valadez

Are you worried about the economy? Now is the time to Market your company fast!

Summary:  Tough times create opportunities. One area any company can always improve in is their Marketing – “The Market never stays the same” is our motto.  When times get tough, the tough go Marketing.  What is your company doing to leverage opportunities in tough times?  We’d love to hear your great ideas.  If you are not doing much, then time to get racing.  Hope you like this article. A Marketer should be “On Mission, On Assignment, and in the Zone!” when it comes to Marketing your company.

I make calls all over the country championing unique opportunities from movie projects, to technology utilization, oil exploration opportunities (emerging), radio and television, vacation rentals, expos, professional services, real estate, and more.  I understand that many companies are going through a little hurt.  I talked to an agency executive who buys media for Southwest Airlines this week and the lady explained to me that these days “I am asking for more, give me more.” 

Most companies are now looking for “even more BOOM for their buck” and that comes with a totally integrated and leveraged Marketing approach.  Fortunately, my team has been on what I consider the “front lines” of “integrated and converged” media and Marketing.  We have been experimenting with mixing radio, TV, web, networking, PR and news, print, search, strategic alliance development, promotion strategy, photography, music (yeah, you can market your company through music), product placement in film and documentaries, and more.  So, these are exciting times for companies who have a little imagination and a sense of exploration and venture and yes, even GUTS!

These days I find my time, thinking strategically about the value of each client to the portfolio of our long-term Marketing objectives (we are not looking for just any client). My thoughts are, “Will this company/client add to our brand value and lead us to the success we are working hard to achieve for them and us?”  That simple focus can help any company to save money on their overall Marketing budget.  There is a theory in Marketing called “co-branding”.  If you align yourself with a leading brand, then you are associated with that brand as well and that can save you millions of dollars in the long run.  It is a great strategy, try it sometime.

As a Marketer, I focus on the brand essence of what I am trying to convey in the marketplace -  brand attributes like trust, smart, cutting-edge, innovative, focused, courage, consistency, variety, strength, audacity, fresh and fearless, etc. We don’t care what people say as much as what they respond to.

Here is a quick example.

We just picked up, “Seven”, currently the fastest motorcycle in the world at 350.884 mph.  The record was broken by Denis Manning of BUB Racing, Inc. (California) with champion driver Chris Carr.   For those who have been reading my blog, you may recall my interview with Denis that I recorded on YouTube, last year (search YouTube – Denis Manning “Fastest Motorcycle in the World” or search this blog).  In fact, we are organizing a totally comprehensive sponsorship package for his would be Marketers and advertisers.  For the sake of this article, if you would like to review what we have in mind for “Seven”, I would be happy to e-mail it to you as a “case study” review (it really is cool), just e-mail:  [email protected]

“Seven” the fastest motorcycle in the World 350.884 mph

It took BUB Racing, Inc. 31 years to break the record a second time.  The team broke their first world record in 1970 at 265.492 mph with Cal Rayburn, driver.  The current record hadn’t been broken for 16 years until “Seven” on September 5, 2006. The “Seven” team is working hard to break the record again at 375 mph in September 2008 and 400 mph in Australia in March of 2009.  This is an incredible story of engineering, safety, speed, having a dream and doing what others say can’t be done.

In tough times, this machine can catapult the right company nationally and around the world.  So, as we are working to attract the right companies, we have called on Fortune 100 corporations (i.e., fuel, global delivery, technology, really fast food, Hollywood production companies who specialize in product placement, TV and new media partners, high-speed internet, etc.)  who need something that will give them more “roar for their dollar” (yeah, this thing is loud).  For example, Goodyear has agreed to make the 400 mph tire.  In the past, few companies have jumped at this due to liability concerns; however, Denis and his team proved their determination once again and got a commitment.   

