The 100 Years Club Installment #107: Bright & Timeless

When I launched a marketing consultancy in 2003, my tagline was “Powerful Marketing.” 

It was fine for its era.

Building my career in the go-go greedy 1980s and ’90s, I believed that tagline captured my vibe (having been a C-level exec in corporate America with big shoulder pads).

Power is overrated.

I changed the tagline to “Bright & Timeless Marketing” because that phrase will never expire.

Although we use QR codes more than paper business cards these days, some things in life and work have held true since 1978, when I started working.

1. “New” (our January theme) isn’t always better. We live in a world focused on tech and youth. But much can be gleaned from looking at resilient people and businesses who have survived and morphed over decades.
2. That said, rule-breaking and risk-taking are often essential for growth. Do at least ONE bold thing every month. Even if you fail, you’ll learn.
3. Learning new stuff is stress-inducing, but the long-term benefits can be huge. Pick “teachers” who have the patience and teaching style to help you master skills faster. (For example, I’m refining my video editing skills and attending Canva Create in 2025. I wrote a book about AI in 2017 and have been on top of trends since then. As I often say, “The train has already left the station. You can climb aboard or fall off the back of the caboose.” That held true in 2005 when many of us mastered social media, and it will happen again with AI-powered business and marketing.
4. Respect and listen to people of ALL ages. That’s self-explanatory. This podcast now features guests across the generational spectrum, focusing on what we have in common and learning from each other. Many other thought leaders are discussing the “intergenerational thing” these days. If you want the entire list of pro-aging experts, please just get in touch.
5. Quality, speed, and heart still matter. Although anyone can hang out a (virtual) shingle and claim to be an influencer, life coach, social media celeb, or (on a larger scale) new retail or restaurant brand, look at those businesses that have withstood the test of time and how they’ve done it. Of course, launching a company to scale it and sell it is a sound strategy for many. But if you’re building a legacy, consider the brands that have survived 30, 50, or even 100 years. This monthly series is called “Brands With Soul” for Street Fight Magazine. Companies focusing on exceptional service, healthy company culture, and philanthropy can survive and thrive.

Are YOU bright & timeless? The concept applies to everyone at work and in life.

Many of us will live to 100. How will you spend those years?

DO THE NEW, but don’t forego what’s withstood the test of time!

xo & happy new year!

Nancy

What a difference 35 years make!

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