With March Madness boiling down to the final four teams, school boiling down to final projects and exams, and the Cincinnati Reds participating in their traditional "Opening Day" activites, I am definitely seeing red today.
First of all, Davidson should have beat Kansas the other day - they deserved it! I defintely saw some red - that wasn't right. Secondly, lots of tests and projects for school are never fun, period. I saw even more red - that's never right. Lastly, the whole "Opening Day" bit doesn't have me seeing red as in an angry way - I just thought it was timely and fitting for me talking about how I'm seeing "red" in other areas of life (although the Reds could very well make me "see red" - they are good at doing this). Now this could very well be right (sorry hardcore Reds fans!)
As far as life at EMG, though, I suppose there isn't much I am "seeing red" about - of course, Kris and I are awaiting replies from a TAHU release we sent to some cities in Texas.. but all we can do is hope for some interest from our efforts. Our next order of business is getting kits out to these people and following up with them. Hopefully we are able to generate some interest, since that is our main focus currently.
Other than that, not much else is going on - I think I have enough on my plate to even want to pretend that I have more going on. March Madness, school, EMG... but, you learn to like them somehow! ;-)
Monday, March 31, 2008
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
TGIT
Yes indeed. Thank God it's Thursday. Now, I wouldn't mind a TGIF kind of day, either. It just has been a tiring week of constant studying for tests, and the last of them ended yesterday - for the week. So, today is the beginning of what should be a relaxing weekend. Also, today is the beginning of the Sweet Sixteen - and Xavier has not seem to have forgotten the importance of that fact. They have been maintaining about a ten point lead since the very beginning of the game. While I am a UC Bearcat fan at heart, I suppose I can show a little love for the Muskies!
Overall, though, it hasn't been a terrible week by any means - after all, my tests are now OVER, and I had a pretty productive day at the office yesterday. While I am still in the process of confirming the Krane's interview with Calgary TV (the holiday weekend wasn't the best to get touch with businesses), I did secure one with Brand Packaging Magazine. I've been working on TAHU's consumer advocacy program as well, but have had no such luck with that yet. I guess I seem to have a knack with Krane's, at least!
On another note, my journalism class - law of mass communication - is starting to actually get interesting to me. Of course, the few journalism classes I have taken so far all involve the media in some way or another, so I naturally enjoy the classes. Today, though, my teacher made a comment about the PR world and its professionals. We were talking about copyrights, patents and intellectual property laws, and she mentioned how rewarding it is to be recognized for a patent/copyright. While on the topic of recognition, she noted that many PR professionals hardly ever get the deserved recognition from working for their clients. While it is true PR people represent their clients and probably wouldn't mind some acknowledgement here and there, I think comments like my teachers' don't matter that much when these same professionals know that they are assisting in the "slam dunk" for their client - and helping them ultimately win. I personally wouldn't mind the recognition - but that is not what it is about to me. Simply knowing I helped a client receive recognition for themselves makes me feel that much more powerful - with or without that recognition. The drive to help clients comes from inside, and not from external factors.
For now though, it is time to receive a little recognition of my own in a different way - calling Xavier to win the game! I did, however, pick WVU over them in my bracket, but I realized I can't go against a Cincy team in the tourney. I do know Bob Huggins IS the WVU coach (who I have always loved), but... WVU probably won't have this game. It'll be a tough night for them - Hugs may need to stay off the road tonight after the game. He can't afford to get another DUI.
Overall, though, it hasn't been a terrible week by any means - after all, my tests are now OVER, and I had a pretty productive day at the office yesterday. While I am still in the process of confirming the Krane's interview with Calgary TV (the holiday weekend wasn't the best to get touch with businesses), I did secure one with Brand Packaging Magazine. I've been working on TAHU's consumer advocacy program as well, but have had no such luck with that yet. I guess I seem to have a knack with Krane's, at least!
