• Lesson learned in this crummy eomony. Part two.

    Posted on September 30th, 2009 by and currently 11 commenting.

    A while back I wrote some early lessons learned in this rocky economy.

    After talking with our clients and soon-to-be clients and studying some industry research, I’m with Ben and convinced the we’re in some sort recovery phase. Even though it will be a slow recovery — next year will not mirror this one.

    Want me to say that again? Next year will not mirror this one. (sigh) And that makes sleeping a bit easier at night.

    So I thought I’d reflect for a few minutes over this last year and share some of the lessons I’ve personally learned.

    1. We are all in this together. I don’t know many companies or organizations that dodged this great recession bullet. One of our Tequila shot values is this: Love the people who love you and they will love you back. I have never felt or believed this stronger than I do now. I feel this amazing sense of loyalty to clients and companies that have done the right thing by their partners, associates and customers. It has, in my mind, separated the remarkable companies from the ordinary. We are so lucky to have so many remarkable companies, talented people and organizations by our side right now. I am humbled and grateful.

    2. Take good care of yourself. A while back Megan gave me a copy of a speech her Dad gave at a graduation ceremony and I keep it in my desk at home. In it he shares some advice for the young, eager students he is addressing. One of my favorite bits of advice is in that speech. I don’t have it in front of me, but it goes something like this: Take really good care of your body. Eat right, exercise. You will need endurance as you embrace this world.

    Don’t you love that simple advice?

    I like to think I have taken care of myself, but this year — I stepped up my game and added weight training to my routine. It has changed my freaking life. You can’t fight a unexpected recession if you aren’t physically strong. Thank you for that very wise advice, Neil.

    3. It’s not about the money. I’m very competitive. I like growing things. Companies have to be profitable, but the companies that have stood by a set of strong values seem to be have gotten even stronger and more determined. And I believe those same companies will shoot out of this recession and experience tremendous and exciting growth.

    4. You can always find a better, smarter, simpler way to do things. Recessions give birth to big ideas and smarter, more focused companies. Be open to opportunities. They are swirling all around us. Believe it!

    So now…will you share? What have you learned in this year?

    I’m listening. And still learning…

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  • http://jeffhora.wordpress.com Jeff Hora

    Great post. I appreciate your context around health and “it’s not about the money”.

    I would add to your first point concerning “Love the people who love you and they will love you back.” If you take that a step further and reach out to the others who maybe don’t think you’re so hot with the same compassion as those you love, the results can be staggering (in a good way, of course…).

  • http://www.brennifresh.com Andrew Brynjulson

    Fresh out of school now, I’ve had some realities to come to terms with career, family, friends or otherwise. I’ve noticed that there are people in the world that don’t want you to be different. Whether it confuses, scares or threatens them, they would rather have you conform to their ways than do things differently, creatively. This did not surprise me. But I have been pleasantly surprised–and I cling to these things as I come across them–that there are still people that are willing to be different and are successful for it. I’ve learned to stick to what I’m good at and not be a carbon copy. Cool post.

  • http://www.note-to-cmo.com Stephen Denny

    Spike:

    A lesson from this lousy economy (for me) is to keep your feet moving. Have options. As the quote from Red Belt said, “there’s always an escape.” New partnerships where 1 + 1 = [more than 2] and allow you to have new conversations with new people not only give you options, they give you inspiration and hope when you need it most.

    We’re all inches from greatness – maybe a 1% uptick in the economy will tip us all over the edge! Let’s hope so. Why not.

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  • http://brainsonfire.com Robbin

    @stephen: I love this line and attitude. “We’re all inches from greatness – maybe a 1% uptick in the economy will tip us all over the edge! Let’s hope so. Why not.” Yes we are all on the verge.

    @andrew: Staying true to who you are is a great sign of character.

    @ Jeff: great reminder… Thanks for sharing.

    OX, Robbin

  • http://matchstic.com/blog/ Craig Johnson

    I’ve learned that sacrifice, not success, brings people closer.

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