Tips from an Ad Intern:

On poster distribution and hanging

This post is not so much about the art of taping up a poster, although I will touch on that. It is about my experience distributing promotional posters and flyer all around San Diego. These tips I learned fist hand from my biggest task off the #bgsd campus yet- distributing the Seaport Village's Busker Festival promotional material. The event is next weekend April 16 and 17.

It looks REALLLy cool.

Tip #1: Choose the best locations to reach your audience.

It's tough these days to find space available for public postings, but I had pretty good luck focusing mainly on cafes and small shops. The cafes that were targeted were both small privately owned coffee shops and large chains like Starbucks. The shops that were chosen were a mix of salons and clothing stores with customer bases that seemed to fit the demographic of people interested in a busker festival.

This array of location choices should give us a good mix of people being exposed to the flyers. A wide variety of people frequent these locations; families, singles, college kids and people interested in the arts and community.

Tip #2: Google maps is your new best friend.

Not only can you add multiple locations to your route, but you can also rearrange your different locations to create the most efficient path.

Step one; organize your locations by zone in the city. For example my selected areas were Little Italy, Downtown, Hillcrest, and North Park.

Step two; plug in all location you wish to visit, chose your mode of

transportation (bike, foot, car, public transport), and then click and drag your via points to create the best route.

And your done, Tah-Dah!

Tip #3: Park efficiently.

Chances are even if your locations are in walking distance from one another; you'll need to park your car. Don't always pay at the first lot you see, especially in the downtown area. The prices can range from $5-12 an hours sometimes. If you spend an extra few minutes driving around you can usually find a 30 min spot, or at least a metered spot that you can pay $1 to for an hour and use up some of that change weighing down your purse or pockets.

Tip #4 and #5: Be prepared and smile.

People react more happily towards happy people! It's science. Be polite, seem interested and always ask questions with a smile. Storekeepers will want to help you out more if you seem interested in your product and care about their company.

Shop owners also appreciate you coming prepared with scotch tape and thumbtacks. The only surface I wasn't prepared for in my distribution path this week was magnet boards. All of the Starbucks in San Diego that I went to had "community boards" which was amazing, but they were all magnetic. This only caused problems when there were no open magnets, but they did allow me to move things around in order to post my flyer.

Best of all, I got to see parts of the city I'd never seen before & enjoy a few beautiful days.

~Sadie :)

New Facebook Questions: Yes or No?

Most of you have probably noticed something new in your Facebook news feed... a query, a cute little bar chart, a couple options to choose from and your friend's thumbnails. What is Facebook up to now?

As frequent Facebookers know, the cronies and comrades of Mark Zuckerberg are always trying to improve the social network of our generation. This new application is simply called "Questions." It allows anyone to type up and ask a question to the entire Facebook nation. The service is supposed to act as a resource for everyone, from students to businesses.

Why should I care about Questions?
Questions are informative; as Facebook puts it, "learn from your friends." Whether we admit it or not, we care about what other people think. Where is the best place to eat in San Diego? Are you going to the Lady Gaga concert? NorCal or SoCal? Everyone wants to know what everyone else is doing, saying, liking, etc. I mean, isn't that why we are on Facebook so much in the first place?

What makes Questions different than other Q&A sites?
Unlike other websites like Yahoo! Answers and Quora, Facebook Questions is not open-ended. Answers are definitive and can be suggested through a drop-down menu suggesting existing Facebook pages.

What does this mean for marketing and public relations?
Informal research just got a lot easier. Businesses and organizations can now speak directly to consumers and publics. They can make better informed and appropriate decisions by simply asking a question they would like answered. What's your favorite flavor at Yogurtland? Who do you want to see in concert this summer? Where is your favorite place to go shopping?

My next question is, will you be using Facebook Questions?

Professional Association Involvement: A PR Must!

As a Bailey Gardiner PR intern and the president of San Diego State's Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) chapter, I am a huge advocate for professional associations and the benefits that come with participation.

