One of my more time consuming projects lately has been developing and executing a social media campaign for one of our larger clients, and one of the most enjoyable. In the short amount of time I've worked with this talented, high-energy team, there is so much I have learned while having more fun than I ever thought I could at the office. The project allows me to really grow my creative and digital skills, and as we all know, it's my goal to head down the path toward becoming the next Digital Diva.
But it's not just about the assignment itself that makes this project so enjoyable, it's about the team of people I am blessed to work with. It was apparent from day 1 (exactly one year ago today that I started my position in this office) that our team is not only talented but fun to work with and always willing to step in when needed. And yesterday, I met a new member of the global team who proved just that.
I was tasked with finding out intricate details about our client's web development environment and decided to reach out to one of my colleagues in another office who had previously worked with this client. The conversation proved beyond successful. Not only did he provide me with the necessary information, he provided guidance on execution and offered to help facilitate any follow up meetings with partners and vendors that may be necessary to get this project off the ground. And this is a client he doesn't even work for!
During our chat he asked me how the project was going and offered to provide any guidance or assistance I may need along the way, given that I'm fairly inexperienced with the technological and development side of social media. (My forte is definitely in strategy and account management, though again, this is not about me).
Needless to say, this man went out of his way to make sure that I had all the information I needed, and then some. This area of business tends to be frantic at times. The team is called on for most client work, given the increasing impact of social media in the public relations world. But even in his hurried state, my colleague took the time to ensure that we were set to execute and deliver top-quality products to our cherrished client. I can't begin to express my gratitude enough, but you best believe I'll be calling on him again in times of urgent client need or just to discuss the latest digital project. I am truly grateful to be working with such as supportive, cohesive team. Thanks, to all y'all across the global network that make this such an amazing, talented, and generous account team.
Cheers!
-A
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Friday, April 18, 2008
Creepy geezer
Recently I've been working closely on a project in my office that involves a social media component. Part of the campaign discusses the types of men that women tend to come across and/or get approached by at a bar. One of my favorites was the creepy geezer (think blading, middle aged and above men, wearing their shirts half unbuttoned with chest hair in full view, smelling like teenage boys because they purchased the latest Abercrombie scent, and hitting on all women in sight under the age of 25). Well folks, last night I met the creepy geeser in person - and it was quite disturbing if I do say so myself.
After work my roommate and I decided to take advantage of the recent lovely weather and headed to a baseball game. This game was a double bonus because we got amazing seats for cheap and my team was playing the team I dislike most in the MLB (and we whooped 'em)...but I digress.
Before we took our seats we grabbed a couple of drinks and were watching the game from a great standing spot. There were some other young professionals who had wandered to the game that night and we were chatting them up when we noticed a rather young woman (I'd say not older than 20) drinking a beer next to my roommate. As she was finishing this beer, in comes creepy geezer with another in his hand. She was smiling and flirting her way into free beer from this very creepy man. YIKES!
To make matters worse, after she left (apparently she'd had her fill), he turned his attention on my roommate. This was funny for about 2.5, then I did my friendly duty and interjected. We were both saved shortly there after by another of our friends who escorted us to the amazing seats, and the night only got better from there.
The lesson: when you see creepy geezer approaching, abort immediately. Don't wait around to see the entertainment, because before you know it, he's talking to you.
Cheers!
-A
After work my roommate and I decided to take advantage of the recent lovely weather and headed to a baseball game. This game was a double bonus because we got amazing seats for cheap and my team was playing the team I dislike most in the MLB (and we whooped 'em)...but I digress.
Before we took our seats we grabbed a couple of drinks and were watching the game from a great standing spot. There were some other young professionals who had wandered to the game that night and we were chatting them up when we noticed a rather young woman (I'd say not older than 20) drinking a beer next to my roommate. As she was finishing this beer, in comes creepy geezer with another in his hand. She was smiling and flirting her way into free beer from this very creepy man. YIKES!
To make matters worse, after she left (apparently she'd had her fill), he turned his attention on my roommate. This was funny for about 2.5, then I did my friendly duty and interjected. We were both saved shortly there after by another of our friends who escorted us to the amazing seats, and the night only got better from there.
