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Dog Blog

Welcome to the Dog Blog!  This blog is written by students in the Top Dog Communication course.  Students share their views, experiences and knowledge on topics such as college, the class, internships, jobs, etc.

Being candid about my personal brand

2/12/2020

1 Comment

 
By: Kyle Jeanor 

I’m Kyle Jeanor, and my personal brand used to be something I liked to call, “That One Kid.” This started in the most middle school ways, and it was because I needed a new social media handle, and as a fourteen year old, that decision was a big deal. When your name popped up, that’s how people saw you. Sometimes people learn other peoples names through their instagram username, or they even know them by that name. Even at fourteen I was worried about originality. I didn’t want to be just “@KyleJeanor” on instagram, I wanted to be more than that. This I think related a lot to self-perception. At the time I didn’t exactly have a lot of confidence in myself, and that was a problem a lot of people around me noticed, and it was something that ate at me excessively. Once again, these seem like very middle school problems looking back on it, but I wondered why I wasn’t the most popular? Why wasn’t I the star athlete? Why wasn’t I the one that attracted the girls? Now I look back and laugh at all three of these things, and if I could spend time with fourteen year old me, I’d love to show him what’s to come because those things ARE NOT the end of the world, they just seemed like it. So that’s what birthed, “@that_one_kid_kyle,” which I believe was my instagram handle for a little over six years. To me at that time, I was that one kid that was just kind of there. I was that one kid that people avoided because I was “weird,” (plot twist — “weird” is completely subjective) and I was that one kid that was just in the background. My personal brand was for so long, that I thought I was just kind of there because I didn’t know what I wanted to do and I felt like I didn’t really know how to be a human super well, but like most things, time evolves things.


 “That One Kid,” evolved, and it evolved in a way that I think fourteen year old Kyle would have never expected. To find a passion is to have a breakthrough I like to think. In high school I got involved in two major things, theatre, and radio/tv. I knew I was creative and my middle school unfortunately, suppressed a lot of creativity and didn’t provide many outlets for it. Once I got to high school I was able to explore my creativity through these avenues and it garnered me unspeakable confidence. I went from feeling like I was that one kid in the background, to honestly feeling like I was that one kid who was going to make it. I was going to be, “do you remember that one kid Kyle? Yeah he’s doing this thing now,” because I found my lane and I found a passion. That one kid became a success story. I’m just a kid from Indianapolis who’s trying to become successful either in public relations, theatre, media production, politics, etc. Once I knew this, I became more than confident in being, “@that_one_kid_kyle.”

​
August 6, 2019, I decided to change the brand. So why after all of this explanation, all of this self hype, did I decide to change the name? The simple reason is that I turned 20. By definition, I wasn’t a teenager anymore. While I’m still hoping to be, “that one kid,” who makes it and is successful, I felt like it was time to let go of that name. So ironically you know what my instagram name is now? @KyleJeanor. I know, I know, I said I thought it was plain, but that was when I was fourteen. At 20, when I see my name, I’m proud of it. That didn’t used to be the case, because I didn’t know who I was. However, at twenty I think I at least have far more of a grasp than when I was fourteen. I’m weird, I’m nerdy, I’m funny, I love to laugh, I care way too much about Star Wars, and the organization FIFA bothers me, but I still love soccer. However, I’m driven, I’m determined, my work ethic is hard to match, and most importantly I’m confident in myself. That’s my personal brand. I’m Kyle Jeanor.
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Finding Love in room 261

2/4/2020

2 Comments

 
By: Hannah Keller

I walked into freshman year at the University of Indianapolis excited and hopeful for the future. I had an amazing roommate, new friends and was beginning my lifetime goal of becoming a physical therapist! When I think about this now, I laugh, because little did I know in a year I would be entering a completely new major in Communication. I will spare you all the gruesome details of the physical therapy world and skip ahead to when I entered the public relations world for the first time.


It was the second semester of sophomore year when I first stepped foot in Esch Hall, room 261. At this time I was unaware that I was walking into a room that would forever hold a special place in my heart. I walked into a large room of friendly faces and chatter; I took my seat and waited anxiously for the dreaded night class to begin. However, this night class quickly became something much more to me. I had found my home! 

I find it hard to pinpoint the exact moment I fell in love with public relations, but I can share a few of the moments that made it clear that I was in the right place. While working with my first client, I mainly sat back and listened to others give their ideas during our group meetings, but one night I piped up and shared an idea I had. I introduced the idea of a Facebook livestream for our client. My executive told me to run with it and show her what I could do. I worked on this project for almost three weeks and during this process, I felt so comfortable, yet challenged! I had never felt comfortable and challenged like that in my previous major. 

