Archive for the ‘life’ Category

A Crazy Year of Learning and Growing

Friday, May 7th, 2010

It’s been a little over a year since my first blog post as a self-employed PR professional. Those of you who know me know that it’s been one crazy year both professionally and personally.  The fact that my family and I have survived living in Austin [Lakeway, TX to be exact] and that my venture in PR as a soloist (for the time being, I hope) has been a relative success, I have to say crazy isn’t so bad.

The ‘craziness’ of the past year has brought me to learn many things about PR…and life. Here are 12 [one for each month] that I’d like to share with y’all [that's a li'l Texan slang for all you New Yorkers]:

12. LIFE IS FULL OF SURPRISES. Such a cliche, but it’s so true. Who would’ve thought that we’ll be living so far away from all our family, friends, and of course, the PR/media capital of the world? I still wake up in the middle of the night sometimes thinking I’m in Cambridge Heights in Nutley, NJ.

11. I’M A LITTLE BIT COUNTRY…A LITTLE BIT ROCK ‘N ROLL. Moving to Texas has given everyone in the family an appreciation for the most spectacular natural scenery in the country.  The Texas Hill Country and Lake Travis are must-adds to anyone’s bucket list. We’ve also enjoyed getting to know folks who come from a very different background as us, and realize that we aren’t at all that much different. We do miss the diversity that the Northeast offers in food, culture, people and…FOOD.

10. IN PR, LOCATION DOESN’T MATTER. My friends who work in New York City would probably hate me for saying this, but this is based on my experience. The Internet has really changed the way we communicate. I am just as in touch with what’s going on in New York City from here as I was when I was working there. Ok…maybe location does matter a little. That’s probably why I’m keeping my 201 area code.

9. CENTRAL TIME CAN BE A PAIN. Location might not matter in PR, but time zones do especially in matters of scheduling meetings and TV watching. The one hour difference is enough to get me mixed up in making appointments with people in the East Coast. I’ve also missed live TV events because of this. Obviously, there is a time zone bias going on here.

8. IT’S ALWAYS BETTER TO REP CLIENTS YOU LOVE. Every PR pro’s dream is to have clients that they feel passionate about. In my case, that’d be the PGA Tour or Tiger Woods. No, I don’t rep both as you can tell with all the bad press they are getting lately.  I am proud to say though I do rep the next best thing. If you haven’t guessed it, then read here.

7. LIKE LIFE, THERE IS SUCH A THING AS DESTINY IN PR. I’ve told this story many times and I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of re-telling this story again and again. Many of you who lived near us in New Jersey have had many yummy meals with us at Carino’s Italian. If I recall, I introduced Carino’s to y’all.  In fact, our final farewell dinner, hosted by the Ocampos, was at the Carino’s in Clifton Commons. Then, the funniest thing happened along the way to Austin. The first ever restaurant we ate at after a long yet leisurely drive from New Jersey that took ten days was at Rudy’s “Country Store” and Bar-B-Q.

Then, a Divine Intervention, a few weeks later, I end up meeting one of the most innovative digital marketers in the U.S., Creed Ford IV, Principal at Pictoric Media Group, who runs the digital marketing for Carino’s Italian and Rudy’s Bar-B-Q…a couple of months later I’m playing golf with him and the owners of Carino’s and Rudy’s Bar-B-Q. The rest as they say is history. [If you're on Twitter and aren't following @creedford, you're missing out. This dude will change how restaurants operate. More on that on a later post.]

6. TIGER WOODS IS THE KING OF GOLF AND DOUCHEBAGGERY. Considering I’m in PR, I felt shafted that I, too, fell for his image that he can do no wrong. Nike, Tiger and the rest of his crew should watch out for a class-action lawsuit for all the emotional distress he’s caused faithful married men.

5. NETWORKING IS EASIER FOR A FIVE YEAR OLD. Seeing how my two sons (ages 5 and 6), without thinking twice, approach other kids their age to make friends, is something to emulate. I even blogged about it here.

4. TEXAS HAS ITS OWN INDEPENDENCE DAY. Texans have always said Texas is its own country. They’re right. I discovered this when my client, Rudy’s Bar-B-Q, launched a campaign on March 2nd (3/2) to offer up quarter pound barbecue briskets for 32 cents (a play off the date in case you didn’t get it) for a couple of hours. All payments received from the promo hours, as well as 50 cents for every new Twitter follower and Facebook fan a week leading up to 3/2, were donated to the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund. A simple cause related program that combined traditional and social media generated significant media placements for the client. Welcome to the Republic of Texas.

