What I've come here for

Thursday, February 2, 2006

Today was my first day at Easter Seals. I loved it. I get my own cubicle with tons of space, computer, phone, etc. etc. I'm working under three main people: Kristen-Public Relations/Communications, Patsy-corporate accounts and communication, and Joan-another part of the corporate sponsorship team. I never realized how many HUGE names they get to sponsor their events and annual campaigns. CVS, Century 21, potentials of donut companies, hotels and anything under the sun. I realized in the meeting this morning that networking and knowing people from boards in another company can make or break a business relationship. It's so true.
This morning from 9:30-12 I got to sit in a corporate sponsorship committee meeting. There were around 10-12 of us in the room and I just jumped right in and heard how they relate to corporate sponsors and potential sponsors. These women are very driven and find the best ways to communicate with these sponsors...different ways to appeal to them....very much a marketing thing. They really know what they're doing and they use all of their resources to get their stuff done. The values of the company were also evident in the meeting too. The women brought up how much the company helps families and the feedback they get only sustains and increases the sponsorship.
I went out for lunch with Joan and we got to know each other a little more. Kristen was supposed to come, but had some immediate things to take care of. We went to a cute little Italian sandwich, pasta, salad bar down the block.
I spent the afternoon researching on the internet and chatting with other people in the office, including a Chicago Semester alum who works at Easter Seals now. Very nice people.
I had to smile to myself as I walked out of the office. I love walking down the busy, busy streets after work on my way to the train. I really feel like a city business woman, and can walk with confidence down the city streets now. I hope I don't turn into any kind of stuck up business city woman, but I do want to appear confident around here especially.
In retail, there always has to be someone around to help customers, but in an office, bathroom or short water breaks can be taken any time and we don't have to find a replacement to watch things when we go for lunch. So much nicer than a customer service place because you can work at your own pace to get projects/jobs completed.
Tomorrow is casual Friday and then Saturday Pam and I will get the rest of our boxes of stuff that we sent here to Chicago before Christmas. It's gonna be like Christmas because I don't remember exactly what's in those boxes :)
I'd like to play cards or something tomorrow night, so we'll see what other people are up to. I heard it's the superbowl this weekend....boooooring. I'd rather watch a super slow hockey game for 24 hours not knowing anyone playing than a boring football game for a few hours.
Until tomorrow...
:)