I’m Done Coloring
There comes times in of our lives when we have to make big decisions. Last weekend, I made one of my biggest when I called up Joseph and resigned from crayon. It is something that I have been thinking about for a few months and I decided that it was the right time to make a move.
It was a year of learning for me. It certainly has not been an easy year, but it was a good one. We’ve shared some great times and I’ve worked on some amazing projects, but it became clear to me that I needed to leave in order to grow personally and professionally. It wasn’t something I decided on quickly, but I know that it is the right decision. Of that I am sure.
So what am I going to do now?
That I’m still figuring out, but I do know that I’m excited to spread my wings and get out there and help a lot of great people and companies. I’m going to go it alone for a while and embrace the freelancer lifestyle. If you or your company are looking for someone to come in and help out let me know. Need a new media strategy developed for you? Need a facilitated brainstorm full of creative ideas? Just want someone to advise on how to engage the social media community? All of those and more I can handle. Just drop me an e-mail and we can figure it out from there.
Also, when I announced to the company that I was leaving, Steve Coulson made a similar decision. I very much respect Steve and we’ve gotten to be good friends with him so I’m hoping that I will get the chance to work with him again. Hell, I’d love to work with most any of the crayonistas again if the opportunity presented itself.
This also means I’ll finally be able to get some focused time writing my book. I’ve been neglecting it for way to long and I look forward to some time locked away writing.
I’ve also got some great speaking opportunities happening before the end of the year and I hope to pick up some more as well. Public speaking is something I’ve always loved doing. Must be from my years on stage in the theater.
I wish nothing but success to the gang at crayon. They’ve got an interesting thing going on and it’ll be fun to watch from the sidelines to see where they go from here.
I’m going to be at Tech Cocktail Boston tonight and then off to PodCamp Philly for the weekend tomorrow so I might a bit slower then usual responding to e-mails, but you know that is the best way to reach me.
September 6th, 2007 at 4:09 pm |
CC – it is with a heavy heart that we part ways. I am both sad and happy. Sad for us but extremely happy for you.
You are at the end of the day, CC “****ing” Chapman and we will be your biggest fans as you go out and realize your promise and potential as a rising star and grounded futurist.
And of course, we too hope our paths will cross again and again and again.
Good luck Big Guy and talk soon!!!
Joe
September 6th, 2007 at 4:10 pm |
Wow. big decision - you’ll kick ass wherever you go
Look forward to seeing what a solo CC Chapman is capable of… scary thought!!
September 6th, 2007 at 4:11 pm |
Wow. I applaud you… it takes great courage to make those life decisions.. but I have absolutley no doubt that the road ahead is paved with great adventure, oppurtinity, creativity, people and rewards!
see you in philly!
K
September 6th, 2007 at 4:14 pm |
Wow, I didn’t see that one coming.
Good luck both to you and the Crayon guys!
September 6th, 2007 at 4:14 pm |
Best of luck to you C.C. (& Steve) for moving on to the next step. It’s a killer-fast paced industry we are in, and you are some of the brightest. I wish you luck and success!
September 6th, 2007 at 4:15 pm |
cc!
Best of luck man, I’ve found its pretty much impossible to write a book with a full time job so this is probably a smart move.
Also I could use some help with a project I’m working on. I’ll drop you an email next week about it.
September 6th, 2007 at 4:15 pm |
You seem to be the type that will land on his feet no matter what path you end up taking. Like many others, I’m sure, it will be fun to watch you meander your way through this into your life’s next adventure.
September 6th, 2007 at 4:16 pm |
best of luck with your next venture, cc…i know you’ll continue to blaze the trails
September 6th, 2007 at 4:17 pm |
WOW! I’m flat out shocked. Best of luck for you my friend as you play the freelance route. I’ll defiantly have by ears open for you.
September 6th, 2007 at 4:19 pm |
I wish you success in this new stage in your career.
September 6th, 2007 at 4:20 pm |
CC, one of the hardest things in the world is giving up, yet it’s one of the most enriching activities we can do.
I know you’ll be rocking on your own, very best of wishes.
Chris
September 6th, 2007 at 4:22 pm |
[…] romance lasted less than a year - CC has announced that he’s leaving Crayon. And he’s leaving pretty sharpish - his last day is September […]
September 6th, 2007 at 4:22 pm |
Up, Up, and Away C.C.! Best of luck in whatever comes your way next.
