Many business owners think that salesmanship and marketing are enough to succeed in business. Bzzzt! Wrong answer! There’s another level to which all businesses should aspire: Creating a brand.

This video presentation by Richard Murray has some amazing insights into the impact that design has on the building of a brand. The presentation explores how varying elements of design can increase the success of a product or service. The key with any piece of design or advertising is to distinguish itself from the rest of the market or it’s competition. What makes me unique? We live in a society of intelligent consumers where simply hiding behind the equity in a brand name or logo no longer holds their attention.

Brand building in a recession: Richard Murray from D&AD on Vimeo.

The issue of business, and personal ethics abounds in all industries  with the subject being discussed, debated and argued ad nauseam. I’m firmly believe that the ethics that govern your business actions should mirror those of your personal life. Yes, occasionally in business we’re forced to push the boundaries to “get a job done”. You know what I mean… perhaps extending a deadline so we can make that weekly tee time, or maybe faking a cough to get out of an annoying client meeting! What I’d like to talk about here is a basic “code of conduct”, if you will, when it comes to dealing our fellow colleagues, friends and clients.

Today more the ever it seems even harder to get 5 minutes to just lean back

Ideas. They’re at the heart of every creative process. However, almost no really good ideas are flashes of inspiration.