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This month SOUZA 'Relationship Marketing' officially commenced its third year in business. I would like to start by thanking my friends who are my clients, my many amazing partners and affiliates who help make the magic happen, and, of course, my team who keeps me organized and motivated. They allow me to do what I do by doing for me what I don’t 😉. This month I talk to Ben Bonart, a veteran creative who has recently resurrected his business. His “Feel Good” art is both inspiring and very tasteful and, as you will see from our interview, he can bring so much more. We also feature Gary Vaynerchuk, who is the master of reinvention, creating opportunity for yourself and your business. In this article we learn of Vayner Media’s new offering, Vayner Speakers. Read below to learn more.

Here are two passionate clients of mine seizing opportunities that don’t really require a lot of heavy lifting yet simply using the resources, talent and their authentic voice to make some dough while bringing smiles to people’s faces. Who’s in? See you soon, and enjoy your Halloween!

Q&A with Ben Bonart

Is your name really Bonart?
Yes. I suppose it’s a coincidence (or destiny) that I ultimately became an artist.

What kind of artist?
I’m a painter. My art is graphic and bursting with color. It projects an upbeat and positive vibe that makes you “feel good”.

How did you become a painter?
I worked for years in design and advertising agencies with some of the world’s most talented creatives. In the process I discovered my passion for painting and haven’t looked back. When I paint hours seem like seconds. It’s like escaping into my own world where anything is possible. I never imagined others would appreciate my art, not to mention purchase it.

Where do you see your art in the next year to five years?
I exhibit my original art at selected galleries, shows, and specialty retailers as well as continue work with interior designers complimenting clients’ corporate and living spaces. I’m also very excited about upcoming International and domestic licensing opportunities in an array of categories.

Why do you love painting?
For me painting is challenging and scary at the same time. Just me and the canvas and paint. My painting is all about taking chances and going outside the lines to create imagery that delights the eye and mind. Touching people’s lives and knowing my art and putting smiles on faces is a reward that cannot be measured in dollars and cents.

If you could pick one celebrity to own your art who would it be?
Paul McCartney - changed all of our lives.

Describe your dream/or ideal client?
I’ve always imagined my art and designs being the creative inspiration behind a global luxury hospitality brand – from Wall Art to Bed & Bath, pool towels to cocktail napkins, staff uniforms to restaurant menus. Throw in e-commerce and lobby retail stores to make dreams come true.

Gary Vaynerchuk has made a name for himself by speaking at hundreds of keynote talks, conferences, and events that bring in crowds of #Vaynernation fans fascinated with his hustle-and-grind work philosophy.

Now he's making a new business out of it.

Vaynerchuk is launching VaynerSpeakers, which is a standalone company under VaynerX (which also houses companies like ad agency VaynerMedia, Gallery Media Group, and ad-tech firm Tracer). The company will operate as a speakers’ bureau and help find people to speak at conferences and private events.

The group will be headed up by Zach Nadler, who most recently spent nine years as an agent at Creative Artists Agency and worked with Vaynerchuk on public speaking events. The idea is to create a "modern day model" for speakers’ bureaus by finding fresh speakers for events — including execs outside of VaynerX.

VaynerSpeakers. "We're not necessarily looking to reinvent the wheel — we're just trying to create a better experience for all sides," Nadler said. "We're going to be targeting clients and speakers that appeal to a general audience, folks who have a really solid message and can help individuals grow their brand, whether it's their personal brand or their professional brand."

VaynerSpeakers wants to find the next hit entrepreneur

According to Nadler, VaynerSpeakers specifically wants to help entrepreneurs and motivational speakers who "have the ability to grow their own businesses and their own careers."

"The days of a motivational speaker giving the same speech at every single event they do is behind us," he said. "One thing I've loved about Gary is that he never gives the same speech twice. We're looking for people who are speakers because they have a message to share, but it's not a singular message or presentation."

VaynerSpeakers already has two events lined up for next month: Vaynerchuk will speak at the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, and at a private event that the company declined to name.

Nadler acknowledged that events can be a tough business to get into because it requires labor-intensive processes and quick turnarounds.

"Prior to being at CAA, I worked in events [and] I know how difficult it can be," he said. "We want to make sure that we're not one of the many headaches that exist when you build an event."

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SOUZA Relationship Marketing helps entrepreneurs accelerate and scale their businesses through hand-picked relationship introductions. Over the past 30 years, we’ve developed a network of key decision makers in fashion/luxury, music & entertainment, travel & hospitality, media & tech businesses. Our mission is simple, we create highly curated b2b PR experiences and deal flow.