The lesson: when you see creepy geezer approaching, abort immediately. Don't wait around to see the entertainment, because before you know it, he's talking to you.
Cheers!
-A
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
More than a decade
Let’s return, for a moment, to 10+ years ago. Before the turn of the century, before text messaging, Facebook, and Blackberries. Let’s journey back to revisit a more innocent time in all our lives to talk about the most significant encounter to date.
Though the memories of the initial interactions with this person are fuzzy, I’ll do my best to recount the scene in most vivid detail. It was a spring day, and my friend Rachel was having her first boy/girl party (yep, we’re going that far back). She invited a number of my close friends, and others that I had met in passing. Our middle school was made up of five or six elementary schools from around the district, so it tended to take a few years for everyone to get acquainted, given the timid factor of most 12-13 year olds; but Rachel’s party was the perfect place.
There was food, music, games, and dancing – your typical junior high party. During the festivities I started playing games with some of the kids I was not quite so familiar with (I enjoyed meeting new people, even back then). But little did I know that one of these kids would become one of the most important people in my life – and someone I still play games with today!
From day one our personalities meshed. He was fun, and sarcastic (even as a middle schooler) and he brought out the best in me. The remainder of our middle school and high school years were spent together in the lunch room when we shared the same lunch period, and we kept the same circle of friends for years. A senior project brought our relationship even closer and we ended our high school careers with a flourishing friendship. When we went away to college we managed to talk weekly for those long four years, and found ways for one of us to make the eight hour trip just to hang out for a weekend. Even today our friendship remains strong from a distance; though I can’t express how much I miss him every day. And of all days, I wish I could be there with him today.
But enough of my reminiscent, sappy post.
Happy birthday, Adam!
Here’s to the next decade as best friends.
Cheers!
-A
Though the memories of the initial interactions with this person are fuzzy, I’ll do my best to recount the scene in most vivid detail. It was a spring day, and my friend Rachel was having her first boy/girl party (yep, we’re going that far back). She invited a number of my close friends, and others that I had met in passing. Our middle school was made up of five or six elementary schools from around the district, so it tended to take a few years for everyone to get acquainted, given the timid factor of most 12-13 year olds; but Rachel’s party was the perfect place.
There was food, music, games, and dancing – your typical junior high party. During the festivities I started playing games with some of the kids I was not quite so familiar with (I enjoyed meeting new people, even back then). But little did I know that one of these kids would become one of the most important people in my life – and someone I still play games with today!
From day one our personalities meshed. He was fun, and sarcastic (even as a middle schooler) and he brought out the best in me. The remainder of our middle school and high school years were spent together in the lunch room when we shared the same lunch period, and we kept the same circle of friends for years. A senior project brought our relationship even closer and we ended our high school careers with a flourishing friendship. When we went away to college we managed to talk weekly for those long four years, and found ways for one of us to make the eight hour trip just to hang out for a weekend. Even today our friendship remains strong from a distance; though I can’t express how much I miss him every day. And of all days, I wish I could be there with him today.
But enough of my reminiscent, sappy post.
Happy birthday, Adam!
Here’s to the next decade as best friends.
Cheers!
-A
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Don't take it personally
It’s just business.
We’ve all been lectured on the importance of keeping personal and corporate affairs as separate entities, and sure, there is logic behind that advice, but with the amount of time we spend at the office these days, the lines tend to blur. Not only that, but it’s difficult to remain void of emotion while putting in 12 hour days for a profession in which you are passionate.
Over the past couple years I have gained a reputation for keeping a level head about myself when under pressure and in dealing with daunting changes – or so I’ve been told. But there have been times, even for the most level-headed of us, that you can’t help but take some issues to heart. It goes back to the old saying, no matter how cliché, “Treat others the way you want to be treated.” This concept, however, doesn’t seem to mesh well with the business ethics of some people, or their companies.
I’ll be the first to tell you that when I head to the office in the morning, I get my game face on and I’m ready to hit the ground running. But I’ll also be the first to admit there are times when I let my emotions sink a little too far into my work. Passion and desire to succeed can quickly turn into a five-alarm fire when assignments go awry (I’ve been known to get a little snippy from time to time).
