Today's Question: Do You Fit in Your Company's Culture?

Finding your fit with a company is an important as finding a great pair of jeans. You don't want anything that stifles your personality, limits room for growth or clashes with your overall style.

Over lunch with some co-workers, we had a discussion about different company cultures. Two of the people at the table were commiserating over the tight, layered politics of a former employer--both came to the conclusion that SBC Advertising was a more complementary fit for their individual personalities and style.

So, here are some things to consider as you hunt for your fit:

• How much structure do you need?


• Is there room for growth?


• Does your work ethic align with what is expected of you and your position?


• Do you agree with the vision of the company?

Finding your "fit" is the first (and necessary) step on your career path. Don't be afraid to take a step back and make sure it feels right.

Today's Question: Are You a KIA?

Just for the record, I’m not referring to the Korean car manufacturer, but instead to a Know-It-All (KIA). Before you start yelling “no” at your computer screen, take a step back and think about how your approach situations with colleagues, friends and family. Are you open-minded, or do you have a tendency to feel that you already have the knowledge about nearly any subject—especially when it comes to your career field.

I think we all have a little KIA in us. It’s very easy to have the “been there, done that” type of attitude. I mean, how many different ways can I write a press release, conduct blogger outreach or set-up media interviews? Haven’t I already developed countless public relations plans, presented new business proposals and executed creative campaigns? And that’s when my inner KIA needs to stop taking over.

Instead of allowing your ego to get in the way—you must maintain a desire to learn. Younger colleagues know more about online research than I ever will. They don’t know what it’s like to use a card catalog and review books at the library to find information, or sort through microfilm for archived news articles! More experienced colleagues can provide guidance and mentorship during tough situations when dealing with difficult co-workers, clients and vendors.

The same is true for personal relationships. You can always continue to learn, as long as you don’t get in the way!

Now, if I could just get my dad to read this and believe in it…he is one of the founding KIA fathers.

Today's Question: What Happened to the 9-to-5 Job?

Workin' nine to five, what a way to make a living
Barely gettin' by it's all takin' and no givin'
They just use your mind and they never give you credit
It's enough to drive you crazy if you let it
-Dolly Parton

The 9-to-5 job is dead…and if you have a 9-to-5 job, it’s just that, a job, not a career. As a communications professional, I’m always thinking about work—whether it’s how a retailer is going to promote the back-to-school season or by checking out one of my client’s Facebook fan pages, I continuously do these things 24/7.

It seems like even during my “free” time, I’m discussing the pros and cons of social media; or debating on the merits of a new ad campaign; or ridiculing a politician’s public addresses.

Maybe it’s because I’ve chosen a career that thrives on communication—and right now, the way we communicate seems to be constantly changing. But I tend to think it’s more of an illustration about how we want to stay connected…how many mobile numbers do we know see on business cards or people responding to email via mobile devices on the weekend.

Oh yeah, did I mention, my new business cards have my Twitter handle…next time, I’ll put my blog link on them!

Today's Question: Are You Motivated by the Next Big Thing?

One thing that is pretty predictable about agency life is that fact that things tend to slow down in the summer. There’s a decrease in agency pitches, more people are on vacation and fewer products are introduced at this time. It’s easy to let your mind wander as you wait for the next big thing…

One thing I’ve discovered about myself is that I get more accomplished when I’m busy. My “to do” list needs to be jam-packed otherwise I get complacent. It’s also easy to get complacent when you keep revisiting the same client roster. So, how can you beat the summertime blues? Here are a few tips:

1. Instead of “waiting” for the next big thing, go and find it. No one is keeping you from picking up the phone and meeting a respected mentor/peer or ideal prospect for coffee (or iced tea).
2. Use the time to get acclimated with trend and industry changes. You can never stop learning; figure out how your new findings can translate into client campaigns.
3. Lend a helping hand—either inside or outside your office walls. It might be the perfect time to get involved with a local cause or charity.

Most importantly, keep providing great results on the current work you do have—it might be slower, but that doesn’t mean that your clients are not talking to your competition—remember, they might have more time on their hands too!

Today's Question: Do You Ever Miss Being an Intern?

This week at SBC Advertising, we launched an exciting summer intern program. In addition to some field trips, our interns have been given a real-world assignment. Oh, and to add to the drama, a little friendly competition is involved. In three weeks, two teams of interns will be presenting to a group of agency executives!



As the ideas started flying around the conference room, I realized that I missed the opportunities provided by my internships. Some of the highlights include:

1. Be a sponge. You get to absorb everything—take advantage of it.



2. Experience things for the first time. Everything you experience is still exciting and new; whether it’s a photo shoot or writing a press release.



3. Go beyond the “classroom” curriculum. Some things professors just can’t teach you, such as the importance of conference reports and change orders.

But for now, the heat is on for our interns…I just get to sit back and relax on July 31!

Today's Question: What's So Powerful About the Number 3?

We've all heard the expression, "It happens in threes." Many of the communications plans I develop have three objectives. In speaker training, I've learned to stick to three points and when developing key messages, we tend to develop three main thoughts. Why? Because it's memorable. Or is it?

In today's age of constant communications and connection, do we even remember three things anymore? It's almost as if evolution has started to decline. Our superior brains are being trained to process in 140 characters and communicate via smart text and wall posts.

Taking that one step further, the firing of our neurons (or the lack there of) is a result of the media. The 2-minute story package is replaced with the 10-second soundbite. In last week's unfortunate events, can you name the three celebrities that we lost? Farrah Fawcett, Michael Jackson, and Ed MacMahon--for those of you playing at home. Yes, that's right, Ed MacMahon passed away too. According the media, we lost the King of Pop, that girl from the poster and that flat broke talk show sidekick.

For now, I'm going to try and adhere to the Power of 3: Happiness, Fortune and Fame. We'll see how well this works!

Today's Question: Are You an Effective Leader?

"A leader is a dealer in hope."
-Napoleon Bonaparte

At times, Napoleon might have needed to be reminded of this fact, but don't we all? The measurement of a true leader should be in the innate ability to instill trust and hope in those you are leading. The other day I was quickly reminded that as a leader, it is my responsibility to do these things.



We all know the saying "S*(& rolls down hill." I'm here to say, that it shouldn't. A true leader knows that both the good and the bad are a direct reflection on how he/she leads the team. I made that mistake this week and informed my team that I got reamed for something that had happened while I was out of the office...WHAT WAS I THINKING?? This is not way effective leaders handle things; I did not need to bring my team down with me-but I did!



For the rest of the week, I received apology upon apology from them...and why? They did nothing wrong. Instead of addressing the situation directly and letting it go, I needed to talk about it. I wasn't being hopeful, I was being hopeless.



From one leader to another. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Be humble.

2. Offer guidance.

3. Share praise.

Hopefully, I will remember to follow my inner leader in the future!