Chugging across the country

I’m writing this from the Chicago train station, where I have a mostly-in-sometimes-not internet connection. I had a layover here and should be boarding the Southwest Chief shortly for the long ride back west. I’m looking forward to it.

This trip has been so fantastic, part of me is reluctant to have it end. This, even though I have been working like a crazy person throughout it! But it’s been a good work and a good crazy.

There is something about working collaboratively that can’t be topped. These ASMP SB2 events give me the rare chance to work collaboratively in a very different way than my usual one-on-one work. The other presenters and the volunteers and other “crew” for the events have become like family to me–sitting down to dinner I will always learn something, and usually end up getting teased like a sister. It’s great.

I encourage every one of you to find a way to give back to a community like this. Volunteering for ASMP, of course, is an option, but also consider reaching out to the groups where you can interact with your potential clients, like the local ad club, AIGA, or even the Rotary. The bonds you might make as you somehow put together, for example, a design show in your city (with no budget, of course!) will last for the rest of your life.

Oh, and it will help your business too. Do you really need me to mention that? 🙂