The 2016 ESMS Challenge

 

Stephen Chandler Ericson & Kelly

Last year the ESMS intern team began a new tradition called, “The ESMS Challenge.”  What exactly is the challenge though?  Well, the interns are given $250.00 and are asked to select a nonprofit organization in the West Chester area to donate to.  After selecting an organization, it is their job to find donors to double the funds and purchase what is needed for that particular organization!  This year the 2016 ESMS intern team is happy to announce they have selected The Stephen Chandler Ericson Foundation as their organization.

Samantha Shupe 2015 Recipient

Laura Chandler Ericson and Joseph H. Ericson, Jr. established the Stephen Chandler Ericson scholarship in 1984.  They decided this scholarship would be awarded, annually, to a senior high school student in the Chester County area.  The goal of Stephen’s fund is to help young people with their education and to inspire them to develop the mindset that we are all in this life together and that we must help one another – to date 36 scholarships have been awarded.

The scholarship really hit home as college interns because we understand how much a scholarship can help a student achieve their academic goals.  Our personal goal is to do more than just double the funds given to us and give out a scholarship – our goal is to give back and continue to inspire the recipients that “One Life Makes a Difference.”

 To read more about Stephen or to donate to the foundation, click the link below!

Stephen Chandler Ericson Foundation

 

Published by: Stephanie Sywensky and Bianca Spatola

WCU Women in Leadership & Service

From the Interns Desk

The ESMS team is proud to announce that Cynthia has most recently accepted a board position with the West Chester University Foundation, Women in Leadership and Service. This is an exciting opportunity to not only learn more about this foundation, but to be able to spread the word to other students who have not yet been exposed to this organization.

So, what exactly is “Women in Leadership and Service” (WILS)? WILS is a strategic resource for women students of West Chester University providing educational programs, leadership opportunities, and financial support while advocating for individual success. This organization thrives to empower and shape present and future generations of women students at WCU through leadership, mentorship, service and philanthropy!

Within the year ahead WILS intends to expand their services to help students with providing scholarships, programming, networking opportunities, and mentoring experiences that will ensure WCU students will have access to the tools they need beyond the campus resources!

Cynthia is looking forward to making a contribution to WILS, which advocates success to women and their leadership positions. We would like to congratulate her on this rewarding position!

For more information about WILS and how you can be a part of it, please click HERE!

    

 

 

 

Published by: Stephanie Sywensky and Bianca Spatola

Michael Halebian&Co.,Inc. Job Campaign!

From the Interns Desk

ESMS is reaching out to recent college graduates with a job opportunity for one of our clients, Michael Halebian & Co., Inc. An entry level sales position in Eastern PA is available and we have been targeting recent college graduates who are looking to start their first “real job.” The ESMS team created an advertisement publicizing the job opportunity, and we shared it with the West Chester University community and a Philadelphia job fair.

45% of college graduates are still living at home with their parents and 68% of them expect financial support from Mom and Dad after leaving school. This is a great opportunity to give these recent graduates a running start to being on their own and becoming more independent. With a good starting base salary plus sales commission, this job can help young adults move out of their parents’ houses and start living on their own.

The ad will catch the attention of any recent college graduate who is looking for their first entry-level position, especially those who are still living at home. We used a graphic (shown above) of a young woman walking into the sunshine with a suitcase to resemble moving out into the world on your own. It shows that a bright and exciting future lies ahead. The post states all the information needed for those who show an interest: the salary, location, and contact information/instructions for inquires. The tone of the ad is inviting and encouraging for grads to apply to. Nothing is scarier than applying for your first job and thinking the professional world is intimidating!

I posted the ad to the West Chester University Class of 2016 Facebook page, because those students will be graduating in the Spring, as well as on the ESMS page, Cynthia Ericson’s personal page, and my personal page. We also created a post on the Ram Career Network, which is a website for the career development of WCUPA students. The career network also shared the post to other PA schools in their system to include Bloomsburg University, California University, Cheyney University, Clarion University, East Stroudsburg University, Edinboro University, Indiana University, Kutztown University, Lock Haven University, Millersville University, Shippensburg University and Slippery Rock University.

