On January 25-27, I had the pleasure of joining nearly 100 other professionals representing dozens of creative services firms in Nashville to attend the 2012 ReCourses New Business Summit (NBS). Hosted by ReCourses principal David C. Baker, and Blair Enns of Win Without Pitching, the event’s subtitle reads, “Using Your Positioning for More Reward, Impact, Control, and Fun.”

When it was all over, I asked many of my fellow attendees to provide two words that best describe their takeaways from the event, and the word cloud embedded above reflects their input. For anyone who has not spoken with me or others about our remarkable experiences at the summit, this provides quick insight into its powerful impact.For a bit more background, ReCourses, Inc., is a management consulting firm that works exclusively with marketing firms/departments in the communications industry, including public relations firms, advertising agencies, interactive companies, and design studios. As its principal, David Baker is a frequent contributor to most major industry publications, and as the leading management consultant to the marketing field, since 1994 he has become a widely renowned speaker. He’s also the author of Managing (Right) for the First Time and Financial Management of a Marketing Firm, and the principal of RockBench, an independent publisher of courageous thought leadership content.

Co-presenter Blair Enns is the leading sales consultant to marketing agencies and author of The Win Without Pitching Manifesto. Prior to founding his own firm, he spent 12 years working in client-service and business development roles for agencies big and small. As proven once again during NBS 2012, Blair is a proven expert at selling in this niche and teaching others how to reposition their businesses, set themselves apart and build solid, sustainable business success.

Beginning right away on day one and right through the final session on day three, like every attendee, I was madly scribbling notes and compiling a new agenda that I fully expect to help propel my business to new heights over the months ahead. The epiphanies and surprises came in many forms, and one thing that really stood out to me was the number of attendees who had heard David and Blair present in the past, whether at a previous NBS, at the Mind Your Own Business conference, or elsewhere. Clearly, these gentlemen have an inside track on the key business areas of management and sales, and meeting them once is very likely to lead to a continuing dialogue… which both seem eager to explore.

I left the conference with both David’s and Blair’s books, as well as one from Mark O’Brien, who is the president of Newfangled, a web development firm that has been specializing in helping marketing firms build websites for themselves and their clients since 1995. The author of A Website That Works and also a very accomplished speaker, Mark and his well-known VP Christopher Butler were also on-hand throughout the summit, helping attendees apply lessons and learn more.

Taken altogether, having the opportunity to get face-to-face with David, Blair, Mark, Chris, their colleagues and all the attendees and sponsors was an extraordinary development for me personally and for my business. As a sure-fire recipe for learning how to build and maintain business success through sound, smart, focused strategic communications, I highly recommend that you subscribe to, read, track, follow — and whenever possible, connect with — these genuine innovators and their ongoing efforts. To all my new friends but especially the NBS organizers and presenters, many thanks for making this such a valuable and fun learning experience.

We are immensely grateful for the service of Mr. King, his father and mother Martin and Alberta, everyone in his family, and everyone giving what they have to keep his dream alive.

Starting last Friday and for the next month, shoppers in New York City and San Francisco can use their mobile phones to purchase toys for children in need at two new interactive storefronts presented by eBay and Toys for Tots. The initiative conceived and produced by advertising agency Venables Bell & Partners features interactive displays created by international production company and design studio Brand New School (BNS) and its School of Interactive Media.

As reported by TheInspirationRoom.com, all web-connected shoppers can experience the Give-A-Toy Store and make donations online by visiting www.eBay.com/GiveAToyStore and www.Facebook.com/eBay.

Topics include a keynote address by Joe Pytka: A Look At The Past, Present and Future, and these:
. The New Broadcasters: Facebook
. The New Broadcasters: Microsoft
. Lawyers On The Clock
. Meet the Procurers
. The Client POV: Where Production for Agencies and Brands is Heading
. The AICP Green Initiative
. A Look At Industry Etiquette

To learn more about the full program and register to attend, check out this story from SHOOT Magazine: Agenda Announced For 2011 AICP Conference

Blog Action Day occurs every October, uniting the world’s bloggers in posting about the same issue on the same day to spark global discussions and drive collective actions. For 2011 it coincides with World Food Day to focus on FOOD.

I also invite you to join me in sending a “click” to www.hungersite.com, where simple mouseclicks benefit vital causes each and every day… and provide real food to the hungry.

The above video introduces a new TV show entitled Food Forward. You can visit Food Forward on Kickstarter.com to learn more about this bold initiative exploring alternatives to current industrial food systems. Those behind it include “food rebels who are fundamentally changing the way we eat…” a vanguard of innovators including educators, scientists, farmers and chefs across America.

Finally, if you haven’t already done so, strongly consider joining Jamie Oliver’s food revolution!

Why buy local food? Easy! Because it…
. tastes better.
. is better for you.
. preserves genetic diversity.
. is genetically modified food (GMO)-free if it’s local certified organic food
. supports local farm families.
. builds community.
. preserves open space.
. keeps your taxes in check.
. supports a clean environment and benefits wildlife.
. is about the future.

Adapted from Growing For Market, the national monthly journal for direct market farmers. Growing for Market is America’s most respected source of information about growing and selling vegetables, fruits, herbs, flowers, and plants.