"With a Little Help from My Friends"...and then some!

AI image from Adobe Stock

by Skip Cohen

​It's Reflections, and I always try and get a little more personal on Sunday mornings. This morning, I knew exactly what I wanted to write about; I've been working on my opening keynote presentation for ClickCon at the end of this month. While I've done hundreds of presentations in my career, this one is special because it's one of the last programs I plan on doing.

If you've followed me for even the shortest time, then you know I consider myself one of the luckiest guys in imaging. I've had a career filled with working with amazing people, experiences, and a never-ending flow of ah-ha moments. At a time when most people my age have retired, I'm not ready to hang up my guns, but it is time to slow down.

I came up with a terrific theme for my program. I want to play off of key things I've learned in my fifty-four-year journey in photography. As I've put the program together, each lesson has had somebody initially responsible for the concept. 

Take a second and think about the roots of things you do today. Everything you do has roots in some past experience. An event or somebody came into your life and left their mark. From a teacher to an associate to a family member, client, friend, or even adversary, they've all played a role.

One of my favorite quotes over the years is from Alfred Lord Tennyson:

I am a part of all that I have met.

​And here's my point and the fun of this presentation—each of us is a composite of our experiences. In photography, for example, all those experiences and people are responsible for the passion we have today. Everyone's passion is unique in its direction, with the common denominator being our love for the craft.

Here's something to think about this morning...Where and when did your love for imaging start? Who supported your vision and your dream? Even better, who didn't offer support, indirectly pushing you harder to succeed?

On July 29, I'm going to have fun sharing the lessons I've learned over the years and channeling them into ideas to help artists build a stronger business model and contribute to making 2024, hopefully, an incredible year. While I'm the one presenting, it will be thanks to so many people who have set the standard for creativity in business, marketing, and even technology.

I am definitely a part of all that I have met!

Wishing you a day ahead filled with the people most important in your life along with more ah-ha moments. Dont' forget those eleven-second therapeutic hugs I always write about. Make it a day jam-packed with everything that makes your heart soar.

​PS Hope to see you at ClickCon in Detroit!