Recently, Ben and I traveled to NYC to attend the Evolve Symposium. Evolve was a two-day intensive event that was specifically created for design agency owners and leaders. Perfect for us as we are always striving to learn and grow as an agency.
We covered quite a bit of ground in the two days. Our topics of discussion ranged from our business models, organization and strategic partnerships to social media, content and strategic presentations and more.
The symposium was well organized and intimate – there were 30 of us in attendance – which was just the right size to become friendly with everyone and have open, honest, helpful conversations. We shared what worked and what hasn’t, lessons learned and best practices. I gained a roomful of new friends and colleagues with whom I’ve already continued the dialogue with – and that’s the best part. It helps to have trusted colleagues you can turn to anytime for solid advice, honest feedback and insightful conversation. That alone was worth the ticket of admission!
Here is just a taste of some takeaways from Evolve. Perhaps they will help spark something within you as well:
1. Lead with curiosity
2. Information will inform the action
3. Through my knowledge and expertise of the industry, develop a clear, singular, own-able point-of-view
4. Marketing is sharing, not selling
5. Force yourself to talk to 10 new people each week
6. Don’t be afraid to ask the tough questions
7. Your website shouldn’t try to answer every question – it should entice. Say more with less
8. Be creative, be generous and make it matter
Emily Cohen speaking at Evolve.
There was volumes more – but the above eight points stuck with me without even referencing my notes. Ben and I are still pouring over our piles of collective notes, sorting out the different initiatives and making plans on which to implement when and in what priority order. The two-days was only the beginning for us! But we are excited to continue to grow and evolve Elements and hope you will like all the changes we have planned for the journey ahead. We are very excited!
~Amy
