Last night I ventured out to AdClub's social at HL2's offices in Seattle (thanks for the invite, Greg! I'll go again.). It's been quite a few years since I attended a networking/industry function and I had a great time. While I felt a bit out of practice and recognized VERY few faces, I eventually got the hang of networking events again and met a few people--and as it turns out, we had shared interests AND common connections. This helps pave the way for more conversation and more introductions. A key takeaway and note to self)--don't just put your name on your nametag--shake it up and put your name, what you're up to, and what you want to do or what you're interested in. It draws eyes and STARTS THE CONVERSATION.
I hit it off with a person named Jen and we chatted for a good portion of the evening. She was a fount of information and post-event, we connected online and exchanged more information and leads. Today those leads have resulted in two phone calls for potential positions--one contract, one full time. I have a "meet and greet" set with one person and will set up another "meet and greet" with the other early next week.
Plus, as I was leaving I bumped into a friend/colleague from Microsoft which resulted in an extended stay, more conversations, and more connections. I'm still on a high from the evening!
Can I just tell you how thankful I am?! I'm thankful for people willing to help and provide support, provide feedback, reach out, introduce, make a phone, send an email, etc. I'm thankful for those I've known for years who help me and for those, like Jen, who I just met and are willing to make connections.
To those of you out there who DON'T do that...shame on you. Whatever your reason for not helping, get over it and help a colleague out. Take a moment to figure out their background, ask a few questions about what they're looking for, make connections, and pass opportunities their way. Don't just dismiss and ignore their calls and emails. Do you think it's easy for them to call you? Times are tough for everyone and one day you might find yourself in need of them. Positive light will come back to you in spades, so give, even if but a little.
I can't tell you how important it is to shake things up a bit and do something different--I KNOW it's not easy, especially if you don't have a natural ability for chit chat or just simply sucking it up and doing SOMETHING that you'd rather not do. As I sit here in the outplacement services office taking advantage of free wi-fi, free soda and coffee, and a quiet workspace, I'm thinking about how I finally sucked it up and came in here today--three weeks AFTER the layoff. I didn't really want to, but I am actually feeling better that I did. I have familiar surroundings, I don't feel like a loner in a coffee shop somewhere feeling obligated to buy coffee in exchange for wi-fi and freezing in their A/C (probably a means of getting you to buy more coffee in order to warm up), there are other like-minded people here who I can connect with (and help), and I decided to sign up for a career continuation workshop next week.
I figure even if I'm a little bit ahead of the pack in terms of already having a ready-to-rock resume, a 2-minute pitch, and know what I'm looking for, I might just get something out of it that I can share with someone else (you know who you are).
Anyway, long story short...I did something that I haven't done in years and it produced results and I'm thankful for it. Go forth all of you and do it. I'm rootin' for you all the way!
Have a great weekend!
Friday, May 29, 2009
Monday, May 25, 2009
Tracy's CV, Part 2: What have I done lately?
To close out a memorably Memorial Day and to kick off the work week ahead, here's Tracy's CV, Part 2...what have I done lately? Last week's "blogisode" included a opening statement to my credentials, so this answers the question...so, "what have you done recently?" Allow me to elaborate:
MICROSOFT – Redmond, Washington
Marketing Manager – Startup Business Accelerator (SBA) – November 2005 to May 2009
· Transitioned from MSN Direct business to SBA Central Marketing team to support 12 startup businesses during formation of SBA.
