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In the Midwest? Get Involved Locally with HAPPO
Last January I had to make a really tough decision – keep people employed for a few more months and close the business or lay them off right then and save the business. Then (last year sucked), when we realized the business model was completely changing, I had to make another hard decision: Keep people who I really liked having around or let them go so we could hire experts in digital communication.
For those of you who’ve been laid off, you likely don’t care what your boss went through before he or she made the decision to let you go, so I won’t belabor the point, but it’s not an easy thing to do.
I am much too emotionally involved with my colleagues. My Vistage group always tells me it’s business, not personal, and I have to distance myself so I can make the hard decisions without emotion. That’s like them telling me I can’t eat gelato anymore because it’s bad for me (so what if it is – it’s good!). It’s not in my DNA to not get emotionally attached so I make decisions that affect people much later than I should.
That’s why, when Arik and Valerie asked if I wanted to help with Help A PR Pro Out, or HAPPO, I jumped at the opportunity. Now I can help some of those I had to lay off last year, the pros I’ve met online who need jobs, and even strangers.
If you’ve missed the hub-bub around HAPPO, click on the link above, or visit last Friday’s FADS post about it. You can also fan HAPPO on Facebook and/or follow on Twitter.
I have heard from A LOT of companies and agencies already and I’ve heard from some of you who are looking for jobs, or looking to move to Chicago.
Let’s keep the momentum going.
* If you have job openings, comment here with a way for me to reach you before next Friday.
* If you are looking for a job, write a creative blog post about why you should be hired and post the link in the comments section here.
* If you are neither but want to spread the message, please let your communities know about this blog post, the HAPPO blog, and the champions below so we can all help.
* If you work for a company that provides services to communication professionals (i.e. Cision, Vocus, PCC, IABC, PRSA, Radian6, Alterian, Spiral16, MatchPoint, etc.) and you want to donate something to the cause, comment below and let me know how I can reach you in the next week.
* And, if you’re not in the Midwest, make sure to connect with a HAPPO champion in your area…or let me know if you’d like an introduction:
- Jeremy Porter (Atlanta)
- Kellye Crane (Atlanta)
- Doug Haslam (Boston)
- Jennifer Wilbur (Southern CA)
- Lauren Fernandez (Dallas/Fort Worth)
- Richie Escovedo (Dallas/Fort Worth)
- Justin Goldsborough (Kansas City)
- Arik Hanson (Minneapolis/ St. Paul)
- PR Cog (New York Metro)
- Deidre Breakenridge (New York Metro)
- Valerie Simon (New York Metro)
- Heather Whaling (Ohio)
- Adrienne Biggs (San Francisco)
- Danny Brown (Toronto)
- Mike Schaffer (Washington, DC)
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February 10th, 2010 at 8:07 pm
Social comments and analytics for this post…
This post was mentioned on Twitter by ginidietrich: If you are in PR, know anyone in PR, or need to hire a PR pro, please check out HAPPO http://su.pr/2Xkz3X...
February 11th, 2010 at 9:25 am
Would certainly like to chat with you Gini. It’s a great idea. – Frank (fstrong-at-vocus.com)
February 11th, 2010 at 8:47 pm
Question, I really want to participate in HAPPO and would love to be able to post a link to my reason why you should hire me however, I do not have a blog. I was looking for maybe some suggestions or if it would be ok to post directly here for HAPPO next week. I am looking to relocate to Chicago so this would be a perfect opportunity for me. Please let me know. I would greatly and hugely appreicate it!
@knallen
February 11th, 2010 at 9:12 pm
Great stuff Gini. Idea: let’s ask any PR pros who also have a blog to add HAPPO to their blogroll.
February 11th, 2010 at 11:35 pm
Having recently been laid off from my former agency employer due to downsizing, I am ready for a new and exciting career changing in the PR world. With strong account management, interpersonal and creative skills along with my marketing communications, event planning and social media experience, I know how to get PR results for my clients. My strong work ethic, passion for success and entrepreneurial spirit is second to none and gives me the ability to prioritize and get things done efficiently and effectively.
February 12th, 2010 at 11:38 am
[...] David Mullen, Shonali Burke, Rachel Kay, Diedre Breakenridge, Danny Brown, Heather Whaling, Gini Dietrich and others will or have already posted some thoughtful [...]