As the semester continued, I grew in my confidence, expanded my knowledge and bonded with my peers. I felt like I was a part of a family. This family has provided me with love, support, challenges and a forever network. The bonds created in one semester of public relations amazed me. In a whole year as a physical therapy major, I had only made two lasting friends and I was often discouraged by the ‘each man for himself ‘ mentality that was expressed in PT courses. PR provided me with the key characteristics I was missing in my previous major, group involvement and creativity. 

When looking back, I feel as though these were the most defining moments in my major. I cannot imagine being a part of any other major and feeling the same family network as I do with public relations! I can say with absolute certainty, room 261 and the whole communication department has provided me with the best network of future PR professionals. Room 261 is where my future began and where I fell in love with PR. I only hope that as I move forward, I continue to make room 261 proud. 
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Why TDC is the right applied course for me

2/25/2019

3 Comments

 
By: Marissa Orr

When I stepped into my first night of Top Dog, I was very nervous. I felt like I was an outsider because I had just changed my major. My entire Monday had consisted of meeting nothing but new people. I did not recognize anyone in class. As I sat there and listened to the introduction that the firm director gave, I became very overwhelmed. However, I don’t think that was a negative thing. Being overwhelmed the first night was something that drove me to find my passion. I knew without passion, I would not succeed. That first night changed my perspective on my capabilities. 


As the first semester came to an end and the second one began, it really opened my eyes to how much I had improved. I finally felt as if I was doing something that utilized my skills and helped someone in need. Whether that is a client wanting to start up something completely new based on their own passions, or a client needing help within their organization, I could help. I am very excited for new opportunities that will arise as time goes on.
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This applied course Is the right one for me because it really opened my eyes to new opportunities that I did not know I had. This course has given me new tools to utilize and new experiences that will forever leave an impact on me. I know that I will be able to take all the things I have learned and apply it to a job once I graduate. Not only do I think it has been beneficial to my future job, but I think I will be able to help someone with a great cause. I want to work for someone who needs my passions to further their own organization. These are all things I have realized because of choosing Top Dog as my preferred applied course. ​
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unexplored avenues of campaign research

12/10/2018

1 Comment

 
By Keylee Williams 

For the fall semester of 2018, I was the Research Expert for Top Dog Communication. I wanted to leave behind something more than just a PowerPoint over the unexplored avenues of campaign research. A lot of thought went into the idea behind this strip and I decided to turn it into a friendly reminders strip, just odds and ends to remember when writing research and applying it to your client and their campaign. It discusses things such as formatting, reminders and most importantly positive messages to keep the content appropriate and authentic. Up until the spring semester of 2018, I was a studio art major, and now a minor. I wanted to stay true to my roots as a Psychology major and someone who is passionate about art and create something that can be useful to more than just one specific major or one specific campaign. 
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Introducing experts

10/18/2018

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By Sophie Watson

​Last semester, I began working as an account associate for Top Dog Communication. I quickly fell in love with public relations as well as working for the firm and with all of the great, dedicated people who are a part of TDC. What I love most about TDC is the dedication to growth that the firm and the people involved in it have.

This semester, the firm has implemented new positions called ‘the experts’ which involve a writing, research, design and two sustainability experts to further assist students, the firm and our clients with the needs of each campaign. The experts applied and were chosen based on their expertise in that position. After working as an editor on the Reflector newspaper for three years, I found myself to be a good candidate for the writing expert, applied and received the position. As the writing expert, I write and edit materials for the firm and clients, as well as mentoring and assisting students on their writing centered tactics. The research and design experts do similar work for the firm, clients and students in each of their skills. The sustainability experts do a slightly different job, as they work specifically with past clients by remaining in communication with them and fulfilling any outstanding needs that they have after their campaign with TDC has ended.
These few months of having the experts have significantly assisted the firm and allowed us to highlight the best people for each type of job to help us with the internal and external needs of the firm. We have made progress in updating the firm website and other aspects of TDC that have made us the award winning firm that we are. Also, the materials that we have been able to send to clients have been improved because we have pointed out the best people for each task and assigned them to it, or given students an outlet to get help. The mentor aspect of the experts, I think, is the best part of the expert program. Students who may not have the best skills in one area are able to get help and have a one-on-one learning session, which is something we’ve never had before. By students getting this help, we are able to improve their abilities in that area and produce higher quality material in the future.
Something that I love about having an expert position is that I’m able to refine my writing skills and have great material for my portfolio in the sector that I want to go into in the future. I’m excited to continue the experts program and see the progress in the firm and watch the students grow.


