Always Keep Them Surprised!

We are working with one of our clients on a major re-launch of their system of web sites (actually 5 different sites supporting each other). Over the past couple of years we have developed a strong sense of trust and respect for each other.

In large projects like this, sound business practice is to not find yourself in the erroneous belief that whatever the client asks for you perform the work for free. “Out of spec” merits engineering change orders. But you can also fall into the trap of “nickel and diming” the client to death. Balancing these two extremes is important but at times difficult. The more we respect our clients and they respect the studios, the easier it is to find the right balance. Both each have to be fair – and in today’s economy fairness often times goes out the window.

With all this said the done, we at the studio constantly remind ourselves that our success has been and will continue to be built on “always striving to exceed client expectation”. This mantra can be heard in the truly successful studios and agencies

If it helps – think of it as a bird’s nest!

As we work with our clients to establish channels of communications for advertising and marketing, social media always comes up. Yes, everywhere you turn there is some start-up offering a free seminar in social media and how they use it.

Many clients when first exposed to social media channels, either have a blank look or an expression of “I dare you to try that craziness here”. Such reactions usually come from the baby-boomer age cohort. As a baby-boomer, I fully understand. On the surface, it makes no sense. It is one of those things, the game-crazed younger people do. Within the studio, I was the last to have a “FaceBook” account. The real story is: one lunch time when I was out of the studio, Studio Guy et al set up my FaceBook link.

This was my mindset until I heard the following story:

Often times we see birds with twigs, strings, and pieces of trash in their beaks. How often we would ask “What will they use that “crap” for? Until we see the beautiful nest they build. That is exactly the same with social media. Maybe that is why they call some postings “tweets” in Twitter!

Every time there is some type of social media posting about your company/organization, it adds to building your nest. So my advice to you who are still resisting trying these communications channels, is the same advice I got from others at the studio – “Get over it and just do it”! Go “tweet”.

You just cannot get around it!

We believe in the power of a brand and that branding is one of the most important assets an organization possesses. Every organization needs a brand. So often, we find organizations having survived their first five years of start-up, having built no name recognition or client loyalty - just two of the benefits of branding. We repeatedly remind clients going through the brand development process that their brand is more than just an icon or graphic, so much more than just a logo.

Creating your brand elements should be the result of a process. If not the results are personal opinions. Even worst, they just concentrate on a graphic element and actually get lost in the design. They quickly move from design to art. The process gets thrown out of the window. Branding degenerates into what family and friends like – so much for what will work in the market.

I have come to the conclusion that even though everyone needs a brand and should be branding, some organizations and/or founders are just ready for a brand. We have actually included interviewing and screening prospects, who are interested in branding as part of our marketing processes. Both process and product are required for success. Some people are just not ready or understand that principle.

Meet Our New Studio Member

It has been a week or so since I last blogged. Have been busy getting our new studio staff member settled and “trained” in our ways. He comes to us from Iowa. It has been a real joy having our new member. Everyone who has visited the studio is extremely impressed by him. A photo of our new addition – Studio Dog is included in this blog. Studio Dog’s alter-ego is played by Toby who is a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier. So you are all invited to come to the studio and meet Studio Dog.

Design Wins Again

We often repeat the phrase: Design is a necessity not a decoration. And last week’s business news validated that expression.

Apple Computer, in the mist of one of our worst recessions, posted their best non-holiday quarter ever. If you stop and think about it – Apple grew when everything else was shrinking.

I wonder why? Even though they have always been known for quality they are definitely not the cheapest. They also do not dominate the installed computer base. Some may say it is the iphone and ipod. Those two products do go along way in explaining Apple’s success. But during the same period of time, they also sold millions of desk and lap tops.

You see, Apple understood and understands the power of Design. They came to the realization that consumers are more interested in how it looks versus how it works. Design has become an integral part of Apple equipment. It is not just some “white-wash” to make you think that they are interested in design.

Design is a strategic component of Apple not just some passing tactic for quick- short-term success. You need to just walk pass an Apple store and everything screams – DESIGN.

The lesson learned? You must make design part of your culture, part of your strategic growth. Your staff must become design savvy in their thinking and approach to business growth. You just need to look to Apple for validation.

Are you making the proper investments?

One of the real sad results of today’s economy is how we look at making important business investments. True, “cash my be king” but that does not mean we throw away our business savvy when it comes to business decisions.

An example is your business’ web site. It is one of the most important investments you can/will make for your business. It is the focus of expanding your brand. It is the first place someone will go to validate your organization or be introduced to your products and services. Your web site is one of your most important first-impressions maker. And yet so many business owners and managers are selecting their web sites for the wrong reasons. Let’s take an example out of our personal lives. Our cars and houses are probably two of the most important investments we will make. Now, if you have a family of five and have your main car a two-seater – wrong investment. You are just going to have to return the two-seater and get the right car – the investment.

Or take your logo. A logo is one of several important elements of your brand – and branding is extremely important. Going to get some modernized clip art because it is cheap or quick is the wrong investment. Just hope you are not making your other business decisions with the same short sightedness.

It is hard to fathom!

This past weekend, our household watched the annual showing of the musical 1776. I am not commenting on the quality of the musical or the accuracy of the story line. Just call me sentimental, but the founding of the USA is a powerful story. A story of men from different geographic areas and different view points coming together for the common good. Everyone of them probably had a hidden agenda that eventually they were able to overcome.

It is hard to fathom what that group of men had to endure for the sake of founding our country. America and the world are much different now and yet the principles that not on relative values but ethical absolutes. A principle is only a principle when it is difficult to follow.

This is suppose to be a blog for creative design. Our founding fathers were truly exceptional designers – designers of something as grand as freedom – now that is some genre.

After watching the DVD, I still feel honored and proud to be an American. I need that yearly reminder to have the courage and belief to say “God bless America”.