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We’re grateful that we’re able to support such amazing charities over our last 20 years. By supporting these charities we shape and develop our brand into a vision that goes beyond delivering marketing services - supporting these charities is what helps us make the world a better place. 

Please read about them and if you feel so inclined, please donate to their causes.

Share <a href="https://sharesociety.ca/"></a>

Share is a non-profit, independent, community-based organization providing leadership and programs in response to the social needs of the residents of the Tri-Cities (Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore and Belcarra), New Westminster and adjacent communities.

We’re based in Coquitlam and know how important it is to support our local communities, especially in the form of education about leadership.

<a href="https://sharesociety.ca/donate-to-share">Give your Support now</a>

Watch our founder Ted <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6wwUBXKA2I">get a pie in the face</a> for the sake of raising $6500

The Indian Residential School Survivor Society (IRSS)

The Indian Residential School Survivor Society (IRSSS) is a provincial organization with a twenty-year history of providing services to Indian Residential School Survivors. RSSS provides essential services to Residential School Survivors, their families, and those dealing with Intergenerational traumas.

As a response to residential schooling, we were compelled to give to this cause, we also invited Pulxaneeks from Heart to Heart to teach us how to be more aware of <a href="https://www.indigenousrelationsconsultation.com/">Indigenous relations</a>

<a href="https://www.irsss.ca/donate">Give your Support now</a>

RayCam Cooperative Centre is a centre for the old and young, a place for recreation and social activity where new skills can be learned.  It provided family support services and has 2 day-care centers and out-of-school care for school-aged children.  It’s a place where old friends meet and where new friends are made.  It has a gym, a games room, a computer lab, after-school programs, evening programs, a senior’s lounge and family programs.<a href="http://raycam.org/"></a>

Our founder Ted Lau taught at-risk teens in the downtown eastside graphic design, video production and web development. By doing this, we were able to give back to the Vancouver community and inspire a better, brighter future.

<a href="http://raycam.org/46-2/">Give your Support now</a>

Coquitlam Firefighters Charitable Society 

The CFFCS became a registered charity with the Canada Revenue Agency and can issue official tax receipts for donations. Before becoming a Charitable Society, the firefighters had a Benevolent Committee that ran all the volunteer community support programs and fundraisers.

The Firefighters of Coquitlam have been involved in fundraising for local, provincial and national charities for many years. Since 1954, the fundraising partnership between firefighters and Muscular Dystrophy makes it the longest-running charity partnership.

Ballistic Arts have sponsored this foundation and the awesome firefighters saving lives over the years for their gala.

<a href="https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=LW48D7VU34Q7Q">Give your Support now</a>

Mission Possible supports individuals who are challenged with poverty to navigate their journey to a sustainable livelihood. We do this through supporting individuals with employment training and individual coaching in our Employment Readiness Program, and through offering supportive, transitional work opportunities in our social enterprises.

We were compelled to support this charity as the Downtown Eastside in Vancouver, like many other areas, was impacted by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. To support our local community, we wanted to help restore and rebuild through this charity. 

<a href="https://www.mission-possible.ca/how-to-help/fund-the-opportunities">Give your Support now</a>

This charity empowers the education of tomorrow’s change makers and community builders. They help raise funds to give out scholarships and bursaries to students in need. Each gift to the Douglas College Foundation goes directly toward supporting Douglas College students and their learning experience. <a href="https://www.douglascollege.ca/"></a> We believe giving back via education is one of the greatest gifts. Our founder Ted, sat on the board of this organization, which compelled him to donate to them on behalf of Ballistic Arts.

<a href="https://www.douglascollege.ca/givealumni/foundation/donate-online">Give your Support now</a>

This charity has a mission is to support people living with Down syndrome and their families with individualized and leading-edge educational programs, health services, information resources, and rich social connections so each person can flourish in their own right.<a href="https://www.dsrf.org/"></a>

Our vision is a Canada that values and empowers people with Down syndrome, fostering economic, social, and individual inclusion throughout their lives. 

While we have been giving ongoing support to this foundation, we also wanted to support any friends and family close to us, and anyone in our network that holds this cause close to their heart. 

