It has been one month and four days since my last blog. This is not a confession, although it does strangely feel like one. Why is it, that with our world being as socially focused as it is, we end up feeling guilty when it has been "too long" since we last visited Facebook, Twitter or our blog?
If it is because we are lagging on responding to those who are dear to us, fine. If it is for no other reason than the feeling that we must keep on on our social networks, not fine.
I have found that there are things in life which hold far greater value than the fleeting and passing excitements of typical entertainment. Like what, you might ask? Like helping a friend with this or that. Like listening to a family member that needs advice. Like spending time getting to know the Lord who created the heavens and the earth...who longs to have a relationship with us deeper than anyone else ever will. Things like that.
But don't worry about feeling like I'm judging you or anything along those lines. In fact, quite the contrary. I am preaching to the choir. So often, it is easy to spend our free time doing things that do not matter in the long run.
For as long as I can remember, I have tried to stay away from that. I have tried my hardest to focus on the things that really matter. Looking back, however, I am not sure how grand of a job I really did.
So, starting right now. I will put my attention on those things. No, I am not going on a "Facebook fast," or a Twitter vaca, but I am going to work at focusing on the lasting things of this life.
Ready, set, go! Right? :)
11.27.2010
10.23.2010
Once Upon A Time, There Was Family.
Once upon a time, I realized that family is more important than a lot of things.
They are there for you when you need it, they enjoy at your stupid humor (probably because they share it) and they tend to make you laugh harder than you'd ever thought possible.
I am not sure when "once upon a time" dawned on me. Maybe it has always been here.
They are there for you when you need it, they enjoy at your stupid humor (probably because they share it) and they tend to make you laugh harder than you'd ever thought possible.
I am not sure when "once upon a time" dawned on me. Maybe it has always been here.
9.21.2010
Has It Really Only Been...
Has it really only been 4 months since I graduated? How is that possible? I feel as though I have lived a lifetime with all that I have learned.
Well, I finished my official "O-ternship" on the October 30th. It was the following Monday that I began my position as a freelance contractor helping with Brand Management and the Effies...aka...internal public relations and a huge award show.
It has been such a great experience so far. First things first, I get to work with people that are a lot of fun and have as much energy as me. I did not think that was possible! Well, it is.
I get to hang out with some of the VP's, too. They are good people.
All in all, OLSON is still proving to be the company that I would love to be at long-term.
Well, I finished my official "O-ternship" on the October 30th. It was the following Monday that I began my position as a freelance contractor helping with Brand Management and the Effies...aka...internal public relations and a huge award show.
It has been such a great experience so far. First things first, I get to work with people that are a lot of fun and have as much energy as me. I did not think that was possible! Well, it is.
I get to hang out with some of the VP's, too. They are good people.
All in all, OLSON is still proving to be the company that I would love to be at long-term.
9.02.2010
OLSON--Week 12
Once upon a time, I stumbled on a story of an agency whose founder slid down a royal staircase onto a sheet of cardboard. In this story, there were many Minute To Win It games played, an epic talent show that resulted in said O-tern revising The Fresh Prince of Bel Air theme song to match OLSON’s style of glory and a hearty dose of laughter.
I do not mean to brag, but OLSON’s retreat was great! From noon to 10 p.m., we spent time with one another, playing volleyball, taking out the canoes, dancing until we could dance no more, eating great food and winning prizes for our incredible tribes. Did I mention that my tribe won a dinner to Buca di Beppo for having the best tribe BBQ? Yay for “Dog Days of Summer”!
I can honestly say that there is something unique about this company, and it is something that I am ecstatic to have had the privilege to be a part of the past three months. I have never been in a place that both works and plays harder than most people would find possible.
I should also let you know that it’s not only the people who make OLSON what it is, but the desk spaces as well. With an OLSON Brickman bobble head, O-tern dodgeball and a great origami swan atop my desk space, mine is certainly not the most unique. One of my favorites is the taxidermy/stuffed rooster wearing gold bling atop a senior account executive’s space.
I am not quite sure how to put into words everything that I have learned while here at OLSON. The work has kept me challenged, the people have kept me energized and the overall tone has kept me going.
One of my favorite aspects of this internship was the chance all of us O-terns had to prove ourselves in a real client experience. If you recall, I hinted at this in a few of the previous blogs. I wrote of a company that honestly cares about its employees, its past and its future.
In taking valuable insights we learned along the way from individuals in our areas of expertise, we worked together to create a campaign for this long-standing client of OLSON. There were many late nights, many comical email threads, as I wrote about in last week’s blog, and one pleased CEO in the end. Incredible. Invaluable. I made nine new friends in this process and learned more than I had ever thought possible.
TIP OF THE WEEK: When an opportunity comes your way to be a part of something greater—especially when it involves good people, like the ones here—do everything you can to make the most of it. You will not be disappointed. I certainly wasn’t!
Cheers to you, OLSON! Thanks for the privilege.
OLSON--Week 11
Can I just say that I work with the most uniquely entertaining individuals known to man? Every OLSONite could be described this way, but I am specifically referring to my fellow O-terns.
Part of the O-tern program involves working together, as a group of 10 individuals from varying fields of expertise (note: yes, we are all still in training), to create a campaign that will be presented to a client and an audience of key OLSONites.
When 10 unique personalities gather for hours on a daily basis to rally around a project, one would expect things to get heated at times. Fortunately, in order to cope with any potential stress, we utilize humor.
Let me share with you an email thread that went around:
Kelli (Account Services): Please place any presentation materials in folder X on the server. If possible, create your slides in Keynote. Thanks!
Ben (Public Relations): I made mine with crayons and construction paper. Should I just bring them up to you?
Kelli: Yes, please. That’s actually the way I hoped everyone would make them. Since you’re coming up anyway, can you bring a Naked Juice out of that PR fridge you have down there, too?
Ellie (Creative): Question; does that mean I have to redo the ones I already did with finger paint?
Kelli: All I’m saying is either bring them to me in Keynote, or in whatever form you’d like, accompanied by a bottle of Naked Juice—take your pick.
Brittany (Account Services): Noodle art?
Kelli: 3-D forms require Naked Juice and chocolate.
Ellie: Well, let me know what your favorite chocolate brand is because I’m planning on building all the creative with Playdoh.
It is mini-conversations such as this one that enable work to be as fun as it is here at OLSON. Don’t worry, these are not a daily occurrence. In fact, we intertwine these conversations with work sessions that run until midnight—that and fun Friday BBQs. :)
Tip of the week: When things need to get done, and you seemingly have no time or energy to do them, go for it anyway. You’ll be surprised at how much you are capable of when you find yourself needing to be. Don’t give up—keep on going. You can do it.
Part of the O-tern program involves working together, as a group of 10 individuals from varying fields of expertise (note: yes, we are all still in training), to create a campaign that will be presented to a client and an audience of key OLSONites.
When 10 unique personalities gather for hours on a daily basis to rally around a project, one would expect things to get heated at times. Fortunately, in order to cope with any potential stress, we utilize humor.
Let me share with you an email thread that went around:
Kelli (Account Services): Please place any presentation materials in folder X on the server. If possible, create your slides in Keynote. Thanks!
Ben (Public Relations): I made mine with crayons and construction paper. Should I just bring them up to you?
Kelli: Yes, please. That’s actually the way I hoped everyone would make them. Since you’re coming up anyway, can you bring a Naked Juice out of that PR fridge you have down there, too?
Ellie (Creative): Question; does that mean I have to redo the ones I already did with finger paint?
Kelli: All I’m saying is either bring them to me in Keynote, or in whatever form you’d like, accompanied by a bottle of Naked Juice—take your pick.
Brittany (Account Services): Noodle art?
Kelli: 3-D forms require Naked Juice and chocolate.
Ellie: Well, let me know what your favorite chocolate brand is because I’m planning on building all the creative with Playdoh.
It is mini-conversations such as this one that enable work to be as fun as it is here at OLSON. Don’t worry, these are not a daily occurrence. In fact, we intertwine these conversations with work sessions that run until midnight—that and fun Friday BBQs. :)
Tip of the week: When things need to get done, and you seemingly have no time or energy to do them, go for it anyway. You’ll be surprised at how much you are capable of when you find yourself needing to be. Don’t give up—keep on going. You can do it.
