
In our family meeting this morning, in addition to Geno and Heather sharing the strategy for Colonial Williamsburg with the rest of the team, our Courageous President asked Eric Dodds to revisit our internal culture book and pick his favorite of the 12 beliefs. (His was “Brains on Fire is a movement.”)
It was a great way to start the new year - by remembering who we are and what we stand for. That little Tequila Shots book sits on my desk and we frequently give away copies at conferences or when we meet kindred spirits along this journey. If you haven’t read it, check it out.
And if you’d like one of the bound copies, you’re in luck, because the first 10 commenters on this post will receive one. So don’t say we never gave you anything, okay?
Well, if I had to pick, #9 is my favorite: “There is nothing wrong in simple.”
Specifically, this:
“Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, harder and more
complicated. It takes a genius to make things simple.”
This message, promulgated by BOF, 37signals, and others, is essential to businesses, movements, and people alike.
Reminds me of Tequlia Shots [link to post]
First of all, I love the fact that you called your staff meeting the “family meeting.” It’s always amazing of the “movements” that can be started when you impact the culture from within and then move outward.
I hope I’m not too late for the major award!
Seriously, I love the culture you’ve created and the care you take in preserving and cultivating it. I also love that you’re willing to share it.
I look forward to a bound version (assuming I finish this comment before 7 other people finish theirs).
Awesome stuff - I would love to get a hardbound copy. Love ‘there is nothing wrong with simple’ the best, but all of the beliefs were great.
Was looking for cool agency websites that featured blogs…and you site came up at the top of the list great design and fabulous messages.
I would *love* a copy - hopefully I’m in the first 10.
Plus - you know you want to send some love Austin way!
Rock on!
Michael January 8th, 2010 at 8:50 am
Awesome! I’ve wanted a physical copy for a while now.
Win!
Eric, good choice with the movement belief. I think this is essential for agencies in more than one way. First off, as a business, you never want to be standing still and as an agency, you would like to be constantly creating reactions, movements, trends, etc. with your work as well as in the way your business is run.
Spike,
As an outsider who has followed Brains of Fire from a distance, what I like most about your beliefs that they are not words on paper - but actions in life. Even if I never saw the little book (which I’d love ot have) I’d have a pretty good idea what your beliefs are.
Joel Nathanson January 8th, 2010 at 9:07 am
Why IS simplicity is so complicated? With the pace of the space, it’s always good to get back to your roots and the fundamentals of your business. I’d love to read more about how you guys make it happen. Thanks Spike! –Joel N. VP, Social Media Programs, Wells Fargo.
Even if I missed the bound copy, I’m glad you threw this out there. Definitely wise to revisit what makes your company or organization what it is. One of the many reasons I love working where I do.
Anyway, looking forward to seeing you in Sioux Falls in March, Spike. I promise it’ll be warmer by then. If not, I’m sure @BrenniFresh will have a coat or two ready for you.
Keep up the good work!
Oh sure, I’d like a copy of the manifesto. But I can count, so I know that’s not in the cards and I might as well tell you what I’d really like: a tequila shot, to scratch Mud behind the ear and an explanation of the first stanza of the Brains on Fire rally song. I’m in no hurry.
Oh well, I’m too late for the bound copy. But it’s still good for you to know about your fans. Keep up the good work!
I’d love a bound copy, but I’ll make do with the PDF. Thanks for sharing!
I’m curious how you are looking at Colonial Williamsburg. In general, I’m really interested to see how ‘local’ destinations such as CW (local meaning it attracts drivers from 150 miles away, and not people who get on a plane *specifically* to go there) look at marketing in these tough times.
I can see it going both ways: Harder to attract visitors, as buyers go with “tried-and-true” entertainment with their fewer disposable dollars (Think: “Disney — again”). Easier to attract visitors: People drive to CW because it’s much cheaper than flying to Maui, NYC, or Disney.
Hey Brains on Fire…
I am just coming across your blogsite and really just wanted to leave you a compliment.
Yes, there are many kindered spirits out there listening and learning from your openly helpful communications. Like you all…my approach to my business of coaching companies and individuals on improving sales and service has always been very simple, straight-forward and consequently highly effective.
Improving sales and service in any business is not rocket-science…athought some consultants would like to make it sound like it is…maybe that helps to justify the exorbanant fees some charge.
And while a business needs a sales strategy and plan, what really occurs is sales when you boil it all down is someone wants/needs to buy something and the two parties communicate the need and the available solutions in a way that is mutuallly benficial. As a buyer (customer) if I like you and what you have to offer and you make it easy for me to say yes to your offer, I most likely will.
Keep it simple…but keep working it.
Thanks for being out there and living the cause.
Joseph Rosales
The Sales and Service Coach