<a href="https://fundraise.dsrf.org/give/392947/#!/donation/checkout">Give your Support now</a>

Streetohome is dedicated to enhancing the system of supports that addresses individual housing, legal, health (including addiction recovery), education and employment needs of those who are homeless, at-risk of homelessness, or have lived experience of homelessness so that they can achieve their goals, progress towards self-sufficiency, and move on with their lives to the extent that they desire. <a href="https://www.streetohome.org/"></a>

Here at Ballistic Arts, we have compassion for those trying to make ends meet while being hit by rising rent prices and a high cost of living while on a low income. We have sponsored this organization by creating its first-ever e-annual report.

<a href="https://www.streetohome.org/about/how-you-can-help/">Give your Support now</a>

Boys & Girls Club of Venice <a href="https://www.bgcv.org/"></a>

Thie foundation has several programs that have been recognized both locally and nationally for their impact and improvement of youth lives. They offer well-rounded, constructive, supervised programs that are sensitive to the needs of at-risk youth, and provide opportunities for positive growth and development. Our programs foster strong values, build self-esteem, promote healthy lifestyles, and cultivate a vision for the future. Combining the framework of successful national programs with the knowledge of the community, the strengths of community organizations, and the dedication and talents of staff and volunteers have created a successful strategy for youth development.

As Ballistic Arts expands into the US market, we feel compelled to help charities and foundations outside of Vancouver as well - and what better cause to help our future is there than helping kids?

<a href="https://www.bgcv.org/donate-today.html">Give your Support now</a>

Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce is an organization with over 900 members that has been working with businesses in the Tri-Cities for more than 40 years. They have the largest business organization in the Tri-Cities, and with a membership, you have access to our vast network of individuals, businesses and resources. Their goal is to support you and your business whether that’s connecting you to others in your field, providing educational opportunities, or advocating for business issues on your behalf. The Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce is working behind the scenes to ensure our region remains a vibrant and prosperous community with a variety of options to live, work, and play.

Ballistic Arts have been a member of this network since 2005. Ted Lau, the founder has sat on the board and many committees, showing support for entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship. Ballistic Arts were pleased to win the 2020’s Business of the Year award in the category of 10-30 employees. In addition to this, Ballistic Arts sponsored several events to continuously support this community. 

<a href="https://tricitieschamber.com/membership/join/">Give your Support now</a>

IABC BC (International Association of Business Communicators BC Chapter)

IABC/BC is a vibrant community of professionals working in communication and marketing-related disciplines driving business results through strategic communication. They offer support across industries and regions through sharing knowledge, leading on best practices, formal and informal mentoring, certification and awards.  

Ballistic Arts have sponsored this organization over the years giving ongoing support to industries that we operate in, or collaborate with. 

<a href="https://iabc.bc.ca/get-involved/sponsorship/">Give your Support now</a>

<a href="https://www.cprsvancouver.com/"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_zeZheziz4MFVT2e9qutXyvcTar4AOgPVTPjtza-1rkYUSAr-g7zT0_3QyCUHAl_z0pnZdCMxHDBWv27HXTA6GDkRGMpSYuwNQICE81hGIyYf-gmJ08rcAWMvex0GAKjgR8A4KsvhQBd6eVSA" style="width: undefinedpx;" /></a> CPRS Vancouver (Canadian Public Relations Society Vancouver Chapter)

CPRS Vancouver is a networking and professional development organization that serves public relations practitioners and communications specialists in British Columbia since 1959. They offer <a href="https://www.cprsvancouver.com/Learn">professional development opportunities</a> and <a href="https://www.cprsvancouver.com/Events">social events</a> for their members to network and discuss issues surrounding public relations, media relations, social media, event management, marketing, public engagement and public affairs.

<a href="https://www.cprsvancouver.com/Connect/Sponsors">Give your Support now</a>

<a href="https://havan.ca/"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/54kUmJlqs8mZj40su2a8oVTNfj_ggFbP8Ar9hxLf35tr29xERMO4pSdrQo0XgOHxitBdOejt3P4ab-FWdRgl-3KuKWqnzT_LNGQkbjeBdGsXvhmee42etim_ep2jb2l-G2PyZhONbdd6mJLdSw" style="width: undefinedpx;" /></a> HAVAN (Homebuilders Association of Vancouver)

HAVAN, the Homebuilders Association Vancouver, has over eleven hundred members strong. Recognized as leaders in the homebuilding industry since 1974, their members include builders, developers, renovators, designers, suppliers, sub-trades and leading professionals. They are an association of knowledgeable, trusted, resourceful and local professionals who build over 65% of Metro Vancouver’s homes. 

