Advancing the Kingdom: The WELL DONE Awards

The WELL DONE Awards is a great idea started by Denny and Leesa Bellesi, authors of The Kingdom Assignment. Their assignment? To recognize the good works within Christian community and share their stories with the world in an entertaining, creative, and memorable way. Now in its third year, The WELL DONE Awards promises to be the best year ever. The awards evening will be held at The Grove of Anaheim, Anaheim, California, May 31, 2009. We hope you enjoy this video.


Song by Chris Sligh - "Are You Pleased"

Did You Lose a Million Dollar Sale Today?

I had a great conversation this week with Wally Wood, President and CEO of the "National Space and Technology Association" (www.NSTAWorld.org). Wally is an incredible man of learning and I really enjoyed our lunch. In part of our discussion, he mentioned that "Chief Executive Officers are master sales people, they have the power to sell ideas and get credibility." I agree. The problem most business owners have is being that "master salesman" or equipping their team with that "hunter spirit." So, we miss opportunities everyday.

I remember once signing a $100,000 dollar sale for a client. The sale was great and badly needed for the business. The owner had made a $45K bidding mistake on another project and was in a dire situation. As great as that sale was that day (which actually showed up as a fluke), the sale begain long before. That day was the accumulation of many sales prior, investments made in the selling tools, the infrasctructure to meet client demand, website features, testimonials, pricing research, and ultimately the salesmanship to pick up the cues and close the deal. Our team in essence was prepared for that day and that day made all of the difference for the continuation of the business.

Similarly, I helped start a successful radio show in our market and the show has been on the air now for several years, helping many entrepreneurs and partnering with a top web company and business paper. Interestingly, in the development process I called on many media companies with few return calls on this opportunity. Several months into the show, one of my contacts came up to me to ask why I didn't call his company. I was sad to report that I did call his company first and had to remind him that he delegated me to his assistant who began to drop the ball. I don't know what the value of that opportunity would have been to his business, but the branding value and the client relation wouldn't have hurt.

Finally, I think many business people invest in their marketing and sales and because of their size, their attitude or lack of a real marketing and development focus miss opportunities everyday. So here are the keys to studying your opportunities:

* Return your calls or if you are too busy have someone on your team call and get them back in touch with you (if the call was for you)
* Reply to your relevant e-mails (people you know) & even some of the people you don't know
* Schedule a meeting rather than say "We need to meetup sometime" or "We need to do lunch one day"
* Really study the opportunity (sad to say many proposals on people's desk that never get reviewed)
* Don't be afraid to brainstorm and dialogue
* Always be doing things! (Borrowed from the mission statement of Southwest Airlines)
* Make mistakes, it's okay (people will make judgments, so what?)
* Be a helper, a mentor, a friend - doors will open for your business
* Punish mediocre success and reward amazing failure (borrowed from Tom Peters)
* Always be Marketing and Selling

Do you have a reputation for follow-up? I know many CEO's who are superb at follow-up and I celebrate those kind of people. In tough times, we don't have the luxury to "blow off" any opportunity. Time is precious, but opportunities are too. Making opportunities happen helps even more people to have better lives, be like a spring of living water. Get caught up in THE VORTEX!

Andy Valadez is President of Marketing Dynamics, a strategic marketing enterprise helping its clients to leverage their unique business opportunities. His company has served many media personalities, leaders in technology, construction and real estate, racing, film, music, publishers, not-for-profits, and emerging companies. You can find out more about Marketing Dynamics by visting: www.TeamMarketingDynamics.com (his personal blog). Mr. Valadez is a graduate of Texas A&M University (Marketing) and Tulane University (Applied Business) and served honorably in United States Marine Corps (Desert Shield/Desert Storm). He is happily married to his wife and girlfriend of 27 years, Tina, and has two beautiflul girls, Kayla (8) and Kenna (5).

Contact:
Marketing Dynamics
Phone: 281.463.4560
E-mail: info@TeamMarketingDynamics.com
Micro-blog: www.Twitter.com/MarineAg (to see what Andy is up to daily)

Marketing Dynamics, because the market never stays the same. Experts in marketing excellence.

The Celebrity Debate, Paris HiIton is Back - Paris for President?

Good move for Paris and a great counter from the McCain team. Her response actually furthers the debate on who is right about the future of energy. McCain's team agreed that Paris is more in tune with the energy situation, even better informed than the Obama campaign. We think Paris is still hot! Get caught up in THE VORTEX!

Tell us what you think? Should McCain co-opt Paris or let this die? Will Obama back Paris? How would you position this as a Marketer advising either campaign?

