The basics still do work

I thought I would take a minute to add a little hope to the masses out there who are frustrated with challenges in job hunting into today's economy.

I can honestly say that my last two employment opportunities have both been as a result of applying online through CareerBuilder.

Most recently I was notified that my job was relocating and I had no interest in going with it. So in September I put my job hunting focus into full gear (keep in mind that I always focus on maintaining an active network and will always help out a contact in need....good Karma).

In addition to a heavy focus on networking through LinkedIn & Twitter (which I would say is very valuable if you know how to use properly) I also scanned the daily email robots that I built at Monster and CareerBuilder. I tended to over apply to opportunities but made a point to research and follow up on the positions that truly fit my skills and passion.

During my 2-month search I had over 15 active opportunities at one time. The position I finally accepted was a direct result of my application online off a CareerBuilder posting. Even though this position was being recruited nationally through head hunters they still paid attention to their 'inbox'….and fortunately for me my resume struck a cord.

Granted this is not the norm for most but it does happen. Stay focused. Stay confident (I know it is easier to say when you are employed) and network Online and in person.

Good Luck.

New Job. New Opportunity

I am very excited to finally have started at Christopher & Banks. I am three days into my role and am realizing there is a tremendous amount of 'opportunity'. During my interview process I referenced "low hanging fruit" and was quickly corrected....C&B does not have low hanging fruit...."we have loads of rotting fruit all over the floor". Meaning: There is a ton of opportunity just waiting for the picking.

So, now that I am three days into the position I have spent the majority of time focusing on research (internally) into systems, resources, data, use of data and processes. Like I said...a lot of opportunity.

We are currently engaged with a Vendor that is providing support including list hygiene and maintenance, reporting and email management. So far they look very good but I want to explore a few other options for long(er) term CRM providers.
In a nutshell, I am looking for a vendor to partner with that can help with the following:

• Short Term Planning execution combined with Longer Term Strategy
  Ability to help drive measureable short term campaigns while building the longer term solution.


• A vendor that understands over time we may bring some or all services in house but will still help build the best system that is not 'vendor exclusive'.


• Help define customer models, cubes, segments and the reporting platform to make the data actionable.


• Potential to develop a loyalty program within CRM strategy


• Help integrate CRM across the organization, planning and management.

For now if anyone has any CRM companies that have experience in the retail space please shoot me a message. I am early in my time and the process but I know this will be coming fast down the pipeline.