September 6th, 2007 at 4:28 pm |
Wow, I’m shocked - Crayon was such a good fit for you. But as you said yourself, I look forward to hearing about the continuing adventures of CC Chapman. Both online and in your book!
September 6th, 2007 at 4:35 pm |
Best of luck CC! I know where ever you land, they will be lucky to have you!!
~Diva
P.S. Please ensure this book of yours is available in Audio format for those of us too lazy to read
September 6th, 2007 at 4:38 pm |
Best of luck - I know you’ll find something great to do next.
September 6th, 2007 at 4:44 pm |
Good luck, CC. Wishing you all the best. If you plan a visit to the UK any time, do let me know.
September 6th, 2007 at 4:50 pm |
CC, One never knows where the paths we traverse will lead. But that doesn’t stop us from setting the course in the direction that we think is best. Enjoy the journey my friend!
September 6th, 2007 at 4:51 pm |
RBA! I can’t put into words how excited I am for you. This is such and awesome move man. CONGRATULATIONS! You are going to rock worlds and move planets. That said, I want to thank you for everything you’ve taught me, both professionally and personally. I can’t wait to work with you again soon.
September 6th, 2007 at 4:51 pm |
My fellow crayonista (as you will always be) - you know I’ll miss working with you in a formal capacity, but I’m psyched that this is just the beginning of our association. You know how much I think of you and admire your work, which is what makes this an especially difficult process.
In the end, you need to be true to yourself and do what’s best for you. I’m looking forward to our next adventure together, and especially to our next regular lunch.
Scott
September 6th, 2007 at 5:22 pm |
Hey CC, it’s never easy knowing when to call it a day on one project and make the decision to move on. I’m glad you’re going to have more time to finish writing that damned book you keep promising us! And I’m sure there’s more than enough freelance work out there for a whole team of CCs happily and productively employed for many years to come.
Whatever the future holds I wish you all the best.
Graham
September 6th, 2007 at 5:32 pm |
Shocked and surprised. Obviously, you’ll do well as a freelancer, but I don’t doubt you will also see some attractive offers from others that want to work with you.
September 6th, 2007 at 5:41 pm |
Good luck, CC. Let’s catch up soon.
September 6th, 2007 at 5:58 pm |
Working with you on the Coke project has been a lot of fun. Can’t wait to see what you do next. Remember, we’ll be watching. Good luck with your book, and I hope we get a chance to work together again sometime.
Ann Marie
September 6th, 2007 at 9:03 pm |
Hey C.C.,
Best of luck in your next chapter.
I’ll be first in line to buy your book.
I’ll be first in line to see you speak (heck, I might even be standing next to you!).
All the best - can’t wait to see you at PodCamp Boston!
September 6th, 2007 at 9:07 pm |
Best of luck CC!!
PS. When that book comes, I want a signed copy! ;P
September 6th, 2007 at 9:32 pm |
Way to go, C.C.:
Mustering the courage to leave a known good thing for the unknown better thing is defying gravity in all the best ways. Best of luck and see you @ Podcamp Philly! /d
September 6th, 2007 at 9:34 pm |
I guess the colour of choice at crayon llc will be “tear blue”.
These decisions are tough, but I have no doubt there will be a crayon 2.0 where the lords of social media and marketing will gravitate towards each other again and give it a go.
See you in Canada soon?
September 6th, 2007 at 9:46 pm |
And the journey continues. Congratulations, CC. And I know this is a hard move; you were obviously well liked.
September 6th, 2007 at 9:46 pm |
You’re going to take off like a rocket.
Pax,
Matthew
September 6th, 2007 at 9:50 pm |
CC- We have never met in real life (yet…) but you are a true inspiration to us in many ways. God bless and good luck in whatever you do!
September 6th, 2007 at 10:09 pm |
Congratulations on starting a new adventure! I look forward to working with you no matter what.
September 6th, 2007 at 10:40 pm |
I’ve no doubt we’ll be hearing your name a lot, associated with all manner of innovative and breathtaking social media activities with some very interesting organizations. I’ve already told you this, but I’d welcome the opportunity to work with you, and am ready to help in any way I can.