Our package incorporates the traditional stuff like having the logo on the machine, use of photography and video footage, and endorsements, etc.  However, via the strategic alliance development, this platform will be much more in the form of two planned documentaries and a movie on the life of Denis Manning, trade show appearances, on-line webcasts, point of purchase video displays via plasma screens, satellite and TV broadcasts,  a clothing line, a toy die-cast replica, the talk show circuit, sponsor mention in the book reprint of “World’s Fastest Motorcycle”, VIP receptions, and DVD distribution deal, and more.  This is history in the making and an opportunity to grant the right company bragging rights for years to come.

See the wind tunnel results of this magnificent machine registering a .08 co-efficient, zero is perfect “The reason we can reach high speeds” says Denis Manning, bike builder

Book Recommendation:

I read this book last month via a contest I won. An on-line friend Trish Forant, Founder of “EmailOurMilitary” (www.EmailOurMilitary.com) was running a promotion and I was the winner (I rarely win anything). I was happy to receive my autographed copy of “Final Salute” and read it from cover to cover, engrossed by the compassion of those serving the “Gold Star” families.  This book will touch your soul.  I have written a review of the book that you can read at my Marketing blog www.TheMarketingVortex.com that Trish also published on her blog.

 

If you are interested in learning talking about your particular Marketing challenges, we would be happy to talk to you.  You can reach us at 281.463.4560 or e-mail:  [email protected]   

Andy Valadez is President and Founder of Marketing Dynamics, a Strategic Marketing firm working with emerging entrepreneurs and growth-oriented companies, movie makers, authors, musicians, media personalities fashionistas, television shows, technologists, networkers and bloggers, non-profit organizations, and real estate professionals with gross annual sales under $50M.  Andy graduated from Texas A&M University with a BBA degree in Marketing focusing on Public Relations, Promotion Strategy, and Sales. He also received an Applied Business Certificate from Tulane University in New Orleans and served in the United States Marine Corps during Desert Storm/Shield. Visit www.TheMarketingVortex.com (blog)

“A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed better than silver or gold.”
– Proverbs 22:1
(A verse given to me by S. Truett Cathy, founder of Chick-fil-A)

The Hannah Montana Phenomenon, Why Marketers and Parents Should Take Notice?

By Andy Valadez, StealthMarketer/The Marketing Evangelist

Summary:  When reviewing what is being talked about in the marketplace, it is important to notice how companies Market to children.  It is also worthwhile to support those that Market well and those who support your values.  I particularly like those brands that support healthy relationships, teach about avoiding peer pressure, responsibility for one’s actions, humility, fun and creativity, and recognize of the need to contribute back to the community.  Great brands resonate because they promote wholesome qualities.  Others that rely on the “base” behavior do more harm than good and are losers in my book.  In fact, many I would put in the same category as a “child predator” for what they try to pull in the marketplace as “freedom of speech”. 

I love great Marketing and Billy Ray Cyrus’ team has done a phenomenal job of Marketing to the “Tweens”, those between childhood and their teens (8 and 12).  As a parent of two young girls, I am concerned bout the Marketing messages aimed at our children and many Marketers do want to catch children early to influence their behavior (for good or bad).  Their Marketing practices often, lead our children down the wrong path.  We won’t mention specific brands in this article, but you could probably take a quick poll or do a Google search to find articles like this one <Marketing to Tweens>

The “Hannah Montana” phenomenon is a class act from what I have observed. I remember when I first started hearing about “Hannah Montana” and my girls talking about wearing a “blonde wig”.  In the story, Miley Cyrus is a normal kid, but by night she is “Hannah Montana” a singing sensation (Hannah wears a wig to conceal her identity).  Well, this story appeals to a girls who dream of being a star by night and a regular kid by day (apparently there are millions of them out there).  It represents the “Best of Both Worlds”, the name of Hannah’s road tour and incredible merchandising machine. 

