KONY 2012: The Power of People

I watched the compelling and emotional Kony 2012 video that went viral last week and I was at a loss for words. I am so thankful for people like Jason Russell who stand up for what they believe in and are passionate about making our world a better place!

One of the most powerful things Jason said in the video was "we share what we love and it reminds us of what we all have in common." The thing that makes the Kony 2012 campaign successful is people from around the world are connecting for one cause using social networks, public figures and publicity.

I liked that Jason included another viral video example, the video of the first time Sarah Churman heard herself speak. I had the opportunity to hear Sarah Churman speak at Cowboy Way Church a couple months ago and her story was both inspiring and hopeful. It is truly amazing how videos become viral and people have the ability to share their story with millions.

Some people think our society is too "tuned" into social networks, but they have become such powerful tools and created a new way of connecting with people around the world, not only people but causes, such as Kony 2012. As a professional in the marketing and communication field I am so proud of the Kony 2012 campaign and the movement Invisible Children has created. I can only hope to be a part of something that big one day!

To all those people out there criticizing this campaign: Please remember that we don't choose when or where we are born, but because we are here we all matter. The location of the problem is irrelevant; it is our duty as humans to live with integrity and make a difference in the lives of one another. I believe we can put a stop to people like Kony and the various other world problems that have yet to receive the necessary publicity and attention.

Let me simply say...the power lies within the people!

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The Journey to Fulfillment

This past Sunday I was at home relaxing and channel surfing when I came across a seminar from Tony Robbins on OWN. For those of you that don't know, Tony Robbins is a worldwide life coach who helps people reach their full potential. I've always been intrigued by leadership and read countless books on how to be successful; from The Secret to The Flip Side.

I think my interest in leadership sparked when I was fourteen and graduated from Rapport Leadership International. As I look back now attending that training forever changed my life and is one of the biggest blessing my parents have given me. Rapport taught me the importance of effective communication, team work and the power of my mind. I experienced some of the biggest emotional highs and lows, but most of all I was pushed outside of my comfort-zone, overcame my fears and learned that I have the ability to accomplish anything.

With my focus, determination and energy I broke a block of wood and bent a metal bar with absolutely no pain; I still have them as a cherished reminder of my break through. Those who know me, know that I don't have an ounce of physical strength and that is one reason why those two challenges made such a drastic impact to my way of thinking. Attitude greatly impacts day-to-day life! I sometimes think many people are missing that potential to succeed because their mind is in the wrong place. Our minds are so incredibly powerful!

I'm a thinker and I love to observe people. Here lately I have been thinking a lot about what it means to be happy in life.  I've realized that so many people are searching for happiness and are continuously let down because life isn't about happiness; it's just a brief state of mind. Life is about fulfillment. The big question is...do I feel fulfilled at the end of the day through my relationships and work?

This may seem random, but on my way to work each morning I see a man sitting on the corner of Summit Avenue. He never has a sign or asks the passing cars for money; he just sits there each morning. He never makes eye contact with me; he just glances into the horizon with contentment. So many cars pass by him and don't notice him, yet I can't get the image of him out of my head. I want to know what his story is, what he thinks about and observes each morning.

I became very passionate about the homeless community after reading the book Same Kind of Different As Me. I even visited the Union Gospel Mission to get a better idea of where the book took place. I get so disappointed in the way our society handles issues like poverty. This may sound weird, but I hate when people just toss their money into the tin of a begging person on the street. Why don't we attack the problem at the root? The people on the streets of Fort Worth are no different than the working class and throwing money at them is not going to help them in the long run. It takes dedicated volunteers filled with love like Deborah Hall and places like the Union Gospel Mission to build up confidence and trust in those who are lost.

We are all born with a powerful mind, if we learn how to focus and control our attitude, we will all have the potential to do great things in this world. It is not about the haves and have nots because we are all the same...the only thing that sets us apart is our story. Life is not about happiness, it is about how we pursue fulfillment.

Let me simply say... I am going to break through my fear and do something big one day!

TCU's Flawless Crisis Communication

I typically only blog on Sundays, but how could I pass up an opportunity like today? Two of my favorite things, public relations and Texas Christian University...I just had to chime in.

For those of you that don't already know 17 TCU students were arrested today for selling drugs on and around campus. Although this is disappointing news for the TCU community, it is also a great example of flawless crisis communication. It is unfortunate that the community is currently not focused on the men's basketball victory, or the release of the first Big 12 Conference football schedule. 

In all of my journalism courses, I was taught that the only way to make the best of a bad situation is to confront the issue and TCU did just that. Here is a short outline of proper crisis communication and how TCU executed their crisis plan with perfection:

1. Express genuine empathy

TCU released statements, press releases and conducted a conference stating their shock and disappointment.

2. Own the message quickly

TCU was prepared and responded within hours of the arrests. They stated the clear expectations they have of their students; to behave in an ethical manner. They also expressed that the students' actions were not compatible with TCU values and the students involved in this activity were immediately separated from the University.

3. Commit to full transparency

TCU is owning this story and the actions of their students. They are releasing information and statements in order to decrease the amount of rumors and spread of misinformation. TCU's transparency also showcases their confidence in their core values and their ability to not let this event define them. 

