The Visionary Chronicles

Visionaries | Martin Luther King Jr.

EPISODE 141
 
CHRONICLE: January 17, 2024
 
Visionaries | Martin Luther King Jr.
 
" We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.” –  Martin Luther King Jr.
 
Martin Luther King Jr. (January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968) was a clergyman, activist, and Visionary leader who played a pivotal role in the American civil rights movement, and his commitment to justice, equality, and nonviolent activism was unparalleled.
He was a visionary leader who used his powerful vision to inspire and lead the civil rights movement in the United States. His vision was rooted in justice, equality, and nonviolent protest.
 
“Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
 
Martin Luther King Jr. had a true vision, willing to risk his life to ensure it was realized.
What were some of the core principles of Martin Luther King’s vision?
 
I Have a Dream Speech | The famous "I Have a Dream" speech, delivered during the March on Washington in 1963, articulated a compelling vision of a racial integration and harmonious America. His vision emphasized the dream of equality, justice, and brotherhood, resonating with millions and becoming a defining moment in the civil rights movement.
 
Nonviolent Protest as a Guiding Principle |  A vision grounded in the philosophy of nonviolent resistance. He envisioned a movement that would challenge injustice through peaceful protests, civil disobedience, and love rather than resorting to violence or hatred.
 
Belief in a Beloved Community | A vision extending beyond eliminating segregation. He spoke of the "Beloved Community," a society based on love, justice, and equality. This vision sought racial harmony, economic justice, and the end of poverty.
 
Inspire the Masses | Martin Luther King Jr.'s vision was not limited to a select few; it aimed to inspire the masses. By articulating a clear and aspirational vision, he motivated people from all walks of life to join the civil rights movement and work towards a common goal.
 
Appealing to Core American Values | A vision framed in terms of core American values, appealing to the principles of freedom, justice, and democracy as was in the Constitution.
Long-Term Vision | A long-term vision that extends beyond immediate victories. He understood that achieving civil rights required sustained effort and a commitment to transforming the underlying makeup of society.
 
Legislative Goals | A vision that includes specific legislative goals. He actively lobbied for the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, seeing these laws as critical steps toward realizing his broader vision of equality.
 
Legacy of Inspiration | A vision that left a lasting legacy that inspires movements for justice and equality. His speeches and writings continue to be studied and quoted, resonating with those who strive for a more impartial world.
 
Martin Luther King Jr.'s visionary leadership played a pivotal role in shaping the path of the civil rights movement. King was a charismatic and powerful speaker. His ability to communicate complex ideas in a way that resonated with a broad audience helped mobilize support for the civil rights movement.
Dr. King’s speeches and writings are celebrated for their power. He had a long-term vision for transformation beyond the immediate goals of the civil rights movement. He sought to address systemic issues of poverty, demonstrating a forward-looking perspective. His ability to articulate a powerful vision, grounded in moral principles and a commitment to nonviolent action, mobilized people to work towards a more just society.
This vision contributed to legal and societal changes and impacted our broader human rights and dignity struggles. King demonstrated unwavering courage in the face of adversity. He faced numerous threats to his safety but remained committed to his principles and the pursuit of civil rights, and his courage inspired others to join this struggle.
In summary, Martin Luther King Jr. exhibited visionary leadership through his inspiring vision, moral and ethical principles, courageous conviction, empathy, strategic leadership, inclusivity, commitment to nonviolent resistance, charismatic communication, long-term vision, and a lasting legacy of inspiration for social change.
 
Stay True, Stay Authentic, be Different, and be Great!
Enjoy the Journey!
 
Bryan Smeltzer, President
 LiquidMind Inc.
 
#TheVisionaryChroniclesPodcast
#TheVisionaryBrandBook
 
@LiquidMindsite.com
@BryanSmeltzer.com
 
 © All rights reserved, Bryan Smeltzer, 2024
 
Bryan Smeltzer is a consumer products business executive and entrepreneur. He has held executive-level roles in business development, Product, and marketing with some of the world's most prestigious brands, including; Oakley, TaylorMade, Adidas, K-Swiss, and Schutt Sports, among other international brands. He also founded a men’s apparel brand, successfully running a profitable business for ten years, eventually selling to a VC firm.
 
He also hosts a Podcast called The Visionary Chronicles, ranked as the #1 Visionary and Top 50 Marketing Podcasts by Feedspot, and recently finished his first bestselling book, The Visionary Brand, The Success Formula Behind the World’s Most Visionary Brands, and recently received the prestigious Readers Favorite Award for BEST Non-fiction, Marketing Genre book.
With the book's release, Bryan created The Visionary Brand MasterCourse. The Master Course site at The VisionaryFiles.com includes a Master Course with 18 Video Learning segments and almost 2 hours of Visionary lessons training. Over the past five weeks, over 1,500 brand leaders and Entrepreneurs have taken the Master Course! Unleash your potential as a brand leader and take the Master Course.
He is also a member of the Board of Advisors at UCI’s BCIE along with their New Venture Program, an Innovation Advisor at the UCI’s Applied Innovation program at the Cove, a Mentor/Advisor to UCLA’s Price Center Venture Accelerator Program, and a Mentor/Advisor at the San Diego Sports Innovators Accelerator (SDSI) center.
Bryan oversees LiquidMind Inc., a global brand strategy firm that partners with start-ups and established mid to large-cap consumer brands to empower businesses to think differently, be different, drive a passionate culture, and execute relentlessly.
You can contact or  follow him at;
 
email |  bryan@LiquidMindsite.com
Facebook |  @bryansmeltzer33
Instragram | @bryan_smeltzer
 X | @bryansmeltzer
LinkedIN linkedin.com/in/bryansmeltzer/
 
