I am currently reading the book, The Digital Handshake by Paul Chaney, I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to get more insight into the social media world. The first chapter is about the consumer skepticism about online advertising and social media.
What Paul Chaney and the Edelman PR firm state below in Chapter One below is true, I see it everyday at work:
1. There is a 3 to 1 margin of people who are far more likely to trust "average people like me"
2. Consumers trust word-of-mouth recommendations far more than traditional marketing or advertising.
3. They wanna hear about real experiences rather than marketing speak
I work with a lot of SMB's that say the majority of their business is from word-of-mouth referrals. Luckily, my job is to get them to put their business on Kudzu.com, a local search site, where word-of-mouth is found online. So, social media is a game that I have to explain every day to my potential clients.
I have noticed that the SMB's that I have came across lately have started to create a online presence. The majority have done the following:
1. Created a website with all biased testimonials
2. 30% of those have invested in SEO placement
3. 60-80% are doing some type of SEM bidding
4. 10% have created a Facebook business page
5. Less than 10% have created a Twitter page
Here is what I see is the problem with the above stated observations:
1. Less than 10-15% have a dedicated person managing their online reputation
2. 75% just put it up online and do not know what steps to take next
My recommendations for my clients have been to have their customers drive their reviews/word of mouth comments to national or local sites like Kudzu or Yelp. That will allow other people to see their responses in a non-biased location, that holds more weight when consumers make a buying decision. Other suggestions have been to pay attention to their online reputation and spend time on social media; it will pay off. At least once a month Google their company name- see what comes up.
Paul states in Chapter one that, "by, re-instituting the conversation, social media can help companies reconnect with consumers, rebuild with bridge of trust, renew customer loyalty, re-energize brand evangelism, and re-humanize the company." Imagine, if you are a customer and you feel that company X cares about you, that you are not just a number, you will share that positive feeling with all of your neighbors.
I have seen this happen several time at Kudzu for example, if a merchant gets a negative review, and they reply to it. The consumer who reviewed the company gets notified that they got a response to their review. We have had clients call and email us saying that customers have chosen them for their service provider because of the way they handled the negative review. This example just proves that if a company pays attention to what their customers are saying, they can win the "hearts" of other potential customers.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Friday, October 9, 2009
The proof is in the pudding...
With today's economic situation marketing dollars are getting tighter and tighter. I found this article that shows that US ad spending is down 14% but Internet spending is seeing gains. I have been in the marketing space for many years now and I agree with the article.
http://www.dmnews.com/US-ad-spending-down-14-in-first-half-but-FSIs-and-Internet-see-gains/article/149076/?DCMP=EMC-DMN_iMktingNewsDaily
Over the past few months I have been trying to break ground in a new market; Phoenix, AZ. My previous experience with east coast business owners has shown me that they are moving their ad dollars onto the internet. I have seen the same migration with my west coast clients.
What I have seen concerning the advertising campaigns is that the majority of these clients spend a majority of their online budget on SEM or SEO. That proves that advertisers are wanting more proof that their ad dollars are working, ROI.
Unfortunately, I have noticed that the business owners truly do not know how to maximize their online presence. They are growing their online presence, but they truly do not know what they are getting themselves into. For example, one of my clients spent a good portion of his budget on a SEM campaign, not knowing how to truly optimize the exposure. After a few months, he quit his ad campaign and has become internet leery.
For an effective online campaign and for profitable results I recommend that before a company invests money into a online campaign, that they gain a basic understanding on how their user interacts with the Internet.
If you or you know of some educational articles concerning online marketing tricks, please send them my way. I would like to share them with my clients.
Remember when you sell an advertiser; the proof is in the pudding- make sure deliver on your promises.
http://www.dmnews.com/US-ad-spending-down-14-in-first-half-but-FSIs-and-Internet-see-gains/article/149076/?DCMP=EMC-DMN_iMktingNewsDaily
Over the past few months I have been trying to break ground in a new market; Phoenix, AZ. My previous experience with east coast business owners has shown me that they are moving their ad dollars onto the internet. I have seen the same migration with my west coast clients.
