Meet Ellen Marchman | Marketing Specialist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ellen Marchman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ellen, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Being an entrepreneur is essentially a 24/7 risk taker. You are consistently seeking opportunities while walking a tightrope without a net. Get Ink PR was born in 2005, and it’s been a joyous journey. Miami is a fantastic city to be an entrepreneur, with many championing start-ups and applauding new ideas. When we celebrated the first day of 2020, there was so much hope and excitement. While this has been one of the hardest years for each and every one of us, I’ve resolved to take more professional risks than ever, because there isn’t a bad idea to be had.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
While in college at CU Boulder, I took an internship with the Mayor of Denver’s press office, and it changed my world. I loved working with journalists, writing, being on top of the news cycle and the press secretary really championed my development. After graduating, I decided to go Los Angles instead of Washington, D.C., and I’ve never regretted that decision. I spent 6 years working with a top tier PR firm focused on culinary and hospitality. The pace was fast, clients exciting and upper management were seriously smart. Several are still my mentors today. I was offered a position with a firm in Miami July of 2001. And, lost that position September 12, 2001. The firm fired all their employees the day after 9/11. It was a gritty few months, but you either sink or swim, and thankfully I’m a really good swimmer. The most important aspect to remember in hard times, is to ask for help. Share your situation with peers, mentors, friends, colleagues. Personal networks are the most valuable assets. Brainstorm new ideas, clients, strategies. Not only is it valuable to get professional advice from those within your industry, but discussing it aloud helps define the process. And, never burn bridges. Integrity and trust are personal currency.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
COVID has changed how we socialize drastically. Answers to this question last year, would be entirely different. Miami’s art community has created topnotch virtual tour and performances, and that would be one of my first suggestions. As we are rolling into winter’s gorgeous weather, take advantage of Miami’s outdoor spaces and parks. Such as Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens, and a hidden treasure – The Kampong National Tropical Botanical Garden. Support local restaurants and their outdoor dining. Take advantage of drive in (and by boat) movie theaters. And, buy or rent a paddle board. It’s a beautiful way to see Miami from the water and is very therapeutic. My board saved me during quarantine.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My shoutout is to Dan Grech at BizHack Academy! During the first few months of #stayathome, I put on a therapist hat for my clients. Listening was (and is) one of the most important communication skills. I began formulating a Conscious Communications webinar, and Dan championed it! He said, “it doesn’t need to be a perfect idea, just jump off the high dive and you’ll be surprised how you make it successful.” I presented Conscious Communications in mid-May to over 90 people on Zoom. It was thrilling! From that presentation, the Southeast Spa Association asked me to present to their members. Thank you, Gilad Lang!

Website: https://www.getinkpr.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenmarchman/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellen-marchman-6820696/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/getinkpr
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getinkpr
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/GetInkPR
Other: Conscious Communications – https://ellenmarchman.com/

Image Credits
All photos by Ellen Marchman