The Visionary Chronicles

The Pillars of Great Leadership What makes for a Great Leader? Not just one who inspires confidence or provides direction, but someone who has the innate sense to see the future, envision a path to success, and inspire those who do not yet see this path to take the Journey with them. These leaders inspire a team, a company and a brand. They create a community outside the four walls, building loyalty and inspiring everyone to reach a common goal with the confidence that they will succeed. With each of these qualities, it is easy to see why there are so few “true” leaders. There are a lot of delusional executives who feel they are leaders, but it is merely a “chain of commitment” from the team, not necessarily that they believe in their vision. For someone to be in this elite class of truly Visionary Leaders, they must embrace the unknown, stay calm amid the storms, show compassion, learn from past failures, build loyalty, and provide a Vision for others to follow passionately. I say passionately as this is a key element to successfully executing the leader's Vision through others. No great leader has ever succeeded by themselves, it takes an Army to take a leadership position in your market, and the more your leader has these Pillars, the more likely a brand is to succeed long-term. Success is not a “one-hit” wonder, it is a sustained level of success over generations. In my new book, an AMAZON Bestseller, The Visionary Brand, The Success Formula Behind the World’s Most Visionary Brands, I discuss these Visionary Brands and some of the Leaders who successfully navigated their brands to generational success. The following are Pillars of a Truly Great, Visionary Leaders Embrace Change; no leader can avoid change, but those who do will ultimately fail and lose their sense of direction. Embrace Failure; all great brands have failed to succeed, but you must be committed to fail and Learn from these Failures. Show Compassion; understand the balance between success and failure… of your TEAM, not your product. Drive hard, Praise harder. Build Loyalty; be able to build Loyalty to your brand, both inside and outside of four walls. Without Loyalty, the inherent value of your brand becomes either Equity or a Commodity, your choice. Have a Vision; being able to see vs having a Vision are two completely different attributes. Unless you can see the future, you will only be to visualize what is in front of you. Execute the Vision; having built a Loyal team, ensure they are executing the Vision, and provide ALL the Praise to the Team, not your Vision. They understand is your Vision, no need to remind them. Overcome Adversity; being able to have a plan when circumstances abruptly change is a key Pillar for a Visionary Leader. Take Covid, who knew the world would stop spinning, what is your Plan? Show Humility & Appreciation; in insecure Leader in NOT a Leader, they are not humble, they devalue contributions to the Vision, they do not share in successes, and do not embrace failure. Enough said..! Great Leadership does not always mean the smartest voice in the room, more often than not, it is someone who is cognitive, logical, compassionate, direct and has the ability to see the future when others can not. Stay True, stay Authentic, be Different, be Great! Enjoy the Journey! Bryan Smeltzer, President LiquidMind Inc. #TheVisionaryPodcast #TheVisionaryBrandBook @LiquidMindsite.com @BryanSmeltzer.com © All rights reserved, Bryan Smeltzer, 2022

The Visionary Chronicles Podcast CHRONICLE: August 15th, 2022 "I can't understand why people are frightened of new ideas. I'm frightened of the old ones..." Wisdom from John Cage IDEA ENGINE | How to Maximize Creativity Flow In a 2018 LinkedIn Survey, Creativity was the number sought-after soft skillset. Creativity is a Cornerstone for an Innovative Thinker and a Progressive Brand. The ability to consistently think of great IDEAS, understand the impact at a brand level, and ensure they are commercialized is a trait few possess and are willing to explore. Exploration is a crucial piece of Creativity; having the guts to do what others say is "Impossible" and pursue a Dream and bring it to Reality for others to see. This Exploration brings excitement and passion to a brand. The willingness to FAIL and FAIL again for the pursuit of reaching the pinnacle of success. Those who are willing to take this challenge, not just once, but make it part of their DNA, their core Identity will succeed, not only in their markets but with their teams and community as well! With Exploration comes an Artistry around successfully realizing your great IDEA. The creative mastery around molding the IDEA to match your Identity. The Artist is the one who knows what the painting looks like before a brush is put to canvas. So be an Artist, understand the beauty behind the product, making your communities life more accessible and non-burdensome. The Simple Sophistication of a great product and the Artistry to deliver on your Brand Promise. To Maximize IDEA flow, you must first be committed to Exploring, embracing Failure, and being an Artist, and all are collectively generating insanely GREAT IDEAS. What are the areas required to Promote Creativity? Free Flowing Ideas and Pace; The quicker a decision is made, the better the company. However, having a Brand committed to providing an environment to Create, and generate IDEAS, is one that will never run short on Innovation. Free your Mind; let the process take its Pace, provide boundaries and ensure these IDEAS are processed, commercialized, or blown up to make it great! Be a Cognitive Thinker vs. a Logical Mindset; Take your time when flushing our IDEAS, understand the implication to the brand and your community. Then, find solutions through Great IDEAS. Leave the Door Open; Allow IDEAS to enter the Creativity process, do not be quick to judge, and ensure Cognitive Thinkers are at the table, the Creative doers. Only the Smart Illusion; Creativity is Cognitive, and why the Logic may not always be the best trait in building an Innovative Culture. Intelligence is often misplaced, put in the correct location it can be very productive, placed in the wrong location is disastrous. Having the ability to think of what "could be" vs. "what is" is the DIFFERENCE! Implement Balance; When Steve Jobs took over at PIXAR, he implemented the "pluses" policy, meaning every negative needed to be balanced with a plus. This simple policy broke down gridlock at PIXAR and was integral to creating their first blockbuster, Toy Story. More is Less; Brands feel the Ideation process is better served with more people providing more Ideas…the opposite is true; the best Ideation process, where it provides the best IDEAS, is one where the mindset is common Logic is left at the Door. Cognitive THINKERS ONLY! Many leaders agree that Innovation and Creativity are the most sought-after traits, but most do nothing to promote creating a Culture where Cognitive Thinkers can thrive! Stay True, stay Authentic, be Different, be Great! Enjoy the Journey! Bryan Smeltzer, President LiquidMind Inc. #TheVisionaryPodcast #TheVisionaryBrandBook @LiquidMindsite.com @BryanSmeltzer.com © All rights reserved, Bryan Smeltzer, 2022

The Visionary Chronicles Podcast CHRONICLE: August 1st , 2022 "Know your enemy and know yourself, and you can fight a hundred battles without disaster." Wisdom from Sun Tzu, The Art of War PODCAST: Art of Competition | Creating a Strategy that Overcomes Competitive Forces The Forces of Competition, which determine strategic planning and marketplace execution, are shared among all industries. Those who can anticipate both industry and competitive moves will succeed for generations. Anticipation is the "Art of War," and brands who fight and win the battle without having pulled a sword are the ones who have mastered the "Art of Competition." But unfortunately, many have gone to war and have shown nothing for their efforts; a strategy built on a foundation of brute force inevitably fails. Find a way to determine outcomes before they are fought, and you will build a team and a brand set on a solid foundation, a fortress others cannot enter. Creating a culture where everyone knows their role, works together to ensure the foundation stands, and others envy what you have made and want to know your future Vision. The best they can hope for is to follow in your path but never lead. There are several forces brands must be aware of to execute The Art of Competition in the marketplace. New Blood With this scenario, new blood is the latest entry into your category, one who has a new idea, provides a potentially better service or product. Combatting this competitor takes anticipation, an innovation process, and the ability to never look over your shoulder. Each of these allows a brand to move ahead with your Vision while ensuring this new blood is blocked or eliminated from establishing a beachhead without doing anything different. Changing course is not an option, but pivoting without disrupting your business is critical. Scale The scale was a strategy many were caught off guard by during the pandemic, and most were unable to recover in whole or in part. However, to attain sufficient scale with a manufacturing matrix with the core competencies needed to produce a consistently excellent product and out-innovating yourself first is the winning formula. Community Loyalty, recurring revenue, and value creation are foundational to longevity. These pieces of your foundation will create a wall no competitor can climb. This takes consistency, an understanding of who your customer is, what they value, and why they buy your products is a strategic weapon built off your team's shoulders. Commodity Players The Imitators, not the Innovators, are the commodity players. They are not be feared, but rather these are the ones to be called out and challenged at every turn. Imitators take great Ideas and churn them into inferior quality products and lower-tier price points. As a result, they do not build a trusting, loyal community that embraces value provided by the brand, but rather a following looking for the next significant "draw-down." Some have been successful with this strategy, but this is like building your foundation on the sand vs. rock. YOUR CHOICE. Rivals The most threatening part of a brand executing its future Vision is its direct Rival, those who have authentically built a loyal community, created their innovation pipeline and stayed true to their foundation. They are to be respected, but the Art of War principles are genuinely beneficial and provide the most benefit. You want to anticipate the moves of your Rivals, find ways to outflank them, diminish their impact, and put the fires out before they start. The Art of War is winning without having gone to battle. So what can you do to anticipate your Rival's next move and step out and take risks, never to relinquish your lead? The Art of Competition is understanding the landscape, anticipating your Rival's moves, outflanking your Competition, and finding ways to win the battles through a strategy where you never have to draw your weapon! Find a way to win! Stay True, stay Authentic, be Different, be Great! Enjoy the Journey! Bryan Smeltzer, President LiquidMind Inc. @LiquidMindsite.com @BryanSmeltzer.com © All rights reserved, Bryan Smeltzer, 2022 The Visionary Chronicles Podcast We discuss this and other business strategy topics and pressing issues facing Entrepreneurs, Executives, and Small Business Owners. Please check out "The Visionary Chronicles" on these sites. Available on Podbean Apple Podcast Spotify iHeart Pandora If you like what you hear, I would appreciate you providing a rating and following to receive my weekly Podcasts, along with exclusive content as a follower. Subscribe to The Visionary Chronicles PODCAST, and receive The Visionary Chronicles Weekly Newsletter, along with a FREE copy of my new book; The Visionary Brand, The Success Formula Behind the World’s Most Visionary Brands. I am providing a FREE copy with the hope you will review Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, or any other international distributions sites the book is currently being dist

The Visionary Chronicles CHRONICLE: July 21st, 2022 " Great things in business are never done by one person. They're done by a team of people.” Wisdom from Steve Jobs Alignment | Managing Marketing & Sales Alignment With over 88% of companies indicating a misalignment between marketing and sales on items such as; strategy, branding, and creation, it is an area that needs vast improvement across almost every brand. Our clients at LiquidMind (LiquidMindsite.com), both large-cap through start-up, face the same issues, and most do not either recognize the misalignment or understand the process to improve the alignment. In addition, as more brands move to DTC, the sales cycle becomes more tangible on the direct-to-consumer side and with your retailers, as they fight for both dollars and time. As a result, this alignment becomes more critical to a company's short and long-term success. With most brands, you will find these two functional areas run independently of one another when they should be working in parallel, ensuring the brand is in complete alignment across all channels and modes of communication. However, they need each other, and frustration, inefficiency, and misalignment set in when separated. So how does a brand work to correct this misalignment? At LiquidMind, we work with our brands on the following areas, and step by step, piece by piece, the alignment becomes a reality. Content Creation Marketing often makes assumptions, based on the brand positioning, creative assets, and channels, that what they are creating is valuable to the sales teams, buyers, and customers. To define what is needed, you must understand where, when, who, and how you create and communicate. Is this content a valuable tool for the sales team, and does the marketing strategy take a regular "pulse" check with your brand community, buyers, and sales team? Creating for the sake of producing is not a strategy. Moving does not mean you are making progress. To create alignment with Content Creation, ensure the sales team is mapping your creative strategy, both online and in-store. Also, provide your community in engaging with your content, and they are finding helpful something "beyond" product. Understand Need More often than not these two areas do not understand each other's needs. Always start with Marketing, and end with Sales. Just because you "create" something does not mean it is an effective tool for the sales force. To better understand the need, have the sales team provide regular input on tangible tools to make their lives easier and provide branding, tools, and communications to make your communities' Lives easier. Understanding and balancing both is critical to marketing your brand and ensuring you maintain brand equity and loyal with both sales and your customers. Mind Merge Having regular sessions with the sales team, communicating marketing efforts, and applying the strategy daily builds trust with both organizations. Merging ideas and concepts with reality will bring the Marketing Strategy to a more tangible level to the sales team. So get them involved, but sales must also understand their role in the process, it NOT to create, but rather provide details on NEEDS. Tool Generation Ensure marketing has laid out the tools, resources, and integrated brand strategy to the sales team. The sales team needs to be seamless with "messaging" to buyers and consumers and the lead driven by marketing. If there is no clear strategy, vision, or plan, you can imagine how quickly this alignment can break down. Ensure you provide online and offline marketing tools that can be used by both internal sales and external buyers or customers. With the fast-paced, digital world we live in, aligning with everyone inside a brand is critical to the successful execution of your strategy. Frustration and misalignment can be replaced by an authentic, genuine passion and excitement for what your brand is doing and yet to accomplish. Together, lock arms, understand shared needs, and complement one another strengths, and work on your weaknesses to better the brand! Stay True, stay Authentic, be Different, be Great! Enjoy the Journey! Bryan Smeltzer, President LiquidMind Inc. @LiquidMindsite.com @BryanSmeltzer.com © All rights reserved, Bryan Smeltzer, 2022 The Visionary Chronicles Podcast In my new Podcast, Alignment | Managing Marketing & Sales Alignment , I discuss both the understanding of team misalignment and how to correct this going forward. We discuss this and other business strategy topics and pressing issues facing Entrepreneurs, Executives, and Small Business Owners. Please check out "The Visionary Chronicles" on these sites. Available on Podbean Apple Podcast Spotify iHeart Pandora If you like what you hear, I would appreciate you providing a rating and following to receive my weekly Podcasts, along with exclusive content as a follower. Subscribe to The Visionary Chronicles PODCAST and receive The Visionary Chronicles Weekly Newsletter,

The Visionary Chronicles Podcast CHRONICLE: June 1st, 2022 “When we are in chaos, everybody has a plan to fix it. But it takes a leader of real understanding to straighten things out.” Life Faith from Proverbs 28:2 (Mes) THE VISIONARY CHRONICLES PODCAST Leadership | Lead by Faith, not Fear Faith is something all of us have embraced at one point in our lives, and we know if, more often than not comes at the darkest moments or times. This is a comfort we have, knowing that all things are possible through Faith. We often try to take on the world or do not understand how the world operates or works, and trying to figure it out seems to be an impossible task. Through building my own company and having been with some of the world's most iconic brands, problems and barriers are an inevitable part of your evolution. It is where you turn in these times that makes the difference between just surviving or eternally thriving. The strength to know there is an end and the power to realize you will always have blessings through your Faith that will carry you through these storms of life. Each has barriers of different magnitudes, but very few of us take the time to pray and know this is a test to strengthen us for both ourselves and others. Many people feel uncomfortable discussing their Faith, which is fine as long as you have an authentic Faith that reaches out in both the good times and bad times. You will have both, but to have a singular Faith is very reassuring and comforting. Leaders who are open about their Faith and have an engraining belief in the blessings true Faith provides each day are more reassured during difficult times and understand there is an end to the struggles. Having a leader with this character and strength in these difficult times is assuring. Leaders can embrace several biblical principles as they look to Lead through Faith. Lead by Faith, not Fear; the assurance that all things will work together for good. Do not overemphasize the negative; during these storms of life, people hear enough of the bad and be the bearer of good news whenever possible. Never underestimate the power of a team; cohesively bringing others together for a common goal, driven through a shared passion, is powerful. Inject the positive, eliminate the negative; during storms, be the one who leads through reassurance and positivity. Faith overcomes Fear, knowing and believing that a solid foundational Faith conquers Fear. “Some have refused to let Faith guide their decisions, and they have been destroyed like a wrecked ship.” 1 Timothy 1:19 (GW) In creating this Podcast, I wanted to discuss ALL subjects, ones I intuitively knew entrepreneurs needed to hear and ones no one wanted to discuss. Faith played an essential role in assuring I would be able to knock down barriers put in front of me in my entrepreneurial journey. The reassurance that the storm would eventually end, and the light would again be bright. This is also why I started the Saddleback Christian Entrepreneur Leadership Ministry at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, CA, where Rick Warren is our Pastor and the author of Purpose Driven Life. Click on the image below to find information on our Ministry, or forward it to those you feel may benefit. I hope you find this Podcast inspirational and you take it to heart. I am sure you will need the Faith to take you through a trying time or storm in your life. Stay True, stay Authentic, be Different, and be Great! Enjoy the Journey! Bryan Smeltzer, President LiquidMind Inc. @LiquidMindsite.com @BryanSmeltzer.com © All rights reserved, Bryan Smeltzer, 2022 In my new Podcast, Leadership | Lead by Faith, not Fear, I discuss how leaders need to lean on their Faith when barriers to success seem out of reach or when you need to reinvigorate your passion or lead your team through the storms you will inevitably face. The Visionary Chronicles Podcast We discuss this and other business strategy topics and pressing issues facing Entrepreneurs, Executives, and Small Business Owners. Please check out "The Visionary Chronicles" on these sites. Available on Podbean Apple Podcast Spotify iHeart Pandora If you like what you hear, I would appreciate you providing a rating and following to receive my weekly podcasts and exclusive content as a follower. Subscribe to The Visionary Chronicles PODCAST and receive The Visionary Chronicles Weekly Newsletter, along with a FREE copy of my new book; The Visionary Brand, The Success Formula Behind the World's Most Visionary Brands. I am providing a FREE copy hoping you will review Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, or any other international distribution sites. Enjoy! Visionary Interviews, I will be doing some upcoming interviews with some icons in the industry. If you know of someone, I may want to interview, please let me know. Just provide some brief information, and if it works, we will reach out. LiquidMind a Brand Strategy Firm for those looking to disrupt their industry, build a global d

