This is the third in a series of weekly blog posts written by Jenny Walsh, intern and office mate of 3Cinteractive’s Founder and CEO John Duffy. This series takes a look at the inner workings of 3Ci and mobile marketing from a fresh perspective.
Yesterday, I saw Duff looking at a huge chart on his desktop filled with numbers that peaked my curiosity. At first I was afraid to ask, but Duff always stresses the importance of asking him questions, so I did. His response became “Duff’s Lesson of the Week” – the importance of being accountable to a budget.
Duff had me pull my chair up to his desk, and then gave me an overview of the entire 2010 3Ci budget. It’s funny how I learned so much more from one real life situation than in an entire semester of economics. Duff spent an hour explaining the budget sheet, expenses, revenue, and EBITDA - that’s Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (Don’t worry; I never knew what all of those words meant either until Duff explained them to me).
That might sound boring, but surprisingly, it was incredibly interesting. I have a newfound appreciation for how hard it is to make and manage a budget. Duff also explained the importance of having good customers. All the hard work that went into getting customers like Tracfone, JM Family, and Walgreens, and how those respected brands play a role landing new clients. Might sound cliché, but I’m seeing the lessons that are always preached put into work at 3Ci. If you have a good product, work hard, work together, and believe in your team you have a better chance of being successful. I know success is never a sure thing, but it’s all about putting your company in the best position to succeed. That was lesson #2 for the week. The best thing about this internship is that everyday I’m exposed to something new and interesting that I want to learn more about – and even better, that I have Duff, the guy running this place, who’s way too busy for an intern like myself, explaining it all to me.
As I close in on less than a month before heading off to college, I’m getting more excited to start that new adventure of life; but I’m also sad to leave all my new friends and mentors at 3Ci. I have grown to love this place, and am starting to think it is normal. I no longer find it weird when Duff talks to himself or constantly plays with his poker chips. I now feel like the day hasn’t really started until I hear Vinnie’s, “What’s up Duff?” every morning, or have Jeff walk in my (I mean Duff’s) office to talk trash about how Michigan will beat Notre Dame, which is clearly delusional. GO IRISH!