3. PR, SOCIAL MEDIA AND A HEART TO HELP, IS A WINNING COMBINATION. Besides the aforementioned campaign for Haiti. My client, Rudy’s Bar-B-Q,  also embarked on a cause-related campaign that raised funds for the victims of the Fort Hood tragedy through a partnership with Soldiers’ Angels. In addition, Carino’s Italian restaurants introduced its new loyalty card, Pasta Points, by donating a dollar for every new registration from April 12th-30th to Autism Speaks, the largest nonprofit organization for autism awareness and research. You can view my behind the scenes take form Austin Live with Chef Peit here.  Here are six things about cause-related PR you need to know.

2. I GOT PR’d TO MOVE TO AUSTIN. Kudos to Austin’s PR team for getting the city included in rankings of the Best Places to Live in the U.S. (U.S. News) and the Best Places for Business and Careers (Forbes). Besides the obvious of asking friends who’ve been to Austin, my research showed that Austin is great a hot bed for entrepreneurs and great place to raise a family.  So far, that seems like the case.

1. GOTTA HAVE FAITH. Not talking about George Michael’s song. The craziness of the past year has actually made me more spiritual and to reflect on what’s really important. We may live with less, but we’ve become closer as a family. If it worked for us so it should for you. The ups and downs of being a small business owner requires a lot of faith in oneself. I don’t mean to be preachy, but without the belief that someone greater is watching out for you, the challenges will be tougher to face IMO.  If you don’t believe me, read point no. 7 again.

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Networking Tips From A Five Year-Old

Monday, April 5th, 2010

My family and I were at a local restaurant recently having dim sum (it may not be as tasty as the ones in Chinatown in Manhattan, but yes, they have dim sum in Texas) when another family sat at the table next to us. We gave them the friendly Texas welcome smile, which we finally learned to do (yes, this seems to be the practice in Texas so don’t be weirded out when you visit and strangers give you a ‘smile’).

The family sitting next to us had a little boy (probably about four years old) and he seemed to like to wander away towards the restaurant’s aquarium on display. My son, who is five, is the same way. So after eating his delightful dumplings, he walked away from our table to the aquarium, and within a couple of seconds was having a conversation in his own little way (he suffers from autism) with the other boy. The communication exchange between the two was what amazed me. He made a connection and while we were at the restaurant, he was engaged in what the other boy was saying and doing.

I thought to myself, that’s a great attitude to have when networking with others. So here are a few things I learned from my five year-old:

- Have no fear. Many people I know are afraid to go up to another person to engage them in conversation even at a networking event. Here’s the best opening line, “HI, I’m ______ (insert your name here).”

- Be loose as a goose. Nervousness may be part of the experience when meeting new people, but it shouldn’t stop you from going up to them and introducing yourself. You’re not proposing in marriage.

- Be open (but not too open). No one needs to know you won the belcher of the year award in college. Find out what you have in common and have a conversation about it. Similar to my five year old and the other boy, they were talking about Super Mario Bros. [Yes, that same game we used to play on a Nintendo 64 is still around.]

- Be engaged and engaging. It’s two-way street. Once you feel like you’re monopolizing the conversation, YOU ARE! So shut up and ask questions and let other people speak. How do you know you’re monopolizing the discussion? Everyone, but one stays in your group, and the one left is slurring his Rs.

- Don’t leave home without it. I’m not talking about your American Express card, but your business card.  It doesn’t matter whether your business card was made by professional printers or by your own personal ink jet printer, just make sure you have cards with your contact info on them.  Some of the folks you meet might just throw them straight into the trash, but some will keep them. Those that keep them might need to get in touch with you in the future when a need arises like when a major crisis transpires at their company.  At every networking event I go to, my goal is to hand out at least ten business cards to the new people I’ve met. Note: this tip didn’t come from my five year-old.

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Wrapping Up 2009

Thursday, December 31st, 2009

2009 was an odd year, and I don’t mean literally. I welcomed the year working as a VP at a midsize PR firm in New York City and I’m bidding it farewell working on my own as a consultant in Austin, TX. This year was filled with unexpected challenges on both professional and personal levels, but it was also a year of new beginnings.

I am glad to have survived 2009, but I expect to thrive in 2010. I may not have the same client roster as I did while working in Manhattan, but the few that I have value my worth as a PR professional, more important, as a person. I love the fact that my clients are my bosses and that I can give them honest advice without having to embellish the truth.