The Visionary Chronicles CHRONICLE: May 27th, 2022 “The aim of marketing is to know and understand the customer so well the product or service fits him and sells itself…” Wisdom from Peter Drucker THE VISIONARY CHRONICLES PODCAST Marketing Metrics | Developing a Roadmap We know that Marketing Metrics do matter and are an essential contribution to defining brand ROI. They establish marketing discipline, decision making, investment analysis, assessing the effectiveness of critical activities, and validating how business outcomes are achieved. It is how we determine, assess, and manage these metrics to build an effective marketing strategy that provides tangible brand equity benefits and a realized ROI. The first step in building your Roadmap is determining the most critical data points to construct an analysis of brand investment value. Metric Data Point Analysis; Do these metrics impact revenue (P/L) or the brand equity value/goodwill (balance sheet)? Do the metrics define the past (previous) or the future (lifetime value)? Are the metrics static (period demand generation) or dynamic (ongoing demand build)? The Roadmap to the Value of defining marketing metrics: Campaign Metrics; effectiveness, ROI through click-through rates, and visits. Satisfaction Metrics; customer satisfaction through NPS (net promoter score), or revenue. Brand Metrics; brand affinity or brand equity valuation increase. Customer Acquisition/Attrition; process to determine customer churn rate. Corporate Metrics; enterprise value translation through corporate Culture, HR, or potential M & A value. You will need to initial the analysis with metrics that track marketing investment performance, such as promos. Then, determine and measure the outcome and compare it to the expectations, such as; Click-Throughs? Customers Visits? Do the results justify the investment? How effective and efficient was marketing’s strategy? Were you able to determine ROI? The most common marketing ROI formula’s are; TOTAL: Marketing Return on Investment MROI (%) = Incremental revenue attributable to marketing ($) during the period – Marketing spending ($) ÷ Marketing spending ($)= % ROI FUNNEL: Marketing Return on Investment (LiquidMind action sports customer-example) Campaign cost ($30,000) generates 6,000 views of video. Historical tracking projects 12 of viewers will become qualified leads within 6 weeks and 10 % will convert to revenue within 6-9 months = 72 sales. At a profit of $500/sale = $36,000 in revenue. Funnel MROI - $36,000-$30,000/$30,000 = 20% MROI CUSTOMER EQUITY: Marketing Return on Investment (LiquidMind banking customer-example) Customer retention/attrition valuation; 10,000 customers, @ $2,000 annual profit/customer. Current attrition rate = 20%, invest $4M and goal is to reduce to 17%. Before; 10,000 * $2,000/20% - $100M After; 10,000 * $2,000/17% = $117M Customer Equity MROI; $17.6M (increase)- $4M(marketing)/$4M (marketing) = 340% MROI These marketing metrics need to be combined with other metrics. Still, the most important ones are revenue growth, which realizes a tangible ROI, and customer satisfaction through the Net Promoter Score. The marketing team can measure the Value of brands equity value growth through other more intangible metrics such as; Brand awareness Brand consideration Brand preference Brand quality and point of difference Brand affinity Brand positioning Brand culture In looking at brand marketing metrics, a recent study of CMOs in 2021 found the following are the most important for determining ROI. Revenue Digital Marketing Performance Lead Generation Content Engagement Lead Generation Customer Engagement/Experience Campaign Costs As you can see, marketing metrics are important, but determining tangible benefits is of the utmost importance. At LiquidMind (LiquidMindsite.com), we work with our brands to set a cohesive marketing strategy, activation plan, ongoing investment analysis, and brand equity development and growth determination. Stay True, stay Authentic, be Different, and be Great! Enjoy the Journey! Bryan Smeltzer, President LiquidMind Inc. @LiquidMindsite.com @BryanSmeltzer.com © All rights reserved, Bryan Smeltzer, 2022 The Visionary Chronicles Podcast In my new Podcast, Marketing Metrics | Develop a Roadmap, I discuss what are most important metrics in order to accurately determine marketing return on investment. With so many channels, combined with seemingly intangible results, how to you measure spends, and future investment strategy? We discuss this and other business strategy topics and pressing issues facing Entrepreneurs, Executives, and Small Business Owners. Please check out "The Visionary Chronicles" on these sites. Available on Podbean Apple Podcast Spotify iHeart Pandora If you like what you hear, I would appreciate you providing a rating and following to receive my weekly podcasts and exclusive content as a follower. Subscribe to The Visionary Chronicles PODCAST and receive The Visionary Chronicles

The Visionary Chronicles CHRONICLE: May 12th, 2022 Inspiration "As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them…" Life Wisdom from President John F. Kennedy THE VISIONARY CHRONICLES PODCAST PODCAST: Inspirational Leadership | How to Authentically Inspire Others "As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them…" Iconic words from an inspirational President. Most, if not all, would wish to have such an inspirational leader to work for or be inspired by in life. Unfortunately, this is the case with most, but you can make a difference in others' lives, be inspiring, be authentic and live by your words! As we know, having gone through the pandemic and a continual barrage of challenges over the years and decades, having an authentic, inspirational leader is a rare sighting these days. The pandemic has taken a toll on our mental and physical health. Being able to inspire others through these challenges is undoubtedly a trait most would like to have, but nearly everyone ignores. It has been proven that those leaders who take the time to engage, providing an environment of trust, enthusiasm, renewal, gratitude, and recognition, are more likely to have enhanced performance from their Brand, lower employee turnover, more significant innovation, and a better culture. Not a bad return for a bit of investment of your time! This attribute is a complementary skill set to a Visionary leader, and the one who adopts this authentic leadership style will reap long-term benefits. Conversely, the opposite of inspirational leadership, someone who lifts everyone around them is uninspiring, a grinder who never looks up to see those who are supporting them, someone with no level of gratitude, and someone who burns everyone out. The inspirational leader gains energy from those you engage with, like a multiplier effect. Unlike traditional energy zappers, running, exercise, and emotions, passionate leaders feed off the positive energy of others. In looking at the effects of positive, inspirational, Visionary leaders, the following are the result of being genuinely engaged, compassionate, and gracious; You are authentic and trustworthy. You enhance your performance through others. Overall brand performance is improved, both financially and culturally. Innovation is greater. Teams are more engaged. Family relationships are improved as a result of recognition and appreciation. Being a genuinely inspirational leader with endless energy and the ability to motivate others is not easy. Still, it becomes easy if you are authentically committed and the results are tangible. Stay True, stay Authentic, be Different, and be Great! Enjoy the Journey! Bryan Smeltzer, President LiquidMind Inc. @LiquidMindsite.com @BryanSmeltzer.com © All rights reserved, Bryan Smeltzer, 2022 In my new Podcast, Inspirational Leadership | How to Authentically Inspire Others, I discuss your role in being an authentic, passionate, and inspiring leader. This trait is rare, but those committed will make a positive change and impact other people's lives. The Visionary Chronicles Podcast We discuss this and other business strategy topics and pressing issues facing Entrepreneurs, Executives, and Small Business Owners. Please check out "The Visionary Chronicles" on these sites. Available on: Google Play Amazon Music Podbean Apple Podcast Spotify iHeart Pandora If you like what you hear, I would appreciate you providing a rating and following to receive my weekly podcasts and exclusive content as a follower. Subscribe to The Visionary Chronicles PODCAST and receive The Visionary Chronicles Weekly Newsletter, along with a FREE copy of my new book; The Visionary Brand, The Success Formula Behind the World's Most Visionary Brands. I am providing a FREE copy hoping you will review Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, or any other international distribution sites the book is currently being distributed. It is always greatly appreciated to spread the word. Enjoy! Visionary Interviews, I will be doing some upcoming interviews with some icons in the industry. If you happen to know of someone I may want to interview, please let me know. Just provide some brief information, and if it works, we will reach out. BryanSmeltzer.com/podcasts LiquidMind a Brand Strategy Firm for those looking to disrupt their industry, build a global digital platform, business execution leadership, or just need someone who understands your business's complexities and can provide solutions. LiquidMindsite.com

The Visionary Chronicles Podcast CHRONICLE # 81: May 5th, 2022 "Data is not information, and information is not knowledge, knowledge is not understanding, understanding is not wisdom.” Knowledge from Clifford Stoll PODCAST: DIGITAL MARKETING | Building Customer Data Knowledge Digital marketing has been moving at the speed of light, and most brands will be left in the dust. But unfortunately, they continue to manage their digital marketing strategy as if it was 1999, not 2022. It is challenging to jump and stay on this fast-moving train without getting run over, but you must have a digital strategy that allows for knowledge learning. Knowledge is the king of digital marketing, anticipating consumer needs, offering recommendations, and being proactive with products that match immediate needs. Companies like Amazon are a model of how to anticipate consumer needs and continually adapt to changing conditions. Amazon is at the pinnacle of digital AI, and this has taken them decades to perfect. They sell over 4,000 products every minute, with over 55% recommended through their AI database. With a database of over 350 million items, they reset their algorithms within seconds. These recommendations are relative to Amazon assets; Prime, Prime Video, Amazon Fresh, and Whole Foods. Google is another brand with an endless amount of consumer data and Shopping analysis algorithms. In addition, the interconnectivity of Google is ongoing, with over 25 billion data points connecting products with consumers. Both Amazon and Google, along with many other brands, capture how individuals exercise, work, play, interact, vacation, and other activities which define specific recommendations. The intent is to learn their customer's preferences and offer what they “may” need before they know it or when they are looking. So how does a brand get started and stay ahead of this fast-moving train? Rich Data; First, understand it is not the amount of data you have but the effective use of what you have. How valuable is the information you have? Determine your customer needs, and personalize it. Rich data! Algorithms; develop algorithms that personalize your Brand’s experience related to your consumer and community. Build Trust, and offer Value! Build Trust; as you continue to migrate data through algorithms, ensure you are careful to utilize the data to create a trusting, personalized experience with current customers and those who are not yet. To build a digital marketing engine, you must have a “dynamic” strategy that can move with the changes in the digital marketing tools and algorithms they create. It is not an easy task, but one you must adopt to succeed in your DTC channel! Stay True, stay Authentic, be Different, be Great! Enjoy the Journey! Bryan Smeltzer, President LiquidMind Inc. @LiquidMindsite.com @BryanSmeltzer.com © All rights reserved, Bryan Smeltzer, 2022 In my new Podcast, Digital Marketing | Building Customer Data Knowledge, I discuss establishing a data knowledge structure for your company. Ensuring you accumulate, and use only useful data, along with respecting your communities privacy and continuing to provide value to your consumer. The Visionary Chronicles Podcast We discuss this and other business strategy topics and pressing issues facing Entrepreneurs, Executives, and Small Business Owners. Please check out "The Visionary Chronicles" on these sites: LiquidMindsite.com BryanSmeltzer.com Podbean Apple Podcast Spotify iHeart Pandora Google Play Amazon Music If you like what you hear, I would appreciate you providing a rating and following to receive my weekly Podcasts, along with exclusive content as a follower. Subscribe to The Visionary Chronicles PODCAST, and receive The Visionary Chronicles Weekly Newsletter, along with a FREE copy of my new book; The Visionary Brand, The Success Formula Behind the World's Most Visionary Brands. An AMAZON BESTSELLER! I am providing a FREE copy with the hope you will review Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, or any other international distributions sites the book is currently being distributed. It is always greatly appreciated to spread the word. Enjoy! Visionary Interviews, I will be doing some upcoming interviews with some icons in the industry. If you happen to know of someone, I may want to interview, please let me know. Just provide some brief information, and if it works, we will reach out. LiquidMind a Brand Strategy Firm for those looking to disrupt their industry, build a global digital platform, business execution leadership, or just need someone who understands your business's complexities and can provide solutions.

The Visionary Chronicles CHRONICLE: April 21st, 2022 Inspiration "The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision." Wisdom from Hellen Keller THE VISIONARY CHRONICLES PODCAST PODCAST: VISION | Set your Path & Stay on Course Establishing a Vision for your Brand is difficult; sticking with the Vision is nearly impossible for most companies. There lies the difference between generational success and near-term failure. The inevitable fate of those who can consistently and continually execute their Vision is part of the rubble that makes up almost 95% of all start-ups. Failure… As the Visionary behind your Brand, you must create a culture, an environment inside the four walls where the entire team feels they are contributing to the success of the Vision, a unified Vision of the longer-term future for your Brand. This is difficult enough, and most leaders fail to execute the plan and see the Vision come to Life over the years. For example, a McKinsey study in 2018 found that only 16% of companies were committed to digital transformation, a necessary piece of a strategic puzzle for both being efficient and effective and Market Driving Brand. So you must commit to the Vision across all levels of the Brand to sustain your success. In looking at what Visionary leaders create on their path to successfully navigating the course to executing the brand Vision: Connect the Dots; as Steve Jobs so famously followed, it is a matter of "connecting the dots" as you move along your path. These Leaders have a structured plan, usually driven annually, connected through near-term action plans, accountability, tools, and proper resource allocation. Embrace Freedom to Fail; Encourage Ideas, allow for the freedom to express how others' lives can be enhanced with our products or services. Never downplay Ideas until you have evaluated their potential impact; you may not see the light before it is too late. Provide Tools & Support, providing an environment for experimentation with great Ideas! The more you nurture this iterative process, generating innovations and disruptive strategies, the more tangible your Innovation Pipeline becomes. Setting your Vision is more effortless than sticking with your Vision. So be sure to have a process, both tangible and non-tangible, where others know expectations and all feel part of the process. Stay True, stay Authentic, be Different, be Great! Enjoy the Journey! Bryan Smeltzer, President LiquidMind Inc. @LiquidMindsite.com @BryanSmeltzer.com © All rights reserved, Bryan Smeltzer, 2022 The Visionary Chronicles Podcast In my new Podcast, VISION | Set Your Path & Stay on Course, I discuss establishing a Vision for your company, and ensuring you stick with your commitment to being a leader through authentication and staying the course regardless of the headwinds. We discuss this and other business strategy topics and pressing issues facing Entrepreneurs, Executives, and Small Business Owners. Please check out "The Visionary Chronicles" on these sites. Available on: Podbean Apple Podcast Spotify iHeart Pandora Google Play Amazon If you like what you hear, I would appreciate you providing a rating and following to receive my weekly Podcasts, along with exclusive content as a follower. Subscribe to The Visionary Chronicles PODCAST, and receive The Visionary Chronicles Weekly Newsletter, along with a FREE copy of my new book; The Visionary Brand, The Success Formula Behind the World's Most Visionary Brands. I am providing a FREE copy with the hope you will review Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, or any other international distributions sites the book is currently being distributed. It is always greatly appreciated to spread the word. Enjoy! Visionary Interviews, I will be doing some upcoming interviews with some icons in the industry. If you happen to know of someone, I may want to interview, please let me know. Just provide some brief information, and if it works, we will reach out. LiquidMind Brand Strategy Firm for those looking to disrupt their industry, build a global digital platform, business execution leadership, or just need someone who understands your business's complexities and can provide solutions.

The Visionary Chronicles CHRONICLE: April 14th , 2022 Inspiration " "Know your enemy and know yourself, and you can fight a hundred battles without disaster." Wisdom from Sun Tzu, The Art of War PODCAST: BRAND GROWTH | Finding Another Avenue for Growth Where do you find organic growth beyond your current core product lines or services? In a recent survey of CEOs from large-cap brands, over 65% indicated that within 5 to 7 years, their industry competitors will be different than who they are now. Also, these new competitors will pose a significant market share threat to their core organic business. A brand’s ability to find alternative sources of revenue will be vital to sustaining its long-term growth, finding another path to building a competitive edge within its core competency. Over 40% of these brands’ ongoing revenue is projected to come from these new revenue streams, a vision set by the visionary leader who sees what is ahead and creates a path to realizing the future. The main engine for why these small start-ups can quickly become a threat is their ability to scale with little capital, nowhere near what was required in the past. Efficiency has become the new norm, and effective use of capital has become the new avenue to rapid revenue growth. Tools and technology will win for those who understand the opportunity and can quickly adapt to the ever-changing working environment. Previously brands would incrementally grow revenue through the following means; Geo expansion Product line extension Expanded customer demo This is the traditional path to generational success. Still, this path has changed, and Brand will now need to find new avenues to maintain their category market share and continual, consistent growth. The growth will be executed by establishing another path and developing a new core business that can tangibly provide sustainable revenues and profitability. For instance, Apple's expansion beyond its core PC business, where they introduced the iPod, iPhone, and iPad, building an incomparable ecosystem. Once completed, moving into watches becomes the industry standard for the digital age. To determine the viability and opportunity to build this new revenue path, I have found four key foundational elements that are needed to measure potential success: Define a Market with a Large, Sustainable Profit opportunity, and ensure you find a market where the potential for revenue growth within the new path outstrips the base core business. This can be achieved through strategic, complementary acquisition. Have a Sustainable Competitive Advantage. After defining the market, ensure you have an immediate competitive advantage over the incumbents, such as Amazon, with their AWS segment. The defined point of difference will be critical to providing value beyond the product to your customers. Be an Entrepreneur. Big brands forget what it is like to be an Entrepreneur. They have been in the ivory towers too long, and they need to understand what it is like to be; agile and fearless yet frugal. Only those who have been in that seat understand. Leverage current core capabilities, you are not starting from scratch, but you must be able to leverage existing assets and resources. This will provide much-needed velocity to the integration and implementation timeline. Each of these by itself is never as good as all four working in unison. Therefore, to achieve sustainable growth, you must embrace the vision of finding a new, complementary path to success. Stay True, stay Authentic, be Different, be Great! Enjoy the Journey! Bryan Smeltzer, President LiquidMind Inc. @LiquidMindsite.com @BryanSmeltzer.com © All rights reserved, Bryan Smeltzer, 2022 In my new Podcast, BRAND GROWTH | Finding Another Avenue for Growth, I discuss the strategy defining a brand’s challenge, and the opportunity to find alternate revenue streams beyond their core, organic business. The Visionary Chronicles Podcast We discuss this and other business strategy topics and pressing issues facing Entrepreneurs, Executives, and Small Business Owners. Please check out "The Visionary Chronicles" on these sites. Available on Podbean Apple Podcast Spotify iHeart Pandora Google Play Amazon If you like what you hear, I would appreciate you providing a rating and following to receive my weekly Podcasts, along with exclusive content as a follower. Subscribe to The Visionary Chronicles PODCAST, and receive The Visionary Chronicles Weekly Newsletter, along with a FREE copy of my new book; The Visionary Brand, The Success Formula Behind the World’s Most Visionary Brands. I am providing a FREE copy with the hope you will review Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, or any other international distributions sites the book is currently being distributed. It is always greatly appreciated to spread the word. Enjoy! https://amzn.to/3v0By7W Visionary Interviews, I will be doing some upcoming interviews with some icons in the industry. If you happen to know of someo

The Visionary Chronicles PODCAST CHRONICLE: March 30th, 2022 Inspiration "I can't understand why people are frightened of new ideas. I'm frightened of the old ones..." Wisdom from John Cage PODCAST: IDEAS| How to Maximize Creativity Flow 2018, LinkedIn Survey; Creativity is the number sought-after soft skillset. Creativity is a Cornerstone for an Innovative Thinker and a Progressive Brand. The ability to consistently think of great IDEAS, understand the impact at a brand level, and ensure they are commercialized is a trait few possess and even are willing to explore. Exploration is a crucial piece for Creativity; having the guts to do what others say is "Impossible" and pursue a Dream and bring it to Reality for others to see. This Exploration brings excitement and passion to a brand. The willingness to FAIL, and FAIL again for the pursuit of reaching the pinnacle of success. Those who are willing to take this challenge, not just once, but make it part of their DNA, their core Identity will succeed, not only in their markets but with their teams and community as well! With Exploration comes an Artisty around successfully realizing your great IDEA. The creative mastery around molding the IDEA to match your Identity. The Artist is the one who knows what the painting looks like before a brush is put to canvas. So be an Artist, understand the beauty behind the product, making your communities life more accessible and non-burdensome. The Simple Sophistication of a great product and the Artistry to deliver on your Brand Promise. To Maximize IDEA flow, you must first be committed to Exploring, embracing Failure, and being an Artist, and all are collectively generating insanely GREAT IDEAS. What are the areas required to Promote Creativity? Free Flowing Ideas and Pace: The quicker a decision is made, the better the company. However, having a Brand committed to providing an environment to Create, and generate IDEAS, is one that will never run short on Innovation. Free your Mind, let the process take its Pace, provide boundaries and ensure these IDEAS are processed, commercialized, or blown up to make it great! Be a Cognitive Thinker vs. a Logical Mindset; Take your time when flushing our IDEAS, understand the implication to the brand and your community. Then, find solutions through Great IDEAS. Leave the Door Open; Allow IDEAS to enter the Creativity process, do not be quick to judge, and ensure Cognitive Thinkers are at the table, the Creative doers. Only the Smart Illusion; Creativity is Cognitive, and why the Logic may not always be the best trait in building an Innovative Culture. Intelligence is often misplaced, put in the correct location it can be very productive, placed in the wrong location is disastrous. Having the ability to think of what "could be" vs. "what is" is the DIFFERENCE! Implement Balance; When Steve Jobs took over at PIXAR, he implemented the "pluses" policy, meaning every negative needed to be balanced with a plus. This simple policy broke down gridlock at PIXAR and was integral to creating their first blockbuster, Toy Story. More is Less; Brands feel the Ideation process is better served with more people providing more Ideas…the opposite is true; the best Ideation process, where it provides the best IDEAS, is one where the mindset is common Logic is left at the Door. Cognitive THINKERS ONLY! Many leaders agree that Innovation and Creativity are the most sought-after traits, but most do nothing to promote creating a Culture where Cognitive Thinkers can thrive! Stay True, stay Authentic, be Different, be Great! Enjoy the Journey! Bryan Smeltzer, President LiquidMind Inc. @LiquidMindsite.com @BryanSmeltzer.com © All rights reserved, Bryan Smeltzer, 2022 The Visionary Chronicles Podcast In my new Podcast, IDEAS | How to Maximize Creativity Flow, I discuss how understanding the exploration process, embracing Risk and a commitment to providing an environment where you embrace Failure is key to generating insanely Great IDEAS. The Visionary Chronicles Podcast We discuss this and other business strategy topics and pressing issues facing Entrepreneurs, Executives, and Small Business Owners. Please check out "The Visionary Chronicles" on these sites. Available on Podbean Apple Podcast Spotify iHeart Pandora If you like what you hear, I would appreciate you providing a rating and following to receive my weekly Podcasts, along with exclusive content as a follower. Updates Subscribe to The Visionary Chronicles PODCAST, and receive The Visionary Chronicles Newsletter, along with a FREE Vision Notepad. Visionary Interviews, I will be doing some upcoming interviews with some icons in the industry. If you happen to know of someone I may want to interview, please let me know. Just provide some brief information, and if it works, we will reach out. LiquidMind a Brand Strategy Firm for those looking to disrupt their industry, build a global digital platform, business execution leadership, or just need someone w

