our thinking for January 2007…

1. January 29th, 2007

   And lastly, for the Lion

   I recently came across this article by Garry Kasparov that got me thinking about writing a post about brands and business and how, as Seth Godin describes it, “surprise matters”. However, after looking back at the article I realized that isn’t what I wanted to say at all.I keep coming back to this one quote: “It demands if not…

   posted by David Lowe-Rogstad

   thinking about… Inspiration

2. January 28th, 2007

   Coffee Review, January 26th

   Unfortunately, no photos from our coffee gathering this morning… my wife had the camera to take pictures of my older daughter’s theatrical debut for the Kindergarten Round-Up. No offense to the coffee group, but pics of my daughter on stage are a bit more valuable to me.Today’s gathering followed the two-conversation trend from last time. There was the Early Group,…

   posted by Stephen Landau

   thinking about… Events

3. January 27th, 2007

   Do Good Work Fast

   I recently shared some emails with Jeff Faulkner, former owner of deepPlay, partner in ParisFrance, and currently the Executive Creative Director at BlastRadius in Vancouver, B.C. I’ve always looked at Jeff’s work with a combination of pride and envy… pride in the fact that I know Jeff and think the work he’s doing is really pushing clients forward, and envy…

   posted by Stephen Landau

   thinking about… Inspiration

4. January 25th, 2007

   Coffee, we salute you. Friday, January 26th.

   Judging from the unanimous popular vote, meaning none, we will continue the tradition at Tiny’s. 2031 NE MLK. 8:30am until whenever. See you there. UPDATE: This just in… coffee makes you smarter. Like you needed another reason to show up.

   posted by Stephen Landau

   thinking about… Events

5. January 23rd, 2007

   Seven similarities to BASE-jumping and starting a company

   1. That first step… it’s a big one. Find the courage and conviction to let go and step off. 2. Have faith in your ability and equipment. In BASE-jumping, it’s your physical ability and your wingsuit/parachute. In starting a new company, it’s your way of thinking, your ideas and your beliefs. And the financial means to stay aloft, support your family,…

   posted by Stephen Landau

   thinking about… Inspiration

6. January 23rd, 2007

   About this coffee thing…

   We’ve been doing this coffee thing for a few months now, but I realize there might be questions about what goes on. So, to follow up from what Kansas City has written, here’s a rundown of what coffee morning is like in Portland. 8:30am? Really? Some of us have jobs we have to get to. Some of us don’t. So we start…

   posted by Stephen Landau

   thinking about… Events

7. January 22nd, 2007

   The Importance of Password Protection (or, Identity Theft at Home)

   Over the holidays, my daughters each received a “Webkinz.” Okay, I didn’t know what one was either. It’s a stuffed animal with a code that you enter online. This registers your animal… you name it, you get an adoption certificate, and you can interact with your Webkinz virtually on the Webkinz website. Above is “Molly’s” room (she’s a polar bear).…

   posted by Stephen Landau

   thinking about… Inspiration

8. January 18th, 2007

   (Company) Culture

   “The foundation of a brand is the psychological contract – the contract between a company and its employees and between those employees and their customers. Great consumer companies are built on genuine passion, plus a day-to-day commitment to great execution. Employees won’t feel the passion, and can’t maintain the operating discipline, unless they feel good about what the company sells…

   posted by Stephen Landau

   thinking about… Brand Strategy, Inspiration, The Way We Work

9. January 16th, 2007

   Substance Founded by Landau and Lowe-Rogstad

   (the “official” press release)Portland, OR, January 16, 2007 – “Now is the time for change. Now is the time to do better.” So begins the declaration of Substance Inc., a creative experience and digital brand strategy studio launched by Stephen Landau and David Lowe-Rogstad.Understanding the importance of digital brand strategy and applying it to online experiences creates strong relationships…

   posted by Stephen Landau

   thinking about… News

10. January 15th, 2007

    Now the real work begins

    Starting a business is a funny thing. You plan, and build, and wait for the “perfect” time to launch. You keep waiting and watching and thinking about what you will do when you reach the point of no return. Will you jump off the cliff, or will you back down and return to the safe place that normal people enjoy? The…

    posted by David Lowe-Rogstad

    thinking about… Looking Ahead