My annual summer vacay at the cottage with my girls, wife Lori and three daughters, is different this year. It’s nearly as relaxing as usual – I’m into my second week and city responsibilities have mostly diminished in priority. However, this year I find myself in between jobs.
Just last month I was the president of the Canadian operations of a leading PR firm, Porter Novelli, this week I’m moving on to the next phase of my career. Exciting times.
So as I watch the sunset into a beautiful evening that precedes what will be another wonderful day on Lake Temagami, I’m thinking about what I’d like to do next.
I know and like client service. Working with great colleagues and clients, getting so many people to appreciate so many brands, products and services will always be riveting, especially as we move into what one friend calls the golden years of PR. But wait, I also read that PR is dead as we know it and I hear that advertising is flailing and social media is changing everything. I also know that sales, profits and meaningful results have never been more important.
So as I enjoy the cottage and think about what I’d like to do next , I see a lot of opportunity to take what I know about the art and science of influence and engagement to the next level. I could do this at another agency, as a stand-alone consultant, as the communications lead for a great company, as the operations lead for a company that also needs marketing help, and/or in tight collaboration with advertisers. Im’ sure I could also run a business given my most recent experience.
The options are more than a little interesting.
Campbell Communications 
Hey Trevor,
Very timely post. Daina, Shea and I were just up at Temagami yesterday dropping him off at Camp Wanapetei and Daina and I were reminiscing about the weekend we had with you guys so many years ago at your cottage. Shea’s question was “did I go” and we said sort of, as Daina was pregnant with him at the time.
Change is a fantastic thing. The thing that keeps us alive, moving, and always growing. Enjoy it! Make no compromises, me too’s or safety’s and most importantly have fun! All of which I know you will do.
If your bored, looking for a sounding board (bored? no pun intended) give me a shout and we can hookup.
All the best from Daina and I in the change ahead!
Hi Byron, I remember that fun weekend long ago; you jumping out of the speeding boat in the middle of the lake.
Thanks for your note of encouragement. It’s great advice that I’ll make sure to keep in mind.
I’ll be in touch.
Hi Trevor,
I was going through my Google reader and saw this post. Change is a great thing. It’s exciting and nerve wreaking all at the same time. I did an informational interview with you earlier in the summer because I was (and still am) going through some career transition. You were the one to encourage me to get involved with social media. I took your advice and have found that it has opened so many doors for me. For your advice, I thank you.
Please let me know if there’s anything I can do for you. There is an executive transition group that I’m a part of: HAPPEN: http://www.happen.ca and I’m happy to tell you a bit more about it. It has good networking opportunities. Feel free to connect with me at jenmy.huynh@gmail.com and perhaps we can share a coffee sometime soon.
You have a lot of options open to you. It’s a matter of choosing the right one. Follow your passion, I know you’ll make the right decision. Enjoy the time with your family because that’s what matters in the end.
Hi Jenmy, thanks for your note. Change is exciting and nerve-raking; it’s also what we make of it. Passion is important, as are smart choices and unrelenting determination. When we spoke I remember that you were smart, well-prepared and confident. I know you’ll do well.