Just a few things that I believe make me an excellent candidate for the upcoming Outback Bowl:
- Klout has one of the best formula’s I’ve seen in regards to social media influence and value. My two most influential topics, according to Klout, are Social Media and Food. Also in my Top Ten are relevant topics including Football and Atlanta.
- I would proudly accept any food challenge from Outback. From filets to lobster tail, I’ve never left Outback hungry or unsatisfied. Outback can also take great pride in being the only Steakhouse that doesn’t require a large bottle of AI Steak sauce with their steak.
- Outback Sponsors NASCAR driver Ryan Newman, who also goes by the nickname “Rocket Man”. It’s either irony or fate that Elton John albums bombard my vinyl collection.
- Social media is my language. As you can tell in my last post, I take great pride in understanding the tools available today. My introduction to Twitter came in June 2008 when my Advertising internship at Southwest Airlines had me managing customer service conversations and keeping up with the plethora of followers that earned us a spot on Dateline and business blogs around the globe. I have never looked at online social interaction the same. Since then, I have developed social media strategies for over 6 different brands, ranging from small businesses to publications and continue to develop my personal brand for meeting new people and learning more about this world.
- I remember watching the Outback Bowl for years, but never from a press box. I’ve got great memories of former OUTBACK Bowl’s, including the 100 yard interception by Walter McFadden in 2010.
- I’ve developed a pretty dynamic sports resume over the years.
- I worked press and public announcer positions with MVNU for over four years. My claim to fame was probably the rebirth of NBA JAM phrases like “Boomshakalaka” or the invention of Navy transfer Ben Falkenberg’s iconic nickname.
- I was a Public Announcer at Kenyon College for home basketball games. A fun fact, Kenyon was voted #1 on the Forbes World’s Most Beautiful College Campuses, and recently known for being the backdrop for Joshua Radnor’s “Liberal Arts” film.
- In 2010, I assisted ESPN analysts and nationwide sports broadcasters during the NCAA March Madness Opening Round. Following the game, I was sent to the press conferences to capture all of the interviews to be sent out to the AP.
- I worked for the Dallas Maverick’s D-League affiliate, the Texas Legends, as an Account Executive. Prior to that, I received a job offer from the Arizona Diamondbacks, 2001 World Series Champions.
- Also in 2010, I was a part of the NCAA Women’s Elite 8 games, working alongside ESPN analysts through the afternoon games, and writing a release featuring UCONN’s Head Coach Geno Auriemma, who has 7 NCAA National Championships and is a 6-time Naismith College Coach of the year. This also marks the only time I watched a women’s team compete as if they were a men’s college basketball team. Amazing!
- Finally, my strongest point: There has always been a fear of mine that I would love to conquer. I remember having nightmares that were both unexplainable and unable to be reconciled. This fear involves one thing: fighting kangaroos. I’m not sure where this fear came about, but the countless YouTube videos do nothing but feed into these emotions. If I were to be a part of the Outback Bowl as a journo, I believe that with the support of spectators, Outback fans, and a fellow journo, I could conquer this fear. The Outback Bowl is bound to have festive celebrations, Aussie parties, and many opportunities for me to see this amazing creature in a new light. And it’s not looking like a trip down under is going to be on my radar anytime soon, so this seems to be the best option. In conclusion, for the well-being of my mind, soul, and future adventures, I hope that I am considered to be an Outback journo.