November doesn't just mean stuffing.
Prolango's last mixer of the year. (Tonight)
SMC Seattle (Social Media Club)
Linked:Seattle (A Linkedin Group)
the PSAMA (Puget Sound Chapter of American Marketing Association)
Eastside Networking Group
(Plus more events as I learn of them)
Check out the Calendar at the bottom of the page for area networking events. (you can subscribe to the calendar by clicking on the lower right corner)
Showing posts with label Networking. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Networking. Show all posts
Monday, November 8, 2010
Monday, June 21, 2010
Notes from 6/11/2010 - Networking Tips from a Networking Guru
Welcome to two new OCA members:
- Louise Matthews has an extensive marketing background, most recently in the banking and insurance industries (JP Morgan Chase/WaMu, Safeco). She's pursuing marketing positions that would utilize her branding, direct marketing, and marcomm experience.
- Scott Stracener is a process improvement & Supply Chain Management expert, with purchasing and production experience. He was most recently with Group Health and is looking to continue his career in the health care arena.
Our June 11th OCA meeting welcomed guest speaker, Sandy Jones-Kaminksi, business development consultant and networking guru. Though she's a bit reluctant to claim the title, "Guru," Sandy is increasingly being recognized for her networking talents and is the author of I'm at a Networking Event -- Now What??"
Sandy has a background in market research and broadcast media, but it's been her extensive work in business development that has honed her networking skills. After attending countless events, where she watched people flounder at making connections, she put a white paper together that led to her writing the book. Sandy genuinely wants to help others make the most of any encounter, and with networking being so important with a job search, it made perfect sense to have her in to talk with our group.
Crafting your Intro. Sandy recommends developing (and practicing) something between what she calls the "bumper sticker" (a personal tagline) and an elevator speech (your pitch). Make it memorable, and make sure you say what you're looking for. "A closed mouth does not get fed. You have to ask.") People remember company names, and as we've witnessed over and over again with OCA, it's easy to then make the connection between a company you're targeting and someone they may know at that company. Sandy put this into practice with our own group by asking everyone in attendance to name one company on which they're focusing. The conversations that followed were chock full of the phrase, "Oh, I know someone at..."
When you're at the event. Be the one to initiate the conversation. Sandy suggests the following lines as a way to get a dialogue started:
"What brought you to this event?" "What are you working on these days?" If the person you're talking to is somewhat adept at networking as well and tells you what they're looking for specifically, you can then easily jump in with, "What kind of help do you need with that?" This then leads to her next point.
"Start looking at networking as community service." People have a natural tendency to want to help each other, so why not use that notion while networking? Sandy suggests going to an event with the intention to help. In her book, she references this as the "give to get" philosophy. It also falls in line with what she calls "The Pay it Forward Approach." "... by helping [others], you can quite possibly change people's attitudes about at least a little part of their world through your unobtrusive acts of kindness."
Finally, "Never stop networking." Meetings, volunteer work, classes, etc. They are all opportunities to meet others and to help make connections. Plus, practice your networking skills by talking to people you encounter each and every day. You never know where it might lead.
- Louise Matthews has an extensive marketing background, most recently in the banking and insurance industries (JP Morgan Chase/WaMu, Safeco). She's pursuing marketing positions that would utilize her branding, direct marketing, and marcomm experience.
- Scott Stracener is a process improvement & Supply Chain Management expert, with purchasing and production experience. He was most recently with Group Health and is looking to continue his career in the health care arena.
Our June 11th OCA meeting welcomed guest speaker, Sandy Jones-Kaminksi, business development consultant and networking guru. Though she's a bit reluctant to claim the title, "Guru," Sandy is increasingly being recognized for her networking talents and is the author of I'm at a Networking Event -- Now What??"
Sandy has a background in market research and broadcast media, but it's been her extensive work in business development that has honed her networking skills. After attending countless events, where she watched people flounder at making connections, she put a white paper together that led to her writing the book. Sandy genuinely wants to help others make the most of any encounter, and with networking being so important with a job search, it made perfect sense to have her in to talk with our group.
Crafting your Intro. Sandy recommends developing (and practicing) something between what she calls the "bumper sticker" (a personal tagline) and an elevator speech (your pitch). Make it memorable, and make sure you say what you're looking for. "A closed mouth does not get fed. You have to ask.") People remember company names, and as we've witnessed over and over again with OCA, it's easy to then make the connection between a company you're targeting and someone they may know at that company. Sandy put this into practice with our own group by asking everyone in attendance to name one company on which they're focusing. The conversations that followed were chock full of the phrase, "Oh, I know someone at..."
When you're at the event. Be the one to initiate the conversation. Sandy suggests the following lines as a way to get a dialogue started:
"What brought you to this event?" "What are you working on these days?" If the person you're talking to is somewhat adept at networking as well and tells you what they're looking for specifically, you can then easily jump in with, "What kind of help do you need with that?" This then leads to her next point.