The Visionary Chronicles CHRONICLE: March 16th, 2022 CONTENT FROM: THE VISIONARY BRAND BOOK, The Success Formula Behind the World’s Most Visionary Brands “Exceptionally well written, organized, and presented, The Visionary Brand must be considered essential reading for all aspiring entrepreneurs and corporate executives seeking to expand their market share. The Visionary Brand is unreservedly recommended for community, corporate, college, university library Business Management instructional reference collections, and for the personal reading lists of entrepreneurs, MBA students, and corporate executives." James Cox, Editor-in-Chief, Midwest Book Review PODCAST SERIES: THE VISIONARY BRAND | THE ELEMENTS OF A SUCCESSFUL FORMULA Over the next several months I will be doing PODCAST’s on the The Visionary Brand, The Success Formula Behind the World’s Most Visionary Brands. The book is now released, and available across all book distribution locations. I would always appreciate your support in spreading the word through a review on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, social media or any location you connect with others! Your word is what provides a connection to others who may have never heard of the book otherwise… CONTENT FROM; The Visionary Brand, The Success Formula Behind the World’s Most Visionary Brands Available across all book retailers: Amazon: The Visionary Brand Barnes & Noble: The Visionary Brand PODCAST: THE VISIONARY BRAND | The Elements of a Successful Formula When you think of genuinely Visionary brands, those who have sustained generational success and have maintained category leadership simultaneously, each was built on Visionary foresight and pillars of success. These pillars are foundational and must be kept intact regardless of circumstances, irrespective of wanting to change. This principle of building a foundation and hanging on through the storms you encounter, both creating and building your brand, is the most challenging but the most important. Brands are built on trust and loyalty, two ingredients of an innovative formula that today holds even more. These pillars are built slowly, methodically, and with authentication. Although building them takes generations, tearing them down takes only days, if not hours! So what are these foundational principles all visionary brands adhere to as they move through the stages of brand equity growth, loyalty creation, and trust-building? It takes many different pieces to create a foundation worthy of being visionary, and all we discuss in The Visionary Brand, The Success Formula Behind the World’s Most Visionary Brands. I wrote The Visionary Brand from an inside-out perspective so those who have not experienced what the interworking of truly innovative brands look like and how they operate on a day-to-day basis. So what are the main ingredients brands must understand, adopt and adhere to in order to achieve visionary status? A Creative Engine to sustain innovation Consistent Positioning across distribution channels An Omni-channel brand experience A Power Triad that is working in unison with all team members Creating a Culture Matrix which defines inclusion, not exclusion Unified Product Vision A sticky Ecosystem Fuel to drive your marketing strategy A killer UX (User Experience) The Courage to Create and Be Different! Each is the DNA make-up of a truly Visionary brand and the ones we discuss in detail in The Visionary Brand, The Success Formula Behind the World’s Most Visionary Brands. In summary, The Visionary Brand, The Success Formula Behind the World’s Most Visionary Brands, was written for those looking to understand what is significant, being Visionary, being different to sustain long-term success, and what they do to create brand Loyalty. Also, it was written from an inside-out perspective, understanding is as much personal, as it is business acumen. Be a Leader, Be a Visionary, Be Compassionate, Be Great! Stay True, stay Authentic, be Different, be Great! Enjoy the Journey! Bryan Smeltzer, President LiquidMind Inc. @LiquidMindsite.com @BryanSmeltzer.com © All rights reserved, Bryan Smeltzer, 2022 In my new Podcast, The Visionary Brand | The Elements of a Successful Formula I provide an overview of the elements most, if not all, true Visionary brands and leaders embrace and execute against. The Visionary Chronicles Podcast We discuss this and other business strategy topics and pressing issues facing Entrepreneurs, Executives, and Small Business Owners. Please check out "The Visionary Chronicles" on these sites. Available on Podbean Apple Podcast Spotify iHeart Pandora If you like what you hear, I would appreciate you providing a rating and following to receive my weekly Podcasts, along with exclusive content as a follower. Subscribe to The Visionary Chronicles PODCAST, and receive The Visionary Chronicles Weekly Newsletter, along with a FREE copy of my new book in exchange for a REVIEW; THE VISIONARY BRAND, The Success Formula Behind the World’s M

The Visionary Chronicles Podcast CHRONICLE: March 9th, 2022 CONTENT FROM: THE VISIONARY BRAND, The Success Formula Behind the World’s Most Visionary Brands “Exceptionally well written, organized, and presented, The Visionary Brand must be considered essential reading for all aspiring entrepreneurs and corporate executives seeking to expand their market share. The Visionary Brand is unreservedly recommended for community, corporate, college, university library Business Management instructional reference collections, and for the personal reading lists of entrepreneurs, MBA students, and corporate executives." James Cox, Editor-in-Chief, Midwest Book Review PODCAST SERIES: THE VISIONARY BRAND | THE VISION PARADOX Over the next several months I will be doing podcasts on The Visionary Brand, The Success Formula Behind the World’s Most Visionary Brands. The book is now released, and available across all book distribution locations. I would always appreciate your support in spreading the word through a review on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, social media, or any location you connect with others! Your word is what provides a connection to others who may have never heard of the book otherwise… CONTENT FROM: The Visionary Brand, The Success Formula Behind the World’s Most Visionary Brands Available across all book retailers: Amazon: The Visionary Brand Barnes & Noble: The Visionary Brand Just because I can SEE… does not mean I have VISION… The Vision Paradox is a dilemma faced by many brands. When building your teams, especially early on, you will find that they need complementary skillsets and the ability to orchestrate together. This analogy is very similar to when you hear a beautiful concerto, and all instruments complement one another. Making for a collective team, all know their role and core expertise. You do not want someone who does not know how to play the violin, playing a violin. This one failed, non-complimentary team member ruins this beautiful orchestration of a team. Some call it “staying in your lane” or “know what you know, and that which you do not,” either way, team members assigned to roles need to be complimentary to accomplish anything. Having been in global brands overseeing product, marketing, and business development, there is a method to success, and this method includes defining roles specific to team members' skillset. Suppose you are to move your brand into Visionary thinking and status. In that case, you must have all team members playing their roles, providing guidance, and leading the next revolutionary product, ensuring generational success. There are brand principles realized through the elimination of the Vision Paradox and adoption of a Visionary foundation; 1. BREAKAWAY PRODUCT PIPELINE; as a result of creating a Vision, building an insanely great team, providing the tools to succeed, embracing failure, and rewarding creators, you will find your brand is leading in all pillars that define Visionary. Once this structure is in place, your ability to realize an innovation-driven, breakaway pipeline becomes tangible. 2. FORESIGHT; Foresight involves “anticipation,” knowing what your customers desire before they do. It is not an incremental improvement; it is not refining; it is a vision of what “can be,” not “what is.” 3. REVOLUTION, RECREATE; “Incrementalism is innovation’s worst enemy” Nicolas Negroponte, MIT Your ability to out-innovate yourself first is a key ingredient to being generational. Find ways to take your breakaway product strategy and “squeeze” the Competition across all price tiers while surfing other products that enter the “pipeline.” Not a “one-hit” wonder strategy, but rather one that provides products across the entire supply and demand chain, capturing market share while not degrading brand equity. A delicate balance. Those humble enough to understand their weaknesses and utilize their strengths complement the brand team and become part of orchestration, a masterpiece driven by a passion for being part of the team who desire to be generational. In summary, The Visionary Brand, The Success Formula Behind the World’s Most Visionary Brands, was written for those looking to understand what is significant, being Visionary, being different to sustain long-term success, and what they do to create brand Loyalty. Also, it was written from an inside-out perspective, understanding is as much personal, as it is business acumen. Be a Leader, Be a Visionary, Be Compassionate, Be Great! Stay True, stay Authentic, be Different, be Great! Enjoy the Journey! Bryan Smeltzer, President LiquidMind Inc. @LiquidMindsite.com @BryanSmeltzer.com © All rights reserved, Bryan Smeltzer, 2022 In my new Podcast, The Visionary Brand | The DNA of a Visionary Brand (Part II), I discuss the Foundational Pillars required to move your Brand from the Status Quo to Visionary. The Pillars to successfully leading for generations. The Visionary Chronicles Podcast We discuss this and other business str

The Visionary Chronicles CHRONICLE: February 16th, 2022 CONTENT FROM MY NEW BOOK: THE VISIONARY BRAND, The Success Formula Behind the World's Most Visionary Brands Available across all book retailers on February 8th, 2022 “Exceptionally well written, organized, and presented, The Visionary Brand must be considered essential reading for all aspiring entrepreneurs and corporate executives seeking to expand their market share. The Visionary Brand is unreservedly recommended for community, corporate, college, university library Business Management instructional reference collections, and for the personal reading lists of entrepreneurs, MBA students, and corporate executives." James Cox, Editor-in-Chief, Midwest Book Review PODCAST SERIES: THE VISIONARY BRAND | THE DNA OF A VISIONARY BRAND (PART II) Over the next several months I will be doing podcasts on The Visionary Brand, The Success Formula Behind the World’s Most Visionary Brands. The book is now released, and available across all book distribution locations. I would always appreciate your support in spreading the word through a review on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, social media, or any location you connect with others! Your word is what provides a connection to others who may have never heard of the book otherwise… ___________ Many principles make up the genetics of a Visionary brand's DNA; however, several critical elements ensure the formula is the right mix for successfully navigating the barriers all brands face throughout their lives. Two additional items we will discuss are; Brand Loyalty Foundational Pillars LOYALTY Brand Loyalty is an earned right, not something that is purchased. Being able to retain, engage and build a meaningful relationship with your community is the holy grail of a brand’s long-term viability. Generational brands, sustained and built equity over generations, are few and far between. However, one characteristic each has in common is consistently maintaining their core brand values. Customers have many choices, very little time, and an even shorter attention span. The situation will not improve soon and will likely get much worse. A challenge non-Visionary companies face, and a new reality Visionary brands embrace. They know if they are genuine and authentic with their community, providing value beyond selling products and engaging throughout the entire purchase and following up post-purchase through the Loyalty Loop strategy, this process will succeed regardless of economic conditions. Staying true to your principles, building a solid foundation where the brand pillars are clearly understood, and engaging with your customer are all critical strategies required to survive and thrive. PILLARS Now for the true Foundational Pillars to a brand’s ongoing success and ability to thrive regardless of the economic realities. These Pillars are; BRAND; the brand itself, the make-up of the Foundation. PILLAR I: Product; what the brand produces, the performance attributes that define its positioning. PILLAR II: Culture; how the brand interacts internally and externally, the brand's DNA to the world. PILLAR III: Positioning; where the brand positions its products for sale, location, location, premium, or commodity. PILLAR IV: Creators; build the infrastructure for the brand’s current and future generations, the eyes and ears of what the brand stands for. VISION; the foundational day-to-day mission driven by a future aspiration, the future realized. EXECUTION; the common goal shared by the entire brand, its ability to realize the Vision. Each brand Pillar is critical to ensuring its longevity, its ability to stay true to the Vision, and a foundation built on rock, not sand, to withstand the forces of nature and the world. These are what make for a Visionary Brand, start tearing down the pillars, and your foundation collapse, brand equity deteriorates, brand loyalty evaporates, brand positioning changes, and your future destiny is no longer in your hands. Build your Foundation on solid rock, stay true to your Vision, pivot when necessary, but whatever future path you choose, it must not stray from these guiding principles. In summary, The Visionary Brand, The Success Formula Behind the World’s Most Visionary Brands, was written for those looking to understand what is significant, being Visionary, being different to sustain long-term success, and what they do to create brand Loyalty. Also, it was written from an inside-out perspective, understanding is as much personal, as it is business acumen. Be a Leader, Be a Visionary, Be Compassionate, Be Great! Stay True, stay Authentic, be Different, be Great! Enjoy the Journey! Bryan Smeltzer, President LiquidMind Inc. @LiquidMindsite.com @BryanSmeltzer.com © All rights reserved, Bryan Smeltzer, 2022 THE VISIONARY CHRONICLES PODCAST In my new Podcast, The Visionary Brand | The DNA of a Visionary Brand (Part II), I discuss the Foundational Pillars required to move your Brand from the Status Quo to Visionary

The Visionary Chronicles CHRONICLE: February 8th, 2022 CONTENT FROM: THE VISIONARY BRAND, The Success Formula Behind the World’s Most Visionary Brands “Exceptionally well written, organized, and presented, The Visionary Brand must be considered essential reading for all aspiring entrepreneurs and corporate executives seeking to expand their market share. The Visionary Brand is unreservedly recommended for community, corporate, college, university library Business Management instructional reference collections, and for the personal reading lists of entrepreneurs, MBA students, and corporate executives." James Cox, Editor-in-Chief, Midwest Book Review PODCAST SERIES: THE VISIONARY BRAND | THE DNA OF A VISIONARY BRAND Over the next several months I will be doing podcasts on, The Visionary Brand, The Success Formula Behind the World’s Most Visionary Brands. The book is now released, and available across all book distribution locations. I would always appreciate your support in spreading the word through a review on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, social media or any location you connect with others! Your word is what provides a connection to others who may have never heard of the book otherwise… What makes a brand a brand? Is it . . . Product? Marketing Culture? Innovation? Each of these can undoubtedly be a foundational piece of the make-up of a brand, and consumer perceptions are built on these separate components. However, I found in most instances, consumers perceive a brand as a lifestyle comprised of many different aspects, both inspirational and aspirational, or as a commodity, which serves a specific need or purpose. For example, when Nike created the “Just Do It” or “Bo Knows” campaigns, Nike created an inclusionary active lifestyle and persona that allowed them to sell products, creating a culture built around demonstrating an inspirational lifestyle. These campaigns reflect its culture, made up of a community of like-minded athletes working towards the same aspirational goal. In other words, it sells a lifestyle more than it sells individual goods. And selling a lifestyle is now more critical than ever for a successful brand. Selling a Lifestyle controlling your destiny is the path carved the pandemic, the reality of having to adapt, and the foresight to know this is the future. So what does this future look like as we see it? I will discuss the first two key areas today and continue our discussions over the next several weeks. THE BRAND In this New Age of retail, brands can more easily adapt, engage, create, and control their destiny. Before this New Age of e-comm, DTC, the User Experience (UX) was critical to a brand's success, as Loyalty and authentic engagement are a priority, along with superior products. This UX needs to be controlled by the brand, as consumers' expectations shift to pre-purchase experience and post-purchase engagement. The retailer always maintained the purchase cycle, with many UX priorities left not being appropriately executed or authentically. Brands now control both their destiny and community loyalty. The retailer left having to somehow manage their ongoing Brick and Mortar business in parallel with these same brands opening their stores. Quite a balancing act and many retailers have not handled this transition correctly. Still, it represents an opportunity to partner with these global brands for those left standing. Unless you ARE a Brand, you cannot BE a brand. Creating a brand is an earned right that is not easily attained; ask all those new ventures left in the rubble of having had a great idea only to see it vanish before their eyes. Once you have achieved TRUE brand status, you have pricing and product control. The ability to achieve multi-tier distribution and build a global community loyal to your product, lifestyle, and brand all in one. The retail revolution is real; those who adapt without sacrificing their core values are the ones who will successfully build a future for others to follow. EVOLUTION Every brand needs to be anchored in Foundation Principles, those things that make them a brand in the eyes of their consumer, their community, their loyal following. However, brands can and need to evolve or pivot when they see an opportunity to change their Foundation and maximize what they have already built. Brands are built on marketplace positioning, such as; good, better, best, or premium, and clearly defined points of difference over the Competition. The pandemic was a clear pivot point for brands, and those who evolved or adapted are the ones still standing today. But, you will notice those who pivoted did not sacrifice their Foundation! If you are built on a stone foundation, you can withstand the winds of time and fail. But, facing a challenge head-on is what visionary brands and leaders do, and they set the path for the future, a future others can not see until they clarify the vision. We have been through and continue to struggle with one of the worst pandemics

