Values Over Everything
For nearly 10 years, we’ve built Optimist around core values that define our work and our vision.
Here’s what we believe.
Do What’s Right.
Doing what’s right is not always easy. Sometimes, it means making personal sacrifices to right a wrong. Sometimes it means owning up to a mistake when it would be easier pass the blame. It also means telling prospective clients when you aren’t the right partner to help them achieve their goals, even if they have a nice budget that could help you pad your revenue.
Our mantra of “do what’s right” manifests itself in a million small ways. It’s a guiding principle more than a rigid prescription. Anytime there’s a tough decision to make or a questionable situation to unravel, it’s important to ask what feels more right given the circumstances.
Admittedly, this can be a gray area.
But, if we strive to do the right thing in every scenario, we always have a compass for making tough choices and steering the decisions of the company.
We also challenge clients to provide:
- Transparent strategy and planning process
- Weekly and quarterly metric reviews
- Data-driven decision making
- Strategic goals and context for every article and project
Be Human.
We’re all humans.
This means that we’re capable of achieving amazing feats and each of us has an unlimited capacity for creativity. But it also means that we aren’t machines capable of infinite effort, limitless focus, or flawless execution.
As an agency, we recognize and respect the humanity of our team. We structure our work to take advantage of strengths while also creating space for the reality of the human experience.
Most importantly, we recognize that humans doing creative work do not operate on a linear scale of productivity. The culture and mechanics of our processes will shape the ability of each individual to do their best work. It’s our job to create a culture and a work experience that allows people to operate at their best.
That also means that we can’t expect peak performance from every individual at all times. And that’s okay.
Creating a stable and fulfilling work environment may not be the best short-term solution, but it’s the only long-term investment that truly matters.
We focus on building relationships and trust.
Ask Why.
The most fundamental question in marketing is “why”.
Learning and growth is about asking why something works, why something has failed, and why we’re doing the work in the first place. Seeking insight and understanding is the drive that powers the world’s best marketing—and the world’s best marketers.
We’re constantly asking why things are done a certain way—and how we might do them even better.
Give a Sh*t.
At the end of the day, our goal is to do great creative and strategic work.
That doesn’t happen if you’re just going through the motions.
We always push for better.
Sometimes, we take the harder route. Sometimes we have to put in the extra hours , rethink the plan, or throw out the plan altogether.
But, no matter what, we always remain focused on the big picture. The things that truly matter and give our work purpose and direction.
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