Starting a new job is always daunting. It’s like the first day of school. What should I wear? Will they like me? Who am I going to sit by at lunch? However, HC was a seamless transition, and the year has flown by. So in honor of my one-year anniversary, I’ve put together a list of the 12 things I’ve learned while being an Art Director/Designer at HC (things listed in no particular order).

1)      Be gracious and kind – It’s no secret that this is HC’s motto. It’s a lesson you learn as a child, and I’m thrilled to work in an environment that recognizes it.

2)      Drink lots of water – Our fridge is stocked with La Croix sparkling water, and it’s become a staple in my daily routine. I don’t know how I ever got through the day without it! Bonus: When you’re well hydrated, you have more energy to take on challenging projects.

3)      Take field trips – On Fridays, we have “Friday Fun Lunch,” which gives us an opportunity to get out for a bit and try some of the fabulous restaurants and eateries we have in River North. You can’t work in a city like Chicago and not eat!

4)      Channel your inner fashionista – One of the first things I noticed about HC was the snazzy sense of style of every one of my colleagues. I go by the motto that if you look good, you feel good, and if you feel good, it makes all of the difference. HC has a lot of inner confidence, and we show it on the outside as well.

5)      Thank your colleagues – A simple thank you goes a long way. Sometimes when caught up in a stressful project, I can forget to thank people for their help and support. HC has definitely taught me to voice my gratitude.

6)      Celebrate accomplishments – When one of us does particularly well at something, it’s recognized and applauded, which only adds to our team spirit.

7)      Dark chocolate increases productivity levels – I knew this before, but it has only been reinforced by the endless availability of the good stuff at HC. I can’t think of better reason to take a break! J

8)      Bring your thinking cap – We often have team-wide brainstorms where we cozily gather in our conference room and come up with creative ideas for projects we’re working on at the moment. There are really no bad ideas in that room!

9)      Laugh – A sense of humor gets me through everything in life and during tense times, laughing is sometimes the only thing you can do.

10)  See opportunity everywhere – One of the things that Kathleen is so good at is connecting people to other people, clients to other clients, and so on. I’ve learned to be better at networking and connecting the dots.

11)  Every office should have dog mascots – Boomer 1 and Boomer 2 light up the office every time they’re here. My only complaint is that their productivity levels are quite low due to their constant napping.

12)  You CAN say no to Crumbs – Given my penchant for sweets (see #7), I was worried about the delicious cupcake joint being so close to the place I call home five days a week. Fortunately, I’ve been able to find some will power. It’s been ten days since my last cupcake…okay, six.

What is 3D Printing?

3D printing can create almost any object you can imagine. How, you ask? 3D printing uses commonly available software to direct the assembly of an object, usually plastic (although a wide variety of materials could be used), layer by layer.

What can I expect at The 3D Printer Experience?

The 3D Printer Experience offers three areas within the retail space where you can explore how to use this cutting-edge technology. You can have your head scanned and replicated as a 3D portrait, and printed in just a matter of minutes – who doesn’t want a mini version of their head?? You can also channel your own creativity and design a one-of-a-kind pendant with a custom, fun and easy-to-use application available within the retail space. While waiting for your 3D print-out, kick back and relax in the “Inspiration Lounge,” where you can select an item and see it made before your eyes, or check out some of the artwork and items in the gallery, all of which are on sale.

What sort of things can be made by 3D Printing?

Anything! Anyone (yes anyone, that includes you) can channel their creativity, concept an idea and create a physical object, from a file. Let your imagination run wild! I’m already looking forward to creating my own customized iPhone case.

Why should I care?

3D printing technology is the way of the future. After all, as President Obama said in his 2013 State of the Union Address, “3D printing has the potential to revolutionize the way we make almost everything.”

In my lifetime alone, we’ve gone from typewriters to computers, landline phones to car phones, cell phones to touch screen personal devices, and cassette tapes to CDs to downloadable music. Get involved in the beginning of this next technological boom – right here in Chicago.

About The 3D Printer Experience – A MetaSpace Business (MetaBusiness)

Located in the heart of River North at 316 N. Clark St., The 3D Printer Experience is the only retail destination of its kind in the Midwest. With more than 20 3D printers in-house and exciting new modeling applications for visitors to try, The 3D Printer Experience is introducing a bright future of personal, desktop manufacturing dedicated to helping people down a new path of greater creativity and independence. Additional information can be found at www.The3DPrinterExperience.com.

