Creativity, Inspiration and Collaboration

Creativity, Inspiration and Collaboration

If “creativity is just connecting things” (Steve Jobs) imagine how much richer and inventive it becomes through collaboration.  Sometimes we have to step out of our comfort zone to work with new people, especially people who don’t always think like us.  Seek out people who are different - such as Marketing and Engineers working together, or Marketing and IT. The work is so much richer when you do, with so many more creative connections.  The most creative projects I have worked on came through teamwork and collaboration.  Its the best way for me to find new inspiration!

During my Kodak days I had the opportunity to work with Rachel Geller and Julie Halpin Anderson when they were running the Kid Connection at Saatchi and Saatchi.  Both are absolutely brilliant, especially when it comes to understanding kids and teens and the internal drivers that motivate behavior.  I had piles of data on what we knew about kids and photography.  By sharing what we each knew, we created so many new connections; far more than any of us could have done alone.  The result of that work was a complete program that tested higher in research than any program the independent research firm had ever tested with kids and parents.

On another occasion by sharing photographs taken by kids, I had the opportunity to work with many great Kodak engineers, but especially Randy Fredlund.  By looking at the worst pictures taken by kids and the problems they were having with picture taking, he took what he knew and designed a camera that eliminated all of their problems.

At AirTouch Cellular collaboration was an every day occurrence.  In addition we met weekly as a cross functional team to share opportunities and challenges and to find creative solutions to move our business goals forward while keeping all functions of the business aligned. These meetings were honest, open, sometimes heated, but always productive.

At Stowebridge – we carry on that tradition.  We work with our customers to take what you know about your business and pair that with interesting, fun and engaging products to accomplish your goals.  When it comes to our annual Idea Fair, our entire staff is involved in the planning.  As we put our preparations together, every employee gets involved with creating ways to make it more fun, more exciting and an outstanding experience for our customers and the new people who want to work with us.  Our vendors come and collaborate with you, with you to show you exciting new products.  The entire event is designed to inspire you in new ways, refresh your marketing, make new creative connections for you.

You are invited to our 20th AnniversaryCelebration and Idea Fair.  It’s an awesome event – great ideas, food, fun, prizes and gifts.  You don’t have to be a customer to come but please do register.  We promise you will walk away with some amazing ideas to move your business forward.

Come Join Us!