Stephanie, our newest intern, also looked into local job fairs where the company could host a table promoting the job opportunity. She came across the Philadelphia Career Fair, a segment of National Career Fairs, which will be held on Tuesday, January 26th, 2016. Cynthia and a representative from Halebian will host a table with business cards and brochures for prospective job applicants.

Visit the Michael Halebian & Co., Inc. website at http://www.michaelhalebian.com/.

Source: http://www.forbes.com/sites/kateashford/2015/05/20/post-grad-support/#2715e4857a0b53f27a6f668c

 

Published by: Stephanie Sywensky and Bianca Spatola

Interviews at QVC

From the Interns Desk

On November 2nd 2015, Bianca and I had the opportunity to visit QVC Studio Park and meet with a few people who work there. As mentioned in one of our previous blogs, “The Power of Networking”, Cynthia had connected us with the Vice President of Commerce Support and Inventory Management at QVC. Getting the chance to sit down and meet with a VP was a great opportunity, not only to learn more about QVC and where I would fit in best, but also to practice my interviewing skills. After meeting with the VP, I was escorted to meet with an HR representative who spoke with me more about the internship program and how I would go about applying for a position.  Overall, this experience was extremely helpful for all opportunities to come in the future.

When Ashley and I went for our interviews at QVC, it was a very exciting experience.  As I sat in the waiting room, I was confident and excited to be introduced to the company.  I have always wanted to work at QVC, and this was my opportunity to get my foot in the door.  I first met with the Vice President of Commerce Support and Inventory Management.  She asked me about what classes I had taken that were most beneficial to me, the topics on my resume, and what my goals were at QVC.  She also shared with me what kind of departments were available for me to find a job in.  Then she directed me to a representative from HR to further discuss my options and job opportunities.  She also told me that when jobs are posted online, QVC wishes to fill the positions within the next couple of weeks; therefore, I cannot start applying for jobs until March/April because it will be closer to my graduation date and my availability.  It was a great opportunity to speak with both QVC reps, and I look forward to applying for jobs come the spring time!

The biggest takeaway Ashley and I had from this experience was that it is very important to ask questions.  Both the VP and the HR rep told us QVC recruiters love applicants who ask questions about the company and the available positions.  This was great advice that we can take with us for our future interviews at any company.

 

 

 

Published by: Ashley Mattes and Bianca Spatola

ESMS Field Trip-West Chester Food Cupboard

On Wednesday, October 28^th, 2015, the ESMS team took a field trip to the West Chester Food Cupboard.  The Food Cupboard is a volunteer-run nonprofit that provides food and personal care items to families and individuals in West Chester every month. The Food Cupboard believes no one should go hungry!  Once a month, West Chester residents in need can come receive non-perishable food items at no cost.   The cupboard provides food to over 500 households every month.  They receive donations from volunteers, food drives, grocery stores, and are in partnership with the Chester County Food Bank.  They are staffed entirely by volunteers and operate solely on monetary and product donations.

The ESMS team went on a tour of the organization, and we were shown the different food sections of the cupboard.  There are signs above each of the food sections that explain the allotted amount of items each individual can take.  The number of items each individual can take is based on how many people are in each household, and how much food the cupboard is available to give at that time.

This visit really opened up our eyes, especially because West Chester is one of the wealthiest communities in Pennsylvania and the nation.  Understanding the amount of people who are in need has caused us to think in a whole new way.

We were humbled by this experience, and Bianca Spatola will be running a food drive through her honors society at West Chester University as a community service project.

Click HERE to check out an article about the Food Cupboard, and be sure to visit their website!