What I have seen concerning the advertising campaigns is that the majority of these clients spend a majority of their online budget on SEM or SEO. That proves that advertisers are wanting more proof that their ad dollars are working, ROI.
Unfortunately, I have noticed that the business owners truly do not know how to maximize their online presence. They are growing their online presence, but they truly do not know what they are getting themselves into. For example, one of my clients spent a good portion of his budget on a SEM campaign, not knowing how to truly optimize the exposure. After a few months, he quit his ad campaign and has become internet leery.
For an effective online campaign and for profitable results I recommend that before a company invests money into a online campaign, that they gain a basic understanding on how their user interacts with the Internet.
If you or you know of some educational articles concerning online marketing tricks, please send them my way. I would like to share them with my clients.
Remember when you sell an advertiser; the proof is in the pudding- make sure deliver on your promises.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Trends for Digital Marketing
Today I was doing research on what the landscape is going to be for digital marketing/advertising for the next year or so. With being in the industry for such a long time and knowing what clients want; I wanted to make sure my assumptions were supported.
I found a great article on Ad Age: http://brandedcontent.adage.com/mic/emarketer/ that supports what trends I am seeing.
The Trends I See In Marketing and Digital Media:
1. Overall marketing spending will be down- that is a given
2. Traditional media will feel the brunt of the cutbacks due to the tracking ability of digital media.
3. When they pull back the money from traditional, they will expect more from them in return when they do give them money in future buys. For example, CPL buys instead of CPM buys like they used to get for print.
4. Display and Search will grow, but Search will grow at a higher rate than Display
5. Advertisers that run Display campaigns will expect a certain ROI on their campaigns due to the precedent that Google and other Search campaigns have set.
In summary, it will be a tough year due to the cutbacks but if you design a campaign that is targeted to the online consumer that your client wants and you keep optimizing it on a regular basis you will have a long-time customer.
If you have found any additional articles that pertain to this topic, please let me know.
Thanks,
Ruthie
I found a great article on Ad Age: http://brandedcontent.adage.com/mic/emarketer/ that supports what trends I am seeing.
The Trends I See In Marketing and Digital Media:
1. Overall marketing spending will be down- that is a given
2. Traditional media will feel the brunt of the cutbacks due to the tracking ability of digital media.
3. When they pull back the money from traditional, they will expect more from them in return when they do give them money in future buys. For example, CPL buys instead of CPM buys like they used to get for print.
4. Display and Search will grow, but Search will grow at a higher rate than Display
5. Advertisers that run Display campaigns will expect a certain ROI on their campaigns due to the precedent that Google and other Search campaigns have set.
In summary, it will be a tough year due to the cutbacks but if you design a campaign that is targeted to the online consumer that your client wants and you keep optimizing it on a regular basis you will have a long-time customer.
If you have found any additional articles that pertain to this topic, please let me know.
Thanks,
Ruthie
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Women in Interactive Media Networking Group
May 26th was the launch of the Women in Interactive Media networking group's website: http://www.wiim-atlanta.com/
The reasoning behind creating the WIIM group is to fill a void in the networking space. Over the past few months I have been meeting and networking with a wide range of people- from this the idea was born. I feel there are many groups that an individual can join and become involved with, but there was no women only groups to my knowledge.
As we all know women are excellent at creating relationships and spreading information; this fact is why I created the group. There are a lot of women out there that have extensive knowledge of the interactive space and whom truly want to help out their peers. With having a place where these experts can share their knowledge, I feel that many boundaries will be crossed and connections made.
Not only is the goal to learn and network; I also want to help these women relax after a day in the office. Relaxation will be promoted by having massage therapists, consultants from a variety of groups i.e. Pampered Chef, and group outings.
Additional goals are to create a community where women can:
1. Get a fresh-eyes perspective on scenarios they have been challenged with at work
2. Have women meet other women in their industry- grow their network
3. Learn new industry knowledge and sharpen their skill set
When I announced the group concept, feedback was very positive and supportive with the target audience, this shows that not only I have been wanting this void filled.
