The great irony of my life is I went into advertising because I was good with words but not math or science. Then spent most of my life selling math and science. Go figure. It all began in NY agencies at the end of the Mad Men era when I got assigned to an early PC account. Most agency types would've run the other way but I dove in and never looked back. I ended up in Atlanta helping create one of the first agencies to apply modern brand marketing concepts to tech that was later acquired by a major global agency network. But I still trace everything that guides me today back to that pioneering agency experience.
In the years that followed I helped solve marketing challenges for companies across every aspect of the enterprise. Eventually I went "client" side to do what I do now and proud of it. You see, today, authentic storytelling is more critical than ever to connecting brands to customers. Doing that well across all kinds of content takes a special skill set. Because, while technology can do more than ever before, you can't automate authenticity. Not yet, at least.
Aside from the need to be honest and authentic, I've come to believe a few things during my career about what I do and the nature of the market that define my approach to my work. A few of them follow.
Like I said on the homepage, There, now you're ready to start marketing (meaning it is up to you to make people care).
What you say about yourself must be true. It must also be credible and relevant to the audience at this moment/place in time.
In considered B2B decisions details are critical; emotion comes next. So speak to the head first, then go for the gut/heart.
If that is, you have what it takes, and permission from the audience, to be who you want to be (new spin on perception=reality).
Be connected to people you trust and love. I've been married 30+ years to wife Beth who keeps me and our four grown kids connected and moving in the right direction. It's important to have people like that in your life. And to be that person for others, too.
I rowed crew in college, an experience that taught me my most important lessons in life. Work hard, push yourself to your limits, do it together, trust others and be someone others can trust. If you haven't read "The Boys in the Boat," you should. Sums it up nicely.
Our four kids have given me a life of joy and laughter (and a few grey hairs). Raising them with Beth has been my #1 accomplishment. Today, with the kids all grown, these two crazy dogs keep me laughing and smiling. Being passionate about work and having fun go hand in hand.
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