September 6th, 2007 at 11:17 pm |
CC- as I enter the autumn of my career as a network news cameraman, I’m fast approaching the time where I’ll have to pull the trigger at NBC News. Traditional television is not at all a growth industry. That, combined with the tremendous opportunity to create strong brands online, will make that an equally bittersweet decision for me. I write this from the APEC US TV pool workspace in Sydney Australia, looking out at colleagues clinging to the few remaining television news “careers”. Times are changing, and that’s both scary and invigorating.
September 7th, 2007 at 12:28 am |
[…] I’m Done Coloring CC Chapman resigns from Crayon - Second Life marketing agency loosing the point man in teh Web 2.0 world is going to make life interesting for them. […]
September 7th, 2007 at 2:02 am |
Dude. You’re so screwed!
(I just wanted to say something no one had said yet.)
Much love, superstar.
September 7th, 2007 at 2:48 am |
Thank you every one for the support and comments (even you Brogan *laugh*)
I know I made the right decision to leave. The trick is knowing when risk is a worthy thing and right now it is.
September 7th, 2007 at 3:01 am |
[…] night I publicly announced my leaving of crayon. You can read all the details here. Bookmark this post:These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and […]
September 7th, 2007 at 4:17 am |
C.C., my friend, *many* congrats on making that decision! Several times in life I’ve made similar choices and while at first it sometimes seemed like I had leapt off a cliff, inevitably I found my wings and flew to even greater heights. I wish you all the best and I’m sure we’ll run into each other in the world of social media - and also New England. Should you ever get up Vermont-way, please do drop a line. Best wishes!
September 7th, 2007 at 6:07 am |
Damn you Chris Brogan! I was gonna be the first person to post a negative comment. I had it all planned. I was going to have him eventually living in a van, parked under the overpass, down by the river.
Oh well, I have some old Army blankets if you need them, C.C.
September 7th, 2007 at 7:10 am |
All the best C.C.
I’m sure the future holds great things for you. Looking forward to seeing you again soon.
September 7th, 2007 at 7:35 am |
I love Chris Brogan’s comment haha… You’ll be fine man, YOU’RE C.C.CHAPMAN!!!
September 7th, 2007 at 8:04 am |
All the best CC. I know you’ll land on your feet. Keep us posted…
September 7th, 2007 at 8:08 am |
My impression is that one of your great strengths is mobility. Good to see that power unleashed.
September 7th, 2007 at 8:39 am |
Best of luck CC. Looking forward to the book coming out…
Cheers
Mike
September 7th, 2007 at 9:38 am |
Wow, flying solo eh..and I’m sure you will really fly. Can’t wait to read the book.
You’re always everywhere in this new media world, so I’ll see you there
September 7th, 2007 at 9:51 am |
Hey C.C,
didn’t see that coming, but wish you all the best and am not worried at all about your future. Let me know when you are in Germany again.
take care
sab
September 7th, 2007 at 10:43 am |
Congrats, CC, and all the best for all your future plans. I’m sure things will work out great for you.
September 7th, 2007 at 10:44 am |
hey cc dude, way to go on this decision. it’s obvious you can do it.
September 7th, 2007 at 12:02 pm |
Wishing you the best in this new chapter, CC!
September 7th, 2007 at 12:22 pm |
Congrads….
September 7th, 2007 at 12:32 pm |
CC:
Congratz on taking the plunge, its never easy to leave the good you have to find the better you are destined for. It takes guts, and a hell of a lot of heart to make the leap into the unknown, no one I know has more of either.
Good luck man! Look out world CC ’s coming
DS
September 7th, 2007 at 12:41 pm |
[…] CC Chapman: I’m Done Coloring - “If you or your company are looking for someone to come in and help out let me know. Need a new media strategy developed for you? Need a facilitated brainstorm full of creative ideas? Just want someone to advise on how to engage the social media community? All of those and more I can handle.“ […]
September 7th, 2007 at 8:42 pm |
cc - good luck and keep us all posted. i for one will be thinking about ways to work with you on some project or another constantly now.
continue to kick ***!
September 8th, 2007 at 12:03 am |
Welcome to going it alone… I look forward to hearing what you will be doing in the future.
See you on Teh Interwebs
September 8th, 2007 at 12:56 pm |
[…] And because we’re both cool dudes. According to a recent post on his blog, CC says, “I’m Done Coloring,” which means he has moved out of Crayonville: “There comes times in of our lives when […]
September 8th, 2007 at 1:07 pm |
Congrats CC, good luck into the future. I took the leap of faith last spring, and believe you’ll do very well in your ventures.
