Hunter, I am.

I'll start out explaining my absence. The past month has been another whirlwind. A couple things that have gone on in our lives:

July 2-5: Attended Dave Matthews Band concert in Alpine Valley! A M A Z I N G.
July 6: I got smacked in the ankle with a fly ball at our softball game. Hubby rushed me to ER. After one xray, three nurses, one doctor and three hours it was determined my ankle was not broken. Just very bruised and damaged nerves.
July 10: Sister's high school graduation party - State Fair style! We had corn dogs, mini donuts, funnel cakes, popcorn, grilled marinated chicken and pork skewers, and Sweet Steffi's Cookies (our version of Sweet Martha's)! Yumm!
July 17-18: Wisconsin Dells for Steffi's National Dance Competition at Kalahari. So fun!
July 24-25: House projects and landscaping.
July 30: Last day of internship at Bloom Health
July 31-August 1: Grandpa and Grandma visited to help finish our bathroom remodel. Such wonderful help!
Uffda! Life is always so interesting and keeps us on our toes!

(This is a long post, but it's full of goodies!)

Now on to the good stuff:
For the past two weeks my full time job has been job hunting. I've applied to about 30 different positions. My goal has been to not only apply to jobs, but to get connected within the industry and to stay up on industry news. It's one thing to just apply to a job - but another to make some sort of connection to the position I am applying for. The connection can be anything from knowing someone at the company of the applied position to finding a unique way to explain how I would be perfect for the job and the company. I am thrilled to say I have an interview on Thursday at a local ad agency and possibly another at a different ad agency.

I always watch Twitter closely for interesting tips, insights, articles, blog posts, etc. I'm always fascinated by what I learn through Twitter. Today I came across a post from @PrestonKelly, who tweeted a blog post written by the Creative Director. He interviewed the VP/Account Director about what he thinks makes a great account person. AWESOME! I was so excited after I read the blog that I want to share it with you. To give proper (and much deserved) credit to Preston Kelly, here is the blog link: http://prestonkelly.com/blog/?p=193
Chris Preston, EVP/Creative Director and Mark Jenson, VP/Account Director are the contributors to the blog post. The list was developed by Mark Jenson.

1. Be an idea generator – develop, nurture, and successfully convey new and fresh ideas.
2. Be knowledgeable about the client’s business and the advertising business – know it better than anyone else.
3. Be a “people” person – be someone that others want to work with.
4. Be curious – cultivate an insatiable appetite to learn something new each and every day.
5. Be self-motivated – take the initiative to make things happen.
6. Strive for high standards – have the desire to do the best work you can and the best work that your team can deliver.
7. Develop outstanding communication skills – aim to become a better writer and presenter every day.
8. Be collaborative – bring together the full resources and experience of the agency to solve problems.
9. Make the complex simple – dig deep strategically to provide insights that lead to better ideas.
10. Sweat the details – everything needs to be done well and you’ve got to focus on all aspects of your job

This list is so great!

I could be intimidated by the list, but what good would that do me? I look at this list as a great resource that came directly from someone who is very experienced and currently working in the industry - plus, it was free! At the end of the interview, Mark Jensen states, "If a young account person uses these 10 tips as a foundation, they’ll be building a strong platform for the future. And it would be safe to say that our business will be in good hands for many years to come." Jensen also gives a few other resources that account people should pay attention to. So, what do you think I did after reading this?
Added Jensen's suggested blogs to my Google Reader and wrote down the list in my handy-dandy notebook:

10 Tips!

This week has been so encouraging. I've found a few great resources, helpful tips, new inspirations and even set up a three hour interview for Thursday! It is so easy to get down and discouraged in this job market. However, if you aren't proactive in your hunting, have a negative attitude and always feel sorry for yourself, you may miss out on the hidden gems that can help prepare you for - or even lead you to - your next job. I admit, I have had my share of down, dreary days, but I never let those days get the best of me or define who I am as a full-time job hunter!

Love.

Encouraging Momma

My mom always knows when I need encouragement and how to give me encouragement. This morning she sent me an email about a daily devotional she had read that pertained to me. The part I want to share with you is what she wrote in the email. It's a little personal, but I know that I am not the only one that needs to hear these words. There are many of you that are in the same situation as I am - looking for a job in a tough market. Read this and be encouraged.


You ARE gifted by God!  But, in a way that doesn’t pertain to the particular job situation you are in now.  Ask God to help you nurture those gifts that He has blessed you with and to lead you in the right direction.  Get the most out of the job you are in.  Ask to be taught.  Show interest in learning and go with an attitude that, no matter what, you will leave a lasting impression on the people in that company.  Touch their lives in a way that only you can!  You are an incredible young woman and don’t forget that.

Have a great day!

I love you,

Mom

I hope you all have an "encouraging momma" in your life like I do - whether it be a parent, grandparent, cousin, best friend, brother, or sister.  

