a thought

After some recent soul searching, I wanted to share some of what I found.

Cheers.

for, to, with

For those of us with brands in front of us on a daily basis, there are three questions we stumble upon regularly in our thoughts and our interaction with consumers and clients alike:

1. What are we trying to do for those brands?
2. What are we trying to do to those brands?
3. What are we trying to do with those brands?

Whoa. One word difference. But a world of difference.

I jotted down this quick list of possible responses as I thought about what different sorts of agencies have to offer a client. Design agencies are more likely to focus on making a brand beautiful, understandable and liked, whereas a media/ad group might be brought in to focus on making a brand profitable, liked or a leader in the category.

But more importantly, I'm pretty sure any communication-type agency should be thinking about the big picture -- each of these elements is simply a cog in an ongoing cycle of success.

I'm pretty sure the best thinking for a brand keeps tabs on all of these elements -- plus others -- as an ongoing reality check.

things i believe but cannot prove

A great planner/blogger/inspiration recently listed 10 things he believes, but cannot prove. Good for him, I say.

And to commend his brave and honest efforts, I will do the same. Here's my list:

(1) Colleges actually have a thin layer of film surrounding them thus creating a bio-dome or physical bubble; there is not simply a metaphorical bubble, actually.

(2) Everyone has something very closely related to a security blanket.

(3) Lasagna was initially referred to as 'ambrosia' before being widely consumed by mortals.

(4) The more one knows about brands, the more help one can offer to non-brand things in life.

(5) Beer, wine, tea and coffee have some relation to earth, wind, fire and water, respectively.

(6) Syracuse tour guides are born to be liars, and under-reporting annual snowfall and inhumane weather conditions is merely an exercise of character for them.

(7) Siloed media agencies will not last very long by themselves. And the same is true for digital shops.

(8) Everyone has a capacity for creating beautiful design, but life presents distractions, obstacles and veils to hide behind.

(9) The best musical artists are reincarnates of each other, with a few forest animals interspersed in the shared biographies.

(10) Listening is 10.5 times more valuable than speaking. And writing things down is only about 5.4 times more valuable.

trends for my birthday

My attention is showing its true colors.  

The majority of conversations these days seem to start out with something like "In this troublesome economy . . ." or "Consumer confidence" blah blah blah.  The blah blah blah is not underestimating the severity of the economic situation, but instead should highlight the need for the new.  Once our eyes begin to process and interpret stories or articles by first reciting some script about the economy, our minds eventually begin to accept this as a norm.  Taken out of context of course, this could get really annoying for our brains.

Regardless, my attention is beginning to fade with these sorts of openings - even if they provide adequate set-up for what follows.  Just an introspective observation of how we're interpreting the odd economic consequences the world is witnessing.

I digress.  The economy has surely had some pretty unfortunate side-effects.  As a sort of "economic decoration," I'd recommend you have a look-see here.  It's a little bit biased with its agenda towards the end, but it's an interesting combo of technology, economic truth and beautiful, amateur-created music.  Delightful animation.  

But I've noticed that gift giving comes with some interesting and slightly awkward emotions.  Less of an expectation, but certainly an equal amount of obligation for the receiver and giver, respectively.  Odd, right?  Unfortunate, yes.  But I think it will make people truly monitor their presentation of valued objects at a time of pure celebration.  I'm keeping my eyes on the sales of candy 'n stuff next week.  Everyone should invest in this real heart -- show someone how much you really [anatomically] care. 

That being said, I have grown a bit apprehensive about birthday celebrations.  I can't help but think there is a nervousness and tenseness in the mind of anyone buying or about to receive a gift at this point in time.  What's too expensive?  What's too cheap?  What does the person want?  What should I ask for?  Wait, do I really want anything?  I don't even need anything!  Should I feel obligated to tell them something that I saw that I liked once because there is a slight possibility that they might buy something too expensive and I think they might be happier purchasing my coveted $10 token?  Hmm, questions.  All of which are valid.

I want this, though:  Color and branding workshop.  One of my favorite organizations.  They've been sending me emails for a few years now, and this is the first one that has really made me think about possibly attending - ironically at a time where my bank account laughs at me whenever I check my balance.  They bring a certain je ne sais quoi to the world of trend reporting.  They genuinely cater to a number of different industries, and point out the implications merely because of the intrinsic quality possessed in color.  Color in life.  Color in brands.  Color in psychology.  Color in fashion.  Etc.  Colorful wonderfulness.

How lovely.  What could be better than a discussion of color and branding trends and research in NY?  Nothing.  Absolutely nothing.  

Except maybe some sort of promised post-graduate employment.  I guess that would be pretty stellar, too.  And cheap.  (*Not a begging plea for a job - merely a fact)

Alright, cheers all.

only because i find it way cool