"Start looking at networking as community service." People have a natural tendency to want to help each other, so why not use that notion while networking? Sandy suggests going to an event with the intention to help. In her book, she references this as the "give to get" philosophy. It also falls in line with what she calls "The Pay it Forward Approach." "... by helping [others], you can quite possibly change people's attitudes about at least a little part of their world through your unobtrusive acts of kindness."
Finally, "Never stop networking." Meetings, volunteer work, classes, etc. They are all opportunities to meet others and to help make connections. Plus, practice your networking skills by talking to people you encounter each and every day. You never know where it might lead.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Notes from 6/4/2010 - Crowdsourcing, Social Media, and More
From Mark Farmer and Duane Hobbs, who stepped in last week and led the OCA meeting...
The combination of rainy weather and a lack of parking (SVC had both a seminar AND a tree blown down in the parking lot) kept the meeting smaller-than-average level of attendance, but the attendees were top of their field and compelling!
Of discussion was:
Crowdsourcing: What it means to Creatives
------------------------------------------------------
Discussed that crowdsourcing DOES radically affect creatives. It is hard when you've spent years developing and honing a craft that was once highly valued, but is now becoming commoditized. Never the less, arguing against evolution leaves you with the dinosaurs.
Evolvers may find themselves:
- Becoming the in-house creative that -- rather then produces from start to end -- now manages crowdsourced resources, educating the company on what quality is, what is needed and managing the crowdsourcers.
- There will ALWAYS be a place for specializing: that is, becoming one of the top 5% at doing ____X____
- Joining in the crowdsourcing
Social Media Metrics: Quantity vs. Quality
------------------------------------------------------
With Social Media becoming more and more evolved and valued, the question remains: How do you MEASURE its efficacy!? There are ways to measure ROI, but all of these ways NEED to differentiate between *quantity* (how many connections, subscribers or followers, how many page visits, how many re-broadcasts) and *quality* (was the re-broadcast in a positive light -- "you have to see this, it's so cool!" -- or negative "Watch this: BP STILL doesn't get it!").
Quality often requires a different, subjective standard of measure, but frankly, is more important in social media, than quantity.
In discussing social marketing's strategy of strengthening relationships, Duane added in a profound observation that "Asking people for something often strengthens the relationship," and companies AND people can use that, by judiciously asking others for something they are easily able to supply (opinions?) and willing to supply.
Resume Review and the Job Search
------------------------------------------------------
Members spent time critiquing others resumes. Duane observed he felt he would be FAR ahead if "If I spent as much time improving my resume and asking people out to coffee to learn about them as I do in applying [for jobs]", a point well made: Your resume is ONLY "marketing" for YOU. A/B test it and actively solicit consumer (erm... prospective employer) market research on it's efficacy in marketing YOU.
Duane offered to be a guinea pig on this one, committing to reporting to the group in 3 weeks HIS results in asking at least 3 prospective employers to critique his resume.
What Help Do You Need!?
------------------------------------------------------
We ended with a recommendation Gayle Rose had made some time ago: By going around the room, each person announcing what help or connection they needed assistance with this week; the entire room brainstorming connections and tangible help.
The combination of rainy weather and a lack of parking (SVC had both a seminar AND a tree blown down in the parking lot) kept the meeting smaller-than-average level of attendance, but the attendees were top of their field and compelling!
Of discussion was:
Crowdsourcing: What it means to Creatives
------------------------------------------------------
Discussed that crowdsourcing DOES radically affect creatives. It is hard when you've spent years developing and honing a craft that was once highly valued, but is now becoming commoditized. Never the less, arguing against evolution leaves you with the dinosaurs.
Evolvers may find themselves:
- Becoming the in-house creative that -- rather then produces from start to end -- now manages crowdsourced resources, educating the company on what quality is, what is needed and managing the crowdsourcers.
- There will ALWAYS be a place for specializing: that is, becoming one of the top 5% at doing ____X____
- Joining in the crowdsourcing
Social Media Metrics: Quantity vs. Quality
------------------------------------------------------
With Social Media becoming more and more evolved and valued, the question remains: How do you MEASURE its efficacy!? There are ways to measure ROI, but all of these ways NEED to differentiate between *quantity* (how many connections, subscribers or followers, how many page visits, how many re-broadcasts) and *quality* (was the re-broadcast in a positive light -- "you have to see this, it's so cool!" -- or negative "Watch this: BP STILL doesn't get it!").
Quality often requires a different, subjective standard of measure, but frankly, is more important in social media, than quantity.
In discussing social marketing's strategy of strengthening relationships, Duane added in a profound observation that "Asking people for something often strengthens the relationship," and companies AND people can use that, by judiciously asking others for something they are easily able to supply (opinions?) and willing to supply.
