The Marketing Drive
Short marketing message that you can use right now!
A Cross Country Lesson in Starting
Host: Chris Doelle | Production: Fresh Media Works
Episode Theme: The power of the head start and the importance of starting before you feel ready.
The Story of Horatio Nelson Jackson:
• The Bet: In 1903, Jackson bet $50 he could drive from San Francisco to New York in under 90 days, despite having no car, no experience, and no road maps.
• The Journey: Driving a used Winton Touring car named “Vermont,” Jackson and mechanic Sewall Crocker faced blown tires, major breakdowns, and intentional misinformation from locals.
• The Competition: Two well-funded corporate teams from Packard and Oldsmobile launched weeks later with professional crews and faster machines but could not overcome Jackson’s lead.
• The Result: Jackson, Crocker, and a goggle-wearing bulldog named Bud became the first to cross the country, finishing in 63.5 days.
Marketing Lessons:
• Action Over Preparation: Jackson won because he was willing to leave the driveway while his better-equipped competition was still catching up.
• Ready is a Destination: “Ready” is a place you reach while on the road, not a requirement for starting.
• The Value of Now: The second best time to plant a tree—or launch a product—is today.
Action Item: Stop waiting for a bigger budget or better gear; launch your thing, record that first episode, or write that first chapter now.
📞 Contact
Phone: 713-269-4620 | Web: freshmediaworks.com
