Mark Beyer of Mybey Ventures: The Future of Marketing & More
Marketing Strategies from the Top with Kage Spatz
I recommend setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care by establishing clear work hours and engaging in regular physical and social activity.
As part of our Strategy Series, Kage Spatz talks with fellow marketing pros at the top of their game to give entrepreneurs and marketers an inside look at proven strategies you can test in your business or career. Today, we had the pleasure of talking with Mark Beyer.
Mark Beyer is an entrepreneur and early pioneer in online marketing who played a key role in introducing 1&1 / IONOS to the US and UK markets before co-founding humyo, one of the first online storage platforms, which was later acquired by TrendMicro. He also launched Fotolia in the DACH region, a groundbreaking microstock photography platform, now part of Adobe Stock.
Mark’s ability to identify and capitalize on emerging trends has set him apart, including developing the international gallery chain, Lumas. Today, he leads MyBey, a venture capital firm specializing in early-stage investments and tailored go-to-market strategies, helping businesses expand globally.”
Thank you for joining us today! Can you share a story about what brought you to this specific career path?
At 19, while many were balancing school and social life, I jumped headfirst into the fast-paced world of business by opening a pizza delivery store. I soon realized that the pizza box had untapped potential. Instead of just delivering pizzas, I began renting out the top space of our delivery boxes to local businesses for advertising. This transformed our pizza service into an innovative marketing platform, allowing us to create buzz and drive community engagement.
It was a pivotal moment that ignited my passion for marketing, ultimately leading me to sell the business and pursue further education at UCLA.
Can you share a story about the funniest marketing mistake you made when you first started and what you learned from it?
A year after we started, we launched what we called “Pizza Parade Day,” sending our delivery drivers out on rollerblades to hand out free pizza slices and a voucher code. The excitement was contagious, and people chased our rollerblading staff like it was a parade!
]The overwhelming response that day created a surge in orders that we could barely keep up with, prompting us to enlist help from a rival pizza place. The event not only generated significant buzz but taught me the importance of planning for unexpected demand when you try something bold.
Are you able to identify a “tipping point” in your career when you started to see success? Did you start doing anything different? Are there takeaways or lessons that others can learn from that?
The tipping point in my career came after university when I transitioned into the tech industry. Working for larger companies opened my eyes to the power of scalability and the importance of having the right people in the right roles.
This shift in mindset became crucial when I founded my own tech startups. I learned that success hinges on teamwork and shared vision; breakthroughs occurred when teams worked collaboratively rather than in silos.
My advice for others seeking their tipping point is to invest in relationships with individuals who align with your goals and to be able to reinvent yourself and your business model if necessary.
What do you think makes your company stand out? Can you share a story?
Currently, I support various companies in which I am invested in. What distinguishes these ventures is their ability to solve customer challenges while fostering a talented, supportive team.
A prime example is my portfolio company, DocuSKETCH, which evolved from a not-very-successful video software firm into a $300 million enterprise leading the restoration market in the U.S. and Canada, thanks to its commitment to innovation and the ability of the founder to reinvent and adapt the business model until it got traction.
Are you working on any exciting new projects now? How do you think that will help people?
Yes, I am in the process of developing a new type of network aimed at creating a positive alternative in a world where integrity and trust are often lacking.
This community will consist of individuals dedicated to achieving personal and professional success while prioritizing the well-being of others. Our guiding principles will be integrity, trust, and mutual support, fostering relationships that enable purposeful and respectful growth.
Few of us achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a person who helped you get to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
I owe much of my journey to the diverse influences of remarkable individuals. For instance, the founder of 1&1, Ralph Dommermuth taught me effective marketing strategies and the importance of making the benefits for the customers the hero of every campaign.
While the founder of Trend Micro, Eva Chang emphasized the importance of a positive workplace culture. During one of our conversations, she shared a powerful story about how fostering an environment of trust and collaboration led to significant innovation in her company.
Trend Micro was one of the first companies to offer their people to work from home, this trust back then boosted enormously employee loyalty and as a result they had one of highest employee satisfaction rates in the industry. Eva Chang believed that happy employees are the foundation of any successful business, a lesson that has profoundly influenced my own leadership style.
Is there someone you consider to be a hero?
I don’t have a single hero; instead, I draw inspiration from several figures across different fields.
For product development and marketing, I look up to Steve Jobs, whose obsession with excellence positioned Apple as an industry leader.
In leadership and company culture, I admire Howard Schultz, former CEO of Starbucks, who transformed the brand by prioritizing community and employee well-being, proving that success is measured not just in profits, but in positive impacts on people and communities.
