I could use a little more white space.

  
A classic VW ad created by Doyle Dane Bernbach in the sixties with lots of white space.

I want to weigh in about an issue Russ brought up in his recent blog post - that all this engagement-talk with social media is killing him, and is it worth it? He’s slowly going out of his mind, though everything is all right on the outside. He’s lying in bed, wide-awake, thinking about everything in his life and asking himself,

Does More Engagement mean More Success?

Well, I really don’t know.

I think, that when you try to be all knowing and a super multi-tasker, everything else begins to suffer. Your product, your thinking, your strategies, are not as strong. It’s all spread too thin. It’s like that old saying, “Jack of all trades, and master of none.”

I like to equate this predicament to a design world axiom like “less is more” or the expression, “keep it simple, stupid”. By reducing the number of projects, tasks, and business contacts you’re involved with, a better-defined purpose can emerge. By reducing the quantity of these chores and messages, more time can be devoted to the remaining ones to make them stronger, more concise, and better understood. You get back to the basics. It’s as though you’re creating more white space to let the ideas breathe.

Also, delegating is another way of reducing. Like when the Atomic Ideas team spreads out the blogging responsibilities.

Another thing, some of these business tasks can be replaced with getting away from them. As corny as it sounds, non-business events like an occasional walk in a park, or watching a movie, or listening to music or getting together with non-business friends or family (I know, sometimes it doesn’t work with family) can restore logical thinking.

Basically, what I’m saying in my simpleton world is that we can’t do everything. And by reducing the bulk of business clutter one can better achieve a focus. A more true focus will allow projects and communications to shine. And what about Engagement? Don't worry... it’ll come naturally.

Yes, less is more.

Comments

[Greg]

I agree, Steve. So much so, that I am not going to post to the blog tomorrow. Enjoy my whitespace -- I know I will!