HAVAN provides both industry and consumer education, and actively liaises with local municipal governments with the focus of meeting Metro Vancouver’s housing needs.  As a not-for-profit association, HAVAN is proudly affiliated with both the provincial CHBA BC and national CHBA offices.

Ballistic Arts have been a member for the past 10 years, in addition to sponsoring their HAVAN Awards for the past several years. Supporting this association and associations like this is important to Ballistic Arts as many of our clients are in the RE Space 

<a href="https://members.havan.ca/application">Give your Support now</a>

<a href="https://udi.bc.ca/"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/jWrBESTZ55YAqTafpTKWyLO-1t6iT6nK2BwbCR0j_oQ1Xoi8X8W5JlVa6SEoXC-4HSuW6UO6o3wRhO5LCiyiBkalgIh-rpqNLqryKpisPzkkisJ52SDKbkgFrvSpQFk18P342HnrhEEMX2sOlg" style="width: undefinedpx;" /></a> UDI Pacific (Urban Development Institute Pacific Chapter)

The Urban Development Institute is a non-profit association of the development industry and its related professions that is non-partisan in its activities. With over 850 corporate members, UDI Pacific represents thousands of individuals involved in all facets of land development and planning, including developers, property managers, financial lenders, lawyers, engineers, planners, architects, appraisers, real estate professionals, and local governments and government agencies. Since 1972, the Pacific Region has been dedicated to fostering effective communication between the industry, government, and the public; and aims to improve both housing and job opportunities for all British Columbians. UDI Pacific also serves as the public voice of the real estate development industry, communicating with local governments, the media, and community groups. UDI concentrates its activities on three primary areas: government and community relations, research, and professional development and education.

<a href="http://udi.memberzone.com/member/newmemberapp?preview=true">Give your Support now</a>

<a href="https://cmha.ca/"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_rhjzrILYSwyQ9i3GCEpN2qEZVjzM7t0tqDvsls_ZO6jBLtnpTWF9A0QQ4wA7OdWQWzmRsZdbivAt0BioUKBXyDD4dOpeYndhQl5aojTiHo6UQFa09Mgvfrp8lzR3I9aSRiSoRc7kWWI0uSCRg" style="width: undefinedpx;" /></a> Canadian Mental Health Association's Ride Don't Hide

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is the most established, most extensive community mental health organization in Canada. Through a strong community presence in over 330 locations across every province and one territory, CMHA provides programs, advocacy and resources that help prevent mental health problems and illnesses, support recovery and resilience, and enable all Canadians to flourish and thrive. CMHA branches and regions provide a wide range of innovative services and support tailored to the needs and resources of the communities where they are based. These programs and services help Canadians of all ages celebrate, protect and support their mental health so we can all thrive in meaningful and productive lives. 

Fundraising for the Canadian Mental Health Association, Ballistic Arts participated in Ride Don’t Hide in 2017. 7 team members initially planned to do a casual 10 km, but through a creeping mutual encouragement at our daily morning scrums, the team rose to the challenge of a 20 km ride. Participating in events and causes related to mental health is part of Ballistic Art’s social bottom line as we highly value supporting people suffering from mental health.

<a href="https://cmha.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=cms.page&id=1352">Give your Support now</a>

The Canadian Red Cross Society helps people and communities in Canada and around the world in times of need and supports them in strengthening their resilience. They are part of the largest humanitarian network in the world, the <a href="https://www.icrc.org/en/who-we-are/movement">International Red Cross and the Red Crescent Movement</a>. This network includes the <a href="http://www.icrc.org/">International Committee of the Red Cross</a> (ICRC), the <a href="http://www.ifrc.org/">International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies</a> (Federation) and 192 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies dedicated to improving the situation of the most vulnerable throughout the world. The Canadian Red Cross is the leading humanitarian organization through which people voluntarily demonstrate they are caring for others in need.

