An explanation

I wanted to explain the story behind my headline on this blog. Last week I was given a valuable experience to network with many people across the marketing industry in both Portland, Oregon and Seattle, Washington. Last fall I applied and was accepted for a Marketing Field Experience class through The University of Montana. The class is focused on providing a hands-on experience for the 11 students selected which includes learning more about the various options within marketing. We set out in our 15 person van on June 1st and returned on the 7th. During this time we visited with individuals at Nike, Respond2 and CMedia, Nautilus, Inc., Wieden and Kennedy, Microsoft (mainly focused on Xbox) and Edelman. We met with one of the most interesting individuals I've encountered while at W+K, Jelly Helm. He spoke with us about how he got to his current position and gave us insight into advertising and what sets W+K apart from other agencies. At one point during the conversation he commented that he believes in "walking in stupid". In other words, temporarily discarding egos and past beliefs and using every experience as an opportunity to learn. This is not to say one should truly be stupid but instead, as he worded it, have "naive intelligence". An individual should, of course, be intelligent but also be able to learn and absorb information like a sponge. This comment really struck me as interesting and it is one that I have not forgotten. So, I said the point of this blog is for me to reflect and learn more about the marketing industry, but do it in a public format. I want to learn and express my opinions, but I gave my blog it's current title as a reminder that there is always more to learn and always another opinion. I think that's enough background for today, I need to go work on my career blueprint and enjoy the sounds of the rain outside. To those of you in Montana, enjoy the mixture of rain and snow.