It’s often when you think of the
greats you forget that they’re people. Their accomplishments are praised and
when they’re pioneers in their industry, like Edelman, that tends to be what
you focus on. These reasons are why I’ve come to enjoy reading Edelman and
the Rise of Public Relations. While we learn about how Edelman became the
figure synonymous with public relations, we also learn about Edelman as a man.
One of the things that makes
Edelman’s story so relatable is how he started out and the struggle that came
with it. There’s such a perception that when you start your career you should
immediately be good at it and know without a doubt that this is what you want
to do. In Edelman’s case it’s apparent that he was destined to be in public
relations but starting with the Toni kit was out of his realm of experience or expertise.
Reading that Edelman had challenges in getting his mother to believe in the
product he was selling is refreshing. I think it’s a good lesson for those of
us about to join the real world; it’s not going to come as easily as we’d like.
Edelman obviously ended up having a
hit with the Toni campaign. He changed the way in which people thought about
campaigns at the time and how they think about them now. At first it was a challenge
and outside of his element but he turned and made it his own and made it a
success. I think this is a great story for anyone working to hear. The difficulties
you face at work may be far from what you’re used to but that doesn’t mean you
don’t have the ability to make them your own and to thrive. Edelman showed us
that.
Devin Sundquist is a senior about to graduate with a major in Communication and Media Studies and a minor in Spanish. She is currently an intern for the Lincoln Park Merchant Association. You can reach her at devin_sundquist@yahoo.com
No comments:
Post a Comment