The public relations world is small and the quickest way to jump in and familiarize yourself with the community is to join PRSA (if you're a professional) or PRSSA (if you're a student).

PRSSA is the largest organization for students interested in public relations. There are over 300 chapters and 10,000 members in the United States. If your college or university doesn't have a chapter, PRSSA National offers an affiliate program that connects you with the closest PRSA chapter and professionals. PRSSA supports the advancement of the public relations field and the professional development of future practitioners. Every year they hold a national conference, national assembly and regional activities.

Another option is to join the Public Relations Society of America San Diego Imperial Counties. PRSA SDIC holds networking events, socials and workshops for local professionals. There is even a NewPros committee to help introduce us newbies into the professional world.

Personally, I've seen my professional association involvement pay off tenfold. I've met some of my best friends, grown as a professional, expanded my network and learned a lot about public relations. But most importantly, I've built relationships and isn't that what PR is all about? Not to mention I've done a bit of traveling with PRSSA, which wasn't too bad... :)

I encourage fellow interns and students out there to get involved and see what kind of benefits they reap. Hopefully I'll see you at a few events coming up in the near future.

If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, let me know!

Best,
Robin

5 Tips from a New PR Intern

Being a first time blogger for the Feed the Interns Blog, as well as a first time PR Intern, I thought it fitting to share what I've found to be most helpful during my past eight weeks at Bailey Gardiner. As a newly initiated member of the Public Relations Intern Club, I've still got a long way to go and lots to learn, but hope these tips prove helpful for those also diving headfirst into the professional world.

1. Learn to adapt and be flexible - Every office or agency has a particular way of doing things, whether that be filing documents on a server, using the copy machine, or cleaning the kitchen. Going in with an open mind and your putting feelers out to pick up these types of things quickly makes the transition easier for you and everyone else you work with so you can get right down to business.

2. Ask questions - Rolling right along and merging into tip number two we find a common and even seemingly obvious piece of advice. Regardless, asking questions is sometimes hard to do when starting work in a new place. And I know, "there's no such thing as a dumb question" (even though I've definitely tested those limits), but in most cases questions are welcomed, as your superiors realize you are there to learn...not to mention there is a better chance you'll successfully accomplish whatever you've been set out to do, which makes everyone's lives easier.

3. Welcome all types of projects - Personally, interning at Bailey Gardiner I have had the opportunity to work on a wide variety of projects and from every one of them, no matter how simple or how complex, I have learned more about the way PR professionals function internally as well as how their work reflects externally. If you focus on the big picture, every task you put effort into will contribute to your bank of knowledge.

4. REALLY utilize social media - And I don't just mean Facebook stalking. Before BG for example, I had no idea what Twitter entailed, but have since been shown the light and the real potentials of the network. Not only can you stalk celebrities instead of just your friends, BUT you can keep up to date with trends in the industry as well as local/regional publications your company works with and even other Pros who really know their stuff. There's an indescribable amount of knowledge to gain from all the social media platforms out there -- especially when they are all so integrated with PR and marketing strategies today.

And last but not least...

5. Don't be afraid to take a breather every once in a while - By all means, make sure to maintain a professional and appropriate attitude and work ethic, but you don't need to take yourself seriously 24/7/365. As interns we have been given the opportunity to learn and grow on our path towards accomplishing our professional goals, but live in the moment and have fun with what we've been given. There is definitely a line between being driven and driving yourself over the edge and finding your own balance is key to a successful and happy life.


- Elli

Media Relations 101

Everyone knows that media relations is the bread and butter of public relations. It is at the top of most practitioner's responsibilities and daily to do lists. After only two months at Bailey Gardiner, I've had the opportunity to test my media relations skills. Here, I've learned a few important steps that can hopefully help fellow interns out there.