Resume Review and the Job Search
------------------------------------------------------
Members spent time critiquing others resumes. Duane observed he felt he would be FAR ahead if "If I spent as much time improving my resume and asking people out to coffee to learn about them as I do in applying [for jobs]", a point well made: Your resume is ONLY "marketing" for YOU. A/B test it and actively solicit consumer (erm... prospective employer) market research on it's efficacy in marketing YOU.
Duane offered to be a guinea pig on this one, committing to reporting to the group in 3 weeks HIS results in asking at least 3 prospective employers to critique his resume.
What Help Do You Need!?
------------------------------------------------------
We ended with a recommendation Gayle Rose had made some time ago: By going around the room, each person announcing what help or connection they needed assistance with this week; the entire room brainstorming connections and tangible help.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Notes from 4/16/2010 OCA Meeting
In-depth and very engaging discussion at last week's OCA meeting.
Below are three different subjects that we covered:
All-in-One Job Descriptions
- We've all seen them... job descriptions that encompass everything plus the kitchen sink. Below is a shortened list of duties from an actual job posting on Craigslist:
Someone in the group had an interesting point and analogy. Would an engineering firm post a job position that required a candidate to have mechanical, electrical, structural, and civil engineering experience? We understand the need for marketing generalists. And, of course, smaller companies can't afford to hire specialists, but rather need employees who can wear several hats.
Regardless, there's an overwhelming sense that recruiters and hiring managers are expecting the recession's talent pool to produce all-in-one candidates - at bargain prices. In addition, all too often job seekers are interviewing for positions that are mislabeled. PR/Communications roles, for instance, that are titled "Marketing Director," etc. and the kitchen sink mentality could indicate a lack of real knowledge of how the many functional areas of marketing actually work within a business.
Social Media
Another interesting position requirement we're starting to see everywhere is a need for "Social Media experience." Not only are companies looking for this, they're searching for job candidates who can lead them in this area. Postings for Director of Social Media and Social Media Strategist are popping up across the job boards.
Is it a fad or a viable marketing tool companies can utilize? Our group definitely skews toward the latter view. SM is a way to build relationships with customers, opening a two-way conversation. This added avenue of communication can then lead to product improvements, address customer satisfaction complaints, and help launch new products or services.
While Social Media may not result in a direct correlation to bottom-line sales, monitoring tools, such as Brandwatch and Radian6, are helping marketing organizations realize their return on investment.
Networking
While most of us are exceptional at dissecting positional statements and recommending communications strategies, it's an interesting conundrum when we need to look inward and market ourselves.
One obvious way to do so is by networking. Two weeks ago, we touched on the need to build tactical relationships with companies and hiring managers. What's often lost, however, is the crucial aspect of casting a wider net.
- Let everyone in your professional and personal network know that you're looking for work. You never know who may hear of an opening.
- Stay top-of-mind by doing so more than once. If time has passed, people may assume you've already landed something and not think to pass you the lead.
- Be specific, and ask for help. Let people know what you're looking for and ask if they know of anyone with whom you should connect.
Below are three different subjects that we covered:
All-in-One Job Descriptions
- We've all seen them... job descriptions that encompass everything plus the kitchen sink. Below is a shortened list of duties from an actual job posting on Craigslist:
- Write, design, and produce materials, including proposals, presentations, corporate collateral materials, and more.
- Write press releases, seek opportunities for press coverage, track press activity/presence.
- Advertising concept/writing/design for newspapers, sponsorships, and other publications.
- Website design and maintenance for corporate site, intranet, extranet, and property sites.
- Develop and maintain corporate mailing list/company database for use by sales force.
- Research new technology, resources, and marketing tools.
Someone in the group had an interesting point and analogy. Would an engineering firm post a job position that required a candidate to have mechanical, electrical, structural, and civil engineering experience? We understand the need for marketing generalists. And, of course, smaller companies can't afford to hire specialists, but rather need employees who can wear several hats.
Regardless, there's an overwhelming sense that recruiters and hiring managers are expecting the recession's talent pool to produce all-in-one candidates - at bargain prices. In addition, all too often job seekers are interviewing for positions that are mislabeled. PR/Communications roles, for instance, that are titled "Marketing Director," etc. and the kitchen sink mentality could indicate a lack of real knowledge of how the many functional areas of marketing actually work within a business.
Social Media
Another interesting position requirement we're starting to see everywhere is a need for "Social Media experience." Not only are companies looking for this, they're searching for job candidates who can lead them in this area. Postings for Director of Social Media and Social Media Strategist are popping up across the job boards.
Is it a fad or a viable marketing tool companies can utilize? Our group definitely skews toward the latter view. SM is a way to build relationships with customers, opening a two-way conversation. This added avenue of communication can then lead to product improvements, address customer satisfaction complaints, and help launch new products or services.
