Monday, September 10, 2007

When the heart and soul leaves the room

Too often, in small agencies, there are one or two key people that drive the focus of an entire business. These people are the heart and soul of the business. Put another way, these people are "the agency."

Recently, though, I've noticed a number of instances where the heart and soul of the business has left the building.

Take Blueline Grassroots Marketing, for example.

Just under a month ago, one of the founders of the company, Brian Critchfield, decided it was time to leave. Blueline was, by my own observations, his baby. He, along with others, started it, and grew it from it's original group to the place that they're at today. Then, in what I'd assume was not a sudden decision, he left. He decided that it was time to move on.

Now I'm sure there are a number of reasons for this, many of which you and I will never know about. That's the case no matter when this happens. The point, however, is that in many ways, Brian was the heart and soul of Blueline. And with him gone, what's next for them?

Now, it should be noted that this is not unique to our little world here in Idaho. For those of you who follow the new media/marketing world may know, last week CC Chapman decided that it was time for him to leave Crayon, a company that he helped to create. Again, I'm sure there are a number of reasons for this decision that the casual observer will never know about, but I have to call it as I see it -- the heart and soul of that company has now left the building.

So, the question remains. When this happens where you're at, and at some point in time it will happen, what are you going to do about it? Are you in a position to replace the talent that just left the company, or are you going to have to scramble to try and pick up the slack somehow?

As always, comments, questions, blatant cries that I'm full of shit are always welcome.

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5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the really kind words you had to say about me and my recent decision.

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

BlueLine wishes Brian the best of luck in his future endeavors! We welcome any and all to keep checking in on our blog to see what's new at BlueLine.

Johnathan Hardesty, BlueLine

Anonymous said...

Blueline should change its name to Whiteline as it is essentially dead after the silent but deadly partners ran out Brian Critchfield. They will regret that decision every day the blueline doors stay open, which by all accounts will not be long.

Anonymous said...

I appreciate the complements and thoughtful analysis. Leaving was my choice. If there is one thing that is constant in life, it is change, and it was time for a change.

I wish the guys at BlueLine the best. In the meantime, feel free to check out what I am doing at www.navelmarketing.com.

Keep up the great blog, Brian.