 
 

Visionaries | Alexander The Great

 
EPISODE 139
CHRONICLE: January 12th, 2023
 
Visionaries | Alexander The Great
 
"There is nothing impossible to him who will try.” –  Alexander The Great
 
Alexander was the son of King Philip II and received a classical education under the philosopher Aristotle. After his father's assassination, he ascended to the throne and quickly set out to fulfill his father's dream of uniting the Greek city-states and expanding their influence eastward.
Alexander the Great is one of the most successful military commanders in history. He is best known for creating one of the largest empires in the ancient world through a series of military campaigns covering a massive territory stretching from Greece to Egypt, Persia, and India.
Despite his remarkable achievements, Alexander's reign was relatively short-lived. He died in Babylon at the age of 32, under unclear circumstances—some theories suggest illness or poisoning. After his death, his empire was divided among his generals. Alexander's legacy has endured and resulted in current military and business leaders embracing many of his military strategies and leadership tactics.
Alexander the Great, the ancient Macedonian king and military conqueror, is considered a Visionary leader due to his extraordinary achievements and impact on the ancient world. Several characteristics contribute to his status as a Visionary leader.
 
Ambition and Vision | Alexander had grand ambitions from an early age. His vision extended beyond the borders of Macedonia, and he aspired to create a vast empire that would unite different cultures and peoples. His desire for conquest and expansion demonstrated a visionary mindset.
 
Military Genius |  Alexander was a brilliant military strategist and tactician. His innovative tactics, such as using the phalanx (‘FAY-lanks) and introducing combined arms, played a crucial role in his success on the battlefield. His ability to adapt to different terrains and circumstances showcased his strategic vision.
 
Lead from the Front |  Alexander led his armies from the front lines, often placing himself in the action, leading from the front. His personal courage and willingness to share the risks with his soldiers earned him their loyalty and admiration, contributing to the cohesion of his military forces.
 
Inspiring Leadership | Alexander possessed the ability to inspire his troops with a sense of purpose and loyalty. His charisma, speeches, and personal example motivated soldiers to endure long campaigns and face formidable enemies.
 
Cultural Integration |  One of Alexander's visions was to create a unified empire, surpassing cultural and ethnic differences. He encouraged the integration of Persian and Macedonian cultures, blending customs and traditions to create a sense of unity among his diverse people.
 
Urban Planning and Infrastructure | Alexander implemented innovative urban planning and infrastructure projects in the cities he founded, such as Alexandria in Egypt. These cities became centers of culture, commerce, and learning, reflecting his forward-looking vision for a united empire.
 
Curiosity and Learning | Alexander had a deep curiosity about the world and a love for learning. He surrounded himself with scholars and intellectuals, his version of the “mastermind” concept, and his conquests facilitated knowledge exchange among different civilizations. His appreciation for diverse cultures contributed to a more inclusive vision for his empire.
 
Strategic Diplomacy | While known for his military conquests, Alexander also employed strategic diplomacy to solidify his rule. He incorporated local leaders into his administration, promoting collaboration and cooperation.
 
Vision for Exploration | Alexander's desire to explore the unknown and reach the ends of the known world, shown clearly by his journey to the easternmost regions of Asia, reflects a visionary spirit. His journey for discovery expanded geographical knowledge and cultural exchange.
 
Legacy of Civilization |  Although his empire did not last long after his death, Alexander's vision left a lasting legacy. The spread of Hellenistic civilization, a blend of Greek and local cultures, influenced art, philosophy, and governance in the centuries that followed.
 
In summary, Alexander the Great's visionary characteristics include ambition, military genius, leading from the front, inspiring leadership, cultural integration, urban planning, curiosity and learning, strategic diplomacy, a vision for exploration, and a lasting legacy of Hellenistic civilization. His impact on the ancient world and his ability to envision a united and culturally diverse empire contribute to his recognition as a visionary leader.
 
Stay True, Stay Authentic, be Different, and be Great!
Enjoy the Journey!
 
Bryan Smeltzer, President
 LiquidMind Inc.
 
#TheVisionaryChroniclesPodcast
#TheVisionaryBrandBook
 
@LiquidMindsite.com
@BryanSmeltzer.com
 
 © All rights reserved, Bryan Smeltzer, 2024
 
 
Bryan Smeltzer is a consumer products business executive and entrepreneur. He has held executive-level roles in business development, Product, and marketing with some of the world's most prestigious brands, including; Oakley, TaylorMade, Adidas, K-Swiss, and Schutt Sports, among other international brands. He also founded a men’s apparel brand, successfully running a profitable business for ten years, eventually selling to a VC firm.
He also hosts a Podcast called The Visionary Chronicles, ranked as the #1 Visionary and Top 50 Marketing Podcasts by Feedspot, and recently finished his first bestselling book, The Visionary Brand, The Success Formula Behind the World’s Most Visionary Brands, and recently received the prestigious Readers Favorite Award for BEST Non-fiction, Marketing Genre book.
With the book's release, Bryan created The Visionary Brand MasterCourse. The Master Course site at The VisionaryFiles.com includes a Master Course with 18 Video Learning segments and almost 2 hours of Visionary lessons training. Over the past five weeks, over 1,500 brand leaders and Entrepreneurs have taken the Master Course! Unleash your potential as a brand leader and take the Master Course.
 