Now, parents across the U.S. have learned to appreciate what their children really like, spawning a desire among many children who are interested in acting, singing, and dance.  Parents now have the ammunition they need to encourage their children to study hard and to work for their dreams.  “Hannah’s” parents are always involved in the story and the transition of unveiling Miley (a new teenage star).  From a Marketing standpoint, this is a coup allowing Hannah to be Hannah and Miley to move out of the childhood years.  Miley is the new more prominent feature of the rest of the story.  Miley Cyrus/Hanna Montana recently came to the Houston Live Stock and Rodeo show.  See the video she made on her new YouTube channel, which I found on-line (weeks old):

Miley and Mandy Show on YouTube Shot Before and After the Show in Houston

The concert had sold out months in advance, in fact over 73,426 people attended, breaking a record attendance for a concert at “Reliant Stadium” in Houston, Texas.

I was very fortunate to take my daughter to the concert which we blog about at www.KaylaVentures.blogspot.com and at www.TheMarketingVortex.com.  Kevin Price and I talk about this phenomenon on the air on Monday, 3/10/08.  I was proud to take my daughter to see an excellent role model and even prouder to buy her a $30 concert t-shirt, that I would normally say “no” to. 

I agree with the values of the Cyrus family and had no problem supporting their message.  That is great Marketing and people are paying top dollar to be a part of the Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus’ dream.  In fact, we were able to create our own dream in the process, for a night with Miley. 

Andy and Kayla Valadez attend the “Best of Both Worlds” Concert featuring “Hannah Montana”

Marketing Book Recommendation:

I read this book a while back, but you may find it very interesting on how agendas are made and Marketed.  A behind the scenes look at major social change and perceptions, started by Marketers who made it a goal to change behavior and culture. 

If you are interested in learning how to Market well, we would be happy to talk to you.  You can reach us at 281.463.4560 or e-mail:  [email protected]  Call TODAY, why wait?

Andy Valadez is President and Founder of Marketing Dynamics, a Strategic Marketing firm working with emerging entrepreneurs and growth-oriented companies, movie makers, authors, musicians, media personalities fashionistas, television shows, technologists, networkers and bloggers, non-profit organizations, and real estate professionals with gross annual sales under $50M.  Andy graduated from Texas A&M University with a BBA degree in Marketing focusing on Public Relations, Promotion Strategy, and Sales. He also received an Applied Business Certificate from Tulane University in New Orleans and served our country as a United States Marine during Desert Storm/Shield. Visit www.TheMarketingVortex.com (blog)

“A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed better than silver or gold.”
– Proverbs 22:1
(A verse given to me by Truett Cathy, founder of Chick-fil-A)

A "From the Front Lines" Podcast Interview with Al Delaney of OutBoundMusic.com”

Podcast: - A "From the Front Lines" Podcast Interview with Al Delaney of OutBoundMusic.com”

Al Delaney, VP of OutBoundMusic.com is on the front-lines of independent music. He and his lovely wife Courtney Delaney have created a unique resource for independent musicians and movie makers. Offering a music platform for all genres and a way to broadcast their music on one of 8 internet radio programs. See: www.OutBoundMusic.com

I am Being Followed, Are You Being Followed Too?

By Andy Valadez, StealthMarketer/The Marketing Evangelist

Summary:  Market leadership looks different for every company.  Your clients become fans of your company’s service. They especially love when you give them the tools to champion your customer oriented focus and provide a platform for them to “rave” about your company. Marketing is about developing and cultivating a following of your brand.  Real quick think of some of your favorite brands?  Send me an e-mail or comment below, the reasons why you like them.

On the mean streets, no one wants to be followed.  As a former Marine, I am always on the alert for the unexpected.  However, this article is not about self-defense or counter-attack measures or paranoia for that matter, it is about Market Leadership (my favorite subject). 

In business, our strategic goal is to attract a following, cultivate raving fans, and influence purchasing decisions or donations (for not-for-profit organizations).  The exercise of discovering what people value, the mediums they choose to respond to, and opinion leadership plays a critical role – price, place and time, product, promotion, psychology, etc. all play a part as well.