4. Put a face on the industry

Chancellor Victor J. Boschini has been the primary spokesperson and has responded in a professionial and positive manner. As a well-respected figure of the TCU community, Chancellor Boschini is reminding the public of the University's dedicated students and faulty, and their commitment to higher education and leadership.

5. Propose an action plan
Dr. Kathy Cavins-Tull, the Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs proposed the plan to examine new programs and procedures needed to prevent this type of behavior in the future.

I can only hope that the greek community responds in a similar fashion. Compared to other crisis situations involving Universities and businesses, TCU has upheld their vision to be a world-class, values-centered University. 

Let me simply say...I am a proud TCU Horned Frog Alumni! 

The Power of Friendship

Both of us at our favorite
place, Bear Creek Park

I'm not sure where to even begin. This week has been one of the longest and hardest weeks I can recall. On Monday my best friend's mother tragically passed away and he also lost a part of his home. Growing up I would hear stories of horrible things, but it hits you like a ton of bricks when it happens to someone you know. It is times like this that you wish the world would stop, but the hardest part of all is that life doesn't slow down...not one bit. 

There aren't enough kind words to say about Kelli Hundt. First and foremost she loves her son more than anything else in this world. She was always looking out for him and did everything she could to make sure he grew up to be a fine young man. I know she will still be watching over him from above. 

She was genuine, loving and one of the most patient people I have ever met. She was always giving and had everyone's best interest at heart. Whenever I got mad at my parents in high school, I would "runaway" for a couple of hours and it was always to the Hundt's home. Looking back now I laugh at how childish I was, but I spent a lot of time in her home and she always made me feel welcomed like a part of the family. She will be greatly missed.  

This week really showed me how life can change in a matter of minutes. Always, always, always let your loved ones know how much you appreciate and care about them. Life can be so scary; each and every moment is unpredictable. Above all else, cherish your friendships. I can't thank Erin and Randy enough for their support this week. I don't know what I would do without both of you. Please pray for Kamron and his family as they deal with this tragic loss. It breaks my heart to see him go through this, but at the same time I have never been more proud of him than I am now. 

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed." ~Psalm 34:18

Let me simply say... relationships are the most important thing in life. 

Best of the 2012 Superbowl

The best part of the Superbowl is of course the commercials. Here are a few of my favorites this year:

M&M: Sexy and I know It

Super cute and clever! This commercial made me laugh.


Doritos: Man's Best Friend

I am always impressed each year by Doritos' commercials. They definitely didn't let me down this year. This commercial is just precious!

Doritos: Sling Baby

Gotta love the granny and baby!

Volkswagen: The Dog Strikes Back

Absolutely love Volkswagen and I look forward to their commercials. I watched the Bark Side Teaser and thought that was great, but this took it to another level.


Bud Light: "Here we go" Rescue Dog

Yet again another commercial featuring a dog....must be the theme this year. Loved the connection to dog rescue at the end. Make sure you check out their Facebook and vote! 

Let me simply say... I love advertising! 

Lessons Learned in the "Real World"

It is hard to believe that I started my career six months ago...time has flown by. I am a strong believer in higher education, but there are some things that can only be learned through experience. I am looking forward to grad school in two and half years, although I am amazed at how much I have grown in the "real world."

Here are a few of my lessons learned as an Account Manger... I am sure there are many more to come!

• Respect grows out of performance and performance grows at each and every interaction with clients and coworkers.
• Always triple check deliverables. Reputation and trust are built over time and can be destroyed in an instant. 
• Be up front, be open and admit mistakes. The best solution to any problem is to address it immediately with honesty and a plan to move forward. 
• Always accept more responsibility. Quality is the measure by which you rise to the challenge and exceed expectations. Meet, beat and repeat. 
• Service is where transactions are transformed into relationships. Practice what you preach, meet deadlines, follow through and never let clients down. 
• Learn something new each day. Creativity, passion and knowledge are contagious. Surround yourself with a talented team.
• Listen more and talk less. The ability to listen is an overlooked skill and one of the most powerful communication tools. Listening insures effective execution. 
• There is never too much communication. The most successful relationships are built upon a foundation of constant communication.

Let me simply say...my career is off to a great start! 

Success to Significance

The past four years of my life had an emphasis on success. I had a fear that I may struggle to find a position in the marketing field due to the current economic state. I was determined to do everything in my power to be successful. Everything I did was focused on my performance in order to create the perfect resume. I felt this deep need to prove myself.

My church started a new series this month called Identity Theft and it has really been an eye opener for me. One thing that has touched me these past few weeks is that my identity is determined by God's love and not by my performance. I sometimes lose sight of the fact that God loves us before we have anything figured out and that His love never diminishes. My dreams seem so far away right now and I find comfort knowing that I don't have to figure everything out. I have faith that through Him I will find my way.

Moving forward I must learn that life is not based upon success alone, but rather the significance of relationships. I believe that one of the most important things in life is finding a way to incorporate success and significance daily.

"One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers-Simon, also called Peter and Andrew-throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. Jesus called out to them, 'Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!' And they left their nets at once and followed him." ~Matthew 4:18-20

Let me simply say...shifting priorities.