8.24.2010
OLSON--Week 10
YouTube + OLSON + Freestyle Rap = Fastest-growing viral phenomenon known to man.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Aj4eglCqAc
Post it to your Facebook. Tweet about it. Blog about it. Grab a screen capture and stick it on your car’s window (hey, it’s a hot one out there, you need something to protect yourself from the heat). This new YouTube sensation brought enough heat to OLSON that we needed to crank the A/C to compensate. You’d think you were in an igloo according to the dial, but the second you’re in here, you can’t help but feel your temperature rise due to all the hot talent this place has.
Speaking of hot talent, OLSON will be having its annual retreat at the end of this month. At the event, there is rumored to be a talent show of sorts. Challenge? This show requires 8–10 OLSONites to show off their talent for about three minutes to compete for incredible prizes. This was announced at Monday Status last week. Sounds great, right? Well, it was then revealed that unless the 10 O-terns did not find the talent, we would be it! I guess we’ll have to wait and see how it all turns out. Should be entertaining either way, to say the least.
Tip of the week: Always strive for more. Even if you are great at what you do, you can always be better. I found my new favorite quote recently: “Better is the enemy of best.” Getting down what is required of you is a good thing, whether that is in a job, in a friendship, etc. But, it is always a better thing to seek after improvement. This is typically harder to do when things are already going great and you are confident in what you are doing. That is still no excuse, in my opinion. Be the runner who refuses to slack, even if he is in first place.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Aj4eglCqAc
Post it to your Facebook. Tweet about it. Blog about it. Grab a screen capture and stick it on your car’s window (hey, it’s a hot one out there, you need something to protect yourself from the heat). This new YouTube sensation brought enough heat to OLSON that we needed to crank the A/C to compensate. You’d think you were in an igloo according to the dial, but the second you’re in here, you can’t help but feel your temperature rise due to all the hot talent this place has.
Speaking of hot talent, OLSON will be having its annual retreat at the end of this month. At the event, there is rumored to be a talent show of sorts. Challenge? This show requires 8–10 OLSONites to show off their talent for about three minutes to compete for incredible prizes. This was announced at Monday Status last week. Sounds great, right? Well, it was then revealed that unless the 10 O-terns did not find the talent, we would be it! I guess we’ll have to wait and see how it all turns out. Should be entertaining either way, to say the least.
Tip of the week: Always strive for more. Even if you are great at what you do, you can always be better. I found my new favorite quote recently: “Better is the enemy of best.” Getting down what is required of you is a good thing, whether that is in a job, in a friendship, etc. But, it is always a better thing to seek after improvement. This is typically harder to do when things are already going great and you are confident in what you are doing. That is still no excuse, in my opinion. Be the runner who refuses to slack, even if he is in first place.
8.03.2010
OLSON--Week 9
For my amusing story of the week, I am going to take one I was a little too embarrassed about to write about in a previous blog. :) Here at OLSON, the desks are positioned in a manner that promotes community. A.k.a, I have a guy that sits right across from me, so we share a desk space of sorts. Aside from "accidentally" kicking me under the desk from time to time, he is not a bad work neighbor. In fact, the first time I was told I would be sitting there, I noticed that he had giant set of hulk fists on top of our shared desk space. They are the kind that makes hulk noises if you punch something with them.
Well, I found this pretty humorous, not simply because this was quite a random piece of furniture to be greeted by, but more so because upon moving into the house I am in now, I had found a set of these! Needless to say, I told him that I would be bringing them in. About a month and a half went by, and I had still not brought them in. He was convinced they did not exist, which made me even more amused at the thought of having them randomly one day appear.
One fine summer morning, the day had come. I brought them in, placed them on his desk, and camped out, waiting for him to come into work. He did not come right away, so I went to get some cereal (did I mention we get that here?). He ended up coming in right as I was heading back up the stairs. I walked right behind him, creating small talk, honestly feeling like a little kid about to pull a prank. We were just out of sight of the green fists when three things happened. First, he realized that he needed coffee. Second, I realized that I was walking too closely behind him to anticipate his stopping. Third, he turned on his heels and my cereal took the brunt of the motion. Ha. The expression on his face said, “Wow, you were following me really closely…” This was even more awkward, because he did not know why I was following so closely behind him. When he returned from his coffee break, he discovered the fists. It was worth it, spilled milk and all.
On a completely different and more serious note, every once in a while in life, you get an opportunity that stretches you, challenges you, causes you to become humble, but also brings you the excitement of knowing that you are developing a skill set that can be utilized in the future for many kinds of experiences. Much like the stretching of a muscle, so it the testing of your ability in situations that are new to you. This is what I am experiencing here. Tip of the week: Enjoy the stretching. Rather than complaining about your challenges, think of what they are preparing you for.
Well, I found this pretty humorous, not simply because this was quite a random piece of furniture to be greeted by, but more so because upon moving into the house I am in now, I had found a set of these! Needless to say, I told him that I would be bringing them in. About a month and a half went by, and I had still not brought them in. He was convinced they did not exist, which made me even more amused at the thought of having them randomly one day appear.
One fine summer morning, the day had come. I brought them in, placed them on his desk, and camped out, waiting for him to come into work. He did not come right away, so I went to get some cereal (did I mention we get that here?). He ended up coming in right as I was heading back up the stairs. I walked right behind him, creating small talk, honestly feeling like a little kid about to pull a prank. We were just out of sight of the green fists when three things happened. First, he realized that he needed coffee. Second, I realized that I was walking too closely behind him to anticipate his stopping. Third, he turned on his heels and my cereal took the brunt of the motion. Ha. The expression on his face said, “Wow, you were following me really closely…” This was even more awkward, because he did not know why I was following so closely behind him. When he returned from his coffee break, he discovered the fists. It was worth it, spilled milk and all.
On a completely different and more serious note, every once in a while in life, you get an opportunity that stretches you, challenges you, causes you to become humble, but also brings you the excitement of knowing that you are developing a skill set that can be utilized in the future for many kinds of experiences. Much like the stretching of a muscle, so it the testing of your ability in situations that are new to you. This is what I am experiencing here. Tip of the week: Enjoy the stretching. Rather than complaining about your challenges, think of what they are preparing you for.
7.28.2010
OLSON--Week 8
Intern hazing. Lots of red. Lots of orange. Name that event. OLSONdenali Rally in the Alley! OLSON hosted an event last Thursday for the official tour and bonding time of OLSON and its new loyalty division OLSONdenali (formerly Denali Marketing). Young and old alike (young being 20, old being not too much older than that—it is the world of advertising, after all) came together to rally in the alley behind OLSON.
Intern hazing. The 10 OLSON O-terns formed three teams, with the three OLSONdenali interns, for a fantastic round of events. You have to see the pictures (LINK TO http://www.facebook.com/OLSONagency?v=photos#!/album.php?aid=190178&id=10662217756) to give the sporting event justice! As best as I can describe it, here is one of the events: teams of four, arrayed in conga lines, with their leader being blindfolded, in a helmet, and holding a steering wheel, zig-zagged their way through a maze of cones. Name of the game? “Backseat Driver.”
I was hiding in the back. Not “hiding.” More like conveniently finding conversation at a safe distance from the rest of the interns and the intimate workings of the event. Well, that proved to be unsuccessful as it was graciously pointed out (and you know who you are) by a lovely fellow OLSONite, “Hey, isn’t this an intern? I found one!” Needless to say, I was pushed to the front, conveniently, just as my team was about to race. “I am in heels!” I said. “Perfect,” was the response I received. Ha. Classic. Well, my team earned extra points because their red-headed, blindfolded, helmet-adorned leader completed the course in heels. Ah, I could not have done it without my team. “No, Kelli, around the cone.” “Oh, right, that cone, sorry, I missed it the first time because I was blindfolded.” Ha. I love OLSON.
