Success Block?

I stumbled upon this video today during my morning reflection and meditation time. While the message of it is directed toward people in the creative field, I think it’s applicable to everyone; and not only individuals, but businesses as well.

The video is part of Big Think series, “a forum where top experts explore the big ideas and core skills defining the 21st century,” and features Rainn Wilson (The Office) answering the question, “Why do people get creatively blocked?”

I was particularly struck by Wilson’s introductory statement, “I think ‘creative blocks’ come from people’s life journeys. If you don’t know who you are or what you’re about or what you believe in, it’s really pretty impossible to be creative.”

In this instance, I’d suggest that ‘success’ could be a wider synonym for ‘creative.’

In the 15 years I’ve been branding companies, it’s the ones that can passionately answer who they are, what they’re about, and what they believe, that really take off. From that platform, it’s easy to create a strong company brand that resonates and builds an avid fan base. Some companies may not be able to articulate the answers to these questions in words when they walk through our doors, but you know when it’s alive inside of them. And if it’s there, we can wring it out.

So when facing a “success block,” the first place to look should be internally. Do this by asking yourselves, “Who are we, what are we about, and what do we believe that makes us different?” If the question isn’t readily answerable by you or your team, then chances are your customers aren’t too sure either.

Happy reflecting,
Alec

Do you know why?

We all know what we do and how we do it.

But do we know why we do what we do?

And better yet, do we communicate that “why” to the people around us?

Here’s a brilliant talk by Simon Sinek from a 2009 TED conference in Puget Sound, Washington, explaining why “why” matters. Well worth every minute.

Enjoy,
Lynne

20|20′s Lynne & Alec Attend Leadership SLO Class XX Reunion

This Sunday, the San Luis Obispo Botanical Gardens were teeming with local business and community leaders from across San Luis Obispo County. New graduates and past alumni gathered to honor Leadership SLO, its graduates, and its past directors. The program – aiming to cultivate strong and cohesive leadership, involvement and investment in the future of San Luis Obispo County – reached its 20 year hallmark this October.

20|20 founder Lynne Biddinger, a graduate of Class XIV, attended the reunion banquet along with 20|20 President & Creative Director Alec Ramsey, a graduate (as of Friday) of Class XX. Their attendance marked a celebration of 20|20′s commitment to the San Luis Obispo community as well as a dedication to never-ending learning and growth. Thank you Lynne and Alec for setting the bar high and providing inspiration for the rest of us!

Here’s a bit of KSBY coverage of the event.

20|20 Heads to Santa Cruz!

Summer was ending, we were all getting antsy, and we just knew it was that time again. Time for a 20|20 retreat! So we loaded up the mini van, piled ourselves in and headed up the coast to Santa Cruz for a weekend of fun, games and adventure. From convincing ourselves that our rental home was haunted, to pondering the mysteries of the Mystery Spot, to satisfying our creative cravings at improv theater, good times and great memories flourished.

SLOtheSTIGMA Nominated for Cause/Effect Awards!

Some of you may be familiar with SLOtheSTIGMA, a documentary and campaign produced by 20|20 for Transitions Mental Health Association, to reduce the stigmas associated with mental illness in San Luis Obispo County. If you haven’t seen it, please watch SLOtheSTIGMA. Both the documentary and accompanying advertising campaign were entered into AIGA San Francisco’s (AIGA is the professional association for design) 2011 Cause/Effect Awards.

The Cause/Effect Awards were created to highlight branding, marketing, and design projects that advance the well-being of our environment, our society, or both. 20|20 was honored to learn that SLOtheSTIGMA had been nominated alongside so many amazing projects for a shot at the People’s Choice awards.

An online gallery and voting system is currently up and in progress, and will be available until October 31st. If you wish to vote, or to simply view these campaigns, check out the Cause/Effect website, get inspired, and get involved!

20|20 Wins Six Addy Awards for 2011

20|20 has definitely kept the ball rolling, receiving six Addy Awards from the American Advertising Federation for 2011 on various branding projects. Recognition included a Gold Award for the television commercials produced for Farm Supply Company, while other creative projects to receive awards included Talley Vineyards’ Bishop’s Peak wine label, Friends of Hearst Castle’s print collateral, the SLOtheSTIGMA and REC Solar marketing campaigns, as well as the “Duane” television ad for The Villages of San Luis Obispo.

20|20 is hugely appreciative to all of its amazing clients, without whom this work could never have happened. Thank you all. We can’t wait for all the fun and exciting branding, marketing and advertising projects to come!

Alec Ramsey is Top 40 Under 40!

We couldn’t be more proud to share that our very own Alec Ramsey, President and Creative Director of 20|20 Creative Group, has made his way onto Pacific Coast Business Times’ Top 40 Under 40 list for 2011!

This annual event “recognizes young, entrepreneurial leaders in the Tri-Counties” and celebrates their business success as well as the positive changes they’ve made in the community. Alec exemplifies these talents daily, and we’re honored to have him as one of our leaders.

As employees of 20|20 Creative Group and members of the Pacific Coast community, thank you Alec for everything you do, and congratulations!