So how does one handle these situations? Take the high road by catching yourself in the moment, taking some time to cool off and regroup, then acknowledge your rude behavior and try to have more control next time, or do you blame others and wait for the next opportunity to throw someone under the bus again?
Personally, I like to think the high-road is best. Sure, you have to suck up your pride and admit that you in fact are not a perfect human being (and let's be honest, it's the imperfections that are most endearing anyhow), but in the end, at least you have learned something about yourself and are working to grow from these experiences. And when you find yourself caught on the other end of these emotional explosions, try not to take it too personally. After all, it is just business.
Cheers!
-A
We’ve all been lectured on the importance of keeping personal and corporate affairs as separate entities, and sure, there is logic behind that advice, but with the amount of time we spend at the office these days, the lines tend to blur. Not only that, but it’s difficult to remain void of emotion while putting in 12 hour days for a profession in which you are passionate.
Over the past couple years I have gained a reputation for keeping a level head about myself when under pressure and in dealing with daunting changes – or so I’ve been told. But there have been times, even for the most level-headed of us, that you can’t help but take some issues to heart. It goes back to the old saying, no matter how cliché, “Treat others the way you want to be treated.” This concept, however, doesn’t seem to mesh well with the business ethics of some people, or their companies.
I’ll be the first to tell you that when I head to the office in the morning, I get my game face on and I’m ready to hit the ground running. But I’ll also be the first to admit there are times when I let my emotions sink a little too far into my work. Passion and desire to succeed can quickly turn into a five-alarm fire when assignments go awry (I’ve been known to get a little snippy from time to time).
So how does one handle these situations? Take the high road by catching yourself in the moment, taking some time to cool off and regroup, then acknowledge your rude behavior and try to have more control next time, or do you blame others and wait for the next opportunity to throw someone under the bus again?
Personally, I like to think the high-road is best. Sure, you have to suck up your pride and admit that you in fact are not a perfect human being (and let's be honest, it's the imperfections that are most endearing anyhow), but in the end, at least you have learned something about yourself and are working to grow from these experiences. And when you find yourself caught on the other end of these emotional explosions, try not to take it too personally. After all, it is just business.
Cheers!
-A
Monday, April 14, 2008
The art of relationships
Relationship building is both an art and a science. In my experience, building and sustaining professional relationships with clients, vendors, teams, and even competitors takes strategy that goes beyond vanilla affability. These interdependent relationships thrive on collaborative efforts from both parties. Often, high-level strategy comes into play to make these unions blossom and flourish. That is the science behind relationship building.
On the other end of spectrum is what I like to call personal relationship management. Each person has a right to choose his own circle of friends and acquaintances in which to surround himself, and can choose when to initiate, build, maintain, or terminate these relationships - hence the management reference. (Note, this does not take into account when those closest to us take it upon themselves to terminate a relationship, but for simplicity's sake we'll say that we make choices on how how we deal with these circumstances and leave it at that).
Deciding who to befriend and how to go about building those relationship is often fairly simple. When two people get on with each other, that process often happens naturally. Sometimes, nature steps in when a pair don't match up quite as well and the relationship dissolves of it's own accord. But what about those times when you are ready to step away from someone in your current 'inner circle' and the other is not? How does one remove himself from a relationship without scarring his reputation or destroying the delicate emotional state of the other?
Real world examples of relationship termination tend to go something like this:
1. Client fires agency
2. Business chooses new vendor
3. Girlfriend dumps boyfriend
4. Friends have falling out (AKA one friend betrayed another)
5. Husband and wife divorce
None of these examples end in the mutually beneficial way they began. So the question remains... How should relationships end without hurting the other party?
Is it possible to end a relationship in an empathetic way?
Thoughts appreciated.
-A
On the other end of spectrum is what I like to call personal relationship management. Each person has a right to choose his own circle of friends and acquaintances in which to surround himself, and can choose when to initiate, build, maintain, or terminate these relationships - hence the management reference. (Note, this does not take into account when those closest to us take it upon themselves to terminate a relationship, but for simplicity's sake we'll say that we make choices on how how we deal with these circumstances and leave it at that).