· Collaborated with SBA business PUMs, program management, and business development leads to define product launch strategies and develop, execute, and measure integrated marketing launch campaign plans that include event presence, social media outreach, and PR
· Collaborated on launches of and sustaining marketing efforts for Microsoft Tag, Microsoft Recite, and Microsoft Vine including managing launch event presence and internal communications, and providing support for PR, messaging, and social media marketing strategy and execution
· Drove development and execution of consumer subscription renewal email campaigns to drive subscriber acquisition and renewals; 2006 campaign realized 90% subscriber retention meeting SVP’s directive to retain subscribers
· Developed and managed online subscriber communications to establish stronger CPE; realized 1% of subscriber base uptake from one-time opt-in email
· Conceived, managed, and executed product packaging design, online retail presence, and launch events for Abacus Smart Watch 2006 RTM; recipient of Gold Star Award for launch contributions
· Developed event strategy and manage consumer and industry event presence at CES, CTIA Wireless, and Mobile World Congress driving brand and business awareness; Microsoft Tag and MSN Direct at CES 2009 realized 86% and 80% message pick-up, respectively
· Developed BOMs and white papers for SBA businesses for field enablement and external agencies
· Collaborate with Microsoft Studios, agencies, and vendors to conceive and produce brand awareness videos for worldwide events, online, and CNN Airport Network; MSN Direct 2007 video recipient of Bronze Telly Award
· Developed and managed SBA Central Marketing team’s $1.5M budget; maintained budget variance commitment at <2%>
MICROSOFT – Redmond, Washington
Marketing Manager – Startup Business Accelerator (SBA) – November 2005 to May 2009
· Transitioned from MSN Direct business to SBA Central Marketing team to support 12 startup businesses during formation of SBA.
· Collaborated with SBA business PUMs, program management, and business development leads to define product launch strategies and develop, execute, and measure integrated marketing launch campaign plans that include event presence, social media outreach, and PR
· Collaborated on launches of and sustaining marketing efforts for Microsoft Tag, Microsoft Recite, and Microsoft Vine including managing launch event presence and internal communications, and providing support for PR, messaging, and social media marketing strategy and execution
· Drove development and execution of consumer subscription renewal email campaigns to drive subscriber acquisition and renewals; 2006 campaign realized 90% subscriber retention meeting SVP’s directive to retain subscribers
· Developed and managed online subscriber communications to establish stronger CPE; realized 1% of subscriber base uptake from one-time opt-in email
· Conceived, managed, and executed product packaging design, online retail presence, and launch events for Abacus Smart Watch 2006 RTM; recipient of Gold Star Award for launch contributions
· Developed event strategy and manage consumer and industry event presence at CES, CTIA Wireless, and Mobile World Congress driving brand and business awareness; Microsoft Tag and MSN Direct at CES 2009 realized 86% and 80% message pick-up, respectively
· Developed BOMs and white papers for SBA businesses for field enablement and external agencies
· Collaborate with Microsoft Studios, agencies, and vendors to conceive and produce brand awareness videos for worldwide events, online, and CNN Airport Network; MSN Direct 2007 video recipient of Bronze Telly Award
· Developed and managed SBA Central Marketing team’s $1.5M budget; maintained budget variance commitment at <2%>
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Tracy's CV: Part 1
As promised in last night's post, I've started feeding bits and pieces of my resume on my blog, which will then feed to Twitter and Facebook. Today's "bits and pieces" is my summary of qualifications and a brief list of marketing disciplines that I've been a part of. For those awesome companies with great marketing teams who are looking for someone like me, please connect with me on LinkedIn. Enjoy!
Proactive and highly organized marketing manager with 14 years experience in integrated marketing campaign management including collateral, packaging, direct marketing, and events. Accomplished problem solver and communicator with strong strategic and tactical planning skills and experience creating, managing, and executing integrated marketing campaigns that support business and revenue goals. Expertise in delivering projects on time and on budget by establishing and maintaining positive partnerships with internal and external clients, vendors, agency partners, and senior management.
Branding and Messaging • Event Management • Product Marketing • PR and Messaging • Packaging and Collateral Development • Agency Management • Cross-Group Collaboration • Integrated Marketing Campaign Development • Social Media Marketing • Project Management • Budget Development and Management • Production and Fulfillment
Proactive and highly organized marketing manager with 14 years experience in integrated marketing campaign management including collateral, packaging, direct marketing, and events. Accomplished problem solver and communicator with strong strategic and tactical planning skills and experience creating, managing, and executing integrated marketing campaigns that support business and revenue goals. Expertise in delivering projects on time and on budget by establishing and maintaining positive partnerships with internal and external clients, vendors, agency partners, and senior management.
Branding and Messaging • Event Management • Product Marketing • PR and Messaging • Packaging and Collateral Development • Agency Management • Cross-Group Collaboration • Integrated Marketing Campaign Development • Social Media Marketing • Project Management • Budget Development and Management • Production and Fulfillment
Monday, May 18, 2009
Meetings, Twitter resume, and job postings, OH MY!
