Intern Diaries « Talk, Inc

Cupid’s arrow strikes again!

Thursday, February 18th, 2010

As many of you know, and try and forget…Valentines Day was on Sunday and that meant love was in the air! Last week at Talk I had the opportunity to impersonate cupid and deliver some Valentine’s Day packages to local media from The Forum Shops. The festive red boxes included beautiful heart shaped cookies packaged with a plastic heart case containing information about The Forum Shops’ Valentine’s Day event, along with their press release. Everyone I delivered the box to complimented the presentation and idea.

Talk’s idea to promote The Forum Shops was unique and eye catching. It was evident that a great amount of time and thought went into this campaign. The small packages sent to the media were just a little taste of what extravagant event they had planned for The Forum Shops. The event, “Find Your Hearts Desire” involved 250+ heart boxes that are hidden throughout The Forum. The boxes contain coupons and discounts at participating shops! The promotion ran from Thursday, February 11 to Valentine’s Day.

As an intern working with this campaign, I furthered my knowledge on the purpose of creative packaging and the value of good ideas. I realized every little detail makes an impression. This campaign was not only visually appealing, it was a workable promotion that got local area consumers interested in Valentine’s Day at The Forum. I think it’s safe to say there were some very happy Wilmington women this Valentine’s Day!

Tags: Intern Diaries, The Forum, Valentine's Day
Posted in Marketing, Talk | Comments

Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009

As my last day at Talk comes to an end, I realized that my internship taught me more than I could have ever imagined. It allowed me to acquire skills that will look great to future employers, such as creative writing techniques, updating and maintaining social networking sites, reading and writing blogs and updating client contact lists. Talk has taught me the ins and outs of public relations, graphic design and Internet marketing through researching projects, developing media pitches, drafting press releases, contacting clients, participating in staff meetings and that’s just to name a few!

One of the best experiences I had while I was at Talk was attending the Pink Chick Press Conference. I was given an in-depth look at how a press conference works and what it entails. Thank you Debbie, Susan, Nathan and Shawn for everything you showed me while I was here! Whenever I see the color pink I will think of you guys and the best full-service communications agency in town! I will always “Think Pink.”

Tags: Intern Diaries, Internship, Pink Chicks, talk inc, wilmington nc
Posted in Talk | Comments

Facebook is good for business

Friday, November 13th, 2009

Facebook isn’t just for keeping in touch with old friends anymore. The social networking site, once used primarily by high school and college students, is now being used by companies to expand their online reach. Facebook has become a marketing force all of its own for businesses.

Facebook can be beneficial to your business in a number of ways.
• Increase customer awareness. It is a great way to increase customer awareness and engage your customers as well as maintaining current clients and increasing business.
• Create brand ambassadors. It is popular among a multitude of demographics so it is a great way to get your brand out there! Facebook allows businesses to create events, fan pages and groups which can help them promote themselves, contests, giveaways and up-coming sales.
• Build stronger relationships with customers. Facebook provides a place for businesses to build relationships with their customers by keeping them informed about their brand, their products or their service.

And with the fastest growing demographic of users being ages 35+, the benefits to companies will continue to multiply.

Tags: Benefits, Facebook, intern, Intern Diaries, Social media, wilmington nc
Posted in Talk | Comments

How NOT to part with your employer

Thursday, October 29th, 2009

Quitting jobs in a dramatic over-the-top fashion is something many people fantasize about at one time or another. Most people realize the transient pleasure this may give them will more likely lead to more lasting problems.

One disgruntled Starcom employee however, apparently decided that speaking his mind was worth it, regardless of the consequences. While you will almost certainly sympathize with at least some of his note, perhaps most of it even, the point is that if you will ever be seeking employment again, it’s probably best not to burn those bridges.

Funny? Sure. Treating your career like a joke? You decide.

Tags: Intern Diaries
Posted in Internet Marketing, Professional Development, Public Relations, Talk | Comments

Confessions of an Intern!

Wednesday, October 7th, 2009

I’m well into my second week as the newest Talk intern and I absolutely LOVE it! When I came in to be interviewed I was eagerly greeted by Camden also known as the lovable and adorable “top dog.” I found out later in the week that I had been chosen and I could not have been more excited! From the bright pink walls, friendly employees and the “top dog” it is easy to say that I immediately fell in love with the place!