Due to the current situation between Russia and Ukraine, here at Ballistic Arts, our hearts went out to those in need during these horrible times. By donating to The Red Cross, we knew our donations would be properly allocated for those in need, and those who are looking for a better life.

<a href="https://www.redcross.ca/donate/appeal/donate-to-the-canadian-red-cross-fund#a0650cb6-ce29-4c40-b663-e749a0a9163f">Give your Support now</a>

<a href="https://smallbusinessbc.ca/"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/3uGhnK72J6X2kkK5tj0oe9qJoESPfCSCvK8Ye88qoF5fUcCTIxnOL7P1q10Gd45p0Li2wj0SD2nZvuV2pzEWNsOMq8U2yt-a_TprI9CvpdDfwp93E5bxsCw9beGD-vxucdEbnGt9GCpHvkGPKQ" style="width: undefinedpx;" /></a> Small Business BC

Small Business BC helps British Columbia’s entrepreneurs grow successful and sustainable businesses through expert business advisors, educational services, easy-to-use free resources and engaging community events. They are a non-profit organization, and its core services are provided in partnership with <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/pacific-economic-development.html">Pacific Economic Development Canada</a> (PacifiCan) and the <a href="https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/organizational-structure/ministries-organizations/ministries/jobs-economic-development-and-competitiveness">Ministry of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation.</a>

Supporting innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship is important to Ballistic Arts. Our founder, Ted Lau leads webinars with Small Business BC teaching small businesses how to generate sales leads through digital marketing.

<a href="https://smallbusinessbc.ca/advertising-sponsorship/">Give your Support now</a>

<a href="https://blueseafoundation.org/home"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/1OBYHPpaPleNUSqJIBrDK-0Ubv8yYwXZe9x-DH9HrTuLnmAMvmewR3U45iu5AWUJv30UAvBS6EhI8yFJ5wUM7xHYAM_awuJ2QVuoToqt0SR9YfCbbZ1iLnNJ68mlQhIEkjkpfXyUtoucyATuog" style="width: undefinedpx;" /></a> Blue Sea Foundation for Coldest Night of the Year

The Blue Sea Foundation is super passionate about charities and the essential work they do. They believe in the power of charities to make the world better. For Blue Sea, a thriving charity is a charity with more - more buzz, more momentum, and yes, more money. Participating in one of their signature peer-to-peer fundraising events, helps charities gain more capacity, raise more support, and create more impact. The Coldest Night of the Year is a super-fun, family-friendly fundraiser for hungry, homeless, and hurting individuals and families across Canada. 

Supporting initiatives to help poverty and help improve the lives of people living in our community has been part of Ballistic Art’s social bottom line. By supporting The Coldest Night of the Year, we were able to make a small impact on the poverty in our community, and others. 

<a href="https://cnoy.org/locations">Give your Support now</a>

We are grateful to support these charities over our last 20 years in business. Supporting causes that are aligned with our values means the world to us.

Going Beyond "Business". Here's How We Help Our Community - BAMS Backend

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Going Beyond &#8220;Business&#8221;. Here&#8217;s How We Help Our Community

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Christina Voll

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Pride Month is here, and you probably noticed that by now. If not, look around you, all those rainbow flags that are suddenly everywhere are there because of Pride. It’s not a coincidence.

You see, companies such as Uber, Adidas, Nike, Apple, Microsoft, and many other brands have decided June is all about Pride. How could it not be? Queer people do buy stuff, so it’s better to create products for us. Or at least this is how the term Rainbow Washing was born. And this is something that you, as a Marketer, Business Owner or Manager need to be aware of.

Don’t do it. Don’t use rainbow colours or pledge anything to the LGBTQ+ community if you don’t feel this is your calling, or if you are not doing anything proactively to support LGBTQ+ rights inside and outside your company. 

Rainbow Washing is when a company seems supportive of the LGBTQ+ community by creating products specifically for them with the rainbow colours, and even changing their corporate image, for a month. But what these companies think we don’t see is their support of politicians who push for anti-gay legislation, or their support of institutions and companies that do not feel comfortable around LGBTQ+ individuals.

