Posts by Rebecca

The Importance of Joining a Board

Posted by on Aug 7, 2018 in Entrepreneur Thoughts, Lessons | 0 comments

Many young professionals who launch a career consider three things before starting: Can I support myself financially doing this work? Will I like doing this work? Am I offering the world some type of benefit by doing this work? Often for motivated career professionals, these questions never stop. In fact, Presidents and CEOs of major companies ask themselves these types of questions annually. The search to find that perfect balance between happy and doing good becomes a lifelong quest. The Ballast Group’s founder, Kellee Johnson, offers insights on best practices to keep your game in...

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Healthcare reputation management in 2017

Posted by on Jan 19, 2018 in General, Lessons, PR Methodology | 0 comments

In 2017, we saw numerous large companies fall prey to poor reputation management and crisis communication preparation. The airline industry snagged a front seat for most damaging headlines. In an era dependent on transparency and trust, it is more important than ever to have the right systems and communication channels in place to maintain a company’s reputation with all stakeholders. As a company that works with many healthcare organizations, Ballast Group decided to take a closer look at reputation management in the healthcare space and why it is so important. In the beginning of 2017,...

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Is your team moving in the right direction? Understanding the similarities between sailing and PR & the meaning behind “ballast”

Posted by on Jun 22, 2017 in Lessons, PR Methodology, Sailing | 0 comments

As another Chicago summer sets the tone for humid heat and warm winds, public relations firms and sailing teams prepare for a busy season. America’s Cup fanatics are watching the 35th Cup this week from Bermuda as Lake Michigan sailors get ready for Chicago Yacht Club’s 109th Race to Mackinac, taking off July 15 east of Navy Pier. Similarly, PR professionals are gearing up for a season of outdoor events, new seasonal products and holidays that celebrate the excitement of summer fun. Though it may seem strange to liken business to sailing, when you break it down, and look at how each team...

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The Importance of Internships: How to Get a Jump-Start on Your Confidence and Your Career

Posted by on Jun 8, 2017 in General, Lessons | 0 comments

At the start of senior year, most college students begin contemplating what the ‘real world’ will look like. They prepare for that ever-so daunting job search and stress over securing their first post-graduation position.   As college seniors everywhere are graduating, there are a few helpful tips for freshmen, sophomores and juniors on how to get a jump start on your career and bypass most of the senior stress. The first, and arguably most important tip, is securing not only one but two or three internships during college. When I was in my junior year at DePaul University, I had the chance...

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Find Your Inspiration: Best 2017 Commencement Speeches

Posted by on Jun 1, 2017 in Entrepreneur Thoughts, General | 0 comments

It’s that time of year again when the weather warms and the tassels are turned to the left side. As college seniors graduate from private and public institutions across the country, news organizations flood us with headlines of commencement speeches with the “best advice” or “words of wisdom.” Twelve years ago, as Kellee Johnson started The Ballast Group, one commencement speaker’s words stood out. Delivered by Steve Jobs at Stanford University’s 2005 commencement address they were: “Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish.” Those words inspired The Ballast Group team in 2005 and continue today. To help...

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