Tip of the week: Work hard, play hard. Sweet and simple, yes, but in following this simple four-worded phrase, you will keep your sanity, and have fun doing it. OLSON is the king of the hill at following this tip, as I am sure you have been able to tell from the rest of my blogs. Even if your “play hard” does not happen where you work, make sure to make time for it on your own. Whether that be sitting and watching the sun set, playing a quick game of kickball with your friends (you’d be surprised how many people would actually be game for this—I hear there is a kickball league here in town), or nerding out to your favorite thing that you’d be embarrassed to tell half your friends about (I know you have something in mind), you have to take time to enjoy the small things in life. It’s not long enough to spend it all working. Go have some fun!
Intern hazing. The 10 OLSON O-terns formed three teams, with the three OLSONdenali interns, for a fantastic round of events. You have to see the pictures (LINK TO http://www.facebook.com/OLSONagency?v=photos#!/album.php?aid=190178&id=10662217756) to give the sporting event justice! As best as I can describe it, here is one of the events: teams of four, arrayed in conga lines, with their leader being blindfolded, in a helmet, and holding a steering wheel, zig-zagged their way through a maze of cones. Name of the game? “Backseat Driver.”
I was hiding in the back. Not “hiding.” More like conveniently finding conversation at a safe distance from the rest of the interns and the intimate workings of the event. Well, that proved to be unsuccessful as it was graciously pointed out (and you know who you are) by a lovely fellow OLSONite, “Hey, isn’t this an intern? I found one!” Needless to say, I was pushed to the front, conveniently, just as my team was about to race. “I am in heels!” I said. “Perfect,” was the response I received. Ha. Classic. Well, my team earned extra points because their red-headed, blindfolded, helmet-adorned leader completed the course in heels. Ah, I could not have done it without my team. “No, Kelli, around the cone.” “Oh, right, that cone, sorry, I missed it the first time because I was blindfolded.” Ha. I love OLSON.
Tip of the week: Work hard, play hard. Sweet and simple, yes, but in following this simple four-worded phrase, you will keep your sanity, and have fun doing it. OLSON is the king of the hill at following this tip, as I am sure you have been able to tell from the rest of my blogs. Even if your “play hard” does not happen where you work, make sure to make time for it on your own. Whether that be sitting and watching the sun set, playing a quick game of kickball with your friends (you’d be surprised how many people would actually be game for this—I hear there is a kickball league here in town), or nerding out to your favorite thing that you’d be embarrassed to tell half your friends about (I know you have something in mind), you have to take time to enjoy the small things in life. It’s not long enough to spend it all working. Go have some fun!
7.16.2010
OLSON--Week 7
So, here's to week seven as an O-tern at OLSON! This week went by very quickly, to say the least. It went by so fast that I am trying to think back on everything that happened, so that I can share it with you, and I feel like I am trying to review a day in my mind as opposed to an entire week!
Last week, I was asked if I wanted to help recruit people to get their photo taken for a new internal OLSON directory we have coming. I said sure, because who doesn't love getting to take people from their work for a moment of sheer joy and excitement while they get to pose in a corner and get their picture taken? That may have come across highly sarcastic. I assure you, that was not the intent. The way I saw it, I was going to get a chance to get to know people around the office better. So, this week came and I got ready to go help get people for their pictures. I found out that I was going to get to work with the Brand Lab interns on this project.
Are you familiar with the Brand Lab? Well, if you are not, you certainly should be! When I found out about it, I was rather impressed! The mission of the Brand Lab is to create opportunities in the marketing industry for students with diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. Check out how they do it at http://www.thebrandlab.org/. This is not just another one of those millions of organizations. It is impacting communities and how people look at advertising.
Together with the inters, we called numerous OLSONites and asked them to come up to get their picture taken. Some people were serious, some people were embarrassed, some people smiled like you would have in the 4th grade, and others, well, others had their own ideas all together. My favorite one was the guy that asked me if he could take one picture with his helmet on, and another with his helmet off. Get this: it was so that he could merge the two together and have a picture with half a head wearing a helmet and half a head without. Ha. I love people who work in advertising. Never a dull moment!
The tip of the week comes from something that happened to me this week. Huh, shocker. :) The role I currently have is that of an intern, as you well know. In this current state, it has been pretty safe to say that the majority of things I have participated in within the last month and a half have been things that have been new to me. I have gotten used to not being the expert, to say the least. I ran into a situation this week, however, where I was able to be the mentor, in a sense. In what I was training other to do, I encouraged and coached them in a manner that would lead them on a pathway of success, rather than on a pathway of failure. Everyone learns better that way. The tip of the week is: Whenever you are in a position of leadership, find a way to train others in a way that encourages them to acknowledge the things they know, and makes them excited to learn the things they do not.
I have found that this tip has been executed by the people that I work with time and time again. Because of that, I have greatly enjoyed the learning process here at OLSON. What a joy it is when you are set up for success, rather than failure.
Last week, I was asked if I wanted to help recruit people to get their photo taken for a new internal OLSON directory we have coming. I said sure, because who doesn't love getting to take people from their work for a moment of sheer joy and excitement while they get to pose in a corner and get their picture taken? That may have come across highly sarcastic. I assure you, that was not the intent. The way I saw it, I was going to get a chance to get to know people around the office better. So, this week came and I got ready to go help get people for their pictures. I found out that I was going to get to work with the Brand Lab interns on this project.
Are you familiar with the Brand Lab? Well, if you are not, you certainly should be! When I found out about it, I was rather impressed! The mission of the Brand Lab is to create opportunities in the marketing industry for students with diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. Check out how they do it at http://www.thebrandlab.org/. This is not just another one of those millions of organizations. It is impacting communities and how people look at advertising.
Together with the inters, we called numerous OLSONites and asked them to come up to get their picture taken. Some people were serious, some people were embarrassed, some people smiled like you would have in the 4th grade, and others, well, others had their own ideas all together. My favorite one was the guy that asked me if he could take one picture with his helmet on, and another with his helmet off. Get this: it was so that he could merge the two together and have a picture with half a head wearing a helmet and half a head without. Ha. I love people who work in advertising. Never a dull moment!
The tip of the week comes from something that happened to me this week. Huh, shocker. :) The role I currently have is that of an intern, as you well know. In this current state, it has been pretty safe to say that the majority of things I have participated in within the last month and a half have been things that have been new to me. I have gotten used to not being the expert, to say the least. I ran into a situation this week, however, where I was able to be the mentor, in a sense. In what I was training other to do, I encouraged and coached them in a manner that would lead them on a pathway of success, rather than on a pathway of failure. Everyone learns better that way. The tip of the week is: Whenever you are in a position of leadership, find a way to train others in a way that encourages them to acknowledge the things they know, and makes them excited to learn the things they do not.
I have found that this tip has been executed by the people that I work with time and time again. Because of that, I have greatly enjoyed the learning process here at OLSON. What a joy it is when you are set up for success, rather than failure.
7.11.2010
OLSON--Week 6
Week six. The half point is upon us. To my fellow O-terns, I hope you have learned as much as I have! However, through my conversations with all of you, I certainly know that that is the case. It never ceases to amaze me how ten O-terns can have such vastly different experiences, while all being taught under the same roof!
We are going to start out our pool club, you know. They don't know that yet. Don't worry, I'll whip up t-shirts. Everyone wants in when there are t-shirts. You know, if I could pick one thing to spend time getting better at (inside), it would be pool. Have you ever heard that if you were to spend half an hour each day doing the same thing, you would become an expert at it over time? Even five minutes a day of practicing at something would be impressive as time progressed. What would you do? Ok, just to clarify, that was not a rhetorical question, just in case you were wondering. :) Go ahead, scroll down to the bottom of the blog, and let me know, fill me in. I'm interested to see what you will say. If we were getting to know each other and I asked you that question, what would you tell me? I promise it won't take more than a few seconds to respond. Winner gets a prize...
