MDCG Consulting Group

McLaren+Do Consulting Group We are brand strategists that specialize in working with small to medium sized business to help them achieve their business objectives.

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Being present. Enjoying the surf, sand and sun. This is the good life. Living life richly with the family. Recharging my batteries.

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Fan spotting poolside at the @disneyaulani resort in #Hawaii. Martin Owens just graduated high school and is already getting freelance clients. #hustle #graphic design #livingthedream. The reach of the @theskoolrocks is incredible. Even here in Hawaii.

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It's been an amazing year so far of challenges, transitions, friendship and learning. Very grateful for the people in my life. Thank you for your support, encouragement and mentorship. Finished up the first leg of the Summer @theskoolrocks tour and now I'm in Hawaii. How did a refugee from Vietnam end up here? #blessed

[mdcg]

The IKEA effect is a cognitive bias in which consumers place a disproportionately high value on products they partially created. In other words, the more time you put into something, the more you love it. This is why designers can lose objectivity while working on a project. You fall in love with your own idea and are less likely to recognize a better idea. Before putting pencil to paper or pixel to screen, ask, what is the goal? What does done look like? Why does it matter? Have clear answers before you start.

[mdcg]

In case you were wondering... I had the seared halibut, crisped pork belly over baby corn. Delicious. #foodporn #motionconference2016 #anasazi #santafe Iron chef style dinner. (at Anasazi Restaurant)

[mdcg]

And that's a wrap. Running on fumes and can barely remember what I said on "finding purpose in your passion" talk at @motionconference. It was a total blur and then it was over. Now, off to the after party at @meow__wolf.

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Under the bright lights at @motionconference when things started to heat up during the panel discussion.

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Passion is great but can become hollow without purpose. Purpose is not what you do for yourself. It's what you do for others. What can you do to improve the human condition? And secondly, how can you grow spiritually, and become more mindful? @motionconference

[mdcg]

You win awards. Appear in magazines. Do work that's admired by your peers. Work with the biggest brands, and yet, oddly, nothing changes. What now?

[mdcg]

What's @gunngreg secret to creativity? Routine. Social commitment. Great job GG. #producstination @motionconference #fycb #mythicalmonday

[mdcg]

The man to my left is Jason and I'm so glad I bumped into him again this year. The back story— last year, I was feeling a sore throat coming on 30 mins prior to giving my talk. I was a nervous wreck and needed a cough drop bad. I ran up to Jason and asked him where the nearest convenience store was. He reached into his fanny pack. Instead of pulling out a tourist map, he offers up a half dozen different types of cough drops. He insisted that I take two. The good stuff he says. It's exactly what I needed to soothe my throat and more importantly I felt like I had a friend in this man. His kindness gave me a little extra boost of confidence to go on stage and deliver my talk. #grateful @motionconference #santafe

[mdcg]

Are you doing what you were meant to do? Are you living a life that's true to who you are or are you living someone else's dream. The first thing to do is to take note of all the things you enjoy doing— the things that you do that you can barely contain your emotions around. Write them all down. Don't worry about being practical or pragmatic. Just write down the things you love. #passion

[mdcg]

Passion fuels your creative life. It's what keeps you going at 3 AM while everyone else is fast asleep. Day in and day out you burn the midnight oil until one day you wake up and realize what's the next 20 years of my life going to look like? Did all the blood, sweat and tears amount to anything? Did you make a difference in the world? Passion with purpose will keep you going all your life. I found mine and that's to teach. So I'm here to share what I've learned, without restrictions or expectations.

[mdcg]

Look at those cumulus clouds. Epic skies in Albuquerque, NM. On my way to @motionconference #fycb to speak about finding purpose in your passion.

[mdcg]

And on the other end of the spectrum is ultra minimal coffee shop @bluebottle in #Venice. 3 baristas man the helm and serve fragrant cups of coffee and cappuccinos. Interesting to see the transformation happening on #abbotkinney as one storefront after another becomes the launchpad for an entrepreneurs dream.

[mdcg]

The interior to @gjelinarestaurant on #abbotkinney #venice features an eclectic mix of reclaimed wood, brick, antique mirrors and cabinet doors. #coolinteriorspaces #ambience

[mdcg]

Designers often don't understand the risk associated with hiring creatives. Instead of pitching yourself as great, try asking the client, "what are your top 3 concerns about working with us?" Over time, you will learn that they're almost always the same 3 objections. 1. You do t have enough experience. 2. You're not an expert at X. 3. You are too expensive. Think about those 3 objections and do your best to address them or risk losing the job. When you do, you will win more jobs and be the highest bid. Want to know more, watch our channel on YouTube. the Skool Rocks.