CM Access

(I just read about how blog post subject lines are supposed to be really great in order to grab and hold a reader’s attention, and yet…that will have to do!)

I wanted to put in a plug for next weekend’s PodCamp Philly! It’s really going to be a fantastic weekend, as the organizers have done such a terrific job of getting sponsors, and ensuring that this event, on the anniversary of the first PodCamp (Boston)–the idea of which has spread across the globe to include PodCamp Perth (Australia) and PodCamp Capetown (South Africa)–will be spectacular!

I’m also really excited that CM Access is going to be a part of it, since we definitely acknowledge how much we have to learn from the talented, technologically-advanced professionals in the new media space. And for those of you who’ve been craving another CreativeCamp to get all your inspired thoughts out in the open, we’re having a miniCreativeCamp session on Saturday of PodCamp.

If there are topics you’d like to discuss, questions you want to ask, or just want to know what the heck this PodCamp thing is all about, definitely come on down to this free event! First 350 registrants get a free tshirt, and I’ll be there, so come find me!! More information, and SIGN UPis at this wiki site.

Oh, and in case you can’t make it down to our city of Brotherly Love, PodCamp Boston is in October, and you can bet there will be a major turn out for that one!

Technorati Tags: podcamp philly, networking, podcasting, blogging, CreativeCamp, Philadelphia, PodCamp Boston

Just wanted to update my millions of readers that CM Access is increasingly busy! We’ve been adding to our team of dedicated and passionate career advocacy professionals, and we’re still keeping busy learning about how tactics and strategies are changing in this crazy world of ours.

Among others, the most important thing I’ve learned is that it’s no longer acceptable to admit defeat when it comes to using the Internet. “Oh that’s too complicated for me!” just won’t cut it. Your job search shouldn’t rely solely on internet job boards, but neither should it ignore that realm of limitless information altogether!

But the Internet changes so quickly, one could hardly keep a handle on the new vocabulary and the instantly popular pages that might just as quickly recess back into obscurity. Here’s where the blogosphere enters the conversation…”How?” you ask?

Join me at BlogPhiladelphia on July 12 and 13 at the Radisson in Rittenhouse to come out and see what’s going on in Philly and beyond in the world of the Inter-web-net. And if you can’t make it on such short notice, be sure to check out PodCamp Philly in September!

Be a part of the future!

Plus, I’m working on having a mini-CreativeCamp session so we can get the creative types together and talk about job searching, a self-marketing campaign strategy for more clients and more money, and whatever else you’re dying to talk about!

Ok…well this could be misleading. There are many ways to actually BE a good networker. The biggest ones are:

I’m well-aware that all these are debatably personality traits more than job searching or networking tactics. And we all know how difficult it can be to change others, let alone ourselves! So rather than saying that to really land a good job, you should just “be a nicer person!” I’ll pass along something that can easily become a habit, and with minimal effort WILL help your networking skills.

READ.

Everything you can get your hands on: Newspapers (online or in print!), magazines (for industry or just popular culture), and the newest resource of increasing importance: blogs and websites.

Once you are aware of what’s going on everywhere, you’ll start to see more and more occasion to offer something to a conversation, to have something worthwhile to say to a potential contact, and then you’ll become thoughtful and considerate (hopefully!). Blogs are quickly becoming a very important way to finding out what is going on in certain sectors of the economy.

[note: ok, ok…I’m saying how important blogs are on my own blog…bear with me, ok?]

If you’re new to this whole medium, and we all were at one time or another, there are several ways to make the information overload more digestible. Start by finding the right people to guide you through it. HINT: CreativeCamp this Saturday is an informal, laid back meet-up where you can ask anything you want from people who know what they’re talking about!

Or start with local blogs to explore what’s going on in your community and the neighborhood. With a simple search I found several that I’ll add to my reading list, including Phillyist, which has a lot of information about what’s going on ’round here. There’s also the Metroblogs network, that has over 45 cities (I think) including Boston and Philadelphia.

What better way to seem a bit more prepared than your colleagues? “I read on this blog the other day…”

Of course, like everything worth doing, it takes some effort. And if you just need a jumpstart, come out to CreativeCamp! Inspiration for all!

Technorati Tags: Philadelphia, networking, read, Boston, CreativeCamp, Phillyist, how-to

short answer: yes.

long answer: No doubt about it. The way you present yourself is inextricably linked with the way you manage your identity.