​
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March 05th, 2018

3/5/2018

0 Comments

 
By: C. Rev

Sometimes they feel limited and other times the amount of them feel overwhelming. Here at UIndy we have some amazing opportunities to take amazing courses that aren’t really offered anywhere else and our Applied PR class is one of them. But this isn’t the only class you should take it you want to learn an immense about of knowledge or be completely overwhelmed by a professor who has a vast amount of resources and genius. 

    
In the last four years I’ve jumped around nearly every department here on the third floor of Esch, as well as most of the school, but I guess that’s also the benefit of a liberal arts degree. 

¯\_(ツ)_/¯
But the classes I feel I gained the most applicable life knowledge would be every single one of Koehn’s classes. Sure I’ve had my moments where I hated my life because of his tests and moments where I wholeheartedly disagreed with him, but in reflection I realized that all of his lessons I use in my everyday life.

Even if you emphasis isn’t PR or you’re not a COMM major, take Koehn’s classes! Don’t dread going to play basketball in class, it’s truly a learning opportunity! Don’t view those 15 minute inspirational videos as a waste of your time. Really stretch your brain and try to think of they reasoning behind him showing it. Those videos tie into every lesson he teaches. (And the best part about the videos is that you can go back a rewatch them.)

And the way he presents his lectures and notes: EMBRACE IT. Obviously it’s a step away from the status quo and isn’t want you’ve grown comfortable to over the last 12 plus years, but that’s the point. Everything he does is to push you out of your comfort zone, as well as teaching you to listen and not just hear. When you leave your comfort zone you grow and do amazing things, and once your learn to listen and not just hear life becomes more clear.

I’ve had many classes with Koehn and I wish I had more with him. They drive me insane in the best way possible and I hope for those of you who still have a chance to take a class with him…
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The Smiley Morning Show (+Emily)

11/20/2017

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By Emily Mills
​

​When I exited the elevator, I was greeted by a large set of glass doors. Intimidating. Beyond those doors, the lobby was dark, except for the glowing tank filled with colorful fish. Nikki Reed came prancing down the hallway, happy as a clam. She swung open the door and sang out a cheerful “Hello!”
 
I’d been communicating with Nikki over the past couple weeks to shadow her during the Smiley Morning Show. The day had finally come, and my nerves flew out the door when I was introduced to Smiley, Toni, and Will. A cup of champagne was handed to me, and a pair of headphones were ready for me to use.
 
I sat back and listened to the flow of the morning show as Toni gave her traffic report, and Smiley and Will made inappropriate comments. Nikki kept me informed on what she was doing to keep the show moving forward. Jokes were made and I was put on the air, able to have my voice heard by tens of thousands of people. I made lifelong connections after a simple two hour visit.
 
My biggest takeaway from sitting in on the Smiley Morning Show was that taking my job at the radio station too seriously is what’s hindering me from progressing in my career. My time at the University of Indianapolis is limited, so I am appreciative of these opportunities to learn life lessons, and improve my craft.
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Post its to the Rescue

10/11/2017

4 Comments

 
By Cassandra Reverman

If you know me, in any sense, you know that my methods of organization are basically gibberish to anyone. I am a HUGE fan of keyboard slams when it comes to labeling. Most of my photo folders are labeled with keyboard slams. For example the engagement photos I did for a friend last year are labeled “adsflkbj.” ​
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Being hyper organized, in any sense, gives me anxiety. Just recently in journalism I was asked to reorganize the way I label the photos for sections and I about passed out at the thought. My heart started racing and I could see all the folders flying around in my head. It’s kind like that scene from Spongebob when he’s threw out the guy’s name from his memory. ​​
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I suppose this weird form of anxiety comes from me feeling that my creative flow is halted when being organized. I feel restricted and I don’t like feeling restricted. I understand where people are coming from when they choose to be super organized. I see how much easier it makes their life. People are always suggesting to me to use a planner or put everything on a calendar in my phone. But just seeing all that information all the time is incredibly overwhelming and freezes my creative flow. 
    Luckily though, I did find one method that seems to work fairly well. A fun fact about me is I LOVE color. Being able to choose the color to create something is the ultimate “YES” moment for me. Choosing a color defines what you’re trying to convey. Trying to sell your outfit for the day? Color coordinate it. (Or don’t. Same principle.) Working on a theme for your Twitter? Match the theme color with your profile and header photos. Designing a style guide for you client? Work with the colors that go along with your clients vision. SO.MUCH.FUN. 
    That being said, my method of choice for organization is Post-It notes. On a good, or a busy day, my life is filled with color coordinated Post-It notes. They’re not lined up in any special fashion. They’re posted all over my walls, my computer and my poor attempt to keep a planner going. Instead, they’re organized by color. I despise the yellow Post-It notes, so if something needs to be done ‘like yesterday’ or more likely ‘a week ago’ I write the item on a yellow Post-It note. Pink is for “ya got maybe two days, C”, green is for a “solid one to two weeks before it’s due”, orange is “get it down on paper” and blue is “relax, ya got a month. just think about how you can do this.” I organize it this way because once I finish as task, I get to rip off the Post-It, crumple it up and fail at throwing it in the trash can that’s sitting right by my feet. The faster I get the color I don’t like off my wall the better. And it’s incredibly satisfying to crumple up that little piece of paper and see a space free up.
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(Me attempting to organize my thoughts for senior project. The color coding wasn’t an option. All I had were blue post-it notes.)
    I hope you all try this sometime, and if you do, feel free to let me know how it works for you!
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Twitter Accounts You Need To Follow Right Now