Someone once told me, “Leadership is looking back and seeing that you are indeed being followed.”  I have managed to develop some really unique relationships, as I work to build my company and have gotten to meet a few unique people in music like rocker Ted Nugent and Chris Sligh from American Idol, Authors like Ken Blanchard and Tom Peters, movie maker Chris Gardner subject of the movie “Pursuit of Happyness” and his executive producer Mark Clayman, and once met Butch Patrick, “Eddie Munster” from The Munsters.  It is cool to cross paths with people who have built successful brands.  In America, we like our celebrities.

I want those closest to me to value what I have to say about Marketing and take my advice.  One of the first goals when working with a client is to see if we are going to work well together and if they are going to take my advice.  The client has to be willing to learn, apply and try.

So, as a Marketer, I work on developing a following of those that will influence potential clients and I work up the chain.  Working with celebrities, opinion leaders, etc. is an investment in the long-haul.  I tell many of my clients, “That if you really want to be heard, invest in a few.”

In my last article, I wrote about the new Technology, Twitter.com a micro-blogging technology.  I have been investing some time micro-blogging on-line and developing a following.  I checked my e-mail tonight and noticed that Anderson Cooper, as in Anderson Cooper 360 from CNN had been following me on Twitter.com since 1/18/08.  Some of my following on-line, now include Guy Kawaski, Apple Fellow, technology evangelist, and Author (see “The Art of the Start” below), Robert Scoble (Microsoft tech leader), and others.  It is cool when you show up on the radar of opinion leaders.  More importantly for me is that I am following their posts and discovering what is coming to Market in real time, faster than I would ever get it on the news or some publications. 

Of course, prior to Twitter.com I have managed to build up a database of movie makers, media personalities, business leaders, musicians and authors, who all care to take my call, e-mails, and recommendations.  My good friend Ken Marsh, The Fearless Networker, is a champion for those who network.  Always be Marketing!

Marketing Resource Tip: 

You may have heard Kevin Price, radio host of Houston Business Show, and I talk about the use of YouTube.com or Google Video.  We are now looking seriously at UStream.TV to aid our “live” broadcasting goals.  UStream.TV allows you to set-up your own live streaming video complete with chat, polling, and self-archiving links and .html for later posting by your affiliates or followers. 

To learn more visit: www.UStream.TV and see this YouTube.com video (below)

If you are interested in learning how to take get people to follow you, we would be happy to talk to you.  You can reach us at 281.463.4560 or e-mail:  [email protected]  Call TODAY, why wait? Are you dialing yet?

Andy Valadez is President and Founder of Marketing Dynamics, a Strategic Marketing firm working with emerging entrepreneurs and growth-oriented companies, movie makers, authors, musicians, media personalities fashionistas, television shows, technologists, networkers and bloggers, non-profit organizations, and real estate professionals with gross annual sales under $50M.  Andy graduated from Texas A&M University with a BBA degree in Marketing focusing on Public Relations, Promotion Strategy, and Sales. He also received an Applied Business Certificate from Tulane University in New Orleans and served our country as a United States Marine during Desert Storm/Shield. Visit www.TheMarketingVortex.com (blog)

“A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed better than silver or gold.”
– Proverbs 22:1
(A verse given to me by Truett Cathy, founder of Chick-fil-A)

The Power of the IDEA and Marketing Momentum

By Andy Valadez, StealthMarketer/The Marketing Evangelist

Summary:  So many great ideas get displaced or “out positioned” due to a failure to involve Marketing Strategists, “The one who Markets best, Wins!”.  Have you seen the latest “The Celebrity Apprentice”episodes (creator Mark Burnett continues to reinvent his brand)? Gene Simmons got canned this week  for a failure to understand his customer and their strategic need to position Kodak’s “Revolutionary” ink saving technology (the bid idea).  Many of the challenges on “The Apprentice” have to do with Marketing problems.  The best implementation plans resonate and that determines who gets the nod from “The Donald” and his board and who gets “Fired!”.  This article talks a little about great ideas and Marketing.

