I've Been UPSIZED: Chapter 15

15 Minutes of Fame

They say everyone gets 15 minutes of fame during their lifetime. Mine came in 2005. I was managing a global marketing communications job, a four-year-old son, and a one-year-old daughter. Life was full, to say the least!

A Mom on a Mission

I clearly remember the day I had to return to work after having our son. It’s a tough thing for a mom, to drop her baby off with a caregiver and trek back to the office. Yep, I cried in my office. Not my proudest moment at work, but it was honest, I suppose.

I was struggling to balance a full work day with the demands that come with nursing a baby. That meant two trips each day to an unsecure conference room – or bathroom stall – dragging a bag with a nursing pump and cooler. It was tough. It became even tougher when a manager asked how I planned to cover the time for my two 10-minute “breaks” each day. Ouch. Really?!

Second Time’s a Charm!

When I was expecting our daughter four years later, I was determined to make a change. Armed with data and determination, I scheduled a meeting with the HR manager to discuss the benefits of a company lactation program. With his blessing, I pulled together a business case for investment and policy change. By the time my maternity leave rolled around, a corporate lactation support program was in place, complete with a supportive policy, private and comfortable rooms, hospital-grade equipment, and the support of a certified lactation consultant. Don’t believe this type of program is worth investment? Federal studies have proven that lactation support programs reduce employee turnover, reduce medical care costs, and increase employee engagement.

This is Who?

Happily settled into maternity leave with our daughter, I was surprised by a phone call one afternoon. Turns out a journalist from Working Mother magazine had heard my story and was interested in running a feature about my experience. The phone calls and interviews culminated in a photo shoot, four-page article, and a trip to New York City.

I walked into our small town Barnes and Nobel one afternoon and was asked, “Hey, didn’t I see you in Working Mother magazine”? Yep! That was me!

I’ve experienced a lot of cool things over the years, but Working Mother magazine makes the list of highlights. Not for the 15 minutes of fame, but for the validation that I was a successful working mother – effectively balancing my work and family.

Over the years, I’ve kept a copy of that magazine at every desk I’ve occupied. When the day is tough, I pull that article out to remind myself that no obstacle is too big. Great things can be accomplished when we stick to our core values - maybe even a little fame!

Kristina Marsh is an accomplished marketing, communications, and business process leader.  In 2013, she launched Marketing Flexibility, LLC, a flexible, strategic marketing resource company. Want to connect? You can reach me at kris@marketingflexibility.com.

I've Been UPSIZED: Chapter 14

I Need to Get Out More!

Since being downsized, I’ve had a lot of time for personal reflection. I’ve thought, blogged, thought some more, written articles, and spent quality time with old number one. Me, myself and I have had some good times together. I mean, I’m a pretty interesting person, right? But, like a good friend who grows tiresome after too much togetherness, I decided I needed a break from myself!

So, last week I got dressed up (out of sweats), and told my husband we were going out. Where? I didn’t care! With whom? Doesn’t matter! Just, please, get me away from myself! We had dinner with friends, but eventually I had to go home to myself. Bummer. I think myself and I have just run out of conversation!

The Power of Working Relationships

Back in my corporate days, surrounded by busy cubicles of co-workers, there was always someone to stop by, run into, or seek out for a good chat. Although I’m busy now managing Marketing Flexibility, my office colleagues include a Golden Retriever and a goldfish named Speckles. I used to have coffee breaks with co-workers. Now I have afternoon Milk-Bone breaks.

Time to Get Back in the Game!

The good news is, Marketing Flexibility has been busy! The downside is that it hasn’t left much time for networking or socializing. So, I’m on a mission to make and renew connections in an effort to spend less time with myself! Today, I took an hour out of my day to have lunch with an old friend. I came back feeling refreshed and inspired to churn out some work.

Never underestimate the power of connection. If you’re up for a Milk-Bone - er, coffee, drop me a line!

Kristina Marsh is an accomplished marketing, communications, and business process leader.  In 2013, she launched Marketing Flexibility, LLC, a flexible, strategic marketing resource company. Want to connect? You can reach me at kris@marketingflexibility.com.

I've Been UPSIZED: Chapter 13

Ahh, 1974…

The world certainly has changed since the days of my childhood. I was a child of the ‘70s. In those days, we would pile into a station wagon without thought of seatbelts or load capacity. That Buick sure could fit a lot of kids in the back. I even recall one summer night in July when we loaded into the bed of a pickup truck for a 45 minute drive to see fireworks. As a mother now myself, I cringe at the thought and wonder what our parents were thinking! But, those were different times.

