Bryon Riesch is an exceptional man. Most people that would go through the pain and traumatic events he has would not have such a positive outlook on life. When Bryon spoke to our tactics 2 class he started out his presentation saying, "I woke up this morning, I didn't know how I was going to carry on," he then held a dramatic pause and finished with, "what people must think, a man going bald before 40." This statement shows the type of man that Bryon Riesch is. He is an optimist. Bryon had everything going for him. He was tall, athletic, had to many friends to count, people could make a case to be envious of the man. Then it all changed one night. Bryon was a freshman at Marquette University and he was at a party. From his sports background Bryon received quite a competitive nature about himself. There was a slip and slide and Bryon could not resist a challenge. He took his approach and took a dive. From that moment on Bryon's life would change drastically forever. He injured his cervical spine and became paralyzed fromt the waist down. Bryon was in the hospital for months and felt like giving up. His parents were there every step of the way, his dad is the one that he credits reborn his life. His father asked Bryon if he still could make a difference. From that day forward, Bryon decided to show that competitive nature he possess and make a difference.
Bryon eventually recovered from his injury and was released from the hospital. He then had to overcome his biggest obstacle yet, going back to school. People he thought were his friends suddenly didn't call Bryon or ask him to hang out, simply because he was now in a wheel chair. Bryon is disable there is no getting around that, but that did not dull his mind or work ethic. He went on in the presentation to state that he created the Bryon Riesch Paralysis Foundation to assist others that were and are experiencing the same difficulties on a daily basis that he does himself.
I had no idea what to expect when Bryon first walked in the room. His first impression was a very calm, quite man who was in a wheel chair. There is nothing around the fact that he is. As the presentation went on however, I feel like I really connected and created a bond with Bryon. His sense of humor was phenomenal and extremely entertaining. He provided insights on the physically handicapped populations that surround each of us on a daily basis. I was always raised to never treat someone who was different than me, no matter how they are different, any different than someone who is similar to me. Bryon only reassured this moral. He explained that paraplegics can pretty much accomplish anything they put their mind to. There are ways to adapt and overcome their disability and they can go on to lead normal lives. His story is nothing short of 100% inspiring. Please take the time to explore the Bryon Riesch Paralysis Foundation website. It will be worth your time!
If you connect with Bryon on linkedin, make sure that you also join the linkedin group. It will provide motivation for you to go out and make a difference on a daily basis!
Friday, November 25, 2011
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Managing Social Media in HealthCare
I'm always opened to new ideas and concepts that come into my life on a daily basis. Something that has been quite active in my life for the past two years is Public Relations. With that being said, my true love is the health field, thus why I want to become a full-time firefighter. This being said, when I discovered that Trish Skram was presenting her livelihood to our Tactics 2 class, I was thoroughly excited.
Skram is an alum of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater where she graduated with a double major in Marketing and Speech Communication with an emphasis in Public Relations. Skram's journey into the health field promotion industry was not a line of work she foreseen herself working in. As she said in class however, everything happens for a reason and she's glad her journey led her to wear she is today. In college Skram started dabbling in the blogging arena. She has come a long way since her first post and this is evident through her own blogging website Trish Skram. Today, Skram works for Mercy Health Systems in Janesville, WI as the social media manager. She also is a beat writer for the Janesville Gazette, as well as obtaining the occasional freelance assignment. In a nut shell, Trish Skram is the definition of a hard worker.
I especially enjoyed Skram's presentation for the simple fact that she does Public Relations work in the health field. Following her on twitter @trishskram. Specifically I hope to make a connection with her to better my career resume. We discussed the possibility of a communications intern position with the Janesville fire department. She gave great advice and I would recommend and young enthusiastic person who is seeking a way to beat their competition to contact Skram. Email her at trishskram@gmail.com
Skram is an alum of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater where she graduated with a double major in Marketing and Speech Communication with an emphasis in Public Relations. Skram's journey into the health field promotion industry was not a line of work she foreseen herself working in. As she said in class however, everything happens for a reason and she's glad her journey led her to wear she is today. In college Skram started dabbling in the blogging arena. She has come a long way since her first post and this is evident through her own blogging website Trish Skram. Today, Skram works for Mercy Health Systems in Janesville, WI as the social media manager. She also is a beat writer for the Janesville Gazette, as well as obtaining the occasional freelance assignment. In a nut shell, Trish Skram is the definition of a hard worker.
