Business

How Richard P. Blankenship Created Substantial Net Worth for Himself Using His Network

Published

5 years ago

October 12, 2020

Richard P Blankenship is the Cofounder and CRO of the fledgling Consumer Tech company Prizeout, a New York-based fin-tech company that raised 4.5 million in series A funding this summer. Many people may be hesitant to see a 29-year-old at such a high position in this arena, given that he started his entrepreneurial career in many different sectors- ranging from real estate, menswear, as well as sales for poker gaming. The successful partnership Blankenship has formed with Prizeout is symbolic of his prioritization of relationship building that has led to his success. Blankenship believes that every fruitful endeavor in his career was shared with his closest peers.

Blankenship has a robust portfolio that included some of the fastest-growing startups in the world, all of which were created through Blankenship’s extensive network. A prime example is Steve Borelli, a close friend and member of the same fraternity during Blankenship’s college days at San Diego State University. Borelli was the founder of a menswear brand called CUTS clothing, the company was expanding quickly and needed capital for inventory in order to cover a large number of orders. Borelli phoned Blankenship for help, and the two immediately struck up a deal, Blankenship wired him funds and became the first and only investor of the company. CUTS became an instant hit, with substantial growth after Blankenship jumped on board, as the company was able to prosper given the increasing demand for direct to consumer men’s fashion.

Blankenship was working as Chief Revenue Officer for Poker Central, the world’s largest poker media company when he met fellow serial entrepreneur, David Metz. The two met for dinner and Metz told Blankenship about Prize out. At the time, Metz was also CEO of a trivia app called Fleetwit, Blankenship and Metz spent about three months trying to get a deal done between Poker Central and Fleetwit. During their negotiation over the advertising and sponsorship deal, Metz brought up an idea for a fin-tech startup company which turned out to be Prize out. Blankenship immediately jumped on this opportunity, as he had consistent back and forth discussions with gaming executives who were looking to find more efficient payment solutions. Metz and Blankenship had formed a friendship over the course of their business relationship, so there was complete trust on Blankenship’s end. The deal was done on a handshake and Blankenship sent Metz the seed capital for Prizeout the following week.

Blankenship had strikingly similar success with Prizeout, as he did with his previous ventures in collaboration with his fellow entrepreneur friends, which later became partners. He joined the company in a full-time capacity after he had provided seed money, and was able to sign the biggest gaming companies as partners for Prizeout before the company closed its 4.5 million series A this summer. Blankenship attributes his path to success to his network of fellow friends and entrepreneurs, as he knows what they are capable of. He is always grateful to be reached out to for help as his friends believe in him, just like he believes in them- which has to lead to numerous prosperous ventures, like Prize out.

Business

The Key Components of a Successful Digital Marketing Strategy

Published

1 day ago

November 16, 2025

Matthew Wiles

In today’s hyper-connected world, a well-defined digital marketing strategy is essential for any business that wants to grow, build brand trust, and stay competitive. Whether you’re a local retailer, an eCommerce business, or a professional service provider, your online presence plays a major role in shaping how your audience perceives you. For example, industries like legal services are increasingly recognising the benefits of specialised digital marketing for law firms to attract and engage clients in an increasingly digital marketplace.

Below, we explore the key components that make up a successful digital marketing strategy—and how to align them with your business goals.

Clear Objectives and Measurable Goals

Every effective strategy begins with a clear understanding of what success looks like. Your goals might include increasing website traffic, generating leads, improving search engine visibility, or enhancing customer retention. Setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) objectives helps ensure that each marketing activity contributes to tangible outcomes.

A Strong Brand Identity

Your digital marketing efforts should reflect a cohesive brand identity that resonates across every channel—your website, social media, email campaigns, and online ads. Consistent visual design, tone of voice, and messaging establish credibility and make your business instantly recognisable.

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)

SEO remains the backbone of digital visibility. From on-page content optimisation and keyword targeting to technical site health and link-building, SEO ensures your business appears where customers are actively searching. Local SEO, in particular, helps businesses connect with audiences in specific geographic areas—an essential tactic for professionals and service-based businesses.

Engaging Content Marketing

High-quality, relevant content builds authority and nurtures relationships. Blogs, videos, infographics, podcasts, and whitepapers provide opportunities to educate, entertain, and inspire your audience. Great content not only boosts SEO performance but also establishes your brand as a trusted industry leader.

Social Media Engagement

Social platforms allow you to interact directly with your audience, showcase brand personality, and promote your services. The key is to use the right platform for your audience—LinkedIn for B2B engagement, Instagram for visual storytelling, or Facebook for community connection. Regular posting, active engagement, and data analysis are crucial for success.

Paid Advertising (PPC and Social Ads)

Paid campaigns can provide immediate visibility and lead generation, especially when combined with strong targeting and data insights. Tools like Google Ads and Meta Ads Manager allow you to reach specific demographics, remarket to previous visitors, and maximise ROI through ongoing optimisation.

Email Marketing and Automation

Email remains one of the most effective tools for nurturing relationships. Automated workflows can deliver personalised experiences, keeping leads engaged throughout the buyer journey. From newsletters to drip campaigns, consistent and value-driven communication is key.

Data Analytics and Continuous Optimisation

No digital marketing strategy is complete without performance tracking. Tools like Google Analytics, social insights, and CRM data reveal what’s working—and what’s not. Regularly reviewing metrics enables businesses to refine their strategy and continually improve results.

Final Thoughts

A successful digital marketing strategy is more than a checklist—it’s an evolving framework built on research, creativity, and constant learning. When each component works together seamlessly, your business can attract, engage, and convert customers more effectively, while maintaining a powerful and professional online presence.