" I don't want to sell chips"

“I don’t want to sell chips.” This was one of Gail Chandler’s key messages during our class on Wednesday. She revealed to the class that she didn’t want to just “sell chips,” she wanted to make a difference. I can relate to Gail Chandler because I too want to make a difference. I want to change and touch the lives of many and I don’t want to just “sell chips”.

I feel when I say I’m going into the world of PR many look down upon me because they think I’m going to promote something I don’t believe in just to make a nice chunk of change. But in reality I’m don't want to be in this business to sell frivolous products that have the shelf life of a goldfish. I want to use my skills to do something more. I want to achieve more than launching the newest product; I want to make a difference in peoples lives.

Throughout Gail’s speech I felt a sense of comfort because she told our class that we will all have different paths. This relieved me because I don’t know what path I’m going to take or what is going to lead me to the career of my dreams but I know that it will all work out organically and come together in the end.

Love, trust and confidence

We budding communication professionals face an uphill battle combating our own reputation. Our profession is tainted with descriptions such as “spin doctors” and “bull shitters” (excuse my French) and sometimes rightly so. However, on Wednesday night one of Ken Fairchild’s key points was our messages are supposed to make people trust and love us. I don’t know about you but when I hear the term “spin doctor” there is nothing trustworthy in that title.

For the past couple years I have been dabbling in the idea of politics. I love the rush, the excitement and the ability to make a huge difference in thousands of peoples lives. However, I know that politicians are synonymous with lying dirt bags and I want to alter that image. I know it is a monumental task but I am up to the challenge. Now the question that I have to ask myself is how do I make these people trust me? Better yet, how do I make them love and trust me?

Love and trust. The two most sought after things in any aspect in life. Now how are we supposed to obtain them is the real question? Well my answer is simple. I have to be confident in my ability as a communicator and leader to know that I have the tools to turn this image around. I have the tools to evoke change in the system and I have the tools to make people trust that I am the best for the job.

Ken Fairchild harped on the basic ideas of love, trust and confidence. With these three components and my ambitious nature I truly believe that through my communication skills and actions, I can be successful in my endeavors and obtain the trust and love of my audience.