The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Hello everyone!!!

Before I begin with this week’s topic, let me begin with an apology for my infrequent postings lately. I’ve been on Spring Break (woohoo for me) and sooooo many things have occurred this past week. All which inspire me to revisit some past items that I mentioned in earlier post.

In my post “Project Graduation”, I talked about 3. Establish an elevator pitch. 

Well, let me stress again the importance of establishing an elevator pitch. I repeat LET ME RESTRESS THE IMPORTANCE OF ESTABLISHING AN ELEVATOR PITCH.

Trust me, I know what I’m talking about.

This past Tuesday, I had my second interview with Richards Group (one of my targeted companies to work for, see blog “when opportunity knocks...) for an entry level position in Brand Management. I was so excited when their college recruiter called me to schedule an interview time and although I was more than prepared I underestimated how exhausting seven, 30 minute interviews would be. 

By the time I left the office my brain was mush but the one thing that saved me during my marathon interview day was that I a had a basis to begin and build a conversation on.

Every single interviewer that walked through the door asked the same exact FIRST question: “Tell me about yourself.”

And one that followed later in the conversation, “Why you?”

Experts say that the average candidate has about 30 seconds to tell their story before the intended audience has decided to listen more or end the conversation. 

As one of my interviewers said to me “As advertising professional communication is our trade. We do not sell products; we sell ideas and tell other peoples’ stories and if we can not master telling ours then it is impossible to speak on behalf of others.”

He was so absolutely true.

My encouragement to you this week: Write down your story. Read it to yourself. Practice  it to someone and make changes. 

*FYI, the first time may be difficult and outright embarrassing, but as another interviewer told me, “Advertisers must be brave”.

Find your strength to tell your story. I promise you, if it’s a good one, people will listen. 

Still need inspiration, here’s a video covering the basic of establishing an elevator pitch.

Keeping it Professional

As I mentioned in my last post, graduation is around the corner and life as I know it will change significantly. No more classes to attend, no more test to study for and sadly no more spring breaks and summer vacations. 

For the past four years, I have used my email to communicate faculty and students, register other web services and network with community contacts. I’ve also used my email to archive documents and channel all outside communication to one address. 

However here’s the problem. After a year, I may not have access to my student email account and risk the chance of losing very important contact information and content. To avoid that I begun to implement tip 17. Professional email address (Gmail or email with you domain name)

One) my email name, olivia.stribling@gmail.com, is very simple and easy to remember.

Two (and most importantly)) Its professional. 

When I give me email address to others, I don’t feel embarrassed or have to worry about it being mistaken or written it down incorrectly.

In truth, gmail serves the same function as other email providers do, however I will say one of the biggest benefits I enjoy from using gmail is that it is compatible with other google services that I use, specifically Google+, google documents and welll...blogger. Also gmail’s default setting include a simple design can be easily changed in gmail’s settings. 

In addition, emails can be organized into different categories and contacts can be added to different Google+ circles. 

My encouragement to you and other readers is to create one and explore what benefit it has to offer that meet your specific needs and lifestyle. Feel free to share you comments and look forward to me next posting very soon.

Project Graduation

So it's official. 

I've finally received notice that on May 12, 2012 at 3 p.m. I, Olivia Ann Stribling, will be graduating from Texas Christian University. 

Words can't express how excited and nervous I am. For the past two semesters I've counted down the days until I cross the stage, but the closer the big day arrives the more I realize that the next stage of my life awaits me whether I am prepared for it or not. 

As I've mentioned in earlier post, I've recently begun interviewing for full-time positions after graduation. A few months ago, I would have said that an interview is an interview; dress nice, speak well and ask really good questions when asked, "Do you have something you would like to ask".

BUT... the truth is, when employers are looking for candidates to invest their company's time in, an interview is far more than interview; its a short window of opportunity that either entices others to want to know more or fell underwelmed by a stale interaction. 

Let's face it, an interview is a competition and if you want to win, well you've got to practice. According to 54 things for Self Branding there are several things young professionals NEED to do when establishing a persona to present to future employers, co-workers and colleagues. Here are two items that I've found to be extremely helpful and have worked to my advantage in recent interviews.

2. Identify your skills, talents and interest and 3. Establish your elevator pitch

Someone once told me if you love what you do, you should be able to talk about it naturally; passion needs no invention. 

This is true... BUT, practice goes a long way. Everyone is not blessed with the gift of gab.

For some people, interviews are stressful. They can't sleep, they can't eat and when the big day arrives nerves cause them to lose their words. Others may struggle to find the right words that accurately convey how qualified as a candidate they really are.

However taking the time out to think about and write down what it is exactly that motivates you to pursue "said" career will create content to gather a conversation around. This epiphany occurred to me two years ago in the midst of PR internship when my supervisor, simply asked me, "What are you interested in?" and sadly I didn't have a concrete answer. 