So, there were a few neat things that happened at work during the past week. For example, I was in the cafe getting my food one day, minding my own business, when one of the gals I work with let me know that I had something waiting for me up at the front desk. She said the people that brought it must have been my friends because they asked for me by name. So, together, we walked up to the front. I swear, I probably asked her, "and you're sure they asked for Kelli FARNAM, right?" five times before we hit the front desk. I anticipated seeing someone I knew, but did not see anyone waiting there for me. Not a thing. Well, except for a giant 12-pack of "Muscle Milk!" Talk about random. I hadn't even heard of it before that day. Found out that it's kind of like a mix between a protein drink and a milk shake. Not bad. Heading back into the cafe with that thing was pretty amusing. I felt like I was the cool kid with the new toy that everyone wants to play with. Ha. Everyone wanted to try it! Well anyway, that was the first cool thing. The second cool thing? Well, during our infamous Friday BBQ, we played another "Minute To Win It" game. This time, the contestant had to stack 36 cups into a pyramid and then take them all down and put them into a stack, all in under a minute. The team to do it in the fasted time would win! Ready, set, go. Right? You know what I like about the people at OLSON? I like the fact that they cheered louder for the people who didn't quite do it the fastest (but, might I add, were quite entertaining in their execution), than those who did. Well, I decided to try, and ended up winning. I have to say, it was pretty fun. :) But MAN was my heart racing when I was done. Ha!
Tip of the week? Gosh, this week was full of them. Lots of learning experiences. Lots of fun times. But, I suppose I have to pick one, right? Ok, here we go. Tip of the week: Go out of your way to meet someone new! Awww, cheesy. Now wait, hear me out. Now, I realize that every person is different, and there are more personalities in this world than there are seasons in Minnesota (and yes, Minnesota has MANY more than four seasons). However, no matter your life story or personality, you can go out of your way to make a new friend. You may think that introducing yourself to someone new will not gain you anything. And so may you think to yourself, why do it? Well, you know what I have discovered? I have discovered that there is more to life than doing things simply to gain something for yourself. Have you ever had someone who did not need to, do something nice for you, or go out of their way to meet you? Just makes you feel good, doesn't it? So, you know what I think? I think you should do just that. Go meet someone. Go do something nice even if you don't get recognized for it. Why not, right? The other day, I introduced myself to a lady who cleans OLSON after most people have headed home for the night, and, although I don't know her very well, I do know that she is really sweet. It makes me smile to think that I have made a new friend. It brings back the joys of childhood to befriend someone just for the sake of befriending them. You should try it. (And don't forget to answer my question in the second paragraph.)
We are going to start out our pool club, you know. They don't know that yet. Don't worry, I'll whip up t-shirts. Everyone wants in when there are t-shirts. You know, if I could pick one thing to spend time getting better at (inside), it would be pool. Have you ever heard that if you were to spend half an hour each day doing the same thing, you would become an expert at it over time? Even five minutes a day of practicing at something would be impressive as time progressed. What would you do? Ok, just to clarify, that was not a rhetorical question, just in case you were wondering. :) Go ahead, scroll down to the bottom of the blog, and let me know, fill me in. I'm interested to see what you will say. If we were getting to know each other and I asked you that question, what would you tell me? I promise it won't take more than a few seconds to respond. Winner gets a prize...
So, there were a few neat things that happened at work during the past week. For example, I was in the cafe getting my food one day, minding my own business, when one of the gals I work with let me know that I had something waiting for me up at the front desk. She said the people that brought it must have been my friends because they asked for me by name. So, together, we walked up to the front. I swear, I probably asked her, "and you're sure they asked for Kelli FARNAM, right?" five times before we hit the front desk. I anticipated seeing someone I knew, but did not see anyone waiting there for me. Not a thing. Well, except for a giant 12-pack of "Muscle Milk!" Talk about random. I hadn't even heard of it before that day. Found out that it's kind of like a mix between a protein drink and a milk shake. Not bad. Heading back into the cafe with that thing was pretty amusing. I felt like I was the cool kid with the new toy that everyone wants to play with. Ha. Everyone wanted to try it! Well anyway, that was the first cool thing. The second cool thing? Well, during our infamous Friday BBQ, we played another "Minute To Win It" game. This time, the contestant had to stack 36 cups into a pyramid and then take them all down and put them into a stack, all in under a minute. The team to do it in the fasted time would win! Ready, set, go. Right? You know what I like about the people at OLSON? I like the fact that they cheered louder for the people who didn't quite do it the fastest (but, might I add, were quite entertaining in their execution), than those who did. Well, I decided to try, and ended up winning. I have to say, it was pretty fun. :) But MAN was my heart racing when I was done. Ha!
Tip of the week? Gosh, this week was full of them. Lots of learning experiences. Lots of fun times. But, I suppose I have to pick one, right? Ok, here we go. Tip of the week: Go out of your way to meet someone new! Awww, cheesy. Now wait, hear me out. Now, I realize that every person is different, and there are more personalities in this world than there are seasons in Minnesota (and yes, Minnesota has MANY more than four seasons). However, no matter your life story or personality, you can go out of your way to make a new friend. You may think that introducing yourself to someone new will not gain you anything. And so may you think to yourself, why do it? Well, you know what I have discovered? I have discovered that there is more to life than doing things simply to gain something for yourself. Have you ever had someone who did not need to, do something nice for you, or go out of their way to meet you? Just makes you feel good, doesn't it? So, you know what I think? I think you should do just that. Go meet someone. Go do something nice even if you don't get recognized for it. Why not, right? The other day, I introduced myself to a lady who cleans OLSON after most people have headed home for the night, and, although I don't know her very well, I do know that she is really sweet. It makes me smile to think that I have made a new friend. It brings back the joys of childhood to befriend someone just for the sake of befriending them. You should try it. (And don't forget to answer my question in the second paragraph.)
7.06.2010
OLSON--Week 5
Dear OLSONites, friends, family, various website wanderers, hello and welcome to the fifth weekly blog posting of "Journey of an O-tern." In this posting, you will see drama, excitement, and the perspective of an enthusiastic redhead. Get ready, get set...CUT!
Cut? Yes, cut! Where did that come from? Well, I got to be a part of a TV shoot last week. It was such a neat experience! One of our clients was shooting an excitable little number on a street in Downtown St. Paul. I got to tag along and see what things look like from an account services perspective. What do things look like? Well, things looked quite movie-like, getting to see everything that was being filmed through a little TV that was set up in front of a few small rows of directors chairs. The clients, our creative and producer gentlemen, an account services gal, and myself all got to camp out in these chairs and watch what was going on. My job? Take it all in. Their job? Make sure the shoot was looking like it was supposed to. Everyone else's job, all 30+ of them? I am still trying to figure that out. I can tell you, however, that they all had a role vital to the production of this little number. How do I know? You should have seen them all bustling around; it was quite the site!
Getting back to the "cut." Every time the director yelled "cut," so did about three other people, one right after another. "CUT!" "CUT." "CUT!" "Cut." It took about all I had not to want to yell "CUT" myself! I, however, did not. One of the folks with me, however, told me it would be funny if I did. And I quote, "Now is your time to shine. Today, you just have to go all out and prove to them what your made of. Jump in whenever you want!" Ha. Made me smile.
Let's see, what else went on this week. Well, it was a short one because of the lovely Fourth of July this past weekend, which was wonderful, by the way! In the office people seemed to be pretty giddy with excitement of getting to go camping, roasting marshmallows, getting sunburned (which I did), or whatever Fourth of July-related activity they were looking forward to. Either that or they had already left. Going from pocket to pocket in the office, it was either filled with people talking and joking (and of course working all at the same time - hey, we are all multi-taskers here at OLSON), or completely silent because people had already headed out.
Now, I know there is at least one person out there reading this thinking, "yeah, yeah, yeah, funny times, but where is the tip of the week?!" Well, here you have it, to that one person (and don't feel bad, I learn from these things more than anyone), the tip of the week: Don't be afraid to jump into a situation even if you do not have one hundred years of prior experience in it. There will be times in life, yours and everyone else's, that the situation at hand requires more than what you think you've got - whether that be knowledge, time, or resources. And sometimes you'll be right in assuming that. Other times you'll be wrong. Hopefully it will usually be the later. Sometimes you'll hit a home run (because you rocked), sometimes you'll walk (because someone took care of it for you), and sometimes you'll strike out (because things just didn't go your way). And if the aftermath of the situation requires it, be willing to admit defeat and take helpful, guiding correction when you goof it up.
You and I are not the only ones to ever make a mistake. I think it's a side-effect of being human. I think it has something to do with how we are not perfect. But hey, your call is as good as mine.
