Are you short-sighted or a long-term visionary?

God has given me the temperment for the long-term. I remember reading Robert Kiosoki's book "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" where he wrote about the difference in thinking of wealthy people. They learned very early on not to work for money, but to work for wealth. So, are you working for money or wealth? Working for wealth can be very uncomfortable, while working for money can be very comfortable.

Having built and worked for successful companies, this discipline has been well entrenched (I love making money, but making it for others isn't so cool). I once took a client from $300K a year in sales to $5M in sales a year and $15M in total saves over a 4.5 year period. What I set in motion is still in play today for the client, but not for me. Lesson learned.

Three years ago, I was forced to diversify my interests and the division has been a tough journey. During the re-launch times, money is tight, but opportunities are great.

Interestingly, most business people view a "non-focused" approach as very dangerous. However, to me the danger is being too focused and so focused that one may miss opportunities. I believe that one can and should diversify and by converging those opportunities, they begin to leverage each other. Today I see that happening in many of my business interests in technology, real estate, radio and TV, movie making, working with authors and musicians, and more!

What I love about Marketing is that without Marketing, businesses go no where (you always have to Market your business and it is paid for somehow and some way). People are confused about what Marketing is and isn't. A Marketer's challenge is knowing the value of his contributions to the dynamics of the business model.

People find value in that expertise over time. So to all of the Marketers out there, keep building value and don't let the Market forget what you do. It is the Marketer's job to remember and make it happen! Finally, be sure to take an ownership position in most of what you build value in. Nothing like mailbox money (however small or large)!

To contact Marketing Dynamics visit: www.TeamMarketingDynamics.com or call 281.463.4560.

Big Day in a Small World

Expecting big days comes from within. Last night I told my wife, "I am looking forward to a big day." She asks "What do you have going on?" I said "Nothing yet, but it is going to be big."

Now, I have blogged about "A Day in the Life of a Strategic Marketer". I won't go into a lot of details here, but thought about a recap of today.

Today, I mailed a 5 Dove Award Screenplay "School of Redemption" to an associate producer who is friends with an Oscar Winning Director. He expressed interest and a desire for a great story and I happened to have one. It is now on its way via DHL to Fountain Valley, CA. We are excited about this great news.

In the mean time, another associate producer friend is working a connection to get that same screenplay to Tom Hanks, yes the Tom Hanks. Turns out that the movie making world can be small and it really gets down to who can and wants to help you. I have found, the more people you help, the more who are willing to help you. When your motives are pure, the doors open.

I also got to talk to the manager for Waylon Jennings (now deceased) and Jessi Colter about a project that may be of interest to the family. My wife advised me to attempt contact, well lo and behold I got right through. Turns out the manager has managed the Jennings's family business for over 17 years and welcomed my inquiry. No promises, but she said she would run my proposal by Jessi. I will let you know more about that project when I can disclose more.

The moral of this post is to dream bigger, think big, and make a call you might be afraid to make. You never know who may say yes. Get caught up in THE VORTEX!

To contact Marketing Dynamics visit: www.TeamMarketingDynamics.com or call 281.463.4560.

Living Life to the Fullest and Highest

We are proud of our friend Sheila Oschner. Sheila skydives on her 40th birthday! Keep in mind that she has two beautiful children waiting on the ground, cheering her on. Hubby Barry Ocshner plans to do the same on his 40th. The CEO and President of this operation can never be on the same plane in a skydive freefall for the sake of their two stakeholders. Happy Birthday Sheila! Get caught up in The VORTEX!



To contact Marketing Dynamics visit: www.TeamMarketingDynamics.com or call 281.463.4560.

Pilot: Our Made for TV Edition of the "Houston Luxury Home Show" with Reggie Kerr

Andy Valadez with Reggie Kerr, Media Personality for "Houston Luxury Home Show"

The first made for TV edition pilot of "Houston Luxury Home Show" is now on-line for viewing. Our venture partnership with Steve Levine Real Estate Media continues to generate buzz in the Houston region and soon to be national markets.

We visit with Charles Campise, Sr. of Campise Homes, Inc. in Windsor Park Lakes at the Simonds' family home. This home is valued at $1.6M and has many unique lifestyle features.




To watch the video click here <luxury>

"El Nacional" Production and Marketing

Marketing Dynamics has been selected to market and assist with the production of "El Nacional" that begins shooting in Houston in February. A moviemaking opportunity party has been planned for 1/25, hosted by Tejas Office Products, Inc. welcoming many in the media and business leadership to support the movie. The movie plans to show screenings this summer and appear at Sundance in 2009 along with other premiere festivals.

