A logo, a design and now . . . a new tag-line

In a few recent posts, I shared with you the new logo (and suggested a process for working with a designer).  I also shared thoughts about the new blog design - one that was a long time coming but was well worth the wait.

Done, right?  Nope.

I already had a logo descriptor (a quest for new ideas) which helps people categorize what your idea (blog, product, etc) does or what category you play in.  

Now I have a added one last piece.  A tag-line.  

A tag-line is there to position your idea in the mind of your audience.  When you think about it, the name of this blog, Quixoting, does not have the same meaning for everyone.  

Some think "What?"  Some think "Oh, I get it. The guy who tilted at windmills."  Others say "Who is Don Quixote?".  So I've given myself a challenge - one I knew was there the moment I chose the name.

So, for this blog, defining its purpose is crucial.  No matter how obvious your positioning is, make sure you do everything you can to establish it.

The tag-line I chose is in the banner above and seeks to build a position and a personality.

Take Action.  Be Courageous.  Have Fun! 

These three phrases sum up my life story over last few years.  The first 18 months included a sense that the time was coming to act.  The last 6 months included a crucial decision to get started.

Take Action - I spent years writing down my ideas and promptly stuffing them into a bottom drawer. My lack of action on them left me feeling repressed and generally bummed out.  Why?  Because not acting on my ideas sent a quiet message to my soul that, well, the ideas must not be that good.  So finally I decided to act . . . and that has made all the difference.

Be Courageous - It's not easy to throw yourself out there.  You risk people criticizing your ideas.  The courage to get started includes the decision to sacrifice your personal time and the time of those around you.  It is a lot of work to start something brand new.

Have Fun! - It is amazing what happens once you get started.  Each effort adds on to the one before it. And as you move forward, little successes arrive and it feels great.  An energy starts to build up around what you are doing.  While it is certainly not wine and roses every day, there is a cumulative effect. You find a happy place and drop your bags.     

So there it is.  I am thankful for the chance to write and to think.  And I'm thankful that you are here to read it (and hopefully share your comments).

What's next?  Well, lots of ideas and creative wanderings to come!  Also, there is a website in the works here.  What could I possibly put there?

Well, I have a few ideas . . .  

Comments

[thom singer]

Tim-

I love your tag line. It is such great advice to ANYONE who has anything they want to do. I see folks all the time who have ideas, dreams, goals, etc... who do nothing about them. Then they look at those who achieve their goals and say "wow, they were lucky".

Lucky, my ass. Those who reach the top of anything do three things. They take action. They are courageous. And they have fun along the way (even when the going gets tough and it is hard).

The fourth part is "Have a thick skin". Because those that take courageously fun actions will attract critics. Somebody will appear who wants to take pot shots at your success. I say "who cares". Let the "naysayers" babble on. Nothing speaks louder that watching an achiever have fun along the way.

Keep up the good work on your blog.

[Tim Tyrell-Smith]

Have a thick skin is a great addition. Thanks Thom!