I so appreciate getting and responding to thoughtful visitor emails. Here’s one that’s rather instructive for all who want to live in Hawaii and I’ve embedded my responses in-line

Aloha Peter,

The reason I am messaging you is about your article “”Ten Steps to Finding a Job in Hawaii””. It was a great read, and really hammered the importance of community for living in Hawaii.

Glad you liked it!  It’s really all about people glad you got that.

I also appreciate the parallels to Carnegie’s “”How to win Friends, and Influence People””. Nothing will get people interested in you more than having a genuine interest in people.

Precisely!  It’s practically a universal human truth.  Help others and you’ll get all the help you need.

So, before I ask my question, I should probably mention that I am going to be spending my last semester in college at the University of Hilo (Feb-May 2018).

Congratulations!  By living in Hilo you’ve already gotten a really good taste of Hawaii’s cultural differences, that’s for sure.

Now my big plan is to use those few months to make as many connection on the island as possible, including connections in my field (Marketing). But after reading your article I realize that I should start doing research and connecting ASAP.

Right!  Of course hindsight is 20/20 and the connections should have started on Day 1 of you living in Hilo but it’s never too late to start. And you are on-site and can meet face to face which is a huge advantage.

This is why I am messaging you, I would like to know if you have any good resources/tips for researching the Marketing Industry in Hawaii.

The only thing working against you is that Hilo is a really really small town. Best recommendation for Hilo would be that you immediately connect w/the Chamber of Commerce and volunteer like crazy for everything.  The biggest marketing organization over there is the Hawaii Island Visitors Bureau; try to get an internship over there. Start with emptying trash cans if you have to but get over there and help them.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this! I cant wait to hear back, and I look forward to finally seeing your amazing state!

I would also recommend you get to Oahu when you can and connect with various groups.  Honolulu represents the lion’s share of business and marketing activities in Hawaii.  Look up the American Marketing Association as they have a Honolulu Chapter.   Good luck and keep us posted on your success!