Marketing Dynamics is also working on the following movies:

"A Natural Man", a movie celebrating the life of legendary entertainer Lou Rawls

"The Day the Music Died", the story of the life of the "Big Bopper" - planned release 2/3/2009 (the 50th anniversary of the plane crash that took the life of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and "The Big Bopper" J.P. Richardson, Sr.)

"School of Redemption", a 5 Dove Award screen play to be shot in Austin, May of 2008.

"The Giver" written by one of the original founders of HBO Comic Relief, Mario Bernheim.

Get caught up in THE VORTEX!

Leadership Summit 2007 - Lead Where You Are

Wow! Just completed 3 days of intense leadership re-calibration at The Fellowship of The Woodlands, "Leadership Summit 2007". This was my second year to attend and I encourage others to seek it out and put it on your schedule for next year 8/7 thur 8/9 2008 (see http://www.willowcreek.com/ for more details on 2008).

The summit is satellite broadcasted all over the world, with over 100,000 leaders attending this year. We heard from Carly Fiorina, Former HP CEO, Floyd Flake, Marcus Buckingham, Michael Porter, PhD, Harvard Strategy Professor, Colin Powell, Former Secretary of State, John Ortberg, Filmmaker Richard Curtis (who has raised over $1B to help the poor and dying in Africa), Jimmy Carter (not my favorite past President, but interesting man to learn from), and of course, Bill Hybels.

I get inspired everytime I go, to do greater things. Our "little missions" when compared to the greater things going on around us, pale in comparison to what others have done and are doing to make life better for the desperately hopeless. Leadership is a gift and a higher calling. I am looking forward to the drastic changes I am making in my business, life, and focus for the rest of the year. The most dangerous prayer one can make, is "Lord use me!" Lead where you are. Get caught up in THE VORTEX.

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Your Life from 0- to 60, or 90 MPH. I'm Not a Quitter!

I can't wait to see this movie! My friend and business partner, Steve Levine of Steve Levine Real Estate Media introduced me to Ruben Gonzalez, The Lugeman (three-time Olympic Gold Medalist). I have been listening to his CD and it is inspiring. This is going to be a great movie for the winner-minded, check it out and "Pass It On!". You will be hearing more about it soon! Get caught up in THE VORTEX!

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My Whirlwind Trip to "The OC", Disney, Beverly Hills, and Hollywood

Wow! Just got back from a working vacation in beautiful Southern California. My clients and friends Leesa and Denny Bellesi, authors of "The Kingdom Assignment", honored my wife and I with a "WELL DONE AWARD" at the first annual awards night recognizing 30 other recipients (read more about the event at the links above).

We turned this opportunity into a vacation with our two young girls, Kayla and Kenna, and spent a relaxing but fast-paced week on Balboa Island (south of LA). Had a chance to do my very first YouTube diary from Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood and a podcast that I will post later. Spent some quality time with a new author and movie client at the posh Grand Havana Room in Beverly Hills (members only).

Had a chance to meet and see a few stars; but basically, I enjoyed that my wife and family had a chance to meet some of the people we see on TV and in theatres, hear on the radio, read about, and watch on DVD at home (i.e., Chris Gardner the subject of the movie "Pursuit of Happyness", Mark Clayman, Executive Producer for the movie "Pursuit of Happyness", Mario Bernheim, one of the original founders of HBO "Comic Relief", American Idol stars Katharine McPhee and Chris Sligh, gospel singer Bebe Winans, actress Lin Ciangio, and of course Mickey Mouse, etc.).

My wife usually shuns the limelight, but I had to take a few pictures for her to prove to her co-workers that she really did meet some of these people, etc. My young girls fit in well on the scene, asking more about Kahtarine McPhee's puppy and going for their personal glam shots at their private tea party on the island and a chance to take a "kewl" photo with their favorite star Mickey! Get caught up in THE VORTEX!









My wife Tina with American Idol singer Chris Sligh








My first YouTube diary, recorded on Sunset Blvd. Hollywood



Gospel Singer Bebe Winans and American Idol Katharine McPhee on stage at "The WELL DONE AWARDS" - The Kingdom Assignment








My Girls with "Mega Star" Mickey - Disneyland

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Storm Alert! The Kingdom Assignment "Well Done Awards" Celebration

Wow! This is going to be a great event. Have you heard of "The Kingdom Assignment"? Denny and Leesa Bellesi, co-authors of the series, have launched a movement that will take the nation by storm. The Kingdom Assignment has been featured on Oprah, in People Magazine, the Hallmark Channel and talked about on radio shows and written about in newspapers across the country and around the world.

The authors have teamed up with their readers, friends, and network of supporters to celebrate how God has used this book series to open the minds, hearts, and those who have accepted their individual roles in participation of "The Kingdom Assignment".

