"Interviews with the Intern" is a semi-regular feature where intern Christian Benson interviews the staff of Smibs Inc.
Christian: Hey Christian, do you have a couple of minutes for an interview with yourself?
Me: Absolutely man. I can’t say no to you.
Anyway, what exactly do you do here at Smibs?
I am a marketing intern here at Smibs, although I usually call myself a marketing manager. When I am not producing self-indulgent blog posts like this one, I am usually busy copy writing for Smibs. I produce press material and some of the new media material, as well as the odd bit of graphic design.
What sort of feeling do you hope to bring to the Smibs blog?
Well, I am a glad I asked that question. To the lay reader, I think it mostly looks like veiled stupidity. I have read a lot of different styles of blog posts, and I think most are written with a very serious tone. I think that most people read blogs to be entertained or informed and I try to match that sentiment in my writing.
I don’t think you do a great job of that.
That’s because I am self deprecating.
What are some of your hobbies and interests outside of work?
I try to play a lot of different types of sports to stay healthy and active. I read quite a bit and I love finding new music or artists. I like to enjoy the great Edmonton nightlife when I get a chance too.
Your job requires you to communicate with people about Smibs.com and Smibs’ products. What do you think is the biggest obstacle you face in this?
To start off, I think that the Tech community in general is comprised of early adopters. They are quick to pick up innovations in technology and software, so communicating an idea like Smibs’ web-based business applications is quite easy to that demographic. I think the hardest part is to communicate to the majority of people who may be technologically savvy but not necessarily aware of the current trends in the ‘web 2.0’ world.
Maybe if you got better grades in University, it would be easier.
I suppose I could say the same thing to you handsome.
What are some of your favorite applications on the net right now?
I usually write about applications I really like. Obviously, I really believe in the Smibs applications. I am usually listening to Grooveshark non-stop. I also really like sites like Lymabean, Evernote and mainstays like Twitter and Facebook.Â
Your highly popular and critically acclaimed blog series “Interviews with the Intern†is soon coming to an end, due to you interviewing everyone in the office. Do you have any other ideas, or are you a one trick pony?
I have a few ideas kicking around in my head. I definitely like the idea of a weekly feature in a blog, but you are right in saying I need to come up with something new. Until then, I still have Peter Urban to interview and maybe I will interview myself again since this is clearly going so well.
I wish you luck sir, you are gonna need it.
Coming from you, I take that as a compliment in its highest form.
Tags: Christian Benson, Intern, Interviews
Confusing and hilarious. I know your interviews are usually one sided, but this might take the cake.
I think you were way tougher on the rest of us in our interviews. So here’s a little lightning round for you: lets hear your best marketing joke.
Here is joke I stole off the internet, like any good marketing would do:
A man was out driving, when he came across a flock of sheep. He got out of his car, and walked over to the shepherd tending the sheep. He asked,
“Are you a betting man?”
“Why do you ask?”, said the shepherd.
“I’ll bet you $20, to one of your sheep, that I can guess the size of your flock.”, he said.
“You’re on”, said the shepherd, “How many sheep have I got?”
“367″, came the answer.
“That’s amazing,” exclaimed the shepherd, “You’re absolutely right! go and pick yourself a sheep.”
Having claimed his prize, the man was walking away, when the shepherd called out to him.
“How about another bet- double or nothing.”, he challenged.
“What’s the bet?”, said the man.
“I’ll bet you that I can tell your occupation, and who you work for.”
“That’s a bet.” said the man. “What do I do?”
“You’re a marketing consultant, and you work for the government.”, said the shepherd.
“That’s amazing,” said the man. “How did you figure that out?”
The shepherd smiled. “Put down my dog, and I’ll tell you.”
Touché