The heat’s a-risin’& deadlines are a-flyin’

With the temperatures reaching the 90s here in Cleveland, I have to continually wipe my head from the sweat pouring out of every pore across my brow. It’s Cleveland for gosh sakes; why can’t even a fraction of this warmth stick around for the winter? But, let’s not even mention the winter; it brings back horrible memories (snow up to my knees again?! No thank you!). It seems all this heat is getting to everyone. I look outside of my window at Liggett and there are not quite as many people outside and there’s a race every day around noon for the tables in the shade. However, while most are seeking the air conditioning, I’m seeking more time.

We have now been here at Liggett for five weeks. I sit back and think where has this time gone? It doesn’t feel like I’ve worked for five weeks, mostly just got stuff done and then had fun. Not only did we go to the Indian’s game, but also, we make regular trips to the corner Starbucks and a nice little restaurant call Bricco down the street. Ben even got a complimentary birthday brownie Tuesday! I suppose I’m mirroring my last post in saying, after work, we play. Luckily, all the time we spend working pays off in the smallest ways.

I’ve never been the type of person to do anything short term, and I remember when I found out I had 10 weeks here at Liggett. At that time, I felt it was long (over 2 months). I look now, and it really is too short. I haven’t quite figured out this hate for the cubicle or office work many people speak of. Yes, some days seem to last longer than others, but five o’clock always comes and the sun is still beating around eighty-something for about four more hours.

We are finally making some head-way on our intern t-shirt and soon it will be Ham Day (Liggett’s own annual internal holiday) but only after our intern party, all scheduled for the end of this month. Next week we have a field trip to WKYC studios and the week after that Oliver Printing and The Plain Dealer. There’s still so much to do but with so little time and with all this fun going on, I could do this job for an extra five weeks, no problem. Luckily, deadlines make me work even harder when they come creeping up, so with all the work out of the way, these last few weeks here will fly by (unfortunately). The end of this internship means the end of my cubicle, my new friends, and the end of summer. Let’s delay it, can’t we?

Sasha Thueringer

Creative Intern

Why didn't I think of that?

In today’s world, it’s all been done before. As time progresses, it becomes harder and harder to come up with an idea that’s completely original, that has never been heard of before. But when an original idea does come along, you kick yourself for not conjuring it up yourself.

Take Silly Bandz, for example. These oddly shaped rubber bands that are worn on your wrist and traded like baseball cards, are all the rage for today’s youth. Who could’ve predicted the success of such a simple idea?

When it comes to writing copy, which lately is what I’ve dedicated most of my time to, I’m trying to come up with a completely authentic, never-before-seen way of saying something. Whether it’s a tagline or how-to directions for a website, I want to say it in a way that is different from the way it’s been said before. But how?

It’s challenging to write something completely original without making up new words. I’ve got the entire English language to use; it’s just a matter of putting words together to get my message across without being repetitive or boring. A puzzle, if you will. Luckily, working close with art directors and graphic designers, I can add more pieces to the puzzle with audio or visuals that’ll enhance the message.

I witness some of my favorite messages every day. I can’t get the AT&T Pure Imagination commercial out of my head: “Remember when you were 5? And anything was possible? Happy 5^th birthday again.”

Simple message, in a simple sentence, but still memorable. Now, why didn’t I think of that?

Ben Langdon

Creative Intern

We're Halfway There!

With sun-kissed faces, the LS staff is ready to get back to work after the 4th of July holiday weekend. The balmy heat of summer has yet to slow us down, as everyone in the office is busy, busy, busy.

I have stacks of papers, hoards of magazines, and an array of post-its scattered around my desk impatiently waiting for my attention. Assignment deadlines are creeping up on me, and my checklist is getting longer and more detailed. But I honestly don't mind. I'd rather be busy doing something than twiddling my fingers doing nothing. LS never fails to give me an opportunity that will keep me focused for my 8-hour shift.

This week I look forward to the "midterm" of the LS internship. The interns will get the chance to individually meet with the internship coordinators to give and receive feedback. For me, this is an extremely important and wonderful aspect of the LS program.

As a college student, I am still grappling my way through the business world, trying to discover my strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes. While writing press releases and updating media lists familiarizes me with agency life, I feel that my best work experiences have come from simply talking things over with business professionals. Receiving feedback this week will point me down a better path for whatever career I choose to pursue in the future.

Rachelle P.
Brand Management Intern

No Place for the Timid...

I know it’s difficult coming out of your shell. I’ve been there. And I can remember the moments in college that started the process for me. That’s what I hope this internship is for our interns – the start of the process.

Every summer I see interns come in with wide-eyed expressions that I liken to deer in headlights. They are scared. They don’t want to screw up. They don’t want to be embarrassed. For some, they quickly get over it. Others never seem to embrace the notion that agency life is not for the timid.

While it may not always be super models and photo shoots, agency life is exciting, fast-paced and hectic. Clients look to their agency partners for expertise, advice and direction. Agency folks need to be ready, willing and able to step up, push back and take charge. We have to win and maintain the respect of our clients and we can’t do that being bashful - or dopey for that matter.

So, agency interns everywhere, no need for an alter ego, simply start the process. Talk to the staff at the agency not just your fellow interns. Ask questions. Ask for help. Volunteer for projects. Don’t take yourself too seriously. Admit agency life can be tough and you need us to show you the way.

Take me out to the ball game!

I've been to a few Indians games before, but never like this! Today the Liggett interns will be attending the afternoon game in style - sitting on the Social Deck, the press box for bloggers and social media.

We'll be there with other Cleveland interns from Flourish, Dix & Eaton, and Landau, and as part of the deal will be tweeting all afternoon about the game.

We're also going to get the chance to talk with Rob Campbell, executive development fellow in social media for the tribe. It'll be an amazing opportunity to ask him how he made his way into sports public relations and to learn about his experiences working for the Indians. A very good friend of mine has been trying to break into baseball PR since graduating, so I am ready to go with questions!

It's going to be such a beautiful day, so I have a good feeling about us defeating the Blue Jays. Keep an eye on the game this afternoon by following the updates from @tribetalk, the Indians' Twitter account.

Katie F.

Brand Management Intern