My job as a Strategic Marketer is to stretch and grow my world of possibilities.  It enables my team and I to grow and capitalize on opportunities for my existing clients and discover emerging opportunities.  My company focuses on finding “diamonds” in the marketplace and requires that my clients have a desire to market themselves and passion to grow their position.

As a Strategic Marketing company, we are constantly reinventing ourselves and show up on a variety of “radars” locally and nationally and in a variety of mediums.  Daily Marketing is the mantra of the day and building a brand is the long-term vision.  We practice what we preach, Always be Marketing!

We have come to value the world of ideas and implementation.  A great idea without the right Marketing is doomed to slower implementation and possible failure.  You pay for “Marketing” one way or the other.  For example, you may have a program and decided forego a budget for Marketing.  Maybe you read the book “Guerrilla Marketing” (I agree with some of the principles, but it is a very limited view of what “Real Marketing” is all about).

The perceived Marketing savings can actually cost you in gross revenue and wind up costing  much more than what should have budgeted for Marketing to begin with.  A business manager can brag at the end of the year, how they grew the company, but it may have been based on sheer “will” power and in spite of  the business development plan. Remember, 80% of most businesses fail within the first 5 years, and the next 80% of the remaining businesses, fail the next 5 years (Source:  “The E-Myth” by Gerber).

My advice?  Get with a Marketer to help you create new ideas or take your existing ideas to the next level.  Develop a budget for Marketing and look to Market your company daily.  We understand tight budgets and there are many resources that you can use on a tight budget to effectively position your company and then grow into a position where you can develop a healthy plan to grow your business. 

We would love your feedback on ideas or Marketing campaigns you have implemented successfully to grow your business?  We will be happy to share that feedback or your story with our readers. 

Marketing Resource Tip:  This is a new addition to my blog feature.  Each week, I will recommend a book, technology resource, or idea that could help your business today, as in “right now” or “rat now” (if you are from East Texas). 

Have you heard of Twitter.com?  It is the next wave of on-line marketing.  Twitter.com is a “micro-blog” resource that allows you to connect with “movers and shakers” on-line with similar business interests.  You can text message from your cell phone (limited to 140 characters) and develop a following and follow leaders in your industry.  In addition, Twitter.com has a feature that enables your post to register automatically on your website or blog.  These posts are also picked up by search engines.  Learn more at www.Twitter.com

See this YouTube video and search “Twitter” on YouTube.com for other videos:

If you are interested in learning how to take your ideas, services or products to Market faster, we would be happy to talk to you.  You can reach us at 281.463.4560 or e-mail:  [email protected]  Call TODAY, why wait?

Andy Valadez is President and Founder of Marketing Dynamics, a Strategic Marketing firm working with emerging entrepreneurs and growth-oriented companies, movie makers, authors, musicians, media personalities fashionistas, television shows, technologists, networkers and bloggers, non-profit organizations, and real estate professionals with gross annual sales under $50M.  Andy graduated from Texas A&M University with a BBA degree in Marketing focusing on Public Relations, Promotion Strategy, and Sales. He also received an Applied Business Certificate from Tulane University in New Orleans and served our country as a United States Marine during Desert Storm/Shield. Visit www.TheMarketingVortex.com (blog)

“A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed better than silver or gold.”
– Proverbs 22:1
(A verse given to me by Truett Cathy, founder of Chick-fil-A)

A "From the Front Lines" Podcast Interview with Erica O’Grady of Peanut Butter Media – Making Ideas Stick

Podcast! A "From the Front Lines" Podcast Interview with Erica O’Grady of Peanut Butter Media – Making Ideas Stick”

Erica O’Grady is on the front-lines of social and new media.  Her contact list and influence represents a “Who’s Who” of what everyone is talking about on the old media.  Erica shares many of her insights into how she got involved, continues to meet dynamic people making the big moves, and shows you how to be a part.  See:  www.PeanutButterMedia.com and www.ReInventingErica.com

On Customer Evangelists and Evangelism

By Andy Valadez, StealthMarketer/The Marketing Evangelist

Summary:  I visit my blog TheMarketingVortex.com every now and then to review the content and get new ideas on what to focus on.  Well, I noticed that someone had placed this 46 minute video on my “Video Avalanche” film bar feature, so I clicked the video and watched the whole thing in its entirety. It really opened my eyes and heart to what it means to have customer evangelists out promoting our businesses.  I hope you like.