On another note, my journalism class - law of mass communication - is starting to actually get interesting to me. Of course, the few journalism classes I have taken so far all involve the media in some way or another, so I naturally enjoy the classes. Today, though, my teacher made a comment about the PR world and its professionals. We were talking about copyrights, patents and intellectual property laws, and she mentioned how rewarding it is to be recognized for a patent/copyright. While on the topic of recognition, she noted that many PR professionals hardly ever get the deserved recognition from working for their clients. While it is true PR people represent their clients and probably wouldn't mind some acknowledgement here and there, I think comments like my teachers' don't matter that much when these same professionals know that they are assisting in the "slam dunk" for their client - and helping them ultimately win. I personally wouldn't mind the recognition - but that is not what it is about to me. Simply knowing I helped a client receive recognition for themselves makes me feel that much more powerful - with or without that recognition. The drive to help clients comes from inside, and not from external factors.
For now though, it is time to receive a little recognition of my own in a different way - calling Xavier to win the game! I did, however, pick WVU over them in my bracket, but I realized I can't go against a Cincy team in the tourney. I do know Bob Huggins IS the WVU coach (who I have always loved), but... WVU probably won't have this game. It'll be a tough night for them - Hugs may need to stay off the road tonight after the game. He can't afford to get another DUI.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
March Madness
When there is March... there will be madness. Whether it's work, school, or basketball (which I think most of us can agree on that this is the most exciting of the three), madness will ultimately ensue. You will have a lot of madness, in a lot of areas. When you try to combine some of the madness, it just results in even more madness. For example, today at work I was going to pass out the NCAA brackets and scoring rules for everyone to look at and fill out. But, with all of the madness at work (playing around with mediamap, organizing follow-up lists, putting together kits, OH, and getting an interview!), I forgot to pass them out. My advice: Don't try attacking all of the madness at once, together.. it won't work.
It was a pretty good day at EMG though, in spite of a lot going on lately. Like I mentioned, I am in the process of setting up an interview with Global TV in Calgary and John at Kranes. Hopefully that will be squared away tomorrow. In the mean time, I'm trying to get in contact with a few others from Krane's who seemed interested, and will be starting the process of follow-ups in a week or so with others. I must say, even though there can be a lot of information to keep organized, I'm learning skills that most students my age will never be taught in school - communication and organizaztional skills. Sure, they have those planners you can buy, since teachers in different subjects tend to take joy in assigning 100 things on the exact same day. But... who do they have to call for these assignments?? (besides their girlfriend or boyfriend). I recognize that you have to use these same skills in school as well. But it is not until you get thrown in a completely new situation do you come to appreciate the value of these skills.
As far as school, well... school is school, and there will always be madness no matter what (in some form or another). Especially now, since the projects that teachers assign at the beginning of the semester are finally sneaking up on all of us.. meaning we actually have to start doing them. And of course, there are the many tests for classes, whether if it is March Madness or not.
It was a pretty good day at EMG though, in spite of a lot going on lately. Like I mentioned, I am in the process of setting up an interview with Global TV in Calgary and John at Kranes. Hopefully that will be squared away tomorrow. In the mean time, I'm trying to get in contact with a few others from Krane's who seemed interested, and will be starting the process of follow-ups in a week or so with others. I must say, even though there can be a lot of information to keep organized, I'm learning skills that most students my age will never be taught in school - communication and organizaztional skills. Sure, they have those planners you can buy, since teachers in different subjects tend to take joy in assigning 100 things on the exact same day. But... who do they have to call for these assignments?? (besides their girlfriend or boyfriend). I recognize that you have to use these same skills in school as well. But it is not until you get thrown in a completely new situation do you come to appreciate the value of these skills.
As far as school, well... school is school, and there will always be madness no matter what (in some form or another). Especially now, since the projects that teachers assign at the beginning of the semester are finally sneaking up on all of us.. meaning we actually have to start doing them. And of course, there are the many tests for classes, whether if it is March Madness or not.