THE VISIONARY BRAND The Success Formula Behind the World’s Most Visionary Brands Author, Bryan Smeltzer “Exceptionally well written, organized, and presented, The Visionary Brand must be considered essential reading for all aspiring entrepreneurs and corporate executives seeking to expand their market share. The Visionary Brand is unreservedly recommended for community, corporate, college, university library Business Management instructional reference collections, and for the personal reading lists of entrepreneurs, MBA students, and corporate executives." James Cox, Editor-in-Chief, Midwest Book Review When I decided to write The Visionary Brand, The Success Formula Behind the World’s Most Visionary Brands, I was very fortunate to have been inside some of the world’s most creative, disruptive, and revolutionary brands. These brands were each different, positioning themselves differently, engaging strategically, creating consistently, understanding why they exist, how they are unique, and building a culture that drives the passion for driving the brand forward. I found each fascinating and having been inside the walls of the executive suite seeing firsthand how these great brands operated was an experience few get to experience and witness. So, this experience, along with having a passion for reading and absorbing how other great brands were able to navigate the path to success for generations effectively, built a great base of knowledge both inside and outside these four walls. These insanely great companies and the leaders behind the curtain, the wizards pulling the brand along and successfully executing a Vision no one else could see or comprehend. The experience was the inspiration, and this is where the Journey started. Having been with these brands and throughout my years, I found that there truly was no ONE Visionary brand, a company that had all the pieces in place. Some had most, but none had all to achieve this status. So as I prepared to write The Visionary Brand, I wanted it to be an outline of the pieces required to achieve Visionary level. Also, I intended to interpret the content quickly and apply it to your day-to-day and long-term strategy. In having read hundreds of books, all either Bios of great leaders or disruptive brands, most were told from outside in perspective or academic standpoint. Neither of these is easily applied, nor are they beneficial unless you are a multi-billion brand with significant resources to execute their strategy. Therefore, I wanted to take an Entrepreneurial spin on building the structure of The Visionary Brand, which can be applied with limited resources, brands both big and small and measurement in results. It has been a passion and longtime goal to write this book, many times wanting to hang up my pen and other times spilling out thoughts that seemed never-ending. Both extremes are why I feel The Visionary Brand is so tangible to leaders at all levels and industries. You will find a clear, tangible path to understanding, achieving, and realizing the pieces of putting your Visionary brand puzzle together. I intended to make it clear, tangible, and fun to execute individually and as a team. Achieving Visionary status seems intangible to most, and it is meant to be by design. However, if you can acquire insight into building your path to generational success while putting these pieces in place, I will have served my purpose in writing The Visionary Brand! Inside the cover of The Visionary Brand, you will step by step insight into what an authentic Visionary brand is, how this machine runs, what their point of difference is, and how these tangible and intangible points of difference allow them to crush their Competition. Journey/Brand It starts with my Journey to writing the book and then defines what a Brand truly is built from a foundational perspective. Vision/Elements The book then moves to Vision from the brand and how companies separate themselves through foresight and a product innovation pipeline. I discuss how this revolution is the difference that defines these Visionary brands and how imitators will never be leaders. The elements that set great brands apart and allow them to sustain their category leadership for generations. Disruption, being Different, and Case Studies around each. Positioning/Omni-Channel From Vision, I move to marketplace positioning and omnichannel strategy. Ensuring you are consistent in all you do, being authentic, ensuring the bloodlines are true to the Vision—strategic competitiveness, Lifestyle marketing, and being the best at ALL times. Power Triad/Culture Product/Marketing & Sales, the Power Triad. How they drive the brand forward, and how each builds a Culture to be envied by all their competitors. Product Vision/Ecosystem Breakaway design, innovation pipeline, drawdown strategy, and commercialization. Each a piece of a strategic arsenal brands deploy every day. They were leading through extinction and building an Ecosyste

THE VISIONARY CHRONICLES PODCAST The Art of Competition | Creating a Strategy that Overcomes Competitive Forces "Know your enemy and know yourself, and you can fight a hundred battles without disaster." Wisdom from Sun Tzu, The Art of War The Forces of Competition, which determine strategic planning and marketplace execution, are shared among all industries. Those who can anticipate both industry and competitive moves will succeed for generations. Anticipation is the "Art of War", and brands who fight and win the battle without having pulled a sword are the ones who have mastered the "Art of Competition". But, unfortunately, many have gone to war and have shown nothing for their efforts; a strategy built on a foundation of brute force inevitably fails. Find a way to determine outcomes before they are fought, and you will build a team and a brand set on a solid foundation, a fortress others can not enter. Creating a culture where everyone knows their role, works together to ensure the foundation stands, and others envy what you have made and want to know your vision of the future. The best they can hope for is to follow in your path but never lead. There are several forces brands must be aware of to execute The Art of Competition in the marketplace. New Blood With this scenario, new blood is the latest entry into your category, one who has a new idea, provides a potentially better service or product. Combatting this competitor takes anticipation, an innovation process, and the ability to never look over your shoulder. Each of these allows a brand to move ahead with your Vision while ensuring this new blood is blocked or eliminated from establishing a beachhead without you doing anything different. Changing course is not an option, but pivoting without disrupting your business is critical. Scale The scale was a strategy many were caught off guard by during the pandemic, and most were unable to recover in whole or in part. To attain sufficient scale with a manufacturing matrix with the core competencies needed to produce a consistently excellent product and out-innovating yourself first is the winning formula. Community Loyalty, recurring revenue, and value creation are foundational to longevity. These pieces of your foundation will create a wall no competitor can climb. This takes consistency, an understanding of who your customer is, what they value, and why they buy your products is a strategic weapon built off your team's shoulders. Commodity Players The Imitators, not the Innovators, are the commodity players. They are not be feared, but rather these are the ones to be called out and challenged at every turn. Imitators take great Ideas and churn them into products of inferior quality and lower-tier price points. As a result, they do not build a trusting, loyal community that embraces value provided by the brand, but rather a following looking for the next significant "draw-down". Some have been successful with this strategy, but this is like building your foundation on the sand vs. rock. YOUR CHOICE. Rivals The most threatening part of a brand executing its future Vision is its direct Rival, those who have authentically built a loyal community, created their innovation pipeline and stayed true to their foundation. They are to be respected, but the Art of War principles are genuinely beneficial and provide the most benefit. You want to anticipate the moves of your Rivals, find ways to outflank them, diminish their impact, and put the fires out before they start. The Art of War is winning without having gone to battle. So what can you do to anticipate your Rival's next move and step out and take risks, never to relinquish your lead? The Art of Competition is understanding the landscape, anticipating your Rival's moves, outflanking your Competition, and finding ways to win the battles through a strategy where you never have to draw your weapon! Find a way to win! Stay True, stay Authentic, be Different, be Great! Enjoy the Journey! Bryan Smeltzer, President LiquidMind Inc. @LiquidMindsite.com @BryanSmeltzer.com © All rights reserved, Bryan Smeltzer, 2022 In my new Podcast, The Art of Competition | Creating a Strategy that Overcomes Competitive Forces, I discuss the Idea’s around anticipation and the Art of combatting your Competition through strategic mastery. The Visionary Chronicles Podcast We discuss this and other business strategy topics and pressing issues facing Entrepreneurs, Executives, and Small Business Owners. Please check out THE VISIONARY CHRONICLES Podcast on these sites Podbean Apple Podcast Spotify iHeart Pandora Amazon Google If you like what you hear, I would appreciate you providing a rating and following to receive my weekly Podcasts, along with exclusive content as a follower. Subscribe to The Visionary Chronicles PODCAST, and receive The Visionary Chronicles Weekly Newsletter, along with a FREE copy of my new book; The Visionary Brand, The Success Formula Behind the World’s Most Vision

Brand Team Alignment | Managing Marketing & Sales Alignment “Great things in business are never done by one person. They're done by a team of people.” Wisdom from Steve Jobs With over 85% of companies indicating a misalignment between marketing and sales on items such as; strategy, branding, and creation, it is an area that needs vast improvement across almost every brand. Our clients at LiquidMind(LiquidMindsite.com), both large-cap through start-up, face the same issues, and most do not either recognize the misalignment or understand the process to improve the alignment. In addition, as more brands move to DTC, the sales cycle becomes more tangible on the direct-to-consumer side and with your retailers, as they fight for both dollars and time. As a result, this alignment becomes more critical to a company's short and long-term success. With most brands, you will find these two functional areas run independently of one another when they should be working in parallel, ensuring the brand is in complete alignment across all channels and modes of communication. However, they need each other, and frustration, inefficiency, and misalignment set in when separated. So how does a brand work to correct this misalignment? At LiquidMind, we work with our brands on the following areas, and step by step, piece by piece, the alignment becomes a reality. Content Creation Marketing often makes assumptions, based on the brand positioning, creative assets, and channels, that what they are creating is valuable to the sales teams, buyers, and customers. To define what is needed, you must understand where, when, who, and how you create and communicate. Is this content a valuable tool for the sales team, and does the marketing strategy take a regular "pulse" check with your brand community, buyers, and sales team? Creating for the sake of producing is not a strategy. Moving does not mean you are making progress. To create alignment with Content Creation, ensure the sales team is mapping your creative strategy, both online and in-store. Also, provide your community in engaging with your content, and they are finding helpful something "beyond" product. Understand Need More often than these two areas do not understand each other's needs. Always start with Marketing, and end with Sales. Just because you "create" something does not mean it is an effective tool for the sales force. To better understand the need, have the sales team provide regular input on tangible tools to make their lives easier and provide branding, tools, and communications to make your communities' Lives easier. Understanding and balancing both is critical to marketing your brand and ensuring you maintain brand equity and loyal with both sales and your customers. Mind Merge Having regular sessions with the sales team, communicating marketing efforts, and applying the strategy daily builds trust with both organizations. Merging ideas and concepts with reality will bring the Marketing Strategy to a more tangible level to the sales team. So get them involved, but sales must also understand their role in the process, it NOT to create, but rather provide details on NEEDS. Tool Generation Ensure marketing has laid out the tools, resources, and integrated brand strategy to the sales team. The sales team needs to be seamless with "messaging" to buyers and consumers and the lead driven by marketing. If there is no clear strategy, vision, or plan, you can imagine how quickly this alignment can break down. Ensure you provide online and offline marketing tools that can be used by both internal sales and external buyers or customers. With the fast-paced, digital world we live in, aligning with everyone inside a brand is critical to the successful execution of your strategy. Frustration and misalignment can be replaced by an authentic, genuine passion and excitement for what your brand is doing and yet to accomplish. Together, lock arms, understand shared needs, and complement one another strengths, and work on your weaknesses to better the brand!

THE VISIONARY CHRONICLES PODCAST Strategy | Successful Branding Strategies (10 Principles Brands can deploy to sustain long-term revenue growth) "For you to sleep well at night, the aesthetic, the quality, has to be carried all the way through…” Wisdom from Steve Jobs Brands many times struggle with first determining, then executing on their Vision. For a start-up or ongoing company to successfully anchor their company in foundational principles that will carry them for generations, they will need to bring their Vision to reality. This foundation determines all the company stands for from the inside looking out. First, establish who you are, what is your definitive point of difference, why would someone purchase your product, and how you will authentically engage in building your Community, the lifeblood of Loyalty. With the new age of digital, Loyalty is the lifeblood, but Authentication is the vein. Authentication is what continues to drive Loyalty and long-term customer value to a Brand. Being Authentic is earned, not a right, and can quickly deteriorate, along with customer loyalty, revenue, and equity. Follow a clear path to building your brand, stay true to creating a Loyal community through authentic engagement, and ensure your Vision is communicated daily through both verbal and visual communications. This branding flow will ensure all who enter the four walls of your brand clearly understand why you exist, where you are positioned, how you are different, and what is the path forward. “As a consumer, you want to associate with brands whose powerful presence creates a halo effect that rubs off on you…” Tom Peters Stay True, stay Authentic, be Different, be Great! Enjoy the Journey! Bryan Smeltzer, President LiquidMind Inc. @LiquidMindsite.com @BryanSmeltzer.com © All rights reserved, Bryan Smeltzer, 2021 In my new Podcast, Branding | Successful Branding Strategies, I discuss 10 Key Principles companies or brands need to deploy to sustain long-term revenue growth successfully. We discuss this, along with other business strategy topics and pressing issues facing Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners. Please check out "The Visionary Chronicles" on these sites. Available on Podbean Apple Podcast Spotify iHeart Pandora Google Amazon If you like what you hear, I would appreciate your following to receive my weekly Podcasts, along with exclusive content as a follower. Subscribe to The Visionary Chronicles PODCAST, and receive The Visionary Chronicles Newsletter, along with a FREE VISION Notepad. Visionary Interviews, I will be doing some upcoming interviews with some icons in the industry. If you happen to know of someone, I may want to interview, please let me know. Just provide some brief information, and if it works, we will reach out. The Visionary Brands, I will be launching my new book this fall. In preparation, I will be providing some additional, more in-depth discussions around what allows these Visionary Brands to sustain generational success. LiquidMind a Brand Strategy Firm for those looking to disrupt their industry, build a global digital platform, business execution leadership, or just need someone who understands the complexities of your business and can provide solutions. #thevisionarychroniclespodcast #businesspodcast #leadershippodcast #thevisionarybrandbook #thevisionarybrand #bryansmeltzer #tompeters #timferris #stevejobs #elonmusk @timferris @tompeters #liquidmindsite #liquidmindconsulting #liquidmindbrandstrategy

The Visionary Chronicles PODCAST CHRONICLE: December 17th, 2021 "I can't understand why people are frightened of new ideas. I'm frightened of the old ones..." Wisdom from John Cage PODCAST: CREATIVITY | How to Maximize IDEA Flow 2018, LinkedIn Survey; Creativity is the number sought-after soft skillset. Creativity is a Cornerstone for an Innovative Thinker and a Progressive Brand. The ability to consistently think of great IDEAS, understand the impact at a brand level, and ensure they are commercialized is a trait few possess and even are willing to explore. Exploration is a crucial piece for Creativity; having the guts to do what others say is "Impossible" and pursue a Dream and bring it to Reality for others to see. This Exploration brings excitement and passion to a brand. The willingness to FAIL, and FAIL again for the pursuit of reaching the pinnacle of success. Those who are willing to take this challenge, not just once, but make it part of their DNA, their core Identity will succeed, not only in their markets but with their teams and community as well! With Exploration comes an Artisty around successfully realizing your great IDEA. The creative mastery around molding the IDEA to match your Identity. The Artist is the one who knows what the painting looks like before a brush is put to canvas. So be an Artist, understand the beauty behind the product, making your communities life more accessible and non-burdensome. The Simple Sophistication of a great product and the Artistry to deliver on your Brand Promise. To Maximize IDEA flow, you must first be committed to Exploring, embracing Failure, and being an Artist, and all are collectively generating insanely GREAT IDEAS. What are the areas required to Promote Creativity? Free Flowing Ideas and Pace: The quicker a decision is made, the better the company. However, having a Brand committed to providing an environment to Create, and generate IDEAS, is one that will never run short on Innovation. Free your Mind, let the process take its Pace, provide boundaries and ensure these IDEAS are processed, commercialized, or blown up to make it great! Be a Cognitive Thinker vs. a Logical Mindset; Take your time when flushing our IDEAS, understand the implication to the brand and your community. Then, find solutions through Great IDEAS. Leave the Door Open; Allow IDEAS to enter the Creativity process, do not be quick to judge, and ensure Cognitive Thinkers are at the table, the Creative doers. Only the Smart Illusion; Creativity is Cognitive, and why the Logic may not always be the best trait in building an Innovative Culture. Intelligence is often misplaced, put in the correct location it can be very productive, placed in the wrong location is disastrous. Having the ability to think of what "could be" vs. "what is" is the DIFFERENCE! Implement Balance; When Steve Jobs took over at PIXAR, he implemented the "pluses" policy, meaning every negative needed to be balanced with a plus. This simple policy broke down gridlock at PIXAR and was integral to creating their first blockbuster, Toy Story. More is Less; Brands feel the Ideation process is better served with more people providing more Ideas…the opposite is true; the best Ideation process, where it provides the best IDEAS, is one where the mindset is common Logic is left at the Door. Cognitive THINKERS ONLY! Many leaders agree that Innovation and Creativity are the most sought-after traits, but most do nothing to promote creating a Culture where Cognitive Thinkers can thrive! Stay True, stay Authentic, be Different, be Great! Enjoy the Journey! Bryan Smeltzer, President #TheVisionaryChronicles PODCAST #TheVisionaryBrandBook LiquidMind Inc. @LiquidMindsite.com @BryanSmeltzer.com © All rights reserved, Bryan Smeltzer, 2021 THE VISIONARY CHRONICLES PODCAST In my new Podcast, CREATIVITY | How to Maximize IDEA Flow, I discuss how understanding the exploration process, embracing Risk and a commitment to providing an environment where you embrace Failure is key to generating insanely Great IDEAS. The Visionary Chronicles Podcast We discuss this and other business strategy topics and pressing issues facing Entrepreneurs, Executives, and Small Business Owners. Please check out "The Visionary Chronicles" on these sites. Available on Podbean Apple Podcast Spotify iHeart Pandora Amazon GOOGLE If you like what you hear, I would appreciate you providing a rating and following to receive my weekly Podcasts, along with exclusive content as a follower. Subscribe to The Visionary Chronicles PODCAST, and receive The Visionary Chronicles Newsletter, along with a FREE Vision Notepad. Visionary Interviews, I will be doing some upcoming interviews with some icons in the industry. If you happen to know of someone I may want to interview, please let me know. Just provide some brief information, and if it works, we will reach out. LiquidMind a Brand Strategy Firm for those looking to disrupt their industry, build a global digital platform, bu

The Visionary Chronicles PODCAST CHRONICLE: December 9th, 2021 Inspiration "Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it..." Wisdom from Dwight D. Eisenhower Leadership Traits | How to Identify & Succeed There are many leadership traits, each is unique, and each is either a strength or a weakness. Those who are humble enough to identify their inherent weaknesses and build them into strength will gain loyalty, and those who choose to ignore these weaknesses inevitably fail. Having been a part of some of the most iconic brands and working with these leaders, I have found most embrace a Vision, and most can see the future. One way or another, find a way to bring it to reality. They are iconic, but each had a weakness; some recognized it, others ignored it. In being a Leader, you must get the team together cohesively to execute your Strategy. Feeling as if you are part of and contributing to a brand's success is something all groups want to be a part of and want it ingrained into their Culture. Leaders who lack the self-awareness to address their weaknesses damage the Brand itself and its Culture, both very difficult to repair. In looking at these Leaders from inside, and outside perspectives, I have found the following Traits to be the most common. Each is unique, each carries common weaknesses and strengths, but there are Counter traits to correct flaws. Overconfidence, in most instances, this a very positive Leadership, but when a Leader overpromises and sets unrealistic expectations, the Brand suffers. Typically the flaw comes from being a short-term planner, not a long-term thinker, and short-sighted on what it will take to execute the plan and the competitive reaction. Counter; Debate and invite Conversation. Do not be so quick to decide without input. Do not alienate and invite alternative opinions. Ensure you understand long-term implications. Impulsive, you crave the satisfaction of having made a decision, even though you may not have thoroughly worked through the impact across the Brand. You are not contemplating what is required to execute the plan and the consequences of your decision. Counter; Take your time and integrate data. Understand your overriding Strategy. Understand consequences. Rigid, Firm, you control the environment, stick to a process and ensure everyone follows with no change considered. This Leader stifles creativity, eliminates risk, wants predictability, and a result, kills off innovation. Counter; Be open about Decisions. Take some Risks. Build Trust with the Team. Be Curious. Insecure, you worry about decisions, those around you, and what they may think. You are often taken advantage of without resistance, and as a result, Trust is degraded. Counter; Understand your Fears. Address Best & Worst case scenarios. Find opportunities to Succeed. Relive Successes. All Leaders have frailties, and most are not considered Visionary, but understanding your Weaknesses and finding ways to Strengthen your faults will build loyalty and Trust with your team and your Brand! Stay True, stay Authentic, be Different, be Great! Enjoy the Journey! Bryan Smeltzer, President LiquidMind Inc. @LiquidMindsite.com @BryanSmeltzer.com © All rights reserved, Bryan Smeltzer, 2021 Podcast In my new Podcast, Leadership Traits | How to Identify & Succeed, I discuss how to identify common Leadership Traits, the pros and cons of each, and counteractions to take if you find yourself with an inherent weakness. The Visionary Chronicles Podcast We discuss this and other business strategy topics and pressing issues facing Entrepreneurs, Executives, and Small Business Owners. Please check out "The Visionary Chronicles" on these sites. Available on Podbean Apple Podcast Spotify iHeart Pandora Amazon Google If you like what you hear, I would appreciate you providing a rating and following to receive my weekly Podcasts, along with exclusive content as a follower. Subscribe to The Visionary Chronicles PODCAST, and receive The Visionary Chronicles Newsletter, along with a FREE Vision Notepad. Visionary Interviews, I will be doing some upcoming interviews with some icons in the industry. If you happen to know of someone I may want to interview, please let me know. Just provide some brief information, and if it works, we will reach out. Visionary Interviews LiquidMind a Brand Strategy Firm for those looking to disrupt their industry, build a global digital platform, business execution leadership, or just need someone who understands your business's complexities and can provide solutions.

