Life at LCI: You Think You Know but You Have No Idea

Hello cyber world,

First things first. My name is Quan Brice and I am the current LCI intern and a celebrity news fanatic.

As you may have guessed, I’m writing to give all you loyal Backtalk readers a glimpse inside LCI.

Okay, here is the scoop! David Landis as a boss can be summed up in two words: Meryl Streep in The Devil Wears Prada… I’m just joking. David is an extremely charismatic, stand-up guy and an excellent boss who cares a great deal about all his employees.

But really, let me tell you a bit about life at Landis Communication Inc. through the eyes of an intern.

A typical day at LCI includes researching, writing, pitching stories and networking. Every morning we conduct media scans of many publications such as the Wall Street Journal, New York Times and the San Francisco Chronicle. These publications are scanned for relevant news that mentions current clients and all the news that our clients would find interesting. The remainder of my day is filled with various assignments, from making copies to writing press releases.

Last month was very rewarding as I was able to pitch and secure media placement with several large publications such as 7×7 and Bay City Guide for our client ING Bay to Breakers. Pitching can be challenging as talking to editors of large publications can be intimidating. Yet, once you make a couple of calls and form a new contact or two, you become more relaxed.

Now, let’s see if I can impart some wisdom upon those who would care to follow suit. My time here has taught me three principles that are necessary for interning success.

1. Never be afraid to ask a question.
2. Embrace every task as if being hired were based upon it. You should put the same amount of effort into walking your boss’ dog as you do in writing a press release for a client.
3. Accept the fact that you don’t know everything. There will always be projects assigned that warrant more experience than what you have.  Since I often find myself in these types of predicaments, I solicit advice from my co-workers. They are always more than happy to point me in the right direction.

I would like to thank you for humoring me by reading this blog. For the record, I am extremely lucky to be a part of the LCI team as they are helping me prepare for a successful career in PR.  Working here is an experience that I highly recommend for any recent grad interested in PR.

I will leave you with this…

Knock. Knock.

Who’s there?

Opportunity rarely.

Opportunity rarely who?

Opportunity rarely knocks on the door of the inexperienced.

Thank you. Thank you. I know, I crack myself up too.  Hey, it may not be funny but it is true.

My top 12 list of Buzzworthy events, people, and places in San Francisco:

1) Landis Communication Inc. – Intern for this company and experience will become your middle name.

2) Japantown Cherry Blossom Festival – Held every April, this event has become a tradition for me and my boyfriend.

3)  Big Mouth Burger – I can’t resist a juicy burger.

4) Hornblower Cruises and Events – The best way to view the Bay.

5) Palace of the Legion of Honor – Annie Leibovitz: A Photographer’s Life, exhibition March 1 through May 25, famed celebrity photographer shows iconic works.

6) Dr. Boogie – Celebrity stylist from BravoTV’s Sheer Genius. Dr. Boogie helps you look and feel like a spoiled Hollywood celebrity.

7) Triporati – If traveling is one of your passions, this DIY travel planning site is for you. Triporati allows you rank your top 10 favorite activities and interests. The site then recommends the world’s best travel destinations based on your personal specifications.

8) Mitchell’s Ice Cream – Locally produced, cold, creamy satisfaction in a cone.

9) Citizen Cupcakes – You can’t have ice cream without cake, i.e. the cupcake.

10) Help A Reporter Out – (HARO) is an exceptional opportunistic public relations tool that PR honcho Peter Shankman originally created through Facebook. Having just moved to helpareporter.com, HARO is a free email service that all PR professional should be signed up for-if they aren’t already!

11) Blondie’s Pizza – For a tasty cheap slice of hot, cheesy, unpretentious pie.

12) Union Square Park – Student budget-friendly events in the park.