The Visionary Chronicles

The Visionary Brand | The Success Formula Behind the World’s Most Visionary Brands

THE VISIONARY BRAND
The Success Formula Behind the World’s Most Visionary Brands
Author, Bryan Smeltzer
 
“Exceptionally well written, organized, and presented, The Visionary Brand must be considered essential reading for all aspiring entrepreneurs and corporate executives seeking to expand their market share.
The Visionary Brand is unreservedly recommended for community, corporate, college, university library Business Management instructional reference collections, and for the personal reading lists of entrepreneurs, MBA students, and corporate executives."
                                                                                                                                  James Cox, Editor-in-Chief, Midwest Book Review
 
            When I decided to write The Visionary Brand, The Success Formula Behind the World’s Most Visionary Brands, I was very fortunate to have been inside some of the world’s most creative, disruptive, and revolutionary brands.
            These brands were each different, positioning themselves differently, engaging strategically, creating consistently, understanding why they exist, how they are unique, and building a culture that drives the passion for driving the brand forward. I found each fascinating and having been inside the walls of the executive suite seeing firsthand how these great brands operated was an experience few get to experience and witness. So, this experience, along with having a passion for reading and absorbing how other great brands were able to navigate the path to success for generations effectively, built a great base of knowledge both inside and outside these four walls. These insanely great companies and the leaders behind the curtain, the wizards pulling the brand along and successfully executing a Vision no one else could see or comprehend.
            The experience was the inspiration, and this is where the Journey started. Having been with these brands and throughout my years, I found that there truly was no ONE Visionary brand, a company that had all the pieces in place. Some had most, but none had all to achieve this status. So as I prepared to write The Visionary Brand, I wanted it to be an outline of the pieces required to achieve Visionary level. Also, I intended to interpret the content quickly and apply it to your day-to-day and long-term strategy.
            In having read hundreds of books, all either Bios of great leaders or disruptive brands, most were told from outside in perspective or academic standpoint. Neither of these is easily applied, nor are they beneficial unless you are a multi-billion brand with significant resources to execute their strategy. Therefore, I wanted to take an Entrepreneurial spin on building the structure of The Visionary Brand, which can be applied with limited resources, brands both big and small and measurement in results.
            It has been a passion and longtime goal to write this book, many times wanting to hang up my pen and other times spilling out thoughts that seemed never-ending. Both extremes are why I feel The Visionary Brand is so tangible to leaders at all levels and industries.
            You will find a clear, tangible path to understanding, achieving, and realizing the pieces of putting your Visionary brand puzzle together. I intended to make it clear, tangible, and fun to execute individually and as a team. Achieving Visionary status seems intangible to most, and it is meant to be by design. However, if you can acquire insight into building your path to generational success while putting these pieces in place, I will have served my purpose in writing The Visionary Brand!
            Inside the cover of The Visionary Brand, you will step by step insight into what an authentic Visionary brand is, how this machine runs, what their point of difference is, and how these tangible and intangible points of difference allow them to crush their Competition.
 
Journey/Brand
It starts with my Journey to writing the book and then defines what a Brand truly is built from a foundational perspective.
 
 Vision/Elements
The book then moves to Vision from the brand and how companies separate themselves through foresight and a product innovation pipeline. I discuss how this revolution is the difference that defines these Visionary brands and how imitators will never be leaders. The elements that set great brands apart and allow them to sustain their category leadership for generations. Disruption, being Different, and Case Studies around each.
 
Positioning/Omni-Channel
From Vision, I move to marketplace positioning and omnichannel strategy. Ensuring you are consistent in all you do, being authentic, ensuring the bloodlines are true to the Vision—strategic competitiveness, Lifestyle marketing, and being the best at ALL times.
 
Power Triad/Culture
Product/Marketing & Sales, the Power Triad. How they drive the brand forward, and how each builds a Culture to be envied by all their competitors.
 
Product Vision/Ecosystem
Breakaway design, innovation pipeline, drawdown strategy, and commercialization. Each a piece of a strategic arsenal brands deploy every day. They were leading through extinction and building an Ecosystem that allows the brands to capture a community and make a Loyal following.
 
Fuel/UX
Marketing is The Fuel that keeps a brand moving forward, executing on the Vision and ensuring its positioning always is consistent and authentic. Personalization and Ambassador engagement are two unique platforms for brands to ensure they continue to build their community, the heart, and soul of DTC revenue. Finally, the UX, empathizing and understanding your customers.
 
Artist/Courage
These are areas rarely discussed, but I felt they were probably the most important to put in my book. Without Artists and Courage, you have neither the creativity to be different to the guts to take risks. 
 