The Visionary Chronicles Podcast CHRONICLE: November 15th, 2021 "Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower..." Wisdom from Steve Persevere | How to Adapt to Opportunities and Succeed In the environment we currently find ourselves in; it may be counterintuitive to suggest finding an opportunity to succeed versus maintaining the status quo. I have worked directly with and met many global leaders, visionaries, those who set the path forward for brands. I found a common trait with each of these leaders, PERSEVERANCE, the ability to remain steadfast in executing on their VISION despite the difficulty in achieving its success. Perseverance is a trait that is easier said than done, and those who authentically have it more often than not succeed where others fail. I have found over the years in being a part of or working directly with these global ICONIC brands (Oakley, TaylorMade, adidas, Nike, etc.), each has always found a way to set the path forward regardless of the fog that lies ahead. It is one thing to define an opportunity; it is another to execute on the path to achieve its success. I have found there to be five distinct areas most of these visionaries and companies have in common when faced with realizing these new opportunities; Stick to your Path/Plan, always take two steps forward, continue to progress. Remain flexible, divert when necessary, but assure the new direction ultimately achieves your Vision. Do not listen to naysayers. Visionaries are always ahead of those who are behind in their thinking. Be sensitive to opinions, but understand each must move the company towards realizing the new opportunity. Be a team, but be a leader. The road ahead in a crisis is full of barriers; take them on one by one. Be realistic; it will take you longer than you think and cost more money than you had planned. Be creative, whether it be product, financing, logistics, find a way to provide value to those who engage with and buy from your brand. Have thick skin; you will be hit on all sides, be sure to stand tall, remain persistent, engage your team, and communicate continually. Defining an opportunity is easy; executing on your Vision is difficult. This is a "once in a lifetime" opportunity to establish your company, drive revenue growth, and secure your future. Remember, define your Vision, have a Plan, set your path, support your team, communicate relentlessly, persevere through the barrios, and you will succeed. Stay True, stay Authentic, be Different, be Great! Enjoy the Journey! Bryan Smeltzer, President LiquidMind Inc. @LiquidMindsite.com @BryanSmeltzer.com © All rights reserved, Bryan Smeltzer, 2021 In my new Podcast, Persevere | How to Adapt to Opportunities and Succeed, I discuss how to find an opportunity through a disruption, execute a cohesive plan, and succeed. The Visionary Chronicles Podcast We discuss this and other business strategy topics and pressing issues facing Entrepreneurs, Executives, and Small Business Owners. Please check out "The Visionary Chronicles" on these sites. Available on Podbean Apple Podcast Spotify Amazon PODCASTS Google PODCASTS iHeart Pandora If you like what you hear, I would appreciate you providing a rating and following to receive my weekly Podcasts, along with exclusive content as a follower. Subscribe to The Visionary Chronicles PODCAST, and receive The Visionary Chronicles Newsletter, along with a FREE Vision Notepad. Visionary Interviews, I will be doing some upcoming interviews with some icons in the industry. If you happen to know of someone, I may want to interview, please let me know. Just provide some brief information, and if it works, we will reach out. LiquidMind A Brand Strategy Firm for those looking to disrupt their industry, build a global digital platform, business execution leadership, or just need someone who understands your business's complexities and can provide solutions. THE VISIONARY CHRONICLES PODCAST Bryan Smeltzers Podcast on driving your brand forward, reinvigorating your passion, while continuing to maintain and sustain your Vision for long term revenue growth. Discussions around disruptive strategies, and executable market drivers that provide a unique point of difference for you and your brand. We discuss this along with other business strategy topics and pressing issues facing Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners. He is the author of The Visionary Brand, a book on how brands sustain and maintain their Vision over generations. Bryan is currently President of LiquidMind Inc., a global brand strategy firm located in Southern California. If you enjoy The Visionary Chronicles Podcast, would be great if you could please leave a short Review at; • iTunes/Apple Podcasts/The Visionary Chronicles It takes about a minute and supports our growth and reach to others, along with getting some awesome interviews. Please check out The Visionary Chronicles on these sites; • Apple Podcast • Podbean • Spotify • iHeart • Pandora The Visiona

The Visionary Chronicles PODCAST CHRONICLE: November 4th, 2021 Inspiration "Good, better, best. Never let it rest. 'Til your good is better, and your better is best..." Wisdom from St. Jerome DTC Success | How to Thrive in Direct to Consumer Business In my new PODCAST, I discuss defining, building, and growing your DTC channel and creating an authentic lifestyle experience. Successful DTC brands devise a strategy around their core principles, representing a clear "point of difference" from their competitors, category or service and channel. A brand must define these competitive weapons and deploy them across all lines of defense. These weapons include; digital marketing tiers and metrics analysis allowing you to pivot as needed, strategic and focused social media site development and growth, and authentic community engagement and user base growth. Developing a strategic, ongoing, and relevant game plan will allow a brand to protect its hard-earned equity and product positioning. Another critical piece to successfully deploy your DTC business is defining your expectations across several tiers. Too many companies and brands we work with through LiquidMind (LiquidMindsite.com) have a very narrow focus, tunnel vision! Broaden and understand the actual landscape you face with DTC, both expansion opportunities and competitive challenges. These will encompass both tangible and intangible metrics. With so much data available, understanding the reasoning behind the numbers, along with the proper application of resources and investments, will determine your success, which means not merely throwing money at an opportunity without first analyzing the demo target and investment required to have an impact. This investment and analysis require a deep dive to understand the landscape and if you want to become a big fish in a small pond or little fish in the ocean of other brands and similar products. Find your "open" water, define your platforms and understand the success metrics, both tangible and intangible. The issue with many DTC models is they consider only the tangible but miss on the intangible. For example, all considerations and analyses are attrition, ROAS, CPC, CAC, price point compression, Loyalty, LTV, competitive set, and capabilities. There are several areas I have defined through our work with both global and start-up brands which has allowed them to sustain long-term success with their DTC business; Product Innovation Pipeline, constantly be introducing new products and drawing previous generations. So control the supply/demand curve! Master your Core Business before moving into other categories; master your current category. Don't get greedy; stick to what you know, then migrate. Provide Value beyond Product; the product is present; Value is the future. Once your community has purchased your product, this is where LTV is maximized. Keep them engaged, provide Value! Build your Loyalty Loop, clearly understand the customer journey, and make their engagement experience easy. Create a Relationship, personalize, personalize, personalize! Proactively understand the needs of your customer, both product and experience. Building, growing, and sustaining your DTC business will provide band equity creation and long-term community loyalty, and the ability to control your destiny. Stay True, stay Authentic, be Different, be Great! Enjoy the Journey! Bryan Smeltzer, President LiquidMind Inc. @LiquidMindsite.com @BryanSmeltzer.com © All rights reserved, Bryan Smeltzer, 2021 The Visionary Chronicles Podcast I discuss this and other business strategy topics and pressing issues facing Entrepreneurs, Executives, and Small Business Owners. Please check out "The Visionary Chronicles" on these sites. Available on Podbean Apple Podcast Spotify iHeart Pandora Amazon Google If you like what you hear, I would appreciate you providing a rating and following to receive my weekly Podcasts, along with exclusive content as a follower. Subscribe to The Visionary Chronicles PODCAST, and receive The Visionary Chronicles Newsletter, along with a FREE Vision Notepad. Visionary Interviews, I will be doing some upcoming interviews with some icons in the industry. If you happen to know of someone I may want to interview, please let me know. Just provide some brief information, and if it works, we will reach out. LiquidMind A Brand Strategy Firm for those looking to disrupt their industry, build a global digital platform, business execution leadership, or just need someone who understands your business's complexities and can provide solutions. Check us out at LiquidMindsite.com Bryan Smeltzers Podcast on driving your brand forward, reinvigorating your passion, while continuing to maintain and sustain your Vision for long-term revenue growth. Discussions around disruptive strategies, and executable market drivers that provide a unique point of difference for you and your brand. We discuss this along with other business strategy topics and pressi

The Visionary Chronicles PODCAST CHRONICLE: October 28th, 2021 "If we are to preserve culture, we must continue to create it...." Wisdom from Johan Huzinga PODCAST Innovation Strategy | How to Effectively Implement an Innovation-Driven Culture In my new PODCAST, I discuss integrating an innovation-driven culture inside your brand and the commitment it takes to succeed. TRUE blood Brands find a way to set a Vision driven by an authentic need to Innovate, and Disrupt the Status Quo in their industry or product category. With LiquidMind, I often am asked, "Where do I start?". For starters, Innovation is an engrained cultural phenomenon. Yes, a phenomenon, something intangible, built into a brand's culture, something you can SEE and FEEL. Thinks of brands, even though you may not be a part of their company, where you can FEEL and SEE the consistently great Innovation they aspire others to achieve! Being an Innovator is something that is earned, something committed to throughout the company. It is protected by those Artists and Creators whose sole intent is to preserve the SOUL of the brand. But, where is a company to start? First, it begins at the top, with a Vision to be "Best in Class" and a leader for others to follow. To attain this status, you are forced to innovate, not just one time…" no ONE HIT wonders allowed"…but continually and consistently, generation to generation, always GREAT! There are several steps to implementing this strategy, and all I discuss in PODCAST, The Visionary Chronicles; Create, and commit to a Shared Vision. Disrupt, and eliminate your competition. Define the Team and expectations. Ensure they have your full support, for failure is inevitable and required to sustain success. Ensure you have "checkpoints," but not barriers to realizing a great Idea, always moving forward. Provide proper resources and tools to succeed on the Vision. Provide oxygen, do not leave your marching to the summit of Everest without the adequate resources to survive. Define the opportunity and proper fit with your brand. Ensure everyone understands both the positioning and culture. get out of the way! Disruption is a fast-moving train; you will succeed if you have the right Team with the proper resources! Innovation is more easily said than done; it takes a commitment to RISK and embracing FAILURE! Stay True, stay Authentic, be Different, be Great! Enjoy the Journey! Bryan Smeltzer, President LiquidMind Inc. @LiquidMindsite.com @BryanSmeltzer.com © All rights reserved, Bryan Smeltzer, 2021 The Visionary Chronicles Podcast I discuss this and other business strategy topics and pressing issues facing Entrepreneurs, Executives, and Small Business Owners. Please check out "The Visionary Chronicles" on these sites. Available on Podbean Apple Podcast Spotify iHeart Pandora If you like what you hear, I would appreciate you providing a rating and following to receive my weekly Podcasts, along with exclusive content as a follower. Updates Subscribe to The Visionary Chronicles PODCAST, and receive The Visionary Chronicles Newsletter, along with a FREE Vision Notepad. Visionary Interviews, I will be doing some upcoming interviews with some icons in the industry. If you happen to know of someone I may want to interview, please let me know. Just provide some brief information, and if it works, we will reach out. LiquidMind A Brand Strategy Firm for those looking to disrupt their industry, build a global digital platform, business execution leadership, or just need someone who understands your business's complexities and can provide solutions. © All Copyrights Reserved, Bryan Smeltzer THE VISIONARY CHRONICLES PODCAST Bryan Smeltzers Podcast on driving your brand forward, reinvigorating your passion, while continuing to maintain and sustain your Vision for long-term revenue growth. Discussions around disruptive strategies, and executable market drivers that provide a unique point of difference for you and your brand. We discuss this along with other business strategy topics and pressing issues facing Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners. He is the author of The Visionary Brand, a book on how brands sustain and maintain their Vision over generations. Bryan is currently President of LiquidMind Inc., a global brand strategy firm located in Southern California. If you enjoy The Visionary Chronicles Podcast, would be great if you could please leave a short Review at; iTunes/Apple Podcasts/The Visionary Chronicles It takes about a minute and supports our growth and reach to others, along with getting some awesome interviews. The Visionary Chronicles RSS Feed (use for PODCAST players); https://feed.podbean.com/bryansmeltzer/feed.xml Sign up for The Visionary Chronicles Newsletter at; The Visionary Chronicles Newsletter Interested in Sponsoring The Visionary Chronicles Podcast, or a segment? Please fill out this form; bryansmeltzer.com/contact/ Follow me on the following social sites. @liquidmindsite on Facebook @liquidmindsite

The Visionary Chronicles PODCAST CHRONICLE: October 15th, 2021 "The authentic self is the soul made visible..." Wisdom from Sarah Ben Breathnach PODCAST: Authentication | Foundation to a Brand's Success In my new PODCAST, I discuss Authentication, what it is in by definition, and how Brands can assure they are Truly Authentic. Most Brands realize that being Authentic is an essential piece of building long-term Loyalty; however, I have found that most do not know what it MEANS to be Authentic. It is an interesting dynamic, and one most Brands never commit to realizing in their day-to-day. Being Authentic by definition is; not false or copied; genuine; real representing one's true nature or beliefs; true to oneself or the person identified entitled to acceptance or belief because of agreement with known facts or experience Your Authentic Brand ID has many different Elements, both tangible and non-tangible, equally crucial to creating a winning Formula, assuring you are staying true to your authentic foundational pillars and brand ETHOS. You have the Traditional Brand ID Elements; Positioning, Mission, Vision, Personality, and Core Competencies. You also have the non-tangible Elements most Brands forget about or do not commit to; Value, Relationships, Culture, Expression. These, in most instances, are more important than tangible elements. These are the ONES that separate GREAT Brands from AVERAGE Brands! The Brand that can consistently execute, commit to and support these core elements of a successful company are the ones who will be generational. Just look at some of the brands who fit this mold; Apple Nike Adidas Google Tesla Having the courage to commit to being Great starts with your Foundational Pillars, those on which your Brand was built. Understanding first the Vision, second how to Execute, and third assuring you are Committed to supporting these Pillars stand. Stay True, stay Authentic, be Different, be Great! Enjoy the Journey! Bryan Smeltzer, President LiquidMind Inc. @LiquidMindsite.com @BryanSmeltzer.com © All rights reserved, Bryan Smeltzer, 2021 THE VISIONARY CHRONICLES PODCAST Bryan Smeltzers Podcast on driving your brand forward, reinvigorating your passion, while continuing to maintain and sustain your Vision for long-term revenue growth. Discussions around disruptive strategies, and executable market drivers that provide a unique point of difference for you and your brand. We discuss this along with other business strategy topics and pressing issues facing Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners. He is the author of The Visionary Brand, a book on how brands sustain and maintain their Vision over generations. Bryan is currently President of LiquidMind Inc., a global brand strategy firm located in Southern California. If you enjoy The Visionary Chronicles Podcast, would be great if you could please leave a short Review at; iTunes/Apple Podcasts/The Visionary Chronicles It takes about a minute and supports our growth and reach to others, along with getting some awesome interviews. Please check out The Visionary Chronicles on these sites; Apple Podcast Podbean Spotify iHeart Pandora The Visionary Chronicles RSS Feed (use for PODCAST players); https://feed.podbean.com/bryansmeltzer/feed.xml Sign up for The Visionary Chronicles Newsletter at; The Visionary Chronicles Newsletter Interested in Sponsoring The Visionary Chronicles Podcast, or a segment? Please fill out this form; bryansmeltzer.com/contact/ Follow me on the following social sites. @liquidmindsite on Facebook @liquidmindsite on Twitter @bryansmeltzer33 on Facebook @bryansmeltzer on Twitter in/bryansmeltzer on Linkedin If you like what you hear, I would appreciate you providing a rating and following to receive my weekly Podcasts, along with exclusive content as a follower. Subscribe to The Visionary Chronicles PODCAST, and receive The Visionary Chronicles Newsletter, along with a FREE Vision Notepad. Visionary Interviews, I will be doing some upcoming interviews with some icons in the industry. If you happen to know of someone, I may want to interview, please let me know. Just provide some brief information, and if it works, we will reach out. LiquidMind A Brand Strategy Firm for those looking to disrupt their industry, build a global digital platform, business execution leadership, or just need someone who understands your business's complexities and can provide solutions.

The Visionary Chronicles CHRONICLE: October 7th, 2021 "There is no innovation and creativity without failure. Period..." Wisdom from Brene Brown Breakaway Products | Establishing a First Mover Advantage In my new PODCAST, I discuss how Brands who have committed themselves to execute a Product Innovation platform driven by Failure and led through Breakaway goals is a Formula for Success No great product has EVER been created without first failing! Failure is part of the process, but Failure also entails Managing Risk. The Risk is that things will not turn out as you had planned, but this part of being a generational leader, one who Disrupts while others are complacent. Being able to find a way to Disrupt through Breakaway Products, ones that are Generational in their impact is the pinnacle of Brand innovation. To have this process integrated into your Brand, you first need to understand the commitment required, not just seasonally but all year long! This is where most brands jump off the boat for fear of failure, not realizing success. The Breakaway concept is to realize a product that changes the game in your category, forces others to follow, and changes how we interact or perform in our day-to-day lives. The concept can be technology, consumer products, or any process which changes how we interact daily, and more often than not, something we thought we never needed. As Henry Ford famously said, "If I had asked my customer what they wanted, they would have said… 'a faster horse'." Look where we are at today due to Henry Ford's Vision, a true Visionary, one that changed our mode of transportation! Being a Visionary means, you embrace Risk, understanding that this is a weapon to create great things or a paralyzing of Failure. Be Visionary, adopt Risk as part of your process, and know that failure is the stepping stone to eventual success. Although not all Risk is brilliant, you must know when to move on, or your Idea will bring you down to earth. Knowing the difference is being a Leader. Be A Visionary, Be A Risk Taker, Be a Generational Brand! Breakaway from your Competition… Stay True, stay Authentic, be Different, be Great! Enjoy the Journey! Bryan Smeltzer, President LiquidMind Inc. @LiquidMindsite.com @BryanSmeltzer.com © All rights reserved, Bryan Smeltzer, 2021 The Visionary Chronicles Podcast I discuss this and other business strategy topics and pressing issues facing Entrepreneurs, Executives, and Small Business Owners. Please check out "The Visionary Chronicles" on these sites. Available on Podbean Apple Podcast Spotify iHeart Pandora If you like what you hear, I would appreciate you providing a rating and following to receive my weekly Podcasts, along with exclusive content as a follower. Subscribe to The Visionary Chronicles PODCAST, and receive The Visionary Chronicles Newsletter, along with a FREE Vision Notepad. Visionary Interviews, I will be doing some upcoming interviews with some icons in the industry. If you happen to know of someone, I may want to interview, please let me know. Just provide some brief information, and if it works, we will reach out. LiquidMind A Brand Strategy Firm for those looking to disrupt their industry, build a global digital platform, business execution leadership, or just need someone who understands your business's complexities and can provide solutions. © All Copyrights Reserved, Bryan Smeltzer THE VISIONARY CHRONICLES PODCAST Bryan Smeltzers Podcast on driving your brand forward, reinvigorating your passion, while continuing to maintain and sustain your Vision for long-term revenue growth. Discussions around disruptive strategies, and executable market drivers that provide a unique point of difference for you and your brand. We discuss this along with other business strategy topics and pressing issues facing Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners. He is the Author of The Visionary Brand, a book on how brands sustain and maintain their Vision over generations. Bryan is currently President of LiquidMind Inc., a global brand strategy firm located in Southern California. If you enjoy The Visionary Chronicles Podcast, would be great if you could please leave a short Review at; iTunes/Apple Podcasts/The Visionary Chronicles It takes about a minute and supports our growth and reach to others, along with getting some awesome interviews. The Visionary Chronicles RSS Feed (use for PODCAST players); https://feed.podbean.com/bryansmeltzer/feed.xml Sign up for The Visionary Chronicles Newsletter at; The Visionary Chronicles Newsletter Interested in Sponsoring The Visionary Chronicles Podcast, or a segment? Please fill out this form; bryansmeltzer.com/contact/ Follow me on the following social sites. @liquidmindsite on Facebook @liquidmindsite on Twitter @bryansmeltzer33 on Facebook @bryansmeltzer on Twitter in/bryansmeltzer on Linkedin

