A view inside the Lyfestyle of Brand and Gentleman

YES, your email address must be brand approved!

2012-01-27T11:30:00.001-06:00

So... in a recent conversation with a close friend, I couldn't help but laugh at the small branding mistakes made everyday. Read the scenario below CLOSELY and see if you can spot "where's waldo"?

A qualified applicant submitted for a very lucrative position with Mircosoft. The resume was written and reviewed by the best professionals. Their LinkedIn recommendations and technical skills were second to none.

Confident, they pressed send using their personal email which happened to be: mike3434@yahoo.com

*did you spot waldo*

my recent spanking!

2012-01-19T16:01:00.002-06:00

In a recent meeting I got taught "you don't know, what you think you know"..I've been in marketing/branding for 11 years and fully understand my grasp and lack of knowledge however in this particular conversation

I HAD TO TAKE IT, LOL...I learned a few more things about myself and how to step out my arrogance box, challenge myself to ask the tough questions , become a better marketer/branding guy

but, yea, I took this spanking!

Hire a horse for your Branding/Marketing

2012-01-09T11:32:00.003-06:00

One of my favorite movies is "Secretariat" the story about a racehorse considered the greatest ever. What caught my attention was when not racing he would loathe around, sleep all day and eat, well, like a horse. Watching him you'd think "sheesh, this dudes not worth a wooden nickel"

In a particular scene Penny, the owner, is talking to her ailing dad about Secretariat, he looks at her with all his strength and says "Let him run his race"..See a race horse wears blinders and with these on they can't see the other horses and stay focused on the end goal. They can still see what's coming and if the other horses get even the slight bit ahead of them they know it's time for a kick. (think about that)

It's not that you don't worry about the methods or work ethics of the people you hire for your marketing and branding, however look at how they envision your brand and the methods used. What'ss their focus and are they wearing blinders?

@bigtexmarketing

Your brand is like a basketball team

2011-12-22T23:55:00.002-06:00

There are 5 players on a basketball team

Point Guard=directs plays, controls the game

Two Guard=scores points

Small Forward=scores and rebounds

Power Forward=rebounds and defends

Center=All the above

To succeed your brand will need someone to play each of these positions. The key to remember is

you're the Power Forward

i was asked if "i know what i'm talking about"

2011-12-15T13:00:00.001-06:00

A recent conversation with someone who inquired about my Brand Manager skills let to them visiting this site, and saying, "i'm going to keep my eye on you".

Certain marketing/branding professionals are conceptors, thought leaders, strategist and executioners. I post on this site to make you THINK, the postings maybe short but they are quick reads in hope you will sit back and say "hmmm, never took that angle"

Most people don't think about a "brand manager" it's more about a Manager, accountant or personal circle. For many it's hard to pay someone to, as they put it, come up w/ideas for them". LoL

I'd like to define a brand manager:

"Brand managers are the key people behind the success of any brand or product. They are responsible to improve the value of their brands or products, which in turn generate profitable returns for the company and shareholders. Many multinational companies spend millions on brand management and employ professional brand managers to develop, plan and implement marketing activities to increase the value of their brands..." *noted http://www.jobdescriptions.net/business/brand-management/

..now re-read this a few times over and understand what a brand manager is

Ryan SeaTEX: hosting Beefeater 24 Mixologist competition

2011-12-06T23:46:00.001-06:00

Beefeater 24 gathered the best local "Mixologist" and turned them loose. As the shakers rocked it was obvious these guys were masters of the pour!

Tasting notes on Beefeater 24:
"Beefeater 24 has a clean aroma that is delightfully complex with a bit of tannic citrus noticeable against the well-known taste of the base gin. The palate has more of the citrus but it is in a nice balance with the still juniper-foward taste. Its finish is characteristically dry and full of juniper and a touch of liquorice" *ABOUT.COM

Your Brand (what we see vs what you portray)

2011-12-05T13:25:00.001-06:00

*thoughtcatalog.com*

"A marketing / branding professional should never get to a place in the social media universe, or real life, where they think everyone believe more left than right"

Who really has KLOUT in social media, do you?