I think the more important piece, rather than focusing on what you have done wrong, is focusing on how you can do better next time around. If every baseball player gave up his sport after striking out, we would not have our all-American game. You may not agree with that, but go easy on me, I do not watch baseball enough to know if there is a person who has never stuck out. This is an analogy people. Work with me. :) Point being: it takes stronger character to admit defeat and try harder next time than it does to run away pouting and never come back.
I may not be perfect. In fact, I may be an intern that just graduated in the Spring. I may even be significantly less knowledgable and experienced than the bright people I work with, but that does not give me an excuse or a desire to give up. On the contrary, I think I'll try harder. Good idea? Well, I hope you're thinking "yes," because that's what I'm going with.
Cut? Yes, cut! Where did that come from? Well, I got to be a part of a TV shoot last week. It was such a neat experience! One of our clients was shooting an excitable little number on a street in Downtown St. Paul. I got to tag along and see what things look like from an account services perspective. What do things look like? Well, things looked quite movie-like, getting to see everything that was being filmed through a little TV that was set up in front of a few small rows of directors chairs. The clients, our creative and producer gentlemen, an account services gal, and myself all got to camp out in these chairs and watch what was going on. My job? Take it all in. Their job? Make sure the shoot was looking like it was supposed to. Everyone else's job, all 30+ of them? I am still trying to figure that out. I can tell you, however, that they all had a role vital to the production of this little number. How do I know? You should have seen them all bustling around; it was quite the site!
Getting back to the "cut." Every time the director yelled "cut," so did about three other people, one right after another. "CUT!" "CUT." "CUT!" "Cut." It took about all I had not to want to yell "CUT" myself! I, however, did not. One of the folks with me, however, told me it would be funny if I did. And I quote, "Now is your time to shine. Today, you just have to go all out and prove to them what your made of. Jump in whenever you want!" Ha. Made me smile.
Let's see, what else went on this week. Well, it was a short one because of the lovely Fourth of July this past weekend, which was wonderful, by the way! In the office people seemed to be pretty giddy with excitement of getting to go camping, roasting marshmallows, getting sunburned (which I did), or whatever Fourth of July-related activity they were looking forward to. Either that or they had already left. Going from pocket to pocket in the office, it was either filled with people talking and joking (and of course working all at the same time - hey, we are all multi-taskers here at OLSON), or completely silent because people had already headed out.
Now, I know there is at least one person out there reading this thinking, "yeah, yeah, yeah, funny times, but where is the tip of the week?!" Well, here you have it, to that one person (and don't feel bad, I learn from these things more than anyone), the tip of the week: Don't be afraid to jump into a situation even if you do not have one hundred years of prior experience in it. There will be times in life, yours and everyone else's, that the situation at hand requires more than what you think you've got - whether that be knowledge, time, or resources. And sometimes you'll be right in assuming that. Other times you'll be wrong. Hopefully it will usually be the later. Sometimes you'll hit a home run (because you rocked), sometimes you'll walk (because someone took care of it for you), and sometimes you'll strike out (because things just didn't go your way). And if the aftermath of the situation requires it, be willing to admit defeat and take helpful, guiding correction when you goof it up.
You and I are not the only ones to ever make a mistake. I think it's a side-effect of being human. I think it has something to do with how we are not perfect. But hey, your call is as good as mine.
I think the more important piece, rather than focusing on what you have done wrong, is focusing on how you can do better next time around. If every baseball player gave up his sport after striking out, we would not have our all-American game. You may not agree with that, but go easy on me, I do not watch baseball enough to know if there is a person who has never stuck out. This is an analogy people. Work with me. :) Point being: it takes stronger character to admit defeat and try harder next time than it does to run away pouting and never come back.
I may not be perfect. In fact, I may be an intern that just graduated in the Spring. I may even be significantly less knowledgable and experienced than the bright people I work with, but that does not give me an excuse or a desire to give up. On the contrary, I think I'll try harder. Good idea? Well, I hope you're thinking "yes," because that's what I'm going with.
6.27.2010
OLSON--Week4
Good morning, and welcome to week four!
This week, I have to say, I honestly took my own advice (see tip of the week last week) and did not allow myself to be afraid of failing. Would you like to know what that does? It allows you to live in freedom!! It does not make everything peachy and perfect, but it certainly does create an environment within which you can experience the joys of learning much more easily.
I was able to be at radio recording sessions for three days last week. As before, it was a neat experience. This time I was able to see it start to finish, which means that I am better prepared to do it on my own one day. It was a ton of fun watching everyone play the (highly valuable) roles they have in the process. To sit in a room with a radio mixer, a production guy, a creative guy, and an account services individual throughout this entire process was a great learning experience. If you get a chance, drive somewhere where you can hear radio spots for Fifth Third Bank. They are hilarious! Props to the writers; props to the voice talent (big time)!
Non-work related tip of the week: Try the spinach salad (smoked apple, brie, pecans, and a great vinaigrette) from Be"Witched" in Minneapolis. We got it for lunch one day at the recording studio and it was phenomenal!
This week, I noticed things clicking more in terms of how everything fits together in the role of an account executive. If you work at OLSON, are an account executive, and are reading this, this will be nothing to you (because you have already mastered this art). However, for the rest of the world: I received 100 e-mails and sent 50 on Wednesday. 100. 50. Wow! I am told that this is nothing. Thankfully, I am finally grasping what it is I am to do with all of this new information I need to process and compartmentalize in my mind so that I can properly evaluate and react (if applicable) to each one of these highly important pieces of information flying around at the speed of mack 22.
I think I will continue to have a tip of the week, just because it is fun, and because I can. Also, it will be a neat way to look back at the end of the summer and see some of the highlights of my learning experience (tucked up nicely into sentence-long pieces of beautiful wisdom).
TIP OF THE WEEK: Never cease making friends and having fun at work!
Don't worry, I have a story. I'll also try to hook you up with at least one fun story for the week, just to keep things interesting (Lord knows OLSON is anything but boring, and I wouldn't have it any other way)!
I was sitting at my desk on Friday afternoon, getting ready to go to a meeting in a few minutes, when I heard a question being asked a few desk spaces away (just close enough that I could hear it perfectly, but far enough away that I could not see who was saying it). This was the question: "What is the difference between 'began' and begun?'" Now, let me make something clear. Every single OLSONite I have met is incredibly bright. However, we all have more learning/refreshing to do throughout life. Good thing, too. Otherwise, life would be pretty boring, don't you think? Learning is the best part of life, in my opinion!
Anyway, getting back to the story. This question was asked. Seeing as I had about three minutes before I needed to pack up my laptop and notepad to head off to a meeting (did I mention that each meeting room is marked by a lettered/numbered dodgeball?), I thought about the question. Although I majored in "Get Every Written Piece of Work Critiqued Until It Can Be Critiqued No More" (also known as Public Relations), I realized that I was not solid on that rule of grammar either. So, being the curious, hungry-to-learn, and Google-loving individual that I am, I Googled it.
I then walked over to see who it was who had asked. Thankfully, I knew one of the two having the conversation. I did not, however, know the one who had posed the question. So, answer in mind, I brought it up with the guy I knew (and introduced myself to the one I did not), and cleared the air on the epic grammatical dilemma known as "began vs. begun." Moral of the story? If you run across something you do not know, and have the resources and ability to check it out (and it doesn't take you away from current responsibilities), check it out! I did, and look at where it got me: a greater understanding of an epic dilemma, a new friend, and four "intern Points!" What could be better? If you are a fellow O-tern reading this, do not worry, you have not missed out on an official score-keeping method of the O-tern program. These points were made up on the spot, but, nonetheless, posses incredible value. So, don't worry, you're not missing out. (But I am winning...just saying.) :)
Well, now that you have sat through the insights (ramblings) of an O-tern for week four of her epic adventure at OLSON, you may rest and be at peace knowing that another week was well spent, and another tip well learned. Remember kids, never cease making friends and having fun at work!
This week, I have to say, I honestly took my own advice (see tip of the week last week) and did not allow myself to be afraid of failing. Would you like to know what that does? It allows you to live in freedom!! It does not make everything peachy and perfect, but it certainly does create an environment within which you can experience the joys of learning much more easily.