He is also a member of the Board of Advisors at UCI’s BCIE along with their New Venture Program, an Innovation Advisor at the UCI’s Applied Innovation program at the Cove, a Mentor/Advisor to UCLA’s Price Center Venture Accelerator Program, and a Mentor/Advisor at the San Diego Sports Innovators Accelerator (SDSI) center.
Bryan oversees LiquidMind Inc., a global brand strategy firm that partners with start-ups and established mid to large-cap consumer brands to empower businesses to think differently, be different, drive a passionate culture, and execute relentlessly.
You can contact or  follow him at;
 
email |  bryan@LiquidMindsite.com
 Facebook |  @bryansmeltzer33
Instagram |  @bryan_smeltzer
X |  @bryansmeltzer
Linked In | linkedin.com/in/bryansmeltzer/
 
The Visionary Chronicles Podcast was ranked the #1 Global Visionary Podcast & Top 50 Marketing podcast by Feedspot in 2022 & 2023.
 
#ArtificialIntelligenceStrategy,#AIBrandStrategy,#AILeadership,#BrandVision, #Vision, #creatingVision, #Visionaries, #disruption, #productstrategy, #BrandLifestyle, #Creators, #ElonMusk, #oakley, #jimjannard, #stevejobs, #theVisionarychroniclespodcast, #theVisionarychroniclespodcast, #theVisionarybrandbook, #brandtips, #brandingprinciples,
#theVisionarybrand
 

The Visionary Brand | The Product Vision | Building a Product Pipeline

 
EPISODE 138
The Visionary Chronicles Podcast
CHRONICLE: January 4th, 2024
 
Content from Bryan’s new Award Winning, Bestselling Book
The Visionary Brand, The Success Formula Behind the World's Most Visionary Brands.
 
Readers Favorite Award Winner: Best, Non-fiction, Marketing book
Amazon Bestseller.
 
THE VISIONARY BRAND | The Product Vision | Building a Product Pipeline
" Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower." – Steve Jobs
 
Creating or building a Drawdown Product Pipeline is a strategy that the most innovative brands deploy. The strategy allows brands to position products along the entire Product Lifecycle curve, increasing market share while not degrading brand equity.
I was a part of the product leadership of several of these brands when they were created. It is challenging to develop and even more difficult to surf for generations. The strategy is to create a breakaway design, creation process, and culture inside the brand. This takes a Visionary leader, one who understands the risk it takes and the rewards for successfully creating a Breakaway product plan.
As I mentioned in my previous podcast, you can only create a product pipeline if you have successfully built a Breakaway design and creation culture. A cultural foundation built on anticipating what your customer wants, embracing risk, creating an idea machine, and being a relentless innovator who always strives for disruption! Having these places before building a product pipeline is why so few authentic brands and even fewer can sustain a culture of continuous disruption.
A key element to creating a product pipeline is understanding where to “fill the voids” with your price tiers. If you are a premium brand, you are already at the “best” level, and you must stay true to this tier. The question then becomes, “How” do we you build a pipeline that crosses into “good” and “better” price tiers without degrading brand equity? This is the question I always receive from brand leaders when doing our LiquidMind “ideation sessions.” It is a delicate balance, but it can be achieved if you understand the game.
The brand that plays this game the best is Apple. Apple always wants to create a breakaway product, load it on the front of the adoption curve for the “Innovators” to adopt and the “Early Adopters” to anticipate, and at the height of its popularity, pull it from the shelves and make it a previous generation product. This is before the “Early Majority” or “Late Majority” are allowed to purchase. This is called the “Innovators” adoption curve, which is much steeper than the traditional curve. In The Visionary Brand book, I provide an example of the “Innovators” curve.
Pulling the product from the shelf gives Apple “permission” to reduce the price of the previous generation, as long as there is another generation that feeds the front of the curve. Building this “pipeline” along the adoption curve creates a “product squeeze,” where Apple can secure market share along the entire curve without degrading brand equity—a brilliant strategy and extremely hard to pull off effectively. Most brands we work with at LiquidMind understand the concept but are not always committed to executing it sustainably. This is Apple's lifeblood, along with other brands, and they have stayed committed to this strategy since Steve re-joined Apple.
So, having discussed this Product Pipeline strategy, what steps can your brand take toward achieving this generational pipeline?
Build a Product Breakaway Ideation, design, & commercialization foundation.
Create Authentic products, don’t move down, stay Premium
Understand your market and channel opportunities to gain market share
Be Relentless with Innovation & Disruption
Embrace Risk and Reward Progressive Failures
Know when to discontinue and when to release. Timing is everything
Build a Sustainable Breakaway Design Culture, regardless of who is in the driver's seat
Feed the Innovators, the Early Early Adopters, and their Community is instrumental in achieving sustainable innovation
Being a revolutionary innovator is a generational goal, and it takes a commitment from the Visionary leader to sustain its success. If your brand wants to be a generational leader while maintaining market share growth, you will need a sustainable, long-term strategy built around your product pipeline.
You can achieve greatness if you understand the rules of the game. Go ahead play the game, have fun, be relentless, be great!
Stay True, Stay Authentic, be Different, and be Great!
Enjoy the Journey!
 
