The Resume Tells People What You've Done. Your Story Tells Them Who You Are.

Resumes are important. They tell people where you've worked, what you've accomplished, and the skills you've developed. But they're rarely the reason someone remembers you.

Lately, I've been reading The 12 Powers of a Marketing Leader by Thomas Barta and Patrick Barwise. One idea that has stayed with me is that leadership isn't just about the role you hold—it's about the value you create long before a title catches up.

That reminded me of one of the very first marketing proposals I ever wrote. While working at KIX Country and WDOE, a local concert venue approached the station with tickets to trade instead of an advertising budget. I proposed five different giveaway ideas—call-in contests, music trivia, an online sweepstakes, text-to-win, and an event giveaway. They accepted every one.

There wasn't a commission. There wasn't a marketing budget. There wasn't even a contract to celebrate. But there was an opportunity to learn.

Years later at 13WHAM ABC, similar ticket trades often landed on my desk because there wasn't a commission attached. I almost always said yes. Not because they advanced my career overnight. Because I loved seeing what thoughtful marketing could do. My co-worker Brian would agree that taking the unpaid giveaways helped pave the way for the paid ones.

Whether it was answering my direct office line to tell someone they were caller number seven and had just won tickets to see Trans-Siberian Orchestra, or waiting to hear from the winner of our $1,000 RENT Watch & Win promotion, those moments reminded me why I loved promotions.

The RENT winner had three days to claim the prize. As the deadline approached, I started to wonder if I'd have to draw another name. Then, on the third day, they called. They had been in the hospital welcoming their new baby into the world and had just returned home to hear my message on their answering machine. A few days later, they stopped by the station with their newborn so I could meet the little one who, they joked, would be spending a good portion of that $1,000 on diapers.

That moment stayed with me. Marketing wasn't just about giving away a prize. It was about creating a memory that became part of someone else's story.

So what?

Don't measure every season of your career by your title or paycheck. Measure it by the skills you're building, the people you're impacting, and the stories you're collecting. Those investments compound over time.

Eventually someone will read your resume. But they'll remember your story. If this resonates with you, I'd love to hear yours. Whether you're building your career, hiring your next leader, or simply enjoy talking about marketing and communication, let's connect over a virtual cup of coffee. The best opportunities often begin with a great conversation.

The resume tells people what you've done. Your story tells them who you are.