I returned to work today with a sense of thankfulness for the gift of being a mom and having a place to work at that was truly created because I first became a mother. Way back when, after returning from my maternity leave at a big PR firm after my first child, Emily Ann, was born (OK, where HAS the time gone?) I quickly realized that I wanted to first put my focus on HER and not my job – but wondered if I could actually do BOTH? I never wanted to apologize for attending the school conferences or taking care of a toddler with a fever. So, was it possible to be a good mom and be good at my job? I decided I needed to find out by hanging up my shingle (after a brief stint at a tiny boutique firm).

Voila, a 7^th grader, 6^th grader, 4^th grader, 1^st grader and a preschooler later, I am certainly juggling with the best of ‘em. When people (quite regularly) ask me “How DO you do it all?” I answer the same thing – there is no such thing as perfect “balance,” and you just have to figure out what works for you. My own firm provides me the freedom to work on clients I respect and enjoy and work among people I love. Anyone who knows or works with me knows I unapologetically stay true to being “me” – a wife and mother first …and yes, also a PR agency owner. I firmly believe that if you can be the best “you” you can be, you end up giving better thinking and service to your clients. I feel super lucky every day to get to come downtown to HC and then get to return to the original destination of HC – my home. (For the record, my first office was next to the sump pump in the basement – far from glamorous, that is for sure!)

So, as I reflect on Mother’s Day I am not only thankful for my fab five, but I’m also grateful for my sixth baby – Henson Consulting that has grown and evolved and changed these past 12 years (just like my kiddos). And, I’m a proud momma, for sure!

At some point in your life, you’ve likely had to overcome some sort of adversity. Whether it was the untimely death of a loved one, a physical or emotional insecurity, or any other challenge that life has handed you, we can all relate on some level. It’s how we handle these moments that truly defines us and gives us the opportunity to use our own experiences to help others.

This is the Open Hearts Philosophy, which stands for selfless giving even in the face of adversity. The Open Hearts Foundation has a truly unique mission in that they recognize and provide funds for other charitable organizations and the inspiring individuals behind them who are dedicated to spreading this mantra. Each year, event co-founders Jane Seymour and James Keach open their gorgeous Malibu, Calif., home to 300-plus guests at a VIP gala, designed to recognize these worthy individuals.

Five Open Heart awards were presented to deserving individuals at the nonprofit’s third-annual event on April 13, and each recipient had his or her own inspiring story. Here are a few highlights from the incredible night:

• Maria D’Angelo founded the Children’s Lifesaving Foundation to transform the lives of homeless and at-risk children in Los Angeles. Some of the children whose lives have been changed for the better because of the remarkable D’Angelo attended the event. During her speech, she repeatedly proclaimed, “Jane and James, my heart is so open.” She clearly understands the Open Hearts Philosophy!
• Steve Gleason, former New Orleans Saints’ safety – infamous for his blocked punt on the night that the Superdome reopened for the first time following Hurricane Katrina – and his wife Michel (Team Gleason) have dedicated themselves to finding a cure for ALS since Steve’s diagnosis in 2011. In living out their mission that ALS patients can not only live but thrive, the couple was headed on a Team Gleason adventure to Machu Picchu and was unable to attend. They did, however, film an amazing video (password: tg) in which Steve speaks via computer technology using only his eyes. There wasn’t a dry eye in the crowd.
• ESPN SportsCenter’s Hannah Storm (Hannah Storm Foundation) has a passion for helping others that stems from Storm’s own challenge of being born with a port wine stain birthmark under her left eye. The birthmark caused Storm to endure painful procedures and a lifelong struggle with self-consciousness. Storm attended the event with daughter Ellery.
• When former Arizona Cardinals’ Pat Tillman was killed by friendly fire in Afghanistan after enlisting in the wake of September 11. His wife, writer Marie Tillman, turned this horrible tragedy into a platform for supporting veterans and their families through the Pat Tillman Foundation. Marie credits living with an open heart as the reason she was able to again find love and marry husband Joe Shenton.
• Following award-winning television reporter Bob Woodruff’s traumatic brain injury while on location in Iraq in 2006, he and wife, writer and reporter Lee Woodruff, co-founded the Bob Woodruff Foundation. On the day of the event, Bob was on location reporting on the conflict in South Korea – truly demonstrating their foundation’s mission that wounded service members can reintegrate into society. He was, however, present via a heartfelt video to thank Jane and James and introduce his lovely wife to the stage.

