This Happened
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gppbrYIcR80&hl=en_US&fs=1&&w=480&h=385]
The Short of It
In between running from meeting to meeting (again!), networking event to networking event (again!) and spending a delightful weekend in NJ/Croton on Hudson (woohoo!), I read this article about short people in the New York Times. It was uplifting and pointed out successful short people through out history. I much preferred this to the counter argument, that short people are more likely to commit crimes because they are less successful. So thank you! Me and my 5ft 1 1/2 inch self will be more assertive, take pleasure in the fact that I'm usually in front, always have enough space in an airplane seat, and am just as likely to succeed as my taller counter parts. But yes, I'll still seek out that taller guy regardless.
In any case, I highly recommend you read both article. I think there's something to be said for subtle factors influencing success or crime rates. It's a very touchy subject but one that should be addressed non the less. Once I start reading about genetic traits influencing someone's livelihood, I start thinking about the movie Gattaca
New York Tech Meet Up Recap
And here it goes. Once again, I spent the last few days running from meeting to meeting, event to event and still don't have time for the gym. Go figure. But another lesson on branding and customer service done right; I finally received my fancy scale from Gilt. Over a month ago, right after I got Thomas, my scale broke. Thomas sat on it for lengthy periods of time while he was hiding under my bed. At the same time, Gilt listed a fancy scale that calculates your body fat percentage. I know. Why would I want to know that? In any case, I ordered it, not realizing it would take 5 weeks for delivery! But through email, was able to re-route it to my apartment and received it just in time to learn... drum roll please... that I weigh exactly the same I did 4-5 weeks ago. Victory.
Okay. I digress.
My first rookie mistake was that I had a fake name on my Meet Up name tag - "MissMoll" my internet "handle," not realizing we'd get pre-made name tags. #Fail. Secondly, I was never able to sell my 2nd ticket but the event was well worth the extra $10. The FIT auditorium was PACKED. Highlights and commentary: The mid 40's crowd talks about Generation Y as being tech savvy and they complain they're entitled and don't pay their dues. Sounds like they're threatened. NO. Actually, the Xers and Baby-Boomers should really be worried about the kids just graduating college. They're the tech savvy ones. Wait. No.
A sixth grader confidently presented how he created his gaming software to a room full of 500+ tech savvy New Yorkers. Yeah. I know.
That's where this world of technology is going. So a recent college grad introduced the next generation of Facebook meets Match meets Chatroulette. Not entirely unique but I'm sure there's a need for it because the college kids want their own thing and let's face it, both my parents are on Facebook. Randomdorm.com and Goodcrush.com. See a larger list of new ventures on NYTM.org along with videos of their demos. I was particularly impressed with Bit.ly's presentation of their latest website re-design. I can't imagine why you'd want to use any other website shortner. With bit.ly you can track your users by demographic, have a record of how many hits your link gets and a whole host of other features. It even goes through their system so you can be assured a bit.ly link isn't connected to a virus, etc.
And finally, we get to stickybits.com. This, I believe, is the real winner. You download an App that scans bar codes. You receive a physical packet of stickies with bar codes on the stickies (the size of a business card) and you can attach digital content to the bar code. So in theory, you can attach this bar code to the back of your resume (with a unique code) and attach a link to your website, upload your resume, etc. Your recipient can scan the bar code and access the information instead of going home and inputting the link to your website on his computer. So holy crap. You have an instant connection between the physical and digital worlds. Just imagine the implications for advertisers. Or think about how they can track the effectiveness of "guerrilla marketing," billboards, magazine ads, you name it. I think their biggest hurdle is getting people to understand how to use the service and distributing the stickers. Even Foursquare, with over a 1/2 million users, is something you have to get in the habit of using - checking in when you get to a location. And the motivation comes from essentially the social network equivalent of a pat on the back.
So that's my social media, marketing, advertising prediction of what will take off in May 2010 - or at least has a shot of revolutionizing how advertisers and consumers interact. What are your thoughts? Oh and P.S. Naturally I met some very cool people, got to hang out with a cool new friend who's sooo going places, and ran into someone I went to high school with! Just a typical, amazing, post break-up, post Birthday/laid off, full of inspiration- type of evening.
Branding Done Right
In between interviews, photographing events, and enjoying the outdoors (Saturday and NOT Sunday!) I noticed some seriously great experiential branding - companies that truly get developing brand loyalty. A few days ago, I received a post card coupon from Starbucks giving me a free Birthday beverage despite having signed up for the Starbucks card days after my Birthday. While I don't particularly like Starbucks coffee and their prepacked food, I can't deny that when I actually find a seat, it's a great place to work. And their soy lattes aren't that bad either.
