Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Michael Johnson. I am a creative storyteller, with a sense of humor, that lives in the lovely city of Portland, OR. I am a brand strategist that loves to brainstorm solutions for businesses. I am always looking to give my client an edge. I love the challenge of making each of my clients unique in their fields. What is their story and how does it have an impact on what they do? I have built my company around strong individuals that share my mantra: “go out of your way to make our client succeed.”
It is all about telling stories! As an educator, I have found that people can get very excited about sharing something very unique about themselves or their companies. By helping my clients tell their stories, they in-turn become evangelists that promote my company. It is a win-win for everyone.
On my website, I have a great story about how I convinced a client named Joe Hall that “you have a great story that no one will forget.” See my website and blog for more stories and marketing advice: www.inkspotgraphics.com.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I read 15-20 inspirational/marketing blogs a week. I am constantly reading business/marketing/branding books to look for new and innovative ways of help my clients (and myself).
I am trying to start an email campaign to spread great advice to my strategic partners.
I coordinate a Mastermind Group every 2 weeks in my office.
I go out in the community and talk to 2 new people a week and attend 1 networking event a week.
I have just committed to a non-profit board member position for Molly’s Fund (Lupus Society).
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
I carry this book with me every day to tell my clients that it is the one book that will help their business grow: [amazon_link id=”1591846447″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Start with Why[/amazon_link] by Simon Sinek. I was so impressed with Sinek and his book that I emailed him to say that I would love to help share his message. I told him that I would love to provide talks or promote his book at trade shows here in the Northwest. I have underlined and written notes throughout the whole book and plan to read it again during the holidays.
What is one piece of advice that you’d like to give?
Tell your story to everyone and make sure that your employees are well versed in telling it, as well. “Why should I do business with you and don’t just tell me that you provide great services and prices?” You need to have people support you and your business. They will help you market if you give them the tools. It is all about connecting the dots!
What is one idea that you’re going to bring to life in 2012?
Since I am just beginning the journey of learning about lupus and Molly’s Fund, I am going to be pushing them to the forefront of non-profits. I will be providing them with some great marketing tools to make them a successful franchise here in Portland, OR.
Mario Schulzke is the Founder of ideamensch, which he started a decade ago to learn from entrepreneurs and give them a platform for their ideas.