Bryan Smeltzer, President
 LiquidMind Inc.
 
#TheVisionaryChroniclesPodcast
#TheVisionaryBrandBook
 
@LiquidMindsite.com
@BryanSmeltzer.com
 
 © All rights reserved, Bryan Smeltzer, 2023
 
 
Bryan Smeltzer is a consumer products business executive and entrepreneur. He has held executive-level roles in business development, Product, and marketing with some of the world's most prestigious brands, including Oakley, TaylorMade, Adidas, K-Swiss, and Schutt Sports, among other international brands. He also founded a men’s apparel brand, successfully running a profitable business for ten years, eventually selling to a VC firm.
He also hosts a Podcast called The Visionary Chronicles, ranked as the #1 Visionary and Top 50 Marketing Podcasts by Feedspot, and recently finished his first bestselling book, The Visionary Brand, The Success Formula Behind the World’s Most Visionary Brands, and recently received the prestigious Readers Favorite Award for BEST Non-fiction, Marketing Genre book.
With the book's release, Bryan created The Visionary Brand MasterCourse. The Master Course site at The VisionaryFiles.com includes a Master Course with 18 Video Learning segments and almost 2 hours of Visionary lessons training. Over the past five weeks, over 1,500 brand leaders and Entrepreneurs have taken the Master Course! Unleash your potential as a brand leader and take the Master Course.
 
He is also a member of the Board of Advisors at UCI’s BCIE along with their New Venture Program, an Innovation Advisor at the UCI’s Applied Innovation program at the Cove, a Mentor/Advisor to UCLA’s Price Center Venture Accelerator Program, and a Mentor/Advisor at the San Diego Sports Innovators Accelerator (SDSI) center.
Bryan oversees LiquidMind Inc., a global brand strategy firm that partners with start-ups and establishes mid to large-cap consumer brands to empower businesses to think differently, be different, drive a passionate culture, and execute relentlessly.
You can contact or  follow him at;
 
email |  bryan@LiquidMindsite.com
Facebook |   @bryansmeltzer33
Instragram |  @bryan_smeltzer
 X | @bryansmeltzer
LinkedIn | linkedin.com/in/bryansmeltzer/
 
The Visionary Chronicles Podcast was ranked the #1 Global Visionary Podcast & Top 50 Marketing podcast by Feedspot in 2022 & 2023.
 
#ProductInnovators,#ProductBreakaway,#BreakawayCulture, #InnovationCulture,#Innovation,#InnovatedontImitate,#ProductVision, #VisionaryProducts,#Creators, #ElonMusk,#stevejobs, #TheVisionaryChroniclesPodcast, #theVisionarychroniclespodcast, #theVisionarybrandbook, #BrandTips, #BrandingPrinciples,
#theVisionaryBrand,#TheVisionaryFiles
 

The Visionary Brand | The Product Vision | Creating A Breakaway Design Culture

THE VISIONARY BRAND | The Product Vision | Creating A Breakaway Design Culture
 
"The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.”– Steve Jobs
 
The Product Creation process is unique in its implementation and execution. Implementation must follow a strict Ideation process with the freedom to interact and mindstorm, and the team's makeup must be the Creators who know what it takes to disrupt the status quo. The execution is where the support system comes in, helping bring these Ideas to Reality.
To create a Breakaway product culture, you must first have a culture that believes in and embraces Disruption, blowing things up that do not make life easier or more efficient—a culture of risk, which inevitably determines your destiny. Many companies are uncomfortable in this environment, and why they are NOT brands. To achieve “best in class” status, you must create an authentic culture that embraces failure due to risk. The risk results in both rewards and failures. Remember, as I have stated before, NO great product has ever been created without first having failed, most times, again and again before successfully commercializing the Idea.
A Breakaway product creation culture demands you are “disruptive by design,” to become a category leader, you must have a clear vision of the future and determine what your community needs, not wants. Want is driven by the current environment; the future determines need. Think of the iPhone or the automobile; each Disruption was driven by a visionary leader who knew what they needed.
Visionary brands create what I call a Breakaway Pipeline. If you use the surfing analogy, surfing the funnel, the pipeline is the ultimate thrill. More importantly for brands, being able to surf this creative pipeline for generations and not becoming just another one-hit wonder.
If you have your sights set on being a Visionary brand, then one of the most critical ingredients of your formula is the Breakaway Pipeline, achieving category leadership through the following;
Give the Creators and the Design team the freedom to dream big and fail! Reward excellent failures, as this moves you closer to success. Success without failure is impossible.
Commit to Category Leadership.
Build a sustainable product Ideation process. Create, Test, Release, Reload.
Stay true to your brand Vision and foundation principles. Without them, you lose authenticity.
Break things! Don’t accept the world for what it is; instead, what it can become.
 
