As a kid, I was taught that pride was a good thing. Be proud of your work. Take pride in the people you work with. Show some pride.
I listened. And have done all of the above.
And one of the things I’ve been proudest of was holding two competing sports franchises (Suns and D-Backs) on our roster through ownership changes, economic ups and downs, competition for audience, and ever changing lineups for 8 years. 8 years! Who holds clients for that long? Much less attractive clients you can showcase?
Well, Friday we received word the Suns account is going up for review. And we won’t be part of the process. I have been so proud to work with that organization, and so proud of the work we’d done that I just refused to see that this day could come. We’d already defended the business once – and not just defended it, but dominated it. We’ve become so smart at pro sports marketing that it was unfathomable that anyone else would be able to compete with us. That’s a prideful statement. And therein lies the lesson. You’re never as good as you think you are. You’re never as smart as you’d like to be, and you’re never safe. It’s the reality of our business – change will come whether you think it should or not.
Feeling some pain about this one. Not just for lost revenue and the potential ramifications of all that, but pain about the work you won’t get to do in the future. The projects that won’t challenge your thinking. The demands of deadlines and trades and the ramifications of each. I hate that pain. And I’m feeling it. But, it’s part of what inspires you to go get the next new thing, so you can tackle that challenge and develop new pride in what you’ve made.
Here’s to the Phoenix Suns. Phoenix’s original pro sports franchise. Thanks for the partnership, trust and fun. Continued success (although I won’t be able to watch the in-arena open for a few years without welling up).
Whoever lands them has big shoes to fill – and I’m proud to say that.
It’s been a great ride! Thanks for summing it up so eloquently!
Wow Bob…I couldn’t have said it any better! Although my time spent on the account was not nearly as long as you…it’s one of those accounts that just makes a difference in a career. I am proud to say that I was a part of such an amazing thing…but honestly I am more proud to say that I will ALWAYS be a part of something amazing as long as I am here at Lavidge. We are a great group of people who do amazing work! Cheers!
Poignant and well said. 8 years is an impressive history no matter who you are, and I’m glad to see your optimistic points among the weight of it all. Truly the end of an era. Your muse, however, probably just met with an invigorating shock – and so it goes, onward we trudge toward the fountainhead. Vive le Planet Orange!
Well stated, Bob. You and your agency have much to feel prideful about. Best of luck with Planet Lavidge.
Bob,
Very eloquent post.
I had the privilege of working on the Suns, Diamondback, Rattlers, Mercury, Bank One Ballpark and America West Arena for over five years prior to Lavidge becoming agency of record, so this one hits very close to home for me. I am also very proud of the exceptional work SRO produced for the teams over that time. And yes, it was a great ride.
You and your team should be very proud of the advertising excellence shown in the campaigns produced over the past eight years. The shoes are definitely getting bigger.
But great talent does not go unnoticed for long, so I know you will be rebounding very soon (sorry for the bad pun).
Best of luck going forward.
Bob, in case you didn’t already know, you’re my hero. I learned a lot from you working on the Suns account – and had a blast working on it.
(Though, I’m still sneering in jealousy at the guys that get to work with them in the future.)
Impressive. This is what I needed to hear today. Thank you.
As a Suns fan and someone in the agency world (albeit on the PR side), someone told me I must read this post.
I don’t recall many like it that I’ve read. Despite the circumstances it was a great post and I think many people can learn many things from a post like that on so many levels.
Thanks
Brent Diggins
Mindspace PR
@bdiggs
Thanks everyone for your comments. I promised Russ when I signed up for this that I’d do my best to be topical and honest. Evidently pain is a common thread we all share
– definitely feels good to know we’re not alone.
Bob,
Nice post and reminder for all of us in this biz. Giving your all to an account and then having it pulled is the worst. I feel for you and everyone there at TLC. 8 years in an impressive record and you should stay proud of that.
But, like every other disappointment, you’ll ride this one out.
we don’t define ourselves so much by the work we create, rather by what we do when challenges come knocking on our door. i have no doubt something great will come your way.
best wishes for a speedy recovery.
The Suns were the first account we ever worked on together, and every year watching it grow with our care and your talent has been a ride I’m humbled to have been on. It’s time to move on, but the journey continues.. . . . and the muse is at work on what’s coming next.
Wow, good post.. You guys have done a great job and you made real easy for whoever gets the account.