And finally.. there is madness in March for one, and only one, exciting reason - basketball! Now this type of madness, I can stand... in fact, maybe I can stand it a little too much. This type of madness sometimes takes over all the other madness, which seems good at the time, but... when you realize that you actually do have a test the next day.. that's when it's not so good later on. I'm an IU fan, but I have to go with UNC winning it all.
There is a lot of madness out there. But, all things must come to an end (or rather, all GOOD things must come to an end).. meaning there will always be madness. You just have to figure out the best way to root for the underdog, so to speak, when times are tough - and pull through.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Getting "Strait" to the Point
As random as this seems, it occured to me that I never mentioned a very exciting event that happened a couple weekends ago - going to Lexington for George Strait! It was my first time in Lexington, and even though it was dark when we arrived, it looked awesome. I can't lie about it - I pretty much love George Strait. I can't even begin to describe how fun it was... so, to give you more of an idea -
Yeah, we weren't the closest to George, but that is where my zoom on my camera comes in. Some of us were actually supposed to go to Lexington this weekend, but some people ended up not being able to go (some people from UC have to study for exams next week.... we'll see if that actually works out). It's fine, though.... after all, Monday is an exciting day - St. Patty's!!! I have a feeling that it will be a pretty good day; well, after class is over.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Sun, Surveys, and.. Soliciting?
So today was a different kind of day at the office... mostly because we weren't there. Most of us went to the Bombay restaurant to meet up with the management. Kris and I, though, had the task of passing out surveys to gain some insight as to what people look for in restaurants, their willingness to try indian food (which is what Bombay has), etc. It was an interesting experience - some were more than willing to complete the survey, and others were more than willing to.. well, not complete the survey. Overall, though, we received a good response from the many surveys we "flung" at people.
For me, the key for getting someone to fill out a survey was to mention the magic number of how there are only "four" questions, and bam, they did it. The word "survey" seemed to scare people off at first, so I assured them that there are only four questions that would only waste 30 seconds of their life. Also, I did get some people thinking I was soliciting around their store, which is obviously not what we were doing. It wasn't a waste entirely for some people, though, as Kris actually ended up promoting EMG in the process. Apparently, UPS was interested in doing business with us to help promote them. After about two hours, we came back with most of the surveys completed, a UPS business card, and a free vanilla latte I received from the kind management at Starbucks.
(Note to self: ALWAYS distribute surveys at Starbucks)
Guess it just goes to show you never know exactly what will happen when you roam the streets of Mariemont.
This whole process also goes to show how many people still need to get acclimated with this india-dish called tandoori chicken - most people on the survey said they did not know about it, while most said they did know about curry. This was not a big surprise, as I would have answered the exact same way. It will be neat to compile all of the data together and to make some more observations about peoples' likes/dislikes and general preferences. Bombay will be especially pleased with the response we got from the surveys - knowing consumers' preferences/wants is definitely key to implenting an effective marketing strategy.
I think the big observation from going through the surveys is how a lot of people actually KNEW about Bombay City Restaurant (or more people than we thought would know about it). Since most already seem to know about it, our job is to now get these people to come in and simply TRY the food.
Sure, we hear of these weird-sounding foods once in a while. But how will we know if we actually like it or not until we try it? You won't. Experiential marketing at its best.
For me, the key for getting someone to fill out a survey was to mention the magic number of how there are only "four" questions, and bam, they did it. The word "survey" seemed to scare people off at first, so I assured them that there are only four questions that would only waste 30 seconds of their life. Also, I did get some people thinking I was soliciting around their store, which is obviously not what we were doing. It wasn't a waste entirely for some people, though, as Kris actually ended up promoting EMG in the process. Apparently, UPS was interested in doing business with us to help promote them. After about two hours, we came back with most of the surveys completed, a UPS business card, and a free vanilla latte I received from the kind management at Starbucks.
(Note to self: ALWAYS distribute surveys at Starbucks)
Guess it just goes to show you never know exactly what will happen when you roam the streets of Mariemont.