Deciding who to befriend and how to go about building those relationship is often fairly simple. When two people get on with each other, that process often happens naturally. Sometimes, nature steps in when a pair don't match up quite as well and the relationship dissolves of it's own accord. But what about those times when you are ready to step away from someone in your current 'inner circle' and the other is not? How does one remove himself from a relationship without scarring his reputation or destroying the delicate emotional state of the other?
Real world examples of relationship termination tend to go something like this:
1. Client fires agency
2. Business chooses new vendor
3. Girlfriend dumps boyfriend
4. Friends have falling out (AKA one friend betrayed another)
5. Husband and wife divorce
None of these examples end in the mutually beneficial way they began. So the question remains... How should relationships end without hurting the other party?
Is it possible to end a relationship in an empathetic way?
Thoughts appreciated.
-A
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Spring cleaning uncovers wisdom
In my recent spring cleaning efforts, I’ve started down a path toward simplification. This has become quite the task, between cleaning out my dresser drawers to sifting through the proverbial mental closet, I have come across a number of memories and tidbits of information – some that I’m content on forgetting, others that are salient enough to document in writing.
Along the path to becoming a professional who can stand on her own two feet in this whirlwind society, I acquired some words of wisdom from colleagues and mentors that have not only provided guidance, but provided opportunities that propelled me down a path toward success. (Note: this is a credit to my teachers, colleagues, mentors, and supervisors of past and present, rather than a pat on the back for myself. As always, this has nothing to do with me.)
In keeping true to my listing promise, below are the 5 best pieces of advice I have received in my short time on this Earth (more to come at the next mental clean-up):
1. You don’t get what you don’t ask for. Provided back in my college days. We’re all a little too afraid to hear the word no.
2. Take out all the adverbs. Stated by a project manager about a pitch letter during my early career; and he was very right. That advice has helped me gain a head for editing – just ask our interns.
“The road to hell is paved with adverbs”
-Stephen King
3. Write a budget and stick to it. We do it for our clients – allocate time and resources based on budget – so why don’t we do it for ourselves? My neighbor provided me this oh-so-juicy piece of advice that has proven true. By telling your money where to go each month, you actually give yourself a raise.
4. Network. We hear it all the time, and like the V8 commercials where the guy gets bonked on the head because he “could have had a V8,” *BONK* to you if you aren’t out there meeting new people every day. Hello, that is the premise of this blog!
5. Read everything you can get your hands on. Welcome to the information age. Want to know something – read about it. Want to break into a new line of work – learn about it. Then go out and experience it for yourself.
Cheers!
-A
Along the path to becoming a professional who can stand on her own two feet in this whirlwind society, I acquired some words of wisdom from colleagues and mentors that have not only provided guidance, but provided opportunities that propelled me down a path toward success. (Note: this is a credit to my teachers, colleagues, mentors, and supervisors of past and present, rather than a pat on the back for myself. As always, this has nothing to do with me.)
In keeping true to my listing promise, below are the 5 best pieces of advice I have received in my short time on this Earth (more to come at the next mental clean-up):
1. You don’t get what you don’t ask for. Provided back in my college days. We’re all a little too afraid to hear the word no.
2. Take out all the adverbs. Stated by a project manager about a pitch letter during my early career; and he was very right. That advice has helped me gain a head for editing – just ask our interns.
“The road to hell is paved with adverbs”
-Stephen King
3. Write a budget and stick to it. We do it for our clients – allocate time and resources based on budget – so why don’t we do it for ourselves? My neighbor provided me this oh-so-juicy piece of advice that has proven true. By telling your money where to go each month, you actually give yourself a raise.
4. Network. We hear it all the time, and like the V8 commercials where the guy gets bonked on the head because he “could have had a V8,” *BONK* to you if you aren’t out there meeting new people every day. Hello, that is the premise of this blog!
5. Read everything you can get your hands on. Welcome to the information age. Want to know something – read about it. Want to break into a new line of work – learn about it. Then go out and experience it for yourself.
Cheers!
-A
Monday, April 7, 2008
The value of listing
It's no secret that one of my quirks is the need to make lists - for everything. Literally. This has been something that my friends have enjoyed poking fun at over the years.
Me: "I've got so much to do this weekend, I don't even know where to begin."
Friend #1: "Wait, you don't have a list for that yet? I figured you'd have written out in order of importance, alphabetical order, and reverse alphabetical order - just for the fun of it."
