I Left My Stress in San Francisco

July 21, 2009

Here’s a brilliant observation….ready? We all need a vacation now and then!! Ok, so this isn’t the most earth shattering thought, but it’s one that’s way too easy to forget. I just returned from eight days in San Francisco (ok, the four days in Sonoma’s wine country didn’t hurt either) and I’m reminded of how perspective can open up the creative path in the brain. The “Paris of the West” is a city rich in history and full of visual excitement. From the waterfront and Alcatraz to the hillside homes, virtually all different from one another, to Haight-Ashbury’s psychedelic past. The colors, styles and architecture of the city served to remind me that things don’t have to look like I expect them to, and really probably shouldn’t. Hopefully I’ve clicked Refresh and can bring some of what I observed to our work.

If you haven’t gotten away for awhile, try and go soon. Or just do what you do everyday in a different way. Take a fresh look at your brand. Does it need refreshing to appeal in a new and different way to your customers? Could your website be more effective for your organization in terms of efficiency, “curb appeal”, and sales. And what about this “new media” stuff? Could it actually be a benefit to your organization? Might be worth exploring.