Sorrento Valley (San Diego) based Mushroom Networks is a start-up company with several solutions for aggregating multiple broadband access lines of any type (DSL, cable, wireless) into a single high-speed shared connection. The challenge Zenzi faced was two-fold.

First, we had to introduce a new and extremely complicated technology to the small business and enterprise communities in a way that could easily be understood and second we had to target the service providers themselves positioning Mushroom’s technology as a potential new type of business class service that may cannibalize existing offerings. After an in-depth brainstorming session, Zenzi suggested coining a general term for Mushroom’s technology that would be easily conceptualized by both the enterprise and service provider targets and in addition emphasize the downside of legacy broadband solutions Mushroom was setting out to replace.

The term Broadband Bonding™ was decided upon and used to launch the initial product called TRUFFLE. For the enterprise side we focused in on Broadband Bonding as a way to significantly boost performance both in the uplink and downlink directions at a mere fraction of the cost of traditional services such as T1 lines. For the service providers, we positioned Broadband Bonding as a new service that would bridge the gap between T1 and T3 subscribers and/or be slowly implemented as networks evolve into an all IP architecture.

The results have been astounding, in just under six months with a very limited marketing push besides PR, Mushroom is consistently moving over $50K of equipment per month and is currently in several trials with tier-1 service providers throughout the country. In addition, the term “Broadband Bonding” as been adopted as an industry-wide term and most recently named by Telephony Magazine as a hot technology to watch and has received several prestigious technology innovation awards.

Challenge:
In a challenging market conditions, Zenzi was tasked with regaining consumer and business trust and increasing awareness of Torrey Pines Bank’s success and “time to shine,” despite economy.

Solution:
In less than six months, Zenzi logged 150+ hits in banking and local news media. Total print value for the former of over $180,000 and over 30mm print circulation. During that time, Zenzi also garnered interested for 10 contributed articles, 19 media interviews, wrote/ distributed 7 releases, obtained 2 speaking opportunities (East San Diego County Association of Realtors and JACCC) and assisted with other activities.

Result:
Widespread media hits in San Diego Daily Transcript, San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Business Journal, BizSanDiego, SDNN, San Diego Metropolitan, U.S. Banker, North County Times, Carmel Valley Leader, Rancho Santa Fe News, AARP, Solana Beach Sun, Enterprising Women, SNL Bank Thrift, Del Mar Times, and many others.

Challenge: Aptera, Greek for “Wingless Flight,” tasked Zenzi with the company’s official launch and unveiling of its ultra-green vehicle, the hybrid version of which is capable of 300 miles per gallon! While competitors have more marketing dollars, Zenzi has turned that challenge into an advantage for Aptera.  

Challenge: Zenzi was tasked to create awareness and recognition for Ignify’s e-commerce platform in the small to medium enterprise space. Zenzi formulated a strategy to differentiate and leverage Ignify’s unique features such as heuristic trending and advanced security precautions that are common in the large enterprise space – but not affordable to the smaller enterprises.  

Challenge: Zenzi was tasked by the California Restaurant Association to direct all marketing, public relations and advertising efforts. Zenzi established several goals for the event: to elevate San Diego’s reputation as a dining destination among local San Diegans and visitors alike, expose restaurants to new patrons, boost sales during a traditionally slow time of year, engage local community to explore new restaurants and maximize attendance during the event.  

Challenge: fix8 tasked Zenzi with the product launch of a little-known technology that allows IM users to create customized avatars and animated video using webcams. Its main objective was to introduce the product to consumers and drive its free download offering online. Their initial target market was heavy Internet users age 25 and under who use Instant Messenger, AIM, Skype etc. to communicate to colleagues or friends. The primary obstacle was that no one would be looking for this technology online so education about the technology and leveraging ways to demonstrate the functionality and utility of the software was crucial.
 

Challenge: Mission Playground, an eco-conscious and active lifestyle clothing company, selected Zenzi to launch its new brand into a very cluttered and competitive retail marketplace. The goal of the campaign was to introduce Mission Playground’s clothing line to the media and gain greater visibility within the outdoor and LOHAS industries.  

ZENZI was hired by Hilton San Diego Mission Valley to promote and publicize the $20 million renovation of hotel facilities and grand opening of its brand new gourmet restaurant STISH.  Hilton wanted to raise its profile in the corporate and meeting/ events industries and become a known destination for business and conference travelers in San Diego.   

Jet Rhys Salon is a hip, eclectic salon located in San Diego. Founded in 1992 by Jet and Rhys, two former Vidal Sassoon specialists, their expertise has taken them around the globe teaching and inspiring other stylists. Tokyo, Madrid, New York and Sydney are just some of the places they have left their mark. From these beginnings a salon has emerged possessing the most progressive and skillful team of stylists in San Diego.

As most national beauty magazines are located in the fashion capitals of the US, New York City and Los Angeles and Zenzi quickly realized the challenges of being located in San Diego. Editors of beauty magazines already had easy access to all the latest trends and experts and looked at San Diego as a laid back, casual beach city, and not a go-to for the latest in fashion and beauty.

Zenzi needed to start from the ground up. Rather than press releases, Zenzi chose to develop a quarterly newsletter called “What’s Hot” and sent it in a bright red envelope with a box of Hot Tamales.  The marketing tactic proved very effective and memorable as the editors not only looked forward to receiving the “treat,” they saved them and used the beauty tips again and again in articles over the coming years. To educate these editors on happenings and trends in San Diego, Zenzi leveraged Jet Rhys’ close proximity to the beach to position them as a source for summer beauty tips and news and experts in surf diva style.  The campaign culminated with a deskside press tour to New York to promote Jet Rhys signature “Color Cocktail” treatment with a press kit contained in a clear cocktail shaker.

As a result, Jet Rhys has been recognized in 48 Hours, Elle, Cosmopolitan, Self, Allure, Harper’s Bazaar, and participated in the American Music Awards and MTV Video Music Awards. Collaborating with the likes of Surf Diva, actress Sanoe Lake, top modeling agency Jet Set Talent and local designer Hollie Ten, Jet Rhys has established itself as a nationally renowned leader in beauty and fashion. For more information, visit www.jetrhys.com.