Sometimes you meet a client who just ticks all the boxes. Passionate about their craft, kind beyond belief, and just trying to work out how they can share their gift with an ever changing world. Let me tell you a story…
I love New Zealand. It’s not the landscape (which is pretty bloody amazing for an old Adelaide boy), it’s not the adventure sports, it’s not even the Marlborough wines (although they are a great example of marketing).
No, it’s the people. When I first visited Tauranga and the Mount, I was left with an indelible impression of an amazing culture. If I had to describe it in one word, it would be: Musical.
There is a musical quality to the people here. I can’t explain it any other way. So when my mate Jay said ‘You need to come and meet a local artist who is doing great things and I think we can help him’, I dropped everything and jumped on the plane.
First impressions are important. One of the great cliches in this world that has really stuck with me is: You never get a second chance to make a first impression.
Sometimes you do get a second chance though. Sometimes we need to look past what we find online, and the standards that we business folks have been conditioned to believe are the signs of professionalism. Sometimes, just sometimes, we meet a person who seems to transcend the world we live in with all its consumer greed and ‘what’s in it for me’ mentality.
Enter Benjamin Lloyd.
A quick Google will show you a young man who has a rare talent. A quick Google will show you a young man who bit off more than he could chew. A quick Google will show you a young man who hasn’t had the best track record at managing his workload.
Bollocks to a quick Google.
Let me paint the picture. Jay and I organised to meet Ben at the local Pap Tav. We grabbed a bite to eat and a coffee (with pink marshmallows, but that’s another story), and waited.
If punctuality and communication were my key deciding factors, I wouldn’t be writing this story. One thing I have learnt over the years: my priorities aren’t everyone’s priorities… And, who am I to judge?
In walks Ben. And instantly there is something hard to describe about this young man. Here is someone who simply wants to help people smile. In a world that is consumed with greed and public liability, here is someone who lives in the moment, has developed an incredible skill, and is passionate about using his talents to enrich the lives of others.
I lost count of how many times during the conversation I turned to Jay and nodded.
One of the luxuries of PlainBlack Creative is we can pick and choose who we work with. If we don’t get the Go Giver’s vibe from you, there’s a fair chance we aren’t working with you.
So listening to Ben’s story, a story we will share very soon, was one of those watershed moments in my life. It’s the kind of story that can reignite your passion, even faith, in humanity. It’s the kind of story that brings a smile to your face while simultaneously making you grimace at some of the mistakes he has made.
I firmly believe it is our mistakes and how we come out the other side of our mistakes that make us who we are.
In short, I’m looking forward to this one. This story needs to be told. This story needs to be shared.
Benjamin Lloyd the person: is someone you need to know.
Benjamin Lloyd the brand: is something you won’t believe, something that hints at what this world could be, something that offers a little hope for those who have looked at the grim face of this world and wished for something better.
Wear your heart on your sleeve and come along for the journey, you won’t regret where we go, and you may even enjoy it. If Ben has his way, you’ll be smiling, I can guarantee that.
Watch this space…