In summary, The Visionary Brand was written for those looking to understand what is significant, being Visionary, being different to sustain long-term success, and what they do to create brand Loyalty. Also, it was written from an inside-out perspective, understanding is as much personal, as it is business acumen. Be a Leader, Be a Visionary, Be Compassionate, Be Great!
 
Stay True, stay Authentic, be Different, be Great!
Enjoy the Journey!
Bryan Smeltzer, President
LiquidMind Inc.
@LiquidMindsite.com
@BryanSmeltzer.com
 
© All rights reserved, Bryan Smeltzer, 2022
 
 
THE VISIONARY CHRONICLES PODCAST
 
 In my new Podcast, The Visionary Brand, The Success Formula Behind the World’s Most Visionary Brands, I discuss my Vision for writing the book, the overview of the contents and how you can apply these Visionary Principles to your brand, create an innovation-driven product pipeline and build a passionate culture. The keys to successfully leading for generations.
 
 The Visionary Chronicles Podcast
We discuss this and other business strategy topics and pressing issues facing Entrepreneurs, Executives, and Small Business Owners.
Please check out "The Visionary Chronicles" on these sites.
Available on
Google
Amazon
Podbean
Apple Podcast
Spotify
iHeart
Pandora
 
If you like what you hear, I would appreciate you providing a rating and following to receive my weekly Podcasts, along with exclusive content as a follower.
 
Subscribe to The Visionary Chronicles PODCAST,  and receive The Visionary Chronicles Weekly Newsletter, along with a FREE copy of my new book;
 
THE VISIONARY BRAND, The Success Formula Behind the World’s Most Visionary Brands.
I am providing a FREE copy with the hope you will review Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, or any other international distributions sites the book is currently being distributed.
It is always greatly appreciated when you spread the word through REVIEWS!
Enjoy!
 
Visionary Interviews, I will be doing some upcoming interviews with some icons in the industry. If you happen to know of someone, I may want to interview, please let me know. Just provide some brief information, and if it works, we will reach out.
 
LiquidMind
a Brand Strategy Firm for those looking to disrupt their industry, build a global digital platform, business execution leadership, or just need someone who understands your business's complexities and can provide solutions.
#thevisionarybrandbook #thevisionarybrand #thevisionarychronicles #thevisionarychroniclespodcast #bestbusinessbook #entrepreneursupport #bookforentrepreneurs #bryansmeltzer #liquidmindconsulting
@LiquidMindsite.com
@BryanSmeltzer.com
 
© All rights reserved, Bryan Smeltzer, 2022
 
 
 
                       

The Art of Competition | Creating a Strategy to Overcome Competitive Forces

THE VISIONARY CHRONICLES PODCAST
The Art of Competition | Creating a Strategy that Overcomes Competitive Forces
 
"Know your enemy and know yourself, and you can fight a hundred battles without disaster."
                                                                        Wisdom from Sun Tzu, The Art of War
 
The Forces of Competition, which determine strategic planning and marketplace execution, are shared among all industries. Those who can anticipate both industry and competitive moves will succeed for generations.
Anticipation is the "Art of War", and brands who fight and win the battle without having pulled a sword are the ones who have mastered the "Art of Competition". But, unfortunately, many have gone to war and have shown nothing for their efforts; a strategy built on a foundation of brute force inevitably fails.
Find a way to determine outcomes before they are fought, and you will build a team and a brand set on a solid foundation, a fortress others can not enter. Creating a culture where everyone knows their role, works together to ensure the foundation stands, and others envy what you have made and want to know your vision of the future. The best they can hope for is to follow in your path but never lead.
There are several forces brands must be aware of to execute The Art of Competition in the marketplace.
 
New Blood
With this scenario, new blood is the latest entry into your category, one who has a new idea, provides a potentially better service or product.
Combatting this competitor takes anticipation, an innovation process, and the ability to never look over your shoulder. Each of these allows a brand to move ahead with your Vision while ensuring this new blood is blocked or eliminated from establishing a beachhead without you doing anything different. Changing course is not an option, but pivoting without disrupting your business is critical.
 
Scale
The scale was a strategy many were caught off guard by during the pandemic, and most were unable to recover in whole or in part.
To attain sufficient scale with a manufacturing matrix with the core competencies needed to produce a consistently excellent product and out-innovating yourself first is the winning formula.
 
Community
Loyalty, recurring revenue, and value creation are foundational to longevity. These pieces of your foundation will create a wall no competitor can climb.
This takes consistency, an understanding of who your customer is, what they value, and why they buy your products is a strategic weapon built off your team's shoulders.
 
Commodity Players
The Imitators, not the Innovators, are the commodity players. They are not be feared, but rather these are the ones to be called out and challenged at every turn.
Imitators take great Ideas and churn them into products of inferior quality and lower-tier price points. As a result, they do not build a trusting, loyal community that embraces value provided by the brand, but rather a following looking for the next significant "draw-down".
Some have been successful with this strategy, but this is like building your foundation on the sand vs. rock. YOUR CHOICE.
 
