Ann Videan

480-813-2408

avidean@videanunlimited.com

itsmyurls.com/avidean

1. What led you to the consulting profession?

My background is in public relations and writing: both corporate and agency work mostly in banking and high-tech. After some 16 years of experience, and a boss or two who suggested I start my own business, I fulfilled my dream to start my own marketing firm in 1996. At the time, I was working for MicroAge Computer Centers as a Webmaster and Editorial Director for its massive internal publication. But, when I was handed the opportunity to manage the PR to pull "extras” to the football-scene filming of the Tom Cruise movie "Jerry Maguire,” I jumped ship. That led to the official opening of Videan Unlimited, LLC to help visionary entrepreneurs strategize their marketing.

2. Do you have a specialty or niche in the management consulting industry?

Word-of-mouth marketing (WOMM) strategy is my niche. As far as I know, I’m the only consultant in Phoenix solely focused on strategically developing WOMM. This amazes me because "people talking with people” is what works, plus it involves more creativity than expense. It is a longer process though, as it requires developing relationships. Because the work involves a focus on strategic sessions and planning, I also sponsor the Videan Unlimited Think Tank, an aquarium-themed brainstorming room in central Phoenix.

One of my favorite parts of my work is writing, including online content, news releases, newsletters and also fiction. A huge life goal for me was to become an author and musician, which I accomplished in January of this year with the publishing of my Rhythms & Muse novel and music CD of original tunes inspired by the story.

3. Is there one unique thing that you would like the membership to know about you?

I’m all about ideas. I love connecting people and ideas, finding unique ways to move organizations ahead of the crowd. This innovation helps them achieve their dreams.

4. Do you have any books, blogs, or publications?

My e-newsletter, The LINC (for Listen, Illuminate, Nurture, and Create) presents ideas to help readers develop word-of-mouth marketing (WOMM) strategy. It also includes a section demonstrating WOMM through my own experiences and photographs.

The e-newsletter links into my BizTribe blog (videanunlimited.com/biztribe), which fleshes out each WOMM topic introduced in The LINC.

I also write an Ann Narcisian Videan blog (ANVidean.com). Encouraging conversation about words, music and creating "village,” the entries tie into my Rhythms & Muse novel and music CD, and includes a section reviewing coffee and tea shops called "Coffee CommuniTea.”

5. What one tip or piece of advice would you give to other consultants?

You can’t do it all on your own. We become much more effective and successful when we stop competing and share resources. For the past 15 years, my firm has operated as a virtual corporation. I subcontract out work to members of my "tribes,” which allows me to select the perfect communicators, creatives and/or writers for each project. This type of collaboration with other consultants, clients, complementary companies or organizations can help you build on ideas and create business. Plus, it brings in levels of expertise you can’t possibly provide as one individual.

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