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Author Archives: martinbrossman

About martinbrossman

Success Coach / Trainer / Author Learn more on my Linkedin Profile: http://linkedin.com/in/martinbrossman or call me at (919) 847-4757

AI Training for Small Businesses

February 28th, 2025 | Posted by martinbrossman in AI Training - (0 Comments)
AI for Small Business Owners

AI-Specific Training and Other Training Courses Now Updated to Include AI (2025)

Click on the link below to see the full write-up for any of these courses:

If you don’t see a class you want, please have Colleen schedule a time for us to discuss it. We are your one-stop-shop for Digital Marketing Training, with over 18 years of experience helping businesses with little or no marketing budget to succeed. 

If you have other suggestions or want to schedule one of these trainings, please contact Colleen Gray at colleen@martinbrossman.com,  or call her directly at 919-847-4757, select option #1 (please leave your email if Colleen does not answer).

Updated: 2/27/2025 10:10 PM – MB

The “But and Therefore Rule” of Screenwriting

July 25th, 2024 | Posted by martinbrossman in Uncategorized - (0 Comments)

The “But and Therefore Rule” of screenwriting from South Park creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker
Compiled by Martin Brossman for his small business training in video, storytelling, and YouTube marketing programs.

The “But and Therefore Rule” of screenwriting, developed by South Park creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker, is a technique used to enhance narrative structure and ensure story progression is driven by causality. Instead of using “and then” to connect events, the rule encourages the use of “but” and “therefore” to link story beats, creating a more engaging and dynamic narrative.

Key Points of the “But and Therefore Rule”:

  1. Replace “and then” with “but” or “therefore”:
    • Instead of connecting events with “and then,” which can lead to a disjointed and monotonous story, use “but” or “therefore” to introduce conflict and causation.
    • Example:
      • “Jimmy went to the mall, and then he realized he was tired. And then he picked up a coffee. And then he parked in an illegal spot because he was tired.”
      • Revised: “Jimmy went to the mall, but realized he was tired when he stepped inside. Therefore, he picked up a coffee. But since he was tired, he parked in an illegal spot.”
  2. Ensure causation between each story beat:
    • Each event in the story should lead logically to the next, driven by the characters’ actions and the situations they encounter.
    • This creates a chain reaction where every scene has a clear cause and effect, maintaining the audience’s interest and investment in the story.
  3. Apply to every scene:
    • Every scene should have a clear purpose and function as a standalone piece of the story, contributing to the overall narrative.
    • This approach helps to avoid passive storytelling and keeps the plot lively and engaging.
  4. Create tension and momentum:
    • By introducing obstacles (using “but”) and consequences (using “therefore”), the story maintains a sense of urgency and direction.
    • This technique helps to build a compelling and cohesive narrative structure.

Examples in Practice:

  • Simple Example:
    • “James goes out for a run, and then it rains, and then he goes swimming, and his ex-girlfriend is there, and then he goes home.”
    • Revised: “James goes out for a run, but it is raining; therefore, he goes swimming. But his ex-girlfriend is at the swimming pool, therefore he hurries home.”
  • Famous Literature:
    • In “Romeo and Juliet”:
      • “Romeo and Juliet fall in love, but their families are rivals, therefore they cannot be together.”
    • In “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”:
      • “Harry discovers he is a wizard and goes to Hogwarts, but then learns Voldemort is after him, therefore he must find a way to defeat him.”

The “But and Therefore Rule” is a powerful tool for screenwriters to ensure their stories are engaging, logically coherent, and full of momentum. By focusing on causality and the natural progression of events, writers can create narratives that captivate and maintain the audience’s interest.

See the original video of Matt Stone and Trey Parker explaining the process:

This article is for educational reference and is used in many of Martin Brossman & Associates LLC training courses as one of several resources to stimulate small businesses’ creation of compelling stories that draw in their customers.




Title: “Mastering Multimodal Customer Communications: A Blueprint for Small Business Success” by Martin Brossman & Dr. Justin Rose

Description:

In the age of digital conversations, effective communication is more crucial than ever. Our course, “Mastering Multimodal Customer Communications,” is tailored for small business owners seeking to refine their interaction strategies across various platforms such as in-person, phone, SMS, social media, and chatbots. This engaging two-hour session will equip you with the tools and insights needed to transform your customer interactions, ensuring you not only meet but exceed the modern consumer’s expectations for personalized and responsive service.

Learning Objectives:

– Understand the Spectrum of Communication Tools: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the different communication mediums available—from traditional phone calls to advanced digital platforms like social media and chatbots—and how to use them effectively.
– Personalized Communication Strategies: Learn to tailor your messaging and responses to fit the unique preferences and expectations of your customers, enhancing engagement and loyalty.
– Real-Time Problem Solving: Develop skills to address and resolve customer concerns promptly and efficiently, using the most appropriate communication channels.
– Build Trust and Loyalty: Implement strategies that foster trust and build long-term relationships with your customers, turning satisfied customers into loyal advocates.
– Leverage Data for Better Interactions: Understand how to use customer data to personalize interactions and predict future communication needs, setting the stage for proactive service.
– Navigating Multimodal Challenges: Tackle the complexities of integrating multiple communication platforms and maintaining a consistent brand voice across all channels.

To schedule this training, contact Colleen, Colleen@MartinBrossman.com or call 919-847-4757 Option #1. Click here to return to the full course listings.

Course Title: Using Free Microsoft Designer & Canva to Develop Marketing and Social Media Content Online and Offline Plus AI

Developed by: Martin Brossman and Dr. Justin Rose 

Course Description:  

Learn how to use the free levels of Microsoft Designer & Canva graphic design tools, along with AI integration. Microsoft is directly competing with Canva offering AI-powered graphic tools

Discover how Canva and Designer can transform your ads, signs, social media posts, and more, making you look like a graphic professional, even with minimal experience. Learn to utilize the free version effectively and know when to upgrade to the paid version if necessary. With these tools, creators and small businesses can effortlessly design professional-looking content for services or products in minutes, thanks to their free account and a wide range of templates and free resources. Whether you need flyers, social media graphics, or other media, Canva and Designer both have you covered.

Learning Objectives:

– The basic utility of the free level of Microsoft Designer & Canva Microsoft Designer and Canva, both offer a free level that provides users with access to a wide range of features and tools to create professional-looking designs including, but not limited to:

Templates: Offers a vast collection of professionally designed templates for various purposes, including social media posts, logos, flyers, and more.
Images and Graphics: Provides a library of stock images, icons, and graphics that can be used in design projects.
Text Editing: Includes text editing tools to adjust font, size, color, and alignment of text elements.
Backgrounds: Offers a variety of backgrounds, including solid colors, gradients, and patterns.
Export Options: Designs can be exported in various formats, including JPEG, PNG, PDF, and SVG.
Collaboration: Allows for collaboration with others in real-time, enabling multiple users to work on the same design project simultaneously.

To schedule this training, contact Colleen, Colleen@MartinBrossman.com or call 919-847-4757 Option #1. Click here to return to the full course listings.