Hi @prchck123 (Heather) and everyone following #jectv today! :) Lets get started.
Heather: Sounds great! Glad to be here.
Q – #1 So @prchck123, tell us first where you grew up, attended school and what your first job as an adult was.
Heather: I grew up on the east side of the Twin Cities. Went to @AugsburgCollege. First job in PR was working @mysticlake doing promotions
Or more specifically, dressing up in costumes running games on the floor of the casino.
Or what I like to call character building. I actually learned a ton in that job
Q – #2 When and how did you know that you wanted to be involved with PR work?
Heather: Before going to college I wanted to train horses. When I realized you couldnt make a living I focused on something I loved – talking.
As learned more about PR I fell in love. I loved learning how people think and how to reach them.
Now more than ever, I am happy about the field I picked. It is an exciting time as a communicator.
Q – #3 What kinds of clients have you been able to work with? Any types that are a bit challenging?
Heather: I have had the chance to work with amazing brands from @officemax to @kempscows. I think every client is challenging in its own way
Q – #4 What effect would you say Social Media has had on the way PR is conducted now?
Heather: companies are trying to figure out how to use these tools in an effective and authentic way.
Social has help companies gain direct access about their customer’s perspective of their brand and service.
PR peeps have had to become multifaceted in how they communicate and what solution they give. Media relations isnt always the answer
Q – #5 More about YOU: Favorite(s) – Restaurant, store, comfort food, recent book or blog and TC neighborhood.
Heather: Restaurant :@labellevie_MN, Store: St. Croix Saddlery , Comfort Food: Mac and Cheese, Book: Gamestorming, Neighborhood: Hugo
Blogs – I love @mnprblog because it connects the community http://bit.ly/1xFeSD and total guilty pleasure is http://bit.ly/17gPIb
@heavytable is great for capturing the local food scene. heavytable.com
Q – #6 Lets now discuss the @MNAlphabetBash coming up next week. How did it get started and what groups are involved with it?
Heather: I am also slowly launching a blog for @mnalphabetbash. It is slow to start but we are getting there. http://bit.ly/nyYBm3
I created the @abcbash11 6 years ago because I saw a need for collaboration with orgs in the marcomm/PR/creative space.
We currently have 9 orgs involved in the #abcbash11 @minnesotaprsa, @adfedmn, @iabcmn, @midwestdma, @mnama, @mwmcorg, @mimatweet
And @mnwift and @friendsofmmpa are also involved with #abcbash11
Also thanks to @clreps who corrected me #abcbash11 is our hashtag not our handle as I accidentally referenced.
Q – #7 What kind of growth has there been with @MNAlphabetBash over the years, and what can people expect this year?
Heather: Our goal when we launched in 06 w @MinnesotaPRSA @IABCMN @AdFedMN @MNAMA was 250 people. We knew we had something when 400 came
We have grown @MNAlphabetBash every year. 2010 saw 600 people. We expect around 650 this year. Sponsorships have been huge for us
#abcbash11 always has great food (48 ft buffet), cocktails, conversations, 40+ door prizes. dessert bar alone makes it worth coming
Q – #8 What would be your 1-Tweet pitch for newcomers to come to the @MNAlphabetBash next Thursday? Link for tickets?
Heather: Oh wow — that is a great question @joelecarlson. First here are #abcbash info. 8/11. Doors at 5:30. http://bit.ly/wPGl9
Attend the @MNAlhapbetBash and I promise you will leave well-fed, with many new connections and amazing pride for this community
Heck I even know a couple who are celebrating their one year anniversary at the #abcbash11. Nice to see we brought them together
Q – #9 Nice job! :) Getting back to you, do you have any professional or personal goals that your working on to achieve soon?
Heather: Personal — I have started riding horses again (something I gave up a few years ago). My biggest goal to start jumping again.
Professional – I want to find new ways to infuse creativity and thinking into my team.
Creativity is a challenging process and the ole’ giant post-it/everyone shout out ideas isnt working for me anymore:)
I am totally looking for suggestions on both pieces
Q – #10 Ideas=paycheck might help with creativity. :) j/k To close, for students in PR, what advice would you give them to grow?
Heather: LOL. So true
Students should remember two things social media is a massive help but can also hurt — especially when looking for jobs
I check out every Twitter and FB account for resumes I get. It is amazing what people out on their pages.
Social can help a student impress and learn about the people they are meeting with but NEVER underestimate that face to face meeting
That personal connection is so huge and important when connecting with the biz community
@JoelECarlson: Thank you so much for your time and comments today. Have a great week, and see you next week at @MNAlphabetBash. :)
Heather: Thank you so much! Looking forward to seeing you (and all those following at the Bash).
I will also offer one free admission to the first person who tells me what my personal goal is:)