Paramus, NJ -- February 14, 2005 – If you are a creative freelancer, what does it take to impress hiring managers at an advertising agency or marketing group? How can you distinguish yourself from the crowd of creative talent knocking on agency doors? And what does it take to land some plum assignments and establish a rapport and ongoing relationship with agency executives? Mike Haviland, co-founder of Sonnenberg Haviland & Partners, based in Ridgewood, NJ, will offer answers to those questions and others regarding an agency’s hiring process at the next NJ Creatives Network Meeting on Wednesday, March 9, 2005 at the Bergen Museum of Art and Science, located on the lower level of the Bergen Mall.

Networking begins at 7:30 p.m. and the meeting and program begin at 8 p.m. The meeting is free for members, $10 for non-members and $5 for students who show proper identification. Refreshments are available during the networking portion of the meeting.

Those attending should be prepared to answer the question, “Why should I hire you?” Haviland promises to reveal what he looks for when hiring creative talent.

He is planning a combination of lecture and audience participation. “The audience will be asked to write some stuff down so they might want to have a pen and paper. I will also ask them to participate in my talk,” Haviland explained. He may ask a few random personal questions about himself at the meeting, such as who is his best friend, childhood idol and why is he a lifelong Colts fan. “Why would I be asking these questions and sharing the answers?” It is because Haviland believes “you have to go beyond the ordinary to create a connection with your prospective employer. Doing a little research can go a long way toward making a good impression and connection with the hiring interviewer.”

Haviland co-founded the marketing group, Sonnenberg, Haviland & Partners in 1993 with his business partner, Frank Sonnenberg. The group has an impressive list of clients, including Steuben Glass, Jaguar, MGM/UA Classics, Volvo Cars of North America, Lincoln-Mercury Division of the Ford Motor Company, Samuel Goldwyn, Ilford Photo Corporation, Continental Tire, 68th Street Playhouse, Perugina, Regine’s, SAAB, Kaman Music Corporation, the USTA/Volvo Tennis League and Pascack Valley Hospital. The company’s web address is www.shp-inc.com.

A graduate of Fairfield University, Haviland began his career with The Target Group media service and received his account management training at Ted Bates’ subsidiary, Diener/Hauser/Bates, and at Griffin-Bacal. He and his wife, Susan, have three children, Michael, Jr., 16, Tyler, 13, and Lauren, 11. An avid sports fan, he also spends time as a youth baseball and softball coach.

Begun in 1984 by three freelance professionals, NJ Creatives Network, formerly known as S.W.A.N., has grown into a successful non-profit organization that boasts a diverse membership of talented professionals. Members include writers, designers of print and web media, illustrators, photographers, video producers, public relations specialists and other creative professionals.

For more information on the current meeting, please contact NJ Creatives Network President Stan Cohen at 201-384-9784 or visit the Meeting Section of the website. To find out more about joining NJ Creatives, please contact Membership Director George Kamper at 973-394-9974 or visit the Membership Section of the website.

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