Changing the Digital "Game"

If you do not think a share on a social media site is effective, think again. Take advice from Vice President of Digital Platforms for the National Basketball Association (NBA) for the Milwaukee Bucks, Mike Grahl.

I attended a regional conference of the American Marketing Association where Mike was a keynote speaker held at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. The theme was “The Generation Next” and Mike emphasized just that.

Selfie = Autograph

The selfie today is the equivalent to what the autograph used to be. This picture is proof and essentially serves as bragging rights of the person who captured the photo with a famous entity or person. Just think how many more impressions a selfie will reach by being shared, liked and commented on. The possibilities are truly limitless compared to the amount of people that would have been able to view an autograph memorabilia that would have only reached a minimal audience by word of mouth only.

Phenomena Game Changer

This phenomenon has revitalized the way people think of a basketball. As a veteran in the marketing and digital advertising field, Mike said that going to a basketball game is not just strictly a basketball game anymore. Working with the second worst team in the NBA in the 2013-2014 seasons only winning a total of fifteen games, Mike has learned to lean towards the experience of the consumer, not on the record of the basketball team. It is all about the experience.

Show Biz

Using entertainment entities such as the Hoop Troop, Milwaukee Symphony, Bucks Dancers, Grand Dancers, Game Night Live, Rim Rockers, Bango, Youth Bucks Dancers and other performers, is what keeps the fans engaged and coming back to the basketball games time and time again. It is evident the hard work that Mike has put forth to his employer. This year, there are more season ticket holders than any previous years thanks to his digital platform. The experience is what keeps the fans coming back despite the record. 

What They Didn't Teach You in College

However there is always an exception to the rule, and I am that exception. I was actually taught all of these things in college and hope that you were too. But if not, here’s your chance to soak it all it.

Content         

People know within the first 140 characters or even beginning with the headline will make or break the decision of whether or not someone will actually read the content provided. It is up to marketers to increase the traffic, impressions, and ultimately clicks to build the business up to its potential. If people experience one form of dissatisfaction, depending on their consumer behavior tactics, they may never return as a consumer to your company.

Data Analytics

Let’s face it. By being a marketer, you will be analyzing data for life. Yes, life. It is crucial that you are able to portray the meaning of the findings and change your marketing plan accordingly. What does it mean when you have a 67% increase in followers, 4% decrease in visitors to your page, and a thirty second decrease of the duration spent on a page? All of these factors need to be communicated to the client or audience. Refrain from going on a rapid pace of “data dumping.” This refers to attempting to please the client with statistics only without conveying what it means for them as a business.

Social Media Management

It is so very important to have social media marketing in your marketing mix. Social media is what keeps on bringing customers back to your company. Ads, promotion, sales, useful links all contribute to successful marketing. Social media is not free. It costs a pretty penny for original content to be produced day in and day out by a company. Who is the person behind this social media? It just doesn't get put up magically.

Optimization 

There are so many great tools available for a business to grow their audience or clientele through optimization. Google Ad Words is a great tool to put your product in the light where you want it. You have the option to buy keywords based on your topic. You also have the ability to pay what you are willing to pay for the respective keyword. You also get to choice the exact phrasing that will appear in the eyes of the user. 

Better Together: Real Businesses, Real Talk

As a business, you’re probably not the only business wondering if posting up shop right next to competition or like stores is a good or bad thing. What if there are more customers across the street? But you have fewer customers that are spending more. Should I do joint advertising or events with this business or will it be like putting fire with gasoline? Should I locate my business where a foundation partnership is present? Those answers may vary, but hopefully these words of business owners located in the Cedar Falls Community Main Street District make this decision a little easier.

Location, Location, Location

Just as the golden rule applies, treat your neighboring business the way you would like to be treated. Take a note from Pamela, owner of Taylor Veterinary located on Main Street in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

 

“I have been a downtown business owner for almost 33 years, and if I were starting over again, I wouldn't choose to be anywhere else.  Downtown is a vibrant mix of retail, service, financial and professional businesses, as well as software developers, manufacturers, our Cedar Falls Library, the Oster Regent Theatre and a major Cedar Valley Recreational Trail head.”

