The business of replying

As a business owner, responding to emails and phone calls from my clients, colleagues and prospects is critical to my success. Not only is it important to let people know that I have received their message but to do this as soon as possible.
This relates to the saying "treat others as you would like to be treated". I always want to feel that my requests, questions and comments are valued and that doing business with me is important. I want my clients, colleagues and prospects to feel the same.
Although we're all inundated with emails (and still some phone calls too), it's important to respond – and in a timely fashion – to those who help make our business a success.

Green Office Punchlist

I came across this punch list on the AIGA website. There are several valuable tips such as how to reduce paper use and/or using recycled paper, using remanufactured toner cartridges + more. The link to the complete green office punchlist is below.

http://www.sustainability.aiga.org/resources/content/2/9/8/7/documents/CFSD_green-office-punchlist.pdf

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"Without aesthetic, design is either the humdrum repetition of familiar clichés or a wild scramble for novelty. Without the aesthetic, the computer is but a mindless speed machine, producing effects without substance. Form without relevant content, or content without meaningful form."
Paul Rand

TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS

I recently read Malcolm Gladwell's book, Blink, which from my understanding is about the rapid cognitive process that happens to give us on the spot conclusions when seeing something for the first time.

Those initial introductory seconds can be the best and most efficient in revealing one's true feelings about something...it certainly has its place in a designer's world. We can look at something and sense what is out of place or not working, if color is expressing the proper mood, or if even the slightest 2 pixel movement is needed to achieve an element's best position. Sometimes it takes stepping away from a design for a little while so we can return with a fresher look and get a chance for that "blink" reaction.

When we talk about gut reactions, they are often less favorable compared to thoughtful, rational, well-timed decisions. So the question is, when is it valuable to rely on our guts and when is it not? According to Gladwell, extensive market testing is not always accurate. He fills the book with examples from history, such as the failed attempt of New Coke in the 80s and the against all odds success of Herman Miller's famous Aeron Chair.

It's inspiring to know that sometimes, simply going with your gut can lead to greatness.