This week's interview is with team member Donnie Bullers Why don't you introduce yourself? D: My name is Donnie Bullers, and unlike KP, I don't have a cool nickname, but I can share I was a Microsoft MVP in the XBOX division around the same time when Rong's was at the company and my username was Silentscope. This period of time was high school for me and sparked my interest in cutting edge technology. At an early age I was active in a small diverse group of people from all over the world participating in testing an online network that would shape the future of gaming. I can really relate this period of my life to where I am today, once again participating in a group who will shape the future of the internet. I'm a laid back coastal North Carolina native who has spent most of my career at a Digital Marketing Agency and most of my life engaged in technology. How did you become aware of Elastos? D: Like many others, I first became aware of Elastos through NEO. It was during the San Francisco meetup held in November of 2017 that Rong Chen immediately caught my attention. I was amazed at his passion, and I left wanting more. Tell us about your role at Elastos and how it has evolved. D: At Elastos, I am known as a Marketer. While the title of the position has not changed, the role certainly has over time. In the beginning, I was an enthusiastic community member who was ready and able to assist in any way possible. Whether it was putting together slides for meetups, reviving the Instagram account, or adding a graphical touch to the weekly updates, I was involved. I've since moved on to running a design team, website management, assisting public relations, working closely with the international team, and more. What are some of the plans for the marketing team in the West? D: Six months in from the international crowd sale, Elastos remains relatively new to the world outside of China and our team plans to change that! From branding to public relations, we have put processes in place and signed with agencies who will greatly enhance both our efforts and exposure. We are fortunate to have a passionate international team outside of China who are tackling the challenges we face today while planning for the successes of tomorrow. Elastos is an enormous project and we understand that it will require a solid marketing foundation in the West to propel future growth. Western marketing is strongly driven by branding and this is why we have spent several months working through the story and identity of Elastos. You will notice the name "Elastos" has not changed, and the logo has seen a upgrade, but pay attention next week because we will look a lot different. Regarding the rebrand, it seems clear that the name and the logo are remaining relatively the same, so can you tell us what will be new? D: Elastos is the new Internet, and like the internet of today, it is known without being known. You will use Elastos, you will need Elastos, and Elastos will be everywhere, but what is the secret that will make this happen? The answer… Cyber Republic. To gain the traction necessary to obtain usage levels only Elastos will achieve, we need to fire up the thrusters and allow Cyber Republic to launch, and we have news for you, we are ready. Next week, half of the genesis ELA are going to Cyber Republic, a massive operation plan is ready to be announced, and a brand will come alive. Elastos will temporarily be rebranded to support the inception of Cyber Republic. Our team will continue to build a brand around Elastos, and the focus of this branding over the next several months will be to popularize Cyber Republic. Can you expand on these new developments? Also, you mentioned you are working with a top agency, can you tell us who? D: As eluded to previously in how my role has changed, much of the reason for this transition has been due to marketing developments. First, we have built a very talented Design Team of 10 designers from all over the world with backgrounds ranging from UI/UX to product/automotive 3D sketching. This group has enhanced our day to day graphics, been crucial during the Cyber Republic branding, elevated our exhibit imagery, and are preparing for future product design. Second, we are finally ready to reveal the amazing Cyber Republic website and branding next week. We have worked closely with a top level agency to create something truly special and can't wait to show it off. Third, we are thrilled to announce that Elastos is working with a leading professional services agency in the blockchain industry. We have recently signed on with Wachsman and will hit the ground running in coordination with the Anniversary Event next week. These three are only the tip of the iceberg for where we plan to take marketing and PR over the next year. Exciting days are ahead for Elastos. Finally, what do you do to relax? We live in a fast paced world these days, always connected, never turned off. Working in blockchain is no exception. That is why I need balance in my life, and that balance comes from living in the South. I'm a family man who likes his Carolina BBQ (vinegar based, not sweet) and ice cold sweet tea. Fresh biscuits in the morning and a day at the beach is where you will find me when I'm not buried in work. In the South we like to take it a little slower than most, and I'm cool with that. |