In 2010, Relentless Media Productions was honored to be selected by Case IH as the company’s go to creative marketing firm, responsible for heavy equipment video. Our production team spent many long hours this spring and summer in locations spanning from Iowa to Indiana, enduring brutal cold and wind, 105-degree heat, dust and deadlines. At the end of the shoot, we were left with a tremendous appreciation for what makes Case IH a global leader in agriculture equipment

With a project like this, typical broadcast style standard definition wouldn’t cut it. That’s why Relentless brought its trademark cinematic style to shoot the trademark red tractors. In the field, we used cinematic film tools like a steadi-cam, dollie, jib, suction cup mounts along, to create the kind of product that sets us apart from the typical video team. To top it all off, all the footage was created in beautiful, 1080p HD, thanks to our arsenal of HDLSR cameras.

The finished product will be on the road this summer, as the 2010 Red Power Tour kicks off in Ames, IA. Our HD footage will be the centerpiece for a variety of Case’s campaigns. And this fall, we are back at it again, out in the fields, delivering the same quality work that Case customers demand from their beloved tractors. See you in September.

Branding is more than a logo. Branding is more than a sign. Branding is more than corporate identity.

Branding is the emotions, feelings and thoughts your customer has about a product, service or company. A good brand takes on its own characteristic and personality which give meaning to the consumer, and ultimately defines the brand. Your branding is the foundation for successful business strategy and must give an experience to the consumer. Think past business cards, letterhead, signage and commercials. Start thinking character, trust, reputation, personality and experience.

When you see the McDonald’s arch, it says nothing about hamburgers, but when you see the arch, many people think of hamburgers and happymeals. Kids can see the arch and immediately be excited because of the “experience” they may have had with McDonald’s. Apple is another brand that gives its users an “experience”. Apple is known for innovation, creativity and progression, yet nothing with the Apple logo shares those feelings. The point is to look past the idea of your logo being your branding and focus on giving your customers an experience with the character of your brand.

This is extremely important in a local market, as relying on faithful customers and word of mouth is a must. You want people to understand your brand so you build your reputation and trust. In a local market, you can get ahead of your competition just by changing the way your brand is communicated to your customers. You will stand out and be noticed because of the experience you are giving consumers. To test the success of your branding efforts, ask yourself “If my brand was a person, what would it act like, dress like, talk like?” If you KNOW the character of your brand and get behind it, your customers will too.

The beauty of running your own business is the freedom to be your own boss.  The responsibility lies in trying to grow that business while maintaining your everyday business tasks.  You may find yourself asking the question, “What did I get myself into” or “There’s not enough hours in the day to keep up.”  Be in good cheer.  There is hope to juggle the never-ending business tasks and still maintain to successfully manage and market your company.  Here are 5 tips to help tackle growing your business without losing time.

1. Rethink your marketing strategy.
Step one is to re-think the way that you do marketing now. Rather than try to tackle everything yourself, take a step back and see what can be delegated, shared or hired out.  Prioritize your message and what lines up with the vision and direction of your company. ONLY do the things that help you take a step in that direction.  Try and send the most important and urgent pieces to be handled by a professional.  The “not as important” or next in priority can be handled by an employee, intern or yourself if you find the time.  The goal is to oversee the process rather than try and stick your hand in every piece of it.

2. Learn to network.
Never underestimate the power of word of mouth.  Learning to network with other business owners and customers at industry or local events increases the awareness of your company and generates interest.  Learning to talk about your company or services with others is a powerful and cost-effective marketing tool.

3. Hit the Target.
When marketing on a limited budget or limited time, focusing your marketing is a must. Its better to have 5 strong marketing pieces than 20 poorly communicated or designed materials.  Learn who you REALLY want to target as your customer or client and go after them with a clear goal, vision and plan.  Put together a couple of good pieces and spend your time focusing on hitting your target rather than hoping to catch their attention.  This will help save valuable time during your workday and help eliminate running in circles.

4. Learn how to use social networking… the right way.
Increase your online exposure for free by utilizing popular social networking sites.  I’m sure we have all attempted this or even been successful at attracting new customers, but learning to utilize social networking the right way can pay off huge.  Make your posts relevant and easy to understand as well as offering specials that customers can only get from posting or responding.  Make it interesting and fun for your audience as they will begin talking about your company for you.

5. Keep it simple or get an intern.
One of the most important things to remember is to stay focused so you can run toward your vision or the reason you started your company in the first place.  If things begin to get out of hand and you simply can’t find enough time to do everything… get an intern.  You can find amazing and qualified students that are eager to get real world experience with little to no pay.  We had an intern that we found to be a huge help from week 1.  As that intern finished, she was hired and continued the role that she had within our company.  It is a great opportunity for both the student as well as the business owner.

Relentless. Steady. Persistent. Unremitting.  Its no coincident the name “Relentless” was placed over this progressive young company.  The name, to me personally, means so much.  This company started with passion and a vision… a vision to make creative media…well… creative.  I felt like there was a lack for excellent media and design in industries that we were pursuing, so we answered back.

I learned from a very early age the power that vision has in your life.  We may have all heard the biblical principle… “without vision people cast of restraint” and this couldn’t be more true.  A good friend once told me, “A vision without action is just a hallucination.”   If you are a leader or a business owner, you probably find yourself realizing how true this is as well.  The importance of an entrepreneur, manager, leader or CEO to have a clear vision is the foundation for growing their company or organization.  Your passion is what fans the flames to your vision and your attitude and thoughts are what birth your passion.

Once you determine your passion and vision begin to write it down.  Write it on paper, on your computer, on your bathroom mirror… whatever it takes to actually SEE it.  Its important that you see your vision so that it continues to direct and guide you when times get tough or when you seem to waiver away from your true passion and vision.  Once you have it in you… begin to act it out.  The Action Plan.

Napoleon said, “Take time to deliberate, but when the time for action has arrived, stop thinking and go in.” Don’t be one of those that have passion, vision and clear direction but just “wait” for the opportunity.  Sometimes you just have to go for it.  Sometimes you have to make your own opportunities.

“The world will move out of the way for a man that knows where he is going.”

Looks like its official!  Relentless’ new office in Jackson did a ribbon cutting for the Jackson and Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce.  We had a great turnout and met a lot of old friends as well as some new ones.  Things are growing rapidly and we are all excited to see new things for Relentless this fall.