People have strange reactions to the word “Evangelism”.  It is a Greek word, meaning “Good News”.  I go by The Marketing Evangelist on the radio and TV and on-line and am about promoting the “good news” of Marketing one’s company.  Customer service is one attribute of Marketing, but what does that look like?  Most companies have a limited view of customers service.

Well, I found out about Jackie Huba, featured in this video, and she does a great job of showcasing what it means to create customer evangelists.  For the sake of time, I wanted to write the short introduction, but encourage you to watch this video to help you create customers that rave about you and your company!  Adopt the principles she talks about and change the world.

How to become an evangelistic organization:

• Get feedback constantly from your customers
• Share information and many times for free
• Create Buzz
• Try different things – “unexpected opportunities”
• Use bite size chunks
• Get involved in the community
• Take on a cause and make it your mission

To learn more about Jackie Huba, visit:  www.ChurchOfTheCustomer.com

If you are interested in learning how to create customer evangelists or evangelize your Marketing, we would be happy to talk to you.  You can reach us at 281.463.4560 or e-mail:  [email protected]

Andy Valadez is President and Founder of Marketing Dynamics, a Strategic Marketing firm working with emerging entrepreneurs and growth-oriented companies, movie makers, authors, musicians, media personalities fashionistas, television shows, technologists, networkers, non-profit organizations, and real estate professionals with gross annual sales under $50M.  Andy graduated from Texas A&M University with a BBA Degree in Marketing focusing on Public Relations, Promotion Strategy, and Sales. He also received an Applied Business Certificate from Tulane University in New Orleans and served our country as a United States Marine during Desert Storm/Shield. Visit www.TheMarketingVortex.com (blog)

“A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed better than silver or gold.”
– Proverbs 22:1
(A verse given to me by Truett Cathy, founder of Chick-fil-A)

Marketing Houston, Houston Marketing, and the New Media?

By Andy Valadez, StealthMarketer/The Marketing Evangelist

Summary:  “A live Marketing experiment”.  How long or how fast with this article push to the top of Google and affect search criteria for “Marketing Houston” or “Houston Marketing” search algorithms.  Our experiments have indicated amazing results with this platform.  The new media is the place you should be looking to Market your company.  Do it now or be sorry later.

My friend and business partner Kevin Price, Radio Talk Show Personality, has shown me the significance of his media platform utilizing web, radio, print, and TV.  My little blog platform continues to place our articles in the top 1 through 5 position on Google for “un-weighted searches” by topic.  “Un-weighted searches” are very generic and revealing.  Of course, many search engines are affected by Google in some form. So, to place high on Google may also allow your weblinks to place high on other search engines.  As a Marketer, I want every client “web link” to have its own search strategy.  You never really know where your clients are going to come into your website or the reason for their search.

I decided to title my article “Marketing Houston . . . Media?” because I wanted to see what would happen with the search algorithm “Marketing Houston” or “Houston Marketing” when this article posts today.  Our experiments have shown the positioning is usually immediate.  Why?  Well, as Kevin explains it, our platform is heavily integrated on-line and our traffic activity, virtually guarantees that our postings gain top positions (isn’t that unfair?).  So, for the investment of my time to write this article, I hope to place high on the above “keyword” searches. 

Well, I don’t want to go into all of the details of this little experiment.  But later today, I will do a Google search and you are invited to do the same to see where my article shows up.  Many top Marketing companies are paying to be placed at the top of “Houston Marketing” or “Marketing Houston”.  I’ll let you know what happens, or if you notice before I do, send me an e-mail.

