There’s a lot happening here at the Home Firm. Some tweaking of how we do things, some updates to our presence on the Web, and the like. But what’s making us excited are a couple of new initiatives we’re working on. They’re exciting because they go beyond what we usually do.
That said, we’re mulling over whether or not what we plan to do will dilute our brand (if you want to call it that — we only do sometimes). We’re known as technical communicators, bloggers, and presenters. It’s not quite our stereotype, but it’s the first thing that people think of when they hear DMN Communications.
The areas we’re planning on moving into … well, they’re not exactly terra incognita. But they are areas into which we’re not well-known for treading. That doesn’t mean we don’t have any experience in those areas. We do, it’s just a bit more low key. And our other skills and experience complement what we’re planning to do. That’s a big part of the excitement.
Of course, we’re not going it alone. We’re consulting various pros we know to get as much advice as we can. We realize that we don’t know everything, and are more than willing to embrace our ignorance to learn more and to find new ways of doing things.
We’re learning a number of lessons as we move through this process. Here are the main ones:
- Being small, mobile, and self contained has its place. However, there are times when you need to reach out to your circle of contacts to get information or to get the job done
- Moving outside of your comfort zone can be scary, but it’s also exhilarating and invigourating. It gives you a chance to try something new, learn something new, and reconnect with your passion
- Failure is an option. It can happen. Don’t be afraid of it. Instead, embrace failure (or, at the very least, the possibility of failure). What you don’t fear can’t hurt you as much
Thoughts? As always, feel free to leave a comment.
Photo credit: .shock from Photoxpress
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4 Responses
Larry Kunz
May 24th, 2010 at 9:54 am
1You said “We’re known as technical communicators, bloggers, and presenters.” Is that what you WANT to be known as? If so, then your new initiative should fit under that rubric. But if not — if you want us to think of you in a different way — then you should move ahead boldly and build your brand in whatever direction you want to go.
Kai
May 24th, 2010 at 3:20 pm
2I place more premium on the quality that I associate with a brand, not on the fields. Do these guys know what they’re doing? Can I work with them (or their products or their services)? That’s what counts for me.
So if you’re branching out into a new area, I would assume I can count on the responsiveness, diligence, etc. I’ve come to expect.
As long as you can explain how you think this will be a good fit, I don’t think you should be nervous…
Scott
May 25th, 2010 at 7:54 am
3@Larry, thanks for the comment. As for what we’re known as … well those aren’t bad things
While Aaron and I know we can do more, will that more be a good use of our time and energy? Or will it spread us too thin? Guess we’re going to find out!
Scott
May 25th, 2010 at 7:56 am
4@Kai, thanks for the comment. Can’t say we’re nervous, but there’s always a bit of trepidation involved when moving into something new.
As I wrote in a reply to another comment, Aaron and I are wondering if we’ll be spreading out time and effort and energies too thin by moving into that something new. It’ll be fun to find out!
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