I've had great fun in the last week meeting with a variety of people and catching up. I've appreciated everyone's support and willingness. Today was one of the first days that I'd spent most of the day at home. After dropping the kids off at school and going to the gym, I headed home and parked it on the couch with my laptop and after about 5 minutes knew this wasn't going to be a good place. I found a spot at the dining room table and worked quietly for quite some time. Jim was at the kitchen table about 15 feet away, so when we had a conversation going it was like we were co-workers talking over the cubicle walls. We had a fun 10 minutes writing my 140-character resume for a Twitter post. I'm now thinking that I should post my resume on the blog and tweet bits and pieces of it every day--and link to the full doc. Hmm, perhaps that's one of tomorrow's mini projects.
Anyway, I found a number of job postings that appeared to be good fits and after some company research, I submitted my CV and sat back with some satisfaction. Less than an hour after updating my info on HotJobs, I got a phone call and I was like "Man, that was fast." Yeah, not so fast...it was Farmers Insurance and they wanted to schedule an interview for next week with the Bellevue office to discuss agency ownership. Say wha? Okay, I worked at GE Capital in corporate marketing and yes, that was the financial services industry, but where in my credentials does it indicate that I've EVER sold insurance? Um, hey, you, guy that makes these phone calls like this one every single day, I got a flash for ya...I don't know the first thing about selling insurance.
I said thank you, but that I had no interest or experience in selling insurance and before I knew it, I was talking to air--HE HUNG UP ON ME. Nice. Hey, Farmers Insurance...not only will I never work for you, but I won't buy your insurance either.
I expect tomorrow to be a good day. I have a phone screen at 11am, and I'm meeting a couple of high school buddies for lunch, and then off to celebrate my son's 2nd birthday with his class. I expect the rest of the week to be equally as full and fulfilling--more catching up with people, hopefully, another phone screen, and more family stuff.
Oh, have to share this. I happened to see a tweet today about how to repurpose your business card for good: cardsofchange.com. It's intended for people who have been laid off and how they've turned their situations into something positive. I didn't think anything of it until the very same information showed up later in a MediaWeek article I was reading. So, I had some fun. I tracked down a business card, wrote a note, and grabbed the camera and posted away. I'm the very first ex-Microsoft person to have posted a card. Plus, I have like 5 stars for the ranking! Yeah, me. The other cards are brilliant.
I hope you all have a great week. I can't believe it's Memorial Day weekend already... More later.
Anyway, I found a number of job postings that appeared to be good fits and after some company research, I submitted my CV and sat back with some satisfaction. Less than an hour after updating my info on HotJobs, I got a phone call and I was like "Man, that was fast." Yeah, not so fast...it was Farmers Insurance and they wanted to schedule an interview for next week with the Bellevue office to discuss agency ownership. Say wha? Okay, I worked at GE Capital in corporate marketing and yes, that was the financial services industry, but where in my credentials does it indicate that I've EVER sold insurance? Um, hey, you, guy that makes these phone calls like this one every single day, I got a flash for ya...I don't know the first thing about selling insurance.
I said thank you, but that I had no interest or experience in selling insurance and before I knew it, I was talking to air--HE HUNG UP ON ME. Nice. Hey, Farmers Insurance...not only will I never work for you, but I won't buy your insurance either.
I expect tomorrow to be a good day. I have a phone screen at 11am, and I'm meeting a couple of high school buddies for lunch, and then off to celebrate my son's 2nd birthday with his class. I expect the rest of the week to be equally as full and fulfilling--more catching up with people, hopefully, another phone screen, and more family stuff.
Oh, have to share this. I happened to see a tweet today about how to repurpose your business card for good: cardsofchange.com. It's intended for people who have been laid off and how they've turned their situations into something positive. I didn't think anything of it until the very same information showed up later in a MediaWeek article I was reading. So, I had some fun. I tracked down a business card, wrote a note, and grabbed the camera and posted away. I'm the very first ex-Microsoft person to have posted a card. Plus, I have like 5 stars for the ranking! Yeah, me. The other cards are brilliant.
