Happy Mother’s Day!

Look familiar? How many times have you seen a drawing like this tacked to a bulletin board, or taped to the wall of an office. You may even have one that looks like it.

It’s a reminder of the impact that mothers have on their children, not just at home, but in the career choices they make and the way they learn to conduct themselves professionally.

As we celebrate the mothers in our lives this weekend, let’s not forget about our “work mothers” – the managers, co-workers, contractors, admins, receptionists, even cleaning ladies and cafeteria workers – who look out for us, provide guidance and constructive criticism, and encourage us in our careers and businesses, providing the same critical nurturing in the office that we need in our personal lives.

And to the Mommy CEO’s, making it happen in business and at home, “Thank You” does not even begin to express your value to us! Even when the day is long and you feel unappreciated, remember – somebody is paying attention! 🙂

“WHAT AM I DOING WRONG?”

This is probably one of the most difficult questions to ask, and equally difficult to answer.

Difficult to ask, because it invites feedback that may be painful, perhaps in unexpected ways. Difficult to answer, because it requires a degree of honesty that many find uncomfortable, particularly when we don’t know how the person seeking advice is going to receive it.

Sometimes the most constructive comments are those which are most critical. The truth is not always pretty or convenient, but ignoring it does not make it go away. Isn’t it better to be armed with knowledge that will help you avoid pitfalls? Isn’t it better to warn a friend of danger than to let them stumble and fall?

Of course, as with all things, there must be balance. Hearing nothing but criticism feeds negativity and creates self-doubt. Too often, we praise privately and criticize publicly, when it should be the opposite. Everyone needs some specific, positive reinforcement to keep them on the right path and help them be their best. It lets them know that people who care are paying attention.

Either way, keeping praise or criticism to yourself, or whispering it to a third party, helps no one. Share it with the person for whom it will do the most good – the one who can take action and improve from it!

Speaking of feedback, a friend recently asked me, “What is the purpose of these newsletters? You talk about things that have nothing to do with design, marketing or advertising?” According to Melinda E. Emerson, author of Become Your Own Boss In 12 Months, “more than 50% of business problems are well-disguised personal problems.” My experience working with businesses, non-profits and government agencies of all sizes has taught me that leadership starts at the top…and so do issues. Addressing these issues before you start spreading your message is essential to future success – once the freight train starts, it’s hard to change direction, and almost impossible to stop.

Is there an area where you’re not getting the results you expect? Be brave enough to ask someone whose opinion you trust – “What am I doing wrong?” And if you need an honest evaluation of your marketing materials or web site, call us…we’ll be sure to ‘keep it real’ with you!

Blue Collar Business/ White Collar Tools

My grandfather was a plaster mason. He left rural North Carolina in the early 1920’s in search of opportunity and learned a trade. By 1927, he had built his own apartment building in Newark, NJ. He and his family lived in one unit, and he rented out the others. Through his hard work, he was able to send his four children on to higher education. He was truly a man ahead of his time. Unfortunately, when he died, his business died with him.

Making that next-generation transition is not easy. According to Inc. Magazine, fewer than 30 percent of family businesses survive to the second generation, and just 10 percent hold on through the third.  One way to greatly increase the odds is to embrace new technologies and new processes.

While there is sometimes conflict between the “old ways” and “cutting edge” methods, the most successful enterprises are the ones that incorporate the best of both worlds. More frequently, businesses in traditional industries are making use of modern techniques to reach new customers, manage projects and improve customer service.

A great example of a multi-generational business is PG Builders. Founded in 1978, this home remodeling and roofing company has combined craftsmanship, work ethic and service (values that never go out of style) with new branding (which we helped them develop) implemented across print, web and social media. As a result, they have a unique advantage over their competitors in terms of reaching top customers and completing projects on schedule and under budget.