The first day began with a tour of the office, meeting the rest of the staff and being given a general overview of Talk and all that it does. After I settled in, my assignments began. My first task was to proofread a print ad for a client. Writing, proofreading and editing have always come naturally to me so this assignment was a delight! Throughout the rest of the week, I was given the opportunity to draft press releases and work on a media pitch for an upcoming event. These projects require me to write and be creative which are two things that I enjoy doing, especially together. I have also updated the client contact list, learned new computer programs and sat in on the morning staff meeting.

Since starting at Talk, I have been exposed to information and learned new things that I would not get in a classroom. It is my first glimpse into the real world and how a Public Relations firm works. I’m finding it to be very intriguing and exciting! Even though I just started at Talk I know that through this internship, I will gain knowledge and it will provide me with experience that I could not have gained anywhere else. I look forward to working on client projects and updating y’all on what is going on in the Talk world.

Tags: Intern Diaries, Intern Wilmington N.C., Internship
Posted in Talk | Comments

Looking for a job? Do your homework first.

Wednesday, July 8th, 2009

Preparing for a job interview is a job in itself. You must make sure to have your resume and portfolio in order, an appropriate outfit selected and that you are ready for any question that might be thrown your way. While preparing for an upcoming job interview I realized there are countless ways to prepare and wanted to share a few that you might not have thought of.

Read more than just the website. While it’s common knowledge that visiting a prospective employers website is necessary in preparing an for an interview, companies are putting out information through blogs, Twitter, Facebook fan pages and LinkedIn. These pages are likely to be updated more frequently than a company’s website. The interviewer will likely be impressed if they can tell you have dug deeper for information about their company than just visiting their website.

Find key players and decision makers online. If you know the names of company executives or people who are likely to influence the hiring decisions look them up on social network sites. Pay attention to their interests and what they are talking about. Then if you have the opportunity to talk with them, you can really engage them.

Know what others are saying about the company. Read what bloggers and journalists are saying. This can help you to identify issues the company has and so you can figure out how to position your talents and skills as an advantage.

Stay current on trends in the industry. Has there been recent legislation that will affect the industry? Read the newspapers, industry magazines, journals, blogs and even follow key industry folks on Twitter. The more you know the better you’ll look to the interviewer.

Get comfortable answering questions. Once you have done all your research, print a stack of interview questions off the Internet and have a friend practice with you. Even though there is no way to know what questions an interviewer will ask, the more you practice tailoring your answers to the company, the smoother they will come out during the interview.

Tags: Intern Diaries, Interviews, job interview tips, job interviews
Posted in Professional Development | Comments

Innovative job seeking

Tuesday, June 16th, 2009

The first time I sent out a cover letter and resume, I was exhilarated and full of optimism about all the possibilities that might result. Over time sending out resumes and cover letters has become much less exciting. I am a phenomenal job candidate, so why aren’t people responding to my resume? It could be sitting in a giant stack of awesome resumes. The state of the economy has made the job market much more competitive. I think it’s time to get fired up again about the job search by finding a new innovative approach.

It’s important to learn from the brave job-seeking innovators that have gone before me; so I want to share some ideas that have landed jobs or at least are very clever.

Chris Kahle scored his dream job at Crispin Porter + Bogusky by asking people to send Tweets to company executives encouraging them to hire him. He was successful because he found a way to show his genuine interest in the company not just in getting a job and he got the attention of decision makers.

I loathe writing cover letters so I am always searching for ways to make the writing process smoother and more enjoyable. I love the video two job seekers created that showcases their creativity and replaces a traditional cover letter.

Mark Leuner substituted a handmade sign for his resume and carried it at a busy intersection in front of his local newspaper. Two weeks after a reporter covered his story, he had a new job.

Job seekers should not get discouraged, instead get inventive. Think about creative ways to showcase your skills and gain the attention of decision makers.

Tags: cover letter, Intern Diaries, job search, resume, twitter
Posted in Professional Development | Comments

My second first day

Thursday, May 21st, 2009

I’m nearing the end of my second first day working at Talk. Having been invited back as a summer intern after a week-long externship in March, I feel like I have returned home. Not only does Talk offer an incredible learning experience, friendly uber-talented co-workers and adorable top dog Camden but also the opportunity to completely submerge myself in a to-do list.