I’ve talked about why it’s necessary to maintain control over your online identity–your web presence needs to speak to your skills, personality and goals. This may be easier for designers who can showcase their samples, but we’ll continue to explore how marketers, copywriters, and even account managers need to harness Web 2.0 technology to create a branding YOU campaign for career management. It’s really no longer about the periodic job search. It’s about building a network, keeping your ear to the ground for growth opportunities, and always proactive about accomplishing career goals.

But more to today’s point: your physical identity and appearance are a big part of your career management. OK ok, so you always hear “dress nicely for your interview, make sure your handshake is effective…” blah blah blah. But many times this is hard to know unless you talk to the proper resources, right?

I recently met JoJami Tyler, who is a professional image consultant. Definitely the kind of person you want to have in your network! But if you’re not able find someone near you, check out her blog here, and her website, here. She can answer questions about your personal brand, how to dress for media engagments (definitely a plus for PR folks!) and even closet organization–which most of us could use!

Who wouldn’t take a few pointers about how to manage your professional image? You could even explore how to solidify visually that identity you’ve been working to build virtually! (and no, she doesn’t do Second Life image consultation!)

PS She is trying to make time to come to CreativeCamp 3–great opportunity to learn what she is all about! Be there to share!

Technorati Tags: JoJami Tyler, professional image, identity, career management, networking, organization, Cafe Glam, Mode Image, CreativeCamp

I have to admit I’m a bit embarassed. I thought I came up with an idea on my own, but have recently discovered that I’m far from the first person to come up with this idea. I guess there’s something to be said for “no ideas are new anymore”.

I thought I discovered a correlation between the job search and the marketing/sales process. And while I still believe it to be the best way to approach the situation–applying the principles of marketing to yourself as the product–it turns out someone has already done a great job of telling you how. [Ok, I admit that it’s silly to think I’m the first to have come up with the idea.]

I mentioned it just the other day, that I’ve started reading this book called “How to Land Your Dream Job” but now that I’ve gotten further into it, I’m able to truthfully proclaim it’s greatness! Yes, I’m still bummed that I didn’t think of it myself, but this book is a great guide to how to apply marketing principles and the sales process to your job search. Highlights include:

–glossary of sales terms and how they apply to the job search
–easy to read style and short chapters make it easily digestible
–motivation to be creative in your search: you may not be a salesperson or a marketer, but you’ll learn quickly how necessary those skills are for success in your job search.

I could go into more detail but I won’t for the sake of redundancy. It’s already here and in this book! Jeffrey J. Fox knows what he’s talking about, so no need to restate it!

In related news, part 2 of my conversation with Chris Penn of the Financial Aid Podcast is up today. It’s the section that talks about resumes, cover letters, Linked In and how to approach the search more from a marketing perspective. Thought it was appropriate for emphasis on the “MarketingMe” side of the job search.

Technorati Tags: MarketingMe, LinkedIn, Financial Aid Podcast, Jeffrey J. Fox

So according to Punxatawney Phil from Gobbler’s Knob PA, who didn’t see his shadow, we’re going to have an early spring season this year. Not sure I believe in all that, but I sure do enjoy when they play the “Pennsylvania Polka” as Phil crawls back into his cozy home for more sleeping.

It’s become quite a tradition for Pennsylvanians to gather in the freezing temperatures before dawn to wait for Phil’s famous yearly prediction. And while I’m not quite sure how to tie this into something career or marketing related, one can always find a connection for the life lesson in anything!

And in this case we’ll go with the movie, Groundhog Day (which I’ve not seen). As I understand it, Bill Murray is given a new chance each day to improve his life, through a more positive attitude, every time he wakes up in the morning.

I will refrain from repeating the general “Today is the first day of your life” mantra here. I will refrain from repeating that there are new tactics you can employ with little effort to add variety and diversity to your job search or career development. And I will refrain from being overly motivational about how you’re worth something better, something more enjoyable and how you’re in control of your own destiny (while all are entirely true).

For this post, all I’ll say is: SMILE. Take a deep breath and think, “At least it’s no longer January. We’re well into 2007 now. Time to buckle down.”

And remember, I’m here to help you through it–just ask!

Couple things to mention:
Great books–“The Quarterlife Crisis”: the unique challenges of life in your twenties
“How to Land your Dream Job: No Resume! And Other Secrets to Get You in the Door” [note: I can’t wait to expound on this little number in the very near future!]