No employer wants to hear, "Well... I love copywriting, but I think I'll be a great account planner and if possible I'd like to explore art production too." Instead they want to be impressed by someone who not only knows exactly what they are interviewing for (yes, do some research), but also if the position a good fit for them.

Once you've discovered some things about yourself, take the time to draft an elevator pitch. I say "draft", because like your interest you want it be as authentic as possible, therefore it's best delivered through taking points that help guide you rather than a memorized speech that run the risk or sounding robotic. 

When I tell my story to others, it typically begins with, "I'm a small town girl with a big dreams..." At first it sounds cliche, but once I finish my entire spill, it becomes clear that those words perfectly explains me.

Most importantly, remember that your story, whatever it may be, is ever changing and is expected to with each stage or moment in your life. 

So challenge yourself and take the time out to really reflect on what's important in life, what you want to accomplish and what you want your story to be. You may be surprised on what you discover. 

As always, feel free to share your comments!!!

 

 

What advertising animal are you?

So...let me begin by saying...what a week. I honestly cannot remember another time when my life had been consumed my advertising like this past week. In between balancing campaigns, two internships and doctoring my portfolio and business cards, I've resembled more of a chicken with its head cut off then an advertising professional, but somehow I was able to pull it off in the end. 


So as promised, here are my comments on the past few events in my life. First, Tracy Locke is pretty cool agency. During our "tour" (more of a sit down one-on-one) we had the chance to talk candidly about different agency positions and roles that may interest us. 


Personally, I'm fairly confidant that Account Services is the ideal career for me, but I would like to learn more information about project manager and art production. (Hum, maybe I'll explore those in a later post).


For now, I'd like to expound more on 35. Identify specific contacts within companies you want to work with or for.


During our discussion with Tracey Locke, many of the professional kept reiterating the idea of company personality, find a job that works well for you. Many people, especially college students get caught in the job hustle and are blinded by a companies credentials and not qualities. 


This idea really resonated with me as I interacted with several ad executives at the Fort Worth Addys. The industry is made up of so many different types of people who all together create specific environments at the agencies they work at. For example, I noticed that all of the employees at Tracy Locke were very laid back; I kept asking myself, don't you guys have deadlines to meet. And I'm sure they do meet them, however they've obviously built a culture that manages stress very well. 


Dress code, work-load, weekend expectations are just a few of the MANY things to consider in researching potential employers. 


Personally, I'm still working on my list and maybe you are too, which is why I've included a link list of advertising agencies local in this Dallas Fort Worth Area in my side rail. 


Check it out!!!

Also, do some research. Not just these suggested companies, but yourself too. Feel free to share your comments and any other suggestions that you may have.

When Opportunity Knocks, Open the Door Presentably.

Be prepared. 

Easier said then done, but in light of upcoming events I’m motivated to take my own advice and follow steps 35. Identify specific contacts within companies you want to work with or for and 52. Create opportunities to meet digital friends in the real world.

How you ask?

Well let me begin by saying that I have one of the biggest networking weeks of my life coming up.

On February 22nd, I will be traveling to Tracy Locke Advertising Agency for a tour with the TCU Ad Association, then on Friday the 25th I will have the fortunate opportunity of attending the Addy Awards with Schaefer Advertising Company, my current internship and lastly TCU Career Services is hosting on campus interviews for the Richards Group on Wednesday the 29th.  

Honestly, I can’t fathom how fortunate of an opportunity all of this is, but as a graduating senior I’m so glad to be in this position before I cross the stage. If I was ever looking the perfect opportunity to network and learn from their experiences to grow into a better professional...THIS IS IT. 

And although I believe myself to be a competent person; I can’t leave anything to chance. In preparation, I’m currently updating my resume, polishing portfolio pieces and updating social media profiles, especially LinkedIn. 

Three and a half years of school all gets put to the test these these next two weeks; return back next week to see my progress on turning my dreams into reality. 

Until them, sweet networking. Also, check out my latest video posting in the side rail and discover the social media revolution.

Six Degrees of Separation, One Link to Connection

It’s no secret, we are living in a connected world that has changed everything we know about communication and way we choose to share and use access to others.

Each and every day a new technology is created, enhanced and shared. It seems like every time I log on, I’m introduced to a new website promising the same thing that a million others have before too; “to reform the social media experience by providing new ways to accomplish old tasks and introducing new possibilities that once were unimaginable”.

Sounds like a crock of bull, right? 

But do you remember how skeptical you were when you found out about Twitter? I do and now I “tweet” at least 5 or 6 times a day.  

But that’s not all. I “facebook”, check-in on FourSquare, share pictures on Instagram and watch videos on YouTube, and as I shared in previous post, most recently my time has been spent on LinkedIn and Google+.

And those are just to name a few.

Something that I’ve struggled with is how do I create a consistent image across all mediums, especially because of what stage I’m in life. Whether its a future employer or someone wants to further connect with me after a chance encounter, I would like for he or she to know without a doubt that they’ve found the right “Olivia Ann Stribling”.

