Neil Brown

Building a Team

Sun, 01 Apr 2012 17:20:00 GMT

One of the most important and difficult aspects of any entrepreneurial endeavor is building the right team. It’s no easy task! If you’re just starting out as an entrepreneur, do not underestimate the time, effort, and ultimately the financial cost it will take to build a great team. If viewed as a point of frustration, remember this African proverb … “You can go quickly alone. But you can go far with many.” It’s best to always focus on the latter. Great vision requires a great amount of work. If one can accomplish his vision alone, that vision is simply too small.

The beauty of working with and for a team is that the vision of the organization grows, evolves and pivots rapidly, simply because two minds think faster than one. Never lose sight of the fact that those with whom you serve on your team have their own vision and goals. And as a leader it is important to factor the visions of the individual team members into the organization’s vision. Otherwise de-motivation runs rampant. It is an issue of designing intrinsic motivation into the fiber of the organization and its culture. Remember that you are building a team of people, not assembling widgets in a factory. Human capital trades on a different currency than financial capital. Human capital does not trade as simply as a transaction. Human capital trades on the currency of the objective … purpose, passion, vision, emotion, and the ephemeral. Do not view the economy of human capital as a downside, but rather as an opportunity – a privilege truly.

The foundation of any organization’s success is built upon the success of the individual team members. The more successful your team, the more successful the organization. It’s rather elementary! I believe that a business can be built as a platform where the passions of the individual team members are, in fact, the most profitable facet of the business.

Beauty Shoot with Friends

Sat, 12 Nov 2011 23:50:00 GMT

Hanging out with old friends, and making new friends ... All in a day's work on set, having a good time. Here's a few selects of Brittany from last weekend's shoot. There's a lot of editing and retouching to knock out, it's just a matter of finding some time.

Focus ... Not on Results

Sun, 13 Nov 2011 00:50:00 GMT

Results are the natural by-product of an investment. Results can not be the sole focus. Over the last decade as an entrepreneur, a creator, a strategist, a designer, a photographer, a developer, I believe the value of an opportunity is based on what one is willing to put in or give to the opportunity, rather than what one expects from the opportunity. Naturally there must be a return on an investment, otherwise it’s a donation! But we must be cautious of our own, fabricated (and many times false) expectations. When we focus on our efforts rather than the outcome, the results will always be greater than our own finite expectations.

An Overdue Update ...

Sat, 09 Jul 2011 14:46:00 GMT

Back in January I wrote a blog post about The Power of Intentionality with Social Media, and how a story played out with Adam Biel. I've been meaning to post the above photo as an update on the story. Jolante sent me this picture of Adam's photograph in the advertising campaign out in the wild. It's a large poster at a train stop somewhere in the Netherlands (I believe).

It's just amazing how this story continues to unfold over the last two years. And now Adam is back in training. He's going to attempt to break the world record for bicycling from one end of Pan-America to the other. His goal is to beat the record by 120 days or so! I don't know Adam that well, but I know well enough that if anyone is gonna beat that record, it'll be him!

You can follow Adam's journey at Adventure for Autism.

If You Can't Stand the Heat ...

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 00:22:00 GMT

While I did spend much of my time as a child in the wood shop with my father, I spent as much in the kitchen with my mother. I was a good helper! But more importantly, my mother is an amazing chef. It’s not just my opinion, every single friend of mine would agree – just ask Derrick, Trey, Oliver, or anyone that’s had her fried chicken or BBQ! Honestly, it’s amazing that everyone in my family is thin.

There are a few key elements to cooking, and the application of heat is least important as it is by far the simplest aspect. Just don’t burn it! First, you have to know what’s for dinner. Once you have that decided, it’s all in the finding the right ingredients or items at the store. Proper sourcing is a must. Then, as the best chefs know, the secret is in the preparation. The end game … Timing. Everything must be pipping hot (not kept warm) when plated and served. And of course, heat is applied as needed.

Call me crazy, but this process (for all practical purposes) is the exact same process for executing any type of project. Whether naming a company, building an ecommerce website, or crafting a two year marketing strategy, it’s the same process. Now I'm wondering how to work in my time spent helping my mother in the kitchen as relevant work experience on the ol’ resume.

Dive In. The water's nice!

Tue, 29 Mar 2011 16:49:00 GMT

If you walk out to the end of a diving board and just stand there, not much will happen. The diving board will simply flex under your weight.

