Thursday, May 14, 2009

A happy ending to this Tweet-a-thon story


The following is a guest post from my PR colleague and good friend, Scott Hepburn. If you'll recall, a number of folks participated in a tweet-a-thon a few weeks back in hopes of generating job leads for Scott and Sonny Gill--two eligible "free agents" at the time.

While I know Sonny is still looking (and getting closer) for a new gig, I'm happy to report that Scott has some fantastic news to share with you all--the folks that played such a crucial role in this powerful story. Before I blurt it out myself, I'll let Scott take the stage...


“Jerry Maguire, my agent. You’re my ambassador of Quan.”

Arik Hanson is MY ambassador of Quan.

Just one month ago, Arik called on you, his readers, to join him in Tweeting me into a new gig. And you responded. In overwhelming, breath-taking, faith-affirming fashion, you responded. Hundreds of retweets. Dozens of leads. Countless inquiries. And momentum.

It seems only fitting that I would circle back to Arik’s blog to announce that my free agency. This week I joined Ritz Marketing in Charlotte to lead their social media and emerging media team.

I’m excited to join one of Charlotte’s top five agencies. Ritz Marketing clients include the Detroit Area Honda Dealers Association, Penske Automotive Group’s Central Zone Division, McAlister’s Deli’s largest franchisee, and dozens of others.

My role at Ritz Marketing will be part teacher, part navigator, part point guard and part devil’s advocate. Many of the questions we’ve debated on the Media Emerging blog are questions Ritz Marketing clients are asking. My advice to them will be to adhere to the wisdom of Dicky Fox: “The key to this business is personal relationships.”

Which brings me to you.

You, the generous members of Arik’s community who had my back when I was looking for my feet.

You, the PR, marketing and social media groundbreakers who teach me something new every day.

You, the forward-thinkers who are coaxing, prodding and leading your companies toward the future of communication.

Thank you for your support, guidance, leads, offers, and generosity. Though we may yet be strangers, you treated me as a brother, and for that, my door is always open to you.

If you’re headed to BlogPotomac, find me. Let’s connect. You’ll find me with my agent, Arik Hanson.

8 comments:

Shonali Burke, ABC said...

Congratulations, Scott! And Arik - hats off to you for leading the charge. Methinks you may have a new career beckoning... ;-)

Sonny Gill said...

Some GREAT news, Scott! So glad to see you land on your feet this quick - not that we had our doubts! :)

Now, about that other guy ;)

tressalynne said...

This is GREAT news Scott (and Arik you should feel warm and fuzzy)! Best of luck to you in your new position.

Marc Meyer said...

Everyone loves a happy ending...Congrats and time to shine

Jamie Favreau said...

Congratulations!!! I am still looking but I have faith that I will land my first full time gig soon. I am working for some great people at FWIX but I am still looking for something near home if possible. So who knows. Tough times around here in Detroit.

Joe Vasquez said...

Great to see how PR pros help each other out. Glad things worked out well for Scott. I'm hoping for the same. It's a tough market and I'm in the middle of launching my own firm. Thanks to the new arrangement handed to me by the president of the firm I worked at where today I'm under contract as a consultant. I was a VP and worked for him for almost seven years. Due to this new arrangement, I have to uproot my family and move to Austin where cost to start a business is a lot less than NYC. Scott's story is truly inspiring. Thanks for letting him share it Arik.

Unknown said...

Congrats on the new gig!

Julie said...

Gotta love a good news story -- especially on a Monday morning. Congrats and thanks for sharing.