A Better You

Posted on 12.9.2011 by JRHcreative

Somewhere in the world, there exists a version of you who has all your skills… but does everything better. This person designs better, writes better, develops better, and strategizes better. How do you compete?

Develop Quality with Quantity

The brilliant Chris Brogan recently wrote about focus. In the post, Brogan argues the power of less – by stopping certain tasks (even some you may enjoy), opportunities arise. Doing less results in accomplishing more.

“At its root, focus is about less. There can’t be two #1 priorities…. It’s simple. It’s about less. (Want a hint about less? Check out The Power of Less.)”

Stop Flinching

Another way to defeat the better you: develop a higher pain threshold. Julien Smith, who released “The Flinch” for a free digital download this week, reminds us that pain and challenges must exist in order to develop your best work.

“Because you are a human being, you are programmed to settle in one way or another, and breaking that programming will hurt. Get used to it– it’s the only way to make something exceptional.”

You 2.0

Focus. Do less. Develop a tolerance and confidence in times of pain and challenge. These suggestions will help you crush you work no matter the obstacle.

The better you is shakin’ in his boots.

Joe Lauzon on Cover of Fight! Magazine

Posted on 11.13.2011 by JRHcreative

Joe Lauzon Fight Magazine Cover

How cool! The UFC’s nerdiest fighter, Joe Lauzon, graces the cover of this month’s Fight! Magazine.

Without stealing the spotlight, I was proud to see the Lauzon MMA logo on which Joe and I worked together make it on the front cover. Very exciting!

I’ve been lucky to work with Joe over the years, designing logos and apparel for he and his gym – I look forward to continuing the relationship as Joe furthers his career in the UFC.

Data-Driven Decisions

Posted on 10.29.2011 by JRHcreative

A recent client visit proved my Syracuse University talk to be a worthy one – sophisticated use of quantitative data allows for better marketing decisions.

Tools

Through the use of Google Analytics and Radian6, we made educated recommendations for how best to use the client’s web presence. What types of blog posts and announcements created the most traffic? What types of content attracted the most visitors? What messages resonated? And how did the conversation shift over time? These answers lead to well-informed recommendations – and more importantly, increased value for the client.

Measurement

The beauty of research and analysis in marketing: the data never stops. As strategists and marketers, we can “re-measure” digital data for the purposes of making even more educated recommendations. How is data helping you make decisions?

Giving Back is Back!

Posted on 10.21.2011 by JRHcreative

I spoke to three different classes about the role of research and analysis in marketing.

I had the pleasure of speaking at my alma mater, Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, earlier this week. It served as a proud moment for me – traveling back to Syracuse to share real-life experiences with current students. In short, I was able to “give back.”

Go-givers

However, none of this would have happened without the help of a giver: Steve Masiclat, my ex-professor-turned-colleague, who was kind enough to invite me into his class. More importantly, Steve did an amazing job at “making me look good.” By that, I mean he referenced specific parts of my speech as part of his teaching for the day.

I encourage you to give back to your school, community, or favorite charity. Much like my return to SU, I’m sure those acts will be incredibly rewarding.

So thanks to Steve for inviting me to the ‘Cuse. And thanks to HB for encouraging me to speak and for continually investing in my personal development. And thanks to all the grad students for listening – I hope my talk was valuable.

Bringing Feedback to the Forefront

Posted on 10.13.2011 by JRHcreative

Mine?! Mine?! Yours.

One of Steve Jobs’s legacies lives on at Pixar Animation Studios. Much like Apple, Pixar creates a unique, organic culture resulting in incredible, award-winning animated films. How do they do it?

Feedback

Pixar prides themselves on constant feedback, a concept discussed in this Harvard Business Review article. Peers provide candid thoughts and recommendations throughout the movie-making process. Sometimes, Pixar will scrap an entire sequence or storyline based on internal team discussion.

Implementation

How can feedback play a role in your life? I experienced an incredible session of feedback today while practicing for next week’s talk at Syracuse University. I shared the entire talk and presentation in front of my teammates (HBers), who provided straightforward feedback that will result in a better speech.

Sharing

The best way to improve your product, brand or service? Share. As much as possible. Have a design that isn’t complete? Or the first few pages of a screenplay? Or maybe the first draft of a video blog? Share, share, share. A culture of sharing results in the best possible work. Just look at Pixar.