The Visionary Chronicles

EPISODE 134

CHRONICLE: November 10th , 2023

" 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.

1. 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!

1. Prioritize |

• Identify your most important tasks, prioritize them, and do them daily. Stick to the priorities, and do not go off course.

1. Focus |

• Focus, use time management techniques such as time blocking to organize your tasks and stay focused.

1. Delegate |

• Trust your team and delegate tasks. This frees your time and empowers others.

1. Stressless |

• Incorporate mindfulness, such as meditation or deep breathing exercises. These practices help reduce stress and improve focus.

1. Organized |

• Handwrite to-do lists that connect mind and body. Stay organized.

1. Goals |

• Set goals for yourself and your team. Keeping accurate and realistic expectations can lead to stress and burnout.

1. Health |

• Prioritize your physical and mental health. Exercise regularly, maintain a balanced diet, and get enough sleep.

1. Family |

• Make time for your family and friends.

1. 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 | [email protected]

 Facebook | @bryansmeltzer33

 Instagram | @bryan_smeltzer

 X | @bryansmeltzer

LinkedIn | linkedin.com/in/bryansmeltzer/

EPISODE 132

CHRONICLE: November 1st, 2023

"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?

1. Take Risks | No great product has ever been realized without Risk.

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 |  [email protected]

 Facebook |  @bryansmeltzer33

Instagram |  @bryan_smeltzer

 X | @bryansmeltzer

LinkedIn | linkedin.com/in/bryansmeltzer/

EPISODE 131

CHRONICLE: October 25th, 2023

"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;

1. 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

1. 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

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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;

 [email protected]

  @bryansmeltzer33

 @bryan_smeltzer

 @bryansmeltzer

 linkedin.com/in/bryansmeltzer/

EPISODE 130

CHRONICLE: October 18th, 2023

• 2022 Readers Favorite Award Winner: Best, Non-fiction, Marketing book

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?

1. Innovate, don’t Imitate

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|  [email protected]

Facebook |  @bryansmeltzer33

Instagram |  @bryan_smeltzer

 X  | @bryansmeltzer

 LinkedIn | linkedin.com/in/bryansmeltzer/

CHRONICLE: October 11th, 2023

"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.

1. 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.

"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 | [email protected]

 Facebook | @bryansmeltzer33

Instragram |  @bryan_smeltzer

 X | @bryansmeltzer

LinkedIn |  linkedin.com/in/bryansmeltzer/

CHRONICLE: September 27th, 2023

"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:

1. 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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 community members to create and share content related to your brand. This can include reviews, testimonials, photos, and stories. Recognize and reward outstanding contributions.

• 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.

• Foster a sense of belonging and Community among your members. Use inclusive language and make them feel like they are part of something special.

• Implement clear community guidelines and moderate the Community to ensure a positive and respectful environment. Address any issues or conflicts promptly and fairly.

• Organize online and offline events, webinars, workshops, or meetups that allow community members to connect with each other and your brand.

• Pay attention to feedback and suggestions from your Community. Use this input to improve your products or services and adjust the community experience.

• 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.

• 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.

• Recognize and celebrate community milestones and achievements. This can include anniversaries, reaching a certain number of members, or successful campaigns.

• 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 | [email protected]

 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,

EPISODE 127

CHRONICLE: September 20th, 2023

Content from Bryan’s new Award Winning, Bestselling Book

The Visionary Brand, The Success Formula Behind the World's Most Visionary Brands.

• Readers Favorite Award Winner: Best, Non-fiction, Marketing book

" Culture is the widening of the mind and of the spirit” - Jawaharlal Nehru

To be a Brand, you must first understand yourself, who you are, and what you do, then engrain a singular voice around these principles and apply this to every segment of your business. In other words, creating an authentic Culture, driven through a passionate Team and Community collectively realizing your Vision.  

Brands who embrace this authentic Culture are often led through Servant leadership. Servant leadership is proactive and self-sacrificing and leads to a cohesive team loyal to a brand's long-term growth. Many brands, such as Patagonia, are committed to being Servant leaders and giving back whenever and wherever possible. The commitment is carried through in their brand culture;

“Patagonia supports environmental organizations with bold, direct-action agenda, and a commitment to long-term change.”