This whole process also goes to show how many people still need to get acclimated with this india-dish called tandoori chicken - most people on the survey said they did not know about it, while most said they did know about curry. This was not a big surprise, as I would have answered the exact same way. It will be neat to compile all of the data together and to make some more observations about peoples' likes/dislikes and general preferences. Bombay will be especially pleased with the response we got from the surveys - knowing consumers' preferences/wants is definitely key to implenting an effective marketing strategy.
I think the big observation from going through the surveys is how a lot of people actually KNEW about Bombay City Restaurant (or more people than we thought would know about it). Since most already seem to know about it, our job is to now get these people to come in and simply TRY the food.
Sure, we hear of these weird-sounding foods once in a while. But how will we know if we actually like it or not until we try it? You won't. Experiential marketing at its best.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Spring Break and The White Death..?
What an awesome way to start my Spring Break! Or is it?
After a whole two hours at the office today, Allison seemed to have the right idea - to leave. When I looked out the windows at about 10:15, I had to remind myself I had, in fact, only been at the office not even for two hours.. and the streets were practically already covered. As I turned to see Allison ready to leave, I thought... yeah, not a bad idea, considering I'm going in the same direction she is. Everyone else was leaving soon enough anyways, since the weathermen actually don't seem to be too crazy for once with an accurate prediction of the weather.. imagine that! Well, or so we think. So far though, it's been pretty intense. I pretty much had a new fashion statement going on today, with having the sparkly white snow flakes all over me when I go outside for like 2 seconds. It'll catch on.
Things are looking to get pretty exciting for EMG with our marketing strategy for Bombay. I am definitely excited about that - Soon I can officially say I'm helping two restaurant clients at once. They are Bombay and Izzy's (so what if they definitely are not my choice if foods?!). I'm working on a marketing research project for Izzy's for my advanced marketing class at NKU - definitely fun. It's such a refreshing change to actually have the opportunity to work for real people in real jobs, rather than working for... well, my teacher and just my teacher (of course, we still are graded for the propsal!) But, actually getting to work with real clients is awesome. And, of course, being at EMG makes it that much more awesome. Now if only EMG could help me out with my project..... ok, fine. I'll just do it.
I must say, though, I really like the fact that I have so much in my hands here at EMG - I like that responsibility. I look at responsibiliies and challenges as opportunities. Opportunities to do well, to prove yourself, and to rise above. Making the follow-up calls, establishing yourself as a reliable source, and, hopefully, getting that interview. Like Rodger said though, the interviews will come... in the meantime, get your name out there. Tell them who you are. And soon enough, they will come right back with the same enthusiasm you brought to the table in the first place.
After a whole two hours at the office today, Allison seemed to have the right idea - to leave. When I looked out the windows at about 10:15, I had to remind myself I had, in fact, only been at the office not even for two hours.. and the streets were practically already covered. As I turned to see Allison ready to leave, I thought... yeah, not a bad idea, considering I'm going in the same direction she is. Everyone else was leaving soon enough anyways, since the weathermen actually don't seem to be too crazy for once with an accurate prediction of the weather.. imagine that! Well, or so we think. So far though, it's been pretty intense. I pretty much had a new fashion statement going on today, with having the sparkly white snow flakes all over me when I go outside for like 2 seconds. It'll catch on.
Things are looking to get pretty exciting for EMG with our marketing strategy for Bombay. I am definitely excited about that - Soon I can officially say I'm helping two restaurant clients at once. They are Bombay and Izzy's (so what if they definitely are not my choice if foods?!). I'm working on a marketing research project for Izzy's for my advanced marketing class at NKU - definitely fun. It's such a refreshing change to actually have the opportunity to work for real people in real jobs, rather than working for... well, my teacher and just my teacher (of course, we still are graded for the propsal!) But, actually getting to work with real clients is awesome. And, of course, being at EMG makes it that much more awesome. Now if only EMG could help me out with my project..... ok, fine. I'll just do it.