Here are two of my best encouragers. So blessed. So thankful.




Love.

Mastering the Art of Account Planning

Put my portfolio on SlideShare. I hope you enjoy. Leave a comment and let me know what you think (and don't hold back any comments)!

Mastering the Art of Account Planning

View more documents from alyssakz.

New girl

It's the middle of my second week at Bloom Health! Today I was reflecting on my last two weeks, which makes my head spin a bit. From the week of finals, straight into prep week for the portfolio show (with the help from my wonderful, generous Grandma!), and onto my first week at Bloom didn't allow for much breathing room.  The weekends are full of graduation parties and weddings. With all that said, I'm ready to let go a bit and relax. Which brings me to tell you about this weekend!

About five months ago Charlie bought us tickets to see Dave Matthews Band perform at Alpine Valley (second year in a row seeing him perform there!) over the 4th of July. We can hardly wait. However, to be completely honest, it's a little bittersweet for me. The 4th of July is always a big celebration at my grandparents home in Iowa, so this year I'll be missing out on all the festivities, delicious food, and family time. On the bright side, this is the best concert I've ever been to. It's an experience I can't really put into words. The band won't be on tour next year, so it was a must to see them this year. My family isn't very happy about us missing out, which is totally understandable - I just hope they know how important they are to us and we really do value spending time with them.

A little more about my first experiences at Bloom Health. The first day was a little overwhelming, which was expected. A lot of information, meeting new people, and getting to know the office. My favorite part of the day was when a new MacBook Pro was delivered for me to set up and use for work! I could hardly contain my excitement. It's so beautiful. I'm very thankful that Bloom provided me with such a great resource to use for all the projects they have for me!

From my desk I can see the new Target Stadium, which makes for a very jealous girl when there are afternoon Twins games. I will say that it is nice to have big windows to look out at - makes me feel more energetic and productive. From day one to today I've been given about 10 projects to work on. This isn't counting the quick little assignments I'm given during the day. It's so great to have a lot of work. There is a good variety, which helps keep it interesting. I'll never be bored!

I really like the culture at Bloom Health. Everyone is willing to help you out and answer any question. Since I am so new to the company and to the health industry, I have a lot of questions. I've never felt stupid for asking a question; very comfortable and welcomed to ask away.

There is much more to talk about, but I think this entry is long enough. I don't want to bore you.
Oh, but there is one more thing: last weekend we went to a dear high school friend's wedding - it was absolutely beautiful. Congratulations to the new Mr. and Mrs. Leen! Thank you so much for including us in your day.

Love.


ps. If you're on twitter, you can follow Bloom Health here: @bloomhealth

Yes, I'm still here.

It's been too long since I've blogged. The last couple weeks have been absolutely insane for me. The insanity will continue for the rest of the month - but I wanted to quickly update you on everything that is going on.

First. GREAT news. I accepted a job offer! It was the internship I told you about a couple posts ago. I will start out as the marketing intern and will hopefully begin as a FT employee at the end of August-beginning of September. The people are great - the culture is amazing - the space is beautiful - the opportunities are endless. I can't wait to start. My first day is the Monday after graduation, June 21st. I won't have a break between school and work, but I am just fine with that because I am so thankful for this opportunity!

Second. Great/not-so-great news. My portfolio is complete!! Printed, bound and in the hands of my instructor so that I can graduate! Some blood, sweat and tears were shed while creating that little book but it was all worth it.  The not-so-great part is when I presented my portfolio to an industry professional yesterday. First thing that wasn't good: I was presenting to a creative person, not an account. There are significant differences between the two disciplines, so pitching an account portfolio to a creative professional is a big challenge. The whole time I was presenting, this gentleman (I'll call him Bob) had a puzzled look on his face like I was trying to explain quantum physics to him. At the end of my presentation, Bob told me that presenting my portfolio as a cookbook is a major risk and not many people are going to like it or even understand it. Bob said that if I presented my portfolio to his coworker, who is an account person, he would laugh at me and say that I'm crazy. I stood up for myself and said that I am willing to take that risk - my main objective is to set myself apart from all other account portfolios. If someone doesn't like what I've done with my portfolio, than I'm not right for the position or that company. Bob said, "Well fine - if you're ok with not having a job." I pushed right back, "I have already secured a job, so that's not an issue for me." He let out a sarcastic chuckle.

A couple weeks ago I met with a senior account planner at a top ad agency in Minneapolis. I explained to him the concept behind my portfolio and his response was: "That is excellent. You can't have a portfolio without a concept. Everything you do in the industry MUST have a concept behind it." I told Bob what this senior account planner said to me and of course, Bob just rolled his eyes.

I went into this presentation expecting criticism - constructive criticism. Bob should have embraced the idea of a concept within a portfolio without shooting it down right away. My portfolio is cutting edge and risky. Being a risk-taker is what gets you to places in life. I am a risk taker.

