Foreword/Forward

An excerpt from the Foreword in "Profiles in Marketing Excellence."

"All those [profiled] are tempered by a basic, underlying love of what they do and why they do it. All think they are doing things that are important. And, they are. In short, this text is like personal conversations with each of the marketing experts"...by Don Schultz, Author and Professor at Northwestern University

Don Schultz writes a great Foreword for readers, in which he so graciously contributed to "Profiles in Marketing Excellence." He writes with character and whit. And in the full text, he shares how the paged conversations give readers insight into what makes these marketers so successful. His Foreword ushers readers to move forward as they embark on the changing marketing industry, as well as when they dive in on page one of the book. Don't move too fast - you may miss the value that is sure to be learned in the end.

Thank you Mr. Schultz.

Profiles in Marketing Excellence. A book. A blog?

I'm surprised we didn't start this blog sooner! A Blog written about a book? Genius!

Although a late-bloomer of an idea, it spawned (nevertheless) while in a four hour "Profiles in Marketing Excellence" production meeting. It was the last of many meetings now that we are done with interviews, interview edits, re-edits, outsource edits, re-writes, approvals, legals, Pam approvals (I'll introduce you to the Boss Lady, later) and a layout re-design and eye refresher. Hey! Books are hard to put together when you have a little thing called "clients" and "billable work" to keep in check. Otherwise, there would be no book. And, ultimately, I'd be out of a job!

My name is Lindsay. Over a year ago, I started at DMN3 as an intern. Throughout my internship, I like to think I grew as the book grew. We both required a lot of edits and a lot of critiques, but it only made us stronger. Thanks to the 25 featured marketing masterminds who contributed to the book, I learned more from reading, studying and editing each Profile's interview than in a semester's worth of coursework. I also want to say this book helped me pass every marketing final of my final college semester. thank you.

Back to the DMN3 meeting table at hand. I got to thinking about this year-long project and how it brought a lot of newness, exciting opportunities, learning experiences and headaches to my plate as a mere pup. But even though production is over, I know it is the start to a whole other sha-bang. In my opinion, it is the most fun part of any project launch - the promotion! (Side Note: I should add I started my collegiate career as a PR major because event planning was the only degree cohesive with my "busy" freshman year.)

Here are my ideas for promotion that did not make the cut or the patent office:

1. a Kanye West-style party, and guests are required to wear the color orange - gotta get that DMN3 brand in there somewhere.

2. a book appearance on Oprah. Sponsored by Kleenex?

A blog for our Facebook Fans was one that did, however, make it to the drawing board. Written and updated without any jargon or nonsense. but providing news and announcements about the book and our wonderful Profiles. And all by yours truly. Maybe I'll even get a guest blogger...what's Kanye's number?