I especially enjoyed Skram's presentation for the simple fact that she does Public Relations work in the health field. Following her on twitter @trishskram. Specifically I hope to make a connection with her to better my career resume. We discussed the possibility of a communications intern position with the Janesville fire department. She gave great advice and I would recommend and young enthusiastic person who is seeking a way to beat their competition to contact Skram. Email her at trishskram@gmail.com
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Updated Thoughts
Today in Tactics 2 our class had the privilege of listening to guest speaker Amy Paul. Paul is a recent UW-Whitewater graduate who now works in Milwaukee for Milwaukee City Executives Office. Some of her chief responsibilities include: social media management, writing press releases and media advisories, monitoring media coverage, and update information that is put on the counties website. Paul also plans major events that are sponsored through the county. Events of this magnitude include the 10th anniversary remembrance event for Sept. 11th and the tree lighting ceremony around Christmas time. Paul gave a lot of great advice about PR throughout her presentation, however the piece of advice that stuck the most was from the question I asked. As I have previously state I am going to be a firefighter post graduation, so I do not plan to use any of the PR skills acquired in college post graduation. I asked Paul if she had any advice for transitioning from the college life to the real world. Paul's advice consisted of preparing yourself for the real world by being busy your last year of college. Live a "professional" lifestyle instead of sleeping until noon, like you are able to do in college. I thoroughly enjoyed her presentation and would recommend any PR student at Whitewater to outreach to her.
Since my original post earlier this week, I have had the opportunity to read what other classmates of mine felt about Amy Paul. I am confident in saying that most of us took the same core values out of her presentation. The drive and determination that Paul discussed throughout is a quality that inspired most of us. Her work for the 10th anniversary of Sept. 11th was bone chilling. I would again strongly recommend any PR student who wants firm, concrete examples of success and a strong work ethic to contact with Amy Paul!
Do so by following her on Twitter or send her an email at amypaul.webs.com
Even look at her work with the admirals for some inspiration!
Since my original post earlier this week, I have had the opportunity to read what other classmates of mine felt about Amy Paul. I am confident in saying that most of us took the same core values out of her presentation. The drive and determination that Paul discussed throughout is a quality that inspired most of us. Her work for the 10th anniversary of Sept. 11th was bone chilling. I would again strongly recommend any PR student who wants firm, concrete examples of success and a strong work ethic to contact with Amy Paul!
Do so by following her on Twitter or send her an email at amypaul.webs.com
Even look at her work with the admirals for some inspiration!
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Amy Paul Guest Speaker
Today in Tactics 2 our class had the privilege of listening to guest speaker Amy Paul. Paul is a recent UW-Whitewater graduate who now works in Milwaukee for Milwaukee City Executives Office. Some of her chief responsibilities include: social media management, writing press releases and media advisories, monitoring media coverage, and update information that is put on the counties website. Paul also plans major events that are sponsored through the county. Events of this magnitude include the 10th anniversary remembrance event for Sept. 11th and the tree lighting ceremony around Christmas time. Paul gave a lot of great advice about PR throughout her presentation, however the piece of advice that stuck the most was from the question I asked. As I have previously state I am going to be a firefighter post graduation, so I do not plan to use any of the PR skills acquired in college post graduation. I asked Paul if she had any advice for transitioning from the college life to the real world. Paul's advice consisted of preparing yourself for the real world by being busy your last year of college. Live a "professional" lifestyle instead of sleeping until noon, like you are able to do in college. I thoroughly enjoyed her presentation and would recommend any PR student at Whitewater to outreach to her.
Friday, September 9, 2011
The Last First Day of School
After reflecting on the first week of classes of my senior year in college, I'm torn on what to make of it. Going to an institution of higher learning was always a goal of mine and I accomplished that goal. However, it never crossed my mind that I would actually feel remorse on my last first day of school. My mom actually wanted me to send her a picture on my cell phone, so she could see me on this special day.
I guess it is a fact of life that all must good things come to an end. This is especially true with my college career. I have met so many friends that I will be close with for the rest of my life. I will make the greatest number of memories that I can this year, because they will last me a life time!