What an awesome cultural statement that reflects Servant leadership and consistent brand voice. The Vision of Patagonia through founder Yvon Chouinard’s eyes and carried through the brand and its team's bloodlines! A passion that has led to one of the world’s most successful and admired brands, a Vision to be a Servant leader, and to build a Culture that lasts for generations.

For your brand, Servant leadership can be carried through serving others without any hidden agenda for the betterment of the brand, employees, or customers on a global scale. By engraining Servant leadership into your Culture, a brand can better communicate its values and Vision to those looking to join your Tribe. However, always keep it authentic, real, and value-driven; this is the anchor of Servant leadership.

Another cultural value that meshes with Servant leadership is Character. A leader's Character, which consistently follows through at all levels of your brand, builds loyalty and trust across your team. A leader with character issues often drives inconsistent or unauthentic leadership. Authentic Character is a Foundational principle of Visionary leaders, and once it is broken, the entire foundation of a brand starts to crack. If severe enough, the whole brand may crumble; this is how vital Character is to a brand’s viability. It is not the brand's success that builds a great team; it is the consistent Vision, Character, and Servant leadership of its Visionary!

Can you honestly say you understand “who you are and your culture?” If not, get to work and define it. Otherwise, you are a rudderless boat with no sense of direction or destination.

Anchor yourself and your brand in Servant leadership first, with consistent Character, defined Values, and brand Diversity.

So, in conclusion, in order to build a Culture that lasts for generations, and is tangible, authentic and genuine you must have the following;

1. Servant Leadership

These are anchors to the foundation of any great brand, and a Culture which sustains and maintains its passion to succeed.

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 protected]

 Facebook |  @bryansmeltzer33

Instagram |  @bryan_smeltzer

X |  @bryansmeltzer

 LinkedIn | linkedin.com/in/bryansmeltzer/

Content from Bryan’s new Award Winning, Bestselling Book

Te Visionary Brand, The Success Formula Behind the World's Most Visionary Brands.

• Readers Favorite Award Winner: Best, Non-fiction, Marketing book

"Stay hungry, stay foolish." – Steve Jobs

This quote from Steve is a passionate plea for creators never to be satisfied with the status quo. Always ask "Why” and “How” and search for answers to questions others have not yet asked. In response to these questions, find a way to separate your brand from the status quo; you need a transparent, cohesive process to ensure the greatest ideas become a reality!

In this podcast, I want to further our discussion on The Power Triad, the three engines that keep a brand thriving; Product, Marketing & Sales. Bringing insanely great products to market is a process, a method to the madness. You will often create a product when there seems to be no demand. The supply and demand problem, what to do, and how to do it?

When the Power Triad determines opportunities to disrupt or reinvent how a product works or how a  process provides a solution, this is the front end of the ideation process. The Ideation process is driven by and led by the Product and Marketing teams, each responsible for a critical ingredient to a brand's ongoing success formula, starting with a premium product, commercialized when ready, not by Marketing but by the product team. When the Power Triad process is not followed correctly, when marketing gets ahead of Product, or Sales get ahead of Marketing, whatever the breakdown, it always leads to a disaster.

One real-life disaster, a case study in my new book The Visionary Brand, is when Under Armour, driven by my marketing success in its early years, decided to enter a new market, football cleats—a category without core expertise. During the commercialization process, marketing had committed a campaign budget to a specific release date, which the Product team had not signed up to. Although the Product team was not on board with releasing the Product, Marketing had commitments, and they took the lead with a product not ready for primetime. The release was a product disaster, having to return most of what was released. The real damage was related to trust and authenticity, which take decades to earn, and weeks to lose.

Lesson learned through the following formula.

• Great Product + Great Marketing = SUCCESS

When building your Power Triad, ensure they follow the process; Product to Marketing to Sales. There is input from each core group along the way, with most being in the front end of ideation, but Product must commercialize the Product, Marketing must market the Product, and Sales must Sell the Product. Simple but challenging for most brands to commit to and follow through.

In my new award-winning and bestselling book, The Visionary Brand, The Success Formula Behind the World's Most Visionary Brands, I reference Breakout or Breakdown. You can either Breakout, where each needs each through Interdependence, or Breakdown, where each needs itself through Independence. The Power Triad is an Interdependent group of cross-functional team members working towards a singular goal. To crush the competition!

