The Visionary Chronicles

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/
 
 
 
 

Failures | Fail Faster Succeed Sooner

 
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/

Visionaries | Thomas Edison

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/
 
 
 

The Visionary Brand | The Product Vision | 6 Steps to Executing Your Vision

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/