With the first event in a few weeks I am extremely excited about who will attend and how it will be accepted.
If you want to learn more or sign up please visit:
http://www.wiim-atlanta.com/
http://www.meetup.com/WIIM-Atlanta/
Ruthie
The reasoning behind creating the WIIM group is to fill a void in the networking space. Over the past few months I have been meeting and networking with a wide range of people- from this the idea was born. I feel there are many groups that an individual can join and become involved with, but there was no women only groups to my knowledge.
As we all know women are excellent at creating relationships and spreading information; this fact is why I created the group. There are a lot of women out there that have extensive knowledge of the interactive space and whom truly want to help out their peers. With having a place where these experts can share their knowledge, I feel that many boundaries will be crossed and connections made.
Not only is the goal to learn and network; I also want to help these women relax after a day in the office. Relaxation will be promoted by having massage therapists, consultants from a variety of groups i.e. Pampered Chef, and group outings.
Additional goals are to create a community where women can:
1. Get a fresh-eyes perspective on scenarios they have been challenged with at work
2. Have women meet other women in their industry- grow their network
3. Learn new industry knowledge and sharpen their skill set
When I announced the group concept, feedback was very positive and supportive with the target audience, this shows that not only I have been wanting this void filled.
With the first event in a few weeks I am extremely excited about who will attend and how it will be accepted.
If you want to learn more or sign up please visit:
http://www.wiim-atlanta.com/
http://www.meetup.com/WIIM-Atlanta/
Ruthie
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Changing it up a bit, what do you do?
So, I'm in a coffee shop working on my laptop looking for jobs and emailing my contacts like normal. Today I decided to "change it up a bit." Do you ever get in the same routine day after day? I know we all do.
When I was working full-time; I truly had a real routine. I would go to the gym, work, sit in traffic, dinner, watch CSI, then sleep; repeat x5. There would be some variation, but for the most part it was the same. I would love to hear some your routines. Please comment about them.
The theme for today is "changing it up a bit." So, I encourage you to do that exact thing. If you normally go home and watch TV with your "other" how about play a board game or actually talk to them about your day. Today is kind of rainy outside so maybe tomorrow, go outside and take a walk with your dog (if you have one that is) and your family instead of sitting on the couch after dinner. This different activity may spark a new idea for a weekly event.
If you do not have "little ones" in the house; I recommend skipping dinner at the table and surprising your "other" with "dinner in bed." If you do not want to eat, you do not have to, just stay in the bedroom (you get the idea).
So, my advice today is to change it up a bit. Just make sure you have fun with it.
Ruthie
When I was working full-time; I truly had a real routine. I would go to the gym, work, sit in traffic, dinner, watch CSI, then sleep; repeat x5. There would be some variation, but for the most part it was the same. I would love to hear some your routines. Please comment about them.
The theme for today is "changing it up a bit." So, I encourage you to do that exact thing. If you normally go home and watch TV with your "other" how about play a board game or actually talk to them about your day. Today is kind of rainy outside so maybe tomorrow, go outside and take a walk with your dog (if you have one that is) and your family instead of sitting on the couch after dinner. This different activity may spark a new idea for a weekly event.
If you do not have "little ones" in the house; I recommend skipping dinner at the table and surprising your "other" with "dinner in bed." If you do not want to eat, you do not have to, just stay in the bedroom (you get the idea).
So, my advice today is to change it up a bit. Just make sure you have fun with it.
Ruthie
Monday, May 4, 2009
Do what you love- it makes it easier to go to work
DO WHAT YOU LOVE- It makes it easier to go to work.
That is a powerful statement to make while you are laid off in an recession. During the past two months I have been meeting with some wonderful folks who are passionate about their jobs and some who are content in where they work. It is amazing the difference of connections that I have been able to make from those meetings. For example, some one who loves what they are doing has been able to connect me with more "quality" people than someone who is just content in their job.
You ask how?
