Meet Our Team: Q&A with Kristin Mack Deuber
What makes you great at your job?
I’m a good listener. A lot of PR professionals will go into a client or a prospect meeting and talk about everything they’ve done and what they can do. Oftentimes they don’t take the opportunity to really listen to the clients’ needs and understand their pain points before providing recommendations. Being a good listener not only makes the client or prospect feel like they’ve been heard, it also makes my job easier because I understand what will make us successful.
How would you describe your ideal client relationship?
I love working with clients who share our values and want to work together to get results. I enjoy clients with whom I can be transparent and build trusting relationships with through honest feedback and mutual respect. These types of relationships are long-lasting and rewarding for everyone on the team.
What do you love about working with the consultants on the Approach team?
I love being able to work with other industry consultants and having the opportunity to brainstorm, and learn from other seasoned professionals. I love our ability to leverage everyone’s talents to deliver the best product at the end of the day.
What are is a word you would use to describe the Approach Marketing culture?
Inspired. We have a lot of freedom as industry consultants to come to the table with ideas that we all work on together. I’m inspired that Megan has instilled that in everyone. If there’s something we want to do, she encourages us to pursue it.
How does the virtual agency model benefit your career and personal life?
I moved to California two years ago and even though I now live on the west coast, I still get to work with people I know, trust and have worked with for years. Working at Approach allows me to continue those relationships and partner with other consultant across the country.
When your work is done, where will we find you?
At one of the amazing beaches in our area like Swami’s Beach. I also love traveling, hiking, playing tennis, doing yoga and enjoying everything San Diego has to offer.
What accomplishment (career or personal) are you most proud of?
Taking the leap from working for an agency to become industry consultant as a full-time job and doing that for five years now.
What is the most memorable compliment you ever received?
People say they like my laugh!! And I hope it puts people at ease when they spend time with me.
What industry trend or technology are you excited about?
I think we are just scratching the surface on the “shared economy” trend. We’ve seen companies like Uber and Airbnb had great success and I’m excited to see where this trend heads next, especially from a social enterprise and charity perspective. As marketing professionals we can learn a lot from these organizations and use lessons learned to help our clients think differently about how they market their businesses.
What advice would you give to someone starting their career in PR and marketing?
Intern as much as you can, whether paid or free. And, get as many different experiences as possible to determine what area of PR you want to pursue… just get as much real-life experience as you can before launching your career.
What is your favorite quote?
"In the end, we only regret the chances we didn't take." - Lewis Carroll
My approach to life is...
Keep it simple: Be a good person, do good work and good things will happen to you.