Interning at Reach Partners has been a wonderful experience, and I’m only one month into my internship. So far, I’ve been able to put knowledge and skills from my classes at Concordia College to the test. What I love about this experience is that Anita and Rachel give me independent tasks to work on that challenge me and engage me.

I can already see how my skills from classes overlap with my projects here at Reach Partners. Since I am a public relations student and have a minor in business, I have taken many courses at Concordia that involve event planning, social media and blogging, marketing, and public relations. I also have helped to plan and execute campaigns as part of my school work.

I am thankful for these experiences because they help in my internship work, such as the Women’s Health Conference that Reach Partners helps plan and execute. I’ve been tasked to create a communication/marketing plan for the 2017 event.

As part of my public relations and marketing courses at Concordia, I have helped design marketing and public relations campaigns for nonprofits in the Fargo-Moorhead community, including Haley’s Hope and Ellen Hopkins Elementary Nature Play Park. If it weren’t for these experiences, I would not have the skills to assist with the marketing and communication plans and strategies for the Women’s Health Conference.

From planning events in my event planning course to running full social media, marketing and public relations campaigns in other courses, I have practiced skills that I will be using not only in my future career, but also in my current internship.

The experiences from my class projects have given me the confidence to work independently on tasks at Reach Partners, which allows me to gain more skills and knowledge that will be beneficial in my future career.

I am grateful that Anita and Rachel are confident in my abilities to allow me to work independently on projects. This not only helps them out with tasks, but allows me learn from them.

-Olivia, Event Strategy Intern

Hearts. Flowers. Candy. Romantic dinners over candlelight. These are the symbols we typically associate with Valentine’s Day.

But building and maintaining relationships requires more than a card and a bouquet of flowers. Relationships thrive when everyone involved feels important and valued. When somebody takes the time to express appreciation, our spirits are boosted.

Showing appreciation may come second-nature as we reach out to our romantic interests, our friends and family members. But we should extend this sentiment to those people we love to work with – our clients and customers.

With a bit of consideration and thoughtfulness, anyone can create good will and a bond that goes well beyond a project or a paycheck.

And the beauty of heart-felt appreciation? It can be shown on any day of the year.

Listen Intently
We find that people constantly share clues about things they need or want, something they love or want to do. Our job is to pay attention.
In meetings, does someone always drink flavored water or diet Coke? Do they crack jokes about their love of chocolate or mention the yoga class they go to every Thursday night?

In a professional setting most of the conversation will circulate around a project. But don’t be afraid to pay attention to the personal side of life, too. Go ahead and share your own personal (and always appropriate!) details first. Some people need to hear from others before they share.

Above all, be kind.

One afternoon we had a brief phone call with a client who shared that she had worked through lunch. We also knew that the remainder of this person’s day was packed with meetings and obligations. So, we decided to order lunch and have it delivered to her.

It was fun playing “secret cupid” even though she eventually figured out it was us.

Do the Unexpected
We are big believers in surprising people. If most people expect gifts around Christmas, consider sending your company gift at a different time of year. It’s common to write thank-you notes after the completion of a big project, but maybe you do it when the project’s in the murky middle.

One of our contractors recently started her own business. She struggled with what to name it, but had shared a couple of ideas with us. One of the names, Whistle Editorial, struck Anita right away. So when she found a whistle necklace on Etsy, she purchased it and waited for the perfect time to deliver it.

Good thing the name stuck!

Hand Write a Note
It’s relatively easy to “like” a post on Facebook or Twitter. Email is handy. But nothing replaces the time it takes to grab an actual pen and write a short note on paper (gasp!). We know, it can be a hassle to find an address and attach a stamp, but in today’s tech-heavy world there’s still a soft spot in our hearts for a handwritten note. Say “thanks” or “thinking of you” or just share the latest reason you enjoy working with this person.

Give a Compliment
Your mom was on to something when she told you that if you can’t say something nice, don’t say it all. We like to give that phrase a new spin. If you have something nice to say, say it – loudly! Whether it’s through a note or a verbal “hooray!” be specific about what you like about a person or their contribution. Instead of a generic “I enjoy working with you” message, you can shine a light on how a client’s gentle honesty inspires you or how someone’s organizational skills really helped keep the project on task.

Celebrate Success
Keep an eye on social media channels and use those ears (see earlier tip). When someone posts about a job promotion, send them a note. When someone mentions they’re meeting their goal to exercise four times a week, congratulate them. It doesn’t matter how big the achievement is, those endorphins flow when other people celebrate our successes.

Share Information
When Anita’s grandma found an article in the newspaper that she thought a family member or friend might enjoy, she’d pull out her well-worn scissors, clip the article and mail it. Today, it’s easy to share an article or blog that someone might find interesting or is pertinent to their work. Email it. Post it on their social media channels. Include a short note about why you think they might like it.

Make Connections
Introduce your clients and customers to other people you work with. By taking the time to connect two people, you send the message that you have great respect and admiration for both parties. People will automatically feel valued and important – and that’s the best feeling you can leave with any of your professional relationships.

On Feb. 9, thousands of people and businesses in our region will #gomatchymatchy as they participate in Giving Hearts Day.

We'll be among them.

Last year, more than $8 million was raised for local nonprofits during this 24-hour online give-a-thon.

Why do we participate in Giving Hearts Day?
1. It's easy: Go to givingheartsday.org to give a gift on Feb. 9.
2. We can support more than one charity that we love.
3. We are committed to supporting local organizations.
4. It’s fun: especially when we can challenge our friends to do the same.

Will you #gomatchymatchy with us?