I was able to be at radio recording sessions for three days last week. As before, it was a neat experience. This time I was able to see it start to finish, which means that I am better prepared to do it on my own one day. It was a ton of fun watching everyone play the (highly valuable) roles they have in the process. To sit in a room with a radio mixer, a production guy, a creative guy, and an account services individual throughout this entire process was a great learning experience. If you get a chance, drive somewhere where you can hear radio spots for Fifth Third Bank. They are hilarious! Props to the writers; props to the voice talent (big time)!
Non-work related tip of the week: Try the spinach salad (smoked apple, brie, pecans, and a great vinaigrette) from Be"Witched" in Minneapolis. We got it for lunch one day at the recording studio and it was phenomenal!
This week, I noticed things clicking more in terms of how everything fits together in the role of an account executive. If you work at OLSON, are an account executive, and are reading this, this will be nothing to you (because you have already mastered this art). However, for the rest of the world: I received 100 e-mails and sent 50 on Wednesday. 100. 50. Wow! I am told that this is nothing. Thankfully, I am finally grasping what it is I am to do with all of this new information I need to process and compartmentalize in my mind so that I can properly evaluate and react (if applicable) to each one of these highly important pieces of information flying around at the speed of mack 22.
I think I will continue to have a tip of the week, just because it is fun, and because I can. Also, it will be a neat way to look back at the end of the summer and see some of the highlights of my learning experience (tucked up nicely into sentence-long pieces of beautiful wisdom).
TIP OF THE WEEK: Never cease making friends and having fun at work!
Don't worry, I have a story. I'll also try to hook you up with at least one fun story for the week, just to keep things interesting (Lord knows OLSON is anything but boring, and I wouldn't have it any other way)!
I was sitting at my desk on Friday afternoon, getting ready to go to a meeting in a few minutes, when I heard a question being asked a few desk spaces away (just close enough that I could hear it perfectly, but far enough away that I could not see who was saying it). This was the question: "What is the difference between 'began' and begun?'" Now, let me make something clear. Every single OLSONite I have met is incredibly bright. However, we all have more learning/refreshing to do throughout life. Good thing, too. Otherwise, life would be pretty boring, don't you think? Learning is the best part of life, in my opinion!
Anyway, getting back to the story. This question was asked. Seeing as I had about three minutes before I needed to pack up my laptop and notepad to head off to a meeting (did I mention that each meeting room is marked by a lettered/numbered dodgeball?), I thought about the question. Although I majored in "Get Every Written Piece of Work Critiqued Until It Can Be Critiqued No More" (also known as Public Relations), I realized that I was not solid on that rule of grammar either. So, being the curious, hungry-to-learn, and Google-loving individual that I am, I Googled it.
I then walked over to see who it was who had asked. Thankfully, I knew one of the two having the conversation. I did not, however, know the one who had posed the question. So, answer in mind, I brought it up with the guy I knew (and introduced myself to the one I did not), and cleared the air on the epic grammatical dilemma known as "began vs. begun." Moral of the story? If you run across something you do not know, and have the resources and ability to check it out (and it doesn't take you away from current responsibilities), check it out! I did, and look at where it got me: a greater understanding of an epic dilemma, a new friend, and four "intern Points!" What could be better? If you are a fellow O-tern reading this, do not worry, you have not missed out on an official score-keeping method of the O-tern program. These points were made up on the spot, but, nonetheless, posses incredible value. So, don't worry, you're not missing out. (But I am winning...just saying.) :)
Well, now that you have sat through the insights (ramblings) of an O-tern for week four of her epic adventure at OLSON, you may rest and be at peace knowing that another week was well spent, and another tip well learned. Remember kids, never cease making friends and having fun at work!
6.22.2010
OLSON--Week 3
Well, well, well, I have completed my 3rd week (and am now into my 4th---blog soon to come).
PHEW! Well, I learned something incredibly helpful last week and over the weekend. YOU CANNOT BE AFRAID OF WHAT YOU DO NOT KNOW!
There is so much to learn at an advertising agency...especially one like OLSON (which just acquired Denali...very impressive)!
I must ask questions when I do not quite know what is going on. I learned that this week. Let me repeat my other tip of the week, you cannot be afraid of what you do not know. Did you know that you can take an incredible experience and make yourself so nervous of failing that you do not even want to try? Well, thankfully I did not allow it to get to that point. Why? I am a fighter. I will not give up. Even though the learning curve is intense at times, I will not give up, I will always push myself to exceed what I have previously known as my best....and because of that, I know I will continue to grow and learn as time goes on.
One of my colleagues so graciously pointed out to me--"Keep in mind, this is your first job! This is also your first experience with agency work. There is going to be a learning curve." Another told me, "I have been in the industry for five years, and still HAVE to ask questions because I DO NOT have everything figured out!"
My neatest moment of the week? OLSON had its Father's Day celebration. Cool, right? Cooler than you think...OLSON is an advertising agency, in case you haven't picked up on...which means that everything the people at OLSON do, is funky and awesome.
Instead of calling it a "Father's Day celebration," they called it "MAN DAY." Haha:). What could make a guy happier? My dad came up...it was a grand 'ol time. We had BBQ and took a tour of OLSON's incredible site. I think he had a good time. (Well, he told me it was great...so I suppose it was.) ;)
AND....he made me this sweet artsy (made with slatted wood and chopsticks, so it looks a little Asian) flower arrangement from flowers he picked at home (red lilies...kind of like tiger lilies, but no freckles)--they are honestly some of THE most beautiful flowers I have ever seen!
Anyway, there you have it folks...week 3...
TIP OF THE WEEK: YOU CANNOT BE AFRAID OF WHAT YOU DO NOT KNOW!
6.12.2010
OLSON--Week 2
Well, it has now been two weeks...and I know even more about OLSON, my client, and the cool people I get to call co-workers!
This last week I was able to sit in on a radio production...talent called in from LA...we hung out and made sure it sounded like what the client was looking for...wow, neat opportunity!
The Twins game was pretty great, too. I got asked to go to the new Twins stadium with the media team...nice couple of big suites...extensive array or hot dogs, chicken, quesadillas, etc., great weather to watch the game...ahh, if you have not checked out the Twins stadium yet, you need to!
We O-terns were able to meet the client that we will be working with for the summer. It is a fantastic company that honestly cares about its employees, its past, and its future...I look forward to sharing the name with you...after I get permission to reveal it. :)
Friday BBQ this week? Jimmy Johns, coleslaw, and great American jazz of that nature...did I mention that we get to play "Minute to WIn it Games?"
I'll be meeting my team's primary client next week--I am certainly looking forward to that!
Well, until next blog...enjoy the rain:)
This last week I was able to sit in on a radio production...talent called in from LA...we hung out and made sure it sounded like what the client was looking for...wow, neat opportunity!
The Twins game was pretty great, too. I got asked to go to the new Twins stadium with the media team...nice couple of big suites...extensive array or hot dogs, chicken, quesadillas, etc., great weather to watch the game...ahh, if you have not checked out the Twins stadium yet, you need to!
We O-terns were able to meet the client that we will be working with for the summer. It is a fantastic company that honestly cares about its employees, its past, and its future...I look forward to sharing the name with you...after I get permission to reveal it. :)
Friday BBQ this week? Jimmy Johns, coleslaw, and great American jazz of that nature...did I mention that we get to play "Minute to WIn it Games?"
I'll be meeting my team's primary client next week--I am certainly looking forward to that!
Well, until next blog...enjoy the rain:)
6.05.2010
OLSON--Week 1
Alright, so...it has begun. In a world where there are so many people and so many companies...I believe I have met my match! It wasn't through an online ad or by walking door to door...it was through a mutual friend, you might say... :) (shameless plug to networking!)
Olson Advertising Agency (oco.com), as you should know by visiting the given website (go ahead...do it...it won't waste your time...but it will entertain you), is located in Minneapolis, by the Walker Art Center, the Basilica , and Loring Park...what a neat combination of places to have on all sides!