This road to achieving a sustainable Breakaway product pipeline is agonizing, bumpy, challenging, and painful but rewarding once you cross the finish line. However, this is not where it ends; it just means you have cut a path to long-term success.
Unless you consistently build and sustain your pipeline, you will lose momentum to your competitors, with declining market share and category growth. If you continue to surf this pipeline, it will sustain you for generations.
So, stay committed to your Ideation process, create an environment of freedom for your Creators, and build a pathway to realize your ideas and a culture of Disruption that bleeds throughout the entire brand!
 
Stay True, Stay Authentic, be Different, and be Great!
Enjoy the Journey!
 
Bryan Smeltzer, President
 LiquidMind Inc.
 
#TheVisionaryChroniclesPodcast
#TheVisionaryBrandBook
 
@LiquidMindsite.com
@BryanSmeltzer.com
 
 © All rights reserved, Bryan Smeltzer, 2023
 
Bryan Smeltzer is a consumer products business executive and entrepreneur. He has held executive-level roles in business development, Product, and marketing with some of the world's most prestigious brands, including Oakley, TaylorMade, Adidas, K-Swiss, and Schutt Sports, among other international brands. He also founded a men’s apparel brand, successfully running a profitable business for ten years, eventually selling to a VC firm.
He also hosts a Podcast called The Visionary Chronicles, ranked as the #1 Visionary and Top 50 Marketing Podcasts by Feedspot, and recently finished his first bestselling book, The Visionary Brand, The Success Formula Behind the World’s Most Visionary Brands, and recently received the prestigious Readers Favorite Award for BEST Non-fiction, Marketing Genre book.
With the book's release, Bryan created The Visionary Brand MasterCourse. The Master Course site at The VisionaryFiles.com includes a Master Course with 18 Video Learning segments and almost 2 hours of Visionary lessons training. Over the past five weeks, over 1,500 brand leaders and Entrepreneurs have taken the Master Course! Unleash your potential as a brand leader and take the Master Course.
Bryan oversees LiquidMind Inc., a global brand strategy firm that partners with start-ups and establishes mid- to large-cap consumer brands to empower businesses to think differently, be different, drive a passionate culture, and execute relentlessly.
You can contact or  follow him at;
 email | bryan@LiquidMindsite.com
 Facebook |  @bryansmeltzer33
 Instgram | @bryan_smeltzer
X |  @bryansmeltzer
LinkedIn |  linkedin.com/in/bryansmeltzer/
 

AI Brand Strategy | How To Use Artificial Intelligence in Brand Strategy

 
EPISODE 137
CHRONICLE: December 7th, 2023
AI Brand Strategy | How to Use Artificial Intelligence in Brand Strategy
" Artificial intelligence is the new electricity." - Andrew Ng
 
Today's hot topic is AI, the who, what, when, where, and why. Most global brands we work with at LiquidMind want to know first what it is in definitive terms, how it can impact my brand, who can use it, and where we can apply it, making it measurable and lessening the overall impact.
Each of these is always a great question, and when we work with our brands to determine the best fit for AI, we usually bring it down to simplistic terms and data points. We whiteboard for them, write out solutions, and mindstorm ideas for application within the brand where we can measure results and enhance performance.
AI is not something to be feared, but you must understand. We have seen firsthand many brands implement AI for the sake of implementing AI. This is the wrong first step, as it creates confusion within the brand and inefficiencies outside the brand. Determining and pinpointing the best areas for implementation, communicating the effects to the team, and measuring results are great first starts.
Since we work with many brands on their go-to-market (GTM) strategy and ongoing strategies, I have outlined some starting points for brands to consider when analyzing Artificial Intelligence for their brands.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) can play a significant role in shaping and optimizing your brand strategy. Here are several ways you can leverage AI in the process of creating and refining your brand strategy:
Market Research |
AI tools can quickly process vast amounts of data and provide insights into market trends, customer behaviors, and competitor activities.
To understand brand perceptions, utilize AI-powered analytics tools to gather and analyze data from social media and community reviews.
Segmentation |
AI algorithms can help identify and analyze customer segments based on various parameters such as demographics, behavior, and product preferences.
Use AI to create personalized marketing strategies for consumer segments, ensuring more targeted and effective communication.
Analytics |
Leverage AI to predict future trends and consumer behaviors. This can build your brand strategy by anticipating market shifts and leapfrogging your competition.
Predictive analytics can also assist in forecasting demand for your products or services.
Chatbots and Virtual Assistants |
Implement AI-driven chatbots on your website or messaging platforms to enhance customer engagement.
Chatbots can provide instant support, answer queries, and gather valuable customer feedback, ensuring a positive brand experience.
Content Creation and Personalization |
Use AI tools to generate and optimize content for your brand. AI-powered content creation platforms can assist with copywriting, design, and video production.
Implement personalized algorithms to tailor content and experiences based on user preferences, improving engagement.
Social Media Monitoring |
Create AI tools for social media monitoring to track brand mentions, identify influencers, and gauge overall brand sentiment.
Analyze social media data to understand how your brand is perceived and adjust your strategy.
Dynamic Pricing Optimization |
Implement AI algorithms for dynamic pricing, adjusting prices based on demand, competitor pricing, and other global factors.
This can help maximize revenue and increase your brand competitiveness.
Supply Chain Optimization |
Integrate AI to optimize supply chain processes, predict demand, manage inventory efficiently, and timely deliveries.
This can contribute to a positive customer experience and reinforce your brand's reliability.
Employee Productivity and Insights |
Utilize AI tools to enhance internal processes, automate routine tasks, and provide valuable insights to improve decision-making.
This can contribute to a more efficient and innovative organizational culture, positively impacting your brand.
While AI can bring tremendous benefits, it's critical to implement it thoughtfully into your brand strategy, ensuring that it aligns with your brand values and enhances the internal support and the overall customer experience. Regularly review and update your AI-driven initiatives to stay current with technological advancements and evolving market dynamics.
 