Rivals
The most threatening part of a brand executing its future Vision is its direct Rival, those who have authentically built a loyal community, created their innovation pipeline and stayed true to their foundation.
They are to be respected, but the Art of War principles are genuinely beneficial and provide the most benefit. You want to anticipate the moves of your Rivals,  find ways to outflank them, diminish their impact, and put the fires out before they start.
The Art of War is winning without having gone to battle. So what can you do to anticipate your Rival's next move and step out and take risks, never to relinquish your lead?
 
The Art of Competition is understanding the landscape, anticipating your Rival's moves, outflanking your Competition, and finding ways to win the battles through a strategy where you never have to draw your weapon! Find a way to win!
Stay True, stay Authentic, be Different, be Great!
Enjoy the Journey!
Bryan Smeltzer, President
LiquidMind Inc.
@LiquidMindsite.com
@BryanSmeltzer.com
 
© All rights reserved, Bryan Smeltzer, 2022
 
In my new Podcast, The Art of Competition | Creating a Strategy that Overcomes Competitive Forces, I discuss the Idea’s around anticipation and the Art of combatting your Competition through strategic mastery.
 
The Visionary Chronicles Podcast
We discuss this and other business strategy topics and pressing issues facing Entrepreneurs, Executives, and Small Business Owners.
Please check out THE VISIONARY CHRONICLES Podcast on these sites
Podbean
Apple Podcast
Spotify
iHeart
Pandora
Amazon
Google
 
If you like what you hear, I would appreciate you providing a rating and following to receive my weekly Podcasts, along with exclusive content as a follower.
 
Subscribe to The Visionary Chronicles PODCAST,  and receive The Visionary Chronicles Weekly Newsletter, along with a FREE copy of my new book;
The Visionary Brand, The Success Formula Behind the World’s Most Visionary Brands.
I am providing a FREE copy with the hope you will provide a review on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, or any other international distributions sites the book is currently being carried. It is always greatly appreciated, and to spread the word.
Enjoy!
https://bryansmeltzer.com/books/
Visionary Interviews, I will be doing some upcoming interviews with some icons in the industry. If you happen to know of someone I may want to interview, please let me know. Just provide some brief information, and if it works, we will reach out.
https://bryansmeltzer.com/podcasts/
 
LiquidMind
Brand Strategy Firm for those looking to disrupt their industry, build a global digital platform, business execution leadership, or just need someone who understands your business's complexities and can provide solutions.
https://youtu.be/xcIWAgKPgxY
 
#liquidmindsite
#Brandconsulting
#theartofwar
#bryansmeltzer
#thevisionarybrandbook
#thevisionarychronicles
#competitiveweapons
 
 
 
 
                       
 
 
 

Team Alignment | Managing Marketing & Sales Alignment

Brand Team Alignment | Managing Marketing & Sales Alignment
“Great things in business are never done by one person. They're done by a team of people.”                                                                                      Wisdom from Steve Jobs
With over 85% of companies indicating a misalignment between marketing and sales on items such as; strategy, branding, and creation, it is an area that needs vast improvement across almost every brand.Our clients at LiquidMind(LiquidMindsite.com), both large-cap through start-up, face the same issues, and most do not either recognize the misalignment or understand the process to improve the alignment. In addition, as more brands move to DTC, the sales cycle becomes more tangible on the direct-to-consumer side and with your retailers, as they fight for both dollars and time. As a result, this alignment becomes more critical to a company's short and long-term success.With most brands, you will find these two functional areas run independently of one another when they should be working in parallel, ensuring the brand is in complete alignment across all channels and modes of communication. However, they need each other, and frustration, inefficiency, and misalignment set in when separated. So how does a brand work to correct this misalignment? 
At LiquidMind, we work with our brands on the following areas, and step by step, piece by piece, the alignment becomes a reality.
Content CreationMarketing often makes assumptions, based on the brand positioning, creative assets, and channels, that what they are creating is valuable to the sales teams, buyers, and customers. To define what is needed, you must understand where, when, who, and how you create and communicate. Is this content a valuable tool for the sales team, and does the marketing strategy take a regular "pulse" check with your brand community, buyers, and sales team? Creating for the sake of producing is not a strategy. Moving does not mean you are making progress. To create alignment with Content Creation, ensure the sales team is mapping your creative strategy, both online and in-store. Also, provide your community in engaging with your content, and they are finding helpful something "beyond" product.
Understand NeedMore often than these two areas do not understand each other's needs. Always start with Marketing, and end with Sales. Just because you "create" something does not mean it is an effective tool for the sales force. To better understand the need, have the sales team provide regular input on tangible tools to make their lives easier and provide branding, tools, and communications to make your communities' Lives easier. Understanding and balancing both is critical to marketing your brand and ensuring you maintain brand equity and loyal with both sales and your customers.
Mind MergeHaving regular sessions with the sales team, communicating marketing efforts, and applying the strategy daily builds trust with both organizations. Merging ideas and concepts with reality will bring the Marketing Strategy to a more tangible level to the sales team. So get them involved, but sales must also understand their role in the process, it NOT to create, but rather provide details on NEEDS. 
Tool GenerationEnsure marketing has laid out the tools, resources, and integrated brand strategy to the sales team. The sales team needs to be seamless with "messaging" to buyers and consumers and the lead driven by marketing.If there is no clear strategy, vision, or plan, you can imagine how quickly this alignment can break down. Ensure you provide online and offline marketing tools that can be used by both internal sales and external buyers or customers. 
With the fast-paced, digital world we live in, aligning with everyone inside a brand is critical to the successful execution of your strategy. Frustration and misalignment can be replaced by an authentic, genuine passion and excitement for what your brand is doing and yet to accomplish. Together, lock arms, understand shared needs, and complement one another strengths, and work on your weaknesses to better the brand!

