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Hi Team,

Over the last three years I have read several books about "business culture" and I thought I had developed a reasonable understanding of what business culture was and why it is important to a company. However, last week I had a real "light bulb moment" when the true meaning and value of culture in my business became crystal clear. 

As we discussed at the DDB Team Meeting a week ago, three new DDB projects have recently been confirmed for 2020, which is great news for us all. However, during a coaching session last week I realised that all three of these new projects have come about as a direct result of our business culture. Let me breakdown this
("light bulb") moment for you and explain its significance. 

For me a business' culture is simply the attitude and behaviour of it's employees and sub-contractors. I honestly believe that the culture of a business is central to the success of the business and that it is almost impossible to have long term success in business without a healthy culture. Therefore; I believe that "the greatest asset of a company is it's people".

But the significance of this only really struck home when I was recently talking to Jane our new Ripponlea client and I asked her "Why did you choose DDB for your renovation project?" She answered, "a stranger recommended your company." Here is a bit more context; Jane is a teacher at Wesley Junior School in Elsternwick and at lunchtime she often walks past our job in College St. Because she has been planning to renovate her own house in Ripponlea, she has been paying close attention for several months to our College St job. About two months ago whilst walking past this job site and she bumped into College St's northern neighbour, so she asked him how has the renovation next door been going? He answered, "It couldn't be going any better, the guy's onsite are really nice and very respectful and the site is always kept clean and tidy. He also said he would recommend the builder if you are thinking of doing a renovation yourself." So, Jane took down DDB's phone number off the hoarding and gave me a ring. She also admitted that "Because of that neighbours positive comments about DDB she was 90% sold before she even spoke to me." That is the power of our attitude and behaviour!

The second significant realisation was that the other two, much bigger projects, for DDB next year are both for repeat clients. Firstly, the joint venture development we received a planning permit for at VCAT last week, is a joint development of two new townhouses between DDB and Jarrod & Belinda Cohen, who we designed and built a fantastic large new home for 6 years ago at Lovell St Hawthorn. Secondly, the large renovation and extension of a significant Federation house in Kingston St Malvern is for Mish and Geoff Kohn, who we did a large renovation and extension project for 7 years ago in Stanhope St Malvern. Both of these projects have come about as a direct result of the clients positive experience throughout these previous projects and the excellent follow up service that DDB has provided to them after their building projects were completed.

"There is no better endorsement for a company's culture than a repeat customer", Steve Jobs.

The icing on the cake for me was an email I received from Geoff Kohn a week ago which finished with the following statement and I quote;

"The last build with you guys was such a pleasurable experience that we’re looking forward to doing it again.
Regards, Geoff ".

OUR DDB CULTURE IN ACTION!!

Thanks for reading and for being part of our culture.
David