one that is almost always forgotten. In bending over backwards for efficiency, many companies neglect the experience of the customer, and how that dictates whether or not they’ll be coming back. Andrew Dowis, the CEO of Pro Athlete Inc., discusses why keeping your customer happy matters. There are many ways to make your customer happy, but they begin at the individual employee level. Along with Jared Orton, learn some of the ways Andrew’s company has managed to keep their clients happy and back for more.

Making the customer happy is one of the main rules of business, but one that is almost always forgotten. In bending over backwards for efficiency, many companies neglect the experience of the customer, and how that dictates whether or not they'll be coming back. Andrew Dowis, the CEO of Pro Athlete Inc., discusses why keeping […]

When you’re running a business, it’s easy to get caught up in the operations – the day-to-day processes and the figures – that the customer falls to the wayside. However, customer experience is so much more valuable than what many business owners think out there. Today, Jared Orton is joined by Jesse Cole – the owner of Fans First Entertainment and the Savannah Bananas, and the author of Find Your Yellow Tux: How To Be Successful By Standing Out – to get into the nitty-gritty of why you should be prioritizing the fans first experience in your business. With your customers, you should, as the song says, “try a little tenderness,” because they know when you go the extra mile for them. In the long run, the great experience you leave them with might just send your business to the top.

When you're running a business, it's easy to get caught up in the operations - the day-to-day processes and the figures - that the customer falls to the wayside. However, customer experience is so much more valuable than what many business owners think out there. Today, Jared Orton is joined by Jesse Cole - the […]