I’m getting ready to go walk in the Fourth of July Parade in downtown Laconia, NH. For the past two years my whole family has participated. My boys, Connor and Cameron recently earned the rank of “Life Scout” (one away from getting “Eagle”) and my wife Julie was recently appointed to the role of District Training Coordinator. Indeed, it’s a family event … and so appropriate for a beautifully sunny Fourth.

Meet my other family …

Tomorrow, our lead designer, Katie Oddy, is getting married. This past week we had a surprise pot luck where everyone brought “something they used to make when they were single.” Scary concept … pretty awesome dishes. Understand that less than three years ago, I was by myself, working in my den, wearing fuzzy Homer Simpson slippers. We’ve had many bumps and grinds in the chaotic development of this team but, with 9 full-time employees and 6 subcontractors, it can now be safely classified as awesome! Sitting and looking across the room, my business coach pointed out to me how amazing this group is … I said, “I was just thinking the same thing.” Ten minutes later, Allen Voivod pointed out the same thing but used the word “family.” It truly is.

From Left to Right; Renee Capen - the ever camera shy Project Manager, Karina Giordano - designer, Katie Oddy - lead designer, Anne Ward - Assistant Bookkeeper, Kim Perkins - Bookkeeper, Debbie Carbone - Copy Writer, Dawn Swain - Office Manager, Rob Keplin - Web Programmer, Allen Voivod (with his son Declan) - Marketing/AhHa Guy, Joan Russo-Scannell - BizDev/Process Consultant, Lani Voivod - Word Smithe, Julie Skarritt - my wife/muse, Dan Kleiner - Web Programmer.
Not shown; Howard Fenter - Lead Programmer, Jim Horne - Business Coach

Let me tell you about another family. This picture was taken at the Iperia Fourth of July Party on Wednesday afternoon in Billerica, MA. A sudden squall came through and drove the party indoors, but it didn’t squelch the sense of camaraderie. My friend, David Jodoin, CEO of Iperia, had a similar sentiment about his team… how he’s gone through bumps and grinds in the recent past but he feels that the team energy is WAY up — where it should be. Exciting times.

OK, I’m rambling and breaking my “short blog post” rule, but here’s the point;

Read this post by Chris Brogan — especially the part about the “Loosely Joined Employee.” He describes how employees can become their own brand and that the company (a brand of its own) may only share the lime light with any one employee on a temporary basis.

To some business owners, too caught up in control, this might be seen like a bad thing. To me, it’s similar to watching your own children grow. Your family/business will be much healthier if you let the kids bloom and thrive.

To this end, I’ve asked each of my “kids” to start developing their own voice by connecting with the world via multiple social network systems … set roots, grow, connect, blossom. From this process of each employee building their own personal brand, I hope a truly great Acorn Creative brand will grow. Check out our Twitter Page to see what we’re all up to at any given time.

P.S. Katie, Here’s to you and Pat! Julie and I wish for you a lifetime of happiness. Thanks for being part of my family.

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