Howdy Pardner! Grab your lasso, saddle, spurs and update your résumé – SCN Encourager

Along with school communicator, you may want to add “wrangler” to the list of positions you’ve held.

Yeehaa!

You may be exactly what CNN is looking for.

In a recent job posting for a “communications social media wrangler,” CNN is affirming what many have already been saying about today’s ever-changing marketing and PR landscape.

It’s like the wild west!

No rules.
Few sheriffs.
And the winners are usually those who are speedy-kwik on the draw.

Seriously.

When CNN couldn’t come up with the appropriate wording for a new position in its communications department, it advertised the need for a social media savvy “wrangler.”

Someone flexible.
Someone able to herd “projects” from here to there, night or day.
And someone who knows that every trail has its puddles.

Dang, I would’ve been perfect for CNN as a young whipper-snapper.

But no more.

My mom tossed out my cherished cowboy hat, toy six-shooter, and genuine cowhide holster without even telling me many years ago.

I must’ve been away at my high school prom or something.

But no matter.

I’m older and more mature.

Just watching the Lone Ranger’s classic “Hi Ho Silver Away” rear-up and ride-off now makes my back hurt.

So, no doubt the position of social media wrangler for CNN is best filled by a younger school communicator.

But still, I think I would’ve been pretty good at it just the same.

I’m already bilingual in old-time PR wrangler’s lingo.

•  Do it right or get off the horse.
•  Don’t squat on your spurs.
•  Ride it like you stole it.
•  The fastest way to move cattle is slowly.
•  Practice looking tough when you’re out of sight.

And, of course, my favorite:
•  Don’t kick a cow patty on a hot day.

Oh… what a rootin’ tooting’ communicatin’ wrangler I could’ve been.

Far above the lowly level of tenderfoot!

Maybe I’ll apply for that CNN position after all.

God willing and if the creek don’t rise.

But then again, maybe I won’t.

The #1 wrangler maxim heard on those straight-shooting prairies of yesteryear hardly represents today’s media anymore, does it?

Fast is good, but accurate is better.

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