2011-11-21T09:37:00.001-06:00

Klout is a "social media measuring tool" that gives a realistic view and score of an individuals reach and impact. Klout states they integrate with 13 networks, the truth is only 4 actually impact your score (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and FourSquare). To find your Klout score, visit www.klout.com and follow the simple directions.

In other words, all the people you are following, all the friends you have on Facebook, the blog that you really don't use much. Klout will tell you if you are reaching ANYBODY!

Now, it's interesting because most of us believe their own hype, myself guilty at times and think everything they say is "epic" or when "check-in" people will come running (I had to laugh when typing this one). By constantly tweeting and status updating the illusion is perpetuated.

Find our your Klout score, learn how to use social media to your advantage, research others in your industry and compare. Companies are using sites like Klout and others when determining sponsorships, partnerships and how to spend their marketing/branding dollars.

Tell me your Klout (score).

it's your brand sooo, what happened in vegas?

2011-11-14T13:08:00.001-06:00

it's your brand sooo, what happened in Vegas?

One of the best things about Las Vegas is someone can find any and everything they desire. Just look at picture above it's almost like "where's waldo" from casinos to castles, the New York skyline, heck look close enough you can see a MacDonalds.

Their slogan

"what happens Vegas, stays in Vegas!"

What's your slogan?

If someone asked about you what would others say?

If someone looked closely at your brand what would they see?

when you answer these questions, please bring me a 2 cheeseburger meal from that Macdonalds with a Hi-c Orange, please and thank you!

Chiq diva: #PR tip of the week (#branding)

2011-11-08T10:36:00.000-06:00

In Memoriam: Chiq Diva's #PR Tip of the week

"A star shines from every

angle....Artistically. spiritually,

professionally, physically and

emotionally"

3,000 marketing messages per day

2011-11-05T14:11:00.001-05:00

As I sat on the road from running out of gas, I grabbed a book and waited on roadside assistance.

It took about 3 minutes before I noticed my car shaking from cars going so fast I could hardly recognize the make or model. However every now and then a luxury vehicle would mozy by, taking their time, enjoying the ride. Making sure I was aware to their presence.

The average american is exposed to over 3,000 messages per day and we can only imagine how many of these messages are seen by people in their car speeding by, as they talk on the phone, fumble w/the radio, send a tex or all the above. Lol

Think about your brand message and re-read what I wrote
Sent on the BigNetwork® from my wifi typewriter TexBerry®

So i sent these handwritten invites!

2011-10-14T09:22:00.000-05:00

For one of my recent events, I sent out 30+ handwritten invites. I figured enough of the text blast, facebook messages and emails, this time hand written letters would make it more intimate.

The event went off without a hitch ( www.sikarboyzclub.com ) over 200 people showed up and out of that number

ZERO of the hand-written invites showed up. I can't lie, I was taken aback, in someway bothered. I was sure in all my marketing arrogance and research people would realize the "personal touch" of the letters and feel mor the importance to me and show up. NOPE,, nada, nothing

What I came to realize is, we are WAY TO DESENSITIZED, out of touch, caught up in our own world (falling for unreality television). We get in elevators and don't speak, sit down at lunch and pick up our phone, t checking in, updating status' and tweeting.

Marketing works best when there is 2 needs are met what's in for them and the emotional connection.

Somehow I missed both of them

Ryan SeaTEX (a montage of hosting

2011-10-10T13:00:00.000-05:00

Ryan SeaTEX , hosting!

Yes, your #brand has competition

2011-09-27T12:31:00.001-05:00

One of the biggest things I hear when consulting is "this will change this, or that" or "this is something new", often musicians say this. Let's be very clear, your brand has competition, everyone in your industry thinks the same way and more than likely are taking the risk that will make people believe they "will change this or that".