Strategy | Successful Branding Strategies

THE VISIONARY CHRONICLES PODCAST
 
Strategy | Successful Branding Strategies
(10 Principles Brands can deploy to sustain long-term revenue  growth)
 
"For you to sleep well at night, the aesthetic, the quality, has to be carried all the way through…”
                                                                                    Wisdom from Steve Jobs
 
Brands many times struggle with first determining, then executing on their Vision. For a start-up or ongoing company to successfully anchor their company in foundational principles that will carry them for generations, they will need to bring their Vision to reality.
This foundation determines all the company stands for from the inside looking out. First, establish who you are, what is your definitive point of difference, why would someone purchase your product, and how you will authentically engage in building your Community, the lifeblood of Loyalty.
With the new age of digital, Loyalty is the lifeblood, but Authentication is the vein. Authentication is what continues to drive Loyalty and long-term customer value to a Brand.
Being Authentic is earned, not a right, and can quickly deteriorate, along with customer loyalty, revenue, and equity. Follow a clear path to building your brand, stay true to creating a Loyal community through authentic engagement, and ensure your Vision is communicated daily through both verbal and visual communications.
This branding flow will ensure all who enter the four walls of your brand clearly understand why you exist, where you are positioned, how you are different, and what is the path forward.
 
“As a consumer, you want to associate with brands whose powerful presence creates a halo effect that rubs off on you…”
                                                                                       Tom Peters
Stay True, stay Authentic, be Different, be Great!
Enjoy the Journey!
Bryan Smeltzer, President
LiquidMind Inc.
 
@LiquidMindsite.com
@BryanSmeltzer.com
© All rights reserved, Bryan Smeltzer, 2021
 
 In my new Podcast, Branding | Successful Branding Strategies, I discuss 10 Key Principles companies or brands need to deploy to sustain long-term revenue growth successfully.
We discuss this, along with other business strategy topics and pressing issues facing Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners.
Please check out "The Visionary Chronicles" on these sites.
Available on
Podbean
Apple Podcast
Spotify
iHeart
Pandora
Google
Amazon
 
If you like what you hear, I would appreciate your following to receive my weekly Podcasts, along with exclusive content as a follower.
 
Subscribe to The Visionary Chronicles PODCAST,  and receive The Visionary Chronicles Newsletter, along with a FREE VISION Notepad.
 
Visionary Interviews, I will be doing some upcoming interviews with some icons in the industry. If you happen to know of someone, I may want to interview, please let me know. Just provide some brief information, and if it works, we will reach out.
 
The Visionary Brands, I will be launching my new book this fall. In preparation, I will be providing some additional, more in-depth discussions around what allows these Visionary Brands to sustain generational success.
 
LiquidMind
a Brand Strategy Firm for those looking to disrupt their industry, build a global digital platform, business execution leadership, or just need someone who understands the complexities of your business and can provide solutions.
 
#thevisionarychroniclespodcast #businesspodcast #leadershippodcast #thevisionarybrandbook #thevisionarybrand #bryansmeltzer #tompeters #timferris #stevejobs #elonmusk @timferris @tompeters #liquidmindsite #liquidmindconsulting #liquidmindbrandstrategy
 
 
 

CREATIVITY | How to Maximize IDEA Flow

The Visionary Chronicles PODCAST
 
CHRONICLE: December 17th, 2021
 
"I can't understand why people are frightened of new ideas. I'm frightened of the old ones..."
                                                   Wisdom from John Cage
 
PODCAST:    CREATIVITY | How to Maximize IDEA Flow
 
2018, LinkedIn Survey; Creativity is the number sought-after soft skillset.
 
