As you may know, I’ve been working as a freelance communications consultant for the past year, while blogging about professional shifts and opportunities and my new appreciation for living a bit more organically.
One of my organic opportunities has been getting to know Gretchen DeVault, Eric Quigley, and Emily Butkus at DVQ Studio, a Grand Rapids-based brand and communications agency. After months of talking shop and partnering with them on a new project, I am excited to announce that I am officially joining their team!
A few ingredients have made this the right move:
A commitment to learning and sharing. I’ve started to believe the most telling question you can ask about a potential relationship is how (or whether) the other person or organization learns and shares that learning with others. They do not have to learn exactly like you do, but there is so much to be gained if you value learning in similar ways.
One of the first things Gretchen, Eric, and I discussed was an opportunity for non-profit organizations to learn more about their brands and new communications approaches. In one of the most fun and learning-friendly collaborations I’ve had the privilege to join, we’ve created and are now launching the Emerging Communications Series, a free six-part experience for local non-profits (still time to join us — registration deadline is July 24).
A genuine understanding of collaboration. I’m the fourth team member at DVQ Studio and the first non-designer. I wish I could really express how excited this makes me… too often, design is not fully recognized in strategy and designers are only viewed as implementers. DVQ is the right size and of the right mindset to value each communications discipline in an equitable and strategic way.
A focus on socially-driven organizations. We’ve talked a lot about focusing on non-profit organizations and small businesses that strive to be socially responsible. We believe the unique needs of mission-driven clients call for a special skill set, one that we’ve developed through our collective experiences as non-profit staff members, volunteers, and consultants. I’m eager to support the good work DVQ has already begun with many local non-profits and help them expand that work.
I’ll have more to share as this experience progresses. In the meantime, if you’re interested in communications insight and resources, please give DVQ a follow on Twitter. And if you’re connected to non-profits in West Michigan, we’d love to have your support in spreading the word about the Emerging Communications Series.
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I’ve just found your “online journal” and I appreciate it… so much. I love your post on writing- “Writing to Understand, Writing to be Understood.” Amen, from one aspiring authoress to another!