Tell us about Strategy Box

Strategy Box is a software service CMO in a Box helps retail companies determine their marketing ROI. Then what to do next to drive up sales.

How  did you get started?

I used to run my own consulting shop for seven years helping big companies find their most profitable customers. CMO in a Box came about after having a meeting with a Taiwanese industrialist who was ripping apart a marketing strategy I’d created.  I thought if I could show him how investing “x” dollars now would return “y” sales later he’d buy into the plan. A few years later I figured out how to do that. 

What has been the most challenging moment in your career?

Deciding to push through having zero money, being still a ways away on the development of CMO in a Box, having no customers and having everyone close to me saying “get a job.” Today we’re signing up 1-2 customers a week just on word-of-mouth. 

What was the most braggable moment?

I connected a potential client with a very famous investor I am tangentially connected to. The meeting, and subsequent relationship, went so well the client gave me two tickets around the world as a thank you gift. I’m leaving for the trip in March 2017. 

What would you say is your biggest weakness?

Thinking I need to do everything myself. I’m working hard with a coach and outsourcing service to determine where I have the most leverage in my business. Then automating and outsourcing everything else.

And your greatest strength?

I have two, being curious and not taking ‘no’ for an answer. It’s amazing what you can accomplish, and the people you meet, if you just ask a lot of questions. That attitude also helps me figure out why someone is saying ‘no’ to something. Then I’m able to counter their emotions and arguments. It also helps I have persistence of a used-car salesman.

What was the greatest lesson you’ve learned from a mistake?

Up until a few months ago if you asked me how my business was doing I’d answer “Awesome! Couldn’t be better!” However on the inside all I thought about was what I didn’t have. The results I wasn’t generating (even when I was pulling in $20k/month for myself as a consultant). I had a loud voice inside my head making me believe I was in a constant state of losing, so I had to hold on tight to what I had. I grew tired of it. So I figured out what I actually want and where I want to go. Now I only focus on that and only ask for what brings me closer to that picture. If you ask for what you truly want and face challenges head-on you’d be shocked at what happens next. People and opportunities fall into your lap. Your capacity to face fear and get sh*t done sky rockets. 

What do you love most about what you do?

There’s so much waste and so many charlatans in marketing. Lots of tools, people and things that just don’t work. We help companies stop what isn’t working and shift money and time to what is. It’s an amazing feeling to point to a sales graph going up and to the right and saying “we helped do that.” 

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

“Get comfortable with being uncomfortable” – Mama Vidas 

How do you define happiness?

To chart how I spend my day, season and year and do it with people I love. Exploring and learning. 

What book are you currently reading?

Focus by Daniel Goldman 

What’s a personal habit that you believe contributes to your success?

Headspace meditation app on the daily and working out 4-6x a week. Cliched, but it makes such a difference in my mood.

Have you collaborated with another business/artist in the past? (if yes tell us how it benefited you, if no tell us how you would like to)

I’m always interested in how people can play to their strengths and role, like a great jazz ensemble. 

For example, CMO in a Box is focused on retail brands. It’s a very relationship-driven sector. I have several people with deep ties in the industry whose day job may be in marketing, consulting or operations. However, they heard about our product, loved it and introduce us to people they know. They also give us feedback on the product and teach us what they know about the industry. We teach them about marketing analytics and Big Data.

http://www.strategybox.com/