I don’t believe in coincidences. There was a purpose for moving to Austin. One validation of this is how I landed my first client, Rudy’s Bar-B-Q, the real Texas Barbecue chain. It was the first restaurant my family visited when we drove into Austin the evening of July 9th after a 10-day road trip from New Jersey. It was also my first time eating real Texas Barbecue not counting a visit to Hill Country in New York City. And I have to say, it was a great experience. All the meats were cooked to perfection and the side dishes were heavenly, but I digress.

It wasn’t a coincidence that a few days later my wife met the head of Rudy’s digital marketing agency of record, Pictoric Media Group. I ended up following him on Twitter, and he sent me a DM. After assuring him I wasn’t stalking, he and I met to go over some cause-related social media and PR campaigns. To cut a long story short, Rudy’s Bar-B-Q retained my services and I’m looking forward to launching more cause-related marketing campaigns next year. So stay tuned. [To those of you who know of my healthy appetite, I will state for the record that I don't get paid with brisket. :-) ]

I’m glad 2009 is over, but it will always be remembered as the odd year of new beginnings.

As I wrap up this post, I’d like to share with you a video below, which takes a look back to my family’s 2009. [If you're a fan of Glee, please pardon my use of the accompanying music, I'm simply giving it some publicity. :-) ]

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The Toughest Pitch of My Life

Monday, August 10th, 2009

“Sorry, I don’t have any room for you.” “Not exactly what I’m looking for.” “Not a right match for us.” Or simply…dead silence. As PR experts, we’ve heard these replies before, but I’m not talking about pitching a story here, I’m talking about pitching myself so I can earn a living.

When we pitch reporters, we have to determine first what the news value is. What makes this story worthy of media coverage? In a way the job search is similar. So I dug deep and tried to figure out what makes me unique. What’s my news value, in this case, what makes me worthy of a placement in a PR agency or corporation?

I’ve tried to encapsulate what I know in public relations, marketing and social media in various job sites and on cover letters. I even posted an ad about my expertise on Craig’s List (hey, it’s free) in hopes of securing any PR/marketing job or freelance work available. I’m not trying to be trendy by using social media to land a job, although at this stage it doesn’t hurt to utilize all possible channels. It’s not easy to be unemployed with three children (one of whom has autism spectrum disorder and special needs) plus bills to pay.

BUT I don’t want this to be another sad tale of a guy who has the talents and the skills, but never catches a break. This is about defining who I am. Finding out what is unique about me. Besides, what defines me affects how I approach PR and the successes I’ve experienced in the past. It might even help me secure that elusive job or client. As I said, it’s just like pitching a story to any respected media outlet (are there any left?).

So what defines me. Is it the millions of dollars of publicity I’ve generated for clients in my 12 years of PR? Is it the counsel I offer clients that help them grow their business? Is it the strategic communications plans I’ve developed and implemented? Could it be the events I’ve managed or the speaking engagements I’ve secured? Maybe it’s my Twitter profile. I mean I am just another dude in PR adding diversity to the industry. All of these are true, but I can’t say they define me.

In fact, what defines me may be viewed as nothing special by many. So here goes at the risk of losing that job or client around the corner. I’m a husband and dad first and foremost. I’m also a son, brother, cousin, mentor and a friend. All of these things define me and hence my priorities. These things may not give me an edge in my job search and may not add value as a PR professional.

One thing about not knowing what’s in store in the future is that it messes with a person’s mind.  You begin to question who you are.  So at this point, I’m just happy to know who I am.  And my hope for all of my PR brethren is to never have to pitch what I’m pitching right now.  The toughest pitch is pitching one’s self.

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A Home Interrupted

Wednesday, July 1st, 2009

So this is it. Our last day in New Jersey finally arrived. Those who know me know I’m not one for drama and being sentimental so this post is pretty much out of character.

Describing the last three months as challenging is an understatement.  The saying, when it rains, it pours, has never been more true.  Life feels a lot like that arcade game where one must bash the head of the gnome when it peeks out of its hole.  Needless to say, I’m the gnome…and not even an overdose of Advil can stop my headache.

When I became (practically) unemployed at the beginning of April, I was the fountain of optimism.  I convinced myself I will have my own PR firm running smoothly within a couple of months. I guess I was being naive and going through the first stage of grief. Today, I’ve become the voice of doom. Amazing what 90 days of uncertainty can do to a man.

