We’d now like to take a moment with one of Click Communications’ veteran staffers, Dre Birskovich, to learn a little more about where she came from and how she gets by in the world of Click. With the winter season upon us, there’s nothing better than the crackle of a roaring fire. Let us begin.
What is your favorite thing about working at Click? The people, hands down. From my awesome Click teammates to the journalists and bloggers we get to work with, the people that I’ve met, worked and hung out with are the best!
What skill has been most valuable to you while working here at Click? Well, I was a Communications major in college, but when I was studying, it always seemed so intuitive like common sense. I’ve learned not to take my skills as a communicator for granted in my job. Reaching out to so many different folks with such diverse interests, it’s become a fun challenge to try to reach and connect with people using appropriate language, assets, and products. My communication skills also come in handy as the majority of our work is done via email or in phone calls.
What would you consider to be your area of specialty? I’ll tell what I’ve been told my specialties are. When I first started with Click- nearly 4 years ago- I started cutting my teeth by pitching Disney Channel releases. I was constantly digging up new Teen and Tween sites and reaching out to them to cover, as they were the core demographic for my titles. I also have a bit of an addiction to celebrity gossip, so I really wasn’t so far removed from the demo in terms of our shared interest. As my campaigns started to build in size, I became known as the Tween Whisperer at Click.
More recently, we’ve seen the surge in popularity and opportunities to work with the blogger community. As I’ve worked mostly on family-oriented products, and our clients have become increasingly more interested in partnering with bloggers, I’ve really delved deep into the world of Parenting Bloggers. These relationships have become some of my most treasured, and I’m now being called the Mommy Whisperer at Click!
In my opinion, I think that my specialty is really my interest and immersion with the audiences for the products we get to work on. It’s like learning a new language, and when I start to get fluent, I can reach people in new and fun ways!
What is the best part of your workday? The best part of my work day is when I get an email from a journalist or blogger that says, ‘Thanks so much for all that you do. We loved the opportunity to work on this campaign with you!’ When you work with hundreds outlets on a single campaign, it’s that kind of appreciation that really keeps you going.
I also love seeing a pitch I’ve written pop-up on sites across the web. If I’ve written something that is cute or humorous or compelling enough that folks think it’s worthy to simply re-post on their site to help promote my clients, I feel pretty proud of that
What is the best advice you have ever received? “Tis better to ask forgiveness than to ask permission.” My first job out of college was in a boutique retail ad agency, and media deadlines always seemed to come up quickly when my clients were unavailable for consultation. My boss always said to me, “Don’t wait; take action! I can apologize for you if you make a mistake, but I can’t apologize for your inability to act.”
What websites do you frequent the most that aren’t necessarily work-related? Um, do I have to answer this??
Okay, well, I like gossip so TheSuperficial.com is an excellent source for photographic evidence of the latest celeb blunders, and PerezHilton.com has made it possible for me to give up all weekly tabloid subscriptions. I also like Mashable and HuffingtonPost for my “real” news. Social networking can also nab a significant portion of my free time, as well as exploring new apps on my iPhone 4s.
If I looked in your DVR, what would I find? DVR? What the heck is that? I just got cable after 7 years of going without- HA! In my Netflix queue, you will find The Walking Dead, Parenthood, RuPaul’s Drag Race, The Tutors and Intervention among my TV selections.
What book are you currently reading and what else might one find on your shelves? Currently, I’m reading Comfortably Numb: The Inside Story of Pink Floyd by Mark Blake out loud to my brother. I’m listening to an audiobook for When Giants Walked the Earth: A Biography of Led Zeppelin by Mick Wall in the car. I also really enjoyed reading The Help and Portia de Rossi’s biography Unbearable Lightness: A Story of Loss and Gain this past summer.
Where in the world is your favorite place to travel or spend a dream vacation? I LOVE the beach, so for a short weekend getaway I love driving up the coast to meet my best friend at her parents’ place in Pismo Beach for a weekend of yoga, walks on the sand, ocean gazing and family home cookin’. If I’m throwing the budget to the wind, I adore Greece and Hawaii, and would very much like to experience Costa Rica and the Caribbean.
Obligatory superpower question: What would it be & why? Flying. I’ve dreamed of weaving around city skyscrapers and soaring over the ocean with a flock of pelicans for as long as I can remember. I don’t need wings or a special cape, just hollow bones. : )
In her free time, you can find Dre bustin' a move at the local roller rink.
