Become a Leader or become Extinct, your choice. Evolve or DIE ! These are tough choices as you move along in the development of your brand. The willingness to take “risks” becomes more and more of a challenge, as it is to easy to continuing eating from the low hanging fruit. What brands do not recognize before it is to late, you need to plant more seeds for you to Survive. Keep eating from the same tree, eventually you will die and become extinct.
This symptom takes many forms, the brand that is comfortable with the “status quo”, the brand that does recognize they need to get off the track or they will be “run over”, or the brand that “thinks” they have all the answers and lives in a bubble of its own making ! Eventually these brands will burst…
Those “Risk Takers”, the ones that truly challenge the status quo of their respective industry, are the ones though stepping out on the plank may die, but if they survive will flourish. They flourish and are “reborn” with every new “risk”, whether it be a product or new market position. Don’t just live to live, live to die, or die to flourish again. Reborn, relive and survive the glut of “also rans”, they will continue to die along the wasteland of other brands who did not understand they must Evolve to Live, or Die trying !
Take the Lead, Take Risks and Live Life !
As Steve has said : “Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish..”
Always Evolve..!
Always be a Leader..!
Always Challenge the Status Quo..!
Enjoy the Ride !
Bryan Smeltzer
www.bryansmeltzer.com
“Product Innovation & Marketing Success Blog..”
The author
I have a passion for living balanced life and a strong faith...each equally important for thriving and excelling…I love crushing mountain bike trails, exploring and finding ways to grow beyond the “status quo”. I am a dedicated, innovation driven team leader with a passion for establishing a disruptive vision and executing a market dominating strategy… Our industry has always been about creating innovative, market driving solutions that enhance performance or provide for a better life beyond sport. It has also been about culture, fit and passion for the brand. When these foundational pillars are removed, the brand starts to crumble. Being part of an industry that bridges talent between product creation, marketing, sales, finance and operations is formula for success, because every function is about building a foundational performance brand. It’s galvanizing when elite athletes wear and endorse our creations, but the real strength is leading the teams that combine their creative forces and technical expertise to make the engine roar. I am always passionate for defining and leading the next industry revolution… Extensive executive level experience across globally recognized brands, each number one in their respective markets, along with having founded and successfully sold my own branded apparel company. Whether establishing new product lines, building global marketing strategies, leading design/development teams, I have a passion for building and growing brands. Some examples; • Built Zamst from start up to achieving nationwide North American distribution, and 845% revenue growth over a 3 1/2 year period. • With Gathering Storm, grew TaylorMade/adidas Golf Accessories from $11M to $48M over 3 years. • K-Swiss, global executive management of $38M in international licensee’s and domestic apparel/accessories division. • OAKLEY, built and successfully developed “Athletic Division” NCAA licensed team eyewear/apparel product lines achieving $1.4M in initial season.