On Wednesday morning, I went with my roommate and her friend to Radiance Tea House and Books. The dumplings and tea were amazing. It was a perfectly relaxing, inspiring atmosphere. And most importantly, our adorable waiter was just about the friendliest I've encountered, recognizing my roommate's friend as a regular and greeting others as they came in. And there were a ton.
On Friday, I sat in the best cafe with free, reliable Internet that I have found so far. I'm almost hesitant to mention the name because I was able to find a seat but here it goes.. VBar in the village on Sullivan street. According to their website, they have another location on St. Mark's and 1st. This must have opened after my time but I'll have to check it out. Everyone happily and quietly sat working on their laptops. Occasionally, some random person would talk loudly in a foreign language on their cell phones outside, interrupting every one's concentration and providing collective entertainment. Especially the young NYU student, loudly gossiping as she walked in where she was promptly reprimanded by the owner. I had a ham and fontina panini that was delicious and managed to be productive. There was a general feeling of good vibes, happiness and the belief in good karma. I'll be back.
Today, I trekked 10 blocks in the heat to the ING Café on 58th and 3rd, seeking air conditioning and another place to work. I only bought a banana, allowing me 45 minutes of internet, but at 25 cents, it was worth it. The chairs and seating areas were comfortable and internet reliable. Would probably be a great place to work on my novel once I'm not so focused on finding a job. I'd say less distracting than a café since it was relatively empty. I felt like ING was providing a service to the community. Branding. Company loyalty.
And finally, I stopped off at Club Monaco - one of my favorite stores, and will be even more so when I can afford the clothing. I particularly like the one on 65th and 3rd avenue. It's less crowded and seems to have just as many options as the Flat Iron and SoHo stores, although not as many sale items. Every sales clerk is impeccably dressed, polite and genuinely happy. The store layout is inspiring. I'd model my future apartment after it. And my cashier even introduced himself, shaking my hand. Oooh la la. I believe once a month, they have champagne filled evenings that I attended and of course, and bought something during.
So what did we learn from all this? A company can have a good product, but a great product is one that extends to the sales people and to the experience itself, generating customer loyalty and breaking through the clutter of infinite brand options.
Sunday Night Ponderings
As I sat in my dark, cold apartment on this rainy Sunday evening with my roommate and two cats (post yoga at Crunch!), I briefly considered going back on an internet dating site... and then quickly came back to my senses - realizing that I should probably focus my energy searching job matches instead of love matches. And then I checked my calendar, remembering that all my evenings are jam packed up until next week and that apparently, being unemployed, networking and working on my own ventures is more time consuming than being employed and in a relationship. But I can't complain! Hmmm. I ponder.
In no particular order, a visual guide to what I've been up to when I'm not networking, attending amazingly inspiring and informative AWNY events, sitting in cafés job searching, working with my friend to help her PR business in the social media realm, reading business books, etc. This is for you mom.
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| Under the cherry blossoms in the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, Saturday April 24thAdd caption |
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| More cherry blossoms (I think) in Central Park |
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| Central Park |
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| I have no words. Okay, I do. Thomas and Oscar love each other. |
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| Sunday pancake brunch with the roommate = roommate love. |
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| Oscar, making catnaps sexy since April 2010. |
Tech City - NYC
Have you read the cover story to the latest New York Magazine - Tweet Tweet Boom Boom by Doree Shafrir? What perfect, inspiring timing. It examines a major shift in New York culture. The focus and trust in financial institutions has nearly disappeared. Even those companies left standing after the crash are being scrutinized for their selfish, fraudulent behavior - finally. Intelligent college graduates are flocking to other fields, enriching our lives instead of riching their wallets. And marketing has shifted from a bottom up mentality, where the consumer has control over the brand and the product must live up to the brand. I've embraced social media for it's foundation of trust and bottom up mentality, reflected in the quote below.
"While consumerism is at the core of the business model for many of these start-ups, that’s only part of the point. The entrepreneurs behind them have a sense that the city belongs to the rising generation, not some Wall Street guy or old-media geezer or other antiquated gatekeeper. In a way that can, at times, seem overly idealistic, even naïve, they believe in a sort of golden rule of Internet behavior, one that chooses trust over suspicion, optimism over skepticism, hope over doubt. And for the time being, hope seems to be winning."
There's a shift happening - fast. Join the party or stand awkwardly on the sidelines.
"Go to a party for an “old” media company, and there can often seem to be a cloud of doom hanging over the proceedings. It can seem like half the guests have been laid off and the other half fear they still could be. The talk is of cutbacks and making do with less and paradigm shifts whose conclusions are, inevitably, the death of the industry."
“Madison Avenue ain’t gonna be the heart of New York anymore. Wall Street’s not going to be the heart of New York anymore. Media’s not going to be the heart of New York anymore,” he says. “New York is actually really hot. We’re inventing the shit that the world is using! This is a first.