There’s hardly a greater feeling than seeing your hard work come to fruition. Whether it be a media placement that’s been months in the making, an event that you’ve meticulously coordinated down to every last detail, or a strategic social media campaign begin to take shape – the feeling of pride is incomparable. But this was one of those instances that left me feeling particularly inspired, fortunate and proud to spread the word about such amazing people and such an impactful organization.

The story of NEAT Method began in San Francisco. Founders Ashley Murphy and Molly Graves met one day while out shopping. The Midwestern natives became instant friends and quickly discovered a shared passion for organization. Displaced in a new city and unsure of their respective next career moves, the bubbly blondes sat down and discussed how they could parlay their shared interest into a business. Shortly thereafter, NEAT Method was born. Ashley and Molly were determined to help others find an appreciation for an organized lifestyle.

I have been a fan of NEAT Method for a while, always keeping up with their latest adventures through their blog and social media pages (@NeatMethod), so when I ran into Ashley and Molly at a party last year, I secretly wished we might be able to work together some day. It was much to my surprise (and delight), when I received an email from Ashley a few months later asking if we would be willing to meet with her to discuss ways to build buzz for NEAT Method in Chicago—they have locations in San Francisco, Washington D.C. and South Florida. The answer was an immediate yes.

Recently the NEAT Method visited our own Kathleen Henson’s fabulous, but admittedly untidy, closet so that we could see NEAT Method work their magic first hand—and did they ever. Check out the before-and-after shots below.

Here are a few tips from the ladies of NEAT Method:

• Remember ROY G BIV: When organizing your closet, stick to rainbow method (ROY G BIV), with white at the beginning and black at the end, and lightest to darkest within. It makes a closet most appealing for anyone to shop. Also, stick with black hangers. Colored ones tend to get dirty.
• Think acrylic: Use acrylic organizers for all your baubles to keep precious jewelry from getting lost and/or knotted. These trays can be beautifully displayed on a dresser, or placed nicely in a drawer.
• Keep it contained: Just having an assortment of bins and baskets around the house to utilize already gives the illusion of being more organized. A basket can be used to hold everyday shoes in the front hall closet, or to create extra “drawer” space on shelves in a closet.

So the next time you find yourself with a closet full of nothing to wear, a kitchen that is too cluttered to cook in, or simply want a fresh start for Spring, look no further than NEAT Method—a lifestyle service committed to providing a more luxurious and smartly appointed living space with customized and sustainable solutions. NEAT Method, we’re so happy to be working with you!

At HC, I’m lucky to be able to bring my dog – Boomer – into the office once a week and can tell you from first-hand experience about the positive impact and presence that he has on co-workers and clients alike. Just seeing Boomer in the office puts a smile on almost everyone’s face (with the exception of delivery folks – even though they have no reason to fear my mild-mannered Boom) and gives co-workers a reason to take a quick break to give him a pat on the head or belly scratch. He earns his keep as well, by serving as our official meeting monitor and brainstorm participant, and definitely knows how to work a room (as well as co-worker’s trash cans, ever so discretely). Having Boomer at the office also gives me a reason to leave my desk during the day and head outside to get some fresh air which stimulates creativity, an essential part of a PR practitioner’s job.

For those of you who are curious to see how your dog does in a workplace environment, you should consider participating in this year’s “Take Your Dog to Work Day” on Friday, June 21 (obviously, with the consent of your employer).

I’m convinced that if more companies allowed employees to bring their dogs to work – this world would be a much happier place!

By working in such a fast-paced industry, you can be certain that not every day is going to be flowers and sunshine. From discovering that a vendor ordered the wrong type of table linens for a big event, to a reporter canceling an interview with a client the morning of that you scheduled two months prior, to becoming violently ill the night before a big presentation – there’s always some thunder and lightning that can creep up out of nowhere.

Here at Henson Consulting, we always aim to look at the bright side of things and take a “half-glass full” approach. My colleagues and I constantly remind ourselves that while there are obstacles in many aspects of one’s personal and professional lives, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.

Now you might be thinking, “OK, Shenetta. Not every day is perfect, and sometimes in PR – projects can be difficult. How do you stay positive when it feels like everything is going wrong?!” Well, I’m going to answer that question with a few tips to get you through challenging times and projects.

