A Summary of Dr. Hakeem Ali-Bocas Alexander’s Reflection on Marketing, Connection, and Authenticity

The Entertainment Connection

Dr. Alexander opens with an observation that many people find marketing “sexy” because of its connection to the entertainment industry—Madison Avenue, Mad Men, Hollywood glitz, and glamour. Having worked in the entertainment industry since 1999 (27 years) in art department, special effects, and production, he sees the parallels clearly.

“Marketing is very closely related to the entertainment industry.”

The sensationalism, dramatization, and promotion of stories—whether fiction or nonfiction—is what makes both industries thrive. Hollywood glamorizes and heavily promotes content; influencer marketing does the same thing in the digital space.

The Introvert Who Connects

What makes Dr. Alexander’s story compelling is the contrast between his self-perception and his behavior:

· Self-identified: Ethnic male introvert, naturally shy, not outgoing “for no reason”

· Observed behavior: People call him a “people connector,” he’s on a first-name basis everywhere he goes, and people shout his name when he walks into places

His secret?

Genuine curiosity. He doesn’t force social interaction, but when something genuinely interests him—interesting shoes, someone’s fitness, a unique skill—he “almost can’t help himself” but to comment, ask questions, and connect.

“I don’t force extraversion or sociality or socializing, but if something is genuinely interesting to me, I almost can’t help myself.”

The Circus Breakdown: What Marketing Actually Is

Dr. Alexander shares a powerful framework for understanding marketing’s components:

Component Definition

Advertising Putting up a poster about the circus coming to town

Promotion Putting that poster on an elephant and marching it through town

Publicity The newspaper covering the elephant trampling the mayor’s garden

Public Relations Getting the mayor to laugh about it and be in good spirits

Sales Setting up booths to answer questions and sell tickets/merchandise

Branding Keeping all images, messaging, colors, and slogans consistent across everything

All of these fall under the umbrella of marketing.

The Highest-Paid Skill on the Planet

Dr. Alexander quotes Dan Kennedy’s famous observation:

“The highest-paid skill on the planet is getting people through the door.”

This is why marketing is seen as exciting—it directly connects to money and sales. Whether through brick-and-mortar locations or digital storefronts, the ability to attract customers is the most valuable skill in business.

“Pure” Marketing: Doing What Comes Naturally

Dr. Alexander makes a bold claim about his approach:

“My marketing behavior is pure—I just can’t help myself.”

Key observations about his natural approach:

1. No friction: He doesn’t feel awkward asking people to follow his Instagram page

2. No hesitation: He asks people face-to-face, and 99% of his 40+ followers have been acquired this way

3. No manipulation: He’s not using bots, buy-follower programs, or shady tactics

4. Genuine enthusiasm: He’s excited to share what he’s doing and sees sharing as natural expression

His business cards say “Multimedia, Publishing”—but what he’s really doing is connecting.

The Practical Side of Local Celebrity

Dr. Alexander references Dan Kennedy’s concept of becoming a “local celebrity” :

· If you can’t hire a famous person (like George Foreman) to promote your product…

· …then you must become the recognizable, trusted face in your community

· That “ripple can then grow wider and wider”

This is the foundation of the influencer economy—people buy from those they know, like, and trust.

“The whole influencer environment is about people getting to know them, like them, and trust them.”

Personal Branding That Happened Naturally

Dr. Alexander notes that his personal branding isn’t calculated—it’s organic:

· Same logo (HA) for 20-30 years (H superimposed on A, originally Times New Roman)

· Consistent signature way before that

· Brand recognition on shirts, websites, podcast covers, and other materials

He’s been practicing branding best practices without consciously trying.

The Real Takeaway: A Self-Serving Message with Substance

Dr. Alexander concludes with an honest positioning statement:

“Because these things come naturally to me… I am a very good candidate to be someone who can represent your organization, your business as your marketing agency.”

His qualifications:

· Zero friction for marketing activities

· Genuine excitement about sharing others’ stories

· Proactive behavior—posting news stories and editorials without being asked

· Natural connector who introduces people to each other

He provides a concrete example: “I just last night was at the Green Parrot, and I put up a message about Willie Byrne playing there.”

Key Takeaways for Business Owners

1. Marketing doesn’t require a fake personality—authentic curiosity and genuine interest are powerful tools

2. Face-to-face connection still matters—even in the digital age, personal asks convert better than cold digital outreach

3. Consistency builds brands—using the same logo, messaging, and identity across platforms creates recognition and trust

4. The “entertainment” factor is real—people are drawn to stories, spectacle, and personality

5. Marketing is holistic—it encompasses advertising, promotion, publicity, PR, sales, and branding, all working together

How to Connect with Monarch City Buzz

Dr. Alexander’s agency, Monarch City Buzz, is Norfolk’s ultimate student and community guide. His approach is grassroots, relationship-driven, and built on genuine connection.

Follow Monarch City Buzz on Instagram and visit MonarchCityBuzz.com to see how authentic marketing works in practice.

“I am Hakeem Ali-Bocas Alexander, and I’m going to put this on my Hakeem Alexander podcast and on HakeemAlexander.com.”

Submitted by Dr. Hakeem Ali-Bocas Alexander, PhD