Nothing’s worse as a dad than taking away the house you’re family has come to love.  Our one year in Cambridge Heights in Nutley, NJ brought so much joy to my wife and kids.  My wife, Maya, made long-life  friends with our neighbors. My teen daughter, Monique, began her first year of high school filled with angst and ended the school year with unforgettable experiences from performing at Carnegie Hall to making the volleyball team.  My 5-year-old son, John, found a best friend in Diego (not the cartoon).  And my 4-year old son, James, improved so much and is now speaking and socializing with kids his age.  In anyone else’s eyes, it would have been a banner year.

Our home interrupted. Yes. Defeated. No.  The past 90 days have brought us closer to many friends and family who’ve shown us immense support.  Without them, the past three months would’ve been even more difficult.  These generous folks would prefer to keep their kindness in private but I do want to recognize them here to express my gratitude. I will always be indebted to you for helping us at our time of need. (Listed in no particular order.)

With Lloyd & EdythLloyd, Edyth, Samantha & Joelle Ocampo — The Ocampos have been our rock during the past three months. You’ve been our pillar of strength for many years. Llloyd & Edyth have become second parents to my kids and I am grateful for treating them like your own.  They’re the only folks I know that when they ask, “how’re you?”, they actually mean it.  You both have the biggest hearts in the universe.  Knowing you have made us better people.

Raymond Vasquez — My big bro who spent time listening to my fears about the future as we played golf together at his expense.  Your support meant a lot. If I can only be half as successful as you in my career, I’ll be set for life.

Maki & Dave Evans — The purveyors of Cupcakes Gourmet. Although you’ve moved to Downingtown, PA, years ago, you’ve continued to show us you care about us.  Without your help, we wouldn’t have been able to take some of our most prized possessions.  Thanks for opening your home to us while we go on this new adventure.

Mike Vasquez — Your recent visit was timely. Your faith has invigorated mine. When I find myself doubting at times, I remind myself of the struggles you faced and the words of encouragement you shared with me.  I’m glad to have found you bro.

Pastor Chris High — Skyline Community Church is blessed to have you as their pastor.  The past two years you spent meeting me every two weeks saved my family.  Your words of wisdom and honesty have been enlightening.  Please continue to pray for us.

Chris Hayes — I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again. You’re one of the smartest PR people I’ve ever met. It was a pleasure to have worked with you. I don’t know how Miramax survived without you there. Your professional and personal advice as well as belief that I’m good at what I do helps me get through the frustrating days when potential employers or clients are unresponsive.

With Hugo & LauraHugo & Laura Arellano — You’re the best next-door neighbors anyone can ever ask for.  Even if we only shared a year as next door neighbors, we’ve established a life-long friendship. You’ve gone above and beyond as neighbors especially in northern NJ where being neighborly is hardly the norm.  More importantly, Maya found Laura as an inspiration and possibly a distant relative from the Basque region of Spain. My sons, John and James, will miss playing with your two boys, Diego and Pablo.

Himanshu & Sweta Shekhar — Although not our next-door neighbors, your friendship means so much. I will always remember Himanshu as my last “golf student.” Thanks for letting me share some of my golf knowledge to you.  Sidhart and baby Dhruv are blessed to have you both as parents.  Sweta is an awesome mom. John and James will miss coming in your home unannounced.

Lara & Rick Bernales — Lara’s one of Maya’s best friends since high school. She is also Monique’s ‘ninang’ (godmother).  You can’t ask for a better godmother. Rumors have spread that Disney’s fairy godmother was based after her. I’ve never met Lara’s husband, Rick, but from what I know, he was born to protect and to serve.  He is after all a former police officer. Thanks for making it possible to turn our road trip into a mini-vacation.

There are more fine folks who’ve given us their support but they shall remain nameless.  All of you have touched our lives in significant ways.  Because we know you’re there, we refuse to give up.  We just have to believe things will work out for the best in the end.

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Through the Eyes of Patootie

Sunday, June 7th, 2009
they call me patootie

they call me patootie

Patootie isn’t my name, it’s James, and I turned 4 years old today. Woot! Patootie is a term of endearment that my parents dubbed for me, but in all honesty, I don’t think they know that it actually refers to ‘butt’ in American slang. I wish can tell ‘em that every time they call me, cutie patootie, they’re actually referring to my awesome posterior.  Unfortunately, I can’t.

When I was two years old, I was diagnosed as having Autism Spectrum Disorder.  The official medical term given is PDD-NOS, which stands for Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified.  The way I see it, it’s not much of a medical diagnosis at all, because NOS seems to convey “Totally clueless about what you have, all I know is that you’re not normal.”

