Want to become a better marketer?

Guess what? It’s your lucky day! I can actually tell you how to become a better marketing professional. Don’t believe me? Read on. I bet right now you’re thinking “how does a marketing student possibly have the answer to this seemingly impossible feat?” Well my friends, I’m about to let you in on a little secret. A secret that changed my outlook on the marketing & advertising world for the better.

The secret? Terry O’Reilly. Thats it: 2 small words which changed the industry, and will change you as a marketer or advertiser for the better. Interested? Curious? Definitely check him out. Listen, and I mean really listen, to what he has to say. He is a man of stories, advice, and humour, and has so much knowledge to pass onto whomever is interested. Shockingly enough, Terry is from my hometown (shout out to Sudbury Ontario), and worked his way up from being an unhappy copywriter, to successfully launching his own CBC radio and television advertising company.

A few weeks ago, I was privileged enough to listen to Terry speak at the Kingston Writers’ Fest that was happening in the heart of downtown Kingston. Myself along with numerous of my professors, fellow IMC and Marketing & Advertising peers, and fellow Kingstonians sat in awe as we listened to this entertaining, engaging and informative man speak. Promoting his self titled book “This I Know: Marketing Lessons from Under the Influence by Terry O’Reilly”, Terry spoke about his experiences in the industry, his famous “elevator pitch” ideology, and the struggles and successes he has faced over the years. He allowed us to ask questions, gave us honest answers, and ensured the entire room felt important and inspired. What I loved the most about listening to Terry speak, was his passion for the creative people. Being a creative person himself (obviously), Terry reinforced the notion of ‘no bad ideas,’ and gave us numerous examples of brilliant  ideas which originally stemmed from one, or a few, silly ideas. It was nice to hear this from a working professional, as proof that work doesn’t have to be boring and bland all the time. And guys! Get this. Just when I thought my afternoon with Terry couldn’t get any better, he was selling his books in the lobby and was actually staying afterwords to speak to us little people and sign books. Amazing right? Safe to stay I was starstruck.

Leaving his lecture made me SO excited to start my career in the marketing and advertising world. He provided me with so much useful information; information which I’m actually using in my everyday life. My professors reference Terry O’Reilly’s lecture pretty frequently in class, and that’s how you know Terry O’Reilly is legit. If you don’t believe me, at least believe them.

Now go! Go check him out! Let me know what you think in the comment section below!

Happy reading (and listening)!

Ciao for now,

Jenna