My friend Spike Jones is on fire.
When we first started talking about bringing identity and WOM together to create programs/movements seven years ago, people looked at us like we just got off the spaceship from Mars. But we knew it was the right thing to do. So we kept at it. And others around us started to speak the same language. We found those kindred spirits. And now we’re finding more and more.
When you stay true to who you are, all the gray is taken out of the world. It’s black and white. You put a stake in the ground and stand firm in the knowledge of what you do really well, and what you refuse to do. It becomes so easy to connect with those that have the same beliefs. And you rest easy in those relationships. Because of the trust that is shared.
I haven’t stayed true to who I am in my ad career. Not at all. But does that mean I’m damned to repeat my mistakes? I don’t think so. Everyone one of us has the option to define or redefine ourselves at any moment.
For too long, I’ve been the copywriter/creative director willing to work on whatever was handed to me by the suits at whatever agency I worked for. That path never worked for me, so thinking it’s going to work for me now or in the future is pretty dumb. Wouldn’t you say?
What does work for me is an open and honest relationship with leaders of companies that offer products and services I respect and believe in. My function is to help those leaders dig for and find their brand truth and then present it in a compelling way to prospects and existing customers. Here’s an earlier post I made on the subject.
To Spike’s point, I need to clearly and consistently communicate who I am, what I stand for and what my core offering is. No matter how difficult it is.
There’s a poignant line in the song, “Comes a Time” by Garcia/Hunter…
- Got to make it somehow on the dreams you still believe.
Despite the numbers, I still believe in our ability to make AdPulp a profitable enterprise. I also believe in my ability to “pay the bills” by writing copy on a freelance basis. And long-term, I believe in my ability to steer progressive companies toward elegant marcom solutions.
If you’d like to join in any of these ADventures, please do let me know.