September 8th, 2007 at 1:28 pm |
Congrats CC and I hope you inspire others to follow their intuition too. Life really is sweeter when you’re willing to take risks for your passions and I have no doubt that’s one of the qualities that makes it obvious - even with the briefest of meetings - that you’re one of the good guys. Glad we met and I’ll be following your tweets wherever you go.
September 10th, 2007 at 1:54 pm |
[…] staff at Joseph Jaffe’s fledgling company Crayon announced they were leaving. (Steve Coulson, CC Chapman, Gerry Cohen). By my math that’s a third of the company… Jaffe posted a somewhat - […]
September 10th, 2007 at 2:26 pm |
[…] Jaffe bans letter “C,” renames company […]
September 10th, 2007 at 8:31 pm |
Great fun having you in Philly this weekend, can’t wait till PodCampBoston! We love having you on the BestDamnTechShow, you have any open invite to sit in on any show we shoot. Good luck with the career move, I think working for yourself is ALWAYS the way to go…
September 10th, 2007 at 9:25 pm |
[…] recently lost Shel Holtz and Neville Hobson, and now CC Chapman (whose blog post is cleverly titled “I’m Done Coloring”), Steve Coulson and co-founder Gary Cohen are leaving the company. Yikes! Who’s […]
September 11th, 2007 at 8:47 am |
Congratulations. I know how tough that particular decision can be.
I’d wish you luck, but you don’t need it!
-jf.
September 11th, 2007 at 11:12 am |
Not that you will do anything but flourish, C.C., but Chef Mark and I are always here to provide care packages of delicious goodies when necessary.
September 12th, 2007 at 6:05 pm |
Congrats on making the big decision, CC, and hope the future brings you better and brighter things! It was great working with you while I was working at Millions of Us, but tides change, and I can certainly relate to that
However, it’s still sad to see crayon lose both you and Steve.
September 13th, 2007 at 6:07 am |
[…] since I announced that I had resigned from crayon , life has been insane. E-mails are non stop. Lots of “C.C. we need to talk to you” […]
September 14th, 2007 at 8:02 am |
[…] Shel Holtz. And now there were these recent moves, specifically the departures of Steve Coulson, CC Chapman, and Gerry Cohen. Certainly, changes of this nature garner attention, especially the faltering […]
September 14th, 2007 at 10:09 am |
[…] Let’s be clear about this: crayon has lost not only its key early players (Hobson and Holtz — the quite justifiably ‘uber-mentors’ of the Social Media world from a Business/PR/Marcomms perspective) but also seriously brilliant ‘Social Mediarists’ such as C.C. Chapman. […]
September 17th, 2007 at 6:06 pm |
Best of Luck C.C. I understand the need to grow personally and professionally and support you 100% I hope I’m in a position to work with you on a project in the future.
Bobby Hewitt, President
Creative Thirst, LLC.
September 20th, 2007 at 4:29 pm |
Like a 30ft wall of surf, you gotta love the ride and the tube!
Carve it!
October 1st, 2007 at 7:53 am |
Hey C.C.,
Congratulations with your decision to go freelance. It’s a exciting step, and I wish you all the best of luck with that. I sure hope our paths will cross sometime that we can work together on some cool new media project.
I’ll keep followinig your steps in the future!
Maurice Zondag
dutch podcaster en new media marketeer
November 10th, 2007 at 2:33 pm |
[…] Shel Holtz. And now there were these recent moves, specifically the departures of Steve Coulson, CC Chapman, and Gerry Cohen. Certainly, changes of this nature garner attention, especially the faltering […]
December 9th, 2007 at 7:36 pm |
Having recently gone through a similar experience, I can empathize with the roller coaster of emotions that you must be experiencing. Hang in there, as it does get better with time.
In my mind, Crayon has always been synonymous with the CC Chapman brand. I would be unable to name a single person other than you who works with Crayon. You have been the public representative and opinion leader for the organization. Whatever factors led to your decision to leave, your former colleagues are fools for not trying harder to keep you. Perhaps they were greedy?
Best of luck with your free-lancing career, and with the next business that you start. (Really — it is clear to anyone who listens to your podcast that you should be part of the management/founding team of a company, and that you would not be happy simply working for someone else.)
Good luck!
February 5th, 2008 at 9:28 pm |
[…] Jaffe bans letter “C,” renames company […]