FreeThink: September 2006

FreeThink: a blog published by Maxwell PR

I Have Finally Arrived...

In April 2006 I applied for a job at Maxwell PR posted on Craigslist. Having been in Portland for over 6 months without finding full-time work, I was optimistic, yet cautious. Would this turn out to be another of the dozens of shady and illegitimate companies that I had come across thus far in my search? Or would it finally be the place I was looking for - but seemed unable to find - in my new Northwest home?

After extensively perusing the Maxwell website, checking out their clients and paying close attention to the staff pictures and bios, I felt that this PR studio was one I could relate to. Many of the clients fell into my realm of experience (primarily travel/tourism, hospitality and consumer PR), while others would provide an opportunity for me to learn and grow. Perhaps most importantly, the employees looked and sounded like people I would be friends with, and to me this element was crucial. More important than money and prestige, I aim to enjoy work. Who wants to go somewhere they dread day after day? How productive and enthusiastic can one really be in that environment? With my husband working long, odd hours, my fellow employees often end up being my primary source of social interaction. I wanted to be around those that I respect and admire, but can also laugh and relax with. Getting that vibe from the Maxwell website, I submitted my resume. After an extensive round of interviews, I had met every single employee...except one. Jen Maxwell-Muir, the company's founder, principle, and name-sake - the one I most needed to impress - was off gallivanting around (ok, having a baby).

Over the course of several weeks, it was determined that my skill set did not directly match with the studio's needs at the time. I was crushed. Here, after months and months of searching, I had finally found the place that I wanted to call home. I could picture myself at a desk by the window, working with clients I believed in, and gabbing over lunch with my fellow Maxwellites. I appreciated their reasoning though, and the importance that they saw in having me feel needed, feel I was contributing. With their promise to keep me in mind for the future, I said good-bye.

The search continued. I began to apply for positions outside of my field of expertise (quite honestly outside of my fields of interest as well), all the while thinking of Maxwell. I kept in touch frequently via email, possibly teetering on the verge of obnoxious, but I DID NOT want to be forgotten. Then, finally, as I was giving up hope and contemplating taking my master's degree over to the mall to see if it did any good there, I got the call. Jen Maxwell-Muir was back and wanted to meet me. I could barely contain my excitement. This could be the breakthrough.

Our meeting was fantastic. Spending just a short time with Jen, I could see why her business was so successful. Approachable and friendly, she was also clearly determined, creative, and smart. I was hooked again. Then, reality: 'We won't know for three or four weeks if we have a spot for you." Surprisingly, the very next Thursday (and five months since I had first submitted my resume) I got a call. "Can you start Monday?" I was elated!

Tomorrow will be 2 weeks since the phone rang, and I couldn't be happier with where I am. For me, it's a perfect fit. Reminiscent of my past agency setting, I feel completely comfortable and at ease in the Maxwell culture. I am working on client projects for which I have knowledge to contribute, and I am learning about new fields and industries everyday. I feel so lucky to have found Maxwell PR, and am glad everyday that I stuck it out. Being here was well worth the wait.

- Sam Burton, Account Executive at Maxwell PR Studio (!)

posted on September 20, 2006

The Promise of Cool

What's heavy, slow and totally hip? My new Townie bicycle by Electra, that's what!

When my dad and my husband became the big-time bikers they are a few years back, they managed to suck the whole family into the cycling frenzy...but not me. In my stubborn way I refused to jump on the pedal-powered bandwagon just because everyone else was out having two-wheel fun.

Until I met my Townie...

Electra, the company behind the super cool nouveau cruisers also has a line of bicycles called Townies...y'know, for toolin' around the town. Complete with a cult following of super swank city dwellers, these bikes have patented flat foot technology that means at any time you can put your feet flat on the ground, while still staying on the wide, cushy seat. To make the whole flat foot brilliance work out, the pedals are just a little more forward so it's all pushing and no pulling, perfect for someone who's more than hesitant to clip her feet into anything that could tip over at any time. And it works out well since my quads are pretty much the only muscles I have left with any strength - at all.

ALSO - the handlebars are up high for that geek-chic Wicked Witch of the West look and sitting up so straight on my bike makes me feel like a kid again!

Now, don't think I poo-poo'd the whole biking thing without even giving a try before, I went on rides on leftover road bikes, hybrids and mountain bikes, but they all made me feel tippy, dorky and weak. Not only does my new Townie feel like the good old days of second nature bike riding...it totally ups my coolness by about a million and that's WITHOUT my handlebar cupholder that fits a starbucks coffee cup instead of a water bottle!

Granted, I have to credit the funky catalog with playful writing and foxy models for a big chunk of the wooing...this company sunk their marketing teeth into me at Hello! and as an unabashed Gen Y branding junkie I give the double thumbs up to the team that cranked out this campaign...smooth.

Check 'em out at http://www.electrabike.com/ and if you happen to see me rollin' roun' the town, wave!

-Erica

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	This spirited, open forum by Maxwell PR staff members, studio mates and colleagues features people who are, in our opinion, doing the right things to get people talking. You'll see us rave about organizations building communities and rant about those who are missing obvious opportunities. We sprinkle in a little marketing and PR rhetoric from time to time for extra vigor and enthusiasm, and will share observations and insight based on our own experience honing our craft every day.

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