So long, 2010!

One year ago today, I was out bar-hopping on this grand New Years holiday with my girl friends, as any other twenty-two year old would be. The night was off to its usual start until random people asked me the same unremitting questions “What are you doing now?” or “Where are you working?” After numerous uncomfortable encounters, I was to my breaking point. Embarrassingly enough, I turned on the waterworks. I couldn’t help it; as a high-strung, self-confessed career control freak I was in a strange limbo that many recent graduates find themselves in. I had no job, no inkling what the next year would bring me, no clue where I would live for this dream job and no money! (Sigh)

Looking back on the past year, it is perplexing to think of how far I have progressed since that point. I am happily employed at the advertising agency that I fell in love with during my job search. I saved enough money for a down payment for my first place and will be closing at the end of the month. I have met fabulous new friends, strengthened my relationships with old friends, had the chance to make the most of moving home by enriching family ties and have honestly had the most fun year of my life. My present bliss did not come without its low points though.

Shortly after my New Years meltdown, I found work doing marketing for a family friend’s small business. Silver Creek Leather Company is a wholesale manufacturer of leather craft products to retailers across the U.S.  Though the products weren’t necessarily my passion, it gave me the chance to gain work experience and certainly paid the bills. For months, I blasted my resume, networked and interviewed tirelessly for countless positions from Nashville to New York City. This relentless job search led me to feel exhausted, frustrated and let down sometimes, but I continued on and was finally offered a position at an incredible agency in my hometown of Louisville, KY.

As an understatement, 2010 was a year unlike any other.  From the whirlwind of uncertainty to growing into my new adult life, this year has come to demonstrate a personal metamorphosis of sorts. Reflecting on 2010 has reaffirmed my view that things have a funny way of working themselves out. For those recent graduates fretting over their job search as I was one year ago, hold your head high and don’t get discouraged. I have a feeling 2011 might bring just as many surprises as 2010!

Look to those Greater: Wisdom from Ogilvy

Pictured Above: Russian Matryoshka dolls. When hiring an intermediary, find someone who has a wonderful quality that you lack personally. They will help you focus on areas to improve and grow personally.

According to legendary advertising guru David Ogilvy, “If each of us hires people who are smaller than we are, we shall become a company of dwarfs. But if each of us hires people who are bigger than we are, we shall become a company of giants.” To me, this quote is not only relevant to those like Ogilvy during the golden age of advertising, but to modern advertising counterparts alike. Today’s economic climate has caused a survival of the fittest affect, where companies are cutting back their workforce by implementing hiring freezes for new workers and laying off entry-level to senior staff. Furthermore, this has created an influx of entry-level job seekers. Often times, candidates for the job that are mediocre trump those with Master’s degrees or candidates that have exceptional experience on their resumes. Employers can be intimidated by these people, either scared they will have to pay them considerably or wary that they will one day surpass their personal success within their company. In my opinion, hiring overqualified candidates is never a bad decision; investing in those that will add considerable value over time to your organization is a recipe for success. I believe the saying is true that says you should always surround yourself with good people, but why not surround yourself with the outstanding?

Art & Copy

William Bernbach of DDB directed the Volkswagon Beetle campaign "Think Small." It was recognized by Advertising Age as the top advertising campaign of the 20th century. I respect the simplicity and great copy in this ad.

I recently attended a networking event with the American Advertising Federation in Nashville for a screening of the independent film, Art and Copy. This film discusses some of the most iconic advertising campaigns of all time like “Got Milk?”, “I Want my MTV” and Nike’s “Just Do It.” This film took a fascinating look at the industry, from the inside out. It made a connection between advertising and its influence over popular culture and how people perceive the world they live in. Advertising not only sells products, but emotions, ideas and lifestyles that crystallize in our behavior whether we know it or not. “It makes food taste better, it makes cars run better and changes the perception of everything.” said advertising genius George Lois.