Here is the only justification that I can come up with: if you love what you are doing- you are more involved in the industry, you interact/network with more colleagues, and you generally are more open-minded to becoming a member of an association within your industry. This involvement is paying huge dividends to those who become involved in their "work community."
One afternoon, I had coffee with a sales director who had been at his company for eight years and who had a reputation for being passionate about his job and the industry. During the meeting he mentioned that when he had to lay off some quality sales staff, the ones that were involved and passionate about their careers found new positions quickly.
That supports my theory that you should do what you love. If you hate driving to the office everyday- you have a problem. I have been lucky in my career to date, no matter what job I current have, I do what I love. There may be a part of the job that I do not like, but you have to focus on the positive and the benefits that you are giving to the customer or your company. For example, I have been doing sales for many years; I refuse to sell a product or service that I do not believe in. I have stuck that the rule my entire sales career; by doing that I have exceeded my sales goals in each role that I have had.
So, even if times my seem like they are bad, you must remember that a job that you would love is out there. You need to make a list of what you like to do and what you do not like to do in a career position. When you have this list created you can go out and find a position that meets you personal needs and the company needs.
Good Luck
Ruthie
That is a powerful statement to make while you are laid off in an recession. During the past two months I have been meeting with some wonderful folks who are passionate about their jobs and some who are content in where they work. It is amazing the difference of connections that I have been able to make from those meetings. For example, some one who loves what they are doing has been able to connect me with more "quality" people than someone who is just content in their job.
You ask how?
Here is the only justification that I can come up with: if you love what you are doing- you are more involved in the industry, you interact/network with more colleagues, and you generally are more open-minded to becoming a member of an association within your industry. This involvement is paying huge dividends to those who become involved in their "work community."
One afternoon, I had coffee with a sales director who had been at his company for eight years and who had a reputation for being passionate about his job and the industry. During the meeting he mentioned that when he had to lay off some quality sales staff, the ones that were involved and passionate about their careers found new positions quickly.
That supports my theory that you should do what you love. If you hate driving to the office everyday- you have a problem. I have been lucky in my career to date, no matter what job I current have, I do what I love. There may be a part of the job that I do not like, but you have to focus on the positive and the benefits that you are giving to the customer or your company. For example, I have been doing sales for many years; I refuse to sell a product or service that I do not believe in. I have stuck that the rule my entire sales career; by doing that I have exceeded my sales goals in each role that I have had.
So, even if times my seem like they are bad, you must remember that a job that you would love is out there. You need to make a list of what you like to do and what you do not like to do in a career position. When you have this list created you can go out and find a position that meets you personal needs and the company needs.
Good Luck
Ruthie
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Behavioral Targeting- Good or Bad?
I just attended a meeting that discussed the topic of behavioral targeting. This has been a sore subject for me personally and professional for quite some time.
"Is it a invasion of privacy or since you are "anonymous" is it OK? "
I should like the benefits of behavioral targeting for my clients but I do not like someone "following" me around on the Internet. So, I guess I must say that I am mixed on how I feel.
At the meeting the panel of experts were explaining how behavioral targeting is helping make ads more relevant to the consumers. By serving more targeted ads, the consumers will pay attention to them and the conversions/click thrus are better.
Here are some highlights that may help you understand behavioral targeting a little bit better:
From the panel I learned a lot about how Yahoo is using behavioral targeting: they basically separate users into two buckets:
1. Engagers
2. Shoppers
They have decided what level in the "funnel/buying process" the user is in, so whether you are a shopper or a engager you get served the appropriate ad/message for the stage you are in.
Another valuable lesson I learned was that there is a difference between being a "logged-in user cookie" and "blind cookie." A "logged-in user cookie" is someone who has logged into their yahoo portal and is browsing the web or the yahoo sites. A "blind cookie" is someone is has not logged into yahoo and is just browsing on the yahoo sites and then goes off to other sites.
The key between the two types of cookies is that if you "erase you cookies" so that you are not being served behavioral targeted ad or not being tracked
a. if you are a "logged in cookie"- that data is already been kept; so in short you can not delete that cookie.
b. if you are a "blind cookie"- you are in the clear until you come back to yahoo and continue to browse.
