Keeping things real.
- June 13th, 2010
When I first started my photo business I had some core values that I idealized more than lived out. For example, my first podcast was called the “Simple Photo Minute” that was neither simple and rarely a minute long. Although I’ve figured a few things out, it was back then that I started my bad habit of spreading myself too thin and I’m still paying for it to this day.
Recently though I visited with a company called Vokle who I’m currently hosting my AskDane show with. What drew me to them was their bare bones elegance. I was nervous to meet them because I thought maybe I’d be disappointed if who they were didn’t match what they showed.
When I saw their “signage” though I was hopeful (see above). Why? Because it reflected who they were, their values, their culture of simplicity.
When I went inside and saw the substantive part of their work (the people, the conversations, the mission and actions of the company), same thing. Their outside matched their insides. It was refreshing.
That kind of syncronicity reflects a focus that impresses me and I crave more of for myself. And, of course, it just makes sense. By choosing to be modest with our metaphorical “signs” it frees up time for focus around things that matter most: how people experience us (aka… our real signage).
So, what can you and I learn from a shoddy little sign? Whether you’re a bride planning a wedding or a creative planning a business or a family planning a life, what do you say we all take a day (maybe even today) and ask ourselves if we’re in sync… if we’re keeping it real… if “cutting out” might free up time to focus on what matters most? I wonder if it might be just the kind of calibration we need.
Tags: dane sanders
June 13th, 2010 at 1:20 pm
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Dane, Simon Hawkings. Simon Hawkings said: RT @danesanders: Keep things real. http://bit.ly/cvlEZc #fb [...]
June 13th, 2010 at 1:37 pm
Dane, I commend your fight to stop, evaluate, focus, THEN simplify, and streamline! There’s probably no short cut. Early on, you’re in a steep learning curve to figure out what you actually bring to the marketplace, what needs you address, where you can “play” most satisfyingly.
THEN, as your insights, feedback from others, the condition of your own heart as you’re in your life you FINALLY are readied to wisely streamline. Proud of you, man!!
Kirkie
June 13th, 2010 at 4:10 pm
Dane,
Thanks for the nice post, you’re welcome to stop by anytime you’d like :)
June 13th, 2010 at 6:26 pm
Well said Dane! SIMPLICITY.
June 14th, 2010 at 2:38 am
So well put Dane! Thank You for the reminder, I really need to on every occasion to remember myself that I do not pretend to be something I’m not. Only way to stay on this business is to be true.
June 14th, 2010 at 6:49 am
Love this post Dane, and I couldn’t agree more!
Removing things from your life almost ALWAYS creates more freedom.
June 15th, 2010 at 9:54 pm
Love this post too. Simplicity is somethig we have to FIGHT for these days! Thanks for spreading the knowledge.
June 16th, 2010 at 7:43 am
It’s funny how the word simplicity keeps coming up in our hectic, fast forward lives. I’ve been saying this for years, if you don’t slow down, and see what’s important, you will keep running into the wall, and the wall won’t give, you will. I’ve kept my life simple, and do more so as I get older, and so do my children, my number 1 priority. Thanks for the reminder Dane.
June 16th, 2010 at 7:51 am
Great post Dane!
July 26th, 2010 at 2:18 pm
Thanks for the challenge to refocus. I met you at IE 2009, and you really encouraged me there and have since… Thanks for giving me so much to think about today. You are making a difference. God bless.
August 24th, 2010 at 6:05 pm
I really like the casual, but controlled style of these. I think that many people do not realize the skill it takes to pull this off. Really nice work.