They say curiosity killed the cat, but it might just be my lifeline.
On Monday night, we were asked what about this summer most excited us. I received a lot of flack for saying that I just can’t wait to meet people–on the street, in sports business, wherever (apparently New York is not the best place to go around meeting a bunch of people on the street). It is true, though. I want to get to know people. I want to hear their stories. I’m excited to learn and soak up everything I can this summer, and that’s how I plan to grow, both personally and professionally.
Thursday night was right up my alley. We visited Taylor, a public relations and brand consulting agency, and heard from the company’s COO & Managing Partner, Bryan Harris. As the lone public relations major in this group, I was thrilled to get to see such a well-renowned agency firsthand and learn about how the industry is shifting in the digital age.
“That’s what I want from MSBA this summer. I want us all to tell our stories and soak in the stories of others. This is a group of people who will truly make my colors more colorful. Bryan said that good business comes down to the quality of people. Already, I can tell that I am surrounded by the highest caliber of individuals.”
But what really stood out to me was one word from Bryan: curiosity. In order to succeed in this business, or truly any, you have to be curious. I’ve always been curious (some may call it nosy) and always ask people way more questions than I probably should. I like to see it as a positive. Here we are, a group of 25 strangers embarking upon New York City for the summer, and I hope to leave with great friends and colleagues. How else are we supposed to thrive if we don’t ask questions?
Taylor is known for its work on the NFL and Tide partnership. The new model of public relations and marketing is all about engaging the consumer. Though the word itself is overused, storytelling is key to a successful campaign, as long as it comes with a promise. Tide promises to make your colors more colorful. Seems simple enough, right? Well, you have to make the consumer trust that you will make their colors more colorful, that your story will have a positive impact on their lives.
That’s what I want from MSBA this summer. I want us all to tell our stories and soak in the stories of others. This is a group of people who will truly make my colors more colorful. Bryan said that good business comes down to the quality of people. Already, I can tell that I am surrounded by the highest caliber of individuals. We’re curious, both about the sports world and each other. This group of MSBA students is going to be the next wave of industry influencers. Getting to know these people is what’s going to make me better, and I’m so glad Bryan just encouraged my curiosity.
So, taking Bryan’s advice to heart, here’s my pledge for the summer: I am going to continue to be curious. I challenge my peers to share their stories and ask about the stories of others. You’ll be amazed about how much people love to talk about themselves (even those on the street). And together, we are going to make each other’s colors more colorful.