Diane Schwartz, Senior Vice President & Group Publisher, Access Intelligence, New York
SIPA: What was your first job out of college and how did you get into this business?
SCHWARTZ: I was a technical editor at EDS, editing manuals unhappily, I’ll admit. I realized that while I love journalism, I needed something more creative. So it was a job worth having—briefly!
Has there been a defining moment in your career? Perhaps when you knew you were on the right road.
As a journalist at a daily newspaper in Virginia, I had the opportunity to interview a wide range of “characters”—from Miss Virginia to death row inmates and it was the perfect job for an aspiring editor/writer. When I joined PBI Media in 1996 (which was what Access Intelligence was called in the ’90s), I had the chance to roll up my sleeves on the business, marketing and sales sides and realized that I thrived in an entrepreneurial environment in which I was allowed to dabble in all areas of publishing. My managers over the years have allowed me the space to experiment, while always checking that my formula wouldn’t blow up the building (so to speak).
In brief, describe your business/company?
Access Intelligence is a business-to-business media company serving professionals in a range of markets including healthcare, satellite, cable/entertainment, public relations, defense, energy, chemical and media. As an information company, we serve our customers with high-level information and access through events, paid content, professional development, awards programs, elearning, books and more. I oversee our PR, Media, Cable, Film/Video and Dorland Health groups. Check us out at accessintel.com.
What are two or three important concepts or rules that have helped you to succeed in business?
– Don’t be afraid to fail;
– Empower your staff to think independently and taste success daily;
– Keep learning.
What is the single-most successful thing that your company is doing now?
We are investing time and resources in improving and expanding our emedia position in our markets, while building more engaged communities both online and offline.
Do you see a trend or path in 2010 that you know you have to lock onto?
Social media optimization.
What are the key benefits of SIPA membership for you and your team?
Networking with peers and making important connections through SIPA events and the listservs. The new SIPA website is also an outstanding resource for all team members.
Where did you grow up?
In Baltimore.
What college did you attend? Is there a moment from that time that stands out?
American University in Washington, D.C. The moment from that time that “stands out” is one I cannot write about.
Are you married? Do you have children?
I am married to an Anthropology professor and we have a 14-year-old daughter, a 9-year-old son and an 11-year old dog.
What is your favorite hobby and how did it develop in your life?
Writing fiction is my hobby and passion, and has been since fourth-grade English class.
Is there a book you recently read or movie you saw that you would recommend?
On the nonfiction side: “Rework” by Jason Fried and on the fiction side: “Cutting for Stone” by Abraham Verghese. I recommend seeing the documentary “The September Issue” if you love magazines. If you don’t love magazines, especially Vogue, then stay far away.
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The upcoming Marketing Conference in Miami
will be, as Schwartz says, the time to
“network with peers and make important connections.”
There’s still time to register!
SIPA’s 27th Annual Marketing Conference
Nov. 10-12 at the Ritz-Carlton in Miami Beach
The Pre-Conference Workshops will also be an
excellent place to recharge your thought processes.
Sign up for the Marketing Directors Roundtable or
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