A notebook about how we work and learn and love and live.

It’s our hope that Clarity First helps you spend less time swatting away ideas you aren’t interested in and more time exploring ideas you do.

Thinking about the future has a direct neurological link to greater creativity, empathy, and optimism

It turns out that futures thinking is good for the soul. Jane McGonigal at Aspen Ideas Festival, 2016.

The Elements of Value pyramid

Abraham Maslow first published his hierarchy of needs pyramid in 1943. 73 years later, Bain has introduced the Elements of Value Pyramid, “The 30 things customers really value. Universal building blocks of value that meet fundamental human needs. These are basic attributes of a product or service that address four kinds of needs: function, emotion, life changes, and social impact. In general, the more elements provided, the greater customer’s loyalty and the higher the company’s sustained revenue growth.”

Just 5 days left for early-bird pricing of the next Clarity DIY Brand Camp

The only Western Mass camp this fall will gather at the Smith College Conference Center on September 28. Learn more.

Yes, even nonprofits have a brand

This week on the Clarity Blog, Todd mused about what we talk about when we talk about branding. He posed an interesting challenge: “If you think that your nonprofit doesn’t have a brand, just ask around to see what people think when they hear your name.” Read the whole post here.

Playlist

This week, Mitch has been playing Sara Watkins’ new album Young in All the Wrong Places. This song – Move Me – is indicative of how far she’s moved from her new-grass roots.

Image of the week

The photos in the header is from Scott Hoyle’s ongoing series BirdsEye. They are available as fine-art prints and for editorial usage. We learned of Scott’s work in the Communications Arts Photography Annual 57.