|
For my final article, I thought it would be fun to have MarCom board members ask me a few questions prior to my departure as President. It has been a wonderful experience serving on the board and I know we’ll be in good hands next year under Ashley Martin’s leadership.
MarCom Board: Why did you originally join MarCom?
AB: I joined MarCom (then Spokane Public Relations Council) in 2005. I was an intern at Inland Northwest Health Services (INHS) and my boss told me about it. My primary reason for joining was to kick start my career search so that I wouldn’t have to continue waiting tables at Sawtooth Grill following graduation (12/2005). My membership paid off. I connected with Sara J at Desautel Hege and landed my first job at DHC in January 2006.
MarCom Board: What is one lesson you learned while being President?
AB: One small but important lesson I learned was practicing how to say (difficult) last names prior to saying them in front of a group of people. I stumbled on a few this year and really wanted to kick myself!
MarCom Board: How can I get better connected in local professional networks without spending a ton of money on membership fees and being away from work too much?
AB: Do your homework and identify the groups that have the most value to you. Look at the membership representation, previously scheduled topics and try to identify the group’s core focus to make sure it aligns with your needs. Are they organized? Have a clear mission and direction? Does their meeting schedule work with yours? Many times, groups will let you attend for free once if you want to test the waters. Or, if you can’t afford the complete membership, you can pick and choose a handful of meetings you’d like to attend.
Also, never underestimate the value of having coffee with peers or mentors in your field. I’ve gotten some of the best guidance and built excellent working relationships with local seasoned professionals.
MarCom Board: What are your predictions about where social media will be in the year 2025?
AB: The sky is the limit! I believe that viral communication is only going to continue to grow and become more tailored to individuals, lifestyles and personal preferences. While traditional advertising will be a means to provide general awareness building, the real connections and relationships will be built using social media outlets and making genuine, two-way connections with individuals who want to be actively involved or communicating with your organization.
MarCom Board: What’s your favorite joke?
AB: Two mushrooms walk into a bar. The bartender said, “Hey! We don’t serve mushrooms here. Get out!” Mushrooms looked at each other and then the bartender and replied, “What, we’re just a couple of fun-guys.”
MarCom Board: What gets you outta bed and keeps you going?
AB: I love my job and want to do my best every day. Recently I heard the saying “I want to be my best me,” and cheesy as it sounds, it is how I feel. I want to make a difference and help patients find the best cancer physicians in town and I want other providers to know about the phenomenal things we are doing at Cancer Care Northwest – research, clinical trials, innovative programs and support. I also want to set an example for my kids and teach them you need to work hard to get what you want out of life.
What keeps me going: Coffee, lots of water, photos of my family on my desk and attempting to keep a healthy work/life balance.
Signing off,
Alli Benjamin
MarCom President
Back to Top
|