 

Published by: Ashley Mattes and Bianca Spatola

The Power of Networking

Ashley’s Perspective

Ever since I’ve been immersed in the working world I have learned that networking is crucial to success. Mainly from my experience it’s all about who you know. So creating a broad circle of connections allows anyone to be able to reach out to people even if you just met or have yet to meet. Getting on LinkedIn really helped me reach a larger and more professional audience that could help me along my career.  I currently have 419 connections on LinkedIn and by posting a resume people have reached out to me for various reasons. Even if someone reaches out to you for something you cannot do for them it is still a good start to building a relationship. You never know how networking can end up; someone you know could connect you to the person that can give you your dream job. Being an intern, it is important that I have people in my world that can help me get to the next stage of my life.

Working at ESMS and having Cynthia as a boss has made networking have even deeper importance. She has such a broad Center of Influence which she utilizes to the maximum when it comes to helping the interns to obtain their next goal. A few weeks ago she even connected me to someone at QVC who could potentially set me up with my next internship. I have also gotten some responses to the Constant Contact Campaign that she sent out about me! She truly does everything in her power to help us get to the next step in our career.

Bianca’s Perspective 

Networking and having connections is so important when finding a career because knowing the right person can land you the job you want!  In the business world, it’s all about relationships and who you know.  It is important to introduce and share who you know to others because you never know where an opportunity might blossom from.  LinkedIn is also a great tool to expand your Centers of Influence.

Working here at ESMS was one of the best decisions I could have made at this time in my life.  As I am in search of my “big-girl job”, Cynthia has been helping me immensely connecting me whenever she can.  She connects me with her Rotary Club, OIC, and her clients.  She even sent out a mass email to all of her connections promoting me and my job search.

Cynthia introduced me to a colleague/friend, now an Executive with QVC, who she has known for over 25 years.  I hope to work at QVC in the future and by meeting with this connection I am one step closer to accomplishing my goal. I appreciate all that Cynthia does to help me move on into the business world, and I am certain that she will be the reason for my first real job!

Visit our website!

Visit QVC’s website!

Published by: Ashley Mattes and Bianca Spatola

ESMS Field Trip-Quest Therapeutics

Ashley & Bianca in front of Quest

Bianca & Sid with Mini Cooper

On Wednesday, September 30th The ESMS Team got a chance to see the magic that happens at Quest Therapeutics. Quest is a leading provider of pediatric therapy services for children with developmental, psychological, & physical disabilities. We offer Equine-Assisted Therapy, as well as Occupational, Physical, Speech Communication and Early Intervention. Upon our visit we got to meet the horses: Cooper, Rick, Jack, Chloe, Boo Boo, Yogi, Cappy, Mr. Mocha, Tobin, and Teddy. This experience was especially touching to us because we got to see what these people and animals do every day to help children. Watching the events that take place at Quest inspires us to do more in our community and give back. It also made us reflect on how blessed we are and to keep our daily life challenges in perspective.

Bianca & Ashley with Rick

A sign to brighten up your day!

                                                                                                             

Check Out Quest Therapeutics!!!

http://www.questtherapeutic.com/

461 Cann Road • West Chester, PA • 19382
Phone: 610-692-6362 • Fax: 610-692-0917

E-mail at info@QuestTherapeutic.com

For more information on ESMS:
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Check out our website: www.ericsonsms.com

Published by: Ashley Mattes and Bianca Spatola

ESMS Field Trip-The Brandywine River Museum

Laura Ericson, Ashley Mattes, and Bianca Spatola outside of the Brandywine River Museum.

Part of what we do at ESMS is staying involved with the Chester County Community, and this past week Cynthia wanted to share some of the rich history of where she grew up and lived her whole life.  She decided to take us, along with her sweet mother, Laura Ericson, on a field trip to the Brandywine River Museum of Art to broaden our knowledge and appreciation of Historical Chester County.  Before we visited the museum, Cynthia treated her mother, Ashley, and me to a delicious breakfast at Hank’s Place, a cute little restaurant in Chadds Ford.