Now, let’s talk about the new media.  The old media may be dragging its feet and fighting the changes and I say let them.  The new media wants everything professionally produced, takes to too long to make a decision, and are following the others who are making the news. The new media goes on-line, gets found, and changes human behavior that affect a variety of things.

Similarly, in Marketing your company needs to be leading the pack and make others talk about your company and cause activity.  As a Marketers, we are always focused on changing human behavior through the use of our strategic messaging, use of visual and audio mediums, product placement and distribution, Market feedback, design, price, and more.  The times of static Marketing are over.  We are looking at the new media and how to push the old media to the ever changing Market demands.   If you read this article in its entirety, you are part of the new media and Technorati.  Keep pushing the Market.

If you are interested in learning how to Market your company to the top, we would be happy to talk to you.  You can reach us at 281.463.4560 or e-mail:  [email protected]

Andy Valadez is President and Founder of Marketing Dynamics, a Strategic Marketing firm working with emerging entrepreneurs and growth-oriented companies, movie makers, authors, musicians, media personalities fashionistas, television shows, technologists, networkers, non-profit organizations, and real estate professionals with gross annual sales under $50M.  Andy graduated from Texas A&M University with a BBA Degree in Marketing focusing on Public Relations, Promotion Strategy, and Sales. He also received an Applied Business Certificate from Tulane University in New Orleans and served our country as a United States Marine during Desert Storm/Shield. Visit www.TheMarketingVortex.com (blog)

“A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed better than silver or gold.”
– Proverbs 22:1
(A verse given to me by Truett Cathy, founder of Chick-fil-A).

Fastest Motorcycles in the World Interview with Denis Manning

Andy Valadez, President of Marketing Dynamics a 100% pure Strategic Marketing firm working with leading-edge Marketing initiatives, gets several YouTube video interviews at the 27th Annual International Motorcycle Show held at Reliant Center.  Meghan Lee of Spin PR welcomes us along with, bike builder Roland Sands, Champion Cup Series Founder, and Denis Manning of BUB Racing, Inc. founder and creator of 6 of the 11 fastest motorcycles in the world.  Mr. Manning’s team currently holds the world land speed motorcycle with  “Stream Liner 7” (pictured below) – a  record at 350.884 MPH completed in September of 2006.  Special thanks to Meghan Lee of Spin Communications for facilitating this interview in the field.  Mr. Manning will make himself available for a special podcast where we discover why he has decided to pursue his dream of creating 7 of the fastest motorcycles in the world – next goal 400 MPH!  He to us off-line, that he knows he can do it.  We don’t doubt it.

Meghan Lee Welcomes the Houston Business Hour to the International Motorcycle Show

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Roland Sands Chopper Builder (www.RolandSands.com)

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JenD Interviews Travis of CCS Racing

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Worlds Fastest Motorcycles by Denis Manning (www.RacingTrialsByBUB.com)

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If you have the “need for speed” in the Marketplace, we would be happy to talk to you.  You can reach us at 281.463.4560 or e-mail:  [email protected]

Andy Valadez is President and Founder of Marketing Dynamics, a Strategic Marketing firm working with emerging entrepreneurs and growth-oriented companies, movie makers, authors, musicians, media personalities fashionistas, television shows, technologists, networkers, non-profit organizations, and real estate professionals with gross annual sales under $50M.  Andy graduated from Texas A&M University with a BBA Degree in Marketing focusing on Public Relations, Promotion Strategy, and Sales. He also received an Applied Business Certificate from Tulane University in New Orleans and served our country as a United States Marine during Desert Storm/Shield. Visit www.TheMarketingVortex.com (blog) or www.TheMarketingEvangelist.com

My Battle with Limited Thinking!