Now, go back to end of the diving board at the steps. As far back as you can. Run and hurl all your weight on the far end of the diving board, and you’ll be flung out into the deep end. And with the proper body position, you can make one heck of a good splash. Might even get some innocent sun bathers wet!

It may sound crazy, but that’s how I look at Barnum Design … As a spring board. I want all of my staff to realize that if they put in their own effort, the studio can hurl them forward in their career, passions, skillsets, interests, and much more. But just like the diving board, you’ve got to put your energy and weight behind it if you want to make any kind of splash.

An Empire View

Sun, 27 Mar 2011 01:49:00 GMT

With continued growth over the last few years, we moved the Barnum Design studio recently to a larger space, and I now have a private office with great views of the Empire State Building. I love the view, and the privacy! A couple of months back I started taking photos of my Empire view every few days.

When seeing these 18 shots together, I was quite happy with the results. So, I'll continue to take a shot of the Empire view a few times a week. Looking forward to keeping a record of weather, light, color and such as this quite small, personal project continues over the coming months. I'll be sure to post results as they develop.

Evaluating Worth

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 00:47:00 GMT

Is it worth it? Is what we do with our life worth it? Of course it is … We wouldn’t do something if it wasn’t worth it for us individually. But what if we did.

What if our lives were committed to a point of resolve that personal worth was irrelevant. How much does worth matter? That depends on how we measure worth; the measure of its value. Generally when we measure worth, we evaluate it against the impact it has for us individually in an isolated context. “Is it worth it for me to do _________.” While that may be the standard of measure, it’s time we employee another.

When seeking to serve oneself, the desire for success will never satiate. Serve others, and you will find success quickly! Please note it’s found quickly, not easily. Success is a journey, not a destination. As we server others we struggle, grow stronger, fail constantly, learn repeatedly, and most importantly begin to understand the right measure of worth.

Not to belabor the point, but let’s move this example into practicality and up the ladder to executive management of a corporation. Most executives do not make decisions based on personal worth, but make decisions based on the worth for that which they represent – the company or the brand. True leaders, that make worthwhile decisions, understand the right measure.

Off-the-Cuff Boot-Strap Shoot

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 01:49:00 GMT

It is always a fun challenge when you need a shot for a client project, but you have no budget, no real props, no studio time, not site scouting. Nothing but a favor, the office, and half an hour!

A great big thanks to Elizabeth Davis Richard for dropping by the Barnum office to quickly model for a photo for a client site. She came with props in tow, to boot! Shots turned out quite well given the circumstances. And the client's going to be quite happy with the final result. Always prefer delivering above and beyond expectations.

Persuasion vs Purpose

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 23:50:00 GMT

In the end, many brand strategies attempt to merely persuade. To influence a purchasing decision. A great deal of thought, time, and resources are consumed (or wasted) in order to persuade. To manipulate behavior and to inform a decision. Is this the most worthwhile endeavor? The most worthwhile use of resources?

When developing brand strategies, many times the demographic or target audience is the focal point. But here’s the problem … Brands can’t interact with a demographic. Brands interact with people. So, where should brands focus? The most important aspect of a person is most oft overlooked. Purpose. A person has purpose, even though he may not fully realize his purpose. It does exist. That is undeniable.

Since brands interact with people, and the most important aspect of an individual is his purpose, then how can a brand tie into that purpose. Or better yet, help to serve that purpose. No brand will ever fulfill an individual’s purpose … by no stretch of the imagination. The point is how can a brand be relevant to that innermost aspect – purpose. Can brands be driven by purpose? Driven by the purpose of those with whom the brand interacts?

Purpose should be the focal point, not persuasion. Once found, purpose lasts a lifetime.

An Equal Share

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 23:25:00 GMT

Time is invaluable. Time is constant and never-changing. We all have an equal share. Those who use it well could be considered wealthy. So, spend it wisely.

Many times, we think that time just slipped away – out of our control. In the same way that cash can burn a hole in our pockets, time is spent with each decision we make. Don’t wonder where it went. Know that with each minute that ticked past, decisions were made. Even the lack of a decision, is in fact, still a decision. So choose wisely how you spend your time. Your value depends on it.

The beauty of time is that we are all granted an equal share. Time has no prejudice. And time resets with each day – a gift to us all.