I hope you all have a great week. I can't believe it's Memorial Day weekend already... More later.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Not slowing down
Just as I thought, my schedule hasn't slowed at all since I was laid off. In fact, I think I'm busier now than before. My days are filled with an array of activities. What activities could those be, you ask? Allow me to bore you. :)
Absolutely every day begins with a 5am to 5:30am wake-up call from my 2-year old who points as the TV and says "shows?". Actually, it's less of a question and more of a demand. Within about 5 minutes comes the inevitable poke, poke, poke and the nose-to-nose interaction--or even a lift of an eyelid--and a demand for "mook" and "bar" (translation: milk and cereal bar). Sigh--downstairs I go to get the little munchkin "first breakfast" and then back to la-la land I go at least for a few minutes before the full-body beat down begins. What is this, you ask? It involves James turning the bed into a trampoline or me (Jim, too) into a kickboxing bag. Yeah, not so much fun when I'm trying to grab the last few zzzzzs.
Anyway, around 6:30 is when I rustle myself up to get into gym clothes, get James dressed, and get Jess up at 7am to get dressed and downstairs for breakfast (second breakfast for James--yes, he's like a Hobbit, always time for a meal when it's not the most convenient) and a show. We hit the road about 7:50-8am and get to school by 8:30. Then I'm off to the gym until a little after 10am.
After the gym, I've had a variety of things to do including errands, meetings with people including my mentee--the marketing manager at the kids's school and helping them with their marketing plans--colleagues from companies/agencies who might be able to help with my search, hanging out with Jim at the Clyde Hill Tully's to have coffee and work (love free wi-fi, when not at home), and meeting friends for coffee and/or lunch. Did I mention cleaning the house and laundry? Yeah, that, too.
Tired, yet? While I'm doing all the things I want and need to be doing, ultimately, I'd be a bit more comfortable with a regular paycheck and help my family. But, this is what it is, and I'm taking this time for what it is...an escape, a much-needed rest (rest? pshaw, right), a forcing function to find the next dream job, the opportunity to polish my story and know and understand what my next move is, do some reading and research, spend some time at the gym and get healthier, and more.
I've discovered that I'm getting more creative with my time. As I would expect of myself, I made a list of things I wanted to do this week. The list for THIS week is nearly complete. I'll do the same thing this weekend and create my list for next week and I bet next week, and the week after that, and the week after that, will be equally as busy.
Places to go, people to see, things to read, and more. While at times, things seemed bleak, I am indeed seeing a door crack open and light is peeking through. I wonder...who (or what) is on the other side and when do I get to pass through?
Absolutely every day begins with a 5am to 5:30am wake-up call from my 2-year old who points as the TV and says "shows?". Actually, it's less of a question and more of a demand. Within about 5 minutes comes the inevitable poke, poke, poke and the nose-to-nose interaction--or even a lift of an eyelid--and a demand for "mook" and "bar" (translation: milk and cereal bar). Sigh--downstairs I go to get the little munchkin "first breakfast" and then back to la-la land I go at least for a few minutes before the full-body beat down begins. What is this, you ask? It involves James turning the bed into a trampoline or me (Jim, too) into a kickboxing bag. Yeah, not so much fun when I'm trying to grab the last few zzzzzs.
Anyway, around 6:30 is when I rustle myself up to get into gym clothes, get James dressed, and get Jess up at 7am to get dressed and downstairs for breakfast (second breakfast for James--yes, he's like a Hobbit, always time for a meal when it's not the most convenient) and a show. We hit the road about 7:50-8am and get to school by 8:30. Then I'm off to the gym until a little after 10am.
After the gym, I've had a variety of things to do including errands, meetings with people including my mentee--the marketing manager at the kids's school and helping them with their marketing plans--colleagues from companies/agencies who might be able to help with my search, hanging out with Jim at the Clyde Hill Tully's to have coffee and work (love free wi-fi, when not at home), and meeting friends for coffee and/or lunch. Did I mention cleaning the house and laundry? Yeah, that, too.
Tired, yet? While I'm doing all the things I want and need to be doing, ultimately, I'd be a bit more comfortable with a regular paycheck and help my family. But, this is what it is, and I'm taking this time for what it is...an escape, a much-needed rest (rest? pshaw, right), a forcing function to find the next dream job, the opportunity to polish my story and know and understand what my next move is, do some reading and research, spend some time at the gym and get healthier, and more.