Creativity is a Cornerstone for an Innovative Thinker and a Progressive Brand. The ability to consistently think of great IDEAS, understand the impact at a brand level, and ensure they are commercialized is a trait few possess and even are willing to explore.
Exploration is a crucial piece for Creativity; having the guts to do what others say is "Impossible" and pursue a Dream and bring it to Reality for others to see. This Exploration brings excitement and passion to a brand. The willingness to FAIL, and FAIL again for the pursuit of reaching the pinnacle of success. Those who are willing to take this challenge, not just once, but make it part of their DNA, their core Identity will succeed, not only in their markets but with their teams and community as well!With Exploration comes an Artisty around successfully realizing your great IDEA. The creative mastery around molding the IDEA to match your Identity.
The Artist is the one who knows what the painting looks like before a brush is put to canvas. So be an Artist, understand the beauty behind the product, making your communities life more accessible and non-burdensome. The Simple Sophistication of a great product and the Artistry to deliver on your Brand Promise.
To Maximize IDEA flow, you must first be committed to Exploring, embracing Failure, and being an Artist, and all are collectively generating insanely GREAT IDEAS.
What are the areas required to Promote Creativity?
Free Flowing Ideas and Pace: The quicker a decision is made, the better the company. However, having a Brand committed to providing an environment to Create, and generate IDEAS, is one that will never run short on Innovation.
       Free your Mind, let the process take its Pace, provide boundaries and ensure these IDEAS are processed, commercialized, or blown up to     make it great!
Be a Cognitive Thinker vs. a Logical Mindset; Take your time when flushing our IDEAS, understand the implication to the brand and your community. Then, find solutions through Great IDEAS.
Leave the Door Open; Allow IDEAS to enter the Creativity process, do not be quick to judge, and ensure Cognitive Thinkers are at the table, the Creative doers.
Only the Smart Illusion; Creativity is Cognitive, and why the Logic may not always be the best trait in building an Innovative Culture. Intelligence is often misplaced, put in the correct location it can be very productive, placed in the wrong location is disastrous. Having the ability to think of what "could be" vs. "what is" is the DIFFERENCE!
Implement Balance; When Steve Jobs took over at PIXAR, he implemented the "pluses" policy, meaning every negative needed to be balanced with a plus. This simple policy broke down gridlock at PIXAR and was integral to creating their first blockbuster, Toy Story.
More is Less; Brands feel the Ideation process is better served with more people providing more Ideas…the opposite is true; the best Ideation process, where it provides the best IDEAS, is one where the mindset is common Logic is left at the Door. Cognitive THINKERS ONLY!
Many leaders agree that Innovation and Creativity are the most sought-after traits, but most do nothing to promote creating a Culture where Cognitive Thinkers can thrive!
Stay True, stay Authentic, be Different, be Great!
Enjoy the Journey!
Bryan Smeltzer, President
 
#TheVisionaryChronicles PODCAST
#TheVisionaryBrandBook
LiquidMind Inc.
@LiquidMindsite.com
@BryanSmeltzer.com
 
 © All rights reserved, Bryan Smeltzer, 2021
 
THE VISIONARY CHRONICLES PODCAST
In my new Podcast, CREATIVITY | How to Maximize IDEA Flow, I discuss how understanding the exploration process, embracing Risk and a commitment to providing an environment where you embrace Failure is key to generating insanely Great IDEAS.
 
The Visionary Chronicles Podcast
 
We discuss this and other business strategy topics and pressing issues facing Entrepreneurs, Executives, and Small Business Owners.
 
Please check out "The Visionary Chronicles" on these sites.
Available on
 
Podbean
Apple Podcast
Spotify
iHeart
Pandora
Amazon
GOOGLE
 
If you like what you hear, I would appreciate you providing a rating and following to receive my weekly Podcasts, along with exclusive content as a follower.
Subscribe to The Visionary Chronicles PODCAST,  and receive The Visionary Chronicles Newsletter, along with a FREE Vision Notepad.
 
Visionary Interviews, I will be doing some upcoming interviews with some icons in the industry. If you happen to know of someone I may want to interview, please let me know. Just provide some brief information, and if it works, we will reach out.
     
