Episodes
Wednesday Nov 29, 2023
Venture Capital | How to Prepare Your Company
Wednesday Nov 29, 2023
Wednesday Nov 29, 2023
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/
Friday Nov 24, 2023
The Visionary Brand | The Product Vision | Innovate Don’t Imitate
Friday Nov 24, 2023
Friday Nov 24, 2023
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/
Friday Nov 10, 2023
Life Balance | How to Balance Leadership & Life
Friday Nov 10, 2023
Friday Nov 10, 2023
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/
Wednesday Nov 01, 2023
Failures | Fail Faster Succeed Sooner
Wednesday Nov 01, 2023
Wednesday Nov 01, 2023
EPISODE 132
CHRONICLE: November 1st, 2023
Failure | Fail Faster Succeed Sooner
"My great concern is not whether you have failed, but whether you are content with your failure."
Wisdom from Abraham Lincoln
Failure is not fatal, but if you do not embrace Failure and make it a part of your Culture, it can prevent you from realizing your Vision.
Many companies profess to be "Innovative" yet squash any new out-of-the-box thinking that disrupts the company's status quo and your business category. Therefore, embracing your failures, learning from them, and adapting to move your IDEAs from paper to people is crucial.
Commercializing your IDEA is the inevitable goal, but if the product you envisioned does not match reality, there will be issues with your community and the brand itself. If you are to be a leader, you must embrace Failure and Risk to create what others may not have thought of or felt was impossible. Otherwise, you are truly just a commodity. Having the courage to do what is right for the brand is what all Visionaries have in common. Beyond product, beyond Culture, is sticking to your Foundational Principles, which drive your brand forward.
The brands that continually drive innovation embrace Failure as a learning experience and will be the ones to survive any storm. Look at history, and you will see brands that have failed and those who are still with us today. A common thread, stronger than steel, is the will to create what others said was impossible. This challenge brings out the passionate courage in all Visionaries and the satisfaction of proving others wrong.
Remember Edison's famous quote when inventing the light bulb.
"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work…."
Imagine if Edison had given up at so-called "Failure" on try 9,998? A different world than we live in today. Thankful for his Vision and perseverance not to give up!
What are these Failure Stepping Stones to eventual Success?
Take Risks | No great product has ever been realized without Risk.
Embrace Risks | Different than taking a Risk is embracing Risk as part of your Culture.
Fail Faster | Assume Failure will happen and is necessary to create Truly revolutionary products.
Succeed Sooner | By Embracing Risk, and Failure, you are on a path to Success.
Failure is inevitable when creating anything great! So embrace Failure and Risk and be rewarded with generational products and a culture committed to Success.
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/
Wednesday Oct 25, 2023
Visionaries | Thomas Edison
Wednesday Oct 25, 2023
Wednesday Oct 25, 2023
EPISODE 131
CHRONICLE: October 25th, 2023
Visionaries | Thomas Edison
"Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration." – Thomas Edison
Thomas Edison was one of, if not the greatest, inventor of our time. He has over 1,000 patents for his inventions and played a critical role in shaping the world we live in today. His legendary ongoing persistence to commercialize his innovations led to the development of electric power, modern communication, and motion pictures.
Edison grew up in Port Huron, Michigan, and despite hearing problems at an early age, he showed an early interest in experimenting and product innovation. This interest led Edison to invent some of the world’s most significant innovations.
Some of Edison’s greatest creations;
Phonograph (1877)
Although most do not use one today, one of Edison's most significant inventions was the phonograph, the first device capable of recording and reproducing sound. This invention revolutionized the music and entertainment industries. The classic “vinyl” records and phonographs are still coveted today
Electric Light Bulb (1879)
Edison's development of the incandescent light bulbs brought illumination to the world. Although he did not invent the light bulb, he improved the design significantly, making it commercially viable. In commercializing the light bulb, it led to one of Edison’s most famous quotes;
"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." – Thomas Edison
Electric Power Distribution:
Edison created the development of the electric power distribution system. He laid the foundation for the electric utility industry, allowing electricity to be generated in power stations and distributed to homes and businesses still used today.
Motion Pictures (1891-1895):
Edison realized the development of motion pictures. He also invented the kinetoscope, an early motion picture exhibition device, along with the kinetoscope parlors, where people could watch short films. He would go on to build the world's first film production studio, the Black Maria.
Storage Batteries:
Edison created storage batteries, which had various applications, including electric vehicles. His work in this area laid the foundation for future advancements in battery technology.
Telegraph Improvements:
Edison commercialized the first telegraph, making it both efficient and reliable. These inventions in telegraphy were precursor growth of long-distance communication.