The above is especially interesting considering the big agencies, owned by huge holding companies are all on Madison Avenue. While the more nimble, newer, digital agencies are all around the city - mostly in Soho or, most recently, in Hell's Kitchen far West. If your ready to jump in and have a thing for techies, stop by the Black Door on West 26th, hit up SPiN on 23rd, booze at Scratchers on East 5th or Destination Bar on Avenue A and 13th. Join Foursquare and learn what geographical social-networking means. See you on the flip side..
Al la Peanut Butter Sandwiches
When we last left off, I posted the morning of my birthday stating why I thought 29 was going to be a good year. Well.. three crazy days later, I still share these sentiments. It all started when I got laid off from my company of nearly three years ON MY BIRTHDAY! Holy cow. I had some great opportunities and am very aware of how volatile advertising is. And naturally, the timing of it makes for a great story, where as if it happened a day before or after, it would have just SUCKED. Technically, the experience marks the end of my 28th year so the year ahead is full of opportunities.
That being said, these past few days have been fantastic. Spent Thursday night surrounded by good friends who finally all got to meet each other for the first time. Friday was very productive job-wise and I have no interest in using this time to relax. Although at least now I can finally hit the gym regularly and cook more. Then Saturday, had dinner and super quality time with wonderful friends I've known since middle school. And finally, Saturday night, went to a birthday party and hung out with newer friends. Was probably the first time I've gone OUT since the early fall when I started dating my ex. I realize that low key, quiet bars are a great way to spend quality time with people but if you're with an enthusiastic group and have the right music, there's nothing like an all out dance partay!
And here's where it gets strange. File under: Extremely ridiculous coincidence that only happens to me #652.
Earlier that evening, I jokingly mentioned to my roommate that I wanted to set her up with a guy we'll call "M," who I very briefly dated last Spring. I thought they would make a good match and I have mentioned this before. As always, she rolled her eyes and I dropped the subject. Fast forward 2 hours later and the two of us are walking around crowded Arlo & Esme trying to find the birthday girl. And then dot. dot. dot. - I see him. M! My jaw drops and I nervously say hello, mind racing with thoughts of why the universe likes to mess with me. I awkwardly introduce him to my roommate and ask him why he's at the bar. He's here for his girlfriend's birthday party, he responds. Ha! So much for that! But even funnier that his girlfriend's birthday is a day before mine. And so... the night continues. Until around 5 am where I found myself in a new friend's kitchen, surrounded by three other new friends, discussing how he should cook us pasta and tackle our list of "things that need to be fixed in the world.." because he is in finance and went to school for engineering. What magic will this week hold for me? End Scene.
I'm Aging Today!!
Wow, people don't have lots of nice things to say about being 29 years old. "It's a transitional year.. you're not really in your 20's anymore but not yet in your 30's.." O, and there's that big list of things I wanted to do before I'm 30 that I need to check and start cracking on. But really, I think this Spring/Summer and beyond is going to be a super turning point. I felt so much bad energy over the last few months due to a variety of factors and even felt like my feelings were part of the global conscious. I mean.. earthquakes, unstable economy, crazy weather.. But I think (and hope) these feelings have shifted as we approach the nicer weather. And the economy starts to pick up. So I say 29 - bring it on! I'm looking forward to a wonderful year and have great feelings about the next few weeks and beyond.
Sending out Peace, Love and Happines to my readers!!
This Doesn't Surprise Me At All
Quick Video Link
Link to AWNY Presentation
As promised, here's a link to Regina Angeles fantastic AWNY presentation on How to Use Social Media to Enrich Your Job Search and Enhance Your Professional Reputation.
Sex and The City Trailer
I'm not going to lie. I literally held my breath and had to stop myself from squeeling a little bit. I've also had at least two dreams recently where I hung out with Sarah Jessica Parker and we discussed our Teaneck, NJ background.
Enjoy! Wow. I can use an all girls, escapism vacation.
Online Professional Persona 101
Last night, I went to a fantastic AWNY event lead by a wonderful, intelligent and informative recruiter Regina Angeles, that was about building your professional reputation online in addition to networking and professional development. It's obviously always good to network even when you have a job. Gone are the days where if one was loyal to a corporation, the corporation would reward them. I constantly see people working incredibly long hours with no real reward in sight who often burn out and quit. Then there are others who achieve the same amount of prestige, salary and position while working perfectly reasonable hours. And they're usually the men! So as Regina recommends, it's important to expand your connections beyond your company and even specific job title. Learn about what others do, what other company cultures are like, etc. etc. She even suggests going to a networking event once a week. Eesh.