Although my grandfather passed away before I was born, I believe that I’ve inherited his independent spirit and entrepreneurial vision. My Dad, a retired engineer, saw my enthusiasm for science at a young age and exposed me to computers and technology before there were smart phones or web sites. Thanks to them, I was able to build on the foundation that was laid for me to create a business that required brains, creativity and hard work, in an environment that they would never have imagined. This Father’s Day weekend, I salute them, and all the other father figures and mentors who paved the way for the opportunities I have today.

Happy Interdependence Day!

We normally celebrate our nation’s Independence Day on July 4th. But for me, Independence Day came on July 12, 1995. That was the day I turned in my resignation at my engineering job and decided to devote myself to my business full-time.

What I didn’t know at the time, was that independence is only the first step. All of us feel the need for a certain degree of autonomy, the power to control our destiny and have a say-so over our lives. But are any of us truly “independent?”

Being accountable for our actions is a great and noble thing. It doesn’t just mean accepting blame when things go wrong; it also means being able to feel good about our accomplishments when things go right. But in most cases, there are other people who were involved in either instance. And almost without fail, other people will be impacted by our actions in either case.

In his book, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen R. Covey tells us that the highest state of personal effectiveness is not Independence, but Interdependence. Interdependence is what happens when two (or several) individuals have a relationship in which each has strengths and skills that are valuable to other, and in fact increase the overall productivity and effectiveness of the individuals and the group. It differs from dependence in that there is an equal relationship between the parties, where no one is (or feels) subservient and all are operating for mutual benefit.

Even though the original 13 colonies were independent, they relied on one another economically, politically and socially; not to mention countries like France, without whose military and financial support the American Revolution would not have been possible.

As entrepreneurs, we often feel like we are “going it alone.” In fact, we are all part of a team that includes our staff, vendors, customers and families. When each of us succeeds, we all succeed. Let’s remain mindful of that so that we respect one another’s contribution and make decisions for the benefit of all.

Pop Quiz: Are You Ready to Hire A Creative Professional?

Do you realize you need to increase sales, improve your customer base, or get your message out, but aren’t quite sure where to begin? Whether it’s an individual freelancer or an advertising agency, take this quiz to find if it’s time to begin a relationship with a marketing or creative professional. Give yourself 1 point for each “Yes.”

#1. “Am I Dropping the Ball?”

• Am I too busy doing today’s work to look for new business? (Yes/No)
  
• Am I missing out on opportunities because it’s taking me too long to respond to phone or email inquiries? (Yes/No)
• Am I spending money every month on advertising, marketing and web services that I don’t use? (Yes/No)
• Am I clueless about how my marketing efforts are effecting my bottom line? (Yes/No)

#2. “Do I Play Well with Others?”

• Can I articulate my organization’s vision to someone who knows nothing about what we do? (Yes/No)
• Could I benefit from a fresh perspective? (Yes/No)
• Am I willing to pay someone who is going to save me time? (Yes/No)
• Do I value my Customers’ experience, and put their needs ahead of my own? (Yes/No)
• Am I willing to accept advice and constructive criticism? (Yes/No)
• Do I value Design as a Competitive Advantage? (Yes/No)
• Am I willing to make this a Budget Priority? (Yes/No)
• Am I ready to accept change? (Yes/No)

#3. “Do I Know My ‘Media IQ’?”

Your “Media IQ” is your level of understanding about Marketing, Design, Advertising and Technology.

• Do I understand the difference between Marketing and Sales? (Yes/No)
• Can I tell the difference between a well-designed ad/ web site/ brochure and a poorly designed one? (Yes/No)
• Am I comfortable with Technology (computers, smart phones, tablets, etc.)? (Yes/No)
• Am I comfortable with Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.)? (Yes/No)
• Am I interested in what Creative Professionals do (illustration, graphic design, web design, writing, photography, etc.)? (Yes/No)
• Do I understand the importance of Content in the design process? (Yes/No)

Score Card:

Next time: “Ready? Set? Go! – Picking the Right Professional”