New year, new opportunities

If I’ve seemed distant here on the blog for a couple of weeks it’s because I’ve been going through some changes in my professional life. After eight wonderful years with my previous employer I decided to shift direction a little bit and jump in to the digital side of the PR world. I am officially (as of yesterday) the new Director, Digital Marketing at Fleishman-Hillard here in Cleveland.

If you don’t know who FH is, that’s okay. I didn’t either before I looked at my LinkedIn “who’s viewing you” page one day and saw one of their recruiters had stopped by my profile. I did a deep dive and was impressed with what I saw. FH is one of the largest PR agencies in the world and part of the impressively diversified Omnicom network. That’s all well and good, but why choose PR now?

Why PR?
I could have (would have) continued in digital marketing firms, but I’ve truly been impressed with the thinking coming from the PR side of the marketing blogosphere. Specifically, I’ve been impressed with the new media thought leadership. The PR industry is full of people whom I greatly respect like Kevin Dugan, Shel Holtz, Geoff Livingston, Rohit Bhargava, Katie Paine, Steve Rubel, David Reich, Neville Hobson, Phil Gomes, Brian Solis, Doug Haslam and numerous others.

Why Fleishman?
Fleishman is very respected, digitally savvy company that is taking new media and technology seriously. PR has always been about forming relationships and engaging in conversations and there is a natural progression into social media (maybe more so than ad agencies or digital shops). They’re also very supportive of this blog and the social media activities that I participate in, which will continue full-force.

I am looking forward to learning a lot and being able to share some of that knowledge with you, my readers. I am still 100% focused on digital marketing, but the PR effect will certainly be fun to weave into my arsenal and hopefully yours as well. This blog will not turn in to a place to pitch, it will remain a place to learn and grow together.

If I’ve ignored an email you’ve sent me over the past couple of weeks, don’t despair. I’m slowly catching up.

(Btw, did you know that PR doesn’t stand for press release? Just kidding! I had to say it.)

Comments

[Mario Vellandi]

Congrats bro! Hope you enjoy the new job

[CK]

I'm so happy for your happiness. Yes, FH is a biggie and what I'm REALLY pleased about is that you get to teach so many what they need to know about this new age.

Cuz many need to know a lot--and they just need to be taught is all. And you are a guide and teacher for sure.

They better be paying you BIG bucks or I'll blog badly about them. (Just kidding.)Seriously you are priceless and just know how much we appreciate you.

[Tim Brunelle]

Matt,

This is awesome news! Congratulations.

We're very much looking forward to your appearance in Minneapolis for the Conversations on The Future of Advertising event.

Tim

[Ryan Karpeles]

Many congrats, Matt. That's very exciting. You'll be amazing, no doubt. All the best ;-)

[Valeria Maltoni]

Congratulations, Matt. The future may see people who do what we used to think of as PR and marketing in a blended approach -- they might be called conversation agents ;-) You bring a lot to the table, they are lucky to have invited you to join them.

And yes, I know FH.

[Toby]

Congrats! we'll really celebrate in NYC in April.

[Greg Verdino]

Congratulations Matt - It sounds like a great move for you and you'll be great!

[Geoff Livingston]

That's a big move, Matt. Great firm, I know you will do well. Congratulations!!!

[Mark Goren]

Aces, my friend. Completely happy for you and wish you nothing but the best in this new adventure. Well deserved!

[Matt Dickman]

Mario -- Thank you, I appreciate that!

CK -- You are too kind. Thank you.

Tim -- Looking forward to my trip up to finally meet you in person.

Valeria -- You're right on the money, it's all blending together with a digital thread.

Toby -- Can't wait to see you again in NYC!

Greg -- You've been a true social media mentor. Thank you!

Geoff -- Thank you for your well wishes.

Mark -- Thanks for your continued support and friendship. I have got to get up to Montreal this year.

[michelle v]

What? I'm not included in the list of PR people you greatly respect? Just kidding. Good luck at FH - looking forward to your future posts.

Michelle

[Jim Kukral]

Congrats Matt. Any online PR in that company?

[David Berkowitz]

Congrats, Matt! I'm sure you'll make an impact there. Can't wait to hear more about it.

[Paul Herring]

Welcome to FH! You'll love it here. Let me know when if you come to the FH offices in Dallas.

[bender]

Congrats, Matt. FH is lucky to be getting your talent.

I hope this doesn't stop you from keeping T//M updated.

[David Reich]

Congratulations Matt and welcome to the wonderful world of Public Relations.

Fleishman has long had a good reputation in the industry. I had dealings with their corporate group in New York for a client several years ago, and they were top-notch, as well as being nice poeople.

Have fun. If work brings you into the New York office, let's catch up over coffee, lunch or dinner.

[Joseph Jaffe]

Congrats!!! FH's gain is everybody's loss :)

Knock 'em dead!

[Jackie Shervington]

Congratulaions Matt - fantastic news - I look forward to learning more about PR from you on gooruze. cheers

[Matt Dickman]

Michelle -- You're definitely on my list. Sorry for not adding you.

Jim -- Thanks man. We need to meet up sometime.

David -- Thanks and I'm looking forward to (hopefully) seeing you at Blogger Social.

Paul -- Can't believe I didn't know you worked at FH too. What a small world.

bender -- I'm very committed to T//M and, though it'll be a little slow as I get into the swing of things, I'll be in full force soon enough.

David -- That means a lot coming from you and you at the top of my list on NYC people to call first.

Joseph -- Thanks for coming by, I'll see you in NYC as well. Can't wait to meet you in person finally.

Jackie -- I'm looking forward to sharing more PR info on Gooruze in the coming weeks and months.

[Steve Woodruff]

Matt, great news! Congratulations - I'm sure it will be a great learning experience for you!

[Joel Libava]

Congrats, Matt!
Hopefully we can bond a tad more at the next Meet-Up!
Good Luck!
Joel Libava

[Matt Dickman]

Steve -- I am sure it will be too. Thanks for the congrats.

Joel -- We definitely need to get together soon. Looking forward!

[Drew McLellan]

Matt,

Bravo!! Lucky FH and their clients. You certainly have earned their attention and desire to have you join their team!

Drew

[Herb]

Matt,

As I'm a bit behind in my google reader (and blogging...and don't even get me started about twitter) so I just saw this now.

Congrats!!!!

From meeting you and following your blog I think you'll be a great director.

Cheers to '08!

[Doug Haslam]

Matt,

Congrats on your new job and career path. Best of success to you!

Also, thanks for including me in your list-- very flattered. I belong in that group like the Tampa Bay Devil Rays belong in the American League East, but I'll take it.

Now, as a PR person, I must ask. Does this change mean you won;t be doing that video about my client that we talked about? :)