Great ways to meet people:

Technorati Tags: eWomen Network, Punxatawney Phil, PAMA, Quarterlife Crisis, How to Land your Dream Job, SuperBowl Smackdown, CreativeCamp, Groundhog Day

A couple of pretty sweet things are happening around CM Access!

Firstly, we are setting up Creative Camp for February 24th, another Saturday afternoon of conversation and brainstorming and of course, cookies! (that’s for Alex)

Be sure to check out the CreativeCamp wiki to sign up to attend, find out where the awesome Germantown mansion is, and to offer your ideas, suggestions and topics for discussion! [ps. the password is Liberty]

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Next, I’m proud to say I’ve been interviewed for my first-ever podcast! I was asked by Chris Penn of FinancialAidPodcast to offer tips, advice and insight for job seekers everywhere! I was of course, nervous, but ended up filling over 40 minutes with my fantastically inspirational and motivational career advice!

Check out the first of several episodes featuring ::moi:: at his blog and podcast site! And let me know what you think!

Technorati Tags: expert, advice, podcast, CreativeCamp, FYI

Just wanted to thank all the people who made CreativeCamp2.0 (still not sure I like that 2.0 addition…seems tired to me now…) such a terrific afternoon. It was for me, anyway!

I love lively discussions and people saying “aha!”

It was a great mix of traditional and nouveau…

we had a traditional direct marketer and also a self-proclaimed “drupalista”

we had a rousing talk about the “reality” of SecondLife.

And of course, there were cookies too

I really loved it and it’d be great to hear others’ feedback as well. (READ: POST A COMMENT TO MY BLOG) and I promise, next time, we’ll get the heat turned on beforehand!

Technorati Tags: drupal, CreativeCamp, SecondLife

Just wanted to do another quick shout out regarding CreativeCamp2.0 happening tomorrow, December 2nd, in Germantown.

I’m really excited to meet the new campers that have signed up to attend! I’m also excited about the potential of the un-conference! If it’s anything like the CreativeCamp from September, I’m sure it will take on an inspiring life of its own!

Here are some good resources if you’re planning on attending and not sure how you fit in:

information about the idea here
Technorati results for barcamp search
where the event is
tips on holding a session are here

and of course, the wiki to get more details about CreativeCamp2.0

There are tons of blogs and articles about “camping” so check ‘em out! See you tomorrow!

Technorati Tags: CreativeCamp2.0, BarCamp, Philadelphia, preparation

I’m a busy girl.
Last night I went the Philly American Marketing Association (PAMA) November event, a presentation by Jeff Greene of Gold Group, entitled “21st Century Marketing.”

This afternoon I went to a luncheon for the Philly Ad Club (PAC) that was a presentation by Karen Seamen, EVP, Cramer-Krasselt, Chicago about “The CareerBuilder.com Story” (I love those chimp commercials!).

Mr. Greene’s presentation was terrific. He is quickly and effectively positioning himself and his agency as the expert of a very inexact, but emerging science. And there was a room full of people at the PAC event to hear from an expert about how to create a successful, creative and quality ad campaign.

Here’s the point: CreativeCamp is like and unlike the industry organization events. While it’s related to things we’re all familiar with (conferences, networking) it’s doing it differently. There are no singular experts–everyone who attends can be an expert in their own right!

From the excitement and interest I saw last night as Mr. Greene told us of how Gold Group is integrating viral marketing, podcasting, blogging and mobile marketing to really approach this new wave of advertising, I know that there is much more to be said. I know that there are many who have something to say. I know that CreativeCamp will be a great venue to do so.

Before you say “but you’re the organizer and you’re just trying to get people to come eat your cookies and hand out business cards”, please know that I really am an attendee more than a sponsor. I feel strongly that the idea is a good one. I know how trying and tiring ‘networking’ events can be, and I like that the *camp style allows for less intimidation, more interaction, and more conversation. (And if you’re really afraid of people check out CaseCamp SecondLife here )

While I’m thrilled to be able to go to PAC and PAMA (Holiday wine-tasting event on December 14!!) events, and learn from those who have built a reputation for their innovative work, I know that some of us feel are afraid to ask questions, and feel we’ll never reach that level, or never have anything worthwhile to say.

At CreativeCamp2.0 you will! Sign up at the wiki site for http://www.creativecamp.org.

Technorati Tags: CreativeCamp, networking, philly ad club, philly american marketing association, barcamp, expert, CaseCamp Second Life