This awards evening has many surprises planned for its honorees and award recipients. "Chris Gardner" the subject of "Pursuit of Happyness", American Idol star "Katherine McPhee" and legendary gospel singer "Bebe Winans" and others will entertain the audience.

We will be posting an interview podcast with Leesa Bellesi, next week (your assignment is to come back and listen). The interview will reveal more detail about what "The Kingdom Assignment" is all about. The "Well Done Awards" are being held at Coast Hills Church in Aliso Viejo, CA on May 30th. Get inspired and get your tickets today! Visit: www.KingdomAssignment.com Get caught up in The VORTEX!

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Ordinary, Average, Every Day Super Hero!

I love what I do. As a kid, I wanted to be Batman, the Lone Ranger, Popeye, Superman, Captain America, and Mr. Fantastic! The good guys always won and saved people from destruction and the bad guys faced justice.

One of my favorite memories is a cap gun shoot out I had with my father, cousins, and uncles. Smoke and pops signaled that the good guys were winning (that was my posse)! Of course, we were all wounded but we lived to fight another day. We still have heroes among us! I loved the movie "The Incredibles" and once teased our girls that mommy and daddy really were "super heroes". The look in their eyes really grabbed my heart as they looked up in a moment of genuine belief, that we just might be "super heroes". Sorry to say, they figured it out that we were not. But, the more I thought about it, I realized that we are and we were teaching them to become remarkable people!

Bare with me. As Marketers (this blog is written for Marketers), we have a chance to stand for good, to communicate great brands that make life better for others, to get monumental things done that seem super human, to promote family causes, protect the elderly, and inspire people to be their best, etc. Keep in mind that I am strongly conservative, believe in lower taxes, more freedom, pro-traditional family (the fabric of a healthy society), pro-life (protecting the unborn), pro-criminal justice (i.e., the death penalty for violent criminals), and avoid political correctness. We need more super heroes in these times. Ordinary, Average, Every Day Super Heros! Get caught up in the VORTEX!

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"Money Train" with K-Diamondz

Met Kelan (K-Diamondz) on-line. After reviewing his website and his focus, I wanted to alert my readers to this rising star. "Money Train", K-Diamondz' next CD will be a big accomplishment for his emerging label "Street Pop, Inc.". Kelan says he wants to convey a positive message for the street culture helping them to discover alternative ways to monetary success, away from the drug culture and the narrow path of sports. Kelan wants to reflect what is hot on the street and his sound does just that. Read K-Diamondz bio to read about the hard work and smart strategy he is employing as he puts his label on the map. See: www.K-Diamondz.com Buy his current CD and "Take it high, take it low, drop the top, drive slow". Get caught up in the VORTEX!

I will be interviewing K-Diamondz (Kelan) on one of my Podcasts.

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The Blogger's Choice Award: The BusinessMakers (nomination)

The BusinessMakers is an amazing radio and podcast show featuring founders of companies, large and small. Marketing Dynamics helped create the show with Russ Capper, Serial Entrepreneur and Entrepreneurship Advocate. The show has interviewed over 350 entrepreneurs, featuring names like Rod Canion of Compaq, Steve Forbes, Colleen Barrett, President of Southwest Airlines (one of the original founders), Truett Cathy, founder of Chick-fil-A, Craig Newmark, founder of Craig's List, Carly Fiorina, former Chairman and CEO of HP, David Saperstein, of MetroNetworks, and more. The show is preparing to go national. We need your help with an on-line bloggers nomination! Go to: http://www.bloggerschoiceawards.com/blogs/show/1471 (please vote at this link and post a comment). You can review some of the podcasts at www.TheBusinessMakers.com (organized by industry and month). Get caught up in the VORTEX!

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Back from Iraq, 3 Points of Contact, "The Sound of War"

They are back! "3 Points of Contact" is back from the front lines in Iraq. Listen to the sound of the music this band recorded while serving in Iraq. My nephew, Edward "ArTiLIEr-E" Robledo, is glad to be home (one of the lead singers). He misses his buddies that didn't make it home and so do we. Their music makes you feel like you are on the hunt and you can almost smell the gun powder from the "Sabo" round (a tank round used to obliterate the enemy). Love the cutting-edge sound. Leave it the American ingenuity to make a sound studio in the desert. Welcome back guys! Keep the music coming! Great guitar and vocals! Visit: www.MySpace.com/3PointsOfContact Get caught up in the VORTEX!