Remember that when deciding to locate or relocate, there are opportunities for one-stop-shopping area with a variation of different businesses that offer different items. When customers consider where to shop, you may have a better chance of customers who would not generally stop in if the store they originally went out to visit wasn't right next door. Here’s What’s Poppin also agrees on the fact that their business is driven by their location and presence of neighboring businesses.

“I am very happy with having a business downtown cedar falls. I believe that about 60% of my business is customers that are shopping the entire downtown district. I also love community Main Street and the events they hold. There is usually something once a month that helps me out if I am having a slow month.”

Joint Advertising & Benefits

Not only is location crucial, the benefits of joint advertising seem limitless. This gives businesses to use, borrow and reciprocate the favor of resources. One business may not have the capital or ability to resources to activate a campaign, but may be able to offer a facility, props or connections that are equally as useful. Natalie, owner of the successful Scratch Cupcakery, also located in downtown Cedar Falls, Iowa, agrees.

"The downtown district is an incredibly unique place to position a small business. Community Main Street works hard to incorporate cooperative advertising options, lots of “small town” events, and plenty of input opportunities into the heart of Cedar Falls. As a business owner with stores in other communities, I can say this type of effort and assistance isn't found anywhere else. Our downtown is a vibrant, exciting, ever-changing mass of passionate, artistic, unique people. Businesses support each other, customers are loyal, and many of us were homegrown right here in Cedar Falls!”

Jess from Purse-N-Ality also brags about the support offered by the surrounding businesses. The input of other fellow businesses is what she believes is the overall reason why they are the prosperous and growing business that they are.

"Purse~N~ality has called Downtown Cedar Falls home for nearly 9 years. It is my firm belief that without the support of Community Main Street and our fellow merchants, we would not have become the successful boutique that we are today. With so many shopping and dining options, we all work together to create the perfect destination for residents and visitors alike!"

Thank you to the Cedar Falls Main Street businesses who took time to share their business experience!

Every Single Job Requires Experience

"In order for you to apply for this job, you must have 80 years of experience, two PhD's, have at least $100,00 in your bank account and your last name must be Kennedy or be related to the Queen."

Bottom of the Totem Pole 

After scrolling through a million, yes a million, classifieds for job openings, you always seem to check all of the boxes. All of them with the exception of one of course—the years of experience every single job seems to require. Immediately following graduation, there is no doubt that the bottom of the totem pole is the last place we want to be, but in order to get there, the experience have to wait for now.

Will over skill

I believe that there is nothing more appealing in a potential candidate than the will to learn. Almost every single job can be learned in a matter of six weeks. What is comes down to is if you are willing to overcome the fact that you may not know all of the details that the job will require or have a strong understanding of the vocabulary that is used in the field, but if you do have the will, drive and motivation, you are just as qualified for the position as another experienced candidate.

The ball is in your court

Although you may become discouraged by the fact that so much experience is required for your desired position, the ball truly is in your court. It is up to you and you only to take the initiative to build your resume to be qualified for that position. Get off the couch and start doing what you've been thinking about for forever now. There are endless internship, job opportunities, and volunteer experiences that can strengthen your skills and qualifications to beat the other candidates applying. Each and every one of these experiences can contribute to your growing knowledge of the industry. Even if you land an interview and get declined even though your interview process was very impressive, there is always something to learn through the process. You also never know if the recruiters are eligible to get you in contact with a company that they are also familiar with. This may lead to another opportunity that may have been a blessing in disguise. 

Career Fair "Duh's"

As awkward as career fair's can be, don't let the stereotypes refrain you from attending. Here are some tips to ditch the awkwardness at the door. '

1. Resume: 

At the age of looking for a grown-up job, your resume should be fairly solid. Obviously being a new graduate, you won’t have twenty years of experience and that’s to be expected. However, you must have something that makes you stand out from the other one hundred applications that recruiters will be receiving that day. But what if you have too much listed on your resume? As a recent graduate, make sure that if it is over five to seven years ago, you probably shouldn’t list it. Also, if you were at a company for three months or less, it is not worth it to list it. Make sure that you incorporate contrast, repetition, alignment and proximity in the format of your resume. Do not forget to list your volunteer experience and certifications you possess which may also be relevant to the position that you are applying for.