Well, you may wonder how it feels to be working at Olson....to the untrained eye, one would assume that I am reliving kindergarden (by the cleverly placed name tags propped up on modern metal stands...sitting confidently on white office furniture that would make any cubicle roll over in its grave), elementary school (by breaking all of Olson's approximately 200 employees up into 12 tribes that are cleverly named, cleverly themed, and even more cleverly positioned to host tribal challenges that encourage behavior much like what can be found on NBC's show, "Minute to Win It," which enables the winning of jelly beans to be redeemed for "awesome prizes" at the end of the summer...I have also heard rumors about infamous dodgeball games), high school (by having a different tribe host an "all company"--but more like "all friend" BBQ out back in the newly bricked ally, which, by the way, looks more like a European country than Minneapolis), and college (by being surrounded by brilliant individuals, all who are all incredible at what they do, and so very willing to meet a little O-tern like me and tell my why they love what they do)...but that is all just to the entrained eye...
To the trained eye, you may ask? Well, I'll let you know when I get there myself..
How do I feel so far? Do you remember ever getting an assignment in a class that can only be described as "one of the hardest, but most rewarding experiences of my life," by past students? ...And then you end up sitting in that class the first day and get given that "hard, yet rewarding" assignment...but you have no idea how to start or what to do because you have not quite been given the next steps yet.....well, that is a bit how I feel...
...YET, I have this strange feeling that that is perfectly alright at this point (that, and the folks I work with told me that very thing)...
Sooo, I will keep going...enjoying every step of the process, and try to not get ahead of myself...enjoy the process...learn from everything...enjoy the process...take the pace as it comes...enjoy the process...
What a neat opportunity! :)
Olson Advertising Agency (oco.com), as you should know by visiting the given website (go ahead...do it...it won't waste your time...but it will entertain you), is located in Minneapolis, by the Walker Art Center, the Basilica , and Loring Park...what a neat combination of places to have on all sides!
Well, you may wonder how it feels to be working at Olson....to the untrained eye, one would assume that I am reliving kindergarden (by the cleverly placed name tags propped up on modern metal stands...sitting confidently on white office furniture that would make any cubicle roll over in its grave), elementary school (by breaking all of Olson's approximately 200 employees up into 12 tribes that are cleverly named, cleverly themed, and even more cleverly positioned to host tribal challenges that encourage behavior much like what can be found on NBC's show, "Minute to Win It," which enables the winning of jelly beans to be redeemed for "awesome prizes" at the end of the summer...I have also heard rumors about infamous dodgeball games), high school (by having a different tribe host an "all company"--but more like "all friend" BBQ out back in the newly bricked ally, which, by the way, looks more like a European country than Minneapolis), and college (by being surrounded by brilliant individuals, all who are all incredible at what they do, and so very willing to meet a little O-tern like me and tell my why they love what they do)...but that is all just to the entrained eye...
To the trained eye, you may ask? Well, I'll let you know when I get there myself..
How do I feel so far? Do you remember ever getting an assignment in a class that can only be described as "one of the hardest, but most rewarding experiences of my life," by past students? ...And then you end up sitting in that class the first day and get given that "hard, yet rewarding" assignment...but you have no idea how to start or what to do because you have not quite been given the next steps yet.....well, that is a bit how I feel...
...YET, I have this strange feeling that that is perfectly alright at this point (that, and the folks I work with told me that very thing)...
Sooo, I will keep going...enjoying every step of the process, and try to not get ahead of myself...enjoy the process...learn from everything...enjoy the process...take the pace as it comes...enjoy the process...
What a neat opportunity! :)
5.26.2010
To Look Back Upon It and Smile
Have you ever wondered if there should be more to life than taking it too seriously? I believe the seriousness needs to be countered with relaxation, adventure, and great friendship...namely, eating corn on the cob while sitting on the deck watching the sun go down...then, trading places to let another roommate relax on the deck to make a call while you climb up onto the roof (accompanied by an equally adventurous friend) to startle her...only to find that she has gone inside after the roof has been tackled...and then getting stuck on the way down and laughing too hard to balance the weight properly, thus causing legs to flail awkwardly yet hilariously...and sharing it all with great friends who find the whole situation as equally as entertaining as you do (and knowing when it is ok to have a massive run-on sentence with poor grammar).
...and then be able to be taken seriously as you present brilliant ideas to future employers....
...ah, this life must not be taken so seriously that one is not able to look back upon it and smile.
5.24.2010
Summer Time
Well folks, it has been exactly one month since my last blog...and I feel like this is a confession. :)
Ok...so what's new? Well, I have graduated from the beautiful Northwestern College in St. Paul, MN with a BA in Public Relations and a minor in Marketing...joy!
Next week I'll start my full time internship at OLSON Advertising Agency (oco.com) as an "o-tern" and I am incredibly excited about it! Do you remember what you felt like the week before college orientation...that nervous giddy feeling that makes you smile at the thought of a new opportunity...yet also makes you wonder if you are ready or have what it takes to do whatever it is you are getting into? Well, I remember that feeling...and it feels a little bit like I do right now! However, I also remember the flip side of that...feeling like, although I do not know everything (to say the least!) about this new environment and experience, I have a strange peace that it is exactly what I am supposed to be doing at this very moment in time...and that, my friends, makes it all worth while...
I will be learning the ropes of what it means to be an "account executive" and oh man, how neat a roll it is! To put it simply, I will be a liaison between the clients and the creative teams at OLSON. This will enable me to have the "communication thing" going on as well as be able to have a hand in the creative process! Like I said, there is MUCH to be learned...but rather than allowing that to intimidate me, I a choosing to walk into this with my eyes wide open, like a little kid watching the "older kids" jump off the diving board--although it looks a tad intimidating...it also looks like WAY too much fun to pass up! Therefore, in following suit of my younger-diving-board-jumping-self, I have vowed to never "pass up" a good opportunity with this incredible experience. I'm going to give it my all, look to learn more than I have capacity to take in, and execute what I have learned with excellence...while all the while admitting any mistakes and learning from the best (I have heard there are a lot of those around OLSON)...and rockin' it!
As if this company is not the coolest already...they have dodgeball games! How could it get any better?...hmmm...maybe if there were a giant rock robot on top of the roof....oh, one can always dream, right? ;)
Keep following me to hear about my adventures at OLSON...I sure am looking forward to this summer rolling out...and sharing it with you as I go!
--the eager, not-sure-what-to-expect-but-very-interested-in-learning, soon-to-be...O-tern..
Ok...so what's new? Well, I have graduated from the beautiful Northwestern College in St. Paul, MN with a BA in Public Relations and a minor in Marketing...joy!
Next week I'll start my full time internship at OLSON Advertising Agency (oco.com) as an "o-tern" and I am incredibly excited about it! Do you remember what you felt like the week before college orientation...that nervous giddy feeling that makes you smile at the thought of a new opportunity...yet also makes you wonder if you are ready or have what it takes to do whatever it is you are getting into? Well, I remember that feeling...and it feels a little bit like I do right now! However, I also remember the flip side of that...feeling like, although I do not know everything (to say the least!) about this new environment and experience, I have a strange peace that it is exactly what I am supposed to be doing at this very moment in time...and that, my friends, makes it all worth while...
I will be learning the ropes of what it means to be an "account executive" and oh man, how neat a roll it is! To put it simply, I will be a liaison between the clients and the creative teams at OLSON. This will enable me to have the "communication thing" going on as well as be able to have a hand in the creative process! Like I said, there is MUCH to be learned...but rather than allowing that to intimidate me, I a choosing to walk into this with my eyes wide open, like a little kid watching the "older kids" jump off the diving board--although it looks a tad intimidating...it also looks like WAY too much fun to pass up! Therefore, in following suit of my younger-diving-board-jumping-self, I have vowed to never "pass up" a good opportunity with this incredible experience. I'm going to give it my all, look to learn more than I have capacity to take in, and execute what I have learned with excellence...while all the while admitting any mistakes and learning from the best (I have heard there are a lot of those around OLSON)...and rockin' it!
As if this company is not the coolest already...they have dodgeball games! How could it get any better?...hmmm...maybe if there were a giant rock robot on top of the roof....oh, one can always dream, right? ;)
Keep following me to hear about my adventures at OLSON...I sure am looking forward to this summer rolling out...and sharing it with you as I go!
--the eager, not-sure-what-to-expect-but-very-interested-in-learning, soon-to-be...O-tern..
