Golf...a game for everyone who's anyone. To be great at it (Tiger, Jack, Arnie etc.) happens to only a handful; but to be good, it takes practice, two beers and a dog at the turn.
It's one of those games that allows complete strangers to spend four hours or longer, together and never search for topics to discuss. It allows a group of friends to play a round, drink a few beers (or a lot depending on how you're playing) and be outside enjoying nature - Goulet.
Golf will always be my vice. My means to put worries and issues behind, and get lost in my swing; lost in the quietness that occurs on a late summer evening when putting out on the shadow-stricken greens. What I find truly amazing is the calm that comes over me when I'm on the course. Obviously the loud cursing when my par putt lips out doesn't help portray this so-called Calm. It's more of an internal calm.
This isn't a post about the greatness of golf. It's about the correlation between one thing and another. For instance: this blog is a correlation between my passion for advertising and hidden passion to write. Golf transcends this passion. Whether it be for sport and nature; or outdoor activity and friends. There is a distinct reason people play the game. And a distinct reason golf continues to be a game where business and pleasure occur simultaneously.
Having worked at the prestigious Westwood Plateau Golf & Country Club - 1996 Golf Digest Best New Course in Canada (small plug...free round??) - I've seen business happen on the first tee, the 18th green and on a patio over nachos. To witness this is inspiring and educational. I want to try it for myself.
Here's my pitch to those who read this post:
Man or Woman up (you can play the reds if you want)...play me for a job. If you win, my pestering emails will stop. If you lose, I'd like the opportunity to prove myself on your client service team. We both know I have the passion and drive to succeed in this industry. I'm just looking for a chance and what better way than a casual round of golf to decide my future.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
One Short Year Ago...
This month, marks a time around a year ago, that I decided to put it all on the line. Throw caution to the wind and start trying to aggregate enough insight, enough nerve and enough relationships to make a run at the advertising job of my dreams.
It all started with one relationship that will continue for years to come...as long as I never become a Habs fan. I learned it's not all sexy and Hollywood. It's tough, it tests yourself and the people close to you; tears relationships apart, but gives you the tools to build them back up and succeed. Great work will be rewarded, while unworthy work, will be dismissed - usually along with the person responsible. Of course, some always squeeze through the cracks and make it by hijacking somebody elses' hard work.
The most important though, the work I have put in, not only sets me apart from the riff-raff that do inhabit most agencies, but sets me apart from the ones also trying to breakthrough.
I've learned so much. I've met so many. I've spent so much on coffee, wine & beer. And now, I'm on the cusp of breaking through - like a duckling from an egg with a bright new world ahead. Is it daunting? Yeah it really is. It's easy to have the right things to say; do the right things to get noticed; but, the hardest question I've been asked successively over the past month is "why will you be good at it?" I really don't know why...I like to think because like all sports greats say "failure is not an option" Although, how will I know my writing will be thorough? My budgeting skills precise? My relationship building strong? My presentation skills engaging?
The answer to this...I don't have an answer (contrary to my mother's belief). But I know this. When I get something, I get something; and I get the Ad industry.
Finally the point to all of this. I feel that my graceful transition into a worthy agency type is due to two people...myself and the Leaf's fan in Gastown. I wouldn't have traded this journey for anything else in the world. The agencies I've seen and the people I've met, give me more hope for the future than anything has.
No wonder it's the hardest industry to get into.
It all started with one relationship that will continue for years to come...as long as I never become a Habs fan. I learned it's not all sexy and Hollywood. It's tough, it tests yourself and the people close to you; tears relationships apart, but gives you the tools to build them back up and succeed. Great work will be rewarded, while unworthy work, will be dismissed - usually along with the person responsible. Of course, some always squeeze through the cracks and make it by hijacking somebody elses' hard work.
The most important though, the work I have put in, not only sets me apart from the riff-raff that do inhabit most agencies, but sets me apart from the ones also trying to breakthrough.
I've learned so much. I've met so many. I've spent so much on coffee, wine & beer. And now, I'm on the cusp of breaking through - like a duckling from an egg with a bright new world ahead. Is it daunting? Yeah it really is. It's easy to have the right things to say; do the right things to get noticed; but, the hardest question I've been asked successively over the past month is "why will you be good at it?" I really don't know why...I like to think because like all sports greats say "failure is not an option" Although, how will I know my writing will be thorough? My budgeting skills precise? My relationship building strong? My presentation skills engaging?
The answer to this...I don't have an answer (contrary to my mother's belief). But I know this. When I get something, I get something; and I get the Ad industry.
Finally the point to all of this. I feel that my graceful transition into a worthy agency type is due to two people...myself and the Leaf's fan in Gastown. I wouldn't have traded this journey for anything else in the world. The agencies I've seen and the people I've met, give me more hope for the future than anything has.
No wonder it's the hardest industry to get into.
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