Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Cox.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Michael. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I have been in San Diego for now five years. I got my start working as a consultant assisting small businesses in North Park and Southeast San Diego with different business development and marketing needs. I worked with several startups, restaurants, and small to medium-size businesses.
My first year in San Diego I got a position with the Hillcrest Business Association as the Director of Marketing and Member Services. I wanted to expand my impact so I continued to consult and worked with more small to medium size businesses in San Diego. I worked on a couple projects with the Housing and Economic Development Office in National City. I currently am now the Director of Programs, Public Relations, and Partnerships.
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?
Moving to San Diego from Los Angeles was a bit of a challenge at first. The industry for marketing, PR, and business development is definitely different. I broke into the industry here by putting myself out there and consulting and strategically working with companies such as Business Improvement Districts so that I could make an impact but also gain valuable resources and connections to city officials, media and publications, and small business owners. My initial issue was that my prior experience was all from Los Angeles without any references for San Diego so I aligned my efforts with recruiting agencies, craigslist and made connections with businesses as I met them.
Please tell us about East Village Association.
The East Village Association is the Business Improvement District charged with creating an economic impact in the largest downtown neighborhood. We are performing everything from special events, community beautification and branding and assist with parking, mobility and transit needs. My particular focus in the organization is in my title ironically. Programs, Public Relations, and Partnerships are my three focus because they align with any organization’s efforts. When I create a partnership, I look to what mutually beneficial cause or goal can my organization assist theirs.
Through this assistance (Partnership) a (Program) is created which involves creating awareness and education around it (Public Relations). Public Relations isn’t just about connecting with our community to advertise all the happenings but it involves working on programs that actually benefit the community which positively impacts our community through mutually beneficial partnerships and programs that connect us with our community ( relations with our public (PR)). This is what sets me apart from others in the industry because I look for genuine and authentic avenues for connections to be made and stories to be told.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Creativity, Tenacity, and Diligence are my three characteristics that have contributed to my success. Sometimes when opportunities weren’t available, I would have to be creative and do things like volunteer or pro bono work just to keep my skills fresh and also create connections and have references for proof of my ability to produce.
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