1. Research!
It is always important to do your research. Know what you are pitching, inside and out. Ever try to sell something you didn't really like or use yourself? You probably weren't very persuasive. If you know what you're talking about, you will be more invested and passionate about your pitch. Also, know who you are pitching to. After making your media contact list, Google them! Make sure they are a good fit for your story. See if you have something in common. Find out what their interests are. It will make that phone call or email much more genuine and well-received.

2. Pick up the phone!
One time, in a research methods class, I called over 150 random digit telephone numbers and tried to have them complete a 10 minute survey. And I thought that was scary... Don't be afraid to pick up the phone and dial. If no one picks up, leave a message. If someone answers, do your best. If someone totally rejects you, life goes on. All three have happened to me. But to be honest, it is so rewarding to hear someone on the phone express interest in your story. That one telephone call will accomplish more than 20 emails.


3. Follow up!
After a journalist, freelancer or blogger agrees that your story is newsworthy, make sure to follow up with them. If they need photos, send them images. If they need additional information, reply quickly and accurately. Good follow up and follow through help you establish rapport and a relationship. Then the next time you pick up the phone to call them, it definitely won't be so scary.

So grab your press releases, write your pitch and call away. Good luck! I'll be reading your stories in the San Diego Union-Tribune news room...

Can you spell i.n.t.e.r.n.?

Blogger-me-Blogger

In the last month I have made my debut as a bg intern, candy-cart salesmen, intern blogger and a model (twice!). Okay, okay, those of you who have met me, you know I am not the model-type. Nor will I be going into that profession, but it was fun while it lasted. I am much more interested in the behind the scenes aspects of advertising. Learning about account services, account management, and placement of advertisements is what really excites me. Not so much staring in them. For those of you who don't know me yet, "Hello!" My name is Sadie and I will be blogging away for the next few months as Ad Intern 1. My new partners in crime, the PR interns will be posting also. [see our profiles below]

Next Top Model

My modeling premier took place at Seaport Village during a Bailey Gardiner photo shoot. Seaport Village is a beautiful location and one of the bg's clients I will be working with. Participating in the photo shoot was exciting. I love all things photography and the outdoors - it is not everyday an intern gets to spend their morning on the clock under the San Diego sun and in the salty sea air. My second modeling shoot was for the San Diego Council

 on Literacy's spelling "BEE" benefit event next Thursday, February 24th. Although it is only a shot from behind, I am modeling the agency-designed event t-shirt, so it definitely counts as shoot number two. 

At this rate, by the time May and my graduation rolls around I'll have a stunning resume and modeling portfolio.

Candy-Cart Sales(wo)men

Never underestimate the power of snacks at 4 o'clock on the Friday afternoon. You can learn a lot about people while pulling a child-sized wheelbarrow of snacks around the office. Did I mention it has cowbells? Interpersonal skills and office relationships are formed over the candy-cart. I now know everyone in the office on Fridays, where they sit, and I am beginning to know their snack preferences; salty, sweet, drink or a healthy alternative.

Down to Business

Listed above are some of the perks of interning here at Bailey Gardiner, not to mention the amazing tea/coffee/hot coco machine in the kitchen area and the occasional free goodies left on the table. The real work is much more plentiful and sadly doesn't involve the cowbell. However, my daily tasks are interesting. Every morning I learn who in the USA has taken an interest in Aladdin Bail Bonds, while updating excel files. Some of the relationship descriptions are humorous, for example "mother of his son," which takes away all personal ownership. Contact information can also make for a laugh. For example, one guy last week wrote only the 3-digit area code "818" as his contact. People like this really brighten my morning. I also work on online marketing research and analysis using Google AdWords and Google Analytics. I am getting to be a pro at scanning and filing invoices and starting to get a handle on Workamajig. 

Stay tuned for more on my improvements, specialties and ad talents in future articles.

~Sadie

New Roundup at the Bailey Gardiner Intern Corral

Not only has Bailey Gardiner moved to a bigger and better office in Little Italy, they've picked up four snazzy new interns as well. The newest additions to the BG team are here to introduce themselves.