Source: New York Daily News

See more Paris Hilton videos at Funny or Die

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

In the Chase, the Need for Speed

"The Bub Streamliner 7" Fastest Motorcycle on Earth at 350.884 MPH - 9/5/06 Salt Flats at Bonneville

We recently picked up this client "Bub Racing" current record holder of the fastest motorcycle in the world (there is none faster) by "Jumping In". Marketing is about thinking strategically about the client/business and leveraging the company dynamics in creative ways that resonate and blow gusts in its path.

Many in business miss spectacular brand stories, because they are afraid to jump in and "chase" an opportunity. They want to sit and wait for something presented on their desk in a nice and tight package with a bow. In our current business climate, one can't sit and wait. We should always be active in the discovery of new Marketing opportunities. Companies are hurting, but there are plenty of ways to create Marketing coupes.

Gearing up for a deal like Bub Racing Enterprises puts many potential sponsors and advertisers in the realm of thinking fast and moving fast. The Marketing and brand opportunities associated with land speed records really gets the mind accelerating. I have had many fantastic conversations with production teams in Hollywood and elsewhere, Fortune 50 company representatives all over the U.S., and the client who has shared their vision and passion and their heart breaking history of smashing world records. It took Bub Racing 31 years to make history again. Denis has broken the record before in 1970 at 265.52 MPH with a Harley Davidson, Cal Rayburn, driver - his focus takes tenacity and guts.

Unique to this enterprise is that the official trials are quickly approaching scheduled for September 2-7, 2008 at the Bonneville Flats, Salt Lake City, UT (www.BubRacing.com).

We are calling on a few Fortune 50 companies and building a team of media and Marketing professionals who can leverage this feat. If we pull this off, we should see many mediums and showcases where Denis Manning, President of Bub Racing can share his vision of "championing a dream". Denis' team is focused on passing their own record this year at 375 MPH. We believe he and his team will do it!

What could this mean to the team and their sponsors/partners (extending their brand reach)?

Book Deals (already written by John Stein, can be reprinted to include sponsors)
DVD sales via top retailers (video of 2006 race and update 2008 planned)
Endorsement Deals - Chris Carr, Driver and Denis Manning, Founder
TV Talk Show Circuit (morning and night) - the big ones
Documentary of the raceoff Made for TV, Satellite, Internet, and Point of Purchase (plasma screen) showcases - production by Speed Vision and others
Bragging rights for its sponsors as being the best in the market, faster, safer, leaner, and meaner
Client relations (if you are there to share in the success, it will be something you and your family will never forget)
Merchandise sales (toys, clothing, etc.)
On-going marketing campaigns
Book placement in movies (planned)
A movie deal on his life
Trade show tours
This experience will make you dream again
and More!

If something like this excites you, call us to see how you can be a part or lend value to what we are working to create.

I read this book a couple of years ago. In my attempt to reach out to Mark Burnett Productions in Hollywood, I was able to connect with another production company that is very interested in the "Bub Story". Read this book and it will help you to "Jump In".



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

Greater Houston Blind Veterans Bay Fishing Trip

Life is full of unexpected opportunities, coincidences, and blessings - nothing happens by accident. I had the opportunity to accompany my father-in-law (Jimmy Scruggs) on a bay fishing excursion in Galveston with the Greater Houston Blind Veterans (pictured above).

My schedule is crazy these days, but I had promised to take him deep sea fishing and the years had gone by without that promise being kept. However, the Lord provided a way for us to go via the Greater Houston Blind Veterans. I shut down the computer on Friday and we joined a group of Houston veterans for a day of fishing in the bay (what a fun group of ladies and gentlemen).

Sometimes, I feel so impatient and worry about wasting time. I brought a book "The Little Red Book of Selling" by Jeffrey Gitomer to bide my time and keep me productive. This excursion was kind of a distraction (so I thought), until I started to see those who were frequenting the Dr. Michael Debakey Veterans Hospital (got the news this morning about Dr. Debakey's passing at age 99). The veterans walking around had served combat missions and I really became appreciative of this unique trip planned by the VA. These men and women had served their country and now their country was serving them.

When my father-in-law (who served in Viet Nam) and I walked up to the building, I was reminded of how generous and dedicated Dr. Debakey had been to the Veterans, performing his first surgeries on our troops while he himself was in the military in World War II. I am sorry to hear of his passing, but am amazed at his impact on the world, performing over 60,000 heart surgeries in his career. I hope there is a book on his life, I want to read it and learn more about this man who served humanity so well.

These times away from my work and passion, give me pause to reason and reflect. I have to force my self to let go and jump into the moment and if I am not careful, I could miss the opportunity or the reason for the diversions in life. For example, take a look at this cool video of my father-in-law (who is legally blind) catching a shark! He had bragging rights when we came home to share it with his granddaughters. Moments like these are priceless.


My Father-in-law Jimmy Scruggs (legally blind) Catches a Shark

While on this trip, I got to spend a fair amount of time with Kenny Adams, U.S. Army Calvary. Kenny actually goes to my church, but I had not had the opportunity to meet him and as chance would have it, we sat together and had many hours of interesting conversation. Check out his appearance on ABC (found on YouTube).