2. Handshake: 

Firm or flop. Nonverbal messages are just as prominent in communication as verbal messages. The firmness of your handshake can seal a deal or break the deal. Okay, maybe not break the deal entirely, but your level of professionalism will be answered through a handshake. Make sure that it is a genuine and sincere handshake to signify interest, respect, professionalism and thanks—just to name a few. Because this is such an important nonverbal gesture, make sure that you've got it down. Don’t be afraid to practice on a family member or friend.

3. Pitch: 

There is nothing more impressive when a person that can “sell themselves” in a few minute speech. There is no one else who knows yourself better than you do. If you are confident about who you are and passionate for what you stand for, there should be no trouble pitching a brand statement to a recruiter, or to anyone for that matter. Confidence is necessity and if you are bold in your first impression, you will already have your foot in the door.

4. Competition:  

Whatever you do, do not attend a career fair with a friend. If you are looking for a job, why would you bring your competition to the interview with you? Chances are if you show up in a pair, out of respect to the both of you, the recruiter will probably ask for both of your resumes and you just decreased your chances of landing a position that may be available. Before you know it, your friend unintentionally landed you dream job. You can carpool, but most definitely split up at the door. 

Job Posting Placement Strategies

Just how a sandwich tastes differently when you cut it diagonally, the way recruitment is done, makes a difference in the types of applicants that will be received. In order to attract the most ideal pool of applicants, determining your expectations are crucial. Are you looking for a more experienced person or perhaps a new graduate? Where you choose to advertise a position will make a difference in the outcome. There is a multitude of ways you can choose to display an opening for a position. There are strategic benefits to all, and all work quite well.

Newspaper: Newspapers are becoming a fairly outdated form of advertising. Recruiting through a newspaper is a paid media which has a tendency to be relatively expensive, especially for multiple days for it to be published to ensure a wide range of applicants. A newspaper route also may attract an older generation of applicants strictly because the audience is different than it would be if it was advertised on an online source.

Social Media: Social media is the newest and latest place to recruit for a position. There is no secret that the younger generation is in-tuned to social media and the fact that content occurs immediately in real time. The immediacy of social media allows for a quick turn-around time between listing the position and receiving applications and resumes for the position.

Website: A formal website posting of the new position opening is probably the most professional and credible. By listing the position here, this means that applicants must go out of their way to do their research to find the position. This means that they are already interested in the position and becoming a part of the company. They are being proactive and seeking out potential careers within your company. However, this may be difficult for other professionals who are qualified, but who may not seek out this given position.

Referral: A referral for a position can be a little interesting. It may save you a few nickels and dimes, it takes some careful consideration. A referral from a long-lasting employee of the company may be a more credible source to take a referral from. They are very likely to know other experienced professional in the same field that can benefit your company. A referral from a new hire that has just entered the industry may take more research and an additional opinion before accepting the referral name.

Within: Promoting within has always been a great approach. Because the employing is an existing employee of a company, they know the culture of the company already. Although they will of course take on new duties and responsibilities, the turnover price will be significantly lower opposed to hiring someone from outside the walls of the company. You also have their resume and know what they are capable or not capable to do. 

5 Life Lessons I Learned from Dr. Seuss

1. “Step with care and great tact, and remember that life’s a great balancing act.”

You cannot please everyone. You will kill yourself trying. There will always be someone who will always disapprove or have a counter argument of your thoughts and beliefs. Remember to stick to what you stand for and to not give in to anything. Having enemy’s means you stood up for something. You also have the ability to say no. If you continuously say yes to everyone, you will bury yourself in to-do lists and will pack your calendar so full you will not have time to breathe.

Photo by Brandi Korte

2. “Just tell yourself, Duckie, you’re really quite lucky!”