However, what these companies are not considering is that a more savvy group of people (who identify with and/or are allies of the LGBTQ+ community) are thoroughly looking into these companies’ marketing efforts and deciphering what causes these companies to stand for and support their money and actions. As a result, this has created a backlash for companies who seem hypocritical, or outright dishonest.

You are probably wondering what Rainbow Washing looks like. So, here are some examples for you:

And trust me when I say this: probably this will apply to EVERY cause you decide to support, it doesn’t matter how sensitive the topic may be.

Lastly, what marketing efforts can you do for the community? Listen. If you are not part of the community or you don’t have any experience whatsoever, listen. Understand, then act. Support those who are part of the community and just want to work and showcase their talent. Don’t cross their ideas off just because you don’t feel comfortable with their identity. It’s not about you.

Show the world what you pledge. If you are going to launch a Pride campaign, change your company values (if applicable) to coincide with what you say you stand for. 

Help make LGBTQ+ members’ voices heard. Give them a safe space to express what they wish to do and how they wish to do it.

Finally, if you are creating an LGBTQ+ campaign, involve them. If you don’t have that experience or you are not part of the community, find somebody who can express your brand values and can help you navigate those waters. 

Marketing, in the end, is not only what you wish you were, it’s what you are. It should show what your company stands for, and what your values are.

Before I go, Happy Pride Month everyone! Enjoy it and always remember to be you. 

Your identity and uniqueness are what make us all special. Keep it up. 

During Pride month, avoid the mistake many brands make in their marketing called Rainbow Washing. Learn what it is and how to avoid it.

The Rainbow Washing Dilemma – How to Do Marketing Correctly for Pride - BAMS Backend

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The Rainbow Washing Dilemma – How to Do Marketing Correctly for Pride

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June 2002. I find myself at my high school friend Russ’ home asking him to sign as a witness on the name registration document for my new company, “Ballistic Arts”. 

“Wow,” he said, “You’re really doing this? You sure? You’re going to put your painting skills to waste!” LOL. I might have had an abstract painting phase in my early 20s. Regardless, he cheerfully signed and poof! My entrepreneurial journey began. At the time, I remember thinking “how hard can it be?!”

It’s now June 2022. And I find myself in my home office on the 20th anniversary of my now not-so-new company, Ballistic Arts. Yes, I’m writing this in celebration. And yes, I’m writing this with immense gratitude. 

Moreso, I’m writing this in response to many a young agency owner who have asked me to share some of my personal insights running my own show as they embark on their own journey. 

But be warned young padawans, I’m not so sure I would have blissfully gone down this path had I known all the trials and tribulations I would encounter being my own boss. Then again, yeah, I still probably would have.

People have asked me where the name Ballistic Arts came from. Some think I’m into guns. Others think I served in the military, while a lot of people think it’s a nod to sci-fi. Nope. In fact, the name came from my lack of patience. 

You see, many people who start a business fret too much about what the name should be, the logo, the brand. And while as a marketer, I’m keenly aware of the importance of a solid brand, I’m even more aware that until you start making money you don’t have a business, you have a hobby.

One of my co-founders had an email handle with something like “ballisticartz” as a prefix to their hotmail account. I said, “I don’t care, let’s just use that name for now. If we actually make something out of this, we can change the name later if need be”. Hell, our first logo was a shape with a Photoshop filter applied to it! I just wanted something so that I could go out there and start selling, and landing business.

Not a very creative origin story, but I’m sharing to let you know that sometimes, you just have to say “Fuck it!”, jump in and start swimming. If not, you’ll find yourself sitting on the edge of the diving board “planning” to go out there or “preparing” for the right time, when really, you’re just psyching yourself out, and never launching.

Success is nice, but failure can make you invincible.

I hate failing. I still do. I’ve been scared of failure, of humiliation, or feeling the whole world is getting ahead of me and I suck. So, I made sure I succeeded. Failure was not an option. And while those early success stories were nice, the pressure I put on myself to not fail was immense, and it drove me to some dark places.

And you know what? After all that I still failed. And failed hard, I did. 