LiquidMind
a Brand Strategy Firm for those looking to disrupt their industry, build a global digital platform, business execution leadership, or just need someone who understands your business's complexities and can provide solutions.
#LiquidMIndsite.com
@LiquidMindsite.com
 
 © All rights reserved, Bryan Smeltzer, 2021
 
 
 
 
                       
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Leadership Traits | How to Identify and Succeed

The Visionary Chronicles PODCAST
CHRONICLE: December 9th, 2021
Inspiration "Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it..."
                                                Wisdom from Dwight D. Eisenhower
 
Leadership Traits | How to Identify & Succeed
There are many leadership traits, each is unique, and each is either a strength or a weakness. Those who are humble enough to identify their inherent weaknesses and build them into strength will gain loyalty, and those who choose to ignore these weaknesses inevitably fail.
Having been a part of some of the most iconic brands and working with these leaders, I have found most embrace a Vision, and most can see the future. One way or another, find a way to bring it to reality. They are iconic, but each had a weakness; some recognized it, others ignored it.  
In being a Leader, you must get the team together cohesively to execute your Strategy. Feeling as if you are part of and contributing to a brand's success is something all groups want to be a part of and want it ingrained into their Culture. Leaders who lack the self-awareness to address their weaknesses damage the Brand itself and its Culture, both very difficult to repair.
In looking at these Leaders from inside, and outside perspectives, I have found the following Traits to be the most common. Each is unique, each carries common weaknesses and strengths, but there are Counter traits to correct flaws.
Overconfidence, in most instances, this a very positive Leadership, but when a Leader overpromises and sets unrealistic expectations, the Brand suffers.
Typically the flaw comes from being a short-term planner, not a long-term thinker, and short-sighted on what it will take to execute the plan and the competitive reaction.
Counter;
Debate and invite Conversation.
Do not be so quick to decide without input.
Do not alienate and invite alternative opinions.
Ensure you understand long-term implications.
Impulsive, you crave the satisfaction of having made a decision, even though you may not have thoroughly worked through the impact across the Brand. You are not contemplating what is required to execute the plan and the consequences of your decision.
Counter;
Take your time and integrate data.
Understand your overriding Strategy.
Understand consequences.
Rigid, Firm, you control the environment, stick to a process and ensure everyone follows with no change considered. This Leader stifles creativity, eliminates risk, wants predictability, and a result, kills off innovation.
Counter;
Be open about Decisions.
Take some Risks.
Build Trust with the Team.
Be Curious.
Insecure, you worry about decisions, those around you, and what they may think.
You are often taken advantage of without resistance, and as a result, Trust is degraded.
Counter;
Understand your Fears.
Address Best & Worst case scenarios.
Find opportunities to Succeed.
Relive Successes.
 
All Leaders have frailties, and most are not considered Visionary, but understanding your Weaknesses and finding ways to Strengthen your faults will build loyalty and Trust with your team and your Brand!
                        Stay True, stay Authentic, be Different, be Great!
                        Enjoy the Journey!
                        Bryan Smeltzer, President
 
                        LiquidMind Inc.
                        @LiquidMindsite.com
                        @BryanSmeltzer.com
 
                        © All rights reserved, Bryan Smeltzer, 2021
 
Podcast     In my new Podcast, Leadership Traits | How to Identify & Succeed, I discuss how to identify common Leadership Traits, the pros and cons of each, and counteractions to take if you find yourself with an inherent weakness.  
 
The Visionary Chronicles Podcast
We discuss this and other business strategy topics and pressing issues facing Entrepreneurs, Executives, and Small Business Owners.
Please check out "The Visionary Chronicles" on these sites.
Available on
Podbean
Apple Podcast
Spotify
iHeart
Pandora
Amazon
Google
 
If you like what you hear, I would appreciate you providing a rating and following to receive my weekly Podcasts, along with exclusive content as a follower.
 
Subscribe to The Visionary Chronicles PODCAST,  and receive The Visionary Chronicles Newsletter, along with a FREE Vision Notepad.
 
Visionary Interviews, I will be doing some upcoming interviews with some icons in the industry. If you happen to know of someone I may want to interview, please let me know. Just provide some brief information, and if it works, we will reach out.
Visionary Interviews
 
LiquidMind
a Brand Strategy Firm for those looking to disrupt their industry, build a global digital platform, business execution leadership, or just need someone who understands your business's complexities and can provide solutions.
 

Persevere | How to Adapt to Opportunities and Succeed

The Visionary Chronicles Podcast
CHRONICLE: November 15th, 2021
 "Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower..."
                                                Wisdom from Steve
 