Stay True, Stay Authentic, be Different, and be Great!
Enjoy the Journey!
 
Bryan Smeltzer, President
 LiquidMind Inc.
 
#TheVisionaryChroniclesPodcast
#TheVisionaryBrandBook
 
@LiquidMindsite.com
@BryanSmeltzer.com
 
 © All rights reserved, Bryan Smeltzer, 2023
 
 
Bryan Smeltzer is a consumer products business executive and entrepreneur. He has held executive-level roles in business development, Product, and marketing with some of the world's most prestigious brands, including; Oakley, TaylorMade, Adidas, K-Swiss, and Schutt Sports, among other international brands. He also founded a men’s apparel brand, successfully running a profitable business for ten years, eventually selling to a VC firm.
He also hosts a Podcast called The Visionary Chronicles, ranked as the #1 Visionary and Top 50 Marketing Podcasts by Feedspot, and recently finished his first bestselling book, The Visionary Brand, The Success Formula Behind the World’s Most Visionary Brands, and recently received the prestigious Readers Favorite Award for BEST Non-fiction, Marketing Genre book.
With the book's release, Bryan created The Visionary Brand MasterCourse. The Master Course site at The VisionaryFiles.com includes a Master Course with 18 Video Learning segments and almost 2 hours of Visionary lessons training. Over the past five weeks, over 1,500 brand leaders and Entrepreneurs have taken the Master Course! Unleash your potential as a brand leader and take the Master Course.
He is also a member of the Board of Advisors at UCI’s BCIE along with their New Venture Program, an Innovation Advisor at the UCI’s Applied Innovation program at the Cove, a Mentor/Advisor to UCLA’s Price Center Venture Accelerator Program, and a Mentor/Advisor at the San Diego Sports Innovators Accelerator (SDSI) center.
Bryan oversees LiquidMind Inc., a global brand strategy firm that partners with start-ups and established mid to large-cap consumer brands to empower businesses to think differently, be different, drive a passionate culture, and execute relentlessly.
You can contact or  follow him at;
 
 email | bryan@LiquidMindsite.com
Facebook |  @bryansmeltzer33
 Instagram | @bryan_smeltzer
X |  @bryansmeltzer

Venture Capital | How to Prepare Your Company

 
EPISODE 135
CHRONICLE: November 29th, 2023
 
Venture Capital | How to Prepare Your Company
 
"Go as far as you can see, when you get there, you'll be able to see farther..."
                                                                                             Leadership from JP Morgan
 
In looking at the factors and misconceptions behind why some companies get funded, others get left with no avenue to attaining the funding they feel they need or deserve.
Having done many deals, predominantly with Visionary entrepreneurs, start-ups, and mid-tier companies, I have found several reasons why some were able to gain interest, get a meeting, and finally culminate in funding.
Most questions I receive from the companies we work with at LiquidMind (LiquidMindsite.com) are how to locate a VC firm, their priorities, where they find deals, and when I will receive a Term Sheet. There are many points of contact, but I have broken these into five areas of focus when dealing with VC firms.
The HUNT | Finding Deal Flow
44% of deal flow comes predominantly from through their network, investors, or other entrepreneurs.
30% of deal flow comes from References.
From Pitches, although many entrepreneurs think this is the avenue, it is the path least traveled at 10% of Deal Flow.
The ODDS | The Funnel
100 Opportunities.
28 get a Meeting.
10 get an internal meeting.
5 go on to Due Diligence.
1-2 get a Term Sheet.
 
The CLOSE | Deal Timeline.
Due Diligence | 120 hours, on average.
Close | 90-120 days, on average.
The FACTORS | Most important to VCs.
Founders/Team | 95%
Business Plan/Opportunity | 75%
Market Size/Exit | 70%
Industry | 30%
Valuation | low point on the totem pole, valuation determined upon exit, and multiple dollar-to-dollar investments. IRR vs. DCF analysis.
 
The DEAL | After Close Value.
Guidance | 90%
Investor flow | 70%
Connections | 65%
Operations | 60%
Board | 55%
As you can see, this is very definitive outline but can change relative to the deal flow, opportunity, and other factors.
Although not an exact science, this gives you a good indicator of what is on a Venture Capital firm's radar, the best chances you may have for striking interest, and hopefully, a Term Sheet.
Good luck, and Enjoy the Ride!
 
Stay True, Stay Authentic, be Different, and be Great!
Enjoy the Journey!
 
Bryan Smeltzer, President
 LiquidMind Inc.
 
