Global performance marketing guru Teressa Raiford
Teressa Raiford
DALLAS – USA – Business development and management consultant Teressa Raiford is taking the entertainment industry by storm with her company Intrinsic Entertainment Group. As an entrepreneur, Teressa has worked with mainstream clients and has supported projects for the world’s biggest artists such as Kanye West, Akon, Ice Cube and Beyonce Knowles. She has conceptualized innovative campaigns that have reached millions across the world creating a new standard in online marketing for major brands, events and individuals. Raiford has organized iconic events such as the Presidents Day Celebration with ACA United for Barack Obama and the Ed Hardy Runway Show featuring the Dallas Cowboys.
Teressa likes to keep a low profile, but her determination to make a difference in this industry makes her quiet approach felt, being heavily involved in philanthropy, particularly with the Fuller Center For Housing of Greater Dallas a charity started by Habitat for Humanity founders Millard and Linda Fuller. Miss Raiford is handling the marketing and program development as a Board member and working in Partnership with The Oak Cliff Network of Pastors by creating outreach services and fund raising efforts.
Find out her successful mindset and viewpoint of the entertainment industry exclusively on Film Industry Network.
How did you get into the music industry?
© Jen Maler (Kanye West and Tony Williams in the studio)
I started my career in the music industry back in the early 80′s. It all started with the break dancing, popping and rap movement. I had a cousin “Larry Bell” who was a well-known producer and Deejay. I would show up at all of his summer time events taking place at local parks to check out the music and different bands that would come to Portland as entertainment for the handful of minorities that lived there. Rappers and producers would start coming by my grandmothers house to ask me for advice on their music and we would work together to create new styles that would make them more popular then the next crew.
What helped you become successful, and did you have any mentors to guide you?
The key to my success was always taking the industry seriously. I always felt there was a business aspect to promoting and developing the art and culture of HIP HOP! This was a proven method when I saw the movie Breakin’ after that movie came out it was enough for me to start formulating merchandising strategies for the BRANDS we were creating. I had family members who did “air brushing”, “beat boxing” my cousin Clarence was well known for dancing moves called “poppin” as well as winning several rapping awards. We knew Music would and could take us anywhere we wanted to go. As a woman in the industry it was always hard to find mentors who would take me seriously. I had friends who needed my help but would not make me a useful component of the TEAM. That always made me work harder as an individual because I felt that I had to prove my value to them.
Do you work only in the music industry or in other industries?
Music is a multi-billion dollar industry and it is the formulation of business, marketing and promotions that carries the consumer to the product. This formula is used in all product and service based industry so I have created my niche based on the premise of doing “Good Business.” Being known for doing “Good Business” has allowed me to work with companies of all types. I have clients in transportation, religion, medical, housing, sports, gaming, and investments… I consider myself as a business architect and my goal is always to create blue prints for success.
Teressa Raiford and Dr. Margaret Noguera, MD (Executive Director for FCFHG)
What is your role in social media and performance marketing and how is that important?
With the diversity of my clientele I have discovered that the use of different promotional products partnered with entertainment based events is a valuable asset in reaching broader access to consumers. Social media is a launching pad into the mindset of all demographics reachable online. I usually start my projects with market research and by following trends for those demographics. Once I have the data necessary I choose an array of promotional tools to reach the audience and market to them in a way that seems both familiar and exciting. I feel that interaction during the sales process is the best way to bring value to your products. Include the consumer in the campaign and you will always be successful.
Having set the standard for video contests back in 2008, do you think this is a good way to promote a brand/artist?
Absolutely! I feel that in the 21st century everyone is a star in their own right. Inviting the consumer to be a part of your sales and promotional campaign is a strategy that will continue to captivate and motivate them to buy or recognize your products. Of course it will increase sales and your companies bottom line.
Ms Raiford is currently working on several major events including a production and campaign for the United States Junior Olympics and supporting and event for Boxer Mike Tyson with gaming company Bringit.com which is slated to kick off in July 2010. There are several projects in the building stages however Raiford feels each one is equally important regardless of the popularity of her clients. Miss Raiford says her job is “Branding” and for a worker bee like her the job is never done.
For more information log on to : http://www.teressaraiford.com
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18 Comments
Teresa is one of the most creative, connected and respected people in the business. I used her company to coordinate some corporate entertainment while I was in Dallas planning the taxi advertising campaign my firm created for the 2010 NBA All-Star, the “Taxi Takeover”. I am more than pleased with her work ethic and strongly advise that you consult with her. You will not be disappointed.
