Mark Brooks
CMO, Courtland Brooks
Contact: 212-444-1636, mark@courtlandbrooks.com
I am the principal consultant for Courtland Brooks and provide media relations, business development and strategic advisement services.
Courtland Brooks (see courtlandbrooks.com) is a boutique consultancy which exclusively serves Internet Dating and Social Networking companies.
Specialties:
* We provide Media Relations services to help companies shape their messaging and deliver compelling stories for maximum impact with the press. * We guide our clients Business Development strategy so they can identify sustainable revenue channels and the right deals with the right partners. * We help get Marketing Strategy right first time, so our clients make efficient ad spends, generate word-of-mouth exposure and create long term user trust.
45 contacts- Provides PR, business development, and product and marketing strategy to internet dating and social networking companies
- CB currently serves PlentyofFish, WhiteLabelDating, eLove, TheRightOne/Together Dating, Talkster, Viximo, Ignighter, iovation, Wealthy Men, InThe Rooms and some early stage startups
- Internet dating and social networking news, CEO interviews, official rankings
- See OnlinePersonalsWatch.com and SocialNetworkingWatch.com
2004 - 2005- Acquired PreDating, world’s largest speed dating company and integrated into Cupid.com
- Overhauled website look and feel and added many new features
- Increased revenues 40%, conversion 25%, bounce rate 20%, retention 9%
2004 - 2005- Designed community elements to motivate and encourage adherence
- Created branding/marketing strategy and positioned against ediets.com
- Signed up advertising support base and partnered diet.com with Walmart
2003 - 2004- Negotiated and oversaw significant media CPM/CPC buys
- Managed PR efforts through 700% results growth
- Used Comscore Mediametrix to validate FriendFinder network #1 online dating rank
- Managed 300 top affiliates with annual revenues in excess of $12 million
2003 - 2003- Created events brand and promotion strategy for Friendster
- Built network of over a hundred of America’s leading promoters
- Facilitated ‘Friendster Exposed’ parties with 300+ attendees
- Garnered PR exposure; TV (i.e. NBC, Tech TV) and local press
2001 - 2002- Pioneered and seeded customer base for unique matchmaking site
- Pitched site/technology to FriendFinder, Match and EZBoard
- Sold to EZBoard
1999 - 2001- Performed key business development functions for multinational 50 employee start-up
- Initiated relationships with executives at top 20 portals. Yahoo, Excite, Earthlink
- Formed partnerships with top 5 portal & top ISP. About.com, Freeinternet.com
1998 - 2007- Founded and grew singles club - Silicon Valley’s Adventure & Social Club
- Aided design and launch of automated club management and online ticketing engine - GoClub
- Visionary leader of ground breaking online singles club that was part of the inspiration for Friendster
1996 - 1999Sold (laser based) semiconductor dimensional inspection systems and software
- Managed Western sales and service groups. Responsible for team of 16
- $6 million/annum. $20-$150k systems. Intel, HP, Seagate
- Helped design unique laser based inspection system for HP and MEMS industry
- Developed manufacturers representatives sales channel
1991 - 1995- #1 direct salesperson five years running (out of 520 salespeople)
- Instrumental in 5 year, 550% sales growth. Managed, trained and mentored 6 sales teams
- Achieved ‘icon’ status as company sales role model, trainer and manager