#TheVisionaryChroniclesPodcast
#TheVisionaryBrandBook
 
@LiquidMindsite.com
@BryanSmeltzer.com
 
 © All rights reserved, Bryan Smeltzer, 2023
 
 
Bryan Smeltzer is a consumer products business executive and entrepreneur. He has held executive-level roles in business development, Product, and marketing with some of the world's most prestigious brands, including; Oakley, TaylorMade, Adidas, K-Swiss, and Schutt Sports, among other international brands. He also founded a men’s apparel brand, successfully running a profitable business for ten years, eventually selling to a VC firm.
 
 
He also hosts a Podcast called The Visionary Chronicles, ranked as the #1 Visionary and Top 50 Marketing Podcasts by Feedspot, and recently finished his first bestselling book, The Visionary Brand, The Success Formula Behind the World’s Most Visionary Brands, and recently received the prestigious Readers Favorite Award for BEST Non-fiction, Marketing Genre book.
 
With the book's release, Bryan created The Visionary Brand MasterCourse. The Master Course site at The VisionaryFiles.com includes a Master Course with 18 Video Learning segments and almost 2 hours of Visionary lessons training. Over the past five weeks, over 1,500 brand leaders and Entrepreneurs have taken the Master Course! Unleash your potential as a brand leader and take the Master Course.
 
 
Bryan oversees LiquidMind Inc., a global brand strategy firm that partners with start-ups and established mid to large-cap consumer brands to empower businesses to think differently, be different, drive a passionate culture, and execute relentlessly.
You can contact or  follow him at;
 
email |  bryan@LiquidMindsite.com
Facebook |  @bryansmeltzer33
 Instagram | @bryan_smeltzer
X |  @bryansmeltzer
LinkedIn |  linkedin.com/in/bryansmeltzer/

The Visionary Brand | The Product Vision | Innovate Don’t Imitate

EPISODE 133
CHRONICLE: November 24th, 2023
 
Content from Bryan’s new Award Winning, Bestselling Book
 
Readers Favorite Award Winner: Best, Non-fiction, Marketing book.
Amazon Bestseller.
 
THE VISIONARY BRAND | The Product Vision | Innovate Don’t Imitate
" Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.”– Steve Jobs
 
Creating a culture of innovation requires commitment, but most importantly, a top-down brand leadership that embraces failure and proactively pursues risk, both a requirement to be a Visionary brand. This formula creates a foundation for generational success.
I know Picasso once said, “Good artists copy, great artists steal,” but it is a short-term gain and not a long-term path to product innovation. Sometimes, this works, but this is the exception, not the rule.
Adaptation is one of the most significant IDEA generators, yet few embrace its power.
Adapting a technology from another industry to your product innovation pipeline is an awesome way to disrupt an industry.
Take the example of Nike’s Flywire, where the innovation team scoped the landscape for product inspiration and found it in suspension bridges. How could they find inspiration for a small product like footwear in such a large structure? Easy, they adapted the structural truss integrity into their shoes. They found a material stronger than steel, Vectran, that could stabilize the foot with minimal construction. From this innovative idea came the Flyknit product line, one of Nike's most successful products ever!
Finding ways to Adapt to Innovate vs Imitate is a vital piece of the Visionary formula I discuss in my new bestselling book, The Visionary Brand, The Success Formula Behind the World’s Most Visionary Brands. On sale now across all retailers, including Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million, Amazon, Target, Walmart, etc.
Nurturing a culture of innovation is driven by finding to adapt the world to your products. Being an innovator means embracing a culture authentically and initially created without the need to see what your competitors are doing. Why follow when you can lead?So, how do you create a Culture of Innovation?
Create a clear Anchoring Strategy | What do you stand for as a brand?
Committ to Failure | Blow things up, recreate, rebuild.
Find A Better Way | There is always a better way to do something. Find it!
Develop a Pipeline of Innovation | Surf this Pipeline for generations.
Always BE the Leader | Let others follow.
Visionary brands have all of these in common and commit to their execution. Visionary brands are built around the foundation of originality and authentication.
Imitation is the short path to destruction, while disruptive innovation is a clear path to a successful product Vision.
Stay True, Stay Authentic, be Different, and be Great!
Enjoy the Journey!
 
Bryan Smeltzer, President
 LiquidMind Inc.
 
#TheVisionaryChroniclesPodcast
#TheVisionaryBrandBook
 
@LiquidMindsite.com
@BryanSmeltzer.com
 
 © All rights reserved, Bryan Smeltzer, 2023
 
 
Bryan Smeltzer is a consumer products business executive and entrepreneur. He has held executive-level roles in business development, Product, and marketing with some of the world's most prestigious brands, including Oakley, TaylorMade, Adidas, K-Swiss, and Schutt Sports, among other international brands. He also founded a men’s apparel brand, successfully running a profitable business for ten years, eventually selling to a VC firm.
He also hosts a Podcast called The Visionary Chronicles, ranked as the #1 Visionary and Top 50 Marketing Podcasts by Feedspot, and recently finished his first bestselling book, The Visionary Brand, The Success Formula Behind the World’s Most Visionary Brands, and recently received the prestigious Readers Favorite Award for BEST Non-fiction, Marketing Genre book.
With the book's release, Bryan created The Visionary Brand MasterCourse. The Master Course site at The VisionaryFiles.com includes a Master Course with 18 Video Learning segments and almost 2 hours of Visionary lessons training. Over the past five weeks, over 1,500 brand leaders and Entrepreneurs have taken the Master Course! Unleash your potential as a brand leader and take the Master Course.
 