4.24.2010
One Lone Basketball....OLSON!!
I will be learning and bringing passion to every aspect of Account Management this summer while working with various clients under the apprenticeship of well-seasoned Account Executives at all levels at OLSON, a highly creative, fully holistic advertising agency, headquartered in Minneapolis, MN.
4.09.2010
OOOooo Social Circles
I interviewed at OLSON Advertising Agency yesterday...
and can I just say that I have social circles on the mind...
especially considering that during the first interview a random
basketball came bouncing down the hallway...only to remain there with
no one to claim it...
some may see that basketball as a sad and lonely little thing...
I, however, saw it as a preview of what I would see at OLSON if I
get in. In three words? Unpredictable, creative, determined.
Never thought seeing a basketball rolling by would bring me so much
JOY!
and can I just say that I have social circles on the mind...
especially considering that during the first interview a random
basketball came bouncing down the hallway...only to remain there with
no one to claim it...
some may see that basketball as a sad and lonely little thing...
I, however, saw it as a preview of what I would see at OLSON if I
get in. In three words? Unpredictable, creative, determined.
Never thought seeing a basketball rolling by would bring me so much
JOY!
3.06.2010
ALABAMA--ALA-stinkin-BAMA.
I am hanging out at my roommates's brother/sis-in-law's house with their three adorable kids for a few days and lovin' every minute of it! It's a crazy thing to hear people speaking with a southern accent and not having them be joking around!
I saw a bee today! A bee! I never thought I would be so excited to see a bee...or a lady bug for that matter....or fireworks, even! REAL fireworks...and not just on the 4th of JULY! (thats because they are actually LEGAL here) :)
Oh its nice:)
Tomorrow we'll leave for the beach...Florida or bust baby!
I saw a bee today! A bee! I never thought I would be so excited to see a bee...or a lady bug for that matter....or fireworks, even! REAL fireworks...and not just on the 4th of JULY! (thats because they are actually LEGAL here) :)
Oh its nice:)
Tomorrow we'll leave for the beach...Florida or bust baby!
2.24.2010
What Color is Your Parachute?
Well, when I stop and ask myself "what color is my parachute," I think...hmmm, what a fantastic book by Richard Bolles. What Color is Your Parachute?
This is what I found while going through this book:
1. Where (Geography-wise):
-close to family/friends
-privacy, but close enough to town that I do not need to drive more than 15 (+?) minutes
-Minnesota (preferably)…or Montana (beauty, some family)
-water (lakes, rivers, etc.)
-experience all seasons (sunny)
2. In organizations using these Special Knowledges:
-marketing/advertising to best meet consumer needs
-people skills (and networking/coaching)
-photography
3. In organizations having these People-Environments:
-enterprising (persuading, performing, managing, leading)
-investigative (investigating, analyzing, problem solving)
-social (teach, enlighten, develop people)
4. Serving these Goals/Purposes/Values:
-integrity
-quality relationships
-excellence
-wisdom
-leadership
-helping other people
5. With these Working Conditions:
-clear and consistent expectations
-managers/co-workers having an overall positive attitude
-encouragement for a job well done/helpful feedback
-managers/co-workers making an effort to change things they are unhappy with
6. At this Level of Responsibility and Salary:
-I enjoy managing a team; I also enjoy being a part of a team that is under a manager, while taking a leadership role.
-review budget (pg.211-213)—for example, if $3000/mo. needed (3000*12=36000, 36000/2000=18), then $18/hr. needed (need to review with someone for accurate costs for insurance, loans, etc.).
-rewards hoped for: adventure, challenge, respect, influence, a chance to be creative, to help others, to exercise leadership, to make decisions, to bring others closer to God.
7. Using these Transferable Skills:
-driven
-thorough
-creative
-leadership
-strong communication skills
*Job Families I am interested in:
-executive, administrative, managerial occupation
-writers, artists, digital artists, entertainers
-marketing and sales occupations
This is what I found while going through this book:
1. Where (Geography-wise):
-close to family/friends
-privacy, but close enough to town that I do not need to drive more than 15 (+?) minutes
-Minnesota (preferably)…or Montana (beauty, some family)
-water (lakes, rivers, etc.)
-experience all seasons (sunny)
2. In organizations using these Special Knowledges:
-marketing/advertising to best meet consumer needs
-people skills (and networking/coaching)
-photography
3. In organizations having these People-Environments:
-enterprising (persuading, performing, managing, leading)
-investigative (investigating, analyzing, problem solving)
-social (teach, enlighten, develop people)
4. Serving these Goals/Purposes/Values:
-integrity
-quality relationships
-excellence
-wisdom
-leadership
-helping other people
5. With these Working Conditions:
-clear and consistent expectations
-managers/co-workers having an overall positive attitude
-encouragement for a job well done/helpful feedback
-managers/co-workers making an effort to change things they are unhappy with
6. At this Level of Responsibility and Salary:
-I enjoy managing a team; I also enjoy being a part of a team that is under a manager, while taking a leadership role.
-review budget (pg.211-213)—for example, if $3000/mo. needed (3000*12=36000, 36000/2000=18), then $18/hr. needed (need to review with someone for accurate costs for insurance, loans, etc.).
-rewards hoped for: adventure, challenge, respect, influence, a chance to be creative, to help others, to exercise leadership, to make decisions, to bring others closer to God.
7. Using these Transferable Skills:
-driven
-thorough
-creative
-leadership
-strong communication skills
*Job Families I am interested in:
-executive, administrative, managerial occupation
-writers, artists, digital artists, entertainers
-marketing and sales occupations
2.16.2010
Friday
Friday is a big day. I feel grown up.
I am enjoying life.
Much is to be appreciated in persistence and time management when it comes to homework. I am thankful I can learn these valuable lessons now as I am in school rather than when I am in a full time career and I have others depending on me.
Busy..but good.
Wish I had more time for places like the conservatory...soon I will go and enjoy the beauty.
1.21.2010
Oh the Working World
I am job hunting.
It has the ability to make me both nervous and very excited....all at the same time.
I have learned a great deal more about myself through a Managerial Marketing class I am taking. I am reading "What Color is Your Parachute" by Richard N. Bolles (2010 Edition). I highly recommend it.
I have found (and suppose I have always known, but it was reconfirmed today in class) that my top strengths are that I am:
-driven
-creative
-dependable
-thorough
-adaptable
-perceptive/intuitive
-(have a)strong desire to learn
-outgoing
-an arbitrator (conflict resolution)
-a natural leader
I am also interested in so many different things, yet am not overwhelmed by that fact at all. In fact, I thoroughly enjoy it. :)
A few of my favorites are:
-marketing/advertising/PR
-people skills (coaching/networking)
-photography
Oh, life is fun.
It has the ability to make me both nervous and very excited....all at the same time.
I have learned a great deal more about myself through a Managerial Marketing class I am taking. I am reading "What Color is Your Parachute" by Richard N. Bolles (2010 Edition). I highly recommend it.
I have found (and suppose I have always known, but it was reconfirmed today in class) that my top strengths are that I am:
-driven
-creative
-dependable
-thorough
-adaptable
-perceptive/intuitive
-(have a)strong desire to learn
-outgoing
-an arbitrator (conflict resolution)
-a natural leader
I am also interested in so many different things, yet am not overwhelmed by that fact at all. In fact, I thoroughly enjoy it. :)
A few of my favorites are:
-marketing/advertising/PR
-people skills (coaching/networking)
-photography
Oh, life is fun.
1.19.2010
A HIGH PLACE
Have you ever come to a place where you feel as though out can sit back, cross your arms, let out a sigh of relief, smile, and simply be proud of yourself?
I feel that right now.
I am growing up, and I finally think I am getting the hang of it. Praise the Lord.
I know I'm not perfect, but I am still proud of my accomplishments and who I am...
I just realized something...there is someone who thinks that all of the time, 24/7, no matter if I actually have done something great or not...huh...that's neat.
I feel that right now.
I am growing up, and I finally think I am getting the hang of it. Praise the Lord.
I know I'm not perfect, but I am still proud of my accomplishments and who I am...
I just realized something...there is someone who thinks that all of the time, 24/7, no matter if I actually have done something great or not...huh...that's neat.
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