lets be lighthearted
Why is business and pleasure so often mutually exclusive? When did we decide that in order to be professional we must strip ourselves down to one note? This a huge why behind my brand here at fluff creative. I was so tired of hiding attributes of myself (that I believe are some of my best) in order to be taken seriously.
News flash, you can in fact be reliable, timely, proficient, innovative, and also a total goofball (in my case).
There seems to be a warming to lightheartedness in certain fields (I am looking at you hot sauce makers!). But it pains me for each and every dentist, law firm, and real estate client I have had that shy away from showing
a little heart. a little humor. a little human.
First as a startup founder and again in school for my master’s degree in software development - I found myself shoving my art and design skills to the back of a closet - convinced that I couldn’t possibly be taken seriously as someone in tech that’s also an artist. What did you do before now and how did that shape where you are today?
Ultimately, what it comes down to is that in this strive for work/life balance; unless you are one of the lucky few who tipped the scales to mostly life. Then your work is most of your life, and I implore you, to inject a little of your life into it. Whether it’s in your autoreply when you head off on family vacation
“not answering emails - we’re going snorkeling because our son is obsessed with puffer fish!”
or in your about page - where you tell about your grandfather and his impact on you and your desire to start a company.
Doing this shoots out positivity in every direction. It makes your work feel more meaningful and true to you. And it makes your customer feel like they know you.
So whether it’s your past as a veteran, your family life, or your love of cat videos try adding some of you to your work.