Sadie Soliozy

Title: Ad Intern
Hometown: Ipswich, MA (heard of it?)
Favorite Food: Egg n' cheese on a whole wheat English muffin, salted with a side of ketchup

Fun Facts:

• I have never lived more that 10 miles from the ocean.
• I drink at least three cups of tea a day.
• In elementary school I played on a boys baseball team because I refused to play softball (may have been my dad's favorite years).
  

Why you are here: To be an amazing intern!

What you want to learn: To learn about and build the skills necessary to work in account service, account management, or maybe even media at an ad agency.

Community Involvement:

• Student Business Advisory Board, USD Student Member
• Ad Club, USD Chapter President

Theresa Schell
Title: Creative Intern
Hometown: Poway, CA
Favorite Food: Chocolate anything

Fun Facts:

• My favorite musician is Jack White.
• I love black and white photography.

Why you are here: To learn about the advertising industry from the inside and find out if that's the kind of graphic design work I'd like to do when I finish school.

What you want to learn: How the process of design work is in the real world, what kind of problems do designers face in this industry, and most importantly how to be a better designer.

Elli Vacca

Title: Public Relations Intern
Hometown: Ventura, CA
Favorite Food: Movie theater popcorn

Fun Facts:

• At 5 years old on the YMCA swim team I won every race because I was the only one in my age bracket.
• Last year I was bit by a dog and broke my ankle in the same month. The E.R. nurses remembered me.
• I was a contestant on The Price is Right - and my price was right.
  

Why you are here: Bailey Gardiner offers such a fun and inspiring environment - it is the ideal place for an intern to get a feel for the industry.

What you want to learn: Anything and everything.

Community Involvement:

• Pi Beta Phi, UC San Diego Panhellenic Association
• UCSD Undergraduate Communication Society, Member

Robin Canedy

Title: Public Relations Intern
Hometown: Mission Viejo, CA
Favorite Food: Churros


Fun Facts:

• I can tap dance.
• I own over 20 pairs of Nike shoes.
  

Why you are here: To see what PR looks like outside of a textbook or classroom and to be part of the Bailey Gardiner team.

What you want to learn: I hope to pick up and learn the skills necessary to be a great PR practitioner.

Community Involvement:

• Public Relations Student Society of America, SDSU Chapter President

The Importance of an Internship

As a student that wants to break into the creative side of advertising there are two main components for getting in. The first is an awesome portfolio filled with great ideas and the other is who you know. But what if you don’t know anyone in the advertising industry are you doomed to go from one closed door to then next, even try to see if you can wiggle open a cracked window? Well that may be the case but there is an easier way. Get an internship. A creative internship is beneficial for educating, networking, and getting real work.

Creative internship gives you education that you can’t get in a classroom. It puts you at the agency right in the environment. Where real projects are going on around you and the creative team is pitching ideas that can actually be published. You can get advice from Art Directors and Copywriters who are doing this everyday. They are there to give you the experience to get started in the business. A place to see where you fit in right, maybe it’s a small agency, maybe it’s a big agency, or maybe it’s somewhere in the middle.

Having a creative internship makes for great networking opportunities. Not only do you know all the people in the creative department by first name you have their email and phone numbers. And as long as you don’t screw up your internship they will probably answer future questions you will have once the internship is done. Possibly giving you letter of recommendations or a great reference for your resume. Another cool thing is that the advertising industry is a close knit one where a lot of people know a lot of other people in the industry. So your Art Directors and Copywriters know other Art Directors and Copywriters in the area or maybe even out of the area. Where one contact can easily become 5 contacts, then even 20 contacts. And for a business where getting in is half based on who you know, it’s a good way of meeting people.