Build a great Power Triad team, and give them the Independence to be Interdependent on one another—the formula for success in building a generational product pipeline and loyal brand following.

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 |  [email protected]

Facebook |  @bryansmeltzer33

Instagram |  @bryan_smeltzer

 X | @bryansmeltzer

LinkedIn | linkedin.com/in/bryansmeltzer/

EPISODE 125

The Visionary Chronicles Podcast

CHRONICLE: August 16th, 2023

Content from Bryan’s new Award Winning, Bestselling Book

The Visionary Brand, The Success Formula Behind the World's Most Visionary Brands.

• Readers Favorite Award Winner: Best, Non-fiction, Marketing book

THE VISIONARY BRAND | The Culture Matrix

" Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.” – Abraham Lincoln

A brand's bloodline, values, and foundational principles are carried out through its Culture. Within a brand, the Çulture is a living, breathing thing; everyone within the four walls can feel it, and those outside can see it. Building a Vision dedicated to sustaining a brand Culture is the core of a brand's ultimate success. Without it, you are merely a company selling products, a Commodity. With it, you gain loyalty from your team and long-term value from your Community.

So when you look at Culture, what is it, and how is it built? I am often asked, “What does a brand Culture look or feel like?”  It is a phenomenon few experience, as there are so few genuine, authentic brands. I often say, just because you say you are a brand, does not mean you are a brand. A brand is an earned position, and Culture is a crucial ingredient to successfully crossing that bridge. Culture is an intuitive feel. Your products, communications, and bloodline connect everyone to the brand through a common thread called a Vision.

To build your Culture, there are four distinct areas to focus on.

1. Authentication | Be authentic in all you do as a company, clearly understanding your brand Vision. It all starts with a Vision executed through others and authenticated with a consistent voice.

Becoming a brand involves many ingredients to build the formula for success. Brands are defined by their Culture, set by a clear Vision. Their Products are consistently excellent, and their Lifestyle is tangible through Products and Vision.

If there is a disconnect between a brand's Vision and Culture, it starts to tear it apart, starting small but eventually infecting the entire company. Internal brand Torchbearers and external advocates are the ones who keep the Vision alive and pass along the torch to the next generation. This is how a brand becomes brand and generational; think Nike, BMW, Lamborghini, and Ralph Lauren are iconic and all generational in their success.

Build a Culture around becoming a brand through a Vision set by your Visionary. Stay consistently excellent, consistently authentic, and committed to your Vision. Become generational and leave your legacy for others to follow!

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 | [email protected]

Facebook |   @bryansmeltzer33

Instagram | @bryan_smeltzer

X | @bryansmeltzer

LinkedIn |  linkedin.com/in/bryansmeltzer/

EPISODE 126

CHRONICLE: August 18th, 2023

"Think Different." - Steve Jobs

Think Different, simple, but sophisticated, just like Steve wanted it to be. Not all brand Visions can be as sophisticated, yet having a Vision is critical to your success as a company. Establishing a Vision is one of, if not the most important, things you will do when starting your company. It sets the tone, the culture, the long-term goals, and what you want to accomplish. This is a lot to accomplish, but it must be succinct, and bringing it down to a few simple words will be your most challenging task.

Along with Steve’s Vision, think of other brands, BMW and “The Ultimate Driving Machine.”

Setting a Vision for your brand is crucial in defining its purpose, direction, and long-term goals. A well-crafted Vision statement helps guide your company's decisions, actions, and strategies. Here's an 11-point step-by-step guide on how to set a Vision for your brand:

1. Understand Your Brand's Purpose | Start by clarifying why your brand exists beyond profit-making. What product does it Create, and what problem does it solve? What value does it bring to your customers' LIFE? Your brand's purpose is the foundation upon which your Vision will be built.

Remember that a well-crafted Vision is not just a statement on paper; it's a guiding force that influences your brand's culture, strategies, and actions. It should resonate with everyone associated with the brand and inspire them to work together toward a common purpose.

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 | [email protected]

Facebook | @bryansmeltzer33

 Instragram | @bryan_smeltzer

X  | @bryansmeltzer

LinkedIn |  linkedin.com/in/bryansmeltzer/