It's time to get out of your shell, research your competition, see what they are executing, what technologies they are innovating and using, If you don't......see the guy in the green shirt above

Chiq Diva's PR. Tip of the week

2011-09-19T12:50:00.002-05:00

In Memoriam: Chiq Diva's #PR Tip of the week

"Build your own media database and communicate with the journalist regularly. Don't crowd them, remember they are human, a quick hello (when you have nothing going on) goes a long way"

Remy Martin Cognac presents "Lyfestyle of a Gentleman"

2011-09-13T13:22:00.000-05:00

Remy Martin presents

"Lyfestyle of a Gentleman"

(Retail sale program)

Why is your #brand is NOT exclusive or elite

2011-09-12T12:11:00.005-05:00

Why is your brand is NOT exclusive or ELITE, because there is nothing offered!

Can someone fill out the application and get an AMEX Black card, NO

Can you simply walk into the Largest African American Cigar Club in North Texas, the SiKaR BoYz cLuB and be a member, NO

If you asked to test drive a Maybach do you think they would let you, likely, but i'm guessing not.

If your looking to separate from the crowd offer something others can't , go the extra mile on a sale, hire a limo company to pick up or offer free rides after an event.Require dress codes, use secret passwords, make your membership cards uber exclusive.

The trick, less is more!

Perception of your #brand & a bicycle, LOL

2011-09-01T10:54:00.003-05:00

Recently I was relaxing at a park when a guy on bike (like the one pictured) came flying past me. For some strange reason I started thinking, where is he going in such a hurry, is he having fun, does he ride his bike everywhere, who's his favorite BMX rider?

All these questions came up and it dawned on me, I know nothing about him, my perception of him is his brand.

Remember people see first
ask questions later

Chiq Diva #PR Tip of the Week..Do a background check

2011-08-23T00:20:00.000-05:00

In Memoriam: Chiq Diva's #PR Tip of the week

Do a background check of the PR person your going to hire, can you google their work, speak with their clients, what about the people they fired? -Otis Stoute

JKJ

Measuring you #branding & #marketing

2011-08-10T09:29:00.001-05:00

One of the hardest things to measure is your marketing, how many people got your message, read your blog, visited your site.

There are programs that can give analytics for all the above, heck google is one of the best!

My advice...think in the power of ONE, if one person who didn't know about you finally does then your marketing has value. Don't over think or under value what I'm saying. Sometimes in life it only takes one!

@bigtexmarketing
Sent on the BigNetwork® from my wifi typewriter TexBerry®

#manners for #marketing

2011-08-07T09:41:00.001-05:00

Excuse me

Thank you

Hello

Do you mind?

Try using these words when/after consumers use your brand and see what happens

Sent on the BigNetwork® from my wifi typewriter TexBerry®

how to hire a #marketing /Social media GURU

2011-07-31T12:35:00.005-05:00

DON'T!!!

Do not hire someone claiming to be any type of GURU.

I read an article recently about people labeling themselves "guru's" of this or that and how they can almost guarantee you success in the social media/ marketing world.

If it sounds to good to be true, yeah buddy it is. The social universe changes daily, new websites, social networks, blogs, new blah blah blah so how can one person have a grasp on the technology? they more than likely follow the website http://www.mashable.com for whats new.

pick a few platforms that you feel comfortable in (ex:twitter, facebook) learn all you can about them to be proficient. you'll save money and the headache

How to get sponsorships for your events

2011-07-14T14:21:00.003-05:00

...Events are getting more expensive

---Talent is asking for more money

===Consumers have gotten to the point where they are not fooled by email blast or flyers

******Bar guarantees have become out of this world

So you have to offset cost, why not get a "sponsor", you know, someone with a check book who can get you money to help. Sure....They will be happy to be apart of your event because you have a "B-list" oops I mean "A-list" celebrity, or their logo will be on "x-amount of fliers or email blast". You know they wouldn't want to miss out!

