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

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

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