In his final years, Edison focused on experimental research. He created a research laboratory in West Orange, New Jersey, where he and his team worked on numerous projects. Edison continued to innovate on new ideas until his death.
Thomas Edison passed away on October 18, 1931, in West Orange, New Jersey, leaving a legacy of innovation and entrepreneurship. His contributions have had a lasting impact on the modern world, and he is remembered as one of the greatest inventors in history.
Although you may not be an Edison, you can be inspired by his relentless pursuit of greatness! Edison had a Vision no one else had, and it was up to him to realize this Vision no one else could see except him.
Take inspiration from Edison. We are fortunate to have had him and can relive his greatness through history.
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;
bryan@LiquidMindsite.com
@bryansmeltzer33
@bryan_smeltzer
@bryansmeltzer
linkedin.com/in/bryansmeltzer/
Thursday Oct 19, 2023
The Visionary Brand | The Product Vision | 6 Steps to Executing Your Vision
Thursday Oct 19, 2023
Thursday Oct 19, 2023
EPISODE 130
The Visionary Chronicles Podcast
CHRONICLE: October 18th, 2023
Content from Bryan’s new Award Winning, Bestselling Book
The Visionary Brand, The Success Formula Behind the World's Most Visionary Brands.
2022 Readers Favorite Award Winner: Best, Non-fiction, Marketing book
Amazon Bestseller.
THE VISIONARY BRAND | The Product Vision | 6 Steps to Executing Your Vision
" There’s a way to do it better…find it.” – Thomas Edison
The ability of a brand to establish, stick to, and have a consistent ideation and product lifecycle process is vital to long-term success.
Truly Visionary brands are the ones who understand the need to do away with the past to bring in the new, an innovation pipeline that sustains their “best-in-class” positioning. The “process” takes an authentic commitment from the top down.
I am not talking about a traditional lifecycle process where competitor's products are thrown on a table, and the product team is asked to create something better. I am talking about genuinely revolutionary thinking and execution.
I often say there is nothing more frustrating for a designer than to develop beautiful, disruptive creations to have them watered down to play it safe. The best example is concept car designers who, with their best intentions and efforts, pen out revolutionary designs that are scrapped for incremental improvement.
As Seth Godin says, “Safe if Risky!.” What a great quote! It does not resonate with those who are commodity companies and explains why there are so few “true” brands in our world! Risk is required to create a revolution and disrupt your category.
So what is your Product Vision, one that carries you for generations? If you can not answer this question, I would suggest this be an immediate priority. Playing “imitator” by copying competitor's products does not move you ahead; playing “integrator” by incrementally improving does not move you ahead of yourself, much less the competition; playing “innovator” is your key to unlocking generational success. Yes, it is risky, but so is playing it safe!
So what are the top 6 areas to establishing your Product Vision?
Innovate, don’t Imitate
Create Breakaway products
Build a Drawdown pipeline
Lead through Extinction
The brand is the Product
Take Risks, Break Things!
Establishing a Product Vision, a process that has carried you for decades will provide generational success. Make this a priority in your Visionary leadership, communicate this Vision constantly, and engrain it into your Culture!
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 release of the book, Bryan has 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 5 weeks, we have had over 1,500 brand leaders and Entrepreneurs take 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/
Wednesday Oct 11, 2023
Business Success | Key Areas to Succeeding in Your Business or Brand
Wednesday Oct 11, 2023
Wednesday Oct 11, 2023
CHRONICLE: October 11th, 2023
Business Success | Key Areas to Succeed in Your Business
"Success is not final, failure is not fatal, it is the courage to continue that counts.” –
Winston Churchill
The ability to build a successful company/brand has several inherent traits. Each has proven itself throughout generations. Those who follow a path already created will find the road forward easier than those who choose to create a new one.
I have found, through having founded my brand and working side-by-side with executive teams from many global brands (Nike, Adidas, Puma. TaylorMade. etc.), each has followed these steps in one way or another. Following or eventually finding the path others have created was crucial for building a thriving business.
The following factors were integral pieces of the puzzle when looking at the path these brands followed.
The IDEA | Every successful brand has started with an IDEA. However, the ones who have created value, defined their POD and built a product roadmap are the ones who are thriving today.
The TEAM | Building a team with complementary skills that can self-manage and are proactively solving problems is a winning formula. Also, they provide continual feedback and encouragement and are HUMBLE by choice.
The PRODUCT | Every great, successful brand has had a great product. However, successful people have executed their product roadmap to ensure long-term viability. No ONE HIT wonders allowed!
