Comments on: SHIFT Communications: 5 Years Later

By: Dan Martell

Dan Martell — Thu, 01 May 2008 13:34:32 +0000

Todd, if only more companies would tell their stories the way you did above (humble beginnings) – it’s inspiring, real and heartfelt. I appreciate the openness.

By: Steven Defren

Steven Defren — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 14:39:54 +0000

Congrats T, Jim & Ed! Hard work, good common sense & the balls to make hard decisions; what a combo for success. It all seems so easy looking back, I know differently. I wish you all continued success; that way I can look forward to a comfortable retirement. Dad

By: Bill Sledzik

Bill Sledzik — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 13:25:43 +0000

Todd… I celebrate April 15 for a different reason. Having been married to a CPA/tax manager for 30 years now, it’s the day I get my bride back!

But this line from your post is one I’ll send my students today:

“A happy side-benefit to this reckless decision: our staffers felt more free to tell clients what they needed to hear, instead of what they wanted to hear.”

An important attribute of the effective PR counselor is courage. And you are right: when the mortgage payment is riding on whether the client “likes it,” we tend to get way too cautious.

Congrats to you and your partners for seeing this from Day One.

By: Mark Johnson

Mark Johnson — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 07:10:59 +0000

I can’t say how much I love every member of my SHIFT team without sounding sappy. Y’all rock and I hope your next 5 years bring even more success.

By: Mike Spataro

Mike Spataro — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 23:07:03 +0000

Congrats Todd. Great risk, but great reward.

By: David Wescott

David Wescott — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 21:15:23 +0000

Congratulations and best wishes for more success in the future. I’ve learned a lot reading your blog and I look forward to many more thoughtful and entertaining lessons as you continue to build your business and your reputation.

By: Todd Defren

Todd Defren — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 19:16:02 +0000

Thank you, all, for the outpouring of compliments and good wishes!

Now, gotta go mail that check to the IRS! (Sigh.)

By: Marie Williams

Marie Williams — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 18:27:45 +0000

Great post, Todd, you’ve really encapsulated here much of what makes SHIFT an amazing place to work and thrive professionally. I love the fact that I can be a partner to my clients and be 100% honest with my counsel.

I couldn’t be prouder to be a SHIFTer!

By: Josh Morgan

Josh Morgan — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 17:43:11 +0000

Congratulations on the five years of success. Great advice on “10%” rule for client revenue. We almost got burned in our first year when one client 40% of revenue and they left. Ouch!

By: Austin

Austin — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 16:57:25 +0000

Congrats on a five years of success in the toughest business on the planet!