Students Find Inspiration from Mass Comm Week

By Adriana Hattenberger

Author of “Crush It!” Gary Vaynerchuk spoke about the Internet and finding success for Mass Communications Week on Wednesday.

Vaynerchuk showed Texas State University students through stories how to use social media to invest in yourself.

As a knowledgeable source on social media Vaynerchuk, host of winelibrarytv.com, believes that marketing and building a following is all about the game of storytelling.

“Brands that succeed are the ones that most know how to paint a picture,” Vaynerchuk said.

Adrianna Villarreal, advertising major at TSU, said that Vaynerchuk taught her a lot about storytelling to market a product in an a changing world.

“Gary helped me to realize that we just have to change with the times, and that knowing how to talk to people while being descriptive is so important,” said Villarreal. “If the client has a good representation of what you are talking about, you will be set.”

Vaynerchuk said that looking at culture shifts is truly important. He also added that the Internet is a great self-publishing platform that allows every person an opportunity to express ideas for no cost.

“It’s not about the tool that delivers it, it’s about the message,” Vaynerchuk said.

Jessica Rowland, public relations major at TSU, said that Vaynerchuk has a straight-forward attitude that showed her how to use the Internet to market herself.

“He made me realize that the sky’s the limit when it comes to things I can accomplish with my career,” Rowland said.

Vaynerchuk believes hard work gives everyone a shot to do something they love; pursuing another career is a mistake.

“I know so many miserable millionaires,” said Vaynerchuk.

Tracie Wrape, electronic media major at TSU, agrees with Vaynerchuk that a person can build a business around what they want to do all day.

“There are so many crazy sites these days, with people that are doing something that they are passionate about,” Wrape said. “And the fact that people are actually making a living off of it, gives me hope that I can do that same thing one day.”

http://www.txstatemcweek.com/
http://tv.winelibrary.com/
http://crushitbook.com/
http://garyvaynerchuk.com/
http://twitter.com/garyvee

Students Get Ready to Advertise

By Adriana Hattenberger

As Texas State alumni, this group of experienced professionals, led a panel discussing what is needed to be successful in an advertising agency. The panelists consisted of Colin Decker, art director for Schematic; Sabrina Jordan, media supervisor for GSD&M Idea City and John Livingston, art director for nFusion.

“You don’t have to wait till you get out of college to start getting experience,” said Jordan. “It is all about networking and trying to get experience wherever you can.”

The panelists talked about how students interested in advertising need to be street smart and creative. They also said students need to prepare for the work environment and start networking now.

http://adsoftheworld.com/