This is one I believe that we don’t take into consideration enough. Especially in today’s society it seems just like second nature to complain about things that are not going the exact way that we want them to. Take a step back and look at all the ways that you are truly blesses in.

“Remember that you should be thankful for the taxes you pay because that means that you are employed, that your clothes fit a little too snug that means you have enough food to eat, your shadow that watches you work because that means that you are out in the sunshine, your lawn that has to be mowed, windows that have to be washed and the gutters that need fixing because that means I have a home, the spot that you find at the end of the parking lot because that means that you are capable of walking, all of the complaining you hear about the government because it means we have freedom of speech, the lady behind you at church that sings off key because it means that you can hear, the huge piles of laundry and ironing because it means my loved ones are nearby and your alarm that goes off in the early morning hours because it means that I am alive.” –Author Unknown

Photo by Brandi Korte

3. “If you never did you should. These things are fun, and fun is good.”

I swear spontaneity is one of life’s best medicines behind laughter. Being content and comfortable in a position that you are currently in is just the reason you need to not continue on. No reason to stay is every reason to go. 

Photo by Brandi Korte

 4. “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”

      Although we want to view the world as rainbows and smiles, I’m going to let the cat out of the bag and say that it is anything but. Spoiler alert! Find someone who is just as passionate about something as you are whether it may be a project that you are working on or in a relationship. There is nothing more charming in a person than watching them in their own element when they are doing something that they are passionate about. In addition, things will not get better if you still keep on thinking that someone will pull through for you in a crunch when they have not proven themselves in the past. 

Photo by Cheryl Colan

 5. “Oh the things you find if you don’t stay behind.”

As much as you don’t want to believe it, it past is the past for a reason. Staying hung up on an issue, person, or position will hinder your current and future opportunities. If you are always looking back you will miss all of the blissful things that are right in front of you. Ask yourself if this will matter a year from now and make your decision as to if you are deciding to put forth such an effort to correct it. 

The Company Pot Luck: Beating the Generational Gap

Just like a pot luck, every person has something wonderfully different, yet equally as questionable, quirky, funky, and potentially smelly sometimes, to bring to the business table. What we do with and how we utilize these options and assets is what makes a strong business. It is no secret that the generational gap is something that we will all face, as well be a part of. We must understand our roles as an employee of a company as well as a role as a recruiter. 

Photo by Joe Wolf 

Each one of your recruits will fall into the category of Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Millennials, or a Generation X. See what characteristics and tendencies of each type of worker will most likely possess here.

Possibilities

As a recruiter, you must be aware of the limitless possibilities that can come out of having a conglomeration of these generational differences.                                                          

• Any additional types of critics to see your work before it is submitted, the better your work will be as a final product. 
• Experience may trump the latest trends. Even though the trends may be the latest and greatest, looking back to what has worked in the past can be a safe bet.
• Learning can occur to the highest of level. Understanding new processes and learning techniques that someone has not necessarily been exposed to can offer hands on learning experience for a new learner of a company.

Photo by Quinn Dombroskwi

Hurtles

Along with possibilities, there may also be hurtles to jump.

• Although different viewpoints can be a blessing, at time it may be difficult to find overall approval and acceptance from all of the people from different generational categories through the variations of experience and past encounters that each group bring to the table.
• Different people have an appreciation for different things, such as core values, attributes, work ethic, values, assets, and abilities. 
• Adjusting work processes and strategies based on how each person does their job in a way that works effectively for them.

Harrison Postler, communication professor at George Mason University and former student of The University of Northern Iowa, brings to life a very important issue faced by all Americans in the workforce in his nationally awarded forensics speech titled “Generation Gap.”

Photo by xflickrx

By keeping these tips in mind, we can create an overlapping effect rather than this so called “Generational Gap”. Hopefully this will be lead to yet another blissful business! 

Where'd All the Good People Go?

All too often, and all to seldom, the words “Thank-you” seem as though it has disappeared into our crazy, chaotic, busy, and yet awfully so simply if you think about it. No matter how “well” off we are it is never enough. Competition and jealousy is always eating away at our character and not to mention people’s hearts are the epitome of an ice box. Just what your mother told you, use your manners. A simple “thank-you” will go a long way.