February 12th, 2010 at 9:41 pm
@abigaildorsett If you haven’t heard of HAPPO, check it out: http://www.spinsucks.com/spin/in-the-midwest-get-involved-locally-with-happo
February 15th, 2010 at 4:54 pm
I am a PR and marketing communications professional with more than 20 years experience ranging from agency (boutique to very large) to corporate in-house to non-profit to sports and events. I have a passion for hands-on, creative and resourceful solutions. I am seeking to become part of a team where my expertise can really make an impact. I’m looking for opportunities in and around the Chicago area. Visit my LinkedIn profile at http://www.linkedin.com/in/lmg2007.
February 18th, 2010 at 6:05 pm
Thanks so much for this! It is a huge help to all.
http://mivino-mivino.blogspot.com/2010/02/for-happo.html
February 18th, 2010 at 7:12 pm
I don’t have a post up yet, but I am the next interview in Lauren Novo’s series, my interview comes out tomorrow. In the mean time, feel free to check out my website: http://juliaprior.weebly.com
I’m so excited about tomorrow!
February 18th, 2010 at 7:20 pm
Gini, thanks again for helping with HAPPO. I’ve linked to my Web site above, where I’ll post my elevator pitch and resume for tomorrow.
February 18th, 2010 at 8:13 pm
Any hope of helping out Baltimore Pr Pros out of a job like me?
February 18th, 2010 at 11:13 pm
I currently work in PR as an intern in the Consumer Marketing Communications practice at Weber Shandwick. I absolutely love what I do because I never have to stop learning!
I’m a social media fanatic and I am excited to continue pursuing opportunities that allow me to utilize my passion while working to further my creativity and writing ability. I have strong internship experience from college, both internally with a performing arts center and in an agency setting. My experience with Weber Shandwick has truly confirmed that I am in the right field. I feel that I really shine in an organization that truly wants to do the best by their clients.
I’m currently pursuing full-time opportunities in public relations. I’m enthusiastic about the industry and I’m excited to tackle my next project!
@EmSemm
http://www.linkedin.com/in/emilysemmelman
February 19th, 2010 at 12:08 am
Okay PR pals known and unknown to me: I’m more comfortable on the giving side of help but am asking you to Help a PR Pro Out: http://start-thinking.com/happokrisschindler
Please let me know if you can make an introduction to an opportunity that you think would be a good fit for me.
February 19th, 2010 at 9:30 am
Hey Gini, as promised yesterday, here is my interview from Lauren Novo’s blog. Happy HAPPO!
http://bit.ly/H93Ow
February 19th, 2010 at 10:27 am
To Gini and all the great companies supporting this effort, a big THANK YOU! We are most appreciative of your help in our searches.
Dynamic, results-driven communications professional with a proven track record implementing strategic communications to support senior executives in meeting critical business objectives. Linkedin: http://bit.ly/96tcrW, Twitter:@wwhitson
February 19th, 2010 at 10:58 am
I will graduate from Marquette University with a degree in public relations and communication studies in May. I have experience in public relations, social media use for businesses and non-profit organizations, events planning, research, marketing, writing, and editing. I would love to contribute my skills and experiences to a challenging job in an inspirational and dynamic organization. Although I live in Milwaukee, I am willing to relocate.
Check out my #HAPPO pitch at http://pitch.pe/47721
Feel free to connect with me on Twitter (@addy_dren) or LinkedIn (http://www.linkedin.com/in/andreanadrencheva).
February 19th, 2010 at 11:27 am
To coincide with the Friday, Feb. 19 HAPPO (Help a PR Pro Out) national Twitter event, IABC/Chicago is supporting our in-transition members and area professionals by offering a drawing for one person to win free registrations to our remaining 2010 Monthly Professional Development Lunch Seminars (March through June).
Gini is handling the drawing, so contact her for details on how to enter. Good luck from your IABC/Chicago colleagues.
February 19th, 2010 at 11:33 am
Hi Gini! I know I’m looking at D.C. but since I love ya, I couldn’t help but comment too!
Check out my video for HAPPO!
http://bit.ly/9Vznv4