Whilst most people stick a Linkedin profile up and forget about it until it’s time to look for a new job, Chris Reed makes it his business to turn your Linkedin Profile and company page into a non-stop lead generation machine. Turns out it was his Grandfather that started him down that road…
What’s your story?
I’m a passionate social marketeer and have been since being a teenager. When other people were messing around I was working, connecting and learning about marketing. I have always followed my heart and been happiest marketing brands that I believe in in sectors that i am passionate about such as music, media, football, entertainment and now LinkedIn. I always believe in looking forwards never backwards and have an energetric pragmatic streak which allows me to leave the past behind. I don’t miss the UK at all just like I didn’t miss Newcastle when I moved out of my home town to seek marketing fame and fortune in London after I graduated.
What excites you most about your industry?
Connecting people, I love it. Locally, regionally and globally. We make a difference and our clients can see what a real effect we make to their bottom line by connecting them with people who can make an impact on them and their business. The amazing thing is that B2B social marketing is just going get bigger and bigger. The future’s amazing!
What’s your connection to Asia?
I moved here 6 years ago to learn about how you market brands across the Asia Pacific region and with a vision of becoming an entrepreneur here as I was in the UK. I have not been disappointed and love it here to such an extent that I could never imagine returning to Europe. Asia is for life!
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
Singapore! Amazing, electrifying, fast, entrepreneurial, hot, sunny, positive! I love it here from the people to the weather, the regionally HQ feel it has to the ease of meeting CEO’s and entrepreneurs and doing business. It’s an exhilarating place to live, work and lead a business.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
My late grandad gave me some amazing advice when I was 9. He said “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know”. He was right then and with LinkedIn he’s right now.
Who inspires you?
My late Grandad. He gave me sound advice light years ahead of his time on everything from business to girls and all of it still works to this day!
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
One of my new clients is in the Top 50 marketeers in the world and his life story blew me away. I always wanted to be a rock star when I was a kid but ended up marketing music and live acts rather than starring but this guy has done both being a rock star and being a famous markateer. He was a rock star touring the United States, had the whole rock star life and then when he’d had enough gave it up to learn about marketing and he’s now amazing at that. I was inspired just listening to him (and envious of his rock star life!).
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
Nothing. You have to move forwards not backwards. Live, learn and go for it.
How do you unwind?
Sauvignon Blanc Semillion from New Zealand or Australia, listening to very loud rock music like Linkin Park, watching my damn awful football team Newcastle United and cycling listening to loud rock music!
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
Singapore without a doubt. I love relaxing here. Looking at the city at night all dazzling and breathtaking with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc Semillion in my hand at one my favourite roof top bars like Sky on 57 at Marina Bay Sands or Altitude or Kinki with great company is a great way to relax. Cycling along East Coast Park with Linkin Park blaring in my ears is very relaxing as is going to Golden Village Gold Class and watching a great movie in the most luxurious cinema seats on earth with a glass of wine and great food brought to you. Nothing beats Singapore.
Everyone in business should read this book:
How to Win Friends and Influence People – by Dale Carnegie. Like my Grandad’s advice somethings are timeless.
Shameless plug for your business:
Black Marketing is the world’s premier LinkedIn marketing consultancy providing a premium, personalised LinkedIn experience for leading CEO’s and entrepreneurs across the world. We achieve all your personal and company business objectives thought LinkedIn. Our HQ is in Singapore but we’re now on the ground in the UK, North America, ANZ and Hong Kong with more to come in 2015.
How can people connect with you?
LinkedIn!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/b2bsocialmarketing
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This interview was part of the Callum Connect’s column found on The Asian Entrepreneur:
Callum Laing has started, built, bought and sold half a dozen businesses in a range of industries across two continents. He is the owner of Fitness-Buffet a company delivering employee wellness solutions in 11 countries and he is also the CEO of Entrevo Asia, a company that runs 40 week Growth Accelerator programs.
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