🚀 Jumpstart Collective's CXO Spotlight Series Continues 🚀
We’re excited to feature Axel Dench, Brand Strategy Consultant at Ryppl Branding, in our latest CXO Spotlight Series interview.
We get it. Marketing budgets are getting tight in anticipation of better times ahead. However, Axel offers a fresh perspective that we wholeheartedly agree with.
He dives into the challenges businesses face during economic downturns and makes a compelling case for strategic marketing investment. Drawing from a remarkable story of the 1930s Great Depression, he highlights how the Kellogg Company doubled its ad spend while competitors pulled back. An audacious move that cemented their market dominance for decades.
Axel's key takeaway? In uncertain times, bold and proactive marketing isn't just a risk; it's an opportunity to stand out and drive long-term success.
Our CXO Spotlight Series brings you dynamic interviews with thought leaders to:
💡 Uncover industry challenges and opportunities.
🌟 Share inspiring insights from top performers.
🚀 Explore the evolving world of marketing and leadership.
👉 If you’re a CMO, CXO, or thought leader with unique insights to share, we’d love to feature you. Reach out via info@jumpstartcollective.com or visit our website: https://lnkd.in/gYVaApq
Stay tuned for the full interview with Axel and many more. Together, we’re reshaping what success looks like in business and beyond.
#CXOSpotlight#LeadershipInsights#MarketingExcellence#BrandStrategy#EconomicResilience#JumpstartCollective
Yeah. I think there's probably two sets of challenges that we probably should be aware of moving forward. One is... What are the challenges that clients are facing that we need to kind of be reactive to, or respond to, and then there are the challenges that we as kind of Fractional CMO's or fractional markers or fractional consultants, we need to be aware of. So, on the client side of things, they have reduced budgets, there's reduced demand for outside services. They're going to ask people to reduce their rates just to kind of keep their foot in the door. So you're asking people, particularly in the marketing space, to do more with less. And I'm going to hold you to the same set of standards, even though I'm giving you way less to play with. So there's that side of things. And I appreciate that businesses need to do what they need to do when there's economic uncertainty and downturn and people kind of might just hold on to things. It's completely understandable that these things happen. But I do also have the story that kind of rattles around in my head from back in the 1930s in the Great Depression. Everyone's heard of Kellogg's breakfast cereals. Yeah. So back in the day, there was Kellogg's and then there was Post cereals. And these were the two biggest brands in America. And the Depression happens and all companies, and particularly Post at the time, cuts all budgets, cuts all spending. And they were just going to ride this out and see what happens. Kellogg's then goes... well, we could absolutely do that and we'd save a lot of money, but we're actually going to double our ad spend and then they lost a whole bunch of money throughout the Great Depression and didn't see many returns. But then, economic recovery started to happen. The people all they have been seeing is Kellogg's, but they haven't been able to buy Kelloggs. But Kellogg's has been with us and it's been front of mine. So now that we've got some money, let's treat ourselves to Kellogg cereal. And if you look at Kellogg's, Kellogg's probably got 30 to 40 breakfast cereals, different brands in its stable. Post has Honey Nut Cheerios and a couple of others and that's about all it's got. It might have the Oreo brand, but it's really, really narrow. And that's it for basically the last 90 years. So I look at companies and clients, particularly those who are nervous and they may not have the experience or the expectations of being able to ride something out and you go: You can do the safe thing and there's absolutely nothing wrong with doing the safe thing. It's not my job to tell you. But at the same time, from a marketing perspective, there's a line in the sand. You can kind of stay on the safe side or you can be aggressive and do what other people aren't doing. And I'm here, I'm here to support you. We've all been through tough times. Let's make the right decision for your brand moving forward. So that's on the client side of things. And then internally you go, there are more freelancers, the industry agencies are kind of cutting staff left, right and center. So there are people, probably to your earlier question around what should people do if they kind of want to switch from sales to marketing? There are people who have gone wrong. I've only been in agency land and now I need to be a freelancer and I'm just going to put my hand up and say I can do everything, which really is an aggressive way to kind of approach the market, but potentially will get found out at the same time. So it's being aware of these people who perhaps you haven't competed with before. And OK, there's going to be new people who are going to be stepping on my toes. It's sourcing and securing new clients. And that can be difficult if they're not open to it. And then one of the other big things is there are so many new shiny goals and toys out in the market in terms of AI and this can do this and that can do this... what are the ones we need to be aware of. What should we invest our time and money into to up-skill and what are the ones that we can go OK, I see that as something that in the long-term is going to help my clients, therefore I need to be aware of it. What are the other ones? And you hear these brands selling their service they just shout and shout about the brand but they don't SAY a whole lot and you realize OK you can take your clients and they're like, well, should we DO this or should we be AWARE of this. you're like, you know what, there's no proof. The only person who's talking about this is the person who's selling it. So there's no proof. Let's just wait and see and then I can kind of take you on that path. So there are some influences going on at the moment and challenges definitely in the market. But I think those who are proactive enough to keep developing themselves, we're going to be OK in the long run.