So... for those of you who asked me "Molly, how does one network?" here's what Regina suggests. I believe she's going to post her official presentation so check back on her blog or follow her on Twitter.
The basics: Make sure your Facebook profile is work friendly. No obviously inappropriate photos. If you have drunken, idiotic friends, block tagged photos from the public.
LinkedIn, LinkedIn, LinkedIn. As Regina says, if you don't have a LinkedIn profile, you either don't exist or are doing something illegal. Recent statistics reveal that 95% of recruiters use LinkedIn to source new candidates. So highlight and quantify your accomplishments but don't lie! You'll get called out in a New York Minute. Start with your friends, colleagues, former colleagues, college classmates, etc. and build your network from there but don't forget to use the same social graces you would if networking in person. Be polite and don't add people you have no real connection to. I get requests from photographers and photo agencies I've never met, all the time and it's just annoying. And by all means, look for jobs using LinkedIn. Spend minimal time responding to craigslist, monster, etc.
And Twitter. Twitter is a great way to connect with people you've never met. Follow companies you want to work for. For clients, future clients, brands you're interested in working with, etc. Post links to your blog if you have one. Create informative posts about your industry and have an opinion. Develop a short elevator pitch for your online profiles using key words especially if you have a common name.
More advice to come. Happy Friday!
FML
Remember how yesterday I seemed all positive and happy? I returned from my final photography class inspired and happy that I met some cool people. Went to the Shake Shack beforehand. Ran into someone entirely random that made me think the universe was trying to tell me something once again.. had a talk with someone else that made me think things will go in the right direction soon in another area..
And then. 11:07 PM happened. I was just about to put my New York Magazine crossword puzzle away and hit the sack when I heard water pouring out but not in the shower/ faucet / toilet kind of way. Okay, maybe toilet. Apologies for the graphic details during lunchtime.. but urine saturated water came seeping through the light fixture in the bathroom, covering our tiled bathroom floor with a 1/4 inch film of a severe health hazard. Fortunately, both my roommate and I were around to deal with the issue. We went to the apartment above us (crazy older man) and loudly knocked on his door but got no response. Calling the super didn't lead to any further resolve so we called the police. Okay, perhaps I watch way too many crime shows but I figured, hey, he could have died while on the can and I'm doing him a favor. The good looking firemen that showed up (what is it with men in uniform!?) weren't able to help us either but turned off the power in the bathroom so we wouldn't have electrical issues. And we all agreed that sometimes Manhattan really sucks and you have to pay an arm and a leg just to be in a building where a landlord addresses your issues. An hour and a half later, I went to bed wondering what I must have done in a past life to deserve all this apartment strife. Perhaps I was a landlord.
And after leaving another message, we still haven't heard back from the management company or our super. So if you ever come across DMB Properties on 86th street, seriously, keep walking.. and if someone tries to show you an apartment on 66th and 1st avenue, say no thanks and move on.
Anyone have any advice for how to deal with this situation? Any lawyers familiar with our situation? We sent off the rent check yesterday afternoon so withholding is a no go and are most likely not going to renew our lease in July.
eeeek. okay. Fortunately, I'm in a better place that I was Monday and the last two weeks.. so I think I can try to see the humor in this right? happy thoughts.. happy thoughts.. happy thoughts..
Terrific Tuesday
Okay, so I'm feeling much better than I was yesterday. I have renewed hope in two areas of my life that haven't been going that well. We'll see where it takes me this week. And Oscar didn't attack my leg as much this morning. I think he's learning.
So for all you iPad fans out there via Agencyspy:
http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9/57408845001?isVid=1&publisherID=1408993889
Ping Pong Madness
Hello! Happy Friday! Or errr.. Good Friday!
Last night after meeting up with a few of my boyz (not in the hood) for dinner, I went to a ping pong tournament fundraiser at Spin. It was super awesome and I sort of kicked ass. I should seriously consider joining a ping pong club for realz. This was going to be a cat free post, but I will say I put myself in the mindset of Oscar. I was fierce. I didn't take my eye off the tiny orange ball.
Anyway, met some cool peeps and had a few "oh it's a small world" experiences. One being.. and now tell me how you feel abot this.. that I met a cool girl who went from photography to account strategy which is the area of advertising that I'd like to ultimately transition to. It was interesting to hear how she managed to leave the visually creative world and if she thought her job was equally as fulfilling. Then we exchanged info. Her last name is the same last name as my ex bf's plus an "s." Holy cow. What are the chances? Weirdness. Yes, I've known this for years. The universe has a sense of humor. Maybe it's telling me to lighten up.
that's all!
Oscar's Surprised Kitten Video
I would post about other things besides Oscar like how the New York Times declared professional assignment photography dead, but for obvious reasons this is way more fun.
Oscar Meets Thomas