A creative internship is also great for getting real work for your portfolio. This is based on getting an internship where the agency actually lets you do work, besides running errands and getting coffee (I’m very sorry if your in one like that). A student portfolio is based on make believe clients that a lot of agencies wish they could have. The thing is none of that work is published; the only place it can be seen is in your book.Interning gives you the chance to get your ideas published, and having published work in your book, as a student, is quite an accomplishment.

So I bet your wondering how you get in a creative internship. Well first you need to do your research, find out where you want to intern. Once you found where, you need to find out who the creative team is and you will want to contact them to find out if they offer internships. If they do offer internships then send them your resume along with some samples of your work. If they tend to take a little while to respond be patient, they are very busy people, but you can always send a polite friendly email asking on the status. If they ask you to come in for an interview treat it like an actual job interview, they don’t want someone who can’t be professional interning at their agency, so be prepared. Talk to your career services at your school for some tips. Most agencies are more willing to take on an intern than hire a junior with no experience, so put yourself out there and see what you can do.

In the land of the interns, free stuff rules!

It's been awhile since I've been in college, and I've noticed that since starting another internship, I've been reduced back to my penny-pinching habits from my college days. Everyone knows that to get your foot in the door, to get that oh-so-important experience on your resume, you need to endure the unpaid internship. Part of the internship experience that you gain is loyalty to the company you work for diligently for day after day and you show that by coming in and working for free, and ... enjoying it. I can honestly say that not getting paid for my work at this internship, doesn't really bother me. I don't dwell on it. BUT I have noticed that I jump at anything that is available to me at no cost.

Cupcakes in the kitchen from a client? Screw the diet, I'll take 2.

Self tanner wipes in the women's bathroom? Probably never use them, because I am a very Irish girl and would probably turn orange, but I will take one just in case.

Keurig coffee from the kitchen? I drink about 3 cups a day.

But recently I was treated along with all the other employees and interns to a day at the Del Mar Racetrack. I have lived in San Diego for 3 years now and was ashamed to say I had never been. But now, here was the perfect opportunity! So after a quick day at the office we all headed off to the track to enjoy some free food and drink, courtesy of Bailey Gardiner. We also received a personal lesson on the basics of racetrack betting from Jon Bailey, CEO of Bailey Gardiner, and $20 to bet with. Even though I was only there for a short time (had to get to my paying job) and I lost the $20 + $5 of my money, I had a great time. Food tastes better when it's free and outings are much more fun when you get hooked up. I can't wait to go again, but on my own dollar, I'm afraid it won't be as great...
So thank you Bailey Gardiner for helping me to enjoy the cheaper things in life.

Humbled

“Sometimes I wish I had gone to prison instead of college.” –Hernan Castillo, college graduate

When I saw this quote appear after searching “what to do post college” on Google, I couldn’t help but laugh. Not because it was particularly funny, but because I have had similar thoughts. The May article on MSNBC.com sums up what many recent college graduates are thinking, including myself. I have definitely found myself in a sea of self-pity lately. Why did I try so hard in college just to be unemployed more than a year later? While it is easy to think this way, let me tell you it is not advantageous.

Graduating from college was one of the most exciting events in my life. My entire family congregated in Reno to help usher me into an exciting future. Later that week, I packed up a U-Haul with my then fiancé and headed to San Diego. Anything was possible. Through my one San Diego connection, I landed a job within the first month. Unfortunately, I did not listen to my gut feeling and I accepted the job offer knowing that it was not a right fit. Looking back, I would say it was the biggest mistake I have made in the last year. I lost valuable time when the job market was not as bad. I encountered a huge shot at my confidence early in the game. The love I had for my career path was greatly questioned. However, it also allowed me to learn in a short time what I want in a job environment, in a boss and in a career.

The past year has been the most challenging in my life. When everyone says that you can do amazing things after graduating from college and instead you are still unemployed, it is extremely humbling.

