I need to beg your indulgence for it’s time to say thanks to my mentors in life. Without the five people who influenced me most along the way, and helped form the six cannons of dealing with the media that have been able to get me quoted again in the media (something that always happened before I moved to California in 1991) I likely would not be in the news so much these days:
1. Always be available to talk to the press.
2. Always be candid with the press.
3. Always know that nothing is off the record.
4. Always understand how the press works.
5. Always remember, that facts can get in the way of a good story, so know your facts and stick to them.
6. Even if you’re asked your opinion, use the facts to your advantage
That’s why I know that both PR pro Sy Roseman, and businessman Ken Gesner, each no longer with us, would be very proud and smiling. For those of you who didn’t know me before 1988, you likely have no idea who those two people are, but rest assured without their advice and that of Aaron Siegel, the retired President of the Spectrum in Philadelphia, I would not be doing what I’m doing today, and having fun doing it. Toss in Jim Marra, my advisor, and now friend at Temple University, and Jim Shea, the professor who gave me more latitude than any student should be given, and you have five people who influenced my business and career life from the very start and along the way.
Both Gesner and Roseman let facts work for them. So it is quite apropos that knowing the facts about VoIP so well, and being candid, is what is generating the stories in the press about VoIP that I’m being so widely quoted within. This time, in today’s Washington Post. and you would figure after the AP story that got picked up by CNN last week, I’d be done for a while. Surprise.
Sy encouraged me to be in PR. Ken, encouraged me to move to California, saying that the less restrictive business culture would let me be more creative and entrepreneurial. Both were like additional fathers to me and both were considered friends of my parents once I did the appropriate introductions. You see, they were all there educating me about the media, sports business, business in general, and about being always available.
Each taught me life lessons that never left me. Aaron gave me great latitude and trust in allowing me to guide the Philadelphia Flyers youth hockey programs long before anyone else (other than Gesner and Roseman) clearly understood the vision we all had, while Shea and Marra let me pretty much write my own college course selections, enabling me to do work outside (and more challenging) the core course work. To those five, I say thanks.
Ken Gesner, who was a very successful insurance brokerage owner in New Jersey, would moonlight as an Associated Press hockey reporter. A gifted wordsmith, blessed with an unbelievable memory ( I know where I learned some of my memory tricks for facts and details), Ken was if nothing, an honest, upfront and candid person, skills I take with me every day. He used facts to win arguments, even if he did get heated, now and then within amateur hockey and insurance circles.
Sy, was the preeminent PR pro. His English teacher skills and eagle eye for copy errors still to this day have yet to be duplicated by me. He was an old school journalist and PR professional. He worked the beats making sure he had both outlets and sources. Sy used to say, “never forget, some reporters will let the facts get in the way of a good story, so be sure you have yours right.” He also used to say, “self praise, stinks,” so I’ll stop now to be in keeping with his lessons.
To my big five mentors. Thank you.
And to you my friend, thanks for letting me share this with you.
Andy Abramson