Thanks for having me on, Martin and the Jumpstart team. It was great to pull apart a number of issues that the industry is facing, along with tracing the path I've taken from my initial dream of being a truck driver to where I am today!
The Power of Marketing in Business Leadership
It’s the engine that drives innovation, the bridge that connects businesses with their audience, and the catalyst that transforms visions into realities.
Marketing is about telling a story, creating an emotional connection, and building a brand that resonates with people. It’s about understanding customer needs, anticipating market trends, and delivering value consistently.
Applying strong marketing strategies means leading the business forward, staying ahead of the competition, and fostering long-term growth. It’s the heartbeat of success, ensuring that every step taken aligns with the overall vision and goals.
Let’s embrace the power of marketing to lead, innovate, and grow our businesses!
#Marketing#BusinessGrowth#Leadership#Innovation#BrandBuilding#CustomerEngagement#BusinessSuccess
🚀 Tailored Leadership: The Strategic Advantage of a Fractional CMO 🚀
In a world where one-size-fits-all solutions are often inadequate, the bespoke nature of Fractional CMO services stands out, offering a tailored approach that aligns perfectly with your business’s unique needs and goals.
A Fractional CMO does more than fill a leadership gap—they immerse themselves in understanding your market, competitors, and internal dynamics to craft customized strategies that drive your business forward. This personalized approach ensures that every marketing initiative is not only strategic but also highly relevant and impactful to your specific business context.
Why is this important? Custom-tailored marketing leadership allows for agility and precise alignment with your business’s growth phases and market opportunities. It ensures that you are not just implementing marketing tactics, but are engaging in strategies that resonate deeply with your target audience and capitalize on real-time market trends.
Moreover, this tailored strategy is not static. As your business evolves, so too can the support and guidance from your Fractional CMO, adapting to new challenges and opportunities without the commitment of a full-time executive. This flexibility is crucial for startups and SMEs that experience rapid shifts in their business landscape.
Embrace the power of customization with a Fractional CMO and turn your unique challenges into opportunities. Let’s redefine what strategic marketing leadership looks like for your business.
Connect with us to discover how a tailored Fractional CMO service can transform your marketing and drive substantial growth. 🌟
#FractionalCMO#CustomizedLeadership#StrategicMarketing#BusinessGrowth#TailoredStrategy#MarketingLeadership#AgileMarketing#BusinessStrategy#InnovativeMarketing#TargetedGrowth#B2BMarketing#ExecutiveLeadership#MarketingEffectiveness#GrowthMindset#Adaptability#MarketingInnovation#IndustryLeaders#BusinessSuccess#CMOservices#MarketingSolutions
Navigating Uncertainty in Strategic Planning: A SCEPTIC Approach
In the ever-evolving business landscape, strategic planning requires a forward-thinking mindset to thrive amidst external changes. The SCEPTIC tool provides a structured framework to assess key influencers like Society, Competition, Economics, Politics, Technology, Industry, and Customers. This proactive strategy empowers organizations to adapt swiftly, anticipating disruptions before they occur.