10/11/2017

1 Comment

 
By Kristen Gandenberger

These days, you’re not really a PR pro unless you have a social media presence. Most college kids already have this in the bag. However, an important aspect of working in public relations is being able to… well, relate to people. Media relations experts have to know the journalism world in and out. Anyone focusing on community relations better be aware of any big event rolling through town. As a student, I have no need to specialize but I have started to be a little more strategic about how my Twitter timeline can educate me. Here are 4 types of Twitter accounts that make me a better PR practitioner. 
  1. Journalists. Like anyone wanting to be an informed citizen, I follow all major news outlets. But recently I’ve started to follow journalists whose work I like. Maggie Haberman gives me the White House scoop.  Gregg Doyel keeps me current on Indy area sports. Bekah Pollard and Hannah Sparling give me insight to colleagues my age in the journalism field, something that can benefit me as I strive to make professional contacts with media personnel in a couple years. In a world of media distrust, I think it’s important to understand the structures and systems that give us information. Having individual, off the record professionals on my timeline is helping me do this. 
  2. Verified Locals. My homerun recommendation in this category has got to be Neal Taflinger, who not only has the blue checkmark by his name but also happens to work for Borshoff. His tweets help me keep a pulse on a certain segment of the Naptown population (post-college males, to be exact) that I don’t hear from much. John Green rarely tweets about Indy specifically, but he is (outside of athletics) probably the most famous person that lives here which I find valuable. Lara Parker is a Hoosier transplant at Buzzfeed who proves that you can go from UIndy PR to looking like an Instagram model daily (while creating digital content)!
  3. Your dream workplace. I know I’m a true millennial because I found out about my most recent internship on Twitter, which proves that clicking the follow button can literally pay off! Since I’m on the prowl for future internships in the nonprofit field, I follow everyone from the Arts Council of Indianapolis to Music for All.
  4. #Goals. I always try to keep a steady stream of funny, insightful role models trickling through my timeline. Professionally, this means watching how PR entrepreneur Heather Whaling stays professional while talking politics. Recently I found out that my favorite Refinery29 contributor, Ashley Ford, is from Fort Wayne which endeared her to me even more. And of course, Jenny Slate never fails to make me laugh with her quirky, rose tinted tweets that prove just how much you can fit into 140 characters. I’ll end this post with one of her inspirational nuggets:
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An Ode To My Planner

10/11/2017

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By Shelby Zellmer

Dear My Planner,
First off, I was not sure if capitalizing your title was appropriate, but you deserve the capital letter. To be completely honest you deserve caps lock. You deserve YOUR WHOLE NAME TO BE LIKE THIS SO OTHER PEOPLE THINK I’M YELLING.
We have grown up together, and have transformed into an updated and better version of us. I am a 19-year-old college student. You are a 2017-2018 spiral bound book that manages to keep my life from falling apart. When we were first thrown together in fourth grade, you were the bane of my existence. The audacity my teacher had making me remember to get you signed every night made my eleven-year-old self-want to scream. Since then I am happy to say that I have grown up, a little bit. 
In the past, our relationship was rocky. I would start to use you for a few months, but the moment I left you, because I “did not need you anymore” my life would quickly fall apart. Tasks would not be completed. Events would be left on the back burner. Worst of all you would be left alone. As your days would go to waste I would go about mine, with the constant feeling of something being forgot because you were not there to complete me. We have had a good thing going this past year and I plan on keeping it up.
I spend most of my days running around like a chicken with its head cut off, but who needs a head when everything is in your weekly layout? You go through a lot every day and you do it for me, and I cannot tell you how much I appreciate your hard work. 
With all my love and… “hold on I need to add something to you…” I forgot what I was talking about.
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