Now, before I stated that I do not like being "followed" around the Internet- so the question comes up; what about privacy? The panel had a generic answer to that question, it went something like 'how properties should have a user agreement where privacy walls should be in place so too much information won't be given out.'
They did bring out some really good points that users could put into play on their own:
1. Do not put your full name in the user name, change is up a bit
2. Be careful what sites you sign up with; a lot of them will sell your information (mailing address, email, etc...) to a 3rd party source for marketing materials
3. Clear out your cookies on a monthly basis if you are worried about being tracked or your privacy.
4. On Yahoo you can actually change your settings not to show any advertising
Behavioral targeting can be good or bad; but in the ad network space it is the way to reach your target demographic. If you advertising on a endemic site, you do not have to use behavioral targeting, because your customer is already there. So, it truly depends on what your goals and objectives are when you are discussing whether behavioral targeting is for your client/company. It does add additional cost to the campaign, but it does give you added return on investment.
Ruthie
"Is it a invasion of privacy or since you are "anonymous" is it OK? "
I should like the benefits of behavioral targeting for my clients but I do not like someone "following" me around on the Internet. So, I guess I must say that I am mixed on how I feel.
At the meeting the panel of experts were explaining how behavioral targeting is helping make ads more relevant to the consumers. By serving more targeted ads, the consumers will pay attention to them and the conversions/click thrus are better.
Here are some highlights that may help you understand behavioral targeting a little bit better:
From the panel I learned a lot about how Yahoo is using behavioral targeting: they basically separate users into two buckets:
1. Engagers
2. Shoppers
They have decided what level in the "funnel/buying process" the user is in, so whether you are a shopper or a engager you get served the appropriate ad/message for the stage you are in.
Another valuable lesson I learned was that there is a difference between being a "logged-in user cookie" and "blind cookie." A "logged-in user cookie" is someone who has logged into their yahoo portal and is browsing the web or the yahoo sites. A "blind cookie" is someone is has not logged into yahoo and is just browsing on the yahoo sites and then goes off to other sites.
The key between the two types of cookies is that if you "erase you cookies" so that you are not being served behavioral targeted ad or not being tracked
a. if you are a "logged in cookie"- that data is already been kept; so in short you can not delete that cookie.
b. if you are a "blind cookie"- you are in the clear until you come back to yahoo and continue to browse.
Now, before I stated that I do not like being "followed" around the Internet- so the question comes up; what about privacy? The panel had a generic answer to that question, it went something like 'how properties should have a user agreement where privacy walls should be in place so too much information won't be given out.'
They did bring out some really good points that users could put into play on their own:
1. Do not put your full name in the user name, change is up a bit
2. Be careful what sites you sign up with; a lot of them will sell your information (mailing address, email, etc...) to a 3rd party source for marketing materials
3. Clear out your cookies on a monthly basis if you are worried about being tracked or your privacy.
4. On Yahoo you can actually change your settings not to show any advertising
Behavioral targeting can be good or bad; but in the ad network space it is the way to reach your target demographic. If you advertising on a endemic site, you do not have to use behavioral targeting, because your customer is already there. So, it truly depends on what your goals and objectives are when you are discussing whether behavioral targeting is for your client/company. It does add additional cost to the campaign, but it does give you added return on investment.
Ruthie
Monday, April 27, 2009
I think I just heard gun shots, is it a sign?
So, I'm sitting here at my computer looking for jobs and networking with people and all of a sudden, I hear gun shots. There were about six shots fired and then you could hear a car pull off quickly. Weird!
I have been noticing that there has been more car break ins on the street outside my condo complex. In the morning when I walk my pug, Samantha, I notice 3-4 sets of safety glass bunches by the soccer fields. I do not know when these crimes happen, but they must be becoming more often due to the fact that we have a street cleaner and every week I see glass. In fact a few months ago, someone broke into a car and stole the alternator- now that is cruel!