When I was dealing with nightmare ordeals a few years back, a friend of mine Sara told me to speak to her dad. Sara’s family fled Afghanistan in the ‘80s from the Russians and her parents have been serial entrepreneurs since. But the twist was most, if not all, of their businesses failed. From economic woes to city expropriation of land, her dad was in his late 70’s running his umpteenth business. When I asked “why the hell would I want to talk to your dad about failing?!” She replied, “Well, he just keeps going now. He’s kind of invincible. Nothing really stops him anymore.”

You will fail, fail, and fail again. Make sure you don’t let a good failure go to waste.

I didn’t get it at the time, but upon reflection, I now know what Sara was trying to tell me. It’s like martial arts training. You can train to your heart’s content, but no amount of training will prepare you for getting punched in the face, or being accosted in public. You have to experience it, and learn how to get back up.

I’ve been thinking about many of my abysmal failures. Failing to open in Calgary. Public speaking blunders. Partnership break-ups. Online shaming via former staff. Lawsuits. Dwindling bank accounts. Taxman knocking on the door. Staff stealing from me. Recession. Pandemic. Yelling (or worse) clients. So. Much. Fun.

Yes, those parts of running a business are no fun. But also yes, it was necessary for them to have happened. It was necessary for me to learn patience, to learn humility, to learn how to get punched in the face, and learn to get up with a sense of openness and acceptance, and to learn to keep going regardless of the dire situation du jour.

I started listening to David Gergen’s new book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hearts-Touched-Fire-Great-Leaders/dp/1982170573#:~:text=A%20leader%20must%20become%20self,humor%2C%20passion%2C%20and%20purpose." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">“Hearts Touched with Fire: How Great Leaders are Made”</a>. In the early chapters he talks about Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The amount of shit that she had to endure was incredible. Just hearing her story was overwhelming, I couldn’t imagine living it. But going through all of that made her one of history’s most remarkable figures.

So, you will fail. And fail a lot. So use it to learn to get back up with an open and curious mind, if you can.

“That sucks” is all about context

Tony Robbins tells his listeners in his audiobook <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Life-Force-Breakthroughs-Precision-Transform/dp/198212170X" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LifeForce</a> to imagine a scenario similar to this. You have a really bad day at work. You drive home but get stuck in a large noisy traffic jam. How is your bad day at work now? Then your engine fails and you are stuck on the hot summer highway with no AC waiting for the tow truck. How is your bad day at work, or the traffic jam now? When you get home you find out your partner is leaving you to live with their lover. Now, are you thinking about your bad day at work, noisy traffic jam, or broken car? Then the doctor calls and tells you have cancer and you only have a month to live. Does your bad day at work, the noisy traffic jam, your broken car, or your partner leaving matter as much?

One of my coaches Rachel would always say that “context is key”. Meaning it’s not about you changing the world to fit what you want. It doesn’t work that way. But if you can change the way you see the world and be present to what is happening in the moment, then you have power to choose what you do next.

Find out why you do what you do

I’d like to say that I run my own business because of some great altruistic motive. That I love the industry, that I want to have a business that employs creative people, and that I want to help those who need marketing. While those are all true, it took a lot of soul searching and some professional help to find out really why I do what I do.

I even asked my dad recently if, when he was raising me, he thought I’d be running my own business. His response was “No… I just knew that you wouldn’t be able to work for someone…”

“What?!”, I half-chuckled. “So, it was either be homeless or an entrepreneur?!”

He responded with a shrug and half a smile, “I guess so!”

Not everyone can be an entrepreneur. But not every entrepreneur can work for someone. I guess I fall into the latter camp. I joke with my friends that I’m “certifiably unemployable”. When I went to see a counselor, his professional feedback was that I had to run my own show. Autonomy is something that gives me happiness.

Ultimately I don’t want to work for someone else. I want to call the shots. Flat. It might sound selfish, but it’s what I want more than anything else. I talk about this as a guest on this podcast episode <a href="https://www.storytellers.chat/the-road-to-a-successful-career-in-marketing-with-ted-lau/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Road to a Successful Career in Marketing with Ted Lau | The Small Business Storytellers with Seth Silvers</a>.

Find out what else is important to you. For me, that’s family.