Breaker, Breaker, Can I Get a Honk, Honk?

If you’re an American over the age of 35, I’d venture a guess that you know exactly what I’m talking about. Back in the days before DVD systems, iPods, and other mobile entertainment devices, we had to make our own fun on road trips. We would lean out the window, pumping our arms in hopes that a passing semi-truck would reciprocate with a loud sound of their air horn. On any given road trip, you could get at least a few, which totally makes a kid’s day!

I Guess Not…

On a recent road trip to Chicago, my son decided to test this crazy idea (his iPod was lost, so he was desperate). For six hours, he pumped his arm at passing semi-truck drivers, without one air horn in response. What a sad, sad time we’re living in.

Back When I Was a Kid…

As I strolled with my children through the streets of Chicago, telling stories about the way things used to be, it occurred to me that I’ve become the parent who wishes our children could experience a simpler time.

So, I give you a few of life’s observations from Chicago.

Did you know that for $28, you can get your doll’s hair styled? Back when I was a kid, we spent hours brushing and braiding our dolls’ hair. It wasn’t perfect, but it was done with love – not cash.

Did you know that for $8, you can go to the aquarium, but not see anything interesting unless you buy the $30 upgrade? Back when I was a kid, an admission ticket meant you were actually permitted inside.

Did you know that people put shirts and boots on dogs? Back when I was a kid, we put collars on dogs.

I Wonder What the Future Holds

Looking back on the memories of station wagons, air horns, and naked dogs, I wonder what our children will remember about their childhood. I hope it’s time spent with family, when iPods were lost and life was simpler.

Kristina Marsh is an accomplished marketing, communications, and business process leader.  In 2013, she launched Marketing Flexibility, LLC, a flexible, strategic marketing resource company. Want to connect? You can reach me at kris@marketingflexibility.com.

I've Been UPSIZED: Chapter 12

My Greatest Achievement

What a roller coaster ride this year has been. I’ve lived the peaceful existence of corporate stability, the emotional crash of being downsized, the confusion of figuring out who I am, and the excitement and fear of launching a business.

All of those things came into sharp focus today when I read my daughter’s second grade journal. Like the narrator of a story that pulls you in, she was following my story the entire time, pulling for me like an audience feeling the pain of a wounded hero. “My mom lost her job, but she’s not giving up,” she wrote in February. “I’m so proud of my mom,” she wrote in March. On a separate paper, she made a list of her personal heroes: Abraham Lincoln, Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, Kristina Marsh. I could live 100 years and never receive a higher compliment.

Of Support and Love

Today, I attended the year end field day and picnic at my daughter’s school. I learned that she had been handing out business cards at school, trying to drum up some business for me. Talk about a support system! But even more so, talk about the love of a daughter.

My greatest achievement hasn’t been surviving a challenging year, landing a writing gig, or launching a new business. It’s realizing that we’ve raised two amazing children who love us unconditionally. I’ve always known that I’ll have my children’s backs no matter what life throws at them. It took this year for me to realize that they have mine too.

Kristina Marsh is an accomplished marketing, communications, and business process leader.  In 2013, she launched Marketing Flexibility, LLC, a flexible, strategic marketing resource company. Want to connect? You can reach me at kris@marketingflexibility.com.

I've Been UPSIZED: Chapter 11

The Fear of Commitment…

In my last post, I promised that something new was coming, something big. In reality, two things have happened over the past couple of weeks, one of which surprised me.

After months of searching for a job, I decided that I may not be ready to give my heart to another so soon after a breakup. I imagine this downsizing business is a bit like any breakup. It’s a scary proposition to start dating again. It’s even scarier when your date proposes to you. When the job offers came in, I just didn’t feel ready for the commitment.

The Singles Scene          

So, I decided to take matters into my own hands. On April 21^st, I made my single status official with the launch of a new marketing consulting business, Marketing Flexibility, LLC. At Marketing Flexibility, we provide flexible marketing resource to businesses and organizations on either long term or project basis. Kind of playing the field, so to speak.

If you have a few minutes to kill, let’s do some online match making. Check out Marketing Flexibility on the web or on Facebook.

Here’s the Thing…

Being single is hard work. When you’re in a serious employment relationship, there’s comfort in the daily monotony (and plenty of pens in the supply cabinet). The first time I reached for a stapler, it hit me. I didn’t have a stapler! As the first week played out, I also realized I didn’t have a paperclip or envelopes. After all, it’s the little things that we take for granted in a relationship. But, like anyone who’s lost possessions in a breakup, I hit Ikea to get back up and running. I got a new stapler – a better stapler – a green stapler! I was back in business – my own business!

