Leafing a Place in Their Hearts

When I first began my career at the agency I work for, I was put on a three-month freelance contract. I learned that a short-term contract is becoming increasingly normal, especially in these economic times. It allows a company to see how you fit in with the staff, how they are able to utilize you/not utilize you, and what potential you have in benefitting the company in the long term. It also leans your way. It is a trial period for you, as the employer, to figure out if this is where you see yourself fit. However, if you are like me—you are grateful to even have a three month opportunity and will do everything you can to keep the job.

In my first couple of weeks at the agency, my co-worker asked me to help her with something. She and my boss had gotten a (then) prospective client a unique graphite pen, carved in the shape of a narrow leaf. Upon Fed-exing the gift she said to me, "OK, we need to think of something creative we can write along with this leaf." So, we brainstormed; and eventually came up with something along the lines of 'leaving a mark on their hearts' (hence the graphite pen.) And because I was so new to the company, because I was the most recent person to shift the dynamic of the staff, I was so proud that she asked my opinion. It was at that very moment I concluded that, like the graphite pen, I was going to leave a mark on someone's heart.

I wrote a post a few days ago about actions speaking louder than words, so you probably know all the things I did to attempt at earning my keep in my workplace. Well, I am more proud of that post than ever because as of Friday it rings especially true. After seven weeks in the agency, my freelance contract turned into a 'we like you and want to keep you on' contract. I could not be more happy. I do not expect anything to change drastically; as I will continue to do everything I have been doing. It is just an encouraging feeling to know that everything I have done has been right and that the people I work with like me just as much as I like them. It was also encouraging to know that my workload and visibility at the agency will only become more plentiful, as I am still learning the ropes of being an account coordinator and, after all, it has been only seven weeks. 

So, what I want you to take from my speel: If you start somewhere as only temporary help and want it to be a long-term gig, decide early on that you are going to leave a mark on the company's heart. Have that attitude, because once you do, all will fall into place and they won't want to let you go. Just my advice. Take it or leaf it.