Ah that familiar feeling.
The end.
It’s a weird emotional ride that How’s Editor expressed so accurately… “it feels like the end of Summer camp.” The new friends you’ve made, the shared experiences, feeling of community. You almost don’t want to leave.
But alas, all good things…
The day started off with the session
Branding is like Dating
Very informative but considering the night we had at the B&W ball, and the brain overload I’m suffering from, it took all the mental energy I had just to write down all Marcus Hewitt said. His main point was a familiar one though; Branding is about relationships. Even though his case studies focussed on packaging design, they were applicable to all branding in general:
Know Thyself
- – nothing is more attractive than confidence, whether it’s a person, brand or design
Dare to be Different
- – let personality shine through
Get to Know People
- -the audience and your client
Don’t Overwhelm
- – less is more
Keep them Engaged
- – don’t let the customer relationship get stale
Stay in Shape
- – don’t get complacent
Think About Tomorrow
- – anticipate future customer needs and how you can fulfill them
Closing Speaker
I had seen a video of Bill Strickland’s slideshow on TED’s website(do yourself a favor and watch it). But there’s nothing like seeing it live. I can’t decide what was more inspirational about his story; the content – how he managed to pull himself out of poverty through pottery and benevolence, or the delivery-how unassuming, humorous and humble, yet determined.
Some pearls:
People are assets not liabilities. It’s how you treat them that determines their behavior.”
People are a function of environment and expectations. You build beautiful environments, you get beautiful people. You build prisons, you get prisoners
His life has been a testament to the idea that giving people opportunities and exposure to experiences beyond their current situation can transform them in profound ways. That it’s not easy, but it’s simple: show them that they’re worth it, and they’ll rise to the occasion. I believe, along with Mr. Strickland, that he’s found the cure for emotional cancer, for the political, racial and economical problems this country suffers from. The secret lies with showing people, regardless of their social standing, the respect they deserve and that there’s nothing that sunshine, flowers, and some smoked salmon can’t fix.
Well it’s been one of the most exciting experiences of my life. Truly memorable and profoundly impacting.
Now it’s on to the voyage home.
To everyone involved in putting this event on, Thanks a million and hopefully see ya in Austin in ’09!!
Bill Strickland
A very bad close up of Mr. Strickland
Bryn wrapping things up a few minute ago, sniff… group hug everyone
Leaving HOW last year in Atlanta last year was definitely a sad time too.
The amount of creative energy that goes on at HOW conferences is unbelievable. It’s a great time.