Here is what I have learned so far:

1. Never give-up, never surrender! From experience, I can tell you that throwing in the towel on your job search will only lead you to eating cookie dough on the couch in pajamas while watching “Wife Swap.” Keep trying to reach your goal, no matter how hard it might seem to achieve.
2. Be optimistic. Don’t you be a grumpy. The biggest turning point for me in the last year came when I gave-up on negativity. So what if the 30 resumes I sent out last month didn’t even land me an interview? Their loss.
3. Because you’re worth it. Remember that you have desirable attributes. Rejection is hard on the ego, but losing sight of your worth will only make it harder. I had to keep telling myself many things, sometimes in the mirror. I am a college graduate, who did well in school. I am hard working. I love to learn and be challenged. I am not socially challenged. I can read and write. I have good personal hygiene. This last point is very important in a close office environment!
4. Pick me! Pick me! Perseverance is extremely important. I was always afraid of being a pest. Not any more. The more you get your name in front of someone, the better. If there is a company you want to work for, e-mail them often, try to set-up an informational meeting, comment on their blog, become a fan of their Facebook page, anything!
5. Misery loves company. Sadly, it helps to keep in mind that plenty of other people are struggling to start a career too. It is hard to swallow career stagnation, when you did what everyone told you was the “right” thing to do to achieve success. However, you are not alone and there is no shame in not landing the ideal job after college. Most people aren’t.
6. Will work for free. While an unpaid internship is not ideal, it is not all bad. You can gain valuable experience, make connections and get closer to your end goal of landing a job. Sure, it is a little embarrassing when you tell friends what you have been up to, but at least you can say you are on the right path.
   

This has been a humbling year for everyone I know. The thing to do now is simply learn from every experience, whether good or bad. Adversity will just give us more character. I bet you have a lot of character too.

Step-Up My Office Attire

At Bailey Gardiner, everyone from the CEO to the interns wear jeans and a t-shirt any day of the week. This is one of the perks of working in a small advertising agency. Here, it is about creativity and innovation, not pencil skirts and heels. My family has always made it clear that it is better to be over-dressed than under. However, the past few years have stunted my wardrobe. I went from being a poor college student, interested more in contributing to the keg fund than the work clothes fund, to being unemployed sporting pajama pants and tanks daily, to now being an intern. So where does this leave my work attire? No where good, that's where.

Today, after being sick for a week and finally feeling better, I decided to get dressed-up for work. I put on a nice skirt, heels, a floral cardigan and remembered to wear my good earrings. Oh and I actually put curlers in my hair, trying to defy the San Diego humidity. I walked into the office feeling like a spruced-up version of myself.

Now this is where it gets funny. While filling my water bottle in the kitchen this morning, Nik walks in. As I turn to say good morning, he looks surprised. I immediately learn why. Nik kindly said he didn't recognize me, because I look nice today. Ouch! He said nothing wrong, but it became instantly clear that I have DONE something wrong. I need to step-up my office attire game.

As the day has progressed, a surprising amount of people have commented on how "fancy" I look today. Becca asked if I have a "hot date" tonight. The Big Boss Man jokingly asked if I have an interview after work. And the lovely and talented Ad Intern 2 wondered if I went on Extreme Makeover: Intern Edition. I need to step-up my office attire game.

There are two ways to go when deciding how an intern should dress. The first way, which I have previously adopted, is to blend-in. Most days I wear jeans, sometimes a cotton dress, every once-in-awhile heels. I do not meet with clients, I do not see vendors face-to-face and I am not publicly representing BG outside of the office. So, I can dress in jeans everyday without serious consequence.

The second way is what my grandma would approve of. As an intern (or any other employee), I should dress for the professional environment in which I work, regardless of the official dress code. An internship is an extended interview. When Jon jokingly asked if I had an interview, my response was "Yes, with you." So, why have I not been waking-up every morning and dressing for success?

I am promising myself that I will no longer dress at the office like I am out running errands. I want to make a positive impression on the people I work with. I want my college degree to get used beyond an internship. I want to start a career. I need to dress for success. I need to step-up my office attire.

How do you think an intern should dress?