Just Get It Done!

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 23:33:00 GMT

Finally! Someone took on the greatest challenge of the creative world. Organization. It’s been five years and Scott Belsky along with his co-founder Matias Correa and team are creating phenomenal impact on the creative industry.

For the last decade I have executed a wide variety of projects for a diverse group of clients and corporations. Along the way I have learned well the importance and value of being self-organized. And I know well the impact it has on the perception of those with which I work or consult. At the early age of four, I understood the importance of organization and planning. Measure twice. Cut once. A mantra recited many times over as I grew up in my father’s make-shift wood shop down in the garage. Not paying attention had high risks, and I was not interested in loosing a finger or two.

Fast forward 30 years, and my philosophy holds true. The last decade has proven it to be. Make no mistake, this decade has been filled with failures, none involving life or limb, but failures nonetheless. Failures that taught. Failures I prefer not to repeat. But success takes risk, and calculated risk is the best course of action. The first step is knowing what needs to be done. The key to knowing is nothing more simple than organization.

Over the last 5 years, I’ve been watching Scott Belsky and Matias Correa, along with their dedicated team develop the most eloquent language and beautiful framework for the keystone of calculating risk. So naturally, it was an honor to host Scott at the Salt Space for his presentation at Monthly Design Review. The house was packed with some of the most brilliantly creative minds in all of New York City. Another honor to host such a community.

As the new year brings big ideas and ambitious resolutions, know that the first and most important step is to get yourself organized. If you need help getting started, turn to the experts at Behance. Then, just get it done!

The Measure of Commitment

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 00:59:00 GMT

Measuring commitment is difficult. Is it important to quantify one's passion, interest, willingness? The burning flames of passion can be doused with a little water. Interest fades with burden. Willingness looses it's resiliency.

How to measure commitment? There is one simple measure. Sacrifice. What one is willing to sacrifice can measure the commitment he is making. Recently in my own life there was a difficult decision to make. One that had a significant impact financially. My wife was considering leaving her full-time salary job for an opportunity that was unpaid. After much deliberation, we decided. We knew that loosing financially stability could force us out of New York. Nevertheless, we knew that this opportunity had much need. A need more important than many other opportunities in our life. Opportunities that we also had to sacrifice. So, we took the plunge and have yet to look back.

From this personal experience, I now understand how to measure commitment. I see entrepreneurs leveraging everything for their idea and I find it inspiring. I see people leaving the facade of stability with a full-time job to start up a non-profit to serve their community and I am inspired. I see people that leave the comforts of their lives in pursuits greater than themselves. I am inspired not by their idea, not by their passion, not by their willingness. I am inspired by what they have given up in order to fulfill the calling in their life.

There is only one simple question to answer. Are you willing to give it all up in order to find and fulfill that calling in your life that's deep down in your gut? That feeling that gnaws at you. That feeling that scares you because you know it's more than you can accomplish. Let go and you might be surprised by how you feel.

Who is More Important than What

Sun, 23 Jan 2011 22:59:00 GMT

Disclaimer: The following is intended for those that are intrinsically motivated, who understand their own responsibility in the context of a larger social construct. If you are one who requires the oversight of a micro-manager (or your mother) to accomplish simple tasks, stop reading and please move to the next post.

When you work with a good leader, you have autonomy in your role. You have purpose. More importantly you have ownership. Ownership is costly. It is time-consuming. Think of owning a home. It costs much to buy and maintain a home. Time on Saturday to cut the lawn, fix the broken toilet, and patch the leak in the roof. Ownership requires cost, time, and commitment. With ownership, equity grows. Value increases to the benefit of the owner. If you’d prefer to not be burdened with the responsibility of a home, then rent an apartment. The landlord will take care of the dirty work for you. And you can throw your money down the toilet with rent. ( I live in New York and rent, so maybe not the best metaphor but who can buy in NYC? )

A good leader understands the importance of building a strong team – a team that holds up accountability individually and collectively. The best team is a group of individuals that have autonomy and purpose within their respective roles. And a good leader knows well that he can not be a leasor of ownership. When you work with and for a good leader, you personally reap the benefits of your ownership, or suffer the consequences of your inaction.

