GCEGC 2011 Intern: Journal Entry 9
Monday, March 21, 2011
"Where did this week go?" is a better question than "What did I do this week?" This week came and it went - very fast! The highlights of my week were writing another article for the "It's All Cool" section of the Chronicle Tribune, which will be featured in Sunday's paper about Vela Gear Systems, celebrating Sarah's birthday, and meeting with a prospective Growth Council intern for the summer and next fall.
All three of the highlights, reminded me of why I am a marketer at spirit! Writing the "It's All Cool" article put me at a spot where I had to reflect a specific image to the Marion community (and possible investors) that fit the desires and motives of the owners. The image and operations of Vela Gear Systems were important to clearly define because if the lingo was not exact they could give potential customers, investors and the community a false representation of their services. This was a challenge and forced me to go back to marketing principles where I was taught that communicating to the public about who you are is one area that defines the business and it success.
The second highlight was Sarah's birthday! It was not the Mexican celebration (including the whip cream finale) or the tallest cake ever, but the relationships built through the celebratory event. We were laughing and having a great time, when I found myself having a moment when I thought, "this is what it is about… relationships!" We were giggling and eating cake, but really, we were investing time in the relationships of our team. This is true in marketing too. Relationships are key and must be cultivated to properly give the customers what they want or need. Even in the fun times of life, I still can apply marketing… that is scary.
Lastly, when interviewing a potential summer intern who would take my role after I graduate, I found myself going to the famous Dr. Keith Starcher corner (mission, vision, values, SWOT, target market, etc) when describing the new program we are preparing to launch in the Fall at Marion High School. When explaining the program and its objectives, I first had to describe the vision and mission of the Growth Council and the program itself to explain the program in completeness. Marketing takes place in what seems like every piece of my life. Some would be frightened by this concept but I am encouraged because I know that I am in the right field!