Local Business Spotlight | DJ Slater
WHO IS YOUR IDEAL CLIENT?
Any company with a desire to improve their marketing and an open mind when it comes to collaboration.
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN YOUR FIELD OF WORK?
I actually didn't have marketing on my radar as a career. I started as a journalist at the Wausau Daily Herald (Wausau, WI), covering various topics. I then joined a publishing company - Diesel & Gas Turbine Publications - that produced four industry trade publications. I spent most of my 11 years here on CompressorTech2, which covers the gas compression industry. I had been in contact over the years with DeanHouston as they would sometimes send article ideas my way. After noticing my work on a podcast for one of their clients, we discussed what it would be like with me as their publicity coordinator. I joined the team and have been enjoying it ever since.
WHAT IS ONE THING PEOPLE think THEY KNOW ABOUT YOUR JOB?
Many people think you're trying to generate publicity for well-known, mainstream clients (soda brands, appliance manufacturers, etc.). While we do have a few recognizable names in our portfolio, many of our clients are major players in the industrial landscape. So instead of trying to get content published for Coke or LG, I'm doing that for industrial clients, such as PSG and OPW. This comes with some challenges, but it also allows me to be creative and find different ways to get their message and content out to trade publications and the press.
NAME ONE THING YOU WISH PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT YOUR JOB.
It involves a lot of daily communication. This isn't a detriment as I enjoy talking to people regularly, but it can be an overwhelming prospect for someone who isn't as talkative or is more introverted.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?
The challenge of making something that doesn't seem interesting on the surface and finding an element (or several) that make it appealing.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE STARTING IN YOUR INDUSTRY?
Focus on the skill sets that make you versatile in the fields that appeal to you. I didn't set out to be in marketing at this stage of my life, but I like to write and be creative, so I honed those skills sets (among many others) in my journalism courses.
What is the ONE book that you think I should read RIGHT NOW?
Legend Has It by DJ Slater (yes, I'm plugging my own novel, but it is a fun, scary story worth reading).
CONTACT DJ HERE:
PHONE
513.421.6622
EMAIL
dj.slater@deanhouston.com
A NOTE FROM DJ
Find the things you love to do and invest your energy in them. If it's something you can tie to a career, even better. Regardless, do the things that fill you with joy.
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