Category: career

THE 1MM RULE

The 1mm rule: Find the small, quirky thing that makes people smile, share, and come back for more. – Greg Isenberg

LAST NIGHT A LIGHTBULB MOMENT SMACKED ME IN THE FACE

In 2006 I picked up a digital camera and began to document the summer camps our non-profit was leading. Kids were having an amazing, life-giving experience – and photographs helped capture that impact.

Less than two years later, we moved to Nashville where I focused 100% on photography at my day job, along with other creative opportunities outside of work.

And that was my world for almost 10 years.

But now, when I reflect back on first picking up the camera to document at the non-profit, the photographs were the means – not the end.

The photos:

  • Provided imagery for our future summer camp marketing and content needs
  • Eased parent’s worries because we posted the photos daily on a public photo account (on Flickr) so they could see all the fun things their kids were doing
  • Created visual mementos for counselors, staff and especially the kids
  • Connected us more deeply to our donors when we packaged up the photos from kids and counselors into a coffee table book as a way to demonstrate our collective impact and to say “thank you” for their gifts of time, talents, and money

The photos were important, of course.

But it was really the creativity to figure out WHERE and HOW to use them in unique, memorable ways to help us better engage and connect with our key audiences…

THAT was the x-factor – and my superpower.

Sometimes a lightbulb moment smacks you in the face.

I’m just thankful for continued and unfolding awareness of how my skills, strengths, and experiences have come together to make a deep impact.

EXCELLING AT WORK

Give a damn. Make the extra effort. The details matter! Make work about the work, the relationships, and the process of getting the work done. Stay professional, courteous, friendly, and tactful – don’t fool around. Have a positive, proactive, and resourceful disposition. Actively explore and entertain potential improvements. Take initiative. Be a good team player. Hear the feedback and adjust. Cultivate relationships with other people who are committed to their work, just like you. Opportunity to grow? Take it! Highlight problems and present possible solutions. Avoid gossip. Volunteer for that new project. Help others grow into the best version of themselves. Ask good questions. And… don’t make assumptions.

altMBA: HALFTIME REFLECTION

Eric Moeller, my altMBA coach, asked me to reflect on what I’ve learned so far in the altMBA process. Because time is precious, I will be brief.

Here are my three keys to success in the altMBA.

Read and Re-Read

I read every project at least 10 times and take lots of notes. Why? To understand what is being asked and how the process is supposed to challenge and change me.

I paid for the opportunity to be pushed beyond my limits — real or perceived — and digging into the project description and reading materials is where I focus my time and energy.

Additionally, if I fail to understand how the project is supposed to change me, I won’t be able to ask my classmates the right questions about their own work.

Kill the Obvious

I’ve personally challenged myself to ignore obvious solutions.

altMBA was not created so I could lean on previous knowledge, experience and skills. I’m intentionally here to challenge myself with new concepts and new ways of looking at the world.

I’m searching for the unexpected answer that stretches me and is interesting to the reader. I love brainstorming the crazy, backwards and, sometimes, most obvious, simple solutions.

I don’t get a thrill out of the predictable answer.

Don’t Be Afraid

If I’ve read the project prompt, created an interesting solution to the project (by killing the obvious) and used my observations to ship my best work… I’m not afraid.

I can take the critique, questions or feedback knowing that I shipped my best work.

I can rest easy at night.

And if my work didn’t accomplish its’ intended goal, then I missed something and need to reconsider my assumptions, communication or the worldview of the audience.

It’s been a wild ride and the second half is already here. Let’s go!