Synapse Swells Its Creative Bank with Addition of Content Development Strategist

Oscar Wilde once wrote, “An idea that is not dangerous is unworthy of being called an idea at all.” Big ideas are what separate the best from the rest, and Kristen Jenkins isn’t afraid of taking on the challenge. Her verve and desire to push—and recreate—the boundaries of traditional marketing concepts is apparent from the work she has done for several national and international food brands, within the tourism industry and for charitable interests.

As a matter of fact, big ideas are what she thrives on. This is why we are proud to announce that Kristen has earned the “Synapsian” title and a spot on our team.  A self-proclaimed PR and social media maven, she adds to our creative suite with her out-of-the-box approach and the drive to see those big ideas go from the drawing board to media launch and on to the marketplace. And in a market where almost half of all online social media marketing campaigns fail, it takes the right blend of creativity, moxie and experience to get it right the first time.

With more than ten years in the marketing industry in diverse roles and within a broad cross section of sectors from government to agency to nonprofit, we stole Kristen away from her cloud where she’s dreaming up “the next big idea” to briefly chat about the importance of her role on the Synapse team.

What attracted you to Synapse? I went out looking to dive head first into a team that would utilize my creative writing skills, unbridled creativity and enthusiasm to build and shape growing market brands. And a team that would work closely with me to reign in and cull my continually-growing web of big ideas, and together, we would work to integrate and achieve success. All while having fun…did I mention that I like to have fun? As I get to know my team mates, I know that I have arrived at the right place at just the right time.

What do you think will be your biggest challenge in your role? Forward thinking and a continued sense of renewal and re-imagination are the hallmarks of successful brand campaigns—several of which I’ve proudly played a part. As cliché as it sounds, it’s not simply enough for brands to tread water in today’s volatile markets. Market-savvy consumers armed with iron maiden purse strings have pushed the boundaries of traditional or “status quo” marketing techniques. Today’s brand managers are desperately looking to creative marketing professionals such as us to create—or even re-create—their image. Creating a story about a brand that inspires and excites consumers is what it’s all about.

How did you get started in public relations and writing? I blame it squarely on my first grade teacher who often caught me straying from my prescribed coursework, instead writing short fictionalized stories in the back of my red, plaid phonics workbook. Instead of reprimanding me and encouraging me to pay attention (as I should have been!), she handed me a lined composition book and told me to write. By the end of first grade, I had completely filled five of those books from cover to cover. She told my mother during parent/teacher conference time that I would be a writer some day.