Kenny Adams of "Helping a Hero" and other Veterans Support Organizations

Kenny is an amazing guy and has an amazing sense of humor and independence. Kenny was wounded by friendly fire in Afghanistan. An American soldier was cleaning his rifle next to Kenny, when it went off and shot him in the jaw with the projectile traveling through his head upward, damaging both of his eyes to the point of total blindness. Kenny told me he "flat-lined" four times while being transported to the medical team that saved his life. Now, I am very proud of my service in the U.S. Marine Corps, but when you sit and talk to a guy like Kenny and see his loss, it can make one feel grateful and humbled.

I remember when the community came together and bought he and his wife Katherine a beautiful home in Katy. I did not know that that would be the beginning for Kenny to get involved to support wounded veterans and Helping a Hero. Helping a Hero is working to give away 1,000 homes to severely wounded veterans and Kenny gets to be the one who helps these families (what a great job). He is a spokesperson of sorts in many causes and has access to just about anyone caring for our vets.

In fact, Kenny and his wife have had an opportunity to dine with former President George and Barbara Bush, he has met many country singers supporting our troops like Toby Keith, John Rich, Ted Nugent (who invited him to go bear hunting), Willie Nelson, Gretchen Wilson, Lee Anne Rhymes, and been honored by many who have reached out their support for his causes. Kenny is an amazing guy who harbors no ill will and still brags about his military saying, "If you ain't Calvary, you ain't shit." He is proud of his unit and our military and I am proud to have finally met him, if only by accident. Get caught up in THE VORTEX!

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

Bub Racing World's Fastest Motorcycle Wind Tunnel Tests

See wind tunnel tests of this Streamliner world record holder

This is an incredible video! We are currently seeking sponsors for the next world record - 400 MPH. Bub Racing currently holds the world record for the fastest motorcycle at 350.884 MPH reached September 2007. This time next year the team at Bub Racing plans to be at the Bonneville salt flats of Utah for their next world record. We are currently contacting a few Fortune 100 companies for sponsorship, but would welcome your inquiry. This test result proved a .08 wind co-efficient (zero is no resistance), the lowest score ever posted for this wind tunnel. NASCAR race cars pull over .25. "This is the reason our motorcycle can reach the speeds it does" says Denis Manning, President and Founder of Bub Racing. Please call Marketing Dynamics. Get caught up in THE VORTEX!

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

Threading the Needle

It is a great Saturday morning. My girls are in the kitchen drawing and my lovely wife is making breakfast (I am indeed a lucky guy, 27 years later). Of course, I am making a few postings on Twitter and just answered a LinkedIn request from my friend Lataya Ballard. Getting ready to read a chapter from "Become a Better You" by Joel Olsteen. My wife and I are excited about reading this book together.

What is "threading the needle"? "Threading the needle" to me is doing the seemingly impossible. Business ownership and creating successful Marketing campaigns is like "threading the needle". The odds are always against you, your campaign, or strategic plan. One has to be very fluid in today's business climate.

What is your biggest challenge? What dream can you envision for your company and what will it take to make that happen? I am a dreamer. I love dreaming big dreams and acting on them. The thrill of the chase of making a big call, floating a big idea, and leveraging opportunities inspires me. As a Marketer, our goals are to sway public opinion, change patterns of behavior, and impact the world. How one does that is by "threading the needle".

It may take years to "thread the needle". Do you have the temperment for that? We have to look for patterns and connections that could help us to create something truly remarkable. A phone call leads to an e-mail, that gets the attention of someone totally unrelated to the objective at hand - remember to avoid small minds. Two years later it all circles back and now you know why and how to make the "needle thread". Shazaam!

A quick example. My wild motorcyle riding sister "Jodie" visited our family last year and convinced us to attend the International Motorcycle Exhibition show here in Houston. I reluctantly agreed (I was busy). I figured I could work and be with family at the same time and my family needed to get out, so we ventured.

I took my video camera with me and was able to get in as part of the media because of my involvement with a local business radio show (the psychology of presentation is critical, by having a press badge (if you blog you are part of the press these days), people are more willing to talk to you openly - try it sometime). Of course, I had no "press" reservations so I had to do some fast talking, but the lady who ran the event was young and hip and she let me in (she was fluid) and introduced me around (how cool is that).

My girls went and looked at the cool bikes (a few pics here). I was in the hunt, looking for opportunities (they are everywhere, you have to be looking for them) and would circle back with my girls and update them on all of the cool interviews I was capturing. Well, I had a chance to meet motorcycle racer builder Denis Manning (see his intervew) who recently broke the world's record at 350 MPH (and many others).

