PORTEDO

As I sit here on a quiet Wednesday morning (yeah…12:23AM is morning), I find myself…working.  Nothing major…just some catching up to do from the hectic week.  I’m reminded of something as I’m smoothing some curves with the pen tool…consistency.

As a creative, I have made it my goal to show up every day with my game face on.  Sure, I bring all of my struggles, issues, accomplishments, etc. to the office, but I always try to dig deep and keep a stiff upper lip for the day ahead of me.  It’s what I strive for.  Consistent, steady, dependable, reliable work.

I believe that’s what separates the one-hit-wonders from the truly successful.  The not-quites from the already theres.  The somedays from the todays.  Consistent, reliable work may not always cut through the masses of creative accomplishment.  It may not be your next award.  You may not get accolades for this work before you, today.  But, people have come to rely on you, and your abilities to tell their story…and they expect your take will garner results for them.  And…if you commit to being consistent…you will succeed.

Sure, everyone wants to see their name in lights.  You want your peers’ approval and applause, and you should strive to make a mark with each task at hand.  But, don’t get caught up in it.  It’s a slippery slope.  Do the work.  Do it your very best.  Show up with an unwavering tenacity to get it done right…on time…on message…and on budget.

That’s the measure of a good creative.  Showing up, game face on, day after day, banging it out.  It’s the foundation for ground-breaking.  Be consistent, and you WILL change the game from time to time.

And when you do…act like you’ve been there before.

I guess the fun has come to an end…according to this interesting presentation put together by Espresso.  It’s certainly nothing earth-shattering for anyone who was been in the social media game for any amount of time…but it is a refreshing and candid pulse on where we are today.  The facts and figures are staggering.

This is a great reminder of how powerful social media has made word-of-mouth advertising.  The consumer is much more informed and empowered today than ever before.  People are able to crush or champion a brand in real time…and they are doing it.  Gone are the days of guessing and pushing.  We’re in a world where your product is more important than ever.  Good (allbeit false) advertising can actually HURT your brand.  There are no exceptions.

For those of us who actually enjoy our daily fix of social media, this is also a reminder that it is more than just a playground. It’s an advertising force that can make or break your brand.  Social media will hopefully be the key to finally getting the products and services we deserve, and filter out the crud.  Our “playtime” is quite possibly the most productive thing we can do for our global economy today. (I may be stretching here)

OK.  Back to work…er..play…