By Andy Valadez, StealthMarketer/The Marketing Evangelist

Summary:  Are you a limited thinker?  Do you think like a millionaire or billionaire?  What does the future of your business look like?  What do you want it to look like?  Are “you” keeping “you” from your success in the marketplace?  I ask myself this everyday.  I love dreamers and doers, and celebrate that spirit.  I hope this article inspires you to open your mind, makes more sales, and helps you to create more Marketing opportunities for your interests.

In the “battle for the mind” nothing kills great opportunities like “limited thinking” or “intentional narrowing”.  As I get older, I am having a lower tolerance for “stinking thinking” and that is opening doors for me and mine.  One has to have the “guts” to challenge preconceived notions or misperceptions.  My biggest challenge is helping people to challenge their own thoughts.  That realm is exciting to me.  I saw a recent quote on Dovarri’s website (I was doing a little research for one of clients and thought about this great company).  The quote?  “Open Minds, Close Sales” – and my addition to that would be “and Makes Markets”.

As a Strategic Marketer and Sales Professional, I find that my study of business and Marketing (I always capitalize the “M” in Marketing because it is very important), military history, politics, biographies, and faith (I am a born again Christian – which doesn’t mean I am perfect or better than you, it just means I have a mission and an assignment and I am living it out loud) has opened my heart and mind to many possibilities.  I challenge many of my strategic partners and circle of influence, that my job is to get the “porcupines to hug without sticking each other” when it comes to strategic alliance development.  In my world I battle with egos, self-interest, and “limited thought” to communicate the big ideas that lead to success. 

Fortunately, I have had the temperament to have a “consistent” message that is beginning to resonate.  I e-mailed a business friend this week and told him “I am not looking for the approval of men, I am looking for their influence (to me that is more valuable).”  Influence requires an investment in people and a love and appreciation for what they do and THAT, opens doors and minds and gets people off of the fence.  One of my favorite movies is “Jerry MaGuire” starring Tom Cruise and Cuba Gooding, Jr.  In the story, Cuba, in character, asks Jerry to “Show him the money!” and Jerry’s later response (after much patience and loss), was “Help me to help you!”  That appeal made the difference in the dynamics of their relationship and if you know the story, they go on to become a success (based on a true story).  See the clip below:

“Help me to help you!”

If I do my job well (and there are many ways to do this), then I find that “great minds” really do think alike.  That can be dangerous, but in the spirit of “win-win-win” this can open the door to accelerated opportunities.  I recently added this signature to my e-mail:  “On Mission and On Assignment” to communicate my focus and that has garnered a lot of buzz with a few of my friends and clients. 

In the Market, I am finding that people will try to categorize what you do and once you allow yourself to get “pigeon-holed”, your “turkey and goose is cooked!” – Happy Thanksgiving!

As a Marketer, I am 100% focused on Strategic Marketing.  The principals work in many industries and I fight daily being categorized in a certain category.  Marketing principles create the opportunities and that is the result of the Strategic thought.  The symptoms of Marketing are the finished product – great movie, great product roll-out, buzz in the Marketing, cool website, innovative TV commercial, excellent selling programs, etc.  A Marketer helped make it happen.

If you are interested in learning how to get beyond limited thinking, we would be happy to talk to you.  You can reach us at 281.463.4560 or e-mail:  [email protected]

Andy Valadez is President and Founder of Marketing Dynamics, a Strategic Marketing firm working with emerging entrepreneurs and growth-oriented companies, movie makers, authors, musicians, media personalities fashionistas, television shows, technologists, networkers, non-profit organizations, and real estate professionals with gross annual sales under $50M.  Andy graduated from Texas A&M University with a BBA Degree in Marketing focusing on Public Relations, Promotion Strategy, and Sales. He also received an Applied Business Certificate from Tulane University in New Orleans and served our country as a United States Marine during Desert Storm/Shield. Visit www.TheMarketingVortex.com (blog)

Proverbs 22:1 (A verse given to me by Truett Cathy, founder of Chick-fil-A)