Agenda Emerge

   Last Friday I had the opportunity to attend Agenda Emerge in Long beach, which was a brand-building conference that was hosted by some of the best in the industry. The conference featured Jeff Staple, Jonny Cupcakes, Bobby Hundreds, and Marc Ecko. After 4 hours of listening to each speaker there was at least one thing that I was able to take away from each speaker. Jeff Staple who spoke first is the owner of Staple clothing and Reed Space retail store in New York. A take away from his presentation was that no matter what you do in life you have to love your profession. If you love what you do you will never work a day in your life. “Do it for the love AND then figure away to make money from it afterwards”. Secondly, was Johnny Cupcakes and the take away I got from him was the importance of customer experience. He emphasized the importance of packaging. “Good Packaging does not get thrown away! It sits as a small billboard”. (The guy is a genius! keep in mind he made his first million at the age of 24 from his brand. Looks like I have some catching up to do!) Up Third was Bobby Hundreds (the man, the myth. The legend) who is co-owner and creative director of The Hundreds. His biggest thing was “consistency” He stressed the importance of always being consistent. He gave examples such as updating his blog daily for the past ten years, releasing new designs on time, and “just because you can does not mean you should. Every good brand needs to be patient and consistent”. Lastly, was Marc Ecko who is the found of Ecko Unltd and he presented his presentation by dissecting Biggies 10 Crack Commandments;

1.     Never let no one know how much, dough you hold.

2.     Never let em know your next move.

3.     Never trust nobody.

4.     Never get high on your own supply. “That shit will fuck you up!”

5.     Never sell no crack where you rest at. “Even if it’s you and your priest, friend, or aunt. That shit is      precious. value it!”

6.     That god damn credit, dead it. “Careful who you lend to, not just money but time. Your time is  priceless”

7.     Keep your family and business completely separated. “Nepotism is toxic!”

8.     Never keep no weight on you. “Do not try and be the next Steve Job. Do not micro Manage!”

9.     If you ain’t getting bags stay the fuck from police. “Avoid ulterior motives. Play by your own rules not others”

10 .   A strong word called consignment, if you ain’t got the clientele say hell no. “Seek partners over lenders. Carful whom you are taking your money from”.