By Katy Mumaw, Farm and Dairy and Lyle Orwig, Charleston/Orwig, Inc.
Are we tired of hearing, “it isn’t what you know…but who you know?” As we stroll through 2018, it could not be more true.
In today’s age of social media, online sharing and digital first impressions, who you know can help you go a long way on your career path.
Virtually anyone can “look good” in a digital first impression, but if you have the backing of a veteran in the agricultural communications field, that good word can move mountains for you.
Mentors and acquaintances within the industry help me stay on top of my game and connected. The first time I spoke with my mentor through the AAEA program, Lyle Orwig, we connected on a professional level as he is on the National FFA Foundation Board and I used to work for the National FFA.
Our desire to support and better the organization was evident and our discussions on various strategies to do so were thought provoking. He has shared pieces he has written about crisis communication with me and I have shared articles I have written for the Farm and Dairy newspaper. Reviewing another’s writing style helps me critique my own.
On a personal level, we both have children, his older than mine, but we connected on this topic because he relayed to me an interest in family-life and an understanding of the challenges it can bring into our best attempts at a work/life balance.
Having someone to call on with such vast experiences with agricultural businesses is valuable as I wish to be well rounded in the industry.
From the mentor side, I find it invigorating to visit with good writers like Katy, who are making their mark in the ag comm industry. It helps me understand how much faster I need to move just to try to keep up with them. Those of us who have had the benefit of mentors of our own, want to share that experience with up and comers. Trying to improve their writing, their career, or their work-life balance. So, if you’re not a part of AAEA’s program, it just might be time to join in…as a mentor or a mentee.