Being a public relations manager, I love writing and new challenges. The day-to-day duties can be somewhat monotonous, so I was beyond excited to join a special project team with a new company for a few months. I showed up on my first day, computer ready, ideas flowing and eager to be a valuable member of the team.
“Alright everyone,” said Jim, aka Big Wig (BW) from Australia brought in to head this new project. “We need a press release for tomorrow’s sale.”
“I’ll do it,” I said eagerly. “I’ve already started it and—“
“Ken—can you do it?,” BW interrupted.
“No problem mate,” said Ken, the 28-year old online manager.
“We need some coffee,” said BW, looking at me. “Would you mind?”
“Oh, okay,” I said awkwardly. Maybe it’s a cultural difference.
“Sugar?”
**NEXT DAY - 9AM - BOARD ROOM**
“For tomorrow’s online promotion,” started BW, “we need some copy written for our online banner ads.”
“I have it done,” I said cheerfully, opening my computer. “Last night I just wrote the copy and thought of---.”
“Ken,” interjected BW, “Can you have Robby draft it?”
“But Robby is on holiday until Friday,” stated Ken. “And we need it tomorrow.”
“No need to bother Robby on holiday,” I said reassuringly. “I have the copy done, I did it last night! It’s very creative and it speaks to the consumer on a—”
“Call Robby,” said BW directly to Ken. “I’ll get the deadline extended.”
**TWO MONTHS LATER - 9AM - BOARD ROOM**
“Have a seat everyone,” said BW starting the meeting. “It’s more crowded than usual, we invited our agency to join us.”
As I sat down, I introduced myself to the person next to me.
“Nice to meet you,” I started. “I’m—”
“Excuse me?,” interrupted BW, staring at me. “Would you mind getting Ken a chair?”
“Oh, sure,” I sighed. I left the room and rolled in Ken’s chair, but to find him already sitting in mine.
“Welcome folks! For the past two months the small team here has been working very hard,” said BW. “It’s great to have you all here to discuss tomorrow’s big launch.”
“Now, first things first,” continued BW looking at Ken. “How’s the press release coming?”
“I have it right here!” I said, flaring up my arms waving the release.
“I did it yesterday,” I said excitedly. “I did it because I’m on this team to write the press releases. So here it is, it’s all done. Right here..” I rushed over and handed him the paper.
BW glares at me. He takes the paper and reads it.
“Umm,” he said.
“Is it alright?” I asked.
“Did you write this or Ken?” he questioned suspiciously.
“I did,” I said.
“Wow,” said a very miffed BW.
“Is it OK?” I asked.
BW looks up at me and says,
“You just might have a career in PR afterall….”
I’ve been in PR for 5 years.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
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