Persevere | How to Adapt to Opportunities and Succeed
In the environment we currently find ourselves in; it may be counterintuitive to suggest finding an opportunity to succeed versus maintaining the status quo.
I have worked directly with and met many global leaders, visionaries, those who set the path forward for brands. I found a common trait with each of these leaders, PERSEVERANCE, the ability to remain steadfast in executing on their VISION despite the difficulty in achieving its success.  Perseverance is a trait that is easier said than done, and those who authentically have it more often than not succeed where others fail.
I have found over the years in being a part of or working directly with these global ICONIC brands (Oakley, TaylorMade, adidas, Nike, etc.), each has always found a way to set the path forward regardless of the fog that lies ahead.
It is one thing to define an opportunity; it is another to execute on the path to achieve its success. I have found there to be five distinct areas most of these visionaries and companies have in common when faced with realizing these new opportunities;
Stick to your Path/Plan, always take two steps forward, continue to progress. Remain flexible, divert when necessary, but assure the new direction ultimately achieves your Vision.
Do not listen to naysayers. Visionaries are always ahead of those who are behind in their thinking. Be sensitive to opinions, but understand each must move the company towards realizing the new opportunity. Be a team, but be a leader. The road ahead in a crisis is full of barriers; take them on one by one.
Be realistic; it will take you longer than you think and cost more money than you had planned.
Be creative, whether it be product, financing, logistics, find a way to provide value to those who engage with and buy from your brand.
Have thick skin; you will be hit on all sides, be sure to stand tall, remain persistent, engage your team, and communicate continually.
Defining an opportunity is easy; executing on your Vision is difficult.
This is a "once in a lifetime" opportunity to establish your company, drive revenue growth, and secure your future.
Remember, define your Vision, have a Plan, set your path, support your team, communicate relentlessly, persevere through the barrios, and you will succeed.
Stay True, stay Authentic, be Different, be Great!
 Enjoy the Journey! 
Bryan Smeltzer, PresidentLiquidMind Inc.
 @LiquidMindsite.com @BryanSmeltzer.com
 © All rights reserved, Bryan Smeltzer, 2021
 In my new Podcast, Persevere | How to Adapt to Opportunities and Succeed, I discuss how to find an opportunity through a disruption, execute a cohesive plan, and succeed.  
 
The Visionary Chronicles Podcast
We discuss this and other business strategy topics and pressing issues facing Entrepreneurs, Executives, and Small Business Owners.
Please check out "The Visionary Chronicles" on these sites.
Available on
Podbean
Apple Podcast
Spotify
Amazon PODCASTS
Google PODCASTS
iHeart
Pandora
If you like what you hear, I would appreciate you providing a rating and following to receive my weekly Podcasts, along with exclusive content as a follower.
Subscribe to The Visionary Chronicles PODCAST,  and receive The Visionary Chronicles Newsletter, along with a FREE Vision Notepad.
Visionary Interviews, I will be doing some upcoming interviews with some icons in the industry. If you happen to know of someone, I may want to interview, please let me know. Just provide some brief information, and if it works, we will reach out.
  LiquidMind
A Brand Strategy Firm for those looking to disrupt their industry, build a global digital platform, business execution leadership, or just need someone who understands your business's complexities and can provide solutions.
 
THE VISIONARY CHRONICLES PODCAST
Bryan Smeltzers Podcast on driving your brand forward, reinvigorating your passion, while continuing to maintain and sustain your Vision for long term revenue growth.Discussions around disruptive strategies, and executable market drivers that provide a unique point of difference for you and your brand.
We discuss this along with other business strategy topics and pressing issues facing Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners.
He is the author of The Visionary Brand, a book on how brands sustain and maintain their Vision over generations.Bryan is currently President of LiquidMind Inc., a  global brand strategy firm located in Southern California.
If you enjoy The Visionary Chronicles Podcast, would be great if you could please leave a short Review at;
• iTunes/Apple Podcasts/The Visionary Chronicles
It takes about a minute and supports our growth and reach to others, along with getting some awesome interviews. 
Please check out The Visionary Chronicles on these sites; 
• Apple Podcast• Podbean• Spotify• iHeart• Pandora
The Visionary Chronicles RSS Feed (use for PODCAST players);
• https://feed.podbean.com/bryansmeltzer/feed.xml
Sign up for The Visionary Chronicles Newsletter at;
•  The Visionary Chronicles Newsletter
Interested in Sponsoring The Visionary Chronicles Podcast, or a segment? Please fill out this form;•  bryansmeltzer.com/contact/
Follow me on the following social sites.
• @liquidmindsite on Facebook• @liquidmindsite on Twitter• @bryansmeltzer33 on Facebook • @bryansmeltzer on Twitter• in/bryansmeltzer on Linkedin
 
 
 

THE VISIONARY CHRONICLES: Direct to Consumer Success | How to Thrive in DTC Business

The Visionary Chronicles  PODCAST 
 
CHRONICLE: November 4th, 2021
 
Inspiration  "Good, better, best. Never let it rest. 'Til your good is better, and your better is best..."
                                                                                                     Wisdom from St. Jerome
 