For a Good Time Marketer, Call…

So, if you’re looking for an experienced marketing resource, but not ready to make a full time commitment, give Marketing Flexibility a call. We’ll be here when you need us, with no pressure to date exclusively!

I've Been UPSIZED: Chapter 10

I Wonder Why the Caged Bird Sings

Sitting in my cozy little cubical, I would watch the cars pass by and wonder where they were going. Wherever it was, I was sure it was better than the grey, drab walls of my confinement. So the emotions that came along with my downsized job surprised me. I suddenly longed for the comfort and safety of my cubical cocoon.

The Search for a New Nest

Certain that the safety of a new cubical would sooth me, I set out on the job search. I suppose it’s a bit like the rescued and rehabilitated bird. It may be ready to fly, but refuses to leave the cage when a team tries to set it free. So, like the bird, I tried to return to my cozy nest in the cage.

Trading the Cage for a Sanctuary

After two months at home, I began to see things differently. There were so many benefits to my new work space. I will list them here:

1.    Every day is bring your dog to work day! There’s nothing like a Golden Retriever at your feet to ease the stress of a deadline.

2.    The coffee is always fresh (and real)! I suppose it’s not polite to complain about something provided free of charge, but condensed liquid, reconstituted ‘coffee’ leaves a lot to be desired.

3.    Every office has a window! No matter where I perch myself, there is always a great view.

4.    Like Google, in this office, a food source is never far away! Okay, maybe this is not such a benefit.

5.    Every day is casual Friday! I declare every day sweat pants day (which is fortunate, since, due to the aforementioned food source, my other pants aren’t fitting so well).

6.    In house interns! Sure, they get time off for school each day, but once they walk back in that door, it’s time to earn their keep.

7.    Early and late lunch! Okay, this one is bad too. Good thing it’s sweat pants day.

Time to Fly

So begins the second chapter of my journey. Something new is coming. Something big. Stay tuned.

I've Been Downsized: Chapter 9

Road Trip!

I’ve had so much to ponder over the past 70 days. Where will I work? When will I work again? Will being out of the marketing game cause me to lose the edge?

Well, there’s nothing like a road trip to clear your head. So, like any good Michigan family, we packed the kids in the SUV and headed south for spring break!

Well Played, Waffle House…

As we drove south on Interstate 75, we did the usual things to pass the time; license plate bingo, guess what’s in that truck, and our family favorite- Waffle House bingo. If you’ve ever had the fortitude to drive from Michigan to Florida on Interstate 75, you know there are approximately 96 Waffle House restaurants visible from the interstate. This is a hotly contested number within our family, because he or she who spots the most Waffle House restaurants wins. The rules are simple; you must spot the actual restaurant, you must be the first to spot it, and at least one person in the vehicle must substantiate your siting. But, the Waffle House tally always starts to be disputed around the Tennessee border.

And Now, a Word from Our Sponsor…

In between Waffle House sightings, I found myself rambling about the billboards we passed.

Dunkin’ Donuts! Brilliant! See how they’ve rebranded themselves from a donut shop that happens to sell coffee into a coffee shop that happens to sell donuts?! Smart move! Coffee is the trend and junk food consumption is declining. Kids? Hmm. They must be sleeping.

Ruby Tuesday! The garden bar used to be part of their value proposition. They justified charging for it when other restaurants threw in the salad bar free. Now, I see they’re including it with 20 entrees. That’s really eroding their brand equity. Honey? Hmm. He must be sleeping too.

Hard Rock Café! You know why we love Hard Rocks so much? They’re selling a total experience- not just food! The food is great, but the atmosphere is so cool. It’s the total package. Guys? Hmm. They must all be sleeping.

On the Road Again…

Vacation over, money spent, we loaded kids back into the SUV to head north. On the way, we stopped for the night at the same hotel we stayed in on the way south just a week earlier. As we checked out the next morning, a survey popped into my email. How was your stay? Hmm, I pondered. The same survey I had received a week earlier. Hey, guys, do you think their survey results are skewed based on how people feel when they’re heading south versus north? Guys?...

I may not have found all the answers on this trip, but I did learn one thing. I haven’t lost my marketing edge. Now, why are there so many Waffle House restaurants?...

Kristina Marsh is an accomplished marketing, communications, and business process leader.  Want to connect?  You can reach me at klmarsh74@gmail.com.