Smart Business Magazine, July 2014

12 Smart Business Chicago July 2014 Dan OConnell knows what its like to be fired Unfortunately for him he just cant escape the person who keeps giving him the old heave ho Over time Ive pretty much fired myself from every job in the agency says OConnell founder and CEO at Foodmix Marketing Communications Function by function Ive identified the Dan OConnell has learned the value of staying on his toes at Foodmix Mixing it upappropriate skill set for that function Ive identified people who could do them and over time I filled those roles Today the CEOs job my job is to support the team and make sure they have the resources to be successful Its my job to orchestrate everything so that we deliver this promise to our clients of improved business results Foodmix is an advertising and communications firm that helps clients get their brands to the right consumers As with most things in life there have been a lot of change in the food industry over the years and that keeps OConnell and his team at Foodmix on their toes at all times Food is everywhere OConnell says Weve spent a lot of our time helping big food companies capitalize on that change Thats the business to business portion of it You cant just be in the grocery store You need to be in the restaurant or convenience store or wherever a consumer might get hungry and decide to buy food or a beverage The key to enduring success is an ability OConnell seems to have mastered even if he wouldnt admit it You have to be willing to adapt to your environment Be more selective Foodmix had an opportunity to be in business with Kelloggs the maker of all those great cereals you enjoyed as a kid and maybe still do It was a massive opportunity with massive responsibilities and massive money But the reality when we looked at all the various parts of it was there were a lot of people who could do it a lot better than us or at least could make a more compelling case OConnell says We chose to go after one sliver of it Its being true to yourself and understanding that you cant be all things to all people DAN OCONNELL FOUNDER AND CEO FOODMIX MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS FEATURE FOODMIX MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS BY MARK SCOTT MSCOTT@ SBNONLINE COM SOCIAL MEDIA To learn more about Foodmix Marketing Communications like its Facebook page www facebook com Foodmix and follow on Twitter @ foodmix1