385 Silicon Valley’s Secret Marketing Assassin Rick Bennett

On this episode of Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different, we get a blast from the past from a legendary dialogue with Rick Bennett, a renowned marketing expert from Silicon Valley. We delve into unconventional marketing strategies, emphasizing the importance of boldness and creativity in a crowded market. Rick shares anecdotes about impactful campaigns, such as a direct ad to a CEO that led to a significant response, and discusses the necessity of courage in marketing. The episode highlights the psychological impact of disruptive advertising on competitors and clients, encouraging executives to embrace risk for standout success. Christopher's engaging style and Rick's authentic insights make this a must-listen for marketing enthusiasts. You’re listening to Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different. We are the real dialogue podcast for people with a different mind. So get your mind in a different place, and hey ho, let’s go. Creating Memorable Marketing Tactics Rick Bennett is celebrated for his ability to craft ads that not only capture attention but also provoke strong reactions. One of the standout moments in the episode is Christopher's recollection of Rick's iconic website from 1996. This site was more than just a digital presence; it was a masterclass in contextualizing advertisements within the competitive landscape. Rick shares an intriguing story about creating an ad for a political candidate designed to catch the eye of Sergey Brin at Google. The ad claimed the candidate had a revolutionary plan to eliminate income taxes and the national debt. This bold approach succeeded in getting the candidate a direct call from Brin, showcasing the power of direct and audacious communication. Vetting Executives for Courage Christopher probes Rick about how he assesses the courage of CEOs when considering collaboration. Rick introduces the concept of a "self-weeding garden," a metaphor for identifying the right clients. He emphasizes the importance of being straightforward and authentic, stating, "God hates cowards," to underline the necessity of courage in marketing. Christopher praises Rick for being unapologetically himself, noting that his authenticity sets him apart in the industry. Rick recounts his early experiences, including a pivotal moment with Larry Ellison, where he confidently challenged Ellison's views on advertising. This encounter not only solidified Rick's reputation but also transformed Ellison into an advocate for advertising. Guerilla Marketing: Making Generals Surrender Rick shared some important insights about guerilla marketing. One of the goals of guerilla warfare is to make the generals of the opposing army make mistakes. “My ads will attack your competition like a pack of speedy, crazed wolverines” – Rick Bennett He adds, “Demoralize the generals of the opposing army, then they’ll make mistakes. You have your investors to say, ‘Hey we have a winner here’ and you have to make the employees feel that their boss is kicking ass.” In the end, marketers should aim for a campaign where you make opposing generals psychologically surrender, even before any battle has begun. To hear more from the Marketing Assassin Rick Bennett, download and listen to this episode. Bio Rick Bennett is a renowned Silicon Valley guerrilla marketing expert with decades of experience helping startups and tech companies achieve explosive growth through unconventional and impactful strategies. Known for his innovative thinking and bold approach, Rick has a proven track record of creating campaigns that maximize reach and engagement while minimizing costs. Passionate about empowering businesses to stand out in competitive markets, he continues to be a trusted advisor and mentor for entrepreneurs seeking game-changing marketing solutions. Link Follow Rick Bennett! Website  | LinkedIn We hope you enjoyed this episode of Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different™! Christopher loves hearing from his listeners.