The Visionary Chronicles CHRONICLE: September 29nd, 2021 "A wise human would have an understanding of the supply chain and how the pieces fit together. But it's against our nature to think about it..." Wisdom from Paola Bacigalupi PODCAST: Supply Chain Innovation | How to Strengthen your Weaknesses In my new PODCAST, I discuss how businesses have identified the need to update, replace or reimagine their supply chain. When the pandemic struck, many companies were forced to address their supply chain, and what they found was a weak foundation, one in need of repair long before the pandemic. In working with global leaders of these brands, we found complacency in which as long as the wheels were turning, all was good; it was not until the wheels stopped that they recognized they did not have an adequate "fail-safe" supply chain. The pandemic forced these companies to address their supply chain "weak links," strengthen these weaknesses, and assure they can absorb future disruptions. In this instance, they merely looked to manage the pandemic the best they could within the circumstances. They licked their wounds with both consumers and retailers. In most instances, the strategy they deployed, such as lean manufacturing, was effective while their supply chain was moving, but when it stopped, it proved deadly. The lean method is still an effective strategy but needs additional foundational support around this structure. Support pillars such as; enhanced (multi-category) replicated sourcing, alternate geo-sourcing where political moves do not constrain capacity, increased capacity, and safety stock. While consumers continue to demand quick-turn at lower prices, what is a brand to do without losing its competitive edge? There are several key factors when evaluating your supply chain to determine your "fail safe" status; Risk ID; identify potential risks associated with your supplier base. Issues that need addressing; Narrow production skillset and outsource component risk. It is crucial to ensuring the vertical supply chain continues to flow. As they say, "never allow a single component to stop a complete unit from shipping." Manage bandwidth, along with sourcing priority and flexibility. During a crisis, you need to be "top of the food chain" when it comes to contractor priority, and your contractor needs to ensure they have sufficient bandwidth and core expertise to handle sub-contractor "off-loads. Single source and geopolitical exposure. Ensure you are not held captive; you need to reduce risk exposure. Chain Map; map your complete supply chain from end to end! Identify potential threats that could stop the flow. Keep the river running! Sourcing; diversification is critical; ensure you have a diversified supply chain from capacity, core skillset, and regional perspective. Replicate, refine and qualify contractors before you need them. It is a part of brand complacency; they do not need to replicate and expand if the current base is performing. You NEED to think of the "what if's? Loosen Lean; Continue with Lean, but add some FAT! The rainy day will come, it is best to have an umbrella when needed. Add Safety Stock. Tech your Processes; Wherever possible, find ways to improve processes and make teams/production more efficient. As a result, you will build a better product and make your brand more competitive. Add Tech, but Teach! Don't just add and move on- add and Move-in, teach others! Not all Brands suffered through the pandemic, but most used this as an opportunity to improve! Stay True, stay Authentic, be Different, be Great! Enjoy the Journey! Bryan Smeltzer, President LiquidMind Inc. @LiquidMindsite.com @BryanSmeltzer.com © All rights reserved, Bryan Smeltzer, 2021 THE VISIONARY CHRONICLES PODCAST: Bryan Smeltzers Podcast on driving your brand forward, reinvigorating your passion, while continuing to maintain and sustain your Vision for long-term revenue growth. Discussions around disruptive strategies, and executable market drivers that provide a unique point of difference for you and your brand. We discuss this along with other business strategy topics and pressing issues facing Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners. He is the author of The Visionary Brand, a book on how brands sustain and maintain their Vision over generations. Bryan is currently President of LiquidMind Inc., a global brand strategy firm located in Southern California. If you enjoy The Visionary Chronicles Podcast, would be great if you could please leave a short Review at; iTunes/Apple Podcasts/The Visionary Chronicles It takes about a minute and supports our growth and reach to others, along with getting some awesome interviews. Please check out The Visionary Chronicles on these sites; Apple Podcast Podbean Spotify iHeart Pandora The Visionary Chronicles RSS Feed (use for PODCAST players); https://feed.podbean.com/bryansmeltzer/feed.xml Sign up for The Visionary Chronicles Newsletter at; The Visionary Chronicles Newsletter Interested

The Visionary Chronicles CHRONICLE: September 22nd, 2021 Inspiration "Leadership is the capacity to translate Vision into Reality..." Wisdom from Warren Bennis The Visionary Chronicles PODCAST VISIONARY LEADERSHIP | How to Realize your Future through a Crisis In my new PODCAST, I discuss how Visionary leaders execute their strategy through a crisis and the stepped process they use to ensure they stay on track. To determine your future, you need to analyze the past, determine the current state of your industry, and define opportunities to capture market share growth. The need to examine your future is especially true as we work our way through the pandemic. Seeing how most, if not all, companies have had to pivot in one direction or another and change the way they operate. -Adapt or Die! -Change or die a Slow Death! Adaptation has been a word thrown around a lot and is a necessary evil for most companies. Being able to adapt is one thing; wanting to adapt is another. Having worked with a very diverse, global group of brands through the pandemic, I can tell you most want to adjust but are fearful of the repercussions in an already unpredictable world! You need to adapt, finding ways to be more efficient, more effective, and more competitive. In the long run, you will come out of the back end of the pandemic in better shape than you were going in. You need to analyze your path forward, find a way to strengthen your weaknesses and outline your path ahead. The Vision is still intact, ensure the Vision DOES NOT change, but the course to successfully executing the Vision can be altered. Adapt, be Flexible, be Nimble and move fast. Working directly with these global brands who have successfully pivoted during this pandemic, I have found several key principles we adopted through LiquidMind Inc. to ensure their long-term success. First, they are clearly defined, constantly communicated, and understood by their role in their brand's successful exit through this crisis. FutureCast; Take the time at an executive level to clearly understand the new landscape. Define current processes, current resources, and current opportunities. Now define what lies ahead, ideation process of determining what is needed to grow the business, not sustain but grow successfully. Disrupt, innovate and execute at all levels. Communicate the Vision again, determine where changes are needed, and ensure all understand the new landscape. Reimagine; Take your FutureCast strategy and step back and reimagine what it will take to execute this new future. Once you have FutureCast, this is the time to take a granular look at your overall business. Flexibility; Be ready to Pivot as needed. Not all well-laid plans work; most needed minor or major adjustments. Stubbornness does not work; you must adjust and adapt. Not all plans are bulletproof; sometimes, you need to shoot some holes in them and reinforce or rearrange them to succeed. Commitment; Once you have defined the future, stay committed to its success! Your Team, your Brand, and your Future are dependent on this top-down commitment. Not all plans are successful, but generational success is their reward for those who have a strategy that will win in the long run! Stay True, stay Authentic, be Different, be Great! Enjoy the Journey! Bryan Smeltzer, President LiquidMind Inc. @LiquidMindsite.com @BryanSmeltzer.com © All rights reserved, Bryan Smeltzer, 2021 The Visionary Chronicles Podcast I discuss this and other business strategy topics and pressing issues facing Entrepreneurs, Executives, and Small Business Owners. Please check out "The Visionary Chronicles" on these sites. Available on Podbean Apple Podcast Spotify iHeart Pandora If you like what you hear, I would appreciate you providing a rating and following to receive my weekly Podcasts, along with exclusive content as a follower. Subscribe to The Visionary Chronicles PODCAST, and receive The Visionary Chronicles Newsletter, along with a FREE Vision Notepad. Visionary Interviews, I will be doing some upcoming interviews with some icons in the industry. If you happen to know of someone I may want to interview, please let me know. Just provide some brief information, and if it works, we will reach out. LiquidMind A Brand Strategy Firm for those looking to disrupt their industry, build a global digital platform, business execution leadership, or just need someone who understands your business's complexities and can provide solutions. © All Copyrights Reserved, Bryan Smeltzer Bryan Smeltzers Podcast on driving your brand forward, reinvigorating your passion, while continuing to maintain and sustain your Vision for long term revenue growth. Discussions around disruptive strategies, and executable market drivers that provide a unique point of difference for you and your brand. We discuss this along with other business strategy topics and pressing issues facing Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners. He is the author of The Visionary Brand, a book o

The Visionary Chronicles PODCAST CHRONICLE: September 9th, 2021 " Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower..." Wisdom from Steve Jobs INNOVATION MATRIX | How to Execute an Innovation Process In my new PODCAST, I discuss how to define, implement and execute a tiered Innovation process, one that consistently outmaneuvers your competitors. Building an effective, efficient, and consistent Innovation Driven brand is difficult and why so few have executed the process successfully. Those who have achieved this are richly rewarded, whether through Brand Equity, category leadership, or marketplace acceptance; each continues to add VALUE to the Brand itself. The Process execution is the Goal, but what is the Process? The implementation is a multi-tier process, each mastered by those committed to relentless innovation and a foundational commitment to a free-flowing ideation flow. With this process in place, these brands know they can command higher price points through both revolutionary and incrementally better products at all price tiers. As a result, squeezing their competition at all levels, eventually moving them out of the market! Competitors who are not committed to this process or do not know how to execute these Innovation tiers will imitate or move on to another category. Innovators DO NOT imitate; they find ways to Disrupt, building Breakaway products, moving them generations ahead. In sustaining this commitment to a Disruptive Culture, they produce both passionate internal teams and loyal communities committed to their Brand. So what are these Innovation Matrix Tiers? TIER I: CORE You optimize current products, finding ways to improve without having to reinvent. Life Cycle Adoption: Late Adopters TIER II: INCREMENTAL New products that enhance or complement current in-line programs. Provide value beyond current benefits, gain a new tier of consumers. Life Cycle Adoption: Early Majority TIER III: INNOVATION An Ideation process that produces new, innovative products, processes, or services that align with your brand positioning. Provides unique benefits and lifestyle improvements significantly beyond the current product portfolio. Life Cycle Adoption: Early Adopter TIER IV: DISRUPTION Commercializing a Breakaway design IDEA that completely reinvents a previous product or process CREATES a new way or method which significantly improves a process or lifestyle experience. Realizing a product most never knew they needed until it was created! Life Cycle Adoption: Innovator The Pinnacle of the Innovation Process is Disruption, and the reason so few are truly classified in this category. You can achieve an effective and consistent Innovation Process; you need to have a clear Vision, stay committed to its execution and embrace Failure to achieve Success. Stay True, stay Authentic, be Different, be Great! Enjoy the Journey! Bryan Smeltzer, President LiquidMind Inc. @LiquidMindsite.com @BryanSmeltzer.com Bryan Smeltzers Podcast on driving your brand forward, reinvigorating your passion, while continuing to maintain and sustain your Vision for long term revenue growth. Discussions around disruptive strategies, and executable market drivers that provide a unique point of difference for you and your brand. We discuss this along with other business strategy topics and pressing issues facing Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners. He is the author of The Visionary Brand, a book on how brands sustain and maintain their Vision over generations. Bryan is currently President of LiquidMind Inc., a global brand strategy firm located in Southern California. If you enjoy The Visionary Chronicles Podcast, would be great if you could please leave a short Review at; iTunes/Apple Podcasts/The Visionary Chronicles It takes about a minute and supports our growth and reach to others, along with getting some awesome interviews. Please check out The Visionary Chronicles on these sites; Apple Podcast Podbean Spotify iHeart Pandora The Visionary Chronicles RSS Feed (use for PODCAST players); https://feed.podbean.com/bryansmeltzer/feed.xml Sign up for The Visionary Chronicles Newsletter at; The Visionary Chronicles Newsletter Interested in Sponsoring The Visionary Chronicles Podcast, or a segment? Please fill out this form; bryansmeltzer.com/contact/ Follow me on the following social sites. @liquidmindsite on Facebook @liquidmindsite on Twitter @bryansmeltzer33 on Facebook @bryansmeltzer on Twitter in/bryansmeltzer on Linkedin

The Visionary Chronicles CHRONICLE: September 2nd, 2021 Inspiration "Brand is not a product, that's for sure; it's not one item. It's an idea, and it's a theory, it's a meaning, it's how you carry yourself. It's aspirational; it's inspirational..." Wisdom from Kevin Plank, Founder UA BRAND MATRIX | How to Define Your Identity In my new PODCAST, I discuss how to define your Brand ID or checkup to see if your ID matches your original Vision. A Brand Identity is driven by many different variables both inside and outside your company. These are defined and executed in a way where they are either Tangible on Non-Tangible. Each earned, each is authentic, and each variable carefully nurtured. Many of these Brand ID variables are subliminal, meaning they are woven into the fabric of what is called your Brand, your Culture, your Beliefs, and your Products. These are why people gravitate to your Brand, the Lifestyle Factor, the Coolness Factor, the Premium Factor. Whatever the reason, these are variables that go beyond the product, providing an easier or more enjoyable Life for your Community, your Loyal enthusiasts. So you must first understand how you want to be perceived and build a Vision around how the execute this perception. Finally, the perception must become a reality, as this drives the Passion inside the Brand and the inspiration outside your company. A passion for what you stand for, what you do, and what you create! The structure of these Brand ID variables can be summed up in an ID Matrix which determines inside and outside perceptions against specific brand variables; First, there are three levels of perception; Inside Inside/Outside Second, there are three measurable variables against each of these perceptions; Inside; Vision/Culture/Expertise Inside/Outside; Communication/Promise/Persona Outside; Value Creation/Community/Positioning Each of these defined as; Inside-Vision; The Pinnacle of Branding-What is the Vision, and is our direction matching this Vision? What is our driving Passion? Inside-Culture; Does our Persona and Culture match our Vision for both Product & Lifestyle? Inside-Expertise; What is our Core Competency, and are we Best in Class (Premium)? Inside/Outside-Communication; How do we communicate? Is it Authentic, and does it provide Value to our Community? Do BS, do not waste time! Inside/Outside-Promise; Are we fulfilling our Brand Promise? What do our Brand and we Stand for? Inside/Outside-Persona; Who is our perceived Persona? Can we see this in Reality? Outside-Value Creation; How are we making out Customer/Community's Life easier or more enjoyable? Outside-Community; How are we Authentically engaging with our community to realize a better Life or Experience? Outside-Positioning; How is our Brand perceived by our Community, our Ambassadors, or Loyal Consumers? Does it match our Vision? Stay True, stay Authentic, be Different, be Great! Enjoy the Journey! © All rights reserved, Bryan Smeltzer, 2021 Bryan Smeltzers Podcast on driving your brand forward, reinvigorating your passion, while continuing to maintain and sustain your Vision for long-term revenue growth. Discussions around disruptive strategies, and executable market drivers that provide a unique point of difference for you and your brand. We discuss this along with other business strategy topics and pressing issues facing Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners. He is the author of The Visionary Brand, a book on how brands sustain and maintain their Vision over generations. Bryan is currently President of LiquidMind Inc., a global brand strategy firm located in Southern California. If you enjoy The Visionary Chronicles Podcast, would be great if you could please leave a short Review at; • iTunes/Apple Podcasts/The Visionary Chronicles It takes about a minute and supports our growth and reach to others, along with getting some awesome interviews. Please check out The Visionary Chronicles on these sites; • Apple Podcast • Podbean • Spotify • iHeart • Pandora The Visionary Chronicles RSS Feed (use for PODCAST players); • https://feed.podbean.com/bryansmeltzer/feed.xml Sign up for The Visionary Chronicles Newsletter at; • The Visionary Chronicles Newsletter Interested in Sponsoring The Visionary Chronicles Podcast, or a segment? Please fill out this form; • bryansmeltzer.com/contact/ Follow me on the following social sites. • @liquidmindsite on Facebook • @liquidmindsite on Twitter • @bryansmeltzer33 on Facebook • @bryansmeltzer on Twitter • in/bryansmeltzer on Linkedin #thevisionarychronicles #bryansmeltzer #liquidmindsite.com @bryansmeltzer.com @liquidmindsite.com #visionaries #brandstrategy #innovationideas

The Visionary Chronicles CHRONICLE: August 25th, 2021 "If you're gonna make connections which are innovative... you have to not have the same bag of experiences as everyone else does..." Wisdom from Steve Jobs IDEATION | The Road to Realizing Great Products In my new PODCAST, I outline how to implement an Ideation process that genuinely realizes excellent products. Ideation is an essential foundational piece for every authentic brand, the ones that consistently realize innovative, disruptive products or services. It may seem simple enough to those who understand the word but not realized through not understanding the Process. Ideation is the starting point for generating a great Idea first and foremost. This idea is developed not necessarily from what has already been created; incremental updates do not move the needle or create excitement. But instead, they more often are generated from that which has NOT yet been created or adapted from an alternative product or system. A case in point is when Nike created Flywire, the product team adapted an idea originally invented for suspension bridges but saw how it could be ADAPTED for use in running shoes. When realized, this IDEA reinvented the category, and most brands adopted the flywire principles, which later moved into knit construction. Ideation should be both challenging and fun at the same time. Naysayers are not allowed; those who neither contribute nor have the brain bandwidth to understand the Process. These ideas must be eventually vetted at the outset, but throughout Ideation, let the flood gates open to anything that will move your brand forward and disrupt your industry. There are several core principles to making this Process a Reality, one that Realizes insanely Great Products; Have a Consistent Process, one that has a set timeline, but let the ideas flow freely! Negative Thinkers NOT Allowed; only those who appreciate the Process are let into the Corridors of the Future. Think Disruption First, Innovation Second, and Adaptable Third. Think Different, Have Fun, and Create Freely! Ideation is a Process; those who understand and appreciate its flow and the need to be creative are rewarded, sometimes with Disruptive, more often Innovation, and Adaptation. Stay True, stay Authentic, be Different, be Great! Enjoy the Journey! Bryan Smeltzer © All rights reserved, Bryan Smeltzer, 2021 In my new Podcast, IDEATION | The Road to Realizing Great Products, I discuss building and executing a genuinely great Ideation process. I discuss this and other business strategy topics and pressing issues facing Entrepreneurs, Executives, and Small Business Owners. Please check out "The Visionary Chronicles" on these sites. Available on Podbean Apple Podcast Spotify iHeart Pandora If you like what you hear, I would appreciate you providing a rating and following to receive my weekly Podcasts, along with exclusive content as a follower. Subscribe to The Visionary Chronicles PODCAST, and receive The Visionary Chronicles Newsletter, along with a FREE Vision Notepad. Visionary Interviews, I will be doing some upcoming interviews with some icons in the industry. If you happen to know of someone I may want to interview, please let me know. Just provide some brief information, and if it works, we will reach out. Visionary Interviews LiquidMind A Brand Strategy Firm for those looking to disrupt their industry, build a global digital platform, business execution leadership, or just need someone who understands your business's complexities and can provide solutions. © All Copyrights Reserved, Bryan Smeltzer #bryansmeltzer @bryansmeltzer @bryansmeltzer.com #LiquidMindsite.com #thevisionarybrand #thevisionarychronicles #ideation #ideationprocess #brandideation

