Field Notes Inside an Integrated Communications Agency

We’ve heard a lot about change lately. In the daily ad bombardment about candidates, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, the word seems to be overused on every front. Like many baby boomers, I’m not only facing change in my elected leaders and change in my financial portfolio -- I’m also dealing with changes to my diet and exercise plans and changes related to my aging parents. So today, the word “change” doesn’t seem far off and distant to me; it feels like a very active verb working in the here and now. It means in many areas of my life I have to adjust my focus and shift directions. But it also forces me to review my goals and determine how best to move forward.

I’ve learned that much of life is about adapting to change. But I’ve also learned through experience that if I have access to good information and I’m clear about what I want to achieve, I’m better equipped to plan for change instead of just having to react to it. If I can anticipate or initiate the change, I’m in control.

That’s what I like most about my “day job.” Having spent my career working in  government relations, I’m keenly aware of how important is it for companies and organizations to appropriately assess when it’s time to adjust their focus or shift direction. Change may be necessary because of circumstances beyond their control, but it can also be called for when new opportunities present themselves. I like to help clients assess where they are and where they want to go. I like to work with them to plan ahead before a crisis occurs. I like to talk with them about their goals and then strategically look at how best to proactively achieve those goals. I like to bounce ideas and strategies off the great team of professionals in my office. And at the end of the day, I like to feel that we’ve helped clients consider their options and make really good strategic decisions.

In less than two weeks, we’ll be electing a new president and a new governor. We’ll be electing new members of Congress, new legislators and new members of the Council of State. As I sit here today thinking about the upcoming elections, I’m excited about the new opportunities. And I know that regardless of the outcome of the elections, there will be new opportunities for education and outreach. There will be opportunities to pursue new issues and advocate new ideas. As difficult as some of the changes in my life feel right now, I think I’ll try to stay focused on how exciting some of these changes will be beginning on November 5!

Who do I love? Duke Corporate Education.
 
You know what I love?  Well, besides diet soda of course, I love the feeling you get seeing a site that you put your heart and soul into finally launch live on the Web.  Dukece.com launched on Wednesday, check it out if you have a minute.  
 
As we all know, working day in and day out on a project can cause one to get buried in the trenches of day to day project management.  Stepping back from the flurry of activity post launch Wednesday night (with a Coke Zero in hand), I consulted the Blueprint to assess where we finally landed compared to where we started this project almost a year ago.  Looking back on this experience, I fully realize not only the worth of pleasing our clients but also the true value in sticking to strategic objectives defined in the discovery phase.  
 
Thanks to everyone who touched this project and to those who make it possible for us to do work that explores the avenues of imaginative navigation techniques.  Each and every one of you deserve an ice cold Diet Dr. Pepper.  I’m buying.

Design education is a good thing. When my time came to fly the university nest, I remember thinking how I would set the world on fire. My naïveté initially worked to my advantage. I was cut some slack due to in experience. But I quickly learned that experience in inexperience would not build a career. Over the years of interviewing, teaching and mentoring young, eager talent I picked up a few simple, disputable truths that I sincerely hope can help you, a new graduate.

1. Write.

No one’s expecting you to be Tennyson or Tennessee Williams. Heck, not even Tennessee Ernie Ford! Simply be able to convert a complete thought to a well-written sentence. Writing is as much of a design process as creating a logo. It’s designing an emotional connection with words. This one skill has life-long benefits. We receive lots of resumes. It’s unbelievable how many have spelling and grammar errors. Even to the point of spelling our company’s name incorrectly. C’mon, you gotta get that right.

2. Soak up life.

Eat, drink, bathe in, touch, hear, squish between your toes and feel everything you can. This provides a repository for inspiration. I firmly believe original ideas come from original inspiration. Use your experiences to influence your work. It’ll have more heart, you’ll have more fun and be far more pleasant to be around.

3. Make everything and everyone better than you found them.

That goes for the planet, your colleagues, younger talent and most importantly, you. I believe that we should push others to do their best work, yet push ourselves even more. I also believe you should work with people better than you. You’ll do your best work and likely get rewarded with more good work. However, if you find yourself working for someone (or something) you don’t respect, leave. Your soul will thank you.

4. Concept always wins.

Good design is a memorable, smart solution. You get there with a bulletproof concept. If concept and “pretty” are in a cage match, concept will always win. Concept is the sticky part of an idea. It is NOT a Photoshop filter. Seek to strengthen the concept in everything you do. I promise you, no one will hand you an award-winning project. It’s up to you to really excel.

5. Focus on the right thing — achieving your client’s mission.

While we often forget, we wouldn’t be here without clients. Thank them often by always doing your best work. You’ll be repaid with the opportunity to do even more good work while earning their trust and partnership. It’s only with those qualities that your true brilliance shines. Live by this and I promise your reputation will thank you.