2010 April « KJA Mind Finds

Archive for April, 2010

Quality of life essentials

April 14, 2010

The list of components which greatly impact our quality of life normally look something like this:

Social Connections (family & friends)
Health
Education
Attitude
Opportunities

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But there’s another well documented – but often overlooked – aspect.

The Arts (participation in and involvement with).

Yeah, that’s right. The VISUAL and the PERFORMING arts..

Why is it important?

Research indicates that people who have a background in the arts experience life at a very different level than those who lack that exposure. Things like . . .

more developed habits of critical and creative thinking
more perseverance and dedication to a given task
better psychological and physical health
greater self-discipline, intrapersonal and interpersonal skills
better performance on standardized tests
more likely to remain in school
enhanced healing and recovery from hospitalization.

Not to mention that the nonprofit arts and culture industry generates $166.2 BILLION in economic activity every year. Double WOW!!!

So, the old excuse “that’s just really not my thing” needs to be re-evaluated. The arts impact every single individual with a broad range of benefits.

Yes, you too.

Perhaps the words of acclaimed New York City acting teacher, Stella Adler sum it up best . . .

Life beats down and crushes the soul, and art reminds you that you have one.

This principle applies to corporate officers as well as entry level employees. To both teachers and students. Doctors and patients. Architects and common laborers. None are exempt from the struggles of life. Likewise, the benefits of developing an understanding and appreciation of the arts are equally universal.

ARTWalk – Friday, April 16

Held in Alexandria’s downtown arts district (on the newly revitalized 3rd street corridor) – ARTWalk provides a fantastic introduction to the arts in Central Louisiana. It offers one of the best opportunities for area residents to sample a smorgasbord of creativity here in our own community.

In short, it’s about: painting, sculpting, drawing, crafting, designing, coloring, woodworking, jewelry-making, pottery making, knitting, sewing, decoupaging, getting your mosaic on, dancing, singing, drama, cooking, eating, drinking, shopping, friends, families, neighbors, and rediscovering our community by getting out of our houses TOGETHER at . . . ARTwalk!

To learn more about ARTWalk visit the Arts Council of Central Louisiana.

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A new AT&T branding effort

April 13, 2010

Michelle Corley : KJA Designer & Thinker

If you tuned into coverage of the Master’s, you might have gotten a first look at the new “Rethink Possible” message from AT&T. The company kicked off their latest rebranding efforts here – hoping to convince you that they’re more than a mere telecommunications company – they’re an innovative, lifestyle company.

This makes me ~sigh~… as a consumer and as someone involved with advertising strategies. I recognize consumers are fed fat concepts and sugary ideals by corporations. We’re told what’s iCool. What’s not. And it’s ideally done in ways that make us feel better about ourselves, our choices – and by extension – better about the company.

But if you’re going to define your company – or redefine it as the case here may be – wouldn’t it be hugely innovative to do so in such a way that actually affects your customers’ lives?

Could improved customer service do that? Make it a brag-worthy aspect of the company. Go above and beyond to please the customer and, at the same time, reinforce that relationship.

Maybe your product line needs tweaking. You might need to provide more than one kind of this or the other.

Whatever the solution, the approach is clear: Listen to your customers, then meet their needs. Your reward? Brand loyalty. And brand loyalty brings new customers. Remember, advertising is only part of the branding story. As a business, your true brand is built across your counters, during customer calls, while folks wait in your lobby, in your product quality and with every service call.

Yes – well crafted campaigns impact your brand and the public’s perception of your company. No question. But they become empty words if you’re not living up to your own hype.