Politicians, Counselors, Teachers, Engineers and me, a Writer. It's Career Day at Chestnut Log Middle. I've just left the building and I'm overjoyed by the experience. And like all relationships, I came, I taught and I learned a few things as well as.
If You Say It, You Better Live It
Like Apple Computers, I have a tagline. It's an ongoing part of my marketing message. It's on my business cards, my website and often works it's way into my introduction.
Hi. I'm Ms.J, a poet with a passion for business.
I want people to understand
- that I'll use every skill that I have to help get their message across,
- that I live and play with words all day and
- that passion uniquely qualifies me to help give a message new life.
I use that tagline to convey a lot in a small amount of space.
And The Children Called Me On It
I came to the school to give back by sharing the different kinds of writing that you can build a career around. I was thinking business more than art and my classes where engaged and attentive. So I thought.
When the question and answer sessions came around, I learned what true attention from a 7th grader looks like.
Hands go up. Questions pepper the room. And I answer them as they come.
Will you say one of your poems?” a student says.
Why?” I ask.
Because you're a poet who does business?”
So I cleared my throat. Laughed out-loud. And then gave them what they asked for. And you could hear a pin a drop.
Will do you another?” the question came again.
I shared my spoken word, answered questions about meaning, marketing and whatever came up — until we ran out of time.
And they reminded me of something simple and beautiful, always be prepared to live up to your brand message. It matters.
