News

Mary Fallon Recently Featured in Daily Hampshire Gazette’s “Business 2010: New faces in Valley Business”

Job title and company: Media director, Garvey Communication Associates Inc., Springfield.

Age: 26

Your duties: I provide our clients with perspectives and actionable strategies to engage their customers. Often this consists of helping them navigate through an increasingly complex and ever-changing media landscape. A day at my desk consists of managing social media strategies, creating media plans, analyzing online and traditional media buys and implementing public relations efforts.

How did you land your job? I began as a marketing intern in 2004 while I was a student at the University of Massachusetts Amherst (Isenberg School of Management). I joined the company as a media analyst in 2005 and was promoted to the position of media director in 2009.

What's most challenging about your work? Managing and addressing the immediate needs of our clients while staying on top of the profound changes in the marketing industry.

What is your key to success? I really like what I do and I think that shows. I strive to be responsive and professional. I also enjoy learning and try to take advantage of every opportunity to gain new knowledge.

Why did you choose to do business in the Valley? I've lived in the Pioneer Valley my entire life and am definitely a fan of buying local. Most of the businesses we serve are also local and it is great to be a part of their success.

Who has helped mentor you professionally? My dad died a few years ago, but always shared professional tips with me when I was in college. He always stressed the importance of working hard, saying that you may not always be rewarded for a job well done, but it will never hurt you. He also believed it was important to ask questions and treat others equally.

Name a few of your goals for the coming year: Stay ahead of the trends in social media and advertising - which could be a full time job on its own!

Tell us a little-known fact about you: I hate being bored - the busier the better! Outside the office I struggle to keep up with my Weimaraner Riley.

What is your advice to others seeking business success? Opportunities may be harder to come by right now, but they do exist. Utilize your network by reaching out to other professionals that you know - exchange ideas, offer recommendations, and introduce them to people they may benefit from knowing. As always, hard work, persistence and patience will be important for success.

©2008 Garvey Communication Associates, Inc.