In a world that’s driven by results, we tend to focus on the end point more than the journey. And most times we are stifled by our own greatest expectations that are pre-fabricated in our mind. Because of this delusional facade, we are not willing to let the failures along the way be positive learning experiences. But the failures we learn from effect the end result for the better. So the process should be the focus. Not the results. However, we tend to focus on the results because results are tangible. Results are black or white. Results are either accomplished, or they are not. It’s rather simple actually. Take action and learn by doing. Or don’t start at all and become discouraged. Two options from which to choose. It’s your decision.

Never loose sight how your decision effects the social construct that you are a part. Remember that a good leader is more concerned for the team, than any individual. Inaction effects the entire team. Inaction is a disservice to those taking ownership of their role. As with a home, it’s value is effected by it’s neighbors.

Who you work with and for is much more important than the work you do. Be mindful of your effect. Be mindful of you influence. Honor those with whom you work through your actions, as actions will always speak louder than any of your words. And the best leaders work diligently to clear the path so the team can be as effective as possible.

The Power of Intentionality: Social Media

Sun, 23 Jan 2011 23:00:00 GMT

It’s a debate that’s been ongoing for years – the value of social media. Many embrace the medium, others abhor the idea. But most are unconcerned, just passively contributing to the ambient noise of chatter online. As with any tool, it’s function is truly dependent on the how one choose to use it.

How can individuals from around the globe get introduced, build relationships, and have disparate affect in their respective locations? It’s amazing how one can connect via twitter. Here’s a story of a photograph that took almost two years to unfold.

As winter began to creep into November of 2009, a good friend had a chance encounter. An encounter that I found to be engaging and inspiring. He had accidentally stumbled upon a motivated young man riding a bicycle from the northern-most point of Pan America to the southern-most point. Adam Biel had embarked on this two year long journey for one purpose – to promote awareness for autism with a goal of raising $1 million for autism research. He is riding from Alaska to Argentina.

Yes, you read that correctly! I was captivated by the audacity of such ambition.

Naturally I began following Adam’s two-wheeled journey. As he descended down the eastern seaboard into New York City, I couldn’t resist. I contacted him via twitter asking if we could connect once he arrived in New York, to which he replied affirmatively. It was a great day. We met up for an early lunch. We talked. I listened. I listened a lot! Adam’s personal story is just amazing. That is saved for another day.

After getting to know a lot of Adam’s history, he was gracious enough to humor me with a portrait session on the roof of the Salt Space. We spent a few more hours hanging out and taking photos. My wonderful wife joined during the portrait session and the three of us continued chatting for hours. The experience was a hazy blur on an overcast and cold Manhattan day. We all went back to our apartment uptown and cooked Adam dinner. And he ate until we ran out of food.

As the night was drawing to a close, Adam gathered his things to continue on his journey after getting a good nights rest. Moments after our door closed, my thoughtful wife said that we should give him some cash. So I ran out to the sidewalk and yelled down the block for Adam to come back. We gave him all the cash we had between us, just a measly $27. Adam graciously thanked us, and went on his way down the dimly lit, sleepy street.

I knew I’d likely never see Adam again. But nevertheless, we were affected by his sacrifice. Here’s a young man that has just graduated from university. He had given up the career pursuits of his peers. He had chosen to forego additional education. He decided to give back. To help those who he felt need to be helped. And he decided to do that by riding a bicycle until he had reached almost half our world, all under the power of his own two legs.

Fast forward about 14 months or so.

A woman from the Netherlands begins following me on twitter. Then reaches out to me expressing interest in one of my photos. She provided a link. I clicked and landed one of my old blog posts about my portrait session with Adam. Jolante and I began emailing back and forth. The marketing agency she worked for was interested in purchasing my photograph of Adam for an advertising campaign in the Netherlands. After a little back and forth, including some with Adam as I needed a model release, we struck a deal.

I asked that if Jolante’s company made a donation to Adam’s cause then I would be willing to release the photograph to them free of charge. After explaining Adam’s story to Jolante, she wrote back to me and said that her English was not good enough to express how much the entire arrangement touched her. Her company happily made the donation!

When we are intentional with our lives, we have an affect. Whether small or large, we all have the ability to have an affect on the world around us. It has been an encouragement to watch this story unfold, especially in the last week. It’s been a privilege. And the story has yet to end.

Once Adam reaches that southern-most point of Pan America, his journey is not complete. He will race back to Alaska in an attempt to break the world record! Stay tuned, as this story has just begun.