Matt Kinney
Public Relations Manager and Quality Assurance Lead
ettain group

1. How did you get into PR?
I graduated from NC State University with degree in Communication (PR concentration) after participating in many PR internships in business and the sports industry. After graduation and a brief sales job, I began to truly focus on PR. I worked for a sports media training and consulting firm and expanded my skills working with websites and the Internet. Using the communication, PR and web skills, I joined (then-startup ettain...now ettain group), an Internet development and consulting company where I still work as the Quality Assurance Lead and Public Relations Manager.

2. Briefly, describe your typical workday.
Working in the Internet business, none of my workdays is what I would call typical. In the course of a day, I may be pitching a story to a reporter, designing a new web site's navigation, writing promotional web content, testing the usability of a new website, working with senior management or taking out the trash (hey, it is still the hands-on startup mentality).

3. What is the best part of your job?
The best part of my job is the energy that is generated by tackling multiple projects and working on tight deadlines. Our corporate culture is empowering. If you want something changed...change it. If you want something done...do it. There is a strong feeling of accomplishment in being a part of a small company's success.

4. What is the worst part of your job?
The worst part of the job is when clients don't appreciate or understand the importance and value that communication, PR and quality provide.

5. What is the biggest lesson you've learned during your PR career?
The biggest lesson learned is to double-check everything. If something is going out with your (or your company's) name on it, then make sure that it will make you proud to whomever sees it. You never know who will end up seeing your work, so make sure that it's of the highest quality you can produce.

6. What is the most unique thing about your company?
The most unique thing about ettain group is probably our eclectic mix of personalities. Everyone brings solid experience and a unique flavor to a project. All those personalities brought together truly produce innovative work.

7. What is your ideal dream job?
My ideal dream job would be to start my own small PR/Marketing/Web Design firm.