Dodiodo
Brand Partnership for Niche Markets
July 2, 2025
Dodiodo
Precision. It's the one word that seems to frame every marketing conversation of late, and that includes internally at Dodiodo where we've been whittling and carving and chipping away what doesn't belong in order to find the specific sculpture that remains. The payoff for that endeavor is how much more easily the right conversations begin in LinkedIn which is my primary business development community.
Meanwhile, still taking shape behind the scenes is the brand and registration for our boutique venture studio's first spinout company focused on brand partnerships around long form content for two niche markets - equestrians and small business owners. Words - check. Next up - design. Then setup the LLC, etc. as wholly owned subsidiary of Dodiodo. And soon, the reveal. I'm eager to see how this one more layer of precise communication accelerates right-fit relationships.
In tandem, I'm full into our first real sales initiatives for the spinout's first two initial properties, a docuseries for each niche. We're taking a unique approach by wrapping all partnership conversations in an advisory engagement to be able to truly represent mutual interests through every phase from development through integration and audience development. It's one more thing we'll continue to hone around our first brand partnerships.
We also kicked off in the studio development for a second company focused on scripted audio entertainment. Platform? Production company? Development arm? Who's to say yet - more to follow on this growing content category that's really got my ear.
At the Barn
For Taye, it's reading, riding, and rithmetic! He's back under saddle but not shirking his homework - continuing addition and subtraction, and now up to identifying letters A through R! So far.
Simon learning how to be a barn buddy, he thinks kenneling near the pond is far more interesting than hanging in the living room at home.
Back to MU's Equine Hospital and the funny cap that is part of the hardware for detecting lameness with objective precision.
Matros the new barn cat is unbearably photogenic.
Listening, Reading, Watching
Audio books and reading are taking precedent to quiet my mind and escape otherwise high media days. Top audios so far: The Boys, A Memoire of Hollywood and Family, by Ron Howard and Clint Howard. And just started King: A Life, by Jonathan Eig. In print: Flying In: My Adventures in Filmmaking by Gretchen McGowan.
Summer Foods
I just had the best sandwich of all time. It was simple. It was perfect. It was from M&M Bakery, a long-time Kansas City institution in the Black community near my home. It was my recent discovery. It was my rave of the last two weeks. And I haven't even had the sandwich that everyone in line will tell you to order. Just ask them what they're having. But for me: roasted turkey and swiss on house-baked light rye with Miracle Whip, shredded lettuce, and pickles. That was IT. You can call your order ahead to skip the line, but you'll also skip the lively conversation of people who know they're about to taste a handful of love. And for summer extra credit, order the pecan roll for tomorrow's breakfast. Toasted pecans lurk under a robe of bakery white glaze on a perfectly baked oversized cinnamon roll sized to share. Or not.
Russian Cream Cheese and Honey Yogurt Crepes
Perfect for summer brunch or a lightly sweet hors d'oeuvres.​
Crepe Ingredients:
4 eggs
½ c all-purpose flour
½ c milk
½ c hazelnut liquid creamer
Filling Ingredients:
1 8-ounce package of cream cheese
1 c whipping cream (lightly whipped) or Plain Greek Yogurt
2 T honey, ideally from your own neighborhood
Combine crepe ingredients with a whisk and let batter rest for 30 minutes.
Heat a pan (crepe pan or small 8” non-stick skillet) over medium-low heat and grease it lightly with a light oil. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter into the center of the pan, immediately tilting and swirling the pan to spread the batter into a thin, even layer. Cook until the top is set and the edges are slightly browned, about 1-2 minutes. Flip and cook the other side for a shorter time, about 30 seconds.
Slide the cooked crepe onto a plate and stack them. When cooled, spread a couple tablespoons of the cream cheese filling on each crepe, then roll tightly. Slice into smaller bites if you want, or leave whole. Would be nice with berries, fruit puree sauce, or lemon curd dollop.