So, I know I shouldn’t preface like this, but I think I’m going to anyway [Jerri and Jen I hope you're reading this]. I don’t consider myself an expert on anything. In any sense of the word. I am not an authority on anything [well, unless you count learning. I could teach a class on how to learn from people, experiences, mistakes, etc. *] Maybe one day, I’ll write an awesome how-to series, or give you 10 tips for doing something more awesome. But for now, these are just my thoughts on life. I may or may not know what I’m talking about.

i work in integrated marketing.

Sure, I’m an advertiser and a PR person. I’m also a writer and a communicator. I’m a blogger and a social media [aficionado/enthusiast/evangelist/insert your favorite descriptor here].

But not one of these words or descriptions can describe my job alone. And I believe with my whole self that this is what makes marketing such a beautiful industry. There is most certainly an art to creating a marketing plan that uses each tool to its best advantage, in exactly the right place and time, woven together in a way that is unique to that product or service.

I graduated from the Reynolds School of Journalism at the University of Nevada, Reno in 2007, and throughout my education, the importance of being a well-balanced marketer was reiterated consistently. I concluded my education with an Integrated Marketing Communications course, where we competed with other schools.  So, needless to say, keeping marketing skills and tactics integrated? It’s kind of important to me.

I mean, of course there’s the whole “in this day and age” argument, with regards to being adaptable and skilled in multiple disciplines. But it’s my personal belief that if we keep our agencies and professionals divided we’re completely closing ourselves off to such great potential. I’m not saying that everyone should know how to write and effectively distribute a press release, design a successful ad, write an ear-catching radio ad, draft copy for a Web site, be able to execute social media efforts on behalf of a client, do extensive market research, etc. etc. But to be able to understand all of the many facets of this industry we call marketing is the best thing you can do for yourself. And for your company. And its clients.

I struggle to find good reasons why agencies can still exist with a “PR department” and a “creative department.” Don’t you guys think if the discussions happen with everyone present, the press releases and media relations with be more consistent with the ads and overall branding?

And frankly? I think I’d be bored. I love the fact that I get to learn about everything at once. And everyone is my mentor. And we collaborate like you wouldn’t believe.

I just hope that one day soon, the rest of the industry can fully adopt the awesomeness that is integrated marketing.

I’d like to thank my supervisor and mentor, Jerri Conrad, for the many discussions we’ve had over the past few years that sparked this post.

* I smell another post brewing …

in case you need a reminder [the disclaimer]:

The opinions on this blog are mine and mine alone.  They in no way reflect the opinions of my employer or its clients. [however in the case of this post my opinions may have been definitely were affected by such a positive, encouraging work environment]