My daughter Charlotte once said “so, you’re the boss during the day, and then Mommy is the boss the rest of the time?” LOL. Yes, kid, that’s pretty much it. Early on in my career, one of my clients Dave once advised me to have more than just my business, to have other things that matter in my life, independent of the business. When I asked him why, he said, “Because if business sucks and that’s all you have, that means your life sucks”.

Having a loving marriage, a healthy and happy family, idiot friends to laugh with, and a nice home is very important to me and my wife Marisa. It’s something that keeps me grounded and grateful even in trying times.

Accepting the one constant in the universe: Change

When I was in high school, we had one of those career counselors tell us that in our careers we can expect to change jobs and industries at least 7 times. 7 TIMES?! That’s a lot. But now that I reflect upon it, even running the same agency for the last 20 years, we have changed industry focuses at least that many times. We went from focusing on mom-and-pop shops to junior mining companies in the first 5-6 years of the business. Then the Great Recession happened, and we focused on professional services, and then health care, associations, and for most of the last decade real estate development marketing. 

Today we focus on B2B lead generation digital marketing along the west coast from Vancouver to San Diego!  Our staff complement has ebbed and flowed from 2 dudes in the room above my parents' garage to almost 30 people and now around 20-ish. Along the way, I went from having two co-owners when we started to being a sole owner a few years back and now to having a mom-and-pop business myself as Marisa is now not only my life partner but my partner in crime! 

So yeah, I guess I’ve changed industries at least 7 times already, and my career isn’t even close to being over!

If there is one thing that I’ve gotten stronger over the last 2 decades is learning to accept change, because change is inevitable. Who knows, maybe in a few years we’ll be doing marketing for companies in the metaverse or building some kind of young entrepreneur accelerator or starting a foundation… Ha! You never know.

Be here now. Meditation: Awareness of what we can and can’t control

And while change can be overwhelming at times, I’m learning to stay present in the moment, regardless of what my feelings are telling me. I’ve spoken about <a href="https://www.ballisticarts.com/blog/gratitude-in-2020">my gratitude exercises</a>, but one thing I haven’t touched on too much is meditation.

If you are working through depression or anxiety like me, a book that really helped me is Pema Chödrön’s book, <a href="https://pemachodronfoundation.org/product/when-things-fall-apart-book/">“When Things Fall Apart”</a>. It talks about “leaning into the sharp points” and “Hopelessness and Death”. Sounds ominous, but it’s anything but. I’ve had it on repeat rotation in my car and have listened to it at least a couple dozen times.

Meditation has allowed me to see that I can’t control much. But of the little things I can control, I can do something about that.

Remember to thank the folks who got you here

Firstly, I’m eternally grateful to my parents, Mariana and Wing. For not only their support in those early days, but throughout my journey so far. They’ve been there through thick and thin, and I feel very blessed to have them in my life. Thank you Mom and Dad for being there for me.

Thank you to our daughter Charlotte who has taught me about patience, grace, silliness and that fancy things don’t matter as much as hugs and time spent buying junk food.

I also want to give shout-outs to my former business partners and co-founders Tak Kawana and Chris Bone for starting this adventure with me. A special thank you goes to Tak. For 17 years we were two punk kids from the ‘burbs taking on the world, and it was comforting to have you as the Yin to my Yang. (What? We’re Asian, I can put that in…). It was quite the ride while it lasted.

Thank you to all the folks who have worked at Ballistic Arts and chose to spend your time honing your craft at our little humble shop. We wouldn’t have gotten here without your contributions. 

Thank you to all our partners, my mentors and friends who have supported Ballistic Arts. Your advice and counsel have not gone unnoticed.

Thank you to our colleagues in the industry who have made us stronger and wiser.

Thank you to our clients. Thank you for taking a chance on us in those early days, for staying on to grow alongside us, and for those of you we have yet to work with. 

If you’re so lucky, have a partner in crime

Thank you to Marisa Woo. The love of my life and now my partner in crime. 

It’s funny, people have mixed feelings when I tell them that Marisa and I run the business together now. Some project their own thoughts like “oh, I’d never be able to work with my spouse!”, and others think it’s the best thing in the world.

