MSED: MSED prides itself in being associated with the premiere marketing and sales executives in southeastern Michigan. What did it mean to you to be awarded with the Platinum Award?

MM: Bragging rights, meeting the MSED judges, the other nominees and learning what has made them successful. . . . .

MSED: How did you feel when you heard your name announced as a winner at theBlack Tie Gala?

MM: Honestly, the company I founded and run, was so very different from the other nominees . . . I was not sure whether this was an advantage or disadvantage.  Obviously, I was pleased and thrilled. 

MSED: Can you share your story about what you accomplished to get the award?

MM: I think what set me apart from all the other nominees was the nature of the work, and the fact that without a single dollar available for marketing, I launched our enterprise- The Pink Fund, a non-profit that pays bills for women and men undergoing treatment for breast cancer - by putting a plaster painted cast of my bust on ebay to get attention and donations.  Seventeen newspapers across the country picked up the story and we were on our way.

Other companies have marketing challenges around budget as well, but I don’t think their execs were personally broke and standing in line at the local food bank while trying to launch their ventures. I believe my story had a totally different appeal.

MSED: What advice do you have for aspiring Platinum Award winners who want to achieve success in marketing and/or sales?

MM: Do something crazy and different. Use humor. Emotionally grab your potential customer’s attention.  Stop talking features and benefits and think with your heart.  Once you’ve touched their hearts and have their attention, then you can talk features and benefits. Engage, entertain and educate, in that order.

MSED: What do you enjoy most about MSED and in what ways, if any, has it helped you in your career?

MM: What has been most helpful is the bragging rights  around the award.  Honestly, when others who don’t know you see the value in your work, your creativity and persistence, it is a huge encouragement to keep on going. 

Know of an outstanding individual or team that deserves to be recognized? Nominate them for our Platinum Awards here.

Click to learn more about The Pink Fund.