I enjoyed the entertaining personal accounts of the masterminds behind these campaigns, especially the ones by Lois. His brutal honesty, colorful persona and stories of gutsy advertising strategies put a smile on my face. The interviews with Mary Wells, the most influential women from the Mad Men era of the 1960s spoke about her respective achievements for Clairol and Braniff Airlines. “You can manufacture any feeling you want to manufacture.” said Wells. I very much admired the story of Mary Wells as rising above the curve to become a powerful woman in a field that was dominated by men at the time as I admire Peggy Olson’s character from Mad Men.

It amazed me just how persuasive advertising can really be if it is done right. Hal Riney’s famous “It’s morning in America …” spot for Ronald Reagan not only appealed to the emotions of American voters for a Reagan win in the 1984 presidential election, but it changed political discourse perpetually.  I believe that anyone who has an interest in advertising should watch this. The primary message I got from this film was a call to action for advertisers to leverage their creative muscle to make better ads. Use creativity and art to create something meaningful to the consumer. With better quality ads, we can move past the immense clutter that dominates modern society. The film was very inspiring and is a definite must see!

What is the difference between PR and Publicity?

Is he a victim of publicity?

Below is an article I have written for the PRSSA national publication, the FORUM. Currently this article is in the final editing stages with my editors. This article could potentially be included in the Winter edition of the print publication that is distributed to public relations students across the U.S, but this article will most likely be posted on the PRSSA website. My privileged blog readers get a sneak peak!

The words public relations and publicity can be synonymous to many who do not understand the strategic communications field. By gaining an understanding of the difference between these commonly confused words, young professionals can better navigate the treacherous path of media relations in their early careers.

Public Relations can be defined as the strategic management function that helps an organization communicate, establish and maintain relationships with important audiences. “The primary goal of public relations is to influence beliefs in order to change behaviors,” says Dan Hartlage, Principal at Guthrie Mayes Public Relations in Louisville, Ky. This practice is always an underlying objective for any public relations campaign, Hartlage says.

Publicity can be anything, good or bad that is present in the public domain and has newsworthiness. Publicity can originate from a news release, media call, press conference or special event. Fundamentally, publicity is a tactic that can be used in a strategic public relations plan, but should not stand alone. The common misconception that “PR people solely do publicity” is because publicity is the most visible tool in the public relations toolbox, says Robert Reeves, President of PRSA Bluegrass chapter.

Potential clients might come to a practitioner wanting “good publicity” for their organization.  By giving the client a communications plan that fits their needs instead of generating short-term publicity, will build the reputation of organizations and professionals in the field, says Hartlage.

3 ways to practice good publicity:
1.      Know the outlet; know the reporter-Successful industry professionals know how the media works. They are aware of deadlines, scheduling and the nature of the media. Building relationships with the media by becoming familiar with their preferences is very important to becoming successful in the public relations industry.
2.      Be an outstanding writer- Obviously, writing is an essential skill in the communications field. It is important to always be accurate, clear and concise when writing for the media. Since writing is a constantly developing skill, one should always be working to improve. By asking others to proofread their work and by readily accepting criticism, young professionals can progress from mediocre writers to outstanding writers.
3.      Professionalism- “Always be professional and fair in your dealings with the media,” says Reeves. Follow the PRSA Code of Ethics, seek ongoing professional development opportunities and accreditation through organizations like PRSA, he says.

*Note: A special thanks to Robert Reeves, APR and President of PRSA Bluegrass Chapter, Dan Hartlage, Principle at Guthrie Mayes Public Relations in Louisville, KY and Julie K. Davis, APR and President of PRSA Nashville Chapter for their contributions to this article.

I’m Back!

I am reinventing myself like Madonna. Well, not exactly, but I have returned to blogging.

After a long hiatus from the blogosphere, I have returned with might. Since coming home from Spain, I have definitely been busy girl. One observation I have made lately is that taking 19 hours of courses is not fun. This semester, I have had the opportunity to go back to my journalism roots. I have taken a job as story writer and reporter for WKU’s twelve-time Pacemaker winning yearbook, the Talisman. In my early years of college I aspired to become a journalist.  Actually, Western’s excellent School of Journalism and Broadcasting was actually one of the greatest deciding factors to attend Western as a high school student. It has been a refreshing breath of air to step back into the shoes of a journalist. First and foremost, I have gotten great experience sharpening my writing skills, but have most enjoyed the reporting process. It has been fun to investigate and interview many different people for my articles. Writing for the Talisman has not come without challenges, but has been great experience to be on the other side of the spectrum. My brief stint in journalism has given me appreciation for the field I have chosen, public relations. I am thrilled to be graduating from Western Kentucky University in December and can not wait to see where life will take me. Let the job search begin!