He is also a member of the Board of Advisors at UCI’s BCIE along with their New Venture Program, an Innovation Advisor at the UCI’s Applied Innovation program at the Cove, a Mentor/Advisor to UCLA’s Price Center Venture Accelerator Program, and a Mentor/Advisor at the San Diego Sports Innovators Accelerator (SDSI) center.
Bryan oversees LiquidMind Inc., a global brand strategy firm that partners with start-ups and established mid to large-cap consumer brands to empower businesses to think differently, be different, drive a passionate culture, and execute relentlessly.
You can contact or  follow him at;
 
email |  bryan@LiquidMindsite.com
 Facebook |  @bryansmeltzer33
 Instagram | @bryan_smeltzer
X |  @bryansmeltzer
LinkedIn |  linkedin.com/in/bryansmeltzer/
 
 

Life Balance | How to Balance Leadership & Life

EPISODE 134
CHRONICLE: November 10th , 2023
 
Life Balance | How to Balance Leadership & Life
" Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.” – Confucius
 
Many Leaders we talk about within our LiquidMind Leadership Sessions have difficulty balancing Leadership and Life. The issue is widespread in leaders but hard to correct. I find most leaders either do not realize they have a problem until someone hits them over the head, or they fear falling behind; they can’t stop a fast-moving train. If you do not try, you will eventually crash and burn; it is not a matter of “if” but “when.” I have seen it play out too many times.
Balancing Leadership and Life can be challenging, but with consistent and dedicated planning, effective time management, and taking care of yourself through the process, it is possible to achieve a balance.
Through our Leadership Sessions with LiquidMind, I have found the following to be Priorities for finding Leadership and Life balance.
Boundaries |
Establish clear boundaries between work and personal time. Avoid checking work emails or taking work calls during your Personal Boundary time. Just Don’t Do It!
Communicate when you are available and when you are not.
Prioritize |
Identify your most important tasks, prioritize them, and do them daily. Stick to the priorities, and do not go off course.
Delegate tasks that others can handle.
Focus |
Focus, use time management techniques such as time blocking to organize your tasks and stay focused.
Schedule breaks during your workday to prevent burnout. Meditate, and find your quiet space.
Delegate |
Trust your team and delegate tasks. This frees your time and empowers others.
Stressless |
Incorporate mindfulness, such as meditation or deep breathing exercises. These practices help reduce stress and improve focus.
Organized |
Handwrite to-do lists that connect mind and body. Stay organized.
Review your schedule and adjust your priorities as needed.
Goals |
Set goals for yourself and your team. Keeping accurate and realistic expectations can lead to stress and burnout.
Health |
Prioritize your physical and mental health. Exercise regularly, maintain a balanced diet, and get enough sleep.
Family |
Make time for your family and friends.
Be PRESENT, and avoid thinking about work-related issues.
Learning |
Assess your Leadership and Life balance and adjustment as needed. What works for you now may need to be adapted in the future.
 
Remember that achieving Leadership and Life balance is an ongoing process that requires self-awareness, adaptability, and effective communication.
Evaluate your priorities and make priority choices to ensure that you dedicate time and energy to your professional and personal life.
Remember, once the hourglass of time runs out, you can not turn it over and start again!
Enjoy Your Life, Find Balance!
 
Stay True, Stay Authentic, be Different, and be Great!
Enjoy the Journey!
 
Bryan Smeltzer, President
 LiquidMind Inc.
 
#TheVisionaryChroniclesPodcast
#TheVisionaryBrandBook
 
@LiquidMindsite.com
@BryanSmeltzer.com
 
 © All rights reserved, Bryan Smeltzer, 2023
 
 
Bryan Smeltzer is a consumer products business executive and entrepreneur. He has held executive-level roles in business development, Product, and marketing with some of the world's most prestigious brands, including; Oakley, TaylorMade, Adidas, K-Swiss, and Schutt Sports, among other international brands. He also founded a men’s apparel brand, successfully running a profitable business for ten years, eventually selling to a VC firm.
He also hosts a Podcast called The Visionary Chronicles, ranked as the #1 Visionary and Top 50 Marketing Podcasts by Feedspot, and recently finished his first bestselling book, The Visionary Brand, The Success Formula Behind the World’s Most Visionary Brands, and recently received the prestigious Readers Favorite Award for BEST Non-fiction, Marketing Genre book.
He is also a member of the Board of Advisors at UCI’s BCIE along with their New Venture Program, an Innovation Advisor at the UCI’s Applied Innovation program at the Cove, a Mentor/Advisor to UCLA’s Price Center Venture Accelerator Program, and a Mentor/Advisor at the San Diego Sports Innovators Accelerator (SDSI) center.
Bryan oversees LiquidMind Inc., a global brand strategy firm that partners with start-ups and established mid to large-cap consumer brands to empower businesses to think differently, be different, drive a passionate culture, and execute relentlessly.
You can contact or  follow him at;
 
 email | bryan@LiquidMindsite.com
 Facebook | @bryansmeltzer33
 Instagram | @bryan_smeltzer
 X | @bryansmeltzer
LinkedIn | linkedin.com/in/bryansmeltzer/