After our delicious breakfast we headed to the museum.  There we saw that the main focus was the Wyeth family; artists including N.C. Wyeth, Andrew Wyeth, and Jamie Wyeth. We visited 6 different galleries; all were equally interesting and fascinating. On the first floor there was the Heritage Collection, on the second floor there was Andrew Wyeth’s plant studies: “Natural Selections” and the N.C. Wyeth Gallery, and on the third floor there was the Andrew Wyeth Gallery, the Bayard and Mary Sharp Gallery, and James Welling’s photographs: “Things Beyond Resemblance.” Even the museum itself was a work of art, with its curvature running along the river, and the huge windows that overlook the water and greenery.  The view was absolutely beautiful.

It is amazing that a very renowned artistic family lived right here in our back yards.  We did not realize there was so much talent and history that came out of this area.  We really appreciate Cynthia opening our eyes to the historic art.  She not only teaches us in the office, but she broadens our knowledge elsewhere as well.

To learn more about the museum and its exhibitions, visit http://www.brandywine.org/museum.

 

Published by: Ashley Mattes and Bianca Spatola

“One On One with ESMS”

We are delighted to announce the launch of “One on One with ESMS”, a new service line which offers one on one instruction on a variety of marketing topics.  Whether you are with a corporation, an entrepreneur or want to hone your business skills – we are here to help take you to your next level of success.  ESMS works with people with all ranges of experience from introductory to advanced skills.

We have been teaching and coaching our clients for years and because of their success stories many individuals have sought us out to do one on one sessions.  The need for additional education has led us to a new niche’ in working with people who may or may not have any business affiliation and wish to expand their skill set.

 The first “One on One with ESMS” will focus on LinkedIn.  As many of you may be aware LinkedIn is akin to your resume online.  It is a fabulous tool, which is offered as both a free and fee based product.  I have used the free version for years and have found it to have great utility.

FACTS ABOUT LINKEDIN

What is LinkedIn?

LinkedIn is a social networking site designed specifically for the business community. The goal of the site is to allow registered members to establish and document networks of people they know and trust professionally.

Why should you get “Linked In” to  LinkedIn? 

• LinkedIn operates the world’s largest professional network on the Internet with more than 364 million members in over 200 countries and territories.
• Professionals are signing up to join LinkedIn at a rate of more than two new members per second.
• In Q1 2015, more than 75% of new members came to LinkedIn from outside the United States.
• There are over 39 million students and recent college graduates on LinkedIn. They are LinkedIn’s fastest-growing demographic.

What are some of the aspects we will cover in LinkedIn One on One?

• Building your profile page.
• Headshots for your profile picture.
• Defining your centers of influence list.
• Group affiliations.
• Connecting with others.
• Searching for jobs.
• Building & Maximizing context.
• Getting the INSIDE track on companies BEFORE that interview.

Begin the conversation with Cynthia at cynthia@ericsonsms.com or 610-505-3503. Pricing will vary depending on your specific area of interest within LinkedIn and your base knowledge.  Both these factors will influence the amount of time required.

 

Your initial inquiry is FREE!

Published by: Ashley Mattes and Bianca Spatola

ESMS Videography

Ashley & Bianca – From the Interns Desk!

We are thrilled to share our new line of service –  VIDEOGRAPHY!  Ericson Strategic Marketing Solutions, LLC has been working on videos that showcase the perspective of the interns and what they think about ESMS and internships in general. This is a fresh and exciting way to communicate with our clients and audience because it isn’t just about selling a service, but about truly making a connection.

We started this line by vlogging, which you can see examples of on our YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/dashboard?o=U). We wanted to show a more human/candid side of our team from day to day insights to more specific topics. Along with the vlogs, you will also be able to see videos from various clients  – giving them the opportunity to reach their audience in a new and exciting way.

Begin the conversation today at 610-505-3503 and book your video.

Joshita talks about her time at ESMS

Ashley Interviews about the internship program

Liz shares on her last day at ESMS

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Published by: Ashley Mattes and Bianca Spatola