Failure and Perseverance

Throughout Dan Edelman’s career there were numerous triumphs. But what surprised me most were the failures. Dan experienced multiple failures and setbacks throughout his career, and kept going. Edelman is such a force in the public relations industry, and it is hard to imagine a company of such a high caliber going through a rough time. I must always remind myself that everything big starts out little. Every company goes through hard times.

One setback in particular sticks out to me, the Japan years. Dan Edelman went through a rough time trying to break into the Asian market, which he correctly predicted as where the wave of the future was headed. Dan called his time in Japan one of his largest disappointments.

Edelman and Japan just could not find its groove. There were two partnerships made, both saw Edelman giving more than the other. For many this would be a sign that Edelman would never fair well in the Asian market. Dan took it as a learning experience and grew from it. He would not let this keep him from his goal of international roots.

He later moved into the Chinese market and it was a perfect match. Edelman became the largest public relations presence in China overnight after purchasing Interasia Communications. Thus proving that Edelman was more than ready for Asia.

Dan Edelman saw the big picture in everything he did; that is what made him so successful, he never gave up. One of his greatest legacies he left behind was his ability to keep moving forward. It was almost as if he wore blinders, he never saw the failure, only the potential.

Jen Garrett is a soon to be DePaul University graduate with a degree in Public Relations & Advertising/Communications & Media. She started this blog as a way for she and her peers to share their views on Dan Edelman's legacy.

Email: jengarrett1@gmail.com

Twitter: @jengarrett1