Soloist in the Spotlight, Jess Tyler

Name

Jess Tyler

Town and country

Hobart, Australia

Occupation

Media and Communications Consultant

What’s the best thing about being a soloist?

Independence, calling my own shots, no office politics, following my dreams.

…and the worst?

Isolation and fear that I’m doing it wrong/too slowly/without structure.

What do you wear to work?

I aim to look smart casual, neat and polished.

What are three adjectives to describe your personality?

Upbeat, passionate, happy

What music are you listening to at the moment?

Jeff Buckley’s ‘Grace’

What did you have for breakfast?

Cornflakes and coffee

What’s the smartest bit of marketing you’ve ever done?

Self marketing: Coming up with the idea of a puzzle giveaway at training sessions that both explained my concept and was a memorable reminder of my business. I used ‘mind benders’ – the little square ballbearings in a box puzzle. It had everyone back to childhood (so it was fun), it explained my concept (got the message across) and represented my business (memorable). It’s now become a collectable and people really enjoy them.

Client marketing: creating an approach to media for a client that saw us get unprecedented media attention for their scientific conference. I combined the resources of media organisations through my central media ‘station’ that was both live on line and live at the venue. It worked perfectly and we got extended coverage for the entire week around the country.

Which would you find harder, no Internet for a month, or no mobile for a month?

No Internet for a month? Aaaaargh!!

What talent do you most wish you possessed?

The ability to know when to be quiet. I have poor impulse control!

What actor/actress would play the lead in the story of your life?

Shirley Temple channelling Ginger Meggs.

You’ve got a free half hour during your work day. What do you do?

Grab a coffee. Catch up with a friend or mentor, take time to have a mental break and look at horoscopes/bank account/news online, make an appointment to see someone important to me.

What’s your proudest moment?

Self: seeing my daughter the second she was born.

Business: saying to people: “I have my own business” for the first time and really meaning it.