Last night I had the pleasure of sharing dinner with some really smart folks; Aaron Strout, Bryan Person, Tim Walker, John Johansen, Doug Wick and Bill Fanning. The great thing about getting a group like that together is to hear what everyone else is working on and since we all have at least one foot in the social media world that was a topic that certainly run throughout the night. Each time I talk with these people I learn something new that I can apply to my daily work.

But what I like the most about getting together with this group is that I get to play the contrarian, and I relish the role. Any member of my family or folks who have known me for a long time will tell you, I love to pick a fight. I’m not doing it to be annoying, I do it for one of three other reasons:

1. To determine if you REALLY believe what you just said;
2. To introduce another line of thinking that ultimately will shape your thinking;
3. To determine if I REALLY believe what you just said;

The key in being contrarian is not only to have an understanding of the topic, but to be around people who know you well enough to understand that you are not just doing this as an annoyance, but deliberately to encourage debate. This is an important role to have filled whether eating steaks with friends or filling out your executive staff. Too many “yes men” creates a weak organization, don’t surround yourself with those types of people or it will mean your failure to grow.

On that note I have made the decision to end “Engage In PR”. I’ve been blogging on this site (originally on blogspot) for nearly five years, but it is time for a much needed change. PR is still part of my job and will always be part of my professional DNA, however it is constraining when it is so central to the URL. Plans are in the works to launch a new site by the end of this summer and I’m excited to introduce you all to my co-authors at that point.

This is not my last post on Engage In PR, that will come later, but being the contrarian I knew it was time to question what I was doing and find the next challenge.

What did you question today?

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I’ve talked on the blog a million times about what we are doing at BreakingPoint. I get to work everyday with some of the most passionate people who are consistently pushing the needle when it comes to our products and our marketing. Not to mention the fact that not a day goes by that I don’t laugh uncontrollably at some point.

We’ve already done so many cool things with video, social media, Flash, web, events and more. And because we think the environment and opportunity is so killer, we want to share this experience with someone who is looking to work in graphic design.

The official description is below, but hit me up on the blog, Twitter or eMail if you have any questions and spread the word because in my opinion this is a really great opportunity to be around some amazing people!

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Fast-growing technology company seeks graphic design student looking for opportunity to gain professional experience in a fast-paced work environment. You will work with a proven marketing team to leverage and develop your skills as a multimedia artist to create, among other items, web graphics, brochures, flyers, posters and booth backdrops.

Candidates must:

• Be a currently enrolled student focused on design
• Possess proficient skills in InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop and Fireworks
• Thrive under tight deadlines
• Work well in a team atmosphere
• Have attention to the smallest of details
• Commit at least 15 hours per week on location

Photography, video editing and Flash skills are each a plus.

Submit your resume, cover letter and relevant portfolio samples to jobs@breakingpoint.com.

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My Mother performed the bulk of the duties when teaching me how to drive, fortunately for my Father (but very unfortunate for my poor Sister who had to sit in the back most likely filled with fear). Meandering through my neighborhood it was clear that I was approaching due to the loud exhaust emitted from the 1972 Lincoln Mercury. My hands gripped the red plastic steering wheel, a good foot in circumference, knuckles a blinding white, as I physically had to turn with the car just to rotate the behometh. Children would rush for the safety of their yards, not realizing that power brakes were not a feature of the ‘72 Mercury, but nonetheless understanding that to be in the way was foolish. Mistakenly going through yet another stop sign I would turn to my Mom seated to my left and all I would hear is some phrase of encouragement.

• “Mistakes happen, but you have to minimize them when driving.”
• “Never underestimate the people around you, they may help you out of a jam.”
• “Always look twice before proceeding, you never know what could sneak up on you.”
• “Try to never go in reverse for that long of a period.”
• “Don’t worry about little Brian, I think you only clipped his left leg.”

OK, that last one didn’t happen and I’m sure my memory is not recalling the exact words, but the messages are consistent to the mantra I learned while learning to drive. The messages are also exactly what I would tell someone when approaching how to market in today’s communications world.

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