I've discovered that I'm getting more creative with my time. As I would expect of myself, I made a list of things I wanted to do this week. The list for THIS week is nearly complete. I'll do the same thing this weekend and create my list for next week and I bet next week, and the week after that, and the week after that, will be equally as busy.
Places to go, people to see, things to read, and more. While at times, things seemed bleak, I am indeed seeing a door crack open and light is peeking through. I wonder...who (or what) is on the other side and when do I get to pass through?
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Back in the saddle
Now I see how easy it is to get hooked on doing a little writing every couple of days (Stephani--you were right!). This has been a bittersweet week, so I thought I'd list a few top of mind pros and cons:
Pros:
Pros:
- Getting laid off on Tuesday
- Meeting with friends and colleagues--all who want to help however they can. Thank you, everyone. This is why I love you all and am blessed to have you in my life
- Buying a new laptop mini and getting back online to stay in touch, do research, and find a new job
- I spent Friday golfing with my hubby and ended up not losing that day as a vacation day
- I'm able to catch up on some research/reading that I'm not always very good at. First on the reading list is Groundswell, and then I think I'll pick up Seth Godin's Tribes--or perhaps catch up on the other 3-4 Seth Godin books that I've had for a while--and then maybe I'll look at Guy Kawasaki and definitely, Malcolm Gladwell.
- Getting laid off on Tuesday
- I had to buy a new laptop
- Budget just got even tighter
Notice that some pros and cons are the same thing. Allow me to explain:
- Pro/Con #1: Getting laid off on Tuesday. I was already looking, so this was a forcing function, albeit a far more fast and final forcing function; it's a blessing, but at the same time, it sucks. My friends and colleagues have all stepped up with kinds words and support, so I have faith that I will land again before I know it.
- Pro/Con #2: Buying a new laptop. While the HP Mini is terribly cute and fire engine red with a hot floral design on the top, it wasn't exactly in the budget to buy a new laptop. But unless Jim and I were willing to set some kind of schedule for laptop use--we wouldn't have been able to work that out well--I wouldn't have been able to be in contact as soon as I was.
Anyway, the sunshine beckons and the kids have donned their bike helmets and new knee and elbow pads. We're firing up the barbecue tonight to have steak and I have a Mike's Hard Lime in hand.
Tomorrow is another day and another opportunity will call. I wonder who or what it will be?
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
When your best isn't enough
Today I have an excuse to finally start the blog I set up months ago. Yesterday, I was laid off from Microsoft. Okay, okay, so it's not the most positive place to start, but stick with me. :) When I was first reorg'd just over a year ago, I wasn't convinced that the new org and its charter was going to be exciting, but actually it was, and still is. I had some fun and Iwas blessed enough to continue to meet and work with some smart and interesting people. However, it didn't take long to realize that I was "legacy". I had experiences, knowledge, contributions, and more weren't necessarily recognized or appreciated by the new powers that be. I just wasn't going to be part of the long-term future of the org. My best work wasn't enough.
Over time, I supported some great new businesses, and saw first hand how new marketing practices were valued, showed results, and were quite fun to work on. I found a new career path and I grabbed it. Even though I became a convert and drank from the firehouse to learn as much as I could, it wasn't enough. Again, my past work was what the powers that be seemed to remember most and considered to be "traditional" or "old marketing" and not on the bleeding edge. My best work combined with my on-the-job education, wasn't enough.
Even though my confidence was rocked (that's fodder for another blog post, right there), every move I made questioned, I kept going...I asked questions, took classes, attended a conference, met with experts, read, gained as much knowledge as I could. I embraced the changes as an opportunity, but again, my best efforts weren't enough.
I met with someone today who helped me to realize what I inherently knew and reinforced what so many colleagues have said...I am good enough, I'm start enough, and gosh darnit...sorry, channeling Stuart Smalley. Seriously, though, my background is great, I am good at what I do, and I'd be a valuable member of any company and team I'm a part of. I have foundational marketing experiences and I'm learning new marketing strategies and tactics every day and seeking out opportunities to put them into action. So, here I am opportunity...I'm looking for you.