Gratitude in general is the department that we can guilt fully says that we unfortunately fall short in. There is no such thing as sole success. Every person that has ever been successful had to of leaned on someone else in order to get to where they are now. Resources are a fabulous thing. If you so choose to use those resources or stepping stones that will get you to where you want to be, be sure to use probably the two most underused words, “thank-you”.

Thank you’s are highly recommended by potential employers for a follow up method post interview to show interest and thanks in the time spent with them, especially hand-written letters. This creates a “wow factor” to the company which makes you stand out among the rest of the contestants for the desired position. By doing this oh-so small genuine act, increases your chances significantly of securing your desired position. Attention to detail will always be in high demand and a hand written thank-you says that you are the type of person that will give them the attention to detail they are looking for.

According to one of the top country artists, Brad Paisley explains in his song “The World”, just one encounter may be small, but overall, it may mean the world to someone in a way that you may not recognize. 

“To the teller down at the bank You're just another checking account To the plumber that came today You're just another house At the airport ticket counter You're just another fare At the beauty shop at the mall Well you're just another head of hair You're just another tip To the guy at the ice cream shop You're just another dip When you can't get reservations 'Cause you don't have the clout Or you didn't get an invitation 'Cause somebody left you out."

Although these small occurrences seem to be repetitive to both parties that encounter these interactions, they are truly what make the business world and this so called “real world” go round. Just another business transaction may be the difference in making productivity goals or the determinant factor of a small business keeping its doors open. 

If you need some more exemplification of how to do your part in the gratitude, I would highly recommend the article, “The Underappreciated Art of Saying ‘Thank You’”. 

Tis the season of giving thanks! 

Nepotism: The Good, the Bad and the Family

Family—you despise family gatherings, cross the line one too many times, complain about them more than seven days a week, avoid them, criticize their parenting tactics and how they aren't taking care of grandma, and don’t even get me started on holidays. And now you want to hire them? A little backwards if you ask me.

Yes, of course, you can also be inseparable with your family, have nothing but positive interactions, and are able to tolerate each other, but there is a fine line with the transition of going from a family member to a co-worker. Be aware of the occurrences that may be a sequence of unfortunate events.

 Photo by Buschap via flickr

Desperation Disaster

Okay, yes I get it. You’re in a crunch. An unexpected termination or resignation was abrupt and it quite honestly probably happened at the absolute worst time to have an empty position. However, this does not constitute hiring a family member out of desperation. Make sure that their resume truly does meet the qualifications of the job description. You will thank yourself down the road if they do meet all of the requirements. Respect yourself and company you work for when making such an important judgment call.

There will be competition

Understand that your new-hire relative will have a target on his or her forehead the moment they step foot in the office. By this time, gossip has already started for others looking for ways to sabotage. How can we make them screw up so they look foolish? Be ready for continuous “one-upping” from all of the other employees, which we can only hope, may turn out positively through efficiently getting tasks completed. The new-person also may be referred to as an enemy, simply because the existing employees cannot talk bad about their boss to them in fear of them relaying that message to the boss.

Keep it professional

Sure crazy Aunt Susan went to jail last night again and you most recently found out that cousin Jason dropped out of school when both his parents graduated at the top of their Harvard graduating class. Does this conversation need to happen within the confines of the office walls? I’m going to go with probably not. The minute the clock ticks 5:01, those conversations are fair game. Just as you were expected to achieve the highest level of professionalism prior to when the new-hire began, keep in professional regardless the urge not to. Remember that you are on the company’s time and not working while on the clock can be categorized into stealing from the company.

Don’t Bend the Rules

Absolutely no favoritism allowed. Even showing the slightest bit of favoritism towards your newly hired relative can create a hostile working environment. Other employees will find out, and believe it or not it is evident to everyone in the office. Other co-workers are aware that every time they pass the bosses door, they see the “new person” chit-chatting away every single time. Moral of the story, people notice.

