When I first started my photo business I had some core values that I idealized more than lived out. For example, my first podcast was called the “Simple Photo Minute” that was neither simple and rarely a minute long. Although I’ve figured a few things out, it was back then that I started my bad habit of spreading myself too thin and I’m still paying for it to this day.

Recently though I visited with a company called Vokle who I’m currently hosting my AskDane show with. What drew me to them was their bare bones elegance. I was nervous to meet them because I thought maybe I’d be disappointed if who they were didn’t match what they showed.

When I saw their “signage” though I was hopeful (see above). Why? Because it reflected who they were, their values, their culture of simplicity.

When I went inside and saw the substantive part of their work (the people, the conversations, the mission and actions of the company), same thing. Their outside matched their insides. It was refreshing.

That kind of syncronicity reflects a focus that impresses me and I crave more of for myself. And, of course, it just makes sense. By choosing to be modest with our metaphorical “signs” it frees up time for focus around things that matter most: how people experience us (aka… our real signage).

So, what can you and I learn from a shoddy little sign? Whether you’re a bride planning a wedding or a creative planning a business or a family planning a life, what do you say we all take a day (maybe even today) and ask ourselves if we’re in sync… if we’re keeping it real… if “cutting out” might free up time to focus on what matters most? I wonder if it might be just the kind of calibration we need.