For us, it’s been great. Not saying everyone should go out and start a business with their spouse. But if you can, it’s actually a lot of fun.

Oh the Places You’ll Go

So, there you have it. If you got all the way to the end, good on you. Thank you for sharing your time with me. My hope is that my contribution here will help you as you walk your down path, be it running your own show or not. Thank you for being a part of our journey so far… 

It's now June 2022. And I find myself in my home office on the 20th anniversary of my now not-so-new company, Ballistic Arts. Yes, I’m writing this in celebration. And yes, I’m writing this with immense gratitude. 

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If a picture says 1000 words then a video writes an entire essay. The recent boom of video marketing presents us with the opportunity to market our brands in a personal, informative, highly effective, and completely binge-worthy way, which is kind of like hitting the marketing jackpot.

In 2020, 96% of consumers increased their online video consumption and the trends show no signs of slowing down anytime soon. While YouTube, Linkedin, Instagram, Facebook, and internal webinars respectively are the most used platforms for video marketing according to <a href="https://www.wyzowl.com/video-marketing-statistics-2020/">Wyzowl's State of Video Marketing Survey</a>, using videos anywhere in your marketing strategy is likely to yield positive results.

Knowing when and how to implement videos into your marketing funnel will allow you to nurture leads through the funnel and make a lasting first impression. While videos are often used at the top of the marketing funnel to nurture leads by educating, inspiring, or evoking emotion, they can have just as much impact used on other parts of the funnel and layered throughout your content marketing strategy. 

So how do you tap into the magic of video marketing and create binge-worthy content to turn your viewers into paying customers?  Here are a few core concepts to keep in mind for your next video marketing strategy: 

The Ballistic Arts team working on a video project for Burke Mountain Village, read the full case study <a href="https://www.ballisticarts.com/portfolio/bringing-a-community-vision-into-a-reality">here</a>

People don’t remember small details. They remember how they've felt. They remember emotions. There are 3 actions you can do that are sure to make the viewers of your video actually feel something, and increase the likelihood of them returning back to your website or profile, or engaging with your video until it’s finished. Every piece of content you put out should do at least one of these 3 things:

Luckily, with video, it’s much easier to accomplish these goals through the use of explainer videos, product demo videos, personal story and company culture videos, behind the scenes, short film/documentary videos, and so much more! There really are no rules for what you can put into a video, and if you put the right video in the right place, you’ll get people to remember how your brand made them feel, which is essentially priceless. 

With the rise of social media algorithms shifting to favor videos instead of static images, it can be tempting to convert all your existing content to videos in hopes to harness the power of video marketing. While this can be a good strategy for some brands, for other brands it may not perform as well. Video marketing is the most magical when there are a few high-quality videos that lead the user to binge your content and leave them wanting more. This is exactly when they will hit that follow button or scroll further on your website. That’s why a content marketing and video marketing strategy will determine your high-quality content, which is also known as evergreen content. From here, you can repurpose your core videos into other video content. This way, you’ll always be aligned with your content pillars and deliver quality content which will increase the likelihood of better engagement rates on social media and on your website. 

Video creation can be one of the most time-consuming efforts in all of the marketing for your brand. It can include interviews, expensive equipment, and a lot of trial and error. If you’ve ever tried to make videos on your own, you’ll understand the complexities around the frame, lighting, audio volume, etc. Unfortunately, it’s commonly a roadblock for most brands which is why they opt for stock images and creative copy instead. Although, at Ballistic Arts we understand that video marketing is an essential part of marketing in 2022 and we strive to help as many brands as we can communicate what their business is and how it helps through videos. 

Here’s how we helped Forestry Innovation Investment (FII), in partnership with Yulu Public Relations raise awareness of sustainable forest management practices in Canada, and educate the public on the renewable aspect of lumber.

Check it out <a href="https://www.ballisticarts.com/portfolio/forestry-innovation-investment-in-partnership-with-yulu-pr">here</a>

Want to make the leap into video marketing but just not sure how to get started? <a href="https://www.ballisticarts.com/contact">We'd love to hear from you</a> and help you take the first step

Explainer Videos are an excellent tool to generate brand awareness. Here's how we use motion graphics to create high-converting videos.

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