WRONG!

Brands do NOT need you or your EVENT!!! let me repeat that, they do not NEED YOU OR YOUR EVENT...

as budgets decrease there are certain things you will need to change in your approach, certain WORDS you have to stop using..(i'm being very abstract because i just don't want to give all the answers right now)

brands can circumvent you and make their presence at YOUR event w/out paying you (guess how)

brands don't really care about celebrities at your event, you know why? (i do, but not telling)

the one free piece of advice i will give on this topic is

*focus on who and not how how much*

twitter@bigtexmarketing

Take a shot at smiling

2011-07-12T09:35:00.003-05:00

We find ourselves trying to attract the "perfect" customer

Our research shows us how to build programs that will get us market space

We spend major dollars in packaging & messaging (including, clothes, print)

but I'll tell you this, YOU are your brand so take a shot at smiling, give off the energy that YOU want their business and NEED them.

2011-06-29T00:38:00.002-05:00

A young man named Ron Abuelo has joined our SiKaR cLuB
Members got to enjoy Ron Abuelo aged 12 years Anejo Rum. A great time had by all

View more presentations from bigtexmarketing.

Ryan seaTEX: Tequila and a Cigar

2011-06-28T23:20:00.009-05:00

Recently invited to host the:
Partida Tequila Mixologist competition at Javiers in Dallas.

Partida is 100% Blue Agave, flavored by One Pass Jack Daniel barrels.
Very, Very Smooth as you would expect with a tequila, what stood out was, no salt or mixers were needed. The taste held its own

SiKaR BoYz cLuB: a taste of whiskey

2011-06-08T09:42:00.000-05:00

Sikarboyzclubrecaprw

View more presentations from bigtexmarketing

Donuts holes and A-holes, is this marketing?

2011-06-08T08:45:00.004-05:00

if you've EVER driven past Krispy Kreme donuts and seen the beacon blazing the words "HOT DONUTS" then you know how absolutely delicious to the taste buds they are when baked fresh!

What does that have to do with branding and marketing, nothing other than it's a big red sign that has your mouth watering while you are trying to drive, text, change the radio station and curse the person out in front of you for cutting you off AS YOU MADE THE ILLEGAL U-TURN into Krispie Kreme.

Us (yup I definitely throw myself here) marketing & branding people always have these grand visions of how we can improve your brand, market position, facebook fan pages and twitter followers when in the end what we see is completely opposite of where you, DEEP inside, want to take your brand.

Sometimes you gotta be an A-Hole and stand firm in the direction you want your brand to go.

It's ok to finish second in branding

2011-05-20T07:53:00.001-05:00

Everyone can understand sometimes you have to loose and that's ok.

Is it?

Here is a list of #1's. Please tell me who's in second place (no bing or google allowed)

Mcdonalds
Mercedes Benz
Gillette
Starbucks
Schwinn
Apple ipod
Man O' war (racehorse)

I'm still waiting..... *taps fingers on desk* exactly

No one remembers second place, DOMINATE your marketplace and see who remembers you
Put your name on everything, launch it in the clouds and tape it to you forehead.

Just win baby

Ryan SeaTEX Launch Malibu Black Rum

2011-05-13T12:30:00.006-05:00

LAUNCH PARTY!

Price Point: 19-20
Flavor Breakdown: Much stronger than regular Malibu
Mix: Malibu Sunrise (Shawn Sonny's favorite)
Proof: 70 with a hint of coconut
Rating:
2.5 cowboy hats out of 5

Ryan Sea Tex

Good time had by all

Yup, that's a MIC

A Million Experts on the subject of Branding/Marketing

2011-05-03T08:58:00.004-05:00

Recently I was asked on twitter, "why do you blog" and "how frequent"?