Some of my risks:

1. Going to a non-traditional school, The Art Institutes International MN
2. Writing a petition to the school president about major scheduling issues
3. Getting married while in school full-time and working part-time
4. Presenting my portfolio as a cookbook
5. Accepting a position that is a 3-month internship, with the hopes of a full-time position
6. Sticking up for myself. Telling Bob that if someone doesn't like my portfolio, it's not my problem.

I want to be ahead. I want to be cutting-edge. I want to set myself apart.

I was very upset last night after my presentation but as I reflect back I have realized that Bob is behind, I am ahead. Just because Bob is a professional and I am a new graduate, doesn't mean he is above me. I think I could teach him a thing or two.

Now, I'd like to invite you to come see my portfolio! An open house, Friday, June 18th from 9-12 is our portfolio show at Solera restaurant in Minneapolis. I hope to see you there!

Love.

ps. If you come see my portfolio, I'll have a tasty treat for you! Handmade!

What about me?

The past week or so I've been struggling to write an "about me" section for my portfolio. It is so difficult to know exactly what to write in the few short paragraphs I have to make a great first impression. I have had some advice here and there, but nothing that has really inspired me to know what to write about.  So far I have two small paragraphs that will kick off the concept of my portfolio: cookbook and account planning. I'll share with you:

Every great dish deserves the perfect hint of salt. Salt marries the ingredients together, enhancing flavor and releasing beautiful aromas. The cook’s job is to find the right amount of salt that equals the perfect hint.
Every well-crafted creative brief is motivated by brilliant key insights. The account planner’s responsibility is to discover those insights within the research findings. These insights infuse inspiration into the minds of the creative team when they dive into the brief.

What do you think? Does it make sense? Do you make a connection between cooking and account planning?
Now from here I need to talk about me. It is so difficult to talk about yourself. Do you have any experience with this? My "about me" isn't just about me. It has to demonstrate who I am as a future account planner. I was told I need to talk about how I think digitally - since the digital world is so important in the way we communicate.  I understand why I was told that, but I want to tell more - like what inspires me and my interests. As I have expressed before, I think it is important to know someone on a personal level if you are going to know them on a professional level. The two intertwine and work together. I've always been told that it is important to leave personal life out of work life, but there is no possible way to keep the two completely separate. How many times do we come home and talk about work at home? Or how many times we talk about home at work? It probably happens more than we think.

With that said, I'm just stuck. I have an informational interview tomorrow to review my portfolio and I would really like a rough draft by then. Ufta!

I'm open to suggestions/advice if you have any. :)

Love.

Today is another beautiful day. Praise the Lord! 

So, what is account planning?

 I have been getting a lot of "what is account planning?" questions since I started this blog. I haven't blogged in awhile, so I thought this would be a good time to further explain account planning. Today I'm blogging from a sun-filled deck looking out onto ocean blue water. Ocean blue water in Minnesota? It's possible with the help from a beautiful pool liner!

Account planning is all about looking to the consumer to help develop advertising. The importance of research has really grown. In the 1990's account planning was booming in the U.S. as advertising agencies realized that this new department was just as essential as the creative department. When I was doing my research on account planning I came across a paragraph from Wikipedia that I think does an excellent job describing the position and importance:

 "The ultimate goal of the planner is to work with consumers as partners in the process of developing advertising. This relationship with the consumer allows planners to involve their input at every stage of the process and to inform and inspire creative ideas that guide and validate the resulting campaign in the consumers interests. Planners are the “consumer’s representative” of the account team. According to Jon Steel advertising can exist without account planning, but planners add an element of creativity to the advertising mix. They are typically people who are interested in meeting people and talking to the consumers. Planners want to find out what makes people tick and use that market information and research data to guide the campaign process. It is the planner’s job to take all this information and funnel it down into a short idea that helps inspire and directionalize the creative department." 

I wanted to write my view/definition of account planning but I really couldn't find a better way to explain it than the paragraph from Wikipedia. The only point I want to clarify from the paragraph is the "short idea" it talks about. This "short idea" is what I call (and many others) an "insight". Insights are the most important thing that come from all the research account planners conduct. Ultimately, account planners are searching for some insights that will help kick off the campaign. Insights give direction for the creative brief and should inspire the creative team to develop a great campaign.

I hope you don't feel cheated that I used Wikipedia's description for account planning. It was so well written that I had to refer to it in this post. There will be plenty more posts that I will write about account planning from my perspective, so stay tuned.

Here's a great image that illustrates account planning:

Photo credit: Royal Society of Account Planning

A side note- The past two weeks I have had several interviews with a company based in Minneapolis. The position starts out as a marketing intern with the possibility of filling a full-time marketing position after the internship. I was so happy to hear about the possibility of a full-time position!  There is room for me to grow within this company and plenty of opportunities for me to bring new ideas/perspectives. Prayers lifted and fingers crossed!

Enjoy this beautiful day!  

Love-