The Eagle Has Landed...

For months I wanted to start a blog, but didn't quite know when to start it or what to say. I ended up finding inspiration when I was laid off in early May and wrote my first post, When your best isn't enough. It wasn't long after that post that I was Back in the saddle and Not slowing down one iota. I did the usual things like Meetings, Twitter resume, and job postings... and had a bit of fun with a site called CardsofChange.com.

Then I started looking for ways to get my resume out in the public eye in a different way, so I posted bits and pieces of my resume here, here, here, and here. I didn't even post the entire resume before I wanted to tell you a bit about Changing things up, comfort zones, and being thankful, as well as how Inspiration comes from everywhere.

I've encouraged people to Have some fun during your job hunt and I did just that--I continued to have fun with the folks at CardsofChange.com. I never did hear back from the BBC reporter after my reply to him, but all the same, I had fun dreaming that I might be part of a short feature on the BBC. Maybe I was and didn't even know it--note to self...check with Cards of Change.

During this time, I've also written about how important it is to Pay attention and how I jokingly--yet seriously--say I'm a connector. You do need to pay attention to what's going on around you and you do need to do your part and connect people who need and ask for help. Please believe me when I say that paying it forward is a good thing. It just is.

I had a bit of fun saying My name is Tracy and I'm a Microsoft Graduate. Some say survivor, I chose graduate for a most positive and humorous spin. TomAYto, tomAHto...it's all the same--I'm a survivor, too.

So why am I recapping the writings of the last couple of months? In a nutshell, all this work of connecting, thanking, meeting, paying attention, having fun, and more has come together. In a couple of weeks, I'll be starting a new adventure and I'm super excited. I'll be working with a talented group of people and I can't wait to be a part of it. In fact, I just added my start date to the Days Until countdown clock app on my iPhone! 20 days...tick, tock, tick, tock.

I know, I know...quit with the cloak and dagger and just tell us where you're heading. It's not cloak and dagger; I'm like a good movie trailer that keeps you wanting more and makes you say "I have to see that!" So like a good trailer [roll on-the-edge-of-your-seat-nail-biting music, please]: Coming August 3, 2009

I'm also compelled to give my Oscar acceptance speech before the movie has even been released. LOL Seriously though, there have been so many people who have helped me along the way. To all of you, there aren't words enough to express my deepest and heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for all your kinds words and support. Thank you.

Tracy's CV, Part 3: What did I do when I first started @ Microsoft...

It's been a couple of weeks since I posted Tracy's CV, Part 1 and Part 2, so it's high time that I post the next chapter...what did I do when I first started at Microsoft. I was blessed to get a contract gig from 2004 to 2005 at Microsoft on the Corporate Marketing Group's Packaging Team--a fantastic group of people then and now. The person I reported to was and is a fabulous manager--she's my mentor and I'm honored to have had the privilege of working with her. I met so many people that year and really got a taste for Microsoft. I loved it--so much energy and so many great people. I worked on the Visual Studio 2005 and Microsoft Expression packaging systems. I knew nothing about the developer audience, and I learned a ton that year and not just about the audience, but branding, design, and experiential marketing and packaging. and how it's done at Microsoft. I've outlined some key elements below.

For more information about me and my history, please visit me on Linked In. I'm in the market for a new role and I'd love to be a part of your team.

Microsoft Corporation: Marketing Manager – Corporate Marketing Group/Packaging Group – 2004 to 2005

· Managed Developer Tools (Microsoft Visual Studio, Microsoft Expression, Microsoft Visual FoxPro, and MSDN) product packaging and in-box components from out-of-box-experience and usability assessment, research, concept, design review, and production to RTM
· Prepared and presented packaging creative/input briefs for internal teams and creative agencies
· Gathered input and product information from product team to determine marketing objectives, establish communication objectives, messaging priorities, and creative focus
· Guided creative development and production process to ensure projects meet domestic and global marketing and communication objectives
· Collaborated with internal groups including other divisions within Corporate Marketing Group, Product Management, Product Launch Services, LCA, and International Product and Localization teams
· Managed creative agencies, production design firms, and packaging vendors to ensure projects are completed on strategy, on schedule, and on budget

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