• Communicate, communicate, communicate: You would think that this tip is obvious, since many of us in PR have Communications degrees, but it isn’t. I find that in order to minimize confusion and avoid issues, you must communicate openly and clearly with clients, co-workers and vendors to ensure that their needs (and your needs!) are being met. Let everyone know the purpose and what you hope to accomplish.
• Do your research: In order to lead a successful program, you have to know the background and history first. Conduct Google searches, talk to consumers/friends/colleagues, and find out everything you can to understand things, so you can jump in front of any issues before they arise.
• Plan ahead: Sometimes planning ahead can be the most difficult thing to do, considering that our world of PR is always changing and evolving, and our to-do lists are so jam-packed. But it’s always worth it to prep.
• Be organized: There are some things that are consistent and that are “must-haves” for every program, which can give you a leg up as you’re readying for the next big event or project. The more you prepare yourself, your team and your clients, and stay organized, the better off everyone will be.

Every profession has its ups and downs and challenging times, but if you work hard and stay positive, at the end of the day, you can weather the storm and enjoy that bright sunlight when the clouds clear.

We’re seeing a larger desire from consumers to know exactly how their favorite brands’ products are made, where they come from and what’s in them. They want to feel in control and aware of what they are purchasing and consuming. I credit this to a couple of different things:

• The messenger matters: People are more apt to trust their friends and family’s recommendations than those presented directly from a brand. This is why we continue to see the pull of bloggers and ambassadors to help spread brand messaging and credibility. Using real people rather than celebrities to support brands conveys honesty and transparency rather than smoke and mirrors.
• Conversational convergence: Brands are now fully integrated in social media – a trend that’s constantly growing and not going away anytime soon. By combining brand voices with consumer voices, people have become accustomed to seeing what their friends like and support. It’s similar to using brand ambassadors, but in a much more organic, conversational way. By entering a space where consumers are already comfortable, brands open the doors to two-way communication where consumers feel like they can (and should) be candidly heard.
• Share and share alike: Microblogs and photo feeds have created a platform for consumers to share their every move, which naturally leads them to believe that their every move is both newsworthy and important. So when consumers see brands living within these shared spaces, they expect the same transparency in return. In order for a brand to be trusted, they need to follow their consumers’ lead and talk and share as they do.

As everyday consumers become their own educational explorers, brands simply can’t take a mistruth and spin it to become a PR story. If we’ve learned one thing from the Wizard of Oz, it’s that our job simply cannot consist of smoke and mirrors. Consumers are fighting for the truth. And if we don’t give it to them, we’ll be left with nothing but a tiny man behind the curtain and a failing communication plan.

For all the time I spent in organized athletics, today sports are something that I more-or-less consume as entertainment – at home on the couch or, if I manage to plan a little bit in advance, in the stands at the United Center or Wrigley. Sometimes I forget that, for the star athletes among us in this great city, sports are more than just a high-profile paycheck. They’re a common denominator. A conversation starter. And source of tremendous hope to all.

Through my work for HC client Ronald McDonald House Charities, I’m constantly reminded that the professional athletes of the Windy City’s teams are not just red, blue and black jerseys and sports column fodder. They’re fathers and mothers, and philanthropists and activists, and making a real difference matters deeply to them. Despite the fact that they’re constantly shuttling across the country and city, recovering from injury, taking care of their families, and dealing with the extraordinary pressures of over-enthused fans and critical reporters, they honestly make it a priority to give back.

There’s something about picturing a child in the hospital that doesn’t sit well with most people. Babies, toddlers and kids should be playing and smiling, not attached to monitors and ventilators. Not prepping for surgery. The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana serves these children by serving their families – giving them a comfortable, clean, safe and free place to sleep, rest and shower, minutes from their hospitalized child.

The past two weeks have brought some phenomenal athletes into the Ronald McDonald House near Lurie Children’s, to spend quality time with these families: Carlos Boozer and Nazr Mohammed of the Chicago Bulls and Duncan Keith of the Chicago Blackhawks. The energy that their presences brought to the families staying at the House was contagious, and their kindness and empathy shone brilliantly through their gentle, egoless manners.

Athletes are put on a pedestal so often for the records they break, plays that they make and championship rings that they wear. On behalf of RMHC-CNI, and as a mommy myself, I’d like to say a big thank you to the stars among us who create hope and happiness in the hearts of families that need those things more than anything else.