I have read many articles of this magnitude on Teressa Raiford and by far this one gives her the long overdue props that she deserves. Miss Raiford is a force to be reckoned with not only in the community where her philanthropic work has helped many here at home and on a global front. Teressa, is also a brilliant and resourceful Business Manager in the business & entertainment arena. I’m currently working on a project with Miss Raiford and the United States Junior Olympic Track and Field set to kick off on June 15, 2010. The campaign she put together will bring international attention not only to the USATF but to all off the children involved. So on this day Miss Teressa Raiford “I salute you.” Job well done.
I have had first hand knowledge and expirence with Miss T Raiford and her constant drive to satisfy her clients, the constant beam of success and radiation of excellence that makes up Teressa Raiford is hard to not want to be a part of. So if you are not doing business with this woman your behind and NEED TO CATCH UP. You will get left behind! T your great and i look forward to all the projects we have coming up ; )
Few are as energetic or industrious as you. Go girl go!!
Great article on a great entrepreneur in the world on hip hop marketing and promotions. I’ve known Teressa personally for a while now and her resourcefulness, professionalism and dedication in business is what sets her apart. Quit witted and never lost for a fresh idea, I’m glad to see that the rest of the world is taking notice of her achievements and hard work.
big tings a gwan
Nice piece
Teressa
Thanks for everything,this article made
my day.God bless !!
Excellent!
You go girl. I remember how hard you worked when I came to Dallas for a while. I’m glad to see things picking up for you. And glad to see your still Teressa. Take care. I wish you the best.
Wonderful article, kudos to Iain and congrats to my mom who really is an amazing woman
Easily the only person I’ve ever known that has enough passion to follow through with what they love no matter what they’re going through and never gives up…. I love you.
Wow I am proud of you! I did not know you were doing it like that! Keep doin it.
P.S. Thanks for the shout out, I miss those days! Makes me wanna dust off my Motif….;)
I hope I can get her to HIRE me!!
I Hav’nt read an article of this magnitude in such a while. It really made me feel sooooo good reading this because it lets me know that there are still good people in this industry who went from the bottom to the top and beyond! and is yet so grounded. I just want to say “Miss Teressa Raiford” thank you for taking your time out of your day to grace us with this article, it really opened my eyes even wider!. Be Blessed.
Teressa is a multi-talented, hardworking professional with the skills to work diligently on a wide range of projects across the entertainment industry. Her talent is unique as she prides herself in doing the best for her clients, and championing strong relationships with everyone she works with. Not only that, but she is a philanthropist and spends a great deal of time coming up with solutions for people who need help. Congratulations and best of luck!
I think that this is a wonderful article. I love to see successful woman being recongized for their hard work and dedicaiton. I noticed that she does alot of events that have a major impact on the community and that is what is so nice to hear. I think that sometimes there are so many positive, productive people behind the scence of so many events that benefit the community It is nice to hear about those “low Profile ” individuals who truly make a difference. I look forward to hearing more about the company and would love to have a chance to network. I work for a non profit agency serving a very unique population , we have been working on some new ideas for fund raisings and looking for ideas for annual events this maybe the person I need to contact to get things off the ground! KUDOS to Miss Raiford ! I look forward to networking with your company!
This is a great article! The questions Ian asks really get to the heart of Teressa’s business aesthetic. I have had the honor of knowing and working with Teressa for two years now and she is just one of the most innovative and incredible minds in the business! She does not sacrifice quality or integrity when making difficult business decisions and the way she can integrate and create multi-faceted business development programs for small and large companies across the globe is very unique. Being able to draw upon a wide network of contacts across multiple entertainment and sales sectors into a cohesive event is her specialty. Her work with charities and her philanthropic sensibility has made an immeasurable difference upon so many lives. That she is now beginning to be recognized for her hard work and dedication is a testament to her character and ingenuity. Congrats Teressa!
I’ve negociated business with Theresa recently with a few of our projects. She is very professional and knowledgeable about her field. Always has a great positive attitude and determined to complete the job. I would def recommend her to any client and BBN will continue to keep a close relationship with her.
One of the most innovative minds in the business. Iain this is a great article.
Love it! Where is Portland?