As seen in the Phoenix Business Journal by Lynn Ducey, Reporter
Date: Friday, October 7, 2011, 3:00am MST
A Valley executive had a pivotal role in this week’s national launch of a book called “Midas Touch: Why Some Entrepreneurs Get Rich — and Why Most Don’t.”
The book, written by real estate mogul Donald Trump and Valley resident Robert Kiyosaki, was released Oct. 5.
Kathy Heasley, founder of Heasley & Partners, a Scottsdale-based branding and marketing firm, contributed to the third chapter. She discusses what a business stands for in the chapter summation, called “Drilling It Down,” which includes some of her own experiences in marketing.
Heasley said she used the entrepreneurial successes of both Kiyosaki and Trump to highlight their adherence to her branding method.
“We used Robert and Donald as their brands that make them genuine, meaningful and different,” she said. “Both of these men are genuine about teaching people. They are passionate about their messages.”
Heasley, a 25-year marketing veteran, has worked with both small and large companies, including Procter & Gamble, McCann Erickson and Coca-Cola Co., to help build their brands in the consumer marketplace.
She created a five-stage system called “Heart and Mind Branding” and used it as part of her work with the executive team at Scottsdale-based Cold Stone Creamery.
Heart and Mind Branding is a proprietary method that she said allows companies to “build their business from the brand up.”
“It’s about living your brand in a genuine, meaningful and different way,” Heasley said.
Trump is a famed New York real estate developer, while Kiyosaki developed a following as co-founder of the “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” series of books and motivational products.
Heasley said her previous work with Kiyosaki led to her contribution to the book.
“I have worked with Robert for five or six years now as his branding adviser. Working in that way, I helped him with this book,” she said. “Working with him is a very rewarding experience.”
A member of the Entrepreneurs Organization, Heasley has received numerous recognitions for writing and publishing, including the Independent Book Publishing Association’s Ben Franklin Award.
Lynn Ducey covers tourism, hospitality, restaurants and nonprofits.