Thanks for Visiting!

Welcome to my blog! This is my first foray into the world of blogging. I started "10 Items or Less" because I wanted to have a journal for myself; a place to collect information that I find and share my thoughts, opinions, and enthusiasm about my two favorite topics, public relations and food and beverage consumer packaged goods (CPG). Both subjects are dynamic and fast-paced, and where these two matters meet is where I will focus many of my posts.

I have practiced public relations for the past six years. A majority of my experience lies in public affairs. However, when I started to think about who I am and where I want to utilize my skills in the workplace, I kept coming back to companies that produce the items that nourish our lives. At the end of the day, I am a consumer, and I want to be a part of this dynamic business.

As the economy started to decline, I noticed a trend; Companies that manufacture food and beverage products were actually doing well. Profits rose and stocks ticked upward for corporations in this field as other industries struggled to survive. Every time I opened the paper, there was another article discussing the increase in cereal and peanut butter and jelly sales. In this recession, people are not only eating at home more, but they are resorting to comfort foods and eating breakfast for dinner. Consumers are loyal to certain brands and they do not stray, even in this economic downturn.

This topic, consumer behavior, and branding are two topics that have always fascinated me. In fact, as a graduate student studying communications at Johns Hopkins University, I wrote my thesis on long-term Super Bowl advertising recall. I wanted to understand why and how certain brands, products, or ads made such a long-lasting impression on viewers and why audiences forgot others immediately. The subject certainly intrigued me for many months, and still does today.

So, thank you for joining me on this journey. I consider myself an eternal student, and I want to learn. Please leave your comments, add your links, and contribute your ideas.