Reflection

Working at the Universidad Camilo Jose' Cela

IWI Team in Retiro Park

Flamenco at the Corral de la Moreria

The past four weeks I have spent in Spain has undoubtedly been one of the most incredible experiences of my life. I am truly blessed to have such a rare opportunity to gain experience working at an internship abroad. I have learned a great deal about international business and have grown tremendously in my career skill set, but I believe the most important lesson I have learned would be from the cultural immersion I experienced while living and working in Spain. I was definitely pushed out of my comfort zone by being thrown into a place where I did not speak the language. At first it was very intimidating, but I got accustomed to communication challenges as the trip progressed. I have learned a great deal from all of our hosts and the people we encountered in Spain. This experience has definitely opened my eyes to cultural similarities and parallels rather than differences.

Living in Spain has really impacted my life and changed my worldview. I know I am more at ease being out of my comfort zone, which has opened my mind to the possibility of moving to a big city like New York or Chicago after I graduate in December. I have also learned that there is a great need for those who are bilingual in the workplace. I think that many Americans are blind to the fact of the growing Spanish speaking population in our country and the increasing need to reach out to this important group. I am also more thankful of things I have taken for granted in the past such as my family, education, health and numerous opportunities I have been given in my life.

There are many things I pledge to do after this trip. These include:

1. Cook Spanish food.
2. Learn to speak Spanish.
3. Travel around the world with no fear!
4. Take more time enjoying life with friends and family. I need to stop worrying about work and obligations so much. The Spanish have taught me the importance of letting go of worry and pressure!
5. Be more informed about news and politics.
6. I vow to avoid being a rude American tourist who expects for things to be exactly like they are at home while traveling.
7. Be more open to all people despite differences; we are more similar than different!

My trip was everything I imagined and more. I will have many fond memories that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I encourage everyone to take a trip abroad; because there is a lot more to this vast world than the small bubble we live in!

Madrid… ¡Fantástico!

Plaza Mayor

City Sidewalks

Palacio Real

Chueca District

Sunrise at the Puerta Del Sol

Yummy Chocolate and Churros!

The countryside outside of Villanueva de la Cañada

At the beginning of my journey, I was convinced that no place could compare to Barcelona; I was mistaken. Madrid has undoubtedly surpassed my expectations and I have a confession: I am in love with the city. Madrid is a place that takes a lot of time to get to know, simply because of the sheer expanse of the city. Since being here, I have been astonished at the warmth and kindness of the Madrileños. Each time I have gone dancing or to a restaurant, people will go out of their way to get to know you and actually make arrangements to meet up at a later date.  I love the openness and spirit of the people here!

Madrid has everything; culture, art, history, nightlife, shopping, gorgeous city parks, and wonderful cuisine. For me, it is almost impossible to pinpoint what my favorite part has been. I have treated myself to shopping at Gran Via at various stores such as Zara, Mango, and Bershka, I have indulged my sweet tooth at the Choclotaria in the Sol district with a Spanish original, Chocolat y Churros. After dancing the night away with new and old friends alike, I finally got the opportunity to try this treat that I have heard so much about. Churros are fried dough sticks, similar to a donut, that are dipped into a cup of thick, luscious hot chocolate. They were absolutely delicious! I have found my favorite tapas bar, El Tigre in Chueca that is lots of fun and has a great atmosphere. Another one of my fond memories from my trip was attending a gay pride festival in the Chueca district. The streets were draped with rainbow flags, people wandering freely to the beat techno music. I really enjoyed the environment of people loving and accepting others, free of judgment and intolerance. I have genuinely enjoyed walking through the streets of Madrid, admiring my surroundings. Sometimes when I do this, people around me become confused and wander what I am staring at. I only have 3 short days left in Spain and will do my best to take in as much as possible while here. I adore Spain and am not ready to leave just yet!