Wow, I can’t believe it’s already here again! This is just a note to say how THRILLED I am to be attending again this year. I’ll be in the audience this year, the wonderful planning skills of Ms. Claire Grinton and Sir Mark Lewis will undoubtedly make this another stellar year. THANK YOU guys in advance for truly keeping the fire burning on this and putting on what I know will be totally amazeballs.

Planningness changed my career back in 2009. Hell it changed my life. I sound like I’m doing some strange preachy infomercial, but it’s the absolute truth.

It seems to bring the best out of people–rooted in the ethos of the conference itself: it’s completely about collaboration and as a result, attracts people who <gasp> enjoy such things! That first year for me, as a strategy person living on the “outskirts” of the hot-stuff cities, it was eye opening and inspiring. I couldn’t believe I was in these little collaboration groups with the ilk of Edward Cotton and Mark Earls (yes THE herdmeister). And realizing that not only were they the brightest folks I’d talked to before, but were ALSO incredibly generous and open with their thinking (and nice to boot). It’s a unique experience to say the least.

So if it’s your first time to Planningness:

Ideas will be exchanged. Words will be had. Beverages will be had. Planner-ish-ness will be spoken. We will meet some of the closest friends of your life and carry them for years. It’ll be one of the most valuable experiences you’ll have in your career. Just have fun and be yourself.

It inspires and then we all go home with enthusiasm, ideas and spirit. Then it’s each of our responsibilities to keep that fire alive…that part proves to be the hardest.

Tickets are sold out for this year, but stay tuned here for all the updates. http://planningness.com/

And of course follow the #planningness on Twitter May 19-20.

And word on the street there may be more Planningness on the horizon for later this year…Stay Tuned!

We live in mushy times. It’s not easy. Strategists are acting more like “creatives” and “creative technologists”. Creatives and CTs can be better at strategy than strategists. It’s amazing! In the wise words of my (former) fearless leader Lee Clow, “Creative people RISE UP! They can’t do s**t without us!” Strategy people you’re included in this–MAKE THINGS. It’ll make you a better, more balanced strategic thinker.

Stop waxing poetic. Start making stuff.

We have all said this. Multiple times. There are too many talkers in this industry. Make something. Even if it’s not at your “job” bloody well, try to create something in the world. Watch it breathe and grow on the internets. Sit in your garage and construct something out of found objects. Motivate a group of like-minded people and do something amazing for your community. This industry breeds some of the most fascinating, intelligent people in the work force. Take advantage of it, be inspired by others and just break free and create. There are so many inspirational makers out there, I was at a gallery this weekend where creative people from all orfices of the agency came together to START a gallery. And it’s magnificent, one of the most tangible “makery” places I’ve ever seen.

I also have come to realize that this last one is not always attainable from the “regular” job. Actually it probably won’t at all. It has to be 100% self-motivation outside to just push and create. The exercise in and of itself will make you better at your day job. But what it will give you is far greater. It gives you purpose.

My old boss who I’m very lucky to have in my life as a great friend recently gave me this piece of advice, which I literally read every day.

“ people always think about their next promotion, next job, or what’s around the corner. They don’t think about being bigger than that, because they can’t imagine themselves being it.”

So what have I done? Well, unfortunately not much I can share yet. But I’ve begun. And it feels great. A little overwhelming, a little crazy, but a lot fulfilling. Who knows, it’ may never come to full fruition, but I’m going to understand the process, I’m working with one of my best friends and it’s going to be amazing.

BE AMAZING.