I know that I live in an up-in-coming area of East Atlanta, so there is always the chance of crime, but I have never felt unsafe here. Now do not get me wrong, I am not going to take a long walk by myself after dark, but I feel safe to walk with my dog during the day.
It has just seemed to me that the stress the economy is putting on people is making some of the weaker people take drastic measures to make their ends meet.
I hope that the ones that break into homes, do drive-bys, or break into your cars realize that you are hurting the person you are robbing more in today's society and there are other ways of getting money or material possessions.
To the people who read this';please stay safe and remember that not everyone has your best interest in mind, but if you stay positive you will be in a much better place then they are.
Ruthie
I have been noticing that there has been more car break ins on the street outside my condo complex. In the morning when I walk my pug, Samantha, I notice 3-4 sets of safety glass bunches by the soccer fields. I do not know when these crimes happen, but they must be becoming more often due to the fact that we have a street cleaner and every week I see glass. In fact a few months ago, someone broke into a car and stole the alternator- now that is cruel!
I know that I live in an up-in-coming area of East Atlanta, so there is always the chance of crime, but I have never felt unsafe here. Now do not get me wrong, I am not going to take a long walk by myself after dark, but I feel safe to walk with my dog during the day.
It has just seemed to me that the stress the economy is putting on people is making some of the weaker people take drastic measures to make their ends meet.
I hope that the ones that break into homes, do drive-bys, or break into your cars realize that you are hurting the person you are robbing more in today's society and there are other ways of getting money or material possessions.
To the people who read this';please stay safe and remember that not everyone has your best interest in mind, but if you stay positive you will be in a much better place then they are.
Ruthie
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
The World of Search Marketing- The former stepchild
Today I had the pleasure of attending a AMA event that had a expert panel on the topic of Search Marketing. The event seemed to me to be sold out and attended by people trying to learn the secret sauce to pay-per-click advertising.
There were people there that worked at agencies who offered the full gamete of services from print to display to search. Then you had the individuals who just got laid off from the traditional agencies that were trying to become competitive in the marketplace by learning just enough about search and online to get the job when they interviewed.
This scene is a familiar occurrence in today's advertising industry; if you would've looked at a advertising/marketing event a few years back; you would've of seen a much different mix of people. For example, today I spoke with an individual who worked for a television company- who was pitching their websites, NOT television. That in itself, shows you how the marketing/advertising world is changing. Search is no longer the ugly stepchild.
I am not saying that Search advertising is the only avenue of marketing for a company; I recommend a good media mix. This idea was supported by the expert panel. Paula Brosnan of Google actually stated that "offline marketing drives 67% of search conversions." Another great point that made was if you are branding- you need to market outside of search so that the consumer knows to type in your brand in the search box; if you only brand yourself on search your results will be much lower than if you do a mix of marketing. This concept has been proven over and over again.
The main blessing that I believe that has come out of search marketing is people are now expecting a return-on-their-investment (ROI). Before you could waste a lot of money just for testing, now you are held more accountable for what you are spending. Budgets are shifting towards performance based media which includes search and ad networks. Customers want to know how much money the leads you produced brought in, not just the number of leads that you brought.
All of these changes are making all of us better marketers. I recommend if you are in the marketing/advertising industry to read What Would Google Do, it is a great book on how search has changed the landscape of advertising. It will also keep you ahead of the game.
There were people there that worked at agencies who offered the full gamete of services from print to display to search. Then you had the individuals who just got laid off from the traditional agencies that were trying to become competitive in the marketplace by learning just enough about search and online to get the job when they interviewed.
This scene is a familiar occurrence in today's advertising industry; if you would've looked at a advertising/marketing event a few years back; you would've of seen a much different mix of people. For example, today I spoke with an individual who worked for a television company- who was pitching their websites, NOT television. That in itself, shows you how the marketing/advertising world is changing. Search is no longer the ugly stepchild.
