What Is Marketing?

Marketing is telling a story. Sounds too simple, and maybe it is. But this is where I think marketing begins—with a story. A marketer begins by asking questions - What is the product? Who is it for? How did the idea come into being? And so on.  In the same way a great storyteller crafts their narrative for their audience, the marketer crafts a product’s story in ways that will touch the intended audience. Rather than the traditional idea of story as a linear narration through words, this is a tale told through less obvious devices such as color and design—all layered in a way that both informs what the product is while communicating the essence behind the product - it’s personality, it’s brand. The story connects the product to the buyer in a way that is meaningful, valuable, and hopefully the beginning of a lasting relationship. 

Ann Ehinger -- Proust Questionnaire

 1. What is your most marked characteristic? Curiosity.

2. What do you most value in your friends? Authenticity.

3. What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? Over analyzing.

4. What is your idea of perfect happiness? Sitting under a tree reading 
a great book.

5. What is your current state of mind? Optimistic.

6. What is your motto? Don’t take yourself too seriously and keep it simple.

7. What is your greatest fear? Losing people I love.

8. What is your greatest extravagance? Butter.

9. Which words or phrases do you most overuse? “What’s your story?”

This I Believe

The following is an essay I wrote modeled after NPR's This I Believe essay series.  

     I believe everyone has a story that deserves to be heard. Every person, every being, every thing has a story and contains stories. And all of these interconnect. By building our own stories and listening to those of others, we gain a sense of meaning in our existence and how we relate to the world. 

     Stories allow people to see themselves in others. A good one can capture our attention and pull us in, making us want to know more. As a listener, we open up and allow space for the message to be received. What is important is not whether or not we agree with the message but that we connect with it. This openness deepens our relationship to the world. We see how our life affects and is affected by the lives of others.

     During my first year in college my friends teased me about my habit of asking new acquaintances, “What’s your story?” It wasn’t until someone turned the question on me that I realized how difficult it was to answer. How do I reduce my life to a single story? And then it dawned on me that every person, every thing, every place has not one but many stories. They weave in and out of one another forming multiple narratives for everyone and everything. 

     Stories have served humans since our ability to create them. A powerful narrative holds the strength to unite human beings across all spectrums of existence. They color experience and deepen perceptions. They unite people and link disparate lives, transcending cultures, creeds, and battle lines. They hold the power to build bridges and tear down walls. Everyone has a story that deserves to be heard. This I believe.  

Resume

Education

University of Saint Francis, Fort Wayne, Indiana

Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Public Relations, 2008 - 2011

Graduated Magna Cum Laude

GPA: 3.8/4.0

DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois

International Studies, 2003 - 2007

GPA: 3.6/4.0

Professional Experience

Communications Specialist, Trees Indiana

Fort Wayne, Indiana, August 2008 – Present

Draft and submit press releases. Build community awareness of the organizations key messages through social media, newsletters, and community events. Coordinate and oversee community event activities involving strategic public and private partnerships. Assist in grant writing and fundraising initiatives.

Marketing Intern, Inside Indiana Business

Indianapolis, Indiana, May 2010 – August 2010

Developed a forward-looking digital communication strategy that identified emerging platforms and trends, and developed systematic methods for integration into overall marketing plan. Accompanied the Director of Marketing to meetings regarding sponsorship renewals, community events, and weekly show tapings.

Admissions Ambassador, University of Saint Francis

Fort Wayne, Indiana, August 2009 – May 2010

Point of contact for prospective needs and requests by phone, email, and in person. Scheduled campus visits. Promoted and executed University recruitment events.

Honors and Awards

Deans List, 2008-2011

Gertrude B. Eckrich Scholarship, 2003-2007

Academic High Achievement Scholarship Award, 2008-2011

Executive Women International Scholarship, 2010-2011

Activities

Public Relations Society, Treasurer, 2009-2011. Student Blogger, University of Saint Francis 2009-2011. DePaul University Academic Freedom Committee, 2007. DePaul Chapter Model United Nations, 2004-2007. ESL Spanish to English tutor 2003-2004. America Reads Tutor 2003-2005. 

Bio

I was born and raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana. I attended DePaul University and majored in International Studies with a concentration in Human Rights.  After five years of alternating semesters of work and school, I decided to keep it simple and return home to study Communication and Public Relations at the University of Saint Francis’ School of Creative Arts, where I received a Bachelor of Arts degree in May of 2011. For the past three years, I have worked with Trees Indiana, a local non-profit organization whose mission is to teach youth to become stewards of the environment. I served a variety of roles in the startup organization, from writing press releases and newsletters, to editing grants, engaging in social media, and coaching the executive director through media interviews. I worked as a Marketing Intern at Inside Indiana Business during the summer of 2010, where I created a social media marketing plan. I have recently relocated to the beautiful city of Carmel, Indiana where I happily reside with my new husband, Corey.