I guess it is a fact of life that all must good things come to an end. This is especially true with my college career. I have met so many friends that I will be close with for the rest of my life. I will make the greatest number of memories that I can this year, because they will last me a life time!
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Initiating the conversation
The interesting aspect of PR to me is the how communication is initiated. Being a PR professional can range in tasks that dip into the marketing waters of corporate america or that deal with a small town community park system. Communication is evident in an task in PR, the difference is how each form of communication starts. I will discuss briefly on three videos of interviewed alumni from UW-Whitewater who are now in the "real world."
Lynnette Hulgan discusses her job duties and much of what relates back to PR and event planning. I think it's interesting to see how communication plays a crucial role in the success of her business endeavors. Sending out the various communication tools that PR professionals use is the first form of communication. To understand the passion she has for PR watch the full video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ax1agT4OOHc
Jenna Darling explains how social media is becoming the new trend for PR professionals. The basic principles of communication still apply but with social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook, the masses feel the message is personally directed toward them. To gain some insight on the new trends watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Yh2JwEuvn8
Brian Kohlmann is the definition of hard work paying off in the form of great success. The intensity of his passion was recognized by a company in Lake Tahoe, California. They presented him with a great honor of being a keynote speaker. Communication was initiated through the client first this time, however Kohlmann communicated the proper skill set for the companies success. To be inspired click on the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mU6z0LJ9Qzg
Lynnette Hulgan discusses her job duties and much of what relates back to PR and event planning. I think it's interesting to see how communication plays a crucial role in the success of her business endeavors. Sending out the various communication tools that PR professionals use is the first form of communication. To understand the passion she has for PR watch the full video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ax1agT4OOHc
Jenna Darling explains how social media is becoming the new trend for PR professionals. The basic principles of communication still apply but with social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook, the masses feel the message is personally directed toward them. To gain some insight on the new trends watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Yh2JwEuvn8
Brian Kohlmann is the definition of hard work paying off in the form of great success. The intensity of his passion was recognized by a company in Lake Tahoe, California. They presented him with a great honor of being a keynote speaker. Communication was initiated through the client first this time, however Kohlmann communicated the proper skill set for the companies success. To be inspired click on the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mU6z0LJ9Qzg
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Twitter 2
An emerging trend in today's society is social media. Along with this there are various different platforms upon which different social media has risen. Twitter is one such social media trend that has really impacted my life. I believe that Twitter is an effective marketing tool that allows important information readily available to the masses. Sportscenter for instance, posts on Twitter with breaking news stories. @SportsCenter A person that does not have the privilege of being in front of a television when these stories break can be kept up to speed with current events.
Twitter also allows an effective new form of communication. It allows for friends to update each other with the activities that go on throughout their day. The difference is that Twitter only offers 140 characters to get your message across. http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1902604,00.htmlTime is such a crucial element in today's business world. I mean that the quicker a job can be done, the better. That means more business opportunities. This is exactly what Twitter implies.
Celebrity athletes have often been seen as untouchable to the general masses. This stereotype is true, however I feel that it is wrong. Athletes are normal, everyday people just like the rest of America. Twitter allows just this. I follow Larry Fitzgerald on Twitter. @LarryFitzgeraldTwitter allows for me to see that Larry is more than just a football player. He wishes to be a better father, son and student of God. Twitter is an effective marketing tool and I feel that the three links I have shared will get you to agree with me!
Twitter also allows an effective new form of communication. It allows for friends to update each other with the activities that go on throughout their day. The difference is that Twitter only offers 140 characters to get your message across. http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1902604,00.htmlTime is such a crucial element in today's business world. I mean that the quicker a job can be done, the better. That means more business opportunities. This is exactly what Twitter implies.
Celebrity athletes have often been seen as untouchable to the general masses. This stereotype is true, however I feel that it is wrong. Athletes are normal, everyday people just like the rest of America. Twitter allows just this. I follow Larry Fitzgerald on Twitter. @LarryFitzgeraldTwitter allows for me to see that Larry is more than just a football player. He wishes to be a better father, son and student of God. Twitter is an effective marketing tool and I feel that the three links I have shared will get you to agree with me!
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