From to-do lists, to itemized shopping lists, to pros and cons lists (...to take this opportunity, to dump this guy...) I've written them all, and each one takes credit for keeping me organized. But listing goes beyond the obvious organization factor. Lists are succinct and efficient ways to provide information without too many words. And those who know me well know my tendency to edit out unnecessary words. Though this is a topic for another day.
To once again pay tribute to Seth for his words of wisdom: people like lists. Truth. They are quick and easy to read (it's the organized style that the human brain follows easiest), straight to the point, and often entertaining - who doesn't like a good one liner?
So as a blogger who respects the busy lives of her readers, I vow to become more succinct by listing more frequently. Let me know if there's a topic you want me to cover outside of the norm - I can be flexible. Until then, here's my short list of must-visit cities in the U.S. where you are bound to have some interesting encounters of your own.
1. Houghton, MI - If you are willing to make the drive, the scenery is well worth it. The drunken college kids make for some night-time entertainment.
2. San Antonio, TX - Between the tourists and miliary personnel who filter through the city on training stints, this city is crawling with new faces. Check out the Riverwalk as a starting place.
3. Denver, CO - Specifically the airport. It's amazing, and filled with winter sports enthusiasts from across the world.
4. Chicago, IL - The Magnificient Mile, Lake Michigan, cultural arts along Lakeshore Drive, and high-rises as far as the eye can see.
5. Fountain Hills, AZ - Blue skies in December and a guiser-like fountain. The scenery is beautiful in this little town.
Cheers!
-A
Me: "I've got so much to do this weekend, I don't even know where to begin."
Friend #1: "Wait, you don't have a list for that yet? I figured you'd have written out in order of importance, alphabetical order, and reverse alphabetical order - just for the fun of it."
From to-do lists, to itemized shopping lists, to pros and cons lists (...to take this opportunity, to dump this guy...) I've written them all, and each one takes credit for keeping me organized. But listing goes beyond the obvious organization factor. Lists are succinct and efficient ways to provide information without too many words. And those who know me well know my tendency to edit out unnecessary words. Though this is a topic for another day.
To once again pay tribute to Seth for his words of wisdom: people like lists. Truth. They are quick and easy to read (it's the organized style that the human brain follows easiest), straight to the point, and often entertaining - who doesn't like a good one liner?
So as a blogger who respects the busy lives of her readers, I vow to become more succinct by listing more frequently. Let me know if there's a topic you want me to cover outside of the norm - I can be flexible. Until then, here's my short list of must-visit cities in the U.S. where you are bound to have some interesting encounters of your own.
1. Houghton, MI - If you are willing to make the drive, the scenery is well worth it. The drunken college kids make for some night-time entertainment.
2. San Antonio, TX - Between the tourists and miliary personnel who filter through the city on training stints, this city is crawling with new faces. Check out the Riverwalk as a starting place.
3. Denver, CO - Specifically the airport. It's amazing, and filled with winter sports enthusiasts from across the world.
4. Chicago, IL - The Magnificient Mile, Lake Michigan, cultural arts along Lakeshore Drive, and high-rises as far as the eye can see.
5. Fountain Hills, AZ - Blue skies in December and a guiser-like fountain. The scenery is beautiful in this little town.
Cheers!
-A
Show up
In a recent posting by one of my favorite bloggers (that I've linked to a number of times before) he discusses how to be an effective blogger. It appears I've broken his cardinal rule #8: Show up.
Show up. Not writing is not a useful way of expressing your ideas. Waiting for perfect is a lousy strategy.
So to all of my loyal readers out there, especially the one's who have kept coming back during my recent 'time off,' my sincerest apologies for the delay. I have plenty of stories to share, and I will do so shortly. Thanks for your patients, and I promise to be a better, more frequent blogger.
Cheers!
-A
Show up. Not writing is not a useful way of expressing your ideas. Waiting for perfect is a lousy strategy.
So to all of my loyal readers out there, especially the one's who have kept coming back during my recent 'time off,' my sincerest apologies for the delay. I have plenty of stories to share, and I will do so shortly. Thanks for your patients, and I promise to be a better, more frequent blogger.
Cheers!
-A
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