The more I thought about it, I realized there are A MILLION experts on the subject of personal branding and marketing, from Dan Schwabel to Seth Godin you can find difference of opinions on the same subject. Someone will tell you don't say your a "Brand" and others will tell you to yell it from the rooftops.

I'm not some type of Guru, Assassin (yes that's a new title) , VP or etc but what is offered to partners (not clients) is a simple way to expand their personal brand. Concepts and ideas are put in place, given time to grow and measured.

Folks that's the simplicity of it

K.I.S.S (Keep it Simple Sir)

Gentleman named Jack and the Sikar Boyz

2011-05-02T10:46:00.004-05:00

A quick stop in houston for the

Gentleman Jack Daniels Art's, Beats and Lyrics

*Some pictures provided by idmix.com aka Ikem, aka *Gucci*

Is that a TV on his neck? waddup newhouse

@sikarboyzclub in the building *Jay-z tone*

Chiq Diva P.R. Tip of the week "shooting a music video"

2011-04-17T13:30:00.001-05:00

In Memoriam: Chiq Diva's P.R Tip of the week

PPR101/201

TIP OF THE WEEK

"Don't shoot a video for every song you make. Use youtube, myspace & facebook "fan page" to gauge what videos your fans enjoy viewing"

SiKaR BoYz cLuB Pours Michael Collins

2011-04-05T12:10:00.004-05:00

Another great opportunity to drink with friends and Michael Collins Irish Whiskey.

Are you in the "club"?
@sikarboyzclub

So you want a Facebook page for your business?

2011-04-05T10:53:00.005-05:00

As I type this message more and more businesses are finding success on Facebook. Worldwide companies like Coke-Cola, Walmart and Dove all have found #winning ways, but smaller brands as well. They are creating communities, have great stories, check-ins and have found ways to engage their Facebook fans.

"Well Big Tex, how do I find success?". Glad you asked, keep in mind I'm just a guy who loves marketing, so here are 3 ideas (they are not unique to me, I'm just paraphrasing) to start with:

1. Separate and create a "Fan Page" or "Like page" for your business

2. Offer them a reason to become a "fan" or "like" your page. Try coupons, freebies or anything to get them excited

3. Once your page is set up, don't just blast it to your status update, send a personal message to all your FB friends. Yes, that maybe hundreds or thousands of messages (geesh I'm not that popular). By doing this you are raising brand awareness and possibly developing an emotional connection.

Marketing Trick: create a message generic enough that when read feels like it was personally sent. Now take that same message and change the name, now you can send to facebook friends and save time

Reading material of a marketing Gentleman

2011-03-29T21:10:00.001-05:00

Currently Reading:

The Power of Cult Branding "How 9 magnetic Brands turned customers into loyal followers"-Ragas & Bueno

Free Publicity "Secrets of getting covered on the news"-Jeff Crilley

5 Marketing tips from SocraTEX

2011-03-21T12:31:00.004-05:00

I believe it was Socrates who said, “To do is to be.” This applies to your Personal Brand, your company and your dreams/goals. The more you "do or say" the more you brand will becoming into its "Being". Here are my 5 tips to "Be"

1. Say it first and THE LOUDEST, it's okay to say "leader this, or leader that" or "we are the best in the game". Print it on all marketing materials, use it in your elevator pitch. As you begin to deliver on that promise your reputation will grow.

2. Do not try to be all to everything. Focus on one thing and grow that segment. If you tell jokes, then stick to jokes, if your a painter, paint anywhere and everywhere.

3. Don't worry about pay or titles: your work will begin to speak for itself, if a friend needs a document and your specialize in them, do it for them, not only do you create good Karma. They will spread your work for you.

4. Think of the WILDEST idea you want to do with your brand............(i'm still waiting)........now write it on your eraser board........(waiting for you to write it down)..............are you done? .....now in the next 20 days figure a way to execute it.

5. get you 2 white eraser boards, big and small, carry one around with you, when your talking to people, write these ideas down on the board, if you see they won't work erasing them will help erase them from your thoughts.

