The importance of networking...

Today I got a Facebook message from an old co-worker to phone her sometime today because she could really use my marketing and sales skills. I have never actually worked in sales but I was up for the conversation. When we worked together she had conceived this idea to open a cooking school and was working hard on her business plan. In January, Cookology opened its doors.

It's been up and running successfully and even got some good media coverage within the first few weeks of its open. So she's looking to expand her business some and needs someone to help generate leads and close deals for team building activities. I have always wanted to get into sales and I told her I was totally up for it. It's commission based and so it doesn't pay until I close a deal so the higher the team building event, the better the pay.

Tomorrow I am going to go in and learn more about the store, and start training to be a kid's instructor. While I don't have elementary education experience, I do have swim lesson, and teaching assistant experience. I also feel good about it because I don't have to worry about what will happen when I get a permanent position. It could turn out to be something really lucrative, and I am excited about the prospects. If you know of anyone who is need of a creative, delicious, cost effective team building event. Please contact me and we'll talk numbers.

Tales of the Unemployed

This week marks my third week since my position being eliminated. It's been a rocky week, but I have tried to stay busy by applying to jobs, holding phone interviews and seeking some part-time freelance work. I have yet to be successful in landing any freelance or permanent positions so if you know of anyone looking for a Marketing Rockstar please contact me! (that was a subtle and shameless hint).

This weekend I am volunteering to work at a local event that I think everyone should check out! It's called Brew Fest and it's hosts many local and non local breweries. I went to the Fall version of this festival a few years ago and discovered the glory that is Chocolate Cake Donut Beer. I had never really been a dark/stout beer fan but a few sips of this was enough to convert me! So when I received the email asking for volunteers I sent out a message to all my crew. I was successful in recruiting a willing participant. We'll head down there to take tickets. If you're there you should stop by and say hi!

I am incredibly grateful for the support of my friends, colleagues and family. Sometimes it's hard to distinguish who is who. To all my fellow unemployed peeps: We will get a good job! We will!

Free Webinar's and the Interview Scene

The social networking site Linked in has a section for events. I was poking around on the site last week when I noticed one of my former co-workers was attending a webinar on web content management. I signed up as well, and figured it wouldn't hurt to continue to learn more about talking the talk of web content management. It was put on by SiteWorks who began the event announcing that they think the economy is recovering because both they and their clients are hiring. They urged those of us looking for new opportunities to check out their site to explore their open positions. I have to say that the webinar was informative and interesting but really was a large commercial for their services.

If you're looking for work check them out. I wish you the best in your quest to land that great job. My new mantra is: I am going to get a great job! Embrace it!

Freelance Marketer For Hire

Greetings Bloggers:

Thank you for stopping by this blog. This blog will detail the experience of a non-profit and for-profit marketing and communications professional. I have worked across many industries including: Army, Utility, Electronics, and Senior Living.

As a marketer, I have experience in direct marketing, brand management, integrated marketing campaigns, web 2.0 applications, email marketing, print advertisements, direct mail campaigns, paid search, search engine optimization, creating national brands, and event marketing.

If you're in need of a marketer with this type of experience please don't hesitate to contact me. Here's a recreation tip for you: The National Parks are giving away free admission this weekend! Click here to learn more about it.