Testimonial: Mark Nead, Nead Brand Partners

From the blog Midtown MyTown designed by Nead Brand Partners 2006, for the emerging network of civic leaders in Midtown Cleveland, Ohio. Written by Mark Nead.

Chances are, if you're at this site, you're familiar with the I-Open organization and the significant influence they're making in accelerating positive change and economic growth in select innovation zones. Like right here in Midtown. If you're unfamiliar with I-Open, they are extremely accessible and willing to spend the time with any and all who are interested in becoming a part of something bigger. To find out more, visit http://www.i-open.squarespace.com.

We all agree that change is never easy. It requires trust, vision, and often times, a leap of faith. But progress never comes from remaining static, unchallenged, or comfortable. Progress comes from welcoming change, be it individual, as a small group, or as a community. Finding a better solution, rather than accepting status quo. That's how we get from here to there. That's how we realize our vision, whatever it happens to be.

Getting There From Here.
I preface a short story with a simple credo from I-Open: "We will prosper by treating each other in ways that build respect and trust." Several weeks ago, we received an email from a regular attendee of Midtown Mornings, our weekly meeting of passionate entrepreneurs, change agents and those eager to contribute their passion, talents and energy toward building the future of Midtown. His email was sent to regretfully inform us that he was unable to attend a meeting for several weeks. As a small business owner, he was faced with heady challenges which would require his full attention. But in the spirit of respect and trust, the group responded as I anticipated they would — with inclusion, outreach and positive spirit. Rather than closing a door or casting judgement, Betsey Merkel, one of the I-Open founders, sent this simple reply: "I know this is tough but the strength is in all of us working together. Stay connected. You offer a valuable perspective....If you need investors and clients, let's address this as a group to focus our efforts on specific goals."

This is why the I-Open model works. Because if you believe we are stronger together and can accelerate progress collectively, those otherwise daunting challenges become attainable opportunities. I've witnessed it first hand since being introduced to I-Open just 8 short weeks ago. This site didn't exist then. Neither did Midtown Mornings, where 15-20 people gather every Friday morning at 7:30 to exchange ideas and fuel progress. I found Betsey's response quite liberating. Gone are the days of working in "silos", protecting an imaginary turf, or the cynicism that often follows the introduction of a better solution. All of that breeds nothing more than paralysis.

Respect and trust. There was a time, not long ago, when values like these only found their place in a mission statement or on the pages of a corporate annual report. Today, they are among your most critical strategic assets. Ignore them at your own peril. Or embrace them, and build a network of connected individuals who care to be part of something bigger. That's how we get there from here.

http://midtown-mytown.squarespace.com/blog/2006/6/10/getting-there-from-here.html

Note: The team Nead Brand Partners is a private business leader in Northeast Ohio. With their initial support beginning in early 2006, many, many entrepreneurs were able to come together as a community to focus on diverse, individual passions. NBP opened their beautiful Midtown office loft space every Friday morning for Midtown Mornings to build networks and discuss Strategic Doing initiatives. NBP is also responsible for the sophisticated and elegant Martini's Over Midtown, an event to celebrate people, passions, and the future. Through their example of progressive private business leadership, hundreds of people with new ideas successfully built new social networks, presented and pursued their passions, initiative ideas and moved forward with fresh, untried, opportunities. 

Recently, Nead Brand Partners has merged with Newbomb Design, and the talents of designer, David Moss for a new company, Boondock Walker. Read the Crain's article.