The Visionary Chronicles PODCAST CHRONICLE: August 18th, 2021 " Your premium brand had better be delivering something special, or it's not going to get the business.." Wisdom from Warren Buffett BRAND POSITIONING | Find Your Open Water Opportunities In my new PODCAST, I outline how to find opportunities others may not see for lack of Vision or Insight. When Finding your Open Water, the Opportunities others fail to see as a result of fighting over the same shark-infested, bloody water where others fish. A simple analogy, but one many fail to execute in the marketplace. If you look at the vast open water of the ocean, it represents beauty in motion, most of which you can not see. This beauty flows in harmony, but when competition arises, it can get ugly quickly; survival mode kicks in. This vast open water, so much beauty, but when it comes to defining and developing how to attack markets here on land, we fail to see the enormous number of opportunities. We wade into waters where we know predators exist vs. where they do not. So is the nature of companies surviving in our world trying to fight off much larger predators and gain market share. Find your open water; it exists; you just need the Vision to see it! When finding your opportunity, one where you find calm, blue water, a space where you can dominate and be appreciated by those who love your Brand, many smaller brands have taken on the big predators and won. They proactively built a community of followers who appreciate an authentic product and Brand. There are several areas of focus in determining where opportunities exist and finding your Open Water; Value Provided(CONSUMER); how do you make my Life and User Experience (UX) better? Profit Gained (COMPANY); is it a sustainable business? Community Support (CULTURE); how will you drive your Vision and Build Passion around your Brand? If any of these fall short or are not committed to your Brand, you will find yourself floating towards shark-infested, Bloody waters. Most commodity brands play here and piggyback off those who are Truly, Authentically Visionary. Maintain each of these, and your success is much more likely. Although still challenging, your Destiny is in your hands, not in the hands of others. This strategic alignment with key stakeholders throughout the Brand must be consistent from the top down. Finding Open Water Opportunities is made more accessible by instituting these core principles. The Steps; Define your Opportunity Gauge your Predators Find your Value POD Protect your Turf Stick to your Foundational Principles Drive your Culture Execute Relentlessly! Stay True, stay Authentic, be Different, be Great! Enjoy the Journey! © All rights reserved, Bryan Smeltzer, 2021 In my new Podcast, BRAND POSITIONING | Find your Open Water Opportunities, I the process of positioning your Brand for success, finding your Opportunities, and ensuring your Success! I discuss this and other business strategy topics and pressing issues facing Entrepreneurs, Executives, and Small Business Owners. Please check out "The Visionary Chronicles" on these sites. Available on Podbean Apple Podcast Spotify iHeart Pandora If you like what you hear, I would appreciate you providing a rating and following to receive my weekly Podcasts, along with exclusive content as a follower. Subscribe to The Visionary Chronicles PODCAST, and receive The Visionary Chronicles Newsletter, along with a FREE Vision Notepad. Visionary Interviews, I will be doing some upcoming interviews with some icons in the industry. If you happen to know of someone I may want to interview, please let me know. Just provide some brief information, and if it works, we will reach out. Visionary Interviews The Visionary Brand Intro LiquidMind A Brand Strategy Firm for those looking to disrupt their industry, build a global digital platform, business execution leadership, or just need someone who understands your business's complexities and can provide solutions. https://youtu.be/xcIWAgKPgxY Bryan Smeltzers Podcast on driving your brand forward, reinvigorating your passion, while continuing to maintain and sustain your Vision for long term revenue growth. Discussions around disruptive strategies, and executable market drivers that provide a unique point of difference for you and your brand. We discuss this along with other business strategy topics and pressing issues facing Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners. He is the author of The Visionary Brand, a book on how brands sustain and maintain their Vision over generations. Bryan is currently President of LiquidMind Inc., a global brand strategy firm located in Southern California. If you enjoy The Visionary Chronicles Podcast, would be great if you could please leave a short Review at; • iTunes/Apple Podcasts/The Visionary Chronicles It takes about a minute and supports our growth and reach to others, along with getting some awesome interviews. The Visionary Chronicles RSS Feed (use for PODCAST players); •

The Visionary Chronicles CHRONICLE: August 12th, 2021 "Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit..." Wisdom from Napoleon Hill PODCAST: STARTUP | Steps to Avoiding Failure In my new PODCAST, I outline the 10 Steps to Avoiding Failure with your Startup. Most Startups fail; unfortunately, this is a fact of life. But why? Most fail ever to deliver a return for the investment, and a VC/PE firm will go in knowing the rate of Success is 5%; their interest lies in the 5% left standing, not why the other 95% failed. Too often, this equation and result seem to be driven by a simple cause and effect, a leadership team not prepared for Success. By Success I mean, defining a process common to those who did succeed and missing from those who failed. Although this is often a cause for failure, it was not the money but rather a seamless, executable process to ensure your success. Through years of being with iconic brands, working with generational brands through LiquidMind, and pier group studies, I have found that the following ten steps to what makes most companies fail while others succeed. Now, this is not the only reason, nor is it the definitive list, but it is a core compilation of some of the prevalent causes of Failure; 1. Define the problem with a clear, well-defined Opportunity; Assure you understand all potential pitfalls to attaining your Vision, not just your tunnel Vision. Many Entrepreneurs see a great opportunity but fail to recognize all the detours they will need to realize their Vision. 2. Execute the Vision; Once you have clearly defined the Opportunity execute the plan to achieving this Opportunity. This is the time to simulate; test, fail, fail, fail option, refine the path and the solution. 3. Validate the Acceptance; get outside your four walls, and Validate your Assumptions. Right now, all you have is an IDEA, one that you have accepted; seek Acceptance from those who are targeting. Measure adoption, attrition, and value provided. 4. Balanced Decision Making; Risk is the path to Success; however, be sure to balance decisions to limit Risk and move forward with caution. 5. Make IT Happen; have a clearly defined, executable plan w/ contingencies with alternate paths. Understand your Risk (pt. 4), learn to Adapt, and limit Exposure. 6. Be Passionate; be a Visionary; carry the Torch both visually and verbally. Lead, and others will follow. 7. Bootstrap your way to Profitability; Profitability is the key to success; eventually, you will run out of money, and this will be your undoing. Ensure everyone understands their role and their piece of ensuring Success. 8. Share the Success; each is sacrificing, ensure they are rewarded through compensation, equity, and appreciation! 9. Expand and Thrive; stick to your Success Formula, adapt where needed, and grow your business. 10. SUCCEED; do not let up, keep your foot on the gas, exceed expectations of both your customer and team! Relentlessly INNOVATE and EXECUTE! Being great starts at the top; it is the foundation for which all generational brands have thrived. The founding principles, the ability to adapt, the knowledge to know right and wrong, and culture are driven by a Passionate Vision to achieve Greatness. Stay True, stay Authentic, be Different, be Great! Enjoy the Journey! © All rights reserved, Bryan Smeltzer, 2021 In my new Podcast, START-UP | Steps to Avoiding Failure, I discuss ten process steps you need to deploy at the outset of founding your company and the ongoing need to relentlessly follow your foundational principles to achieving Greatness The Visionary Chronicles Podcast I discuss this and other business strategy topics and pressing issues facing Entrepreneurs, Executives, and Small Business Owners. Please check out "The Visionary Chronicles" on these sites. Available on Podbean Apple Podcast Spotify iHeart Pandora If you like what you hear, I would appreciate you providing a rating and following to receive my weekly Podcasts, along with exclusive content as a follower. Updates Subscribe to The Visionary Chronicles PODCAST, and receive The Visionary Chronicles Newsletter, along with a FREE Vision Notepad. Visionary Interviews, I will be doing some upcoming interviews with some icons in the industry. If you happen to know of someone I may want to interview, please let me know. Just provide some brief information, and if it works, we will reach out. Visionary Interviews The Visionary Brand Intro LiquidMind A Brand Strategy Firm for those looking to disrupt their industry, build a global digital platform, business execution leadership, or just need someone who understands your business's complexities and can provide solutions. © All rights reserved, Bryan Smeltzer, 2021 THE VISIONARY CHRONICLES PODCAST Bryan Smeltzers Podcast on driving your brand forward, reinvigorating your passion, while continuing to maintain and sustain your Vision for long term revenue growth. Discussions a

"Thus, what is of supreme importance in war is to attack the enemy's strategy..." Wisdom from Sun Tzu STRATEGY EXECUTION | How to Define your Future Success Strategy, either executed with a laser focus or a shotgun approach with no particular process or aim, the latter is sure to fail. In contrast, the laser focus with a relentless passion is sure to succeed. It is your choice and one that will surely set the wind in your sails. To define this strategy process, it must first and foremost be cohesive and a common thread woven through the entire Brand. Each role is interdependent and executing your specific task is a key piece to ensuring a seamless process. Each part, each lesson, each piece of this intricate puzzle built from a strategy-driven through a shared vision. At this point, the winners separate themselves from the losers, those who execute those who choose not to execute. The disruptors, the innovators, those who others follow, set the pace for the race that is ahead. They commit themselves to this process, and with a passion that flows through the entire Brand! The followers neither commit to a strategy nor choose to lead, only settle in with the pack waiting for someone to break out and follow. They will always be followers, waiting for the next significant breakthrough so they can find a way to move forward. It is not until the disruptor creates a path do they move. So how do these generational, Visionary brands consistently define, refine and execute their Strategy? First, you must have a process to develop your Strategy, and I have found there to be several steps to defining this strategic process most great brands adopt; Define the Opportunity; the what, where, when, and how, have a free-flowing exchange of IDEAS, ones that move the PASSION needle with your Brand. Negative thinkers are NOT Allowed! Refine the Opportunity; through a due diligence process, refine these IDEAS into the most promising ones, ones that will both move your Brand forward (incremental) or leapfrog (breakaway) over your competition. Then, re-create, or Re-invent, just make it an AWESOME experience for your Customer! Determine your Path; with your IDEA, you can now take several paths; each decision brings you closer to the best route to maximizing your long-term potential with this IDEA. You collectively have four distinct approaches; Intellectual Property; license your IDEA. Partnership Value Creation; partner with the leader in the category to incrementally provide enhanced value to their current product. Infrastructure; built out the infrastructure to commercialize the new Opportunity. DISRUPT; create your Path, one not yet traveled. The most challenging Path, one with BOTH the highest RISK and REWARD! Deciding upon your strategic Path is built upon having a process that allows you to create opportunities for your Brand. Once you define, refine, commit to, and eventually implement this process, you will find significant opportunities to expand, contract, or move your Brand beyond your competitor's line of sight and achieve success. Stay True, stay Authentic, be Different, be Great! Enjoy the Journey! © All rights reserved, Bryan Smeltzer, 2021 Bryan Smeltzers Podcast on driving your brand forward, reinvigorating your passion, while continuing to maintain and sustain your Vision for long term revenue growth. Discussions around disruptive strategies, and executable market drivers that provide a unique point of difference for you and your brand. We discuss this along with other business strategy topics and pressing issues facing Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners. He is the author of The Visionary Brand, a book on how brands sustain and maintain their Vision over generations. Bryan is currently President of LiquidMind Inc., a global brand strategy firm located in Southern California. If you enjoy The Visionary Chronicles Podcast, would be great if you could please leave a short Review at; iTunes/Apple Podcasts/The Visionary Chronicles It takes about a minute and supports our growth and reach to others, along with getting some awesome interviews. Please check out The Visionary Chronicles on these sites; Apple Podcast Podbean Spotify iHeart Pandora The Visionary Chronicles RSS Feed (use for PODCAST players); https://feed.podbean.com/bryansmeltzer/feed.xml Sign up for The Visionary Chronicles Newsletter at; The Visionary Chronicles Newsletter Interested in Sponsoring The Visionary Chronicles Podcast, or a segment? Please fill out this form; bryansmeltzer.com/contact/ Follow me on the following social sites. @liquidmindsite on Facebook @liquidmindsite on Twitter @bryansmeltzer33 on Facebook @bryansmeltzer on Twitter in/bryansmeltzer on Linkedin

The Visionary Chronicles PODCAST CHRONICLE: July 21st, 2021 "History is a relentless master. It has no present, only the past rushing into the future. To try to hold fast is to be swept aside..." Wisdom from John F. Kennedy RELENTLESS EXECUTION | How to Ensure a Consistent Execution Process Relentless Execution is a trait few can truly say they have in place and are committed to with their brand or company. The overriding reason… it is HARD to implement correctly. Too few brands understand the overriding commitment and integrated pieces of the puzzle that ensure a successful execution process, much less a relentless one. The core foundation of Relentless Execution is having a clear, concise, and well-communicated process and team expectations. Yes, team, a Vision is only as good as your ability to execute the strategy with the team, not an individual. Being relentless does mean you are continually in people's faces, ensuring they are doing what you have told them to do, quite the opposite. Through your clearly defined execution process, everyone; knows their role, realizes the expectations, and how interdependent they are as a whole—being able to stay calm in the face of a storm and reward those who were integral to successfully realized the Vision. The team must understand how they are an essential part of successfully executing the brand Vision, much like an orchestra, each instrument a key to playing in harmony. When one is out of crucial, everyone knows, but they make beautiful music together when played well and in unison. Each person plays a role in successfully building and growing a brand, and each person must understand and appreciate what they contribute to its Execution. In looking at Relentless Execution, what are the traits of those brands who have successfully integrated this within their Culture? They define the process as a whole; how do all the pieces fit together? A macro-level view of how interwoven both teams and functional groups are and how they interact. They define the expectations within this process; where are you, and how do you fit within the giant puzzle. Everyone is part of your success; make sure each understands their role. They define roles; define areas of responsibilities, the process, collaboration, and timing. Each is a crucial piece to ensuring the machine runs properly, clearly, concisely, and understood. They define the Value Chain improvements; ensure everyone has a voice, the need to have constant, consistent progress. ABC-Always Be Changing! Execute Relentlessly; let the machine run, have a plan, and ensure new team members can jump on quickly. Again, knowing expectations, having a plan with defined roles and responsibilities is key to success. It is executing a cornerstone to all successful, generational, Visionary brands. It takes commitment to be the best through defining expectations and rewarding results! Stay True, stay Authentic, be Different, be Great! Enjoy the Journey! © All rights reserved, Bryan Smeltzer, 2021 In my new Podcast, Relentless Execution | How to Ensure a Consistent Execution Process, I discuss how a clear, concise, and well-communicated execution process that is passionately embraced throughout the entire brand establishes leadership within their category. . The Visionary Chronicles Podcast I discuss this and other business strategy topics and pressing issues facing Entrepreneurs, Executives, and Small Business Owners. Please check out "The Visionary Chronicles" on these sites. Available on Podbean Apple Podcast Spotify iHeart Pandora If you like what you hear, I would appreciate you providing a rating and following to receive my weekly Podcasts, along with exclusive content as a follower. Subscribe to The Visionary Chronicles PODCAST, and receive The Visionary Chronicles Newsletter, along with a FREE Vision Notepad. Visionary Interviews, I will be doing some upcoming interviews with some icons in the industry. If you happen to know of someone, I may want to interview, please let me know. Just provide some brief information, and if it works, we will reach out. Visionary Interviews LiquidMind A Brand Strategy Firm for those looking to disrupt their industry, build a global digital platform, business execution leadership, or just need someone who understands your business's complexities and can provide solutions. © All Copyrights Reserved, Bryan Smeltzer THE VISIONARY CHRONICLES PODCAST Bryan Smeltzers Podcast on driving your brand forward, reinvigorating your passion, while continuing to maintain and sustain your Vision for long term revenue growth. Discussions around disruptive strategies, and executable market drivers that provide a unique point of difference for you and your brand. We discuss this along with other business strategy topics and pressing issues facing Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners. He is the author of The Visionary Brand, a book on how brands sustain and maintain their Vision over generations. Bryan is currently Pr

PRODUCT: CASE STUDY | Degrading Brand Equity Brand Equity, Difficult to Build, easy to Tear Down… As we have discussed, you must have a cohesive, vertically integrated product creation process led by the Product team. In addition to being led by the Product team, this process must involve the three engines of a brand; Product/Marketing/Sales (The Power Triad). This Power Triad affects all functional segments of the brand, and when the leadership of each is on the same page working together, they successfully execute the brand Vision, and it runs like a machine. To create a cohesive team, working together as one (interdependent), you must first have established a Vision for the brand. This is a shared bond, one not to be broken and sacred as you continue to grow. The common bond is woven into a company and brings everyone together towards a common goal. Break this bond, and you break trust; you break the goodwill and community engagement. All crucial to maintaining your Brand Equity. What happens when this is Bond is Broken, and the Vision is blurred? One Case Study involved Under Armour as they were looking to enter the football cleat market. The brand Vision aligned with the product line extension opportunity, and they had established creditability with the market. However, one crucial piece to be addressed before bringing a product to market; Is the product ready for Primetime, and does the final product match the brand Vision? These are critical questions, and if a brand follows The Power Triad product ideation and commercialization flow, the answer should be Yes! However, in this instance, marketing moved up the process chain, overriding a product that was not ready for the market. As a result, because of their established validation in the market, they were able to build a 30%+ market share in their first season, but this quickly evaporated once the product hit the field. Performance did not meet expectations, trust was broken, and authenticity was damaged. Fortunately for Under Armour, this was not the end of the story as they were able to re-gain trust after pulling the product line from distribution and starting over. It was a painful lesson, but one that holds true when a brand does not follow its Vision and its foundational authenticity. The road back for Under Armour was long and hard, but to their credit were able to ride out the storm. The is a Product Case Study in following your Vision, but knowing the process to execute the Vision and not take shortcuts. These shortcuts will cost you in the long run. So just Don't do It! Stay True, stay Authentic, be Different, be Great! Enjoy the Journey! © All rights reserved, Bryan Smeltzer, 2021 Bryan Smeltzers Podcast on driving your brand forward, reinvigorating your passion, while continuing to maintain and sustain your Vision for long-term revenue growth. Discussions around disruptive strategies, and executable market drivers that provide a unique point of difference for you and your brand. We discuss this along with other business strategy topics and pressing issues facing Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners. He is the author of The Visionary Brand, a book on how brands sustain and maintain their Vision over generations. Bryan is currently President of LiquidMind Inc., a global brand strategy firm located in Southern California. If you enjoy The Visionary Chronicles Podcast, would be great if you could please leave a short Review at; iTunes/Apple Podcasts/The Visionary Chronicles It takes about a minute and supports our growth and reach to others, along with getting some awesome interviews. Please check out The Visionary Chronicles on these sites; Apple Podcast Podbean Spotify iHeart Pandora The Visionary Chronicles RSS Feed (use for PODCAST players); https://feed.podbean.com/bryansmeltzer/feed.xml Sign up for The Visionary Chronicles Newsletter at; The Visionary Chronicles Newsletter Interested in Sponsoring The Visionary Chronicles Podcast, or a segment? Please fill out this form; bryansmeltzer.com/contact/ Follow me on the following social sites. @liquidmindsite on Facebook @liquidmindsite on Twitter @bryansmeltzer33 on Facebook @bryansmeltzer on Twitter in/bryansmeltzer on Linkedin

