“Just Do It.” In my opinion, the “Just Do It” campaign from Nike is brilliant. “Thank you”, to whoever first said these words and, “Thank You” to the team who took it from words and shared it with the rest of us. Whether you love, poke fun, or loath, “Just Do It,” they are words to live by.
Rather than go into the why I think Just DO It is brilliant, I demonstrate it through the Heart In Oregon Sticker.
In 2003, I had an idea for a sticker. I thought of Oregon with a red heart in it and drew it on a napkin and showed a friend. I told her I was going to make this sticker and live off of it. She suggested a green heart. We argued and I basically called her a know-it-all. I started asking folks about the color of the heart and well, we all know the outcome. I produced 1500 green heart in Oregon traditional rectangle bumper sticker shape. I could not even give them away, let alone sell for $2.00. Another friend suggested cutting them out in the shape of the state, so I did. The result, the final version of the Heart In Oregon sticker we know and love today. After cutting 100s by hand, I had to find a die cutter and pay to have them cut. The next time I printed more, I had the stickers die cut at production which cost more up front. All of these things costing a little more money but saving time or improving quality. My first customer was Nomad’s Crossing on Hawthorne, my next was New Season markets. I was clueless how to approach each and scared half-to-death. But both guided me on the process and both are great customers today.
Just Do It, saying I was going to make the sticker
Just Do It, Asking folks about the heart color and getting over my ego
Just Do It. Producing 1500 the rectangle stickers.
Just Do It. Cutting the stickers by hand and eventually producing them cut.
Just Do It. Going to prospects clueless and allowing them to guide me.
All of these steps, as small or as large, were critical and required steps that needed to be done. I had much help from friends but without my taking steps, without Just Doing It. We would not be here today.
What is your IT? Publish a book? Weld art? Get Married? Then Just Do It. But remember, IT is not the object; IT is the journey to get there.
Remember, this whole thing is your dream. IT follows your rules and the common rules of universe. This IT and this life is your dream. You are in the middle of it so you might as well Do It.
Post your dream our Heart In Oregon facebook page.
Tags: bucci, dream, heart in oregon, Just Do It, Nike
