Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Gennifer Birnbach. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Gennifer, so happy to have you on the platform and I think our readers are in for a treat because you’ve got such an interesting story and so much insight and wisdom. So, let’s start with a topic that is relevant to everyone, regardless of industry etc. What do you do for self-care and how has it impacted you?
I am a wildly creative person, someone who can get bored easily, someone who needs to have something new to learn (not necessarily to master). Throughout my career, I’ve held different roles in marketing, copywriting, project management and publicity. I was highly sought after for my creative problem solving and ideas but also for my ability to bridge communication, build teams, maximize the best of everyone around me and bring an optimistic and (most important to me) fun energy.
So self-care has automatically been about replenishing what I bring to others and not just refilling my cup but finding new things to experience. I find this really inspires me and often parts of it end up being shared with my clients, collaborators etc. So everyone benefits from it.
When I worked in television, I became a certified floral designer through Parsons Design School. I became a Reiki Master through the Open Center in NYC. I studied Positive Psychology on Coursera. I studied The Law of Attractions and Psychic 101 with a phenomenal Psychic Medium named Carla Blaha. I went to the Omega Institute to learn the Tapping Solution from Jessica Ortner.
Since then, I started my own Marketing Communications company called Gennifer with a G. My tagline is “Every Curl on My Head is an Idea.” I’ve completed a Forest Therapy program, co-hosted a podcast Your Practical Magic and have taken art class (Water Color, En Plein Air, Sketching), finally learned to cook thanks to Hello Fresh and Eatingwell.com.
I’ve taken Tai Chi, hiked in new locations and have gotten into Sound Bathing at the Devotion Studio in Cortlandt Manor, NY. I went from a heavy TV viewer since childhood to listening to hours of amazing podcasts (comedy, informative etc) and audio books for entertainment and for inspiration.
Always being curious, always making time to try or experience something new has been my form of self-care.
It has fortified my ideas with things I may never have imagined had I not had these things on my radar.
It has opened up my intuition which has helped with ideation, productivity and putting me in the right place at the right time for amazing conversations and opportunities.
I’m also a great sleeper. No problem falling asleep and have always been a go-to-bed early kind of gal. But recently, through one of the podcasts, I heard I should close my shade (I love seeing the stars from my bed). So I started that and have had a much deeper rest. That makes such a big difference too.
This year my theme is “Glow Up.” I want to elevate my body and spirit, my work, my home, my relationships and more. It’s exciting when I add something new that I would categorize as a “glow up.” It can be as simple as sprinkling cinnamon on my coffee or signing my name with a really nice pen.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Copywriter
For over 25 years, my writing has appeared in best-selling books, award-winning sales materials, buzz-worthy press releases, diplomatic text responses and educational blogs and articles. I began my writing career working for TV networks including Comedy Central, Nickelodeon and Bravo. Sidebar: my very favorite words: Noodle, Milk, Squirrel and, of course, the F word.
Brand Marketing
While developing my writing chops, I was fortunate enough to participate in some of the greatest brand marketing campaigns such as the launch of TV Land and differentiating its brand personality from sibling network, Nick at Nite. I am famous for delivering creative solutions for all marketing and publicity challenges with grace.
My goal is to rebrand the pigeon. It’s true! They are a member of the dove family but here you are calling them a flying rat. They need a new tagline, narrative and, of course, a color palette that reframes their dirty grey coloring to something more aspirational and modern… like… I dunno, steel skyscraper or six-figure silver? I’m just spitballing here. But you get the idea!
Branding is all about how you make your audience feel. An emotional connection can quickly turn anyone into a fiercely loyal fan.
Communication Strategies
Often, I’m asked to help with internal and external communications planning and execution. Press releases, newsletters, pitch strategies and publicity stunts are all in my DNA.
I got my start in 2nd grade during our Show and Tell presentations. I often promoted the Woody Woodpecker episode I saw that morning. I’m confident I was responsible for increased ratings weekdays 6-7am on WPIX-NY.
Project Management
With my 10 years as a Project Manager for Bravo plus earning my accelerated learner certificate from Cheetah PMP, I have been busy as a beaver.
Something about setting up organized files, overseeing timelines and workflow, sourcing talent and team members and general administrative support makes me feel like I just saw the greatest sunrise ever!
PS. I am a morning person and am most productive between 7-10am. Weekends included.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Knowing your truth, not taking things too seriously and embracing change. In my 30 year television career I never had the traditional background for any job I took. If I could speak to the hiring manager, my belief in myself, my passion and my enthusiasm were often my ticket to success. There’s a quote from Henry Ford, “whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.” I’ll also add “there’s no such thing as no.”
Reframe your career as an adventure. Every interaction, experience (good and bad) is a part of this adventure. It’s not always going to feel great. That’s why self-care is so important. In my case, when I felt stuck at work, I’d go study something new. See my achievements and growth somewhere made me feel happier and see clearer. For some, they may train for a marathon or learn a new language. I went for things I wanted to learn and could do as a side hustle or just for fun if I wanted. that made me feel a little more in control and empowered.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
Oprah said, when you don’t know what to do, don’t do anything. What I’ve taken from that (and have implemented) is that sometime when you don’t know what to do, it’s a good day to lie down and stare out the window or close the computer and go outside.
Sometimes it’s about switching gears. So if you’re looking for a job or clients and feeling anxious and a little defeated, stop. Go do something that raises your vibe, makes you truly feel joy or peace. I have found that when I’ve hit a wall and step away and let myself really rest or do something unrelated the issue has resolved itself within 24 hours or even less.
One of the most important things I’ve learned is to be present.
If you feel overwhelmed and cannot go take a walk or lie down, another strategy I love (and often did when I worked in an office) is to go wash your hands for a few minutes in warm water (perhaps have your own liquid soap in a scent that you just love). The feel of the warm water, the sound, the smell of the soap all work to capture your senses and bring you into that moment. And in that moment you are ok.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://genniferwithag.com/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genniferbirnbach/
Image Credits
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