msk branding
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![Ethics
Ethics have played a significant role in the downfall of many corporations and many influential people (Madoff, Enron, any and all of the subprime lenders). And even though as an outsider the view of what is ethical and what is not seems blatantly obvious, at times the line is not that easy to spot.
In a world where black and white often meets gray area, figuring out what the ‘best’ thing to do can often be difficult to discern. From my point of view, working in the creative industry, there is a lot more gray area than you can imagine.[[MORE]]
Did that logo rip off someone else’s?
That campaign reminds me of _________.
Didn’t I propose that exact same idea two months ago?
These exact same concerns can be seen in many other industries. Certainly in the finance industry when institutions receive random bits information. How are you to be sure that what you’ve been told is legal public knowledge or not?
In public institutions when employees are paid to take cross-country seminars which turn into pseudo vacations.
There are many, many examples of ethical gray areas. The key is not to step into the realm of ‘unethical behavior.’
If It’s a Little Funky…
…it’ll stink. Trust me. If you are told to do something or are questioning whether an action of yours could be considered unethical, then it probably is.
I strongly recommend that if you feel even the slightest pang of: “I don’t think this is right,” to abandon the position which you’re in. Leave. Because while many qualities in the American workforce have drastically changed over the years, the basic foundation of: you are only as good as your word and you must be ethical have not yet left white collar/blue collar culture.
Don’t malign your reputation for a bit of unethical workmanship. Don’t do it. People will not trust you, partners will leave you, and the industry which you’re in will most likely close its door of opportunity. Fixing a reputation of being ‘unethical’ is quite a high price to pay.](http://25.media.tumblr.com/15657d3e08b84318311a6ca3f3cfd785/tumblr_mkwllcKpOx1r3ovbao1_1280.jpg)
Ethics
Ethics have played a significant role in the downfall of many corporations and many influential people (Madoff, Enron, any and all of the subprime lenders). And even though as an outsider the view of what is ethical and what is not seems blatantly obvious, at times the line is not that easy to spot.
In a world where black and white often meets gray area, figuring out what the ‘best’ thing to do can often be difficult to discern. From my point of view, working in the creative industry, there is a lot more gray area than you can imagine.
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You are the Only Person Who Can Help You
Arnold Schwarzenegger is known for many things, some good, others not so flattering. And while many may argue whether his faults triumph his victories, nobody can dispute that his victories are great and remarkably inspirational.
He has overcome many obstacles by paying tribute to one amazing feature: tunnel vision. He only sees the gold, not the mess of issues that he must cross to get the gold.
Approaching your business, your marketing strategies, and your personal ambitions with tunnel vision can truly help you. Do not be dissuaded by little faults, do not be afraid of failing. After all, every single risky decision balances on the line of extreme success and extreme failure. You can’t achieve one without risking the other. That’s just the way the cosmos works.
So be your own best friend, be your own guide. Only when you wholeheartedly believe in yourself will others follow.
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“Advertising is the very essence of democracy” — Anton Chekhov -
Silver Lining
There is always an upside to every downside. I say this because I’ve seen my share of downidesides. Trust me, there really is a true, mystic silver lining to every single situation.- Lose your USB with your final Logo Design — Gives you an opportunity to start fresh, make something better
- Printing Company prints the wrong thing — They owe you one! Next one is either free or expedite ordered (now I know you like that)
- Customer makes you cry — Never again. Now you know what to say to make someone else cry :)
- Lose a potential client — You can spend more time perfecting your other clients’ projects, maybe even win a design award
Life is one big silver lining, so make sure to find yours. Don’t dwell on what you can’t change, invest your thoughts in making things better than they ever could have been before.
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What Just Happened?
There will be a time, inevitably, when you encounter some sort of a difference with either a client, vendor, employee or sponsor. And when this time comes it is best that you remember these fine words:
It’s not personal, it’s business
I say this because more often than not when conflict arises people’s views tend to narrow. When views narrow, compromises are nearly impossible to reach and these conflicts snowball into larger, more trying issues.
Repeating the phrase above will keep your head above water. Responding to any business conflict on an emotional level is wrong. Period. Emotion has no place in the business world. Being ‘right’ has no place in the business world. Business is all about facts, logic, and negotiating.
