1st Nitty Gritty a success!

It was clear that many of us on the call started out as--and currently were functioning as--design generalists, providing multiple types of services to a multitude of clients to get our businesses up and running. However, as our experience has grown over the last several years in the design industry, Pam outlined the benefits of focusing--or choosing a specific set of clients and type of service--that may be worth pursuing going forward to make ourselves and our businesses more competitive, more efficient and more profitable.

The content was presented in a clear, easy to follow (and take notes!) manner. Marketing lingo, such as the difference between vertical and horizontal marketing, serial specialization and the Hedgehog concept, was explained in greater detail. A list of several resources, both online and printed matter, that seem appropriate and useful for expanding knowledge in many of the areas addressed during the call were shared. Callers were welcomed to participate in the discussion by asking questions or making suggestions or brainstorming possible approaches for putting this newly obtained knowledge to use in their own businesses.

The one hour teleforum format was a great solution for providing useful, educational type programming available to the entire upstate NY region without requiring travel. I hope that more people who have been vocal about this particular geographic challenge will recognize that their concerns have been heard by the leaders of AIGA and action is being taken to address it by participating in future teleforums.

I know I for one will be marking my calendar for all future telerforums Pam conducts as part of improving my own business practices and hope that others will do the same!