As I get ready to buy a new desk calendar I thought I should take a moment to flip back through the past year and reflect on everything I learned, the people I met, and the friendships I made. Here are some highlights from what 2019 brought me.
Three things I learned in 2019:
- Paying for Domain Privacy Protection is totally worth it! I have always checked this box but I was curious. How bad could it be? I think this is one of those questions that crosses your mind right before you say “hold my beer”. I got probably 25-40 calls per day! Now that it is approximately 3 months later I’m only receiving 2-3 calls per day! (I block the numbers as they call in). Consider this your Consumer Report and click that privacy protection button!
- The time you put into planning is made up in execution. Sitting down and thinking through the whole brand solution saves time and gets you to a better result in the end. I encounter a lot of freelance clients who want to immediately jump in and create a logo without putting in the time to fully think through their brand and who they want to be in the market. Once we complete the branding workbook they have a clearer picture of who they ARE and the iterations are greatly reduced! “Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.” – Abraham Lincoln
- The people who designed front facing touch panel controls for ovens do not have toddlers or blue heelers! Seriously! I have luckily been in the kitchen and heard a ‘beep’ just to look over at the oven and our pups turned on the BROILER! (TWICE!!!) For the record Jinx has learned how to push the button to turn off the TV as well, but that seems less likely to burn down my house!
People I met in 2019:
- Jon Cleaves at DGS Games. Jon created this amazing game Freeblades that is a fantasy skirmish game set in the vibrant world of Faelon. He designs and produces 32mm scale model miniature game pieces that the customer can personalize and show their artistry. I’m always in awe of people who can create another world and describe it so that it comes to life in others minds! Go check out the world of Faelon at: https://www.dgsgames.com/
- Brain & Patience Jones at Graphic Machine. Aside from just being awesome people, Brian and Patience are crazy talented. They are a one-stop-shop for Architecture, Engineering and Construction firms. They provide website development, social media management, and content creation for the A/E/C market. Check out their mad skills: https://graphicmachine.com/
- Michelle Brown from The Chive Cafe & Market & Nolan Brown from Transparent Brewing Company. Michelle is bringing a farm to market restaurant concept to life. This new causal dining option will offer locally sourced items and beer pairings!They are currently building a new location in Grandview and hope to be open late Spring 2020. Keep an eye on their progress at: https://thechivesimplygood.com/
Friendships Made in 2019:
- Virtual Reality of Kansas City (VRoKCs) This organization gives students exposure to VR/AR technology. They learn various VR/AR tools and build out their own VR/AR experiences/environment through a 24-hour Hack-A-Thon. I have been lucky enough to be able to help high school students perfect their pitches for the “shark tank” style pitch. If you are looking for an organization to support that combines education and technology check them out at: https://www.vrokcs.org/
- Global Entrepreneurship Week in KC: Global Entrepreneurship Week is an international celebration of the makers, innovators and job creators who launch startups and bring ideas to life. Founded by the Kauffman Foundation in 2008, it has since expanded to more than 160 countries. Here in KC, it hosts more than 100 events and brings thousands of attendees every November. To become a sponsor or volunteer go to: https://www.kcsourcelink.com/gew/get-involved
If 2019 was this great, I can’t wait to see what 2020 has in store!
Is there anyone you know that needs some Marketing and Design help? If so please pass my name and contacts along. (I pay finders fees in baked goods!)