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An Aggie Visits Aggieland - College Station, Texas

I love Marketing! I love being an Aggie more (Texas A&M University). I am so excited to be visiting with my Marketing Professor, Dr. Stephen McDaniel tomorrow (good Friday) in College Station, Texas. He really inspired me to value Marketing and to remember what Marketing brings to the table. I have kept in touch with him over the years, since 1993. He has been my mentor and given me sage advice when I have needed it. Now, I haven't had lunch with him since '93 and am looking forward to our discussion. I count myself very fortunate to be an Aggie and know that my school prepared me to compete among the best. A friend of mine, a Wharton MBA graduate, once told me that she had never met anyone like me who knew Marketing so well and had such a passion for it! Now, my friend created a two billion dollar company and was responsible for a $100M Marketing budget. So, I didn't take her compliment lightly. I give thanks to Dr. McDaniel for that. I will give you a full report when I get back. Whoop!

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Get on Your High Horse and Make Your Brand Resonate

We all love great brands. Nothing gets the heart racing like Ferrari! I have never driven one, but hope to do so one day. Now, I have driven a few BMWs to "red line". Went to my local Starbucks here in Houston and some dude had his black Lamborghini parked up front and it had the attention that it deserves. Parked, it looked like it was speeding.

As marketers, we have to think about our brands. What makes them resonate? What gets the motor running, the gears shifting, and the wheels burning. That is the stuff that marketing is made of. Everthing has the potential to communicate life. The promise of a good time or experience. That is what we respond to or that is what your customers should respond to. Get caught up in The VORTEX!

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The Dove Award: School of Redemption - The Movie

Wow! Our client T4 Pictures just received 5 Dove Award Seals (the highest award given) for the script "School of Redemption". They also said it was the best script they had ever read in the family genre! You can read the strong review here: Dove Award

This seal recognition will open a lot of doors for the movie makers as it will increase the chances for distribution, sourcing an investor, product placement deals, and attracting name actors. This, at a time when theatre owners are looking for family movies, because of traffic turnout. The business plan identified that there was a huge opportunity to make a family movie that crosses generations.

The script had to be great and afford product placement opportunities as well. So now, they have a great script, a great genre, at a great time! Final piece to the recipe? A great movie. That will be easy given the talent behind the company. Calling all distributors! Get caught up in the VORTEX!

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Marketing in the Movies, the Red Carpet Please

Marketers should explore all avenues when it comes to marketing their product or service. One innovative way is movies. Yes movies. Your city probably has an independent film association that you can build a relationship with. As part of the review, check out the writer, the director, the script, and review the business and marketing plan to see how your product is going to be positioned. Keep in mind, family movies are doing better at the box office, so look for rated G or PG films. You don't want a problem with how your product or service is perceived in the market. With the success of family movies, you will also expand your visibility. It doesn't hurt to have your product in several movies either - keep track of the movie releases.

If you are lucky, you can find an emerging script writer and have your product or service written into the movie. For a nominal contribution, you could gain market presence when the movie becomes a success. You could even sell your product from the movie website while it is in production or being seen in theatres.

If you are a movie maker, then the same approach holds true for getting advertising dollars and negotiated support for your movie. You want as many people helping to market your movie when it is ready for distribution and most firms would be happy to do that, if you ask them. Remember to think big and go after the big names to support your movie. See you at the movies!

Houston Business Show! Andy Valadez #2 - Marketing in the Movies, Red Carpet Please

Leading edge-marketing dialogue. A Podcast "From the Front Lines" by Andy Valadez, President and CEO of Marketing Dynamics, Visit:
www.MarketingDynamics.org,"Because the market never stays the same".




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Steven Kay, Mr. Media, "Can you hear me?"

I love this photo of Steven. As soon as it was shot, I knew we had a hit. In reality, Steven is a modest guy and the title "Mr. Media" was given to him by a client. He doesn't taught this, but I thought it was appropriate given this image. Steven Kay is an emerging radio personality in the Houston market and growing his offerings. Go to www.stevenkaylive.com to learn more. Please tell him you heard about him from the VORTEX!

Photography provided by Joe Heiliger (www.jheiliger.com). Joe was interviewed on Steven's radio show "Life Business and Money, with Steven Kay" today. He is speaking on the importance of photography technology in business and in life. Mr. Heiliger is the VORTEX's personal photographer. Listen to his radio interview here: <Joe Heiliger> fast forward to last 20 minutes of interview stream.

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It's My City!

Marketers need to have an attitude about what they do. We are the visionaries that communicate great brands and help our clients make millions, billions! So, if you are going to market, think big. Walk confidentally, communicate well and be clearly understood. I motivated my team recently by declaring that it is our city (any city we are marketing in). With that thought, we are all thinking big and working aggressively to seize opportunities. Hope you get caught up in the VORTEX!


Photo by Joe Heiliger (www.jheiliger.com)

Andy Valadez
StealthMarketer/Marketing Evangelist


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