Wonderful. What advice would you give to other marketers to thrive and avoid burnout?
I recommend setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care by establishing clear work hours and engaging in regular physical and social activity.
Practicing mindfulness and continuous learning is also crucial to staying motivated.
Additionally, fostering collaboration and feedback can alleviate stress while leveraging technology helps streamline tasks.
Lastly, seeking mentorship and focusing on passion projects can reignite enthusiasm and purpose.
What is your favorite marketing or branding campaign from history?
While there are countless memorable campaigns, I particularly admire those that stimulate viral activity. Dropbox’s clever strategy of offering free storage for file-sharing significantly boosted their user base and grew it to over 100, with almost no Marketing money.
The Ice Bucket Challenge was another impactful campaign, raising over $110 million for ALS research through grassroots participation.
Additionally, Nike’s “Just Do It” campaign transformed the brand into a global icon and also completely transformed Nike from a niche athletic company into a premium lifestyle company.
If you could break down a successful campaign into a “blueprint,” what would that look like?
A successful marketing campaign begins with clear objectives and an understanding of the target audience.
- Crafting creative messaging that resonates emotionally is key.
- Employing a multi-channel approach ensures consistent engagement, while shareable, visually appealing content drives interaction.
- Timing and a strong call to action are crucial for maximizing impact.
For example, Dove’s “Real Beauty” campaign not only redefined beauty standards but also fostered brand loyalty through emotional connections.
Where do you see the future of marketing going?
The future of marketing lies in personalization, authenticity, and value-driven engagement. As consumer expectations evolve, brands will need to focus on building trust through transparency and genuine interactions.
Community and experience-based marketing will become paramount, alongside the rise of (micro) influencers who bring relatability and authenticity.
Additionally, AI/technology and automation will refine targeting strategies, but human creativity and emotional intelligence will remain essential for building lasting relationships.
What five things do you wish someone told you before you started?
- First, trust your instincts and rely on sound reasoning rather than being swayed by others’ opinions.
- Second, surround yourself with talented individuals who share your vision.
- Third, understand the challenge of launching products that may lack current market awareness.
- Fourth, maintain strict control over your finances, as even the best ideas require adequate funding to succeed.
- Lastly, stay focused on your vision; it will inspire your team, partners, and customers.
Can you share a few examples of marketing tools or technologies that can empower small business owners?
Absolutely!
First, engaging and dynamic creatives are essential. Tools like Canva help create visually appealing marketing materials easily.
Second, implementing a segmented CRM approach, with tools like MailChimp or HubSpot CRM, can enhance lead collection and communication.
Third, understanding the customer journey is vital, tools like Google Analytics or Tracify provides insights to track and analyze the customer journey.
Fourth, continuous testing of creatives and your website can be achieved through platforms like Optimizely for A/B testing, allowing for optimization and enhanced engagement.
What books, podcasts, documentaries, or resources do you use to sharpen your marketing skills?
I’m passionate about lifelong learning and constantly seek knowledge through a mix of industry books, engaging podcasts, and online courses. Connecting with thought leaders and diving into their insights not only keeps me updated on the latest marketing trends but also inspires my own creativity.
One book that has truly resonated with me is “Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us” by Daniel H. Pink. It dives deep into the science of motivation and offers a fresh perspective on what really drives people to perform at their best. This understanding is essential for fostering a positive company culture that encourages innovation and keeps everyone engaged.
Another favorite is “The Lean Startup: How Today’s Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses” by Eric Ries. This book has been a game-changer for me, introducing the Lean Startup methodology and highlighting the importance of rapid experimentation and learning. It’s a must-read for anyone looking to innovate in their marketing or entrepreneurial endeavors.
And when it comes to podcasts, I can’t get enough of “The Tim Ferriss Show.” Tim’s interviews with world-class performers are not only insightful but also incredibly relatable. He covers a wide range of topics, from productivity to company culture, and I always come away with valuable lessons that I can apply to my own work and life.
One more before we go: If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most good to the most people, what would that be?
As mentioned earlier, I am developing a new network aimed at creating a positive alternative in today’s landscape.
By fostering a community of individuals committed to integrity and mutual support, we can achieve personal and professional success while prioritizing the well-being of others.
This movement is about creating relationships that honor these values, ensuring our growth is purposeful and rooted in respect.
Thank you for sharing your insights with us today.
Host: Kage Spatz is a Forbes-ft Entrepreneur & founder of Spacetwin. Grow Sales, Retention, & Revenue Streams with IP delivered to your clients for you. 100% free until new cash hits your account — click here to learn more.