Successful strategic planning goes beyond internal forecasts—it's about preparing for external forces. Embrace the SCEPTIC approach to enhance your business agility and readiness for the future. Stay ahead of the curve in today's dynamic marketplace.
#BusinessStrategy#StrategicPlanning#Innovation#MarketTrends#Leadership#Growth#innovation
"That was awesome!"
"You totally inspired me with your knowledge and confidence"
"It was a brilliant session and helped me move forward with my business"
I ran a workshop on 'finding your competitive positioning' recently. It was designed to help ambitious business leaders define their differentiator.
25 people attended, interacted and left with a clear plan of how to develop their own positioning.
Competitive positioning is the space you occupy in the minds of your chosen audience groups. It's the shortcut to your business 'promise' and a reason for customers to choose you over alternatives.
I'm thinking of running another session soon. They're fun, engaging and most importantly, useful.
Let me know if you'd be interested.
#planning#strategy#differentiation
Crafting a winning business strategy is a complex journey that requires constant adaptation. At Bootz to Heelz, we partner with you to define a clear path to success in today's competitive landscape and prepare you for future challenges.
Business strategy is about maximizing the impact of available resources to drive growth, profitability, and long-term success. We work closely with you to develop strategies that not only generate value but also establish a sustainable competitive advantage.
Our services are designed to build strong business strategies✨
Supporting businesses of small, medium and large sizes, industries, and growth stages with:
- Social Media Management: Posting an average of 3 times per week, organic marketing to enhance your business brand across all social media platforms, and engagement with potential clients to foster trust.
- Weekly 1:1 Strategy Sessions
- Target Market Development
- Brand Building Strategies
- Marketing Message Development
- Business and Personal Brand Development
- Leverage your expertise to develop a strategic roadmap for success.
- Leadership development
- Team building strategies and training
Let's work together to unlock your business's full potential.
bit.ly/BOOTZTOHEELZ#BootzToHeelz#Leadershipcoaching#Executivecoaching#BusinessConsulting#SustainableSuccess#GrowYourBusiness
Crafting a winning business strategy is a complex journey that requires constant adaptation. At Bootz to Heelz, we partner with you to define a clear path to success in today's competitive landscape and prepare you for future challenges.
Business strategy is about maximizing the impact of available resources to drive growth, profitability, and long-term success. We work closely with you to develop strategies that not only generate value but also establish a sustainable competitive advantage.
Our services are designed to build strong business strategies✨
Supporting businesses of small, medium and large sizes, industries, and growth stages with:
- Social Media Management: Posting an average of 3 times per week, organic marketing to enhance your business brand across all social media platforms, and engagement with potential clients to foster trust.
- Weekly 1:1 Strategy Sessions
- Target Market Development
- Brand Building Strategies
- Marketing Message Development
- Business and Personal Brand Development
- Leverage your expertise to develop a strategic roadmap for success.
- Leadership development
- Team building strategies and training
Let's work together to unlock your business's full potential.
bit.ly/BOOTZTOHEELZ#BootzToHeelz#Leadershipcoaching#Executivecoaching#BusinessConsulting#SustainableSuccess#GrowYourBusiness
🚀 Jumpstart Collective's CXO Spotlight Series: Featuring Ben Howell 🚀
Our CXO Spotlight Series continues with an insightful interview featuring Ben Howell, CMO at BMP.Marketing. Ben dives into the challenges of maintaining brand relevance in today’s fast-paced marketing world, sharing his strategies for keeping brands authentic and connected to their audience.
Here’s what Ben had to say:
💡 Avoid Brand Drift: Stay true to your mission and vision. While customer-driven adjustments can be beneficial, executive-led deviations often dilute the brand’s core identity.
🌟 Embrace User-Generated Content: Customers’ voices are the most credible advocates for your brand. Showcase real feedback - both the highs and lows -for greater authenticity and trust.
