Going Into 2021 with Intention
We’re fast approaching the end of 2020 and, like us, you’re probably sighing with relief. For many, it has been a year of Covid-driven chaos and confusion. At the very least, this year has tested even the most established of businesses. Thankfully, for our strategic branding and design studio, it’s been a year of rapid change and growth. We started 2020 as a three-person team, and we will end the year as a nine-person group. To say we’re grateful would be an understatement.
Throughout it all, we spent the year not only navigating this new normal with our own business, but also helping our clients do the same. Every brand’s challenges were unique, but oftentimes, our clients were able to uncover rare opportunities that only a year like this could present. Let’s be honest, there is no roadmap for a business when you’re responding to a pandemic, so leaning into core values as an organization proved time and time again to be the best place to start.
Consequently, we talk with our clients about aligning their business operations with their core identity, because decision making requires a north star. The direction for a business is best determined by a strong foundation built upon authentic passion and a drive to help. All any business leader wants to know is that they did what was right with any decision they made. Relying upon what an organization stands for throughout that process helps ensure that what’s right prevails.
The lessons from 2020 are plenty, reminding us to be very intentional with our actions as we head into 2021. It’s good to pause and reflect—to ensure that whatever happened with your business this year will prove to be fuel for your success in the next.
Here are just a few of things we’ll be bringing with us into the new year:
Character always matters: Our business had to expand quite quickly to respond to the opportunities we created for our Studio earlier this year. Team members with the right skill sets is one thing, but having a team that’s as committed to seeing our business succeed as they are to their own personal growth gave us a group of good humans always willing to go the extra mile for the work.
Purpose brings clarity: This year brought many critical decision-making moments about the business. Being clear in what we’re about as a Studio made those decisions simpler, and gave us something to anchor to in moments of uncertainty.
Connection is everything: The virtual nature of much of our work means we can no longer count on ‘face-to-face’ opportunities to build relationships with our team and our clients. Having a distinct culture and defined values to guide the work proves to be the difference between just getting work done and a team working together.
Without a doubt, 2021 will bring its own set of challenges and opportunities, but one thing is for sure: the way we embrace what presents itself will be purposeful and inspired by who we are as a brand.
Here’s wishing you a happy, healthy, successful year ahead.
Julie Hamilton + Terry Lawrence
Principals of +Intention