DTC Success | How to Thrive in Direct to Consumer Business
 
In my new PODCAST, I discuss defining, building, and growing your DTC channel and creating an authentic lifestyle experience.
Successful DTC brands devise a strategy around their core principles, representing a clear "point of difference" from their competitors, category or service and channel.
A brand must define these competitive weapons and deploy them across all lines of defense. These weapons include; digital marketing tiers and metrics analysis allowing you to pivot as needed, strategic and focused social media site development and growth, and authentic community engagement and user base growth. Developing a strategic, ongoing, and relevant game plan will allow a brand to protect its hard-earned equity and product positioning.
Another critical piece to successfully deploy your DTC business is defining your expectations across several tiers. Too many companies and brands we work with through LiquidMind (LiquidMindsite.com) have a very narrow focus, tunnel vision! Broaden and understand the actual landscape you face with DTC, both expansion opportunities and competitive challenges. These will encompass both tangible and intangible metrics. With so much data available, understanding the reasoning behind the numbers, along with the proper application of resources and investments, will determine your success, which means not merely throwing money at an opportunity without first analyzing the demo target and investment required to have an impact.
This investment and analysis require a deep dive to understand the landscape and if you want to become a big fish in a small pond or little fish in the ocean of other brands and similar products. Find your "open" water, define your platforms and understand the success metrics, both tangible and intangible.
The issue with many DTC models is they consider only the tangible but miss on the intangible. For example, all considerations and analyses are attrition, ROAS, CPC, CAC, price point compression, Loyalty, LTV, competitive set, and capabilities.
There are several areas I have defined through our work with both global and start-up brands which has allowed them to sustain long-term success with their DTC business;
Product Innovation Pipeline, constantly be introducing new products and drawing previous generations. So control the supply/demand curve!
Master your Core Business before moving into other categories; master your current category. Don't get greedy; stick to what you know, then migrate.
Provide Value beyond Product; the product is present; Value is the future. Once your community has purchased your product, this is where LTV is maximized. Keep them engaged, provide Value!
Build your Loyalty Loop, clearly understand the customer journey, and make their engagement experience easy.
Create a Relationship, personalize, personalize, personalize! Proactively understand the needs of your customer, both product and experience.
Building, growing, and sustaining your DTC business will provide band equity creation and long-term community loyalty, and the ability to control your destiny.
Stay True, stay Authentic, be Different, be Great!
Enjoy the Journey!
Bryan Smeltzer, President
LiquidMind Inc.
@LiquidMindsite.com
@BryanSmeltzer.com
 
© All rights reserved, Bryan Smeltzer, 2021
 
 
 
The Visionary Chronicles Podcast
I discuss this and other business strategy topics and pressing issues facing Entrepreneurs, Executives, and Small Business Owners.
Please check out "The Visionary Chronicles" on these sites.
Available on
Podbean
Apple Podcast
Spotify
iHeart
Pandora
Amazon 
Google 
 
If you like what you hear, I would appreciate you providing a rating and following to receive my weekly Podcasts, along with exclusive content as a follower.
 
Subscribe to The Visionary Chronicles PODCAST,  and receive The Visionary Chronicles Newsletter, along with a FREE Vision Notepad.
 
Visionary Interviews, I will be doing some upcoming interviews with some icons in the industry. If you happen to know of someone I may want to interview, please let me know. Just provide some brief information, and if it works, we will reach out.
 
LiquidMind
A Brand Strategy Firm for those looking to disrupt their industry, build a global digital platform, business execution leadership, or just need someone who understands your business's complexities and can provide solutions.
Check us out at LiquidMindsite.com
 
Bryan Smeltzers Podcast on driving your brand forward, reinvigorating your passion, while continuing to maintain and sustain your Vision for long-term revenue growth.
Discussions around disruptive strategies, and executable market drivers that provide a unique point of difference for you and your brand.
We discuss this along with other business strategy topics and pressing issues facing Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners.
 
He is the author of The Visionary Brand, a book on how brands sustain and maintain their Vision over generations.
Bryan is currently President of LiquidMind Inc., a  global brand strategy firm located in Southern California.
If you enjoy The Visionary Chronicles Podcast, would be great if you could please leave a short Review at;
iTunes/Apple Podcasts/The Visionary Chronicles
It takes about a minute and supports our growth and reach to others, along with getting some awesome interviews.
 
The Visionary Chronicles RSS Feed (use for PODCAST players);
https://feed.podbean.com/bryansmeltzer/feed.xml
Sign up for The Visionary Chronicles Newsletter at;
The Visionary Chronicles Newsletter
 
Interested in Sponsoring The Visionary Chronicles Podcast, or a segment? Please fill out this form;
bryansmeltzer.com/contact/
Follow me on the following social sites.
@liquidmindsite on Facebook
@liquidmindsite on Twitter
@bryansmeltzer33 on Facebook 
@bryansmeltzer on Twitter
in/bryansmeltzer on Linkedin