Job Search -vs- Company Search

It was refreshing for me to discover there is at least one person at the VCU Brandcenter using alternative methods to make himself known and is doing it in ways that do not involve creative or team based competitions. (See Drop the Job Search, Start a Company Search by Les Green) It was an added bonus that he is a fellow CBM. This is a great example of "a little thing" a person can do in his or her spare time that has no requirements or deadlines. It may sound corny, but I'm proud of Les' accomplishment and look forward to reading more articles. He is DOING what others have only thought about and for that he is an inspiration.
Below was written by me after reading Les' article and the comments related to it...

I was lucky to have learned early in my career it is not worth the time or energy to continue in a position that doesn't make you happy. Therefore, I wholeheartedly agree with Mr. Green.

Although I understand the perspective of Mr. Crandall, I do not agree with his assessment that Mr. Green's advice is for the longer-term. Everyone should consider the company first and job second. It helps in the short-run, long-run and even when economic conditions are not so favorable. Why? It's less stressful knowing that you are where you want to be versus worrying about rent, loans, the crappy job, your boss seeing the lack of interest in the crappy job coming out in your work, job security, the job you wish you had but didn't have the time to look for, and your friends disowning you because they are tired of hearing you complain about all of the above.

Yes, as a person who will graduate with her masters in May 2009, I am concerned about keeping up with my financial responsibilities. However, I am more concerned about diligently identifying companies that can help launch a career. Is it easy? No, but it is definitely worth it. I'm keeping my eye on the broader picture. I may only stay in my first role after graduating for a couple of years, but if done right I hope to stay with the company for many years to come.

Female Workplace Attire

This Today Show segment is a little dated (Fall 2007), but I thought it was an interesting topic for discussion. Click here for Video

In the workplace, should a woman be responsible for keeping a man's focus on her face?

My thought is no. The woman, just like any man, should dress appropriately for the environment in which she works. Once you have attire that fits the workplace, add your own flair that represents your personality. You don't want an office full of clones and you should have to be responsible for keeping another person's hormones in check.

Photos: Hillary Clinton (politician), 1Epiphanee (marketer / blogger), Helen Mirren (actress)

Can't wait to hear your thoughts.

On The Hunt - Independent Study & More

I've been trying to figure out what my focus would be for my blog post election since for the last several posts the topics that sparked an entry was about the pending presidential election. Well, I believe I now have a couple of topics.

The first is what I learn as I move forward with my job search. The other will focus on my independent study project that will officially start December 1st and go through early May. I've included a description of the independent study project because I am still searching for a company for whom I could help solve a marketing problem. I hope you will help me by suggesting some companies who may be interested in benefiting from this program.

***********************************************************************

For several years, VCU Brandcenter graduate students have contributed to businesses and non-profit organizations as part of our independent study program. This program requires each of our Creative Brand Management students to complete a semester-long marketing project for an outside client in order to graduate.

Typically, there is no cost to the organizations who participate in this program and they can put to use the outstanding work that results. In past years our students have tackled serious projects such as these:

• Conducting research and developing a strategy to accelerate the growth of Genworth’s Long Term Care insurance line.
• Identifying new avenues for growth for an organic pet food company.
• Crafting a plan for DICK’S Sporting Goods to increase growth within minority communities.
• Developing strategies for outreach for a regional hospital.
• Helping a national office furniture retailer target new customers.
• Developing a social media strategy for a global educational marketer.

Each of these projects is supervised by a team of VCU Brandcenter professors, including Founder & President of O'Keefe Brands, Kelly O'Keefe, along with former Martin Agency CEO, Don Just and the Martin Agency’s Chief Strategic Officer, Earl Cox.

This is one of the programs that has helped make the VCU Brandcenter the #1 ranked graduate school of advertising. I hope you will consider participating.

***********************************************************************

I hope you will help me by suggesting some companies who may be interested in benefiting from this program. Feel free to leave your suggestion in a comment or email me privately here.

A flawless campaign...brands should take note

Out of the seven elected presidents during my life time so far, I am old enough to remember all of the campaigns beginning with Reagan's first election. You have to admit no matter what your political beliefs may be, Obama has been running a rather impressive & progressive campaign.

Most recently Obama can even be found campaigning on Xbox 360.
Is Obama's campaign persuasive enough to influence the vote? Well at least one person thinks so...

"The Obama campaign is just incredible… Who would have thought of this? I am a registered Republican BUT what the heck… I’ll vote for Obama. If he runs the country the way he’s run his campaign, things will only get better." - Terry Andersen, posted on Gigaom

Voter Disenfranchisement - 2000, 2004 and 2008???

Thanks to a dear friend bringing today's NY Times article to my attention. The article describes how tens of thousands of voters in at least six swing states have been removed from rolls or blocked from registering.

States’ Actions to Block Voters Appear Illegal - NYTimes.com

Verify Your Voter Registration

Not all states have online voter registration verification tools. If your state doesn't, you'll need to call your county election official to verify your registration. (We've included links to all relevant contact information). If you need to, you can look up your county here.


— Submitted by me as editorial comment to the NY Times on October 9, 2008

My immediate thought was "not again"! 2000, 2004 and now 2008? The fact that this is happening in the swing states is highly suspicious. One thing I do not understand is for a law/act that was put into place in 2002...why are states just now enforcing it (or trying to figure out the process) DAYS before an election? Shouldn't they have already created a process and gotten the bugs out in last 5-6 years with the help of local elections?

It angers me tremendously to learn the Republican party is trying to stop people from voting in Ohio. Yes, this is definitely a sign of a maverick. A maverick whose thinking (add entire Republican party to this) is COMPLETELY removed from that of the general population.

Please, please, please make everyone aware of this excellent piece of investigative news done by the NY Times. Not all news sources try to get relevant, timely and useful information to the public. Encourage and motivate all you know to check with the county clerk BEFORE Election Day to make certain their voting rights are secure. If you are able to vote early, DO IT so you will still have time before November 4th to correct any wrongs that may happen at the voting booth.

Sometimes Life Is Just Plain Funny

If you haven't been watching the last 3 weeks of Saturday Night Live (SNL), you need to immediately go to YouTube or NBC. com and watch what you've been missing. Everyone needs laughter in their life and Tina Fey as Palin is able to make anyone laugh each and every time!

SoMe Creativity

As I was prepping to watch the Vice Presidential candidate debate last night, was determined to have the ability to have a discussion even though I was at home alone. My Social Media (SoMe) of choice - Twitter & Facebook. The added benefit? Current.com had partnered with Twitter to sponsor "Hack the Debate". If you decided to watch the debate via Current.com/tv you see as many debate related tweets as possible in real time.

I attempted to participate in "Hack the Debate," but I believe the number of Tweets were probably more than even Current / Twitter realized they would get. This caused a downside where it appeared the several of the the tweets were not as real time or relevant to what was being spoken about by time they appeared on the computer screen. In general, the idea is fabulous and I look forward to next week's debate to read what other Tweeters have to say.