Women in Marketing: Rhianna Taniguchi, Digital and Media Relations Strategist at iQ 360
Hey there!
It’s the end of another month which means it’s time for another blog in this series Women in Marketing! This time I spoke with Rhianna Taniguchi, a Digital and Media Relations Strategist at iQ 360 about her career in Marketing.
As a Digital and Media Relations Strategist working remotely, Rhianna describes her varying responsibilities spanning from leading advertising campaigns to improving her client’s reputation and bottom line:
iQ 360 is an integrated marketing and communications agency headquartered in Honolulu. Our team delivers senior-level counsel and high-impact results for clients in multiple markets and across a wide range of industries. We have a team of 12 in Hawaii, with additional team members in California, Colorado, and New York. I’m currently working from home in Fort Knox, Kentucky, and will be moving to D.C. in the summer.
I leverage earned, paid and owned media to improve my client’s reputation and bottom line. I collaborate with our creative team, brand strategist, and writers to tell stories, manage reputations, and create thought leaders. A lot of my work is researching, writing and critical thinking. I also lead all digital advertising campaigns that leverage SEO, paid search, email, video, social media and display advertising.
Rhianna says the most fulfilling part of her position is applying design thinking to business strategy. Clients have difficult business problems and she’s able to use her creativity to solve them.
Rhianna started by working in non profit, but before she made the jump she read every book she could to prepare herself. She also talked with the most successful reps in her company to gain advice as well as speaking with her CEO. Her company, CEO and coworkers are a big part of why she enjoys her job so much:
I love being a part of a company that practices kaizen (continuous improvement). I never feel like we’re stagnant and we always take action when we see opportunity or need to mitigate risk. I feel completely empowered and fully invested in our organization, which is a testament to the leadership of our founder and principal, Lori Teranishi. My colleagues are the best at what they do, and we work together without ego. Our culture means that everyone steps up and tries to make iQ a better place. Every day brings a new challenge for us to tackle, but I never feel alone in the fight.
WORKING REMOTELY
Since Rhianna works remotely, it’s a bit different working in another time zone and thousands of miles away. She says it was difficult in the beginning, and knows that her best doesn’t come from working under a time crunch. Therefore, her careful planning and preparation allows her to produce quality work in a timely manner. She says:
Because I work six hours ahead of the office and also have the flexibility to work over the weekend, I am able to produce quality work that fits my personal strengths and needs.
I think that working remotely can make you feel isolated or out of the loop. Intentional team building and communication that goes beyond work should be something you prioritize. Showing and receiving gratitude is also a must.
I’d like to echo what she says about receiving gratitude! This especially resonates with me because I have great bosses and coworkers who always express their thanks for what I do. Personally, it makes a huge difference in my happiness at work!
venture
I find it really important to ask people what they’d title this chapter in their life. It’s a way to sum up what’s happening in a few words. When asked what she would call this chapter in life, Rhianna says:
Venture. I believe that if you want more money, skills, or happiness, you need to constantly and intentionally take action and create. I’m focusing on the process and discipline of creation in my personal and professional life right now. When you focus on what you want and take action to get there, the results are guaranteed to manifest.
want to find a career you love? get serious about it
I love that Rhianna is so focused on what she wants and pursuing her goals! I think for a lot of us it can be tough to keep going when it seems like you’re not exactly sure what you’re working towards. Rhianna had a few tips about how to find a great a career:
Get serious about it - Dedicate significant time, energy and resources to the undertaking. If you invest early, you’ll reap the rewards later. Many of your friends will hop from one industry to the next over the next few years. That’s okay, as long as they are moving toward a better fit and making strategic career moves. Some, however, will hop when they’re in their 30s and 40s, when they should instead be taking on leadership roles in industries where they have a solid foundation. If you haven’t read “The Defining Decade” yet, pick up a copy ASAP and learn about building career capital in your 20s.
Reflect and Research - I look at my career development like a business problem – I analyze where I am now, determine where I want to be, and research what steps I can take to get there. Quantify your goals and track your progress or you’ll never get to your destination.
Get a Coach or Mentor - A professional coach is expensive but may help you clarify what your next steps are. A mentor is easier to get, but you have to actively manage the relationship and be committed to your own growth if you want it to be worthwhile. If you master the art of being a good mentee, you will become an unstoppable force in the field you choose to pursue.
Thank you, Rhianna for taking the time to talk with me! I’m inspired the way you fiercely pursue your passion.