Oh, to Be 31 Again
Despite the fact that a certain fictional PR blogger likes to refer to me as a “kid,” I will be 41 on Thursday.
After reading a recent post by New York PR impresario (and suspected Sidney Falco reincarnation) Ronn Torossian, I decided it might be time to hang up the phone, power down the laptop and call it a career.
Quoth the 31-year-old Torossian:
In reviewing 2005 PR industry rankings … it came to me that not another owner of 1 of the 50 largest PR firms is under the age of 45 - Not 1, and maybe 3 are under the age of 50. That is absurd in an industry driven by creativity, hunger and passion. Its why we succeed. We will be 1 of the 25 largest independent PR firms in the US in 2006. We grow because … we have at least 75% of our clients under the age of 50 and we uniquely understand them as our competitors do not.
That’s great, Ronn. Let’s just hope that when you fire one of your 40+year-old employees, they don’t remember to reference your blog in their age discrimination suit.
Oh that’s right — they would probably have Alzheimer’s anyway.
Perhaps someone should watch this sci-fi classic:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0074812
Torossian will most likely change his tune as he gets older. Funny how that usually happens.
Yeah, when I look back on my accomplishments, I used to think of them this way:
– I was the youngest columnist at the Lynchburg News and Daily Advance (22)
– I was the second-youngest city desk reporter at the Dallas Times Herald (24)
– I was one of the youngest executives in my Exec MBA program (32)
– I was one of the youngest VPs at PageNet (33) and Belo (36)
After dealing with a LOT of stuff over the past few years, I think about things a little differently…
– I’m grateful that my second marriage is such a happy one — so much so that we’re able to work together without killing each other…
– I’m grateful that I can work at home — taking on clients and projects that I like, and that challenge me
– I love that I have time to goof off on this blog, to watch the Mavs go for an NBA title, to play fetch with the dog, and on and on.
I guess some people’s priorities never change. Mine did. People like Ronn may always think that this is a cop out — but ultimately, we all end up at the same place.
Let’s just hope that when you fire one of your 40+year-old employees, they don’t remember to reference your blog in their age discrimination suit.
Good catch.
You sure he’s 31?
Sounds like the attitude of a 21 year old if you ask me.
Thanks so much for the comments of all of you - They will deeply touch me. By the way, do any of you actually have any success in PR ? Run businesses ? Advise clients ?
Ronn Torossian
Actually, Ronn, I’m the guy who wiped off your windshield when you were at a stoplight this morning. Thanks for the buck!
What upsets and amazes me is how this blog like so many other in the industry havent succeeded in building businesses, advising clients or making money. My firm has done all of that yet. So be quiet, sit back and learn.
OK, let me roll out the Barcalounger … I’m easing it back now, resting my head. Ahh, very relaxing.
Now I’m ready, Ronn: teach me the secrets of life. Let me guess — this has something to do with money, doesn’t it?
It has to do with working hard - Very hard. It has to do with building a brand. It has to do with telling the truth and succeeding.
Why is it you think we have the fastest growing firm in the US 2 years in a row (2006 will be 3 years in a row) ?
I am not going to respond anymore. You guys keep blogging and being self important. I will go back to making history in this industry.
OK, I’ll be self-important; you go “make history,” Mr. Humble.