Yes, no. Yes, no. Yes, no.

Just like peer pressure in high school, have the ability to say no. I promise you that your family member will not hate you for the rest of eternity. If it requires a little white lie to get you to that point of saying no, your secret is safe with me. We’ve all heard the horror stories of doing business with family members. On the flip side, hiring your relative may be single-handily the best decision you ever make. They may feel the pressure to impress and succeed within your company knowing they are working for someone they genuinely respect. Long story short, make a good judgment call. 

Your Call

Contrary to everything I just stated, some of the most successful companies are family oriented businesses. I get the convenience of having a family member on board your team: you know their history, less likely to steal from the company, will feel the pressure to perform well, you know they’re reliable, and they can’t really call in sick or make up an excuse as to why they weren’t at work without finding out the exact reason why.

Overall, use your professional and personal expertise when it comes to deciding whether or not to hire a family member. As many “Caution Beware” signs there may be, I can’t help but grant the fact that it can turn out positively. The ultimate decision is situational depending on the needs and wants of the company’s expectations. And if you aren't careful you might end up like another episode of The Office. 

Childhood Memories Linked to Profession

Where It All Began

It’s a beautiful sunshiny, fall day in 2003. The wind is blowing oh-so slightly and the birds are singing a harmonious song. By staring at the clouds, picture perfect shapes pop out to fill an imagination. However, staring up into the sky was the least of all the concerns—at least it was on the playground. At 11:23 the lunch bell rings at Glenville-Emmons, which only means one thing. Recess! As we spring out to the kickball field, the anticipation of today finally being the day that the highly sought after home-run would happen for bragging rights for the rest of the day.

Glenville-Emmons Elementary, Glenville, Minnesota

But first things first, we obviously had to pick teams. Only the best of the best were nominated as captains, and only the best of the best were chosen first. Alternating picks, both team captains weighed their options from the non-existent resumes each potential player provided—Who played the best during the morning recess kickball game? Who looks tired and who looks like lunch fed their motivation and drive?

“For my first choice, I choose Peter.” “I choose Landon.” “I choose Spencer.” “I choose Zack.” “I choose Andrew.” All of the boys were definite first picks. Then it was on to the handful of girls who decided to test their endurance that day. “Ummmm… Alayna.” “I guess I’ll go with Kailey.” “Hmm Devin (whew, made the cut)”. “Robyn over here and Nisha over there and the two Emily’s split up”.

These decisions of picking teammates could impact the moods of everyone for the remainder of recess, or even the entire day.

If us farm kids weren't getting our hands dirty on the kickball field, we were getting our boots dirty in the barn. From the kickball field to the barn, we transitioned into recruiting the best livestock. Yes, livestock.

Growing up in a small-farm town community, 4-H and FFA were popular organizations. Within these organizations, we had the opportunity to raise and eventually show our own livestock in a showing competition. In the ending months of winter, my family would go to the local pig farmers farm to pick out which piglets we would want to show at the upcoming Freeborn County Fair during the first week of August, known as "The Best Six Days of Summer". 

Many things had to be kept into consideration which choosing the most ideal show pig. Who do we buy the pigs from? What are the genetics of the pigs? But most importantly in my eyes at such a young age, which piglet was the cutest, most adorable thing I had ever seen in my entire life? When this decision was finally reached, we welcomed aboard the newest member of the Cooper family, for those select few piglets now held a special place at the Cooper farm to be cared for during the next seven months in hopes of winning a purple ribbon at the county fair. 

Where It Continues From Here

Little did I know, these childhood activities unconsciously served as stepping stones for my career and professional interest in the communication and recruitment field. The workplace is not the only place where we find evident signs of recruitment, but also in our everyday lives. In recruitment, the same childhood thought processes and mechanisms that were used in such simple instances can be applied to recruitment and networking situations in the business world today.

Throughout this blog, you can expect to hear the latest recruitment tactics, reoccurring and ageless human resource ideas, personal experiences, networking solutions, insights on what strategies companies prefer, and not mention probably an unintentional biased opinion.