So to solve this problem I really focused on item 27. Google Yourself this week.

This is the image you will see when you google my complete name, which I’ve started using across all of my social media sites for the last two years. 

Of all the search returns, the most popular included several Facebook portals, and my Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+ account. I was able to find my other sites, but it took several more steps and realistically I could not assume that others will have the same luck in their search, especially if they have no idea what to search for.

So instead of relying on Google, I use about.me. (and I love it!!!)

About.me is not a personal website. Instead imagine an online business card that not only displays your basic information, like who you are, what your business is and services provided it also links to any other social media sites directly from your home page. 

Most importantly about.me is FREE and SIMPLE to use. Most people use it for two main purposes: to either brand themselves or their business. Click here to see how I use mine. At the bottom you’ll notice icon connections to my Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Behance and most recently Blogger. 

If you really want to impress your online audience, execute items 14. Keep Social Network Profiles Consistent by taking the advice of number 16. Avatar photo. First as the list suggest, “Identify the look and style you want to communicate in your online presence” and “Use the same headshot across all your social networks.”

I am very conscious of the pictures I use for my avatars and most have either of the bottom two pictures, one is from a family photo and the other is from a  professional photoshoot.

 

Now that graduation is around the corner, I’ll be sure to capture a few good senior photos that will translate online. 

Share what you're doing to build your image online and tools to connect your social media sites. I look forward to your comments and be sure to come back next week. 

It's a Social Media Life

Friendster. MySpace. Facebook.  

Three social media sites that took the web by storm and changed the way people communicate. For example, at one glance one can learn a complete stranger’s birthday, hometown even dating history and preference. Friends relive loved ones experiences through pictures and share their own lives one posted comment at a time. 

In the past, many have argued that although social media provides new forms interaction between users, it will never be able to replace or facilitate the true meaning of communication, connection. 

As a result, more and more sites have been created; they are more specialized and cater to a specific audiences’ preferences in lifestyle, hobbies and online usage. Most popular include Twitter, Tumblr and Four Square. Correct me if you disagree, but I think its safe to assume that social media is no longer consider a fad, in fact it’s the complete opposite. 

Social media is here to stay!!!

This fact, along with many others, is why I choose to explore items 21. Established 100% complete LinkedIn profile and 26.Establish a Google Plus profile this week.

First off let me begin with saying that I absolutely love LinkedIn. I’ve been a user for a while and at times find myself chatting more with professionals than my friends on Facebook. Granted this could be because of the stage of life that I’m at, but I really enjoy meeting new people and “connecting” with them online. Although I’ve had conversations with others they have all been purely professional. 

Sounds dry right? But no, actually those same conversations have lead to internships, networking events and other special opportunities. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND GETTING ONE. 

If so, here are some things to know. One) LinkedIn is a professional site so keep it so. That means select carefully the picture you use, content used and any other sites linked to, i.e. although LinkedIn is capable of syncing your Twitter feed onto you profile, it may not be the best idea. Two) your profile is like your resume, so impress them. When people take time out to view your page it’s out of curiosity but if they remain and read it’s because they’re entertained.

Personally, I use my LinkedIn profile to feature myself as an emerging advertising professional. In addition to traditional sections, I also an working on uploading content to my Behance, a portfolio application mainly used by creatives. LinkedIn is easy to use and has several applications and forums you can use and participate in. 

To see a complete view of my profile and how I’ve chosen to display my relevant work, education and other work complete click here.

Conversely one site that I have tried to get into but for the life of me can not understand is Google+. I read in an article that Google+ is anticipated to be one of the top 5 used sites in 2012. Well, I personally don’t see the hype. I’ve been a google gmail account user for a while too and have never had the urge to complete my Google profile no matter how annoying those reminder ads were. 

However when I finally did, I found Google+ plus to be confusing, boring and unnecessary. First of all, Google+’s format is very similar to Facebook except for an oversimplified design and the idea of “circles”. Although in theory I understand the purpose of circles, it is very hard to create networks of close family, friends and colleagues if you do not know their Google account information to invite them and impossible if they have not complete a Google+ profile. 

To account for this, Google+ offers recommendations within different categories, such as sports, celebrities, business and news but they are very cliche making it very hard to add people and organizations to your circles that fall outside the norm. 

As a personal opinion, I don’t see any social media value in Google+, especially in features, applications and capabilities that other sites that haven’t created yet. Just because you change the name of it doesn’t mean it’s new under any means. I’ve heard people say that they love it and recommend it but as for me I am yet to fall in love with it. 

However, you never know, it may grow on me. Just in case, I’ll maintain my page throughout the next seven weeks and report any changes in functionality or my attitude. 

Click here to see for yourself. 

Next week I plan to continue to conversation about social media. Feel free to comment about what your currently using and check out my new feature side rail.