Bryan Smeltzers Podcast on driving your brand forward, reinvigorating your passion, while continuing to maintain and sustain your Vision for long-term revenue growth. Discussions around disruptive strategies, and executable market drivers that provide a unique point of difference for you and your brand. We discuss this along with other business strategy topics and pressing issues facing Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners. He is the author of The Visionary Brand, a book on how brands sustain and maintain their Vision over generations. Bryan is currently President of LiquidMind Inc., a global brand strategy firm located in Southern California. If you enjoy The Visionary Chronicles Podcast, would be great if you could please leave a short Review at; iTunes/Apple Podcasts/The Visionary Chronicles It takes about a minute and supports our growth and reach to others, along with getting some awesome interviews. Please check out The Visionary Chronicles on these sites; Apple Podcast Podbean Spotify iHeart Pandora The Visionary Chronicles RSS Feed (use for PODCAST players); https://feed.podbean.com/bryansmeltzer/feed.xml Sign up for The Visionary Chronicles Newsletter at; The Visionary Chronicles Newsletter Interested in Sponsoring The Visionary Chronicles Podcast, or a segment? Please fill out this form; bryansmeltzer.com/contact/ Follow me on the following social sites. @liquidmindsite on Facebook @liquidmindsite on Twitter @bryansmeltzer33 on Facebook @bryansmeltzer on Twitter in/bryansmeltzer on Linkedin

Bryan Smeltzers Podcast on driving your brand forward, reinvigorating your passion, while continuing to maintain and sustain your Vision for long term revenue growth. Discussions around disruptive strategies, and executable market drivers that provide a unique point of difference for you and your brand. We discuss this along with other business strategy topics and pressing issues facing Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners. He is the author of The Visionary Brand, a book on how brands sustain and maintain their Vision over generations. Bryan is currently President of LiquidMind Inc., a global brand strategy firm located in Southern California. If you enjoy The Visionary Chronicles Podcast, would be great if you could please leave a short Review at; iTunes/Apple Podcasts/The Visionary Chronicles It takes about a minute and supports our growth and reach to others, along with getting some awesome interviews. Please check out The Visionary Chronicles on these sites; Apple Podcast Podbean Spotify iHeart Pandora The Visionary Chronicles RSS Feed (use for PODCAST players); https://feed.podbean.com/bryansmeltzer/feed.xml Sign up for The Visionary Chronicles Newsletter at; The Visionary Chronicles Newsletter Interested in Sponsoring The Visionary Chronicles Podcast, or a segment? Please fill out this form; bryansmeltzer.com/contact/ Follow me on the following social sites. @liquidmindsite on Facebook @liquidmindsite on Twitter @bryansmeltzer33 on Facebook @bryansmeltzer on Twitter in/bryansmeltzer on Linkedin #thevisionarychronicles #visionaryleadership #bryansmeltzer #liquidmindsite.com

Bryan Smeltzers Podcast on driving your brand forward, reinvigorating your passion, while continuing to maintain and sustain your Vision for long-term revenue growth. Discussions around disruptive strategies, and executable market drivers that provide a unique point of difference for you and your brand. We discuss this along with other business strategy topics and pressing issues facing Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners. He is the author of The Visionary Brand, a book on how brands sustain and maintain their Vision over generations. Bryan is currently President of LiquidMind Inc., a global brand strategy firm located in Southern California. If you enjoy The Visionary Chronicles Podcast, would be great if you could please leave a short Review at; iTunes/Apple Podcasts/The Visionary Chronicles It takes about a minute and supports our growth and reach to others, along with getting some awesome interviews. Please check out The Visionary Chronicles on these sites; Apple Podcast Podbean Spotify iHeart Pandora The Visionary Chronicles RSS Feed (use for PODCAST players); https://feed.podbean.com/bryansmeltzer/feed.xml Sign up for The Visionary Chronicles Newsletter at; The Visionary Chronicles Newsletter Interested in Sponsoring The Visionary Chronicles Podcast, or a segment? Please fill out this form; bryansmeltzer.com/contact/ Follow me on the following social sites. @liquidmindsite on Facebook @liquidmindsite on Twitter @bryansmeltzer33 on Facebook @bryansmeltzer on Twitter in/bryansmeltzer on Linkedin

Bryan discusses how great brands establish leadership, and sustain their long-term success. Bryan Smeltzers Podcast on driving your brand forward, reinvigorating your passion, while continuing to maintain and sustain your Vision for long-term revenue growth. Discussions around disruptive strategies, and executable market drivers that provide a unique point of difference for you and your brand. We discuss this along with other business strategy topics and pressing issues facing Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners. He is the author of The Visionary Brand, a book on how brands sustain and maintain their Vision over generations. Bryan is currently President of LiquidMind Inc., a global brand strategy firm located in Southern California. If you enjoy The Visionary Chronicles Podcast, would be great if you could please leave a short Review at; iTunes/Apple Podcasts/The Visionary Chronicles It takes about a minute and supports our growth and reach to others, along with getting some awesome interviews. Please check out The Visionary Chronicles on these sites; Apple Podcast Podbean Spotify iHeart Pandora The Visionary Chronicles RSS Feed (use for PODCAST players); https://feed.podbean.com/bryansmeltzer/feed.xml Sign up for The Visionary Chronicles Newsletter at; The Visionary Chronicles Newsletter Interested in Sponsoring The Visionary Chronicles Podcast, or a segment? Please fill out this form; bryansmeltzer.com/contact/ Follow me on the following social sites. @liquidmindsite on Facebook @liquidmindsite on Twitter @bryansmeltzer33 on Facebook @bryansmeltzer on Twitter in/bryansmeltzer on Linkedin

In my new Podcast, Brand Community | How to Build an Authentic Community, I discuss why defining your Brand and building your Community authentically leads to a Loyal customer base. Bryan Smeltzers Podcast on driving your brand forward, reinvigorating your passion, while continuing to maintain and sustain your Vision for long-term revenue growth. Discussions around disruptive strategies, and executable market drivers that provide a unique point of difference for you and your brand. We discuss this along with other business strategy topics and pressing issues facing Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners. He is the author of The Visionary Brand, a book on how brands sustain and maintain their Vision over generations. Bryan is currently President of LiquidMind Inc., a global brand strategy firm located in Southern California. If you enjoy The Visionary Chronicles Podcast, would be great if you could please leave a short Review at; iTunes/Apple Podcasts/The Visionary Chronicles It takes about a minute and supports our growth and reach to others, along with getting some awesome interviews. Please check out The Visionary Chronicles on these sites; Apple Podcast Podbean Spotify iHeart Pandora The Visionary Chronicles RSS Feed (use for PODCAST players); https://feed.podbean.com/bryansmeltzer/feed.xml Sign up for The Visionary Chronicles Newsletter at; The Visionary Chronicles Newsletter Interested in Sponsoring The Visionary Chronicles Podcast, or a segment? Please fill out this form; bryansmeltzer.com/contact/ Follow me on the following social sites. @liquidmindsite on Facebook @liquidmindsite on Twitter @bryansmeltzer33 on Facebook @bryansmeltzer on Twitter in/bryansmeltzer on Linkedin

In this Culture & Community PODCAST EPISODE Bryan discusses the importance of both defining your Culture, and authentically building your Community. Bryan Smeltzers Podcast on driving your brand forward, reinvigorating your passion, while continuing to maintain and sustain your Vision for long-term revenue growth. Discussions around disruptive strategies, and executable market drivers that provide a unique point of difference for you and your brand. We discuss this along with other business strategy topics and pressing issues facing Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners. He is the author of The Visionary Brand, a book on how brands sustain and maintain their Vision over generations. Bryan is currently President of LiquidMind Inc., a global brand strategy firm located in Southern California. If you enjoy The Visionary Chronicles Podcast, would be great if you could please leave a short Review at; iTunes/Apple Podcasts/The Visionary Chronicles It takes about a minute and supports our growth and reach to others, along with getting some awesome interviews. Please check out The Visionary Chronicles on these sites; Apple Podcast Podbean Spotify iHeart Pandora The Visionary Chronicles RSS Feed (use for PODCAST players); https://feed.podbean.com/bryansmeltzer/feed.xml Sign up for The Visionary Chronicles Newsletter at; The Visionary Chronicles Newsletter Interested in Sponsoring The Visionary Chronicles Podcast, or a segment? Please fill out this form; bryansmeltzer.com/contact/ Follow me on the following social sites. @liquidmindsite on Facebook @liquidmindsite on Twitter @bryansmeltzer33 on Facebook @bryansmeltzer on Twitter in/bryansmeltzer on Linkedin

In this PODCAST Episode, Bryan discusses the strategies around Brand Evolution and why it is so critical for a Brand to continually evolve over time, vs just Existing. Bryan Smeltzers Podcast on driving your brand forward, reinvigorating your passion, while continuing to maintain and sustain your Vision for long-term revenue growth. Discussions around disruptive strategies, and executable market drivers that provide a unique point of difference for you and your brand. We discuss this along with other business strategy topics and pressing issues facing Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners. He is the author of The Visionary Brand, a book on how brands sustain and maintain their Vision over generations. Bryan is currently President of LiquidMind Inc., a global brand strategy firm located in Southern California. If you enjoy The Visionary Chronicles Podcast, would be great if you could please leave a short Review at; iTunes/Apple Podcasts/The Visionary Chronicles It takes about a minute and supports our growth and reach to others, along with getting some awesome interviews. Please check out The Visionary Chronicles on these sites; Apple Podcast Podbean Spotify iHeart Pandora The Visionary Chronicles RSS Feed (use for PODCAST players); https://feed.podbean.com/bryansmeltzer/feed.xml Sign up for The Visionary Chronicles Newsletter at; The Visionary Chronicles Newsletter Interested in Sponsoring The Visionary Chronicles Podcast, or a segment? Please fill out this form; bryansmeltzer.com/contact/ Follow me on the following social sites. @liquidmindsite on Facebook @liquidmindsite on Twitter @bryansmeltzer33 on Facebook @bryansmeltzer on Twitter in/bryansmeltzer on Linkedin

in this PODCAST, Bryan discusses the traits of successful Visionaries, and what sets them apart from those who do not succeed. Bryan Smeltzers Podcast on driving your brand forward, reinvigorating your passion, while continuing to maintain and sustain your Vision for long-term revenue growth. Discussions around disruptive strategies, and executable market drivers that provide a unique point of difference for you and your brand. We discuss this along with other business strategy topics and pressing issues facing Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners. He is the author of The Visionary Brand, a book on how brands sustain and maintain their Vision over generations. Bryan is currently President of LiquidMind Inc., a global brand strategy firm located in Southern California. If you enjoy The Visionary Chronicles Podcast, would be great if you could please leave a short Review at; iTunes/Apple Podcasts/The Visionary Chronicles It takes about a minute and supports our growth and reach to others, along with getting some awesome interviews. Please check out The Visionary Chronicles on these sites; Apple Podcast Podbean Spotify iHeart Pandora The Visionary Chronicles RSS Feed (use for PODCAST players); https://feed.podbean.com/bryansmeltzer/feed.xml Sign up for The Visionary Chronicles Newsletter at; The Visionary Chronicles Newsletter Interested in Sponsoring The Visionary Chronicles Podcast, or a segment? Please fill out this form; bryansmeltzer.com/contact/ Follow me on the following social sites. @liquidmindsite on Facebook @liquidmindsite on Twitter @bryansmeltzer33 on Facebook @bryansmeltzer on Twitter in/bryansmeltzer on Linkedin

Bryan discusses how to live your Life with a Passion, driven by Fearless thinking and achieving what others say is impossible. Bryan Smeltzers Podcast on driving your brand forward, reinvigorating your passion, while continuing to maintain and sustain your Vision for long-term revenue growth. Discussions around disruptive strategies, and executable market drivers that provide a unique point of difference for you and your brand. We discuss this along with other business strategy topics and pressing issues facing Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners. He is the author of The Visionary Brand, a book on how brands sustain and maintain their Vision over generations. Bryan is currently President of LiquidMind Inc., a global brand strategy firm located in Southern California. If you enjoy The Visionary Chronicles Podcast, would be great if you could please leave a short Review at; iTunes/Apple Podcasts/The Visionary Chronicles It takes about a minute and supports our growth and reach to others, along with getting some awesome interviews. Please check out The Visionary Chronicles on these sites; Apple Podcast Podbean Spotify iHeart Pandora The Visionary Chronicles RSS Feed (use for PODCAST players); https://feed.podbean.com/bryansmeltzer/feed.xml Sign up for The Visionary Chronicles Newsletter at; The Visionary Chronicles Newsletter Interested in Sponsoring The Visionary Chronicles Podcast, or a segment? Please fill out this form; bryansmeltzer.com/contact/ Follow me on the following social sites. @liquidmindsite on Facebook @liquidmindsite on Twitter @bryansmeltzer33 on Facebook @bryansmeltzer on Twitter in/bryansmeltzer on Linkedin

Bryan Smeltzers Podcast on driving your brand forward, reinvigorating your passion, while continuing to maintain and sustain your Vision for long-term revenue growth. Discussions around disruptive strategies, and executable market drivers that provide a unique point of difference for you and your brand. We discuss this along with other business strategy topics and pressing issues facing Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners. He is the author of The Visionary Brand, a book on how brands sustain and maintain their Vision over generations. Bryan is currently President of LiquidMind Inc., a global brand strategy firm located in Southern California. If you enjoy The Visionary Chronicles Podcast, would be great if you could please leave a short Review at; iTunes/Apple Podcasts/The Visionary Chronicles It takes about a minute and supports our growth and reach to others, along with getting some awesome interviews. Please check out The Visionary Chronicles on these sites; Apple Podcast Podbean Spotify iHeart Pandora The Visionary Chronicles RSS Feed (use for PODCAST players); https://feed.podbean.com/bryansmeltzer/feed.xml Sign up for The Visionary Chronicles Newsletter at; The Visionary Chronicles Newsletter Interested in Sponsoring The Visionary Chronicles Podcast, or a segment? Please fill out this form; bryansmeltzer.com/contact/ Follow me on the following social sites. @liquidmindsite on Facebook @liquidmindsite on Twitter @bryansmeltzer33 on Facebook @bryansmeltzer on Twitter in/bryansmeltzer on Linkedin

Bryan discusses how to attract talent through proper branding, culture match, and proper retention strategies. Bryan Smeltzers Podcast on driving your brand forward, reinvigorating your passion, while continuing to maintain and sustain your Vision for long-term revenue growth. Discussions around disruptive strategies, and executable market drivers that provide a unique point of difference for you and your brand. We discuss this along with other business strategy topics and pressing issues facing Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners. He is the author of The Visionary Brand, a book on how brands sustain and maintain their Vision over generations. Bryan is currently President of LiquidMind Inc., a global brand strategy firm located in Southern California. If you enjoy The Visionary Chronicles Podcast, would be great if you could please leave a short Review at; • iTunes/Apple Podcasts/The Visionary Chronicles It takes about a minute and supports our growth and reach to others, along with getting some awesome interviews. Please check out The Visionary Chronicles on these sites; • Apple Podcast • Podbean • Spotify • iHeart • Pandora Sign up for The Visionary Chronicles Newsletter at; • The Visionary Chronicles Newsletter Interested in Sponsoring The Visionary Chronicles Podcast, or a segment? Please fill out this form; • bryansmeltzer.com/contact/ Follow me on the following social sites. • @liquidmindsite on Facebook • @liquidmindsite on Twitter • @bryansmeltzer33 on Facebook • @bryansmeltzer on Twitter • in/bryansmeltzer on Linkedin

In this episode of The Visionary Chronicles, Bryan discusses BURNOUT. With the past year behind us, and the ongoing issues facing most businesses, this is an opportune time to discuss this subject. Most Entrepreneurs do not acknowledge, nor many times, recognize when Burnout is happening. What are the Causes, the Effects both professionally and personally, and how do you Respond in order to deal with Burnout? Bryan Smeltzers Podcast on driving your brand forward, reinvigorating your passion, while continuing to maintain and sustain your Vision for long-term revenue growth. Discussions around disruptive strategies, and executable market drivers that provide a unique point of difference for you and your brand. We discuss this along with other business strategy topics and pressing issues facing Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners. He is the author of The Visionary Brand, a book on how brands sustain and maintain their Vision over generations. Bryan is currently President of LiquidMind Inc., a global brand strategy firm located in Southern California. If you enjoy The Visionary Chronicles Podcast, would be great if you could please leave a short Review at; iTunes/Apple Podcasts/The Visionary Chronicles It takes about a minute and supports our growth and reach to others, along with getting some awesome interviews. Please check out The Visionary Chronicles on these sites; Apple Podcast Podbean Spotify iHeart Pandora Sign up for The Visionary Chronicles Newsletter at; The Visionary Chronicles Newsletter Interested in Sponsoring The Visionary Chronicles Podcast, or a segment? Please fill out this form; bryansmeltzer.com/contact/ Follow me on the following social sites. @liquidmindsite on Facebook @liquidmindsite on Twitter @bryansmeltzer33 on Facebook @bryansmeltzer on Twitter in/bryansmeltzer on Linkedin

In this PODCAST I discuss a Revolutionary product, versus one which is merely an Evolution. Both are important, but one will move you generations ahead on your Innovation Pipeline, the other will sustain your Product Life Cycle, but will eventually lead to extinction. Bryan Smeltzers Podcast on driving your brand forward, reinvigorating your passion, while continuing to maintain and sustain your Vision for long-term revenue growth. Discussions around disruptive strategies, and executable market drivers that provide a unique point of difference for you and your brand. We discuss this along with other business strategy topics and pressing issues facing Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners. He is the author of The Visionary Brand, a book on how brands sustain and maintain their Vision over generations. Bryan is currently President of LiquidMind Inc., a global brand strategy firm located in Southern California. If you enjoy The Visionary Chronicles Podcast, would be great if you could please leave a short Review at; iTunes/Apple Podcasts/The Visionary Chronicles It takes about a minute and supports our growth and reach to others, along with getting some awesome interviews. Please check out The Visionary Chronicles on these sites; Apple Podcast Podbean Spotify iHeart Pandora Sign up for The Visionary Chronicles Newsletter at; The Visionary Chronicles Newsletter Interested in Sponsoring The Visionary Chronicles Podcast, or a segment? Please fill out this form; bryansmeltzer.com/contact/ Follow me on the following social sites. @liquidmindsite on Facebook @liquidmindsite on Twitter @bryansmeltzer33 on Facebook @bryansmeltzer on Twitter in/bryansmeltzer on Linkedin

Bryan discusses the factors and the process behind getting your company funded with a Venture Capital company. Having been a part of many deals over the years, I have found many factors and misconceptions to getting VC interest. This along with studies that have been done with publications such as Harvard Business Review, Inc. and Entrepreneur provide a solid foundation for understanding how this deal process works. Bryan Smeltzers Podcast on driving your brand forward, reinvigorating your passion, while continuing to maintain and sustain your Vision for long term revenue growth. Discussions around disruptive strategies, and executable market drivers that provide a unique point of difference for you and your brand. We discuss this along with other business strategy topics and pressing issues facing Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners. He is the Author of The Visionary Brand, a book on how brands sustain and maintain their Vision over generations. Bryan is currently President of LiquidMind Inc., a global brand strategy firm located in Southern California. If you enjoy The Visionary Chronicles Podcast, would be great if you could please leave a short Review at; • iTunes/Apple Podcasts/The Visionary Chronicles It takes about a minute and supports our growth and reach to others, along with getting some awesome interviews. Please check out The Visionary Chronicles on these sites; • Apple Podcast • Podbean • Spotify • iHeart • Pandora Sign up for The Visionary Chronicles Newsletter at; • The Visionary Chronicles Newsletter Interested in Sponsoring The Visionary Chronicles Podcast, or a segment? Please fill out this form; • bryansmeltzer.com/contact/ Follow me on the following social sites. • @liquidmindsite on Facebook • @liquidmindsite on Twitter • @bryansmeltzer33 on Facebook • @bryansmeltzer on Twitter • in/bryansmeltzer on Linkedin