Like so many things, I take this entire experience all in stride. It is what it is. What else am I going to do? What else SHOULD I do? Kick, scream, cry, laugh, yell, shake a fist at the cruel cruel world? I could do all that--I have laughed. I did cry and even now fighting back a little lump in my throat. But, out comes my inner cheerleader and the stupid pom-poms and "READY!?, OK! P-E-R-S-P-E-C-T-I-V-E!" I work hard to keep things in perspective--remain "cool as a cucumber" as some dear friends have said of me :). In the grand scheme of things, this is nothing. I've loved and I've lost and yes, it stinks that I need to look for a new job in a tough economy; yes, this puts a massive strain on our already strained family budget. The list could go on, but really, I have my husband and my kids, my intimate and extended circle of friends, family, and colleagues that are looking out for me, everyone's healthy, so I have everything. I could be living in a van down by the river and as long as I had my peeps, we'd be just fine...everything will be okay.
Geesh, that's three SNL references in what 200 words or less. :) See? I'm still laughing.
Like so many experiences in life, this is an opportunity for something new. So onward and upward. Just about every single person I've worked with in the last 14 years who has been laid off has landed and in a far, far better place. Why would it possibly be any different for me and the other 1199 people that were laid off from Microsoft's Puget Sound campuses?
To be completely and totally cliche, when one door closes, another one opens. Granted, the hallways are a bitch. The question is how will you make your way through that hallway and open one of those doors? And what big, best, awesome, miraculous things will you do when you make it through...because you and I WILL make it through, NO. MATTER. WHAT.
Over time, I supported some great new businesses, and saw first hand how new marketing practices were valued, showed results, and were quite fun to work on. I found a new career path and I grabbed it. Even though I became a convert and drank from the firehouse to learn as much as I could, it wasn't enough. Again, my past work was what the powers that be seemed to remember most and considered to be "traditional" or "old marketing" and not on the bleeding edge. My best work combined with my on-the-job education, wasn't enough.
Even though my confidence was rocked (that's fodder for another blog post, right there), every move I made questioned, I kept going...I asked questions, took classes, attended a conference, met with experts, read, gained as much knowledge as I could. I embraced the changes as an opportunity, but again, my best efforts weren't enough.
I met with someone today who helped me to realize what I inherently knew and reinforced what so many colleagues have said...I am good enough, I'm start enough, and gosh darnit...sorry, channeling Stuart Smalley. Seriously, though, my background is great, I am good at what I do, and I'd be a valuable member of any company and team I'm a part of. I have foundational marketing experiences and I'm learning new marketing strategies and tactics every day and seeking out opportunities to put them into action. So, here I am opportunity...I'm looking for you.
Like so many things, I take this entire experience all in stride. It is what it is. What else am I going to do? What else SHOULD I do? Kick, scream, cry, laugh, yell, shake a fist at the cruel cruel world? I could do all that--I have laughed. I did cry and even now fighting back a little lump in my throat. But, out comes my inner cheerleader and the stupid pom-poms and "READY!?, OK! P-E-R-S-P-E-C-T-I-V-E!" I work hard to keep things in perspective--remain "cool as a cucumber" as some dear friends have said of me :). In the grand scheme of things, this is nothing. I've loved and I've lost and yes, it stinks that I need to look for a new job in a tough economy; yes, this puts a massive strain on our already strained family budget. The list could go on, but really, I have my husband and my kids, my intimate and extended circle of friends, family, and colleagues that are looking out for me, everyone's healthy, so I have everything. I could be living in a van down by the river and as long as I had my peeps, we'd be just fine...everything will be okay.
Geesh, that's three SNL references in what 200 words or less. :) See? I'm still laughing.
Like so many experiences in life, this is an opportunity for something new. So onward and upward. Just about every single person I've worked with in the last 14 years who has been laid off has landed and in a far, far better place. Why would it possibly be any different for me and the other 1199 people that were laid off from Microsoft's Puget Sound campuses?
To be completely and totally cliche, when one door closes, another one opens. Granted, the hallways are a bitch. The question is how will you make your way through that hallway and open one of those doors? And what big, best, awesome, miraculous things will you do when you make it through...because you and I WILL make it through, NO. MATTER. WHAT.
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