Episode 217: Markiss "@TravelingFoodieGuyde" Stone, Content Creator

Show Description:

In this episode, we chat with Markiss Stone, the man behind the popular Instagram handle @travelingfoodieguyde. With a following of nearly 70,000 passionate fans, Markiss has carved a niche for himself as a leading authority on food, travel, and entertainment in Indianapolis. Join us as we dive into his journey from being an avid traveler and food lover to becoming a renowned foodie influencer. Whether you're a food enthusiast, an aspiring influencer, or someone who loves a good travel story, this episode promises a delightful treat!

Show Notes:

Introduction - 4:00 - 8:30: Dive into Markiss's background, his early love for food and travel, and the spark that ignited his foodie journey during a trip to Greece.
The Social Media Evolution - 8:30 - 11:00: Discover how Markiss transformed his content strategy with reels, and the pivotal moment at Garden Table restaurant that set the tone for his future endeavors.
Philosophy & Values - 11:00 - 14:45: Markiss shares his belief in valuing experiences over material possessions and how this philosophy seamlessly blended travel into his food-centric brand.
The Foodie Chronicles - 14:45 - 17:00: Laugh along with Markiss as he recounts a hilarious story from Raw Bar and discusses the one food he can't stand.
Promoting Local Businesses - 17:00 - 20:00: Understand Markiss's vision of being a bridge between local establishments and consumers, celebrating the diversity of tastes.
Building Authentic Relationships - 20:00 - 22:30: Learn why Markiss prioritizes genuine relationships over transactions and how he supports businesses impacted by the pandemic.
Elevating the Brand - 22:30 - 28:30: Markiss reflects on his interactions with fellow foodies, leveraging his background in radio/TV, and the steps he took to distinguish his brand in the crowded foodie space.
Behind the Scenes - 28:30 - 35:00: Get a glimpse into the organization mechanisms that power @travelingfoodieguyde, from spreadsheets to value-driven pricing strategies. Plus, insights into collaborations with in-house marketing teams and the landscape of restaurant marketing.
Content Creation Masterclass - 34:00 - 38:45: Markiss breaks down his end-to-end recording and editing process, ensuring each restaurant visit results in unique content.
Future Aspirations - 50:45 - 54:00: Markiss shares his goals for expanding his reach and growing his follower base.
Influencer Inspirations - 54:00 - 58:00: Hear about "Instatravel" (book) and Aggie, the international influencer who left a lasting impression on Markiss.
Tech Talk - 58:00 - 1:01:00: Markiss's perspective on AI and why he chooses not to integrate it into his business model.
Broadening Horizons - 1:01:00 - 1:03:30: Markiss unveils his vision for diversifying content beyond food and delving deeper into travel.
Golden Advice - 1:03:30 - 1:07:00: Markiss offers foundational tips for anyone looking to start a passion-driven page on social media.
Legacy Thoughts - 1:07:00 - end: Reflecting on his journey, Markiss shares how he wishes to be remembered in the world of food, travel, and entertainment.