Today we’d like to introduce you to Deniece Williams.
Deniece, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started my career in Public Relations, at The Apple Organization, where I had the great pleasure of working with young and fierce women (and a few dynamic men). The firm specialized in luxury real estate and was the premier agency at the time. I was still in high school, so I was hired as the “clippings girl”– responsible for cataloging our clients’ press coverage that was published in newspapers and magazines. Over the seven years I was at Apple, I had the opportunity to wear several hats – media specialist, events coordinator and account executive, working with some of today’s household names in real estate sales, marketing and development. I maintain many of those relationships today.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like the ebbs and flows of any market, there is always a “buyer and seller” dynamic. There are other challenges working in a market as diverse as South Florida; there is no cookie cutter campaign to reach and engage all audiences. You need to tailor your approach. I learned very early to listen to the client’s needs and identify opportunities to best achieve their unique goals.
Another obstacle I have faced is being a small fish in a big pond. My firm competes with large, brand-name agencies. Plus, as a first-generation marketer, I had to forge my own path instead of following others’ leads.
I have learned, though, that being innovative, creative and flexible are essential to overcoming not only the career impacting obstacles but also the everyday challenges.
Please tell us about DW Connect Inc.
Because I have been in the business of real estate so long, it’s become part of my being. So, naturally, my company is truly a one-stop shop for marketing, public relations, and event planning services. We specialize in forging strategic partnerships across industries, whether it’s a sales launch, charitable fundraiser or event sponsorship. I have a network of the top service providers, from caterers to production companies and photographers. I also pride myself on my longstanding relationships with the media. Throughout my career, I have secured coverage for clients all over the globe, so the editors and reporters of business, lifestyle, trade, and local newspapers, magazines and TV rely on me for their next soundbyte.
What sets me apart is, by far, my attention to detail and client relations. The language of respect is universal. It is especially pronounced here where there are so many different cultures and work styles. I pride myself on my knack for working well with all different types of people. I approach each client by embracing our differences and using our similarities to help them achieve their marketing goals. What I’m most proud of are the relationships I have cultivated in the real estate and development community.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Please let me know if the questions below is a suitable replacement:
Growing up: What were you like growing up? Personality wise, interest wise, etc.
I have always been hard-charging and ambitious. Whether it was convincing my mother to allow me to change instruments – from playing the classical piano for many years to classical/Spanish style guitar – I learned to negotiate early. Little did she know I played advance Spanish guitar by day and punk/rock/heavy metal whenever I could get together with friends and my hands on an electric instrument.
My antics landed me in a performing arts magnet school playing the upright double bass in orchestra and symphonic band. Although I did not pursue it further, music keeps me open to the adventures of exploring new genres of life. It also taught me teamwork.
I started my career working for local private companies, I’ve partnered with independent start-ups and worked as a consultant for public-private partnerships… I like working with people who are passionate about what they do and I thrive in environments that mimic the dynamics of a band; when everyone plays their own instrument and we are all in sync, you make beautiful music.
Contact Info:
- Address: P. O. Box 600293
Miami, FL 33160 - Website: www.DWConnect.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Facebook: @DWConnect
- Twitter: @ConnectDW
Image Credit:
Domino Arts Inc.
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