Those of us in the business of marketing, advertising, sales promotion, graphic design, etc., form a community. We work together, even though we may be competitors. In some cases we're at different agencies or firms, yet working for the same client. Our clients rely on us, and we rely on each other. We work together, play together, network together . . .
I was heartened to receive an email from Jeremy DeWeese, a St. Louis photographer and reader of this blog, who responded to my comment that for the first time in this headhunting business, professionals I had recruited and placed were laid off.
I was thrilled when a member of our community, who happens to be a photographer, volunteered to help not only those two people, but anyone else who's recently been laid off and might need some photography of materials for their portfolio, a headshot, whatever. If you need some photographic support to help in your search for that next career opportunity, just ask Jeremy. He wants to help.
Prior to writing this blog, I sent Jeremy an email asking if he was ready for what might be an overwhelming response. His comment:
"I'm prepared for the response. I open it up to any creatives that have been laid off and need photos of their work. It's time for action, and those who stand together now will emerge from the storm united and stronger than ever. Feel free to use my name in your blog if you would like, or talk with people personally, you choose what you are most comfortable with. Let's make some new friends, I can't think of anything more rewarding or fun right now. I appreciate all that you are doing Bob, your commitment to the people in our industry succeeding is worth mentioning and is inspiring. Keep it up, talk soon. Jeremy"
What a wonderful attitude! It makes me wonder what else we can all be doing to help each other out in these historically difficult times. Maybe the Ad Club, AIGA or even the St. Louis Advertising Exchange or AdSaint could start making an effort to find how they might be able to help those unemployed through this time . . . and not just "creatives", but account service, media, new media, etc.!
There could be support for portfolio reviews/counseling, mentoring of those out of work by those who still have their jobs. Agencies or clients could offer spaces for these meetings to take place. Maybe there's a way to help with high quality digital output to help portfolio creation. Maybe those who have mastered online portfolios could help those who need the help to figure it out. It seems the possibilities and potential are phenomenal.
This is Jeremy, asking for some help for himself!
One of the side effects of any of these efforts could (shouild) be the St. Louis marketing and advertising communities being closer, stronger and inevitably "better". That would have to benefit the industry, the clients and most of all, those people who feel there's no place to turn for help, when they need it most.
Who's got some ideas? Who's willing to spend a bit of time for someone else's benefit? As Jeremy says, what could be more rewarding or fun right now?