[16] Tracy Wong and the Six Bits of Wisdom

Our Creative Strategist class here at the University of Oregon is fortunate enough to be held in the nicest classroom on campus. The real perk of our class though? The caliber of guest speakers we see each week. Less than a month ago we were graced with the presence of former Duck, Tracy Wong of Wong, Doody, Crandall, Wiener. Besides getting an inside look at some campaigns, Wong gave us insight summed up with these 6 soundbites.

1. Let go of the ego - it will be the biggest barrier that blocks creativity
2. 99% of any great idea is strategy - own the insight, own the answer
3. The greatest creative weapon is the ear - knowledge talks while wisdom listens, an open mind is different than an empty mind
4. Embrace compromise - accept client's expectations and needs, then just do a little jujitsu with them
5. Engage in the Democracy of Good Ideas - anything is possible as long as nobody cares who gets the credit
6. Love your client like you love your dog - listening creates trust while killing fear

Six Bits of Wisdom - Class Notes

Tracy's delivery was exciting and inspirational. His messages were clear and extremely well received. He even managed to mention a "bullshit shooting bazooka" and show us the only coffee cup in the world that could kill an account. Simply put, he was the man. Wong spoke directly to the hearts of graduating seniors sitting in the chairs in front of him, many of whom needed a little fire under their ass. Wong might as well have been the one to light the match.

His approach towards good ideas even sparked the idea behind our collaborative project that will be unveiled next month. Check out my previous post, Story Behind the Chihuahua Awards.

Thanks Tracy.