Friday, July 27, 2012

Tips for Young Marketing Communications Professionals in Kansas City


Wednesday evening, Kansas City’s International Association of Business Communicators (KC/IABC) held a Rising Stars Marketing Communications panel.  Communication employees and interns from all over the Kansas City area gathered at the Granfalloon to hear advice from some of the best in the biz – Mike Goff, Eric Morgenstern, Terry Pulliam and Lori Wiles.  I left the panel with great advice to share with others out there who are passionate about marketing communications:

Impress Employers
In this fast-paced society, technology is constantly changing.  So if you’re in the job market, be willing to show potential employers that you’re eager to learn any task ahead of you – even if it isn’t in the job description.  A tip from panelist Terry Pulliam: If you’re not challenging yourself at work, you’re not moving forward in your career.  Employers love to see employees constantly working hard and trying new things.

Market Your City
Mike Goff was in agreement with the rest of the panel – Kansas City is, for lack of a better term, awesome.  However, Mike does believe the city and its citizens need to brag a little more about just how great it is!  “A lot of talent from the nearby universities feeds into Kansas City,” he said. “We’ve got to be marketing our marketing.”

Don’t forget to give back!
When working in a boast-worthy place like Kansas City, it’s important to give back to it as well!  Apart from a career, volunteering is a great opportunity to give back to the community.  It allows you to learn new skills you may never have the chance to use in the workplace.  If your job is strictly marketing, you can volunteer to plan an event for a local nonprofit you’re involved in to gain the experience. 
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or still earning your communications degree, KC/IABC has the advice for you. Check out the organization’s next event – a professional development lunch focused on tips for better storytelling Thursday, August 16 at Brio Tuscan Grill.

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