Buzzmaker: Tracy Dishman

Thursday, July 31, 2008

Tracy Dishman is regional director of marketing for WorkOne. Beginning Friday, Aug. 1,
she will write a column on employment- related issues for The Star Press.

What's your favorite business book, and why?

Reading about and keeping up with trends locally and in the world is a big part of my job and something I enjoy doing. I looked on the table beside my bed to see what was there in preparation for answering this question and there is a book on sales, a book on direct marketing techniques, a book on investments and a mystery novel.

In enjoying that kind of reading diversity. I have to say that the book that came to mind as a favorite business book is a book called Doing Business by The Good Book. I read this book for a class while studying for my MBA. In a nutshell, this book helped me to give myself the okay to be who I am in the business world.

The author, David Stewart, contends that the same qualities of integrity, trust, commitment and loyalty that we expect from our friends and family are also appropriate in the workplace. There's some powerful stuff in this book!

What's your business or life principle?

It takes a leap of faith to raise yourself above what others expect from you. The hardest thing to do is take that first step to overcome your fears and self-doubt, especially when you're surrounded by doubting Thomases who constantly reinforce those fears, based on their personal beliefs.

We are here to sow seed into people's lives. "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back." -- Luke 6:38

What was your first job and what was it like?

I got my first job at Long John Silver's on Wheeling in Muncie when I was a junior at Muncie Central High School. I worked at the front counter, cleaned the dining area, etc. It was part time.

I had a great boss who didn't mind working around my school schedule. Back then it was a fun thing to go to the basketball/football games and the dance afterwards (did I really say "back then"? I feel old), and if I gave him enough notice, I was able to still participate in school activities.

Describe your "big break."

I don't think I fully recognized my "big break" when I accepted a position at Ball State right after college. I was hired as a graphic designer for University Media Services, now known as the Ball State Teleplex. Gosh, I'm going to make myself sound old again, but the Arts Building at Ball State didn't have computers when I was a student. I had recently graduated with a BFA degree in graphic design, so this was my first "career position." It was here that I first sat at a computer and created computer graphics for the on-air IHETS classes ... one of the first computer geeks was born instantly!

So, my "big break" was my time at BSU not only as a student, but as an employee. I credit the beginning of my career path as starting at Ball State University and the incredibly talented pool of individuals I worked with.

What's your favorite tech tool -- PDA, e-mail, voice mail, etc. -- and why?

Oh, my! As I said previously, I'm a total geek when it comes to electronics! I love my PDA. I connect it to my computer at the office every morning and it, along with my Outlook calendar, keep my family and I organized. My favorite tech tool is my computer. I'm one of those individuals that just doesn't feel right if there is something wrong with my computer. If the power goes out, I check on my computer first before I reset any clocks or appliances!

Voice mail I rely on for business purposes, but I would rather communicate via e-mail, which is on all day long. I am also someone who has come to depend on a cell phone WAAAAY too much! I don't have to have a phone that's named after food or unfolds into a keyboard, but I do enjoy text messaging with my kids and colleagues.

What's your favorite desk toy?

My "easy button." I have one that is broke. It doesn't clean my office when I press it.

What's perfect about your office, cubicle or workspace?

Remember when I first started my job that I have currently and my CEO gave me the choice of two offices: The first choice was one that is known as the "library." It's that kind of office that is full of file cabinets and the desk and cabinets line every wall space and there's just enough room to walk from the doorway to the desk ... and no windows. Or, there was this big room down the hall that had been recently remodeled. There was no furniture in it yet it had its own glass door entrance -- my new home! I have lots and lots of space for my "stuff!" As a marketing director, we end up with lots of ad specialties, displays, posters, etc. I just love being surrounded by the graphics, displays and projects I am working on or have created.

Deadlines -- love them or hate them?

It's not that I love or hate them ... I live with them. I come from a production background where deadlines are part of the business. I also have three children, none of who tell me about their need to be at school for an event or about a project deadline until the night before.

What's the most grueling work schedule you've ever kept?

There was a period of six years that I let my entrepreneurial spirit soar and ran my own multi-media studio. I think that entrepreneurs are the "cream of the crop" when it comes to dedication. It is a 24/7 commitment of time for yourself and your family, but it was the most rewarding time of my life, both personally and professionally.

Do you check e-mail or voice mail when you're away from work? Even on vacation?

I used to check both around the clock when I had my own business. Over the years I've learned the importance (for me) of trying to separate my work from my personal life. Of course, the "love or hate deadlines" question comes back into play here. There are times when deadlines or commitments find me on my computer at home in the evenings communicating via e-mail with a colleague about a project or checking voice mail to see if a meeting is still on for the next day.

How do you balance work life and private or family life?

I can honestly say that this has been a challenge for me as long as I can remember! I am so very lucky to have a career that I love. You know how people tell you that if you pick a career that's something you love to do that you'll never work a day in your life? Well, that's me. Now, I say I'm lucky to have this, but my husband and kids may feel differently! My job as a marketing director involves every aspect of who I am: I enjoy people, I thrive in a fast-paced environment with lots of new projects, I use my talents as an artist/designer, I love technology, and the list goes on. But it is difficult for me to leave at work what I do all day. I get completely involved in creating an experience for the events that I plan, for example. When I get home from work, my mind is still creating! Or I'm the typical creative person who gets ideas in the shower or late at night or in the middle of someone else's conversation!

So, my balance comes from enjoying what I do and accepting who I am and not trying to force my life in any other direction that doesn't work. If I need to grab some fast food for tonight's supper because I just had the world's greatest brainstorm that I HAVE to write down, my husband and my kids smile at me knowingly.