Interview With Mark Schaefer – Chief Operating Officer at B Squared Media, LLC

In today’s interview, we had the opportunity to speak with Mark W. Schaefer – COO at B Squared Media, LLC

Mark W. Schaefer is a Globally-recognized blogger, Keynote Speaker, Educator, Consultant, and Author of the book “Marketing Rebellion”. He specializes in Marketing Strategy and Social Media Workshops. He was listed as one of the Top 10 authorities on Social Selling by Forbes.

1. Tell us about your role and journey so far, what inspired you to take up the role at B Squared Media?

I love challenges and have a pattern of re-inventing myself about every three years. I’ve had my own business, Schaefer Marketing Solutions, since 2008, and it has evolved over time. Of course, that enterprise will continue. I love what I do as a marketing consultant and speaker, but I missed being part of a team working to build something new.

Brooke Sellas and I have worked together for about six years and she is the co-host of my Marketing Companion podcast. She has built a truly revolutionary business in B Squared Media and the more I learned about it, the more invested I became in her vision. The time was right for Brooke to get some help with the growth of the company so the new partnership made sense.

It’s the best of both worlds. I still have the freedom to pursue my interests while working with a new team to build something great!

2. What’s the favorite part of your current role and Why?

I am in such a very privileged position. I have a large worldwide audience who trusts me and believes in me. At least once a week I get a message from somebody telling me that I have changed their life in some positive way.

I think a person would be very lucky if they get to experience a sentiment like that even just once in a lifetime and I get to hear that all the time. Isn’t that amazing?

But my favorite part is getting to meet these friends and fans in real life as I travel around the world. Just sitting down for a coffee or a meal with these friends and getting to know them is the most fun!

3. What inspired you to write the book “Marketing Rebellion” and how it influences the Marketers Professionals and Why?

I never have a plan to write a book. I write a new book when I get curious about a problem or question, I cannot answer.

This time, I kept hearing the same complaints everywhere I went in the world and from every kind of organization — people were feeling stuck and overwhelmed. Their marketing was not working like it used to.

This sentiment was so prevalent I decided to look into it. What I found is that most marketers are asleep. Their customers have moved away from them — FAR away from them. Customers today have a much different expectation of how they want to connect with their favorite companies and brands.

As I got into the research, it dawned on me that I wasn’t sure I even knew what it took to be a marketer anymore. The changes are that profound!

My book “Marketing Rebellion” is a wake-up call. We simply have no choice — we need to understand these new realities or become obsolete.

4. How do you like to work with brands who wish to engage you as a Keynote Speaker?

I am probably the most flexible and fun speaker to work with on earth! First, I have so much content available that I can tailor my presentation to any kind of need. Second, I have no “diva” in me — I approach the talk as an opportunity to serve my customer. Finally, I’m really good at what I do. I can guarantee that I will leave your audience informed, entertained, and wanting more!

I love speaking because I can have a big impact in a short period of time.