The first pancake


Have you ever noticed that the first pancake you make is always more of an adventure than the ones that follow?

You make it too big or too small.

Or you cook it too long, or not long enough, or the pan’s not the right temperature.

And it’s an analogy that extends beyond the kitchen.

For example, one of our good friends refers to first children as "First Pancakes." And it checks out. They take all your inexperience as a parent - from overdoing it to underdoing it - as you learn and find your stride.

Some good advice I got about podcasting, when we were starting The Copy & Design Brew, was to record three episodes, delete the first one, and launch with episode two.

This First Pancakes principle, if you will, applies to a whole host of firsts:

  • emails to new lists
  • blog posts
  • bios
  • positioning statements
  • brands
  • logos
  • websites
  • companies

While you may end up doing things very differently down the road, you need to start by making your First Pancake.

It won’t be perfect, and it’s vital.

Here's to First Pancakes,
James

P.S. For several years, Kayte has cooked pancakes for our family breakfast on New Year’s Day. (Thanks Kayte!) Which makes that first pancake so poetic :)

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