For the last four years I have lived my life carrying around my to-do list and savoring the enjoyment of checking items off. Post graduation, I enjoyed one whole week without homework and without a job. I enjoyed sleeping in and naps on the beach, hoping to offset my sleep deficit from late-night studying, but I can only handle so much of that. With no agenda, I have had way too much free time to ponder issues of unemployment, pending financial doom and my recently canceled health insurance.

Today, Kirsty mentioned writing for Intern Diaries and reminded me that I have a unique perspective. I am one of the many recent college grads who is interning after graduation regardless of previous internship experience, because of the economy.

It’s a frustrating time for young professionals such as myself. I worked relentlessly to make myself a strong candidate for jobs after graduation, having interned for the American Heart Association, worked at Pyramid Public Relations, been an active member and leader in PRSSA, volunteered in my community and graduated magna cum laude. I did everything I could to prepare for the job market only to find that there were no relevant positions available.

I hope that if you can identify with my situation or know someone who can, that you will follow my Intern Diaries this summer. As my internship and job search progresses, I’d like to share what I learn to help you out or maybe just to make you laugh.

Tags: blogging, intern, Intern Diaries, Marketing in a Recession, PRSSA, Public Relations Agency in N.C., Talk
Posted in Professional Development | Comments

Can never Talk too much

Tuesday, April 14th, 2009

In my first intern diary entry, I wrote that I was desperately seeking PR experience. To say that’s what I received would be an understatement. At Talk, Inc. I was given the opportunity to work on press releases and marketing plans. I received professional criticism on my creative work. I became a Super Bowl ad expert during the 2nd annual Talkies and a bocce ball enthusiast while promoting the Brigade Boys and Girls Club 3rd annual bocce ball tournament. I wrote blog entries, learned about Twitter and the wide world of social media, and will watch a Webinar in progress next week. Talk has allowed me to gain more than just experience; it has allowed me to become more prepared for my next step.

With only 25 days until graduation, I have begun the always enjoyable job search. It is through my internship at Talk that I have become better acquainted with the different aspects of public relations. It is because of the wide range of clients and work that we do here at Talk that I was exposed to every type of PR from corporate relations to media relations and pro bono work. Through my experiences here, I realized my favorite thing to work on would have to be social media.

I am now a social media enthusiast. I have a Twitter account, I am part of different Ning networks, I am on LinkedIn and I created my own blog. I have helped my friends set up their own accounts and taught them how to use the networks effectively. I enjoy establishing relationships with people I know I may never meet. I look forward to taking my newfound knowledge with me as I venture into the “real world.” I know that no matter where I go, I will miss the relationships I have formed, hearing Camden walk across the floor, and the welcoming environment to learn and ask questions.

Tags: Intern Diaries, Internet Marketing Wilmington NC, Social media
Posted in Internet Marketing, Professional Development | Comments

Intern Diaries: Real World on Deck

Friday, January 16th, 2009

As a college junior and a double business major in management and marketing, I am still searching for that “perfect-fit job.” I started my first internship experience working for WECT the Wilmington NC NBC affiliate where I fully expected to be a coffee girl or paper pusher. I was delightfully surprised to learn that I was able to get my hands dirty and learn the ropes of the business. From shadowing news reporters to producing commercials, I left the experience fully confident that I was a network TV insider

Who knew six months ago that my path would collide again with Talk? While shadowing a reporter on one rainy morning, we found ourselves in a local public relations firm for a human-interest piece, highlighting the celebration of Take Your Dog to Work Day. We walked into a very cheerful office with pink walls and had a delightful encounter with the top dog Camden. The office atmosphere was so inviting and innovative, I instantly fell in love.

It was that human-interest piece that got my foot in the door at Talk. From that initial meeting and a few chance encounters over the six months following, I solidified my internship here. I can already tell from only one day here at Talk, I will learn valuable skills while having hands-on experience from seasoned veterans.

Tags: Intern Diaries
Posted in Professional Development | Comments

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Posts Tagged ‘Intern Diaries’

Cupid’s arrow strikes again!

How NOT to part with your employer

Confessions of an Intern!

Looking for a job? Do your homework first.

Innovative job seeking

My second first day

Intern Diaries: Real World on Deck

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