I am not saying that Search advertising is the only avenue of marketing for a company; I recommend a good media mix. This idea was supported by the expert panel. Paula Brosnan of Google actually stated that "offline marketing drives 67% of search conversions." Another great point that made was if you are branding- you need to market outside of search so that the consumer knows to type in your brand in the search box; if you only brand yourself on search your results will be much lower than if you do a mix of marketing. This concept has been proven over and over again.
The main blessing that I believe that has come out of search marketing is people are now expecting a return-on-their-investment (ROI). Before you could waste a lot of money just for testing, now you are held more accountable for what you are spending. Budgets are shifting towards performance based media which includes search and ad networks. Customers want to know how much money the leads you produced brought in, not just the number of leads that you brought.
All of these changes are making all of us better marketers. I recommend if you are in the marketing/advertising industry to read What Would Google Do, it is a great book on how search has changed the landscape of advertising. It will also keep you ahead of the game.
Monday, April 20, 2009
The Power of Networking- Job Searching (March-April 2009)
In today's economy networking is very important in the job search. I have been searching for a new opportunity since March 12, 2009; it is now April 20, 2009. I have been going to industry events such as AMA (Atlanta Marketing Association), AIMA (Atlanta Interactive Marketing Association), and networking meetings.
My strategy has been aggressive; go on 3-4 meetings/networking events a week. The only way to separate yourself from the rest of the crowd in today's society is by meeting the right person at the right time.
I am in the sales/advertising industry, so being an extrovert is important. I am naturally outgoing, but I do not like networking that often normally. I have to be in the "mood" to go out and mingle and meet people. I could go and not talk to anyone and be happy, so obviously, it is important to get out of that mindset and be the extrovert during those events. You may have to "fake it" in the beginning of the meeting, but once you get talking to people, you will come out of your shell- or at least I do.
I have been able to meet tons of people that I would've never met if I did not get laid off in March. It was kind of a blessing in disguise, sort of. I am approaching the end of my severance package, so I am hoping some of my connections are going to pull through soon. The blessing is that I have been able to truly decide what I want to do- now I can concentrate on that speciality.
For those of you out there that are in the same boat, I recommend reaching out to your peers and former co-workers to see if they can set you up with people who may be able to help you. If they care about you, they will help. The people you meet may not have a position available, but they can reach out to their network and be your cheerleader. Ask for their advice, if they are willing to sit down with you, they are willing to help you.
Make sure you thank them and keep them updated on your search. Once you reach out, they have become part of your "search team." Ask them if you can do anything for them in return- as a thank you.
Soon, when I get a job, I will throw a party for my network thanking them for helping me. Without them, I would only be a resume in a big bucket.
Good Luck and be Positive...
Ruthie
My strategy has been aggressive; go on 3-4 meetings/networking events a week. The only way to separate yourself from the rest of the crowd in today's society is by meeting the right person at the right time.
I am in the sales/advertising industry, so being an extrovert is important. I am naturally outgoing, but I do not like networking that often normally. I have to be in the "mood" to go out and mingle and meet people. I could go and not talk to anyone and be happy, so obviously, it is important to get out of that mindset and be the extrovert during those events. You may have to "fake it" in the beginning of the meeting, but once you get talking to people, you will come out of your shell- or at least I do.
I have been able to meet tons of people that I would've never met if I did not get laid off in March. It was kind of a blessing in disguise, sort of. I am approaching the end of my severance package, so I am hoping some of my connections are going to pull through soon. The blessing is that I have been able to truly decide what I want to do- now I can concentrate on that speciality.
For those of you out there that are in the same boat, I recommend reaching out to your peers and former co-workers to see if they can set you up with people who may be able to help you. If they care about you, they will help. The people you meet may not have a position available, but they can reach out to their network and be your cheerleader. Ask for their advice, if they are willing to sit down with you, they are willing to help you.
Make sure you thank them and keep them updated on your search. Once you reach out, they have become part of your "search team." Ask them if you can do anything for them in return- as a thank you.
Soon, when I get a job, I will throw a party for my network thanking them for helping me. Without them, I would only be a resume in a big bucket.
Good Luck and be Positive...
Ruthie
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