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Gaetan Giannini is an Assistant Professor and Chairman of the Department of Business, Management and Economics at Cedar Crest College, as well as a sales and marketing speaker, consultant and writer (Author of Marketing Public Relations: A Marketers Approach to PR and Social Media.)

After earning a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering technology from Temple University and an MBA from Seton Hall University, he worked in sales and marketing management for a small, process instrumentation company before moving to a multinational firm in the same industry. Following a productive corporate career he started his own marketing consulting firm, Giannini O’Connor LLC which he ran until entering academia.

Thank you Gaetan for answering a few questions for us!  To start, please tell us about your latest project. 

My new book, Marketing Public Relations: A Marketers Approach to PR and Social Media arose from the need to explain how marketers can use the behavior of today’s tech and media savvy consumers and businesses in a way that is to the benefit of both the buyer and the seller.  It’s primary intent is for the college/university classroom, were students can combine what they already know about communication technology and the media with tried and true marketing principles and practices to prepare them for a productive career.  We are also finding that seasoned business professionals are looking to this book to help sharpen their skills in PR, social media, and word-of-mouth marketing.

Do you also do speaking engagements, or seminars?

Yes. I frequently presents to college faculty about teaching PR and social media in a marketing context.  In addition I speak and conduct professional development seminars for marketing practitioners and business owners in partnership with trade groups and business associations.  My presentations come in several formats-more detail can be found at: http://www.gianninimpr.com/speaking-amp-seminars.html

How has your education, profession or background helped you in your writing career? Or conversely, how has you writing success helped you in your  profession?

Simply put, I love marketing and I thrive on working with people - especially where I can connect others with the people or knowledge that they need to be a success.  These traits helped me in my corporate career and as a professor.  Writing is just an extension of that.  Conversely, the book and my articles have given me more opportunity as a speaker and consultant, and has made me a better teacher.

What kind of other works (books, scripts, poems etc.) have you had published? 

Aside from the new book I have numerous article published.  A sample can be found at http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Gaetan_Giannini

I also wrote a column, Marketing Matters, for the Eastern Pennsylvania Business Journal.  I discontinued this when I signed the book contract.

Is there any aspect to your profession that gets you in touch with your readers directly?

Social media.  I work with it, study it, and write about it.  Social media has allowed me to be in touch with some of the world’s best marketers while getting candid and timely feedback from those who teach and study marketing.

What will your next project be?

I am working on an article concerning the relationship between public relations and marketing in corporation and academia, and another on applying branding theories to Marketing Public Relations (PR, social media & word-of-mouth).  I am also preparing a presentation on using social media in the college/university classroom.  After that it is off to prepping the second edition of the book.

Oh, I am always blogging ( http://www.gianninimpr.com/mpr-the-blog.html)  and tweeting (www.twitter.com/gaetang ) too.

Who inspires you on a personal or business level?

I’ve always admired Jack Welsh from a business point of view.  He was tough, but he valued knowledge and people.  Personally, I am inspired by people who know who they are, what they are meant to be, and achieve their potential regardless the hand they were dealt in life.

What type of work is the most rewarding or satisfying for you?

Teaching in any form.

What can you recommend for writers who are just getting started and are trying to make a name for themselves?

Know what you are about.  Be able to tell editors and publishers what you do and how publishing you will benefit them and their audience. Find out where the writers, editors, and publishers are and go hang out with them, get contact info and follow up.  Don’t give up-rejection is a sign that you need to work on some aspect of your craft.  Figure it out and keep going.

How did you get started as a writer?

The local newspaper asked me to write an article for a section called “Small Business, Tough Questions.”  It was a partnership with the local chamber of commerce.  I caught the bug and started looking for opportunities.  Each one was better than the next.

Which is your favorite book/work published? Is there a favorite?

Professionally, I like Citizen Marketer by Ben McConnell & Jackie Huba, Full Frontal PR by Richard Laermer and Seth Godin’s work.  For leisure Tolkien is my favorite and I am currently working my way through Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series.

What does a typical work day look like for you?

There is nothing typical.  I teach 3 or 4 days a week when school is in. I write and keep up with academic and administrative stuff during most of the work day.  Then I get some exercise (Pai Lum Kung Fu & the dreaded elliptical machine) and hang out with my family.  I try to do some cooking when I can.

Have you ever had a mentor, or someone who sparked your passion for writing?

The late Dr. Vince Fitzgerald, an old boss who started me in PR and writing articles.  Ms. Cunningham, my 7th grade English teacher.  Prof. Joan Coll at Seton Hall University.  John Moore, editor of the Eastern PA Business Journal.

Who is your favorite writer/author?

See above.

Finally, a most important question: what was the last song you sang out loud when you were by yourself?  :)

Ha ha.  Let Her Cry, by Hootie and the Blowish.  Be thankful you weren’t in earshot!

Thank you Gaetan! We wish you great success with your future projects!