By STEVE EIGHINGER
Herald-Whig Staff Writer
Wendy Collins may have more one-on-one contact with people than any other person in Quincy.
She is the marketing and development director at the Quincy Family YMCA, and not only does she interact with the 7,000-plus members of the Y but her fundraising and promotional duties keep her busy working with many of the community's corporate and other business, civic and educational leaders.
"The Y really gives me the chance to use my imagination in finding the best way to communicate with all areas of the community," Collins said."
Describe a typical day in your job.
The only typical thing in my day would be my first cup of tea in the morning. Much of my day is given over to the marketing side of my job -- designing advertising for upcoming programs and events, posters, T-shirts, Web site design, fliers, newsletters and program guides, commercials, and any other type of promotional material that anyone needs. The creative side of my work takes up most of my day, and I spend the rest of the time working on the development aspects of raising money for the Y.
What is the best and worst thing about your job?
The fact that I get so much freedom to design in so many different mediums is something I love about my job. Flyers and internal materials tend to be very different from those publications that go out to the public. Each time I get a request for a new promotional item, I am afraid that I will have complete writer's block -- that would be the worst.
Do you have a certain work ethic or motto that you follow?
Working within a non-profit environment is a very rewarding and challenging job in itself. At the YMCA, we believe in building strong kids, strong families and strong communities. I try to do my part to make that happen in our community. My goal at work is to help connect with the community and our membership through my communications.
To what do you attribute your success?
Success to me is a very fluid concept. Meeting the challenges that come up each and every day, doing my work to the best of my ability, and feeling good about the work I have done that day are all measures by which I may feel I have been successful on any given day.
Have you had any mentors or a support system to get you where you are today?
I have a large and extended family. Between my family, friends and co-workers, I have lots of support (and a good portion of critics) for my work. I have been very lucky over the years, in having some great bosses and associates that have been very influential in my work life. I try to learn something new from most everyone I meet, so in some way, I have had thousands of mentors in my life.
What do you like to do to unwind?
Ha! That would entail having a life away from work, right? Just kidding, I love to read, and spend a lot of time with my sisters, playing Mah Jong and other games. I also work most weekends at craft shows with my family members. We have had the business "Homespun Creations" in this area for more than 30 years. I spend a lot of time designing craft and home decor items for that business.
What's the most important advice you can give when it comes to sales and marketing?
Listen to people. Marketing is mostly appealing to your target audience. It all boils down to perception. And believe in what you are promoting. If you truly like what you do, it will come across in your work, and people will respond.
-- seighinger@whig.com/221-3377
NAME: Wendy Collins
AGE: Old enough not to want to answer that question.
EDUCATION: Lincoln College, Culver-Stockton College, Montclair State.
JOB TITLE: Marketing and development director, Quincy Family YMCA
WEB SITE: www.quincyymca.net