The SALE | ensures you have a plan, process, and story to tell that differentiates you from the competition.
The FULFILLMENT | Risk management vs. risk recognition. All successful brands ensure they can fulfill their PROMISE. They have built a logistics/operations platform that executes seamlessly.
The LUCK | Many successful brands were at the right place at the right time. They rode this wave and never stopped.
The PIVOT | Most have had to Pivot in one way or another at least once, but no more than two times.
The EXPERIENCE | Brand positioning, marketing, engagement, and fulfillment are all executed perfectly!
"Before anything else, preparation is the key to success.…"
Alexander Graham Bell
With digital e-comm and consumer attention spans shorter and expectations higher, you need to follow these principles others have followed successfully.
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
Instragram | @bryan_smeltzer
X | @bryansmeltzer
LinkedIn | linkedin.com/in/bryansmeltzer/
Wednesday Sep 27, 2023
Brand Community | How to Build a Brand Social Following
Wednesday Sep 27, 2023
Wednesday Sep 27, 2023
The Visionary Chronicles Podcast
CHRONICLE: September 27th, 2023
Brand Community | How to Build a Brand Social Following
"The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn't said.” – Peter Drucker
Building a Brand Community is an effective way to engage with your customers, create loyalty, and a group of brand advocates who can help promote your products or services.
Building your Community requires precise brand positioning, diligence, consistent voice, values, and Vision.
Here are several steps to help you build a brand Community of Followers:
Define Your Brand and Values:
Clearly define your brand identity, values, and mission. What does your brand stand for, and what is its purpose? This will help attract like-minded individuals to your Community.
Know Your Audience:
Understand your target audience and their needs. What are their interests, preferences, and pain points? Knowing your audience is crucial for tailoring your Community to their interests.
Choose the Right Platform:
Select the appropriate platform for your Community. It could be a social media group, a dedicated forum on your website, a mobile app, or a combination of these. Choose a platform where your target audience is active.
Create Valuable Content:
Share high-quality, relevant content that resonates with your Community. This can include blog posts, videos, infographics, or other forms of content that provide value and encourage discussions.
Engage and Interact:
Actively participate in the Community by responding to comments, asking questions, and encouraging discussions. Show that you value your community members' input and opinions.
Encourage User-Generated Content:
Encourage community members to create and share content related to your brand. This can include reviews, testimonials, photos, and stories. Recognize and reward outstanding contributions.
Offer Exclusive Benefits:
Provide exclusive benefits to community members, such as discounts, early access to products, or special events. This gives them a reason to join and stay active in the Community.
Create a Sense of Belonging:
Foster a sense of belonging and Community among your members. Use inclusive language and make them feel like they are part of something special.
Moderate Effectively:
Implement clear community guidelines and moderate the Community to ensure a positive and respectful environment. Address any issues or conflicts promptly and fairly.
Host Events and Activities:
Organize online and offline events, webinars, workshops, or meetups that allow community members to connect with each other and your brand.
Listen and Adapt:
Pay attention to feedback and suggestions from your Community. Use this input to improve your products or services and adjust the community experience.
Measure Success:
Set clear goals for your brand community and track key metrics, such as engagement levels, membership growth, and user-generated content. Adjust your strategies based on the data.
Evolve:
As your brand community grows, evolve your strategies to meet changing needs and preferences. Be open to trying new approaches and experimenting with different engagement tactics.
Celebrate Milestones:
Recognize and celebrate community milestones and achievements. This can include anniversaries, reaching a certain number of members, or successful campaigns.
Promote Advocacy:
Encourage community members to become brand advocates by sharing their positive experiences with your brand outside the Community, such as on social media or through reviews.
Building a brand community takes time and consistent effort. It's essential to create a brand journey environment where members feel valued and connected to your brand's values and Vision. Over time, a strong brand community can become a powerful partner for your business, helping you build lasting relationships and driving long-term growth.
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/
#BrandCommunity, #BuildingACommunity,#BrandVision, #Vision, #creatingVision, #Visionaries, #disruption, #productstrategy, #BrandLifestyle, #Creators, #ElonMusk, #oakley, #jimjannard, #stevejobs, #theVisionarychroniclespodcast, #theVisionarychroniclespodcast, #theVisionarybrandbook, #brandtips, #brandingprinciples,
#theVisionarybrand,
The Visionary Chronicles
Bryan Smeltzers Podcast on driving your brand forward, reinvigorating your passion while maintaining and sustaining your Vision for long-term revenue growth.
Discussions around disruptive strategies and executable market drivers 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 president of LiquidMind Inc., a global brand strategy firm in Southern California.
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