After meeting Denis, I continued to mull on a few ideas a year later and called up his daughter-in-law to discuss a few ideas (it is important to be great on the phone, expect to communicate well). She asked me to put those thoughts in an e-mail. Well, I waited a few months (sometimes you have to let some projects stew) and fired off one hell of an e-mail (it is important to think through your e-mails, make it short, compelling and exciting). Well, I got a call from Denis yesterday and he was very happy about his plans to break the record again next year and confided in a few interesting details about his strategy to break the new record.

This discussion opened up the other possibilities for a few other non-related projects in film, racing, and advertising that we are working on (it is amazing how one project helps another). The "long-thread" of the needle will enable more opportunities to be sewn up. So keep "threading the needle".

Warning: I am convinced that far too many people are "too focused" (narrow minded) and miss opportunities. If this is you, learn to be like water and flow.

"Be water my friend" - Bruce Lee

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

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.

Board Level Influence and Yes Dynamics

Had an epiphany to seek the assistance from a non-profit homeless shelter I support. Decided to approach the Executive Director to see if he would be interested in a supporting a top shelf movie project I am working on. The proposition was this: if he could ask his board members to help me get my movie funded through their connections, I could in turn make a contribution to the organization and also create a documentary on their excellent track record (paid for out of those proceeds).

Well, after a few questions and answers, it looks like we will be presenting to the board. This board is comprised of very influential business people with a heart for the homeless and very influential in business in this city. So, we are looking forward to their review of our proposal.

What was interesting, is the timing of my inquiry. The mission was already interested in looking at the possibility of a documentary. I really believe "not-for-profits" operate in a unique plane of existence and are open to oppportunities and ideas. I rarely find this in a traditional business. It is almost like they are programmed to say "no" and speaking to a VP can be like speaking the the "VP of NO!". Companies should be more fluid and explore all opportunities and sadly, return calls (rarely do people return calls these days). The answer should be "not now", "wait", "maybe", or "let's move and move quickly". Get caught up in The VORTEX!

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.

Alltop.com Official Selection for Top Marketing Blogs

This blog has officially been selected for inclusion in top sites about Marketing. Guy Kawasaki, Apple Fellow, venture capitalist, and technology evangelist has created a resource for top blogs on just about every category you can think of from gadgets, celebrities, business, fashion, to sex. Check out www.AllTop.com (as in all of the top stories). Get caught up in THE VORTEX!

$6M Mansion on "Houston Luxury Home Show" - Made for TV Webisode

Marketing Dynamics in partnership with Steve Levine Real Estate Media, launches the "Houston Luxury Home Show" featuring $1M homes and above in weekly made for TV webisodes. The show is also supported by an in-studio production that airs on the web and on the air at 1070AM KNTH - Houston Market, Saturdays at 3PM CST. Get caught up in THE VORTEX!

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>

Tech Focus: Android SDK

Open Code will change the future of cell phone use. Take a look. Get caught up in THE VORTEX!

Guy Kawasaki Interviewed On Houston Business Show, CNN 650 AM

Startup and Technology Evangelist, Venture Capitalist, Speaker, Mensch, and Author, Guy Kawasaki calls in to Houston Business Show with show host Kevin Price and chats briefly about his business philosophy, changing the world, raising venture capital, simplicity of pitching a business, working with an unproven team, avoiding MBAs in start-ups, business luck, and his next venture AllTop. Get caught up in THE VORTEX!

Guy Kawasaki Part I: <radio active>
Guy Kawasaki Part II: <radio active>

Movers and Shakers TV Segment - Houston's Neighborhoods (new blog platform)

TV, Web and Radio Personality Kevin Price, goes into the studio to talk about "Houston's Neighborhoods", the new blog platform focusing on the top 100 neighborhoods in Houston, blogged about by top realtors. Show guests include Calvin Brown of Credit Restore, Mike Alexander of ABM Insurance and Andy Valadez, President of Marketing Dynamics. See video stream: <Houston's Neighborhood's>

Get caught up in THE VORTEX!

"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!

Worlds Fastest Motorcycles by Denis Manning

"Streamline 7" World Record Holder

Marketing Dynamics, a 100% pure Strategic Marketing firm, gets a YouTube video interview with Denis Manning of BUB Racing, Inc., founder and creator of 6 of the 11 fastest motorcycles in the world. Mr. Manning’s team currently holds the world land speed motorcycle with “Stream Liner 7” (pictured above) – a record at 350.884 MPH completed in September of 2006. Special thanks to Meghan Lee of Spin Communications for facilitating this interview in the field. Mr. Manning will make himself available for a special podcast where we discover why he has decided to pursue his dream of creating 7 of the fastest motorcycles in the world. What is the next speed record? Maybe he will disclose in our next interview. Get caught up THE VORTEX!


Meghan Lee and Denis Manning

Interview Courtesy of ThunderBobMan (found on YouTube)