Can your underwear help your brand

2011-03-16T14:32:00.002-05:00

Recently my business coordinator set me up to speak on a music showcase panel with other industry executives to offer feedback & advice (my portion was Branding/Marketing).

There was one particular R&B singer who had it all, the look, the sound & stage presence. Someone said he reminded them of a young ginuwine...
As he performed he FOUND his moment; ripped off his shirt and the ladies went wild for his six pack!
Wait, are those Calvin Klein or Hugo Boss boxers he has on? NO, (pause) they're........ Hanes!
*Even the smallest details matter when it comes to your brand*

In Memoriam: Chiq Diva's P.R. Tip of the week

2011-03-14T11:01:00.000-05:00

In Memoriam: Chiq Diva's P.R Tip of the week

"Most people want a results oriented P.R team based on the work they've seen done for others. Wrong approach, you want the P.R who can tailor a program to fit you."

We're just not as excited

2011-03-07T18:53:00.001-06:00

A lot of times on social media (especially twitter) people get excited about news in their life but get disappointed when its not commented on or RT'd (retweeted).

That's because we're just not as excited. Why, because you gave no hint there was something BIG coming.
Walk up to someone & tell them you got the dream job they will give you a "cool". Give them the reason it's your dream & how long you've wanted it. Watch the RT and comments roll in

The Superbowl of Friends and Grey goose

2011-03-04T12:04:00.000-06:00

SiKaR BoYz cLub & Michael Collins Irish Whiskey

2011-03-04T11:36:00.003-06:00

There is always a good time to be had by all when you get the SiKaR BoYz cLuB together with a great spirit.

Micheal Collins Whiskey:
"refined blend of double-distilled malt Irish whiskey and grain Irish whiskey, carefully blended to be well-balanced and flavorful"

It was a surprise to find how many Irish Whiskey Drinkers we had in the club and were very knowledgeable on the spirit. Many had not tasted Michael Collins and found it a easy drink.

Club Members tasted:
Regular, $35: great taste easy to taste Mixed with coke and, get this, a dash of cranberry a GREAT drink!

10 year old, $48: VERY, Smooth, well defined. We drank it neat.

Rating: I give it 3.9 Cowboy hats out of 5

www.sikarboyzclub.com

Starting a company, Eat an apple to help your marketing

2011-02-23T21:00:00.000-06:00

When starting a company your ripe with enthusiasm, green and full of ideas, energy is high, you've studied magazines, spoke w/mentors, wrote a business plan. You know who your target consumers are.

You finally get to market, your website is up, your business cards are printed (of course you purchased your domain name). you tell everyone you can about your new venture.

THEN SOMETHING HAPPENS

you forget your "Core"! the supporters, individuals, friends and co-workers who have believed in your dream from day one.

Reconnect with them, let them be the first for EVERYTHING, good news, updates, seek their opinion. They will become your best marketing tool

Welcome Cigar club members: SiKaR BoYz cLuB logo

2011-02-15T11:22:00.006-06:00

Welcome to SiKaR BoYz cLuB

North Texas' Largest African American Cigar Club

www.sikarboyzclub.com

infoandmembership@sikarboyzclub.com

logo

When networking goes bad in 8 seconds

2011-02-15T00:44:00.001-06:00

Nothing gets the blood flowing faster in entrepreneurs & job seekers like Power words such as "Networking" or "Mixer". They envision meeting that one person who will hire them or infuse their idea with cash.

The moment happens, you two are introduced

You shake hands, share a laugh

Then he asks

"So what takes up your time during the day?"

-side note- big players don't ask "what do you do"

And you sssssssstttttttttuuuutttter!
"Well uhhh" "ummmmm"

Practice your 8 second pitch-non pitch

Learn how to tell people what you do and want in under 8 seconds. Enough to get them thinking

Enough for them to ask for more