I must say, though, I really like the fact that I have so much in my hands here at EMG - I like that responsibility. I look at responsibiliies and challenges as opportunities. Opportunities to do well, to prove yourself, and to rise above. Making the follow-up calls, establishing yourself as a reliable source, and, hopefully, getting that interview. Like Rodger said though, the interviews will come... in the meantime, get your name out there. Tell them who you are. And soon enough, they will come right back with the same enthusiasm you brought to the table in the first place.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
My Name Is Not Intern
That's right.. it's not intern. You heard me right! But I will get to that point in a minute.
So.. my first post! Finally.. I am still trying to set my site up a bit, but it will work for now. I thought I would start this thing up, even though it is almost a quarter till 2 in the morning on Tuesday.. yeah, school sometimes does that to you. I had soo much to do today, and some I won't get to do until tomorrow morning. So in the midst of my studying.. or "studying" for my tests, I decided to be even more productive and post my first blog. I know - I get some great late-night inspiration from time to time, believe it or not.
So back to this whole "my name is not intern" thing. It's a crazy idea, but Lora actually mentioned the thought to Rodger on how that "Kelly" name could apply to me. Pretty soon, it will go more like this - Rodger: "Intern! Intern!!! Intern...?" ........... (no response). He'll catch on some day.
In fact, my business card speaks for itself - I think the whole "Account Coordinator" deal sounds better than Rodger's infamous "INTERN!!!" title. Although, somehow I don't think he would have nearly as much fun with that title! This would be especially true if he needed to go on more Big Lots or K-Mart runs - I couldn't envision him saying "account coordinator, get up. Time to help pick out snacks from the store for me again. Oh, and not to mention direct me where to find air purifiers." Somehow... I think the word "intern" fits with that sentence much, much better.
Aside from the fact that I am slowly earning my name as "Kelly," so far my experiences here at EMG have been valuable, entertaining, and fun! I know I can't possibly know everything all at once, and that it is a learning experience for me above all. I know mistakes can happen, you can learn, and you can move on to do your best to correct them. But whether or not mistakes happen is not really the point. The point is that whatever happens from this experience, I learn from it. I grow from it. I become a better person from it.
And in the end, that is what makes you stronger.
So.. my first post! Finally.. I am still trying to set my site up a bit, but it will work for now. I thought I would start this thing up, even though it is almost a quarter till 2 in the morning on Tuesday.. yeah, school sometimes does that to you. I had soo much to do today, and some I won't get to do until tomorrow morning. So in the midst of my studying.. or "studying" for my tests, I decided to be even more productive and post my first blog. I know - I get some great late-night inspiration from time to time, believe it or not.
So back to this whole "my name is not intern" thing. It's a crazy idea, but Lora actually mentioned the thought to Rodger on how that "Kelly" name could apply to me. Pretty soon, it will go more like this - Rodger: "Intern! Intern!!! Intern...?" ........... (no response). He'll catch on some day.
In fact, my business card speaks for itself - I think the whole "Account Coordinator" deal sounds better than Rodger's infamous "INTERN!!!" title. Although, somehow I don't think he would have nearly as much fun with that title! This would be especially true if he needed to go on more Big Lots or K-Mart runs - I couldn't envision him saying "account coordinator, get up. Time to help pick out snacks from the store for me again. Oh, and not to mention direct me where to find air purifiers." Somehow... I think the word "intern" fits with that sentence much, much better.
Aside from the fact that I am slowly earning my name as "Kelly," so far my experiences here at EMG have been valuable, entertaining, and fun! I know I can't possibly know everything all at once, and that it is a learning experience for me above all. I know mistakes can happen, you can learn, and you can move on to do your best to correct them. But whether or not mistakes happen is not really the point. The point is that whatever happens from this experience, I learn from it. I grow from it. I become a better person from it.
And in the end, that is what makes you stronger.
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