We do great work. We get compliments from clients, friends and strangers, receive awards, and overhear shoppers reacting to a new brand or package. These affirmations are pleasing, for sure. It’s always at the front of my mind, however, that our work must produce results; and there is a space, a sometimes anxious space, between faith that strategically sound, brand-focused beauty moves people and proof that said beauty moves people.

I salute the clients who make that leap of faith, and I am delighted (not surprised) when they are rewarded.

A couple of examples:

This past year, we launched a redesigned brand and website for Downeast Energy. In 2011, a challenging year for their industry, Downeast did well enough to fund profit sharing accounts and hand out bonuses and raises at a time when others were handing out pink slips.

We also launched a completely new branding and packaging for Gifford’s Ice Cream, and I was thrilled to see Lindsay Gifford-Skilling quoted in Inc Magazine noting that same store sales were up 19%. Woohoo!

Results. Tangible, quantifiable, and better than any trophy.