🎯 Honesty is Key: Perfect ratings are nice, but transparency and honesty resonate more with today’s audience. It’s okay to embrace imperfection; it adds credibility.
Our CXO Spotlight Series brings together top industry leaders to:
✨ Share actionable strategies.
🚀 Discuss innovative trends.
💡 Inspire transformation in leadership and marketing.
👉 If you’re a CMO, CXO, or thought leader with unique insights to share, we’d love to feature you. Reach out at info@jumpstartcollective.com or visit our website: https://lnkd.in/frF6PjS
🎧 Stay tuned for Ben’s full interview, where we dive deeper into avoiding brand drift, leveraging authenticity, and building relevance in an ever-evolving market. Together, let’s redefine marketing excellence.
#CXOSpotlight#BrandRelevance#AuthenticityInMarketing#LeadershipInsights#MarketingExcellence#JumpstartCollective
Marketing Director | MBA | Proven Leader in Brand Growth & Digital Strategy | Expert in Omnichannel Strategy & AI Integration | Ex: HP, Philips, Dixon Ticonderoga
The Power of Marketing Leadership: Building Trust and Overcoming Skepticism
In today’s world, customers are wary of offers that seem too good to be true, thinking: “If it’s free, I’m the product” or “What’s the catch?” Overcoming these perceptions requires more than clever campaigns—it demands leadership and trust-building strategies:
• 🔍 Be Transparent: Clearly explain your business model and why the offer exists.
• 💡 Focus on Value: Shift the narrative from “free” to the tangible benefits customers will gain.
• 📚 Educate & Build Trust: Use simple, honest communication to replace skepticism with understanding.
• 👏 Leverage Social Proof: Highlight real success stories to reassure your audience.
• ✅ Be Consistent: Trust is earned through reliability and authenticity over time.
Marketing isn’t just about selling—it’s about reshaping perceptions and creating lasting connections. 🌟
How do you approach this challenge in your work?
#MarketingStrategy#Innovation#Leadership#DiversityInExperience#GrowthMindset#FutureOfBusiness#GrowthOpportunities#Sustainability#DataDrivenMarketing#CustomerInsights#customertrust
Early in my career, I witnessed something profound—a bold strategy didn't just transform a business; it revolutionized an entire industry. That moment ignited my passion to help visionary leaders turn ambitious goals into lasting legacies.
As the founder and chief strategist at Pierce X, I specialize in crafting innovative marketing strategies that elevate brands and drive healthy growth. I believe that every firm has a unique story waiting to be told. I aim to uncover those narratives and position your organization at the forefront of your industry.
What Sets Our Approach Apart:
Visionary Strategy: Leveraging deep industry insights to anticipate trends and navigate complexities. For example, we identified a shift towards sustainable technology early on, helping clients capitalize on emerging markets ahead of competitors.
Customized Solutions: Tailoring strategies to align with your firm's unique goals and market dynamics. No off-the-shelf plans—every approach is bespoke, designed to meet your specific challenges and opportunities.
Integrated Execution: Blending creative marketing with data-driven tactics for impactful results. We ensure that every campaign not only resonates emotionally but also delivers measurable ROI.
Legacy Building: Focusing on long-term success that cements your firm's legacy. We're not just aiming for immediate wins; we're dedicated to creating an enduring impact that stands the test of time.
What challenges are you facing in elevating your firm to the next level? Is it brand differentiation, market expansion, or building a legacy that endures?
If you're an industry leader ready to maximize your impact and transform your vision into reality, let's have a conversation. Together, we can craft a strategy that not only achieves your goals but also leaves a lasting legacy.
Feel free to reach out or share your thoughts below—I'm always eager to engage with forward-thinking professionals.
#leadership#architecture#marketing#strategy
Brand Strategy Consultant
1moThanks for having me on, Martin and the Jumpstart team. It was great to pull apart a number of issues that the industry is facing, along with tracing the path I've taken from my initial dream of being a truck driver to where I am today!