In my four years, I’ve accomplished so much although to the point of view of my fellow four year olds, their parents and mine, I’m still way behind.  What they don’t know is that all this time I’ve been observing things and everyone around me for I plan to takeover the world like Hulu.  Just kidding.

It’s tough to express myself because my vocabulary is limited to about 200 words.  I try to explain myself in words, but they come out as gibberish to grown-ups.  I’ve been looking for a translator to hire, but there’s no one qualified.  My big brother, John, who is the coolest brother of all, tries to help me explain things, and usually, he gets it but he can’t do this job full-time.  So I resort to sign language, which helps when I want to say something.

I’d like to think I’ve given so much joy to my parents, sister, brother, mama (what I call my dad’s mom), uncles, aunts and all my relatives.  A few strangers have looked at me rudely because they think I’m misbehaving, but in reality, I’m just being me.  I’ve also added some excitement to my parents’ lives. Let’s see a raise of hands. How many of you have been rushed in ambulance to the ER in the middle of the night? This has happened to me twice in my four short years. I’d have to say paramedics have a pretty cool job.

In any case, I’m totally cool with the fact that I’ve been classified autistic. I get to go to school everyday with more than four teachers looking after me at once. I am able to play with John, my classmates who are kinda like me, my neighbors who are nothing like my classmates, and pretty much every normal child I’ve met.  I’m a daredevil on my trike riding up and down the sidewalk ignoring my dad’s rules not to go beyond a certain point.  I know he means well and cares for my safety, but when I’m coming down that hill as fast as I can, I feel FREE.  Free of any ailment, disorder, disability.  Free of autism.

When we move to Austin in less than a month, I hope to find a similar hill.  See I even know that we’re relocating due to the bad economy.  I also know my mom & dad are struggling, but they’re smart folks and I heard they’ve been through worse.  I’m absolutely certain they’ll bounce back although tough times are ahead.

Now that I’m four, my hope is to catch up with my peers.  And I pray I no longer have a seizure when I have high fever.  I also wish my occasional sleep disorder will go away.

Thank you all for taking care of me and for reading this post.  I hope you saw a glimpse of my life.  I know I will beat this disorder one day and that day will come sooner rather than later.

James, 4, was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. He is a smart loving boy and has dreams to fulfill.  He is the youngest of three children by Joseph & Maya Vasquez.

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Our Sweet Sixteen

Friday, May 29th, 2009

Sixteen years ago today, I got married. I was 21 and my wife, Maya, was 19.  Why we decided to take the plunge is beside the point. What matters is that since then, we’ve had the most amazing journey, and I’m so looking forward to the next 16, then the next 16, then the next 16…til death do us part.

May 29, 1993

May 29, 1993

At this point, we are starting a new chapter in our lives. I recently got laidoff from a job I’ve had for almost seven years and decided to take the opportunity to start my own PR firm. I do have to say it’s not going as well as predicted but I’m staying optimistic. Maya and I have accomplished a lot since being a PR freelancer was offered, I mean handed, to me including finding a good school for our 3yo, James, who was diagnosed with autism, a house to rent in a decent neighborhood, and launching this website & blog, just to name a few.

Maybe I was being naive, but one thing I’ve learned going through this whole experience is that loyalty in Corporate America is a one-way street totally unlike my marriage. I remember during our wedding reception there were many who were sad, some were even outright upset, that we decided to get married. It was like attending a funeral service rather than a wedding reception. The odds we would stay together after a year were 1000 to 2. The only two who believed we were in it for the long haul was me and Maya. If I had taken bets back then, I’d be a rich man today.

It’s been quite a ride the last sixteen years and it would be tough to list all the major highlights in one post, but if I had to choose five among the hundreds, maybe thousands of memorable moments, I’d choose the following:

1) December 15, 1993 — Birth of our first child, Monique, who’s grown to be one of the coolest teens ever.

2) May 1997 — When I graduated from Hofstra University with a degree in Communications (conc. Journalism). My parents never thought I’d make it considering since Mom & Dad (who passed away in 2001) funded tuition & expenses.

3) January 29, 2000 — The day I found faith.

4) November 2, 2003 — The birth of my first son, John, ten years after Monique was born.

5) June 7, 2005 — The birth of my youngest, James, who’s progressed so much in the last year. I have faith he’ll beat autism.

Looking at these unforgettable dates, I realize that none of the financial gains, promotions, new cars, fancy jewelry, designer watches, brand name golf clubs, etc. are even close to making it in the highlight reel of the past sixteen years.  Happy Anniversary Love!

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