While Social Media may not result in a direct correlation to bottom-line sales, monitoring tools, such as Brandwatch and Radian6, are helping marketing organizations realize their return on investment.
Networking
While most of us are exceptional at dissecting positional statements and recommending communications strategies, it's an interesting conundrum when we need to look inward and market ourselves.
One obvious way to do so is by networking. Two weeks ago, we touched on the need to build tactical relationships with companies and hiring managers. What's often lost, however, is the crucial aspect of casting a wider net.
- Let everyone in your professional and personal network know that you're looking for work. You never know who may hear of an opening.
- Stay top-of-mind by doing so more than once. If time has passed, people may assume you've already landed something and not think to pass you the lead.
- Be specific, and ask for help. Let people know what you're looking for and ask if they know of anyone with whom you should connect.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Notes from 2/19/2010 OCA Meeting
Unfortunately, we had our first glitch in scheduling, so our guest speaker wasn't able to make it to the 2/19 meeting. (We're looking to reschedule Paul Anderson from ProLango on March 12th.)
Nevertheless, we had a great meeting and a 2-hour discussion on networking, resumes, and today's job search techniques. To sum up: Regardless of how powerful the resume is or how cleverly written the cover letter, 4 out of 5 times it comes down to networking. Or as one member put it: Networking, Networking, Networking, [Networking].
From a call I sat in on a few weeks ago about the "Hidden Job Market," where Kelly Harrington of the Career Max Group provided her insight, 75-80% of open job positions are NOT advertised. According to the US Dept of Labor, 48% of jobs are found through friends, business contacts and relatives; 24% by direct company contact; and 13% by a combination of both. If you do the math, it shows hours spent scouring the job boards could be more wisely spent working on making the right connections.
What is "the hidden job market" exactly? They are jobs that are not posted publicly. How are they filled then? Quite often through referrals, where a position is filled before ever needing to be posted. To listen to Ms. Harrington's teleseminar, click here: Hidden Secrets of the Hidden Job Market.
Why post a position on Craigslist? and have to wade through hundreds of resumes, when it's much more efficient to ask a few well-regarded colleagues if they know of qualified candidates they'd recommend. Case in point, a friend of mine just sent me a job description for a Communications Coordinator - to see if someone within OCA was interested. The hiring company, a client of his, "is opting for the lower-profile approach of personal referrals before moving to a larger audience with their search."
By the way, if you're interested in the Coordinator position, check out the OCA group on LinkedIn.
Upcoming guest speakers.
3/5 - Rick Peterson, president of Hydrogen Advertising
3/12 - Paul Anderson, president of ProLango (career consulting)
3/19 - Kelsey Foster, recruiter at Aquent (staffing agency)
3/26 - Kristina Muller-Eberhard, founder of Plume21 (advertising)
4/2 - Kirsten Thompson and Sara Westerlund, reps from Creative Circle
Nevertheless, we had a great meeting and a 2-hour discussion on networking, resumes, and today's job search techniques. To sum up: Regardless of how powerful the resume is or how cleverly written the cover letter, 4 out of 5 times it comes down to networking. Or as one member put it: Networking, Networking, Networking, [Networking].
From a call I sat in on a few weeks ago about the "Hidden Job Market," where Kelly Harrington of the Career Max Group provided her insight, 75-80% of open job positions are NOT advertised. According to the US Dept of Labor, 48% of jobs are found through friends, business contacts and relatives; 24% by direct company contact; and 13% by a combination of both. If you do the math, it shows hours spent scouring the job boards could be more wisely spent working on making the right connections.
What is "the hidden job market" exactly? They are jobs that are not posted publicly. How are they filled then? Quite often through referrals, where a position is filled before ever needing to be posted. To listen to Ms. Harrington's teleseminar, click here: Hidden Secrets of the Hidden Job Market.
Why post a position on Craigslist? and have to wade through hundreds of resumes, when it's much more efficient to ask a few well-regarded colleagues if they know of qualified candidates they'd recommend. Case in point, a friend of mine just sent me a job description for a Communications Coordinator - to see if someone within OCA was interested. The hiring company, a client of his, "is opting for the lower-profile approach of personal referrals before moving to a larger audience with their search."
By the way, if you're interested in the Coordinator position, check out the OCA group on LinkedIn.
Upcoming guest speakers.
3/5 - Rick Peterson, president of Hydrogen Advertising
3/12 - Paul Anderson, president of ProLango (career consulting)
3/19 - Kelsey Foster, recruiter at Aquent (staffing agency)
3/26 - Kristina Muller-Eberhard, founder of Plume21 (advertising)
4/2 - Kirsten Thompson and Sara Westerlund, reps from Creative Circle
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