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.

Job Hunting-Week 6

First day of Snow! This is another post that will be posted after the fact. I am very conscious of being 'unemployed' but the fact is there are a lot of people out in the market in the same situation. A lot of talented executives looking for work. As scary as the economy is right now I am pleasantly surprised with the level of activity I am seeing in my search. I looked back at the first post and all of those opportunities are still alive with the exception of the one I was expecting an offer on. It goes to show you that no matter how confident you are the key is to not let up on the networking until you have an offer in hand. One person said to keep going strong until the first pay check is in your bank.....I am realist but I will be satisfied once an offer is made and accepted (in writing).

Here is my current list of active companies:
1: Sr. Dir of CRM/Loyalty. This is now my number one opportunity. I have met with HR, Recruiter and Hiring Mgr. All solid. References have been sent and I am waiting to meet with the CEO.
2: Category directory. Still active. Met with hiring mngr and waiting for feedback. Could be a good opportunity but the culture is a bit off
3: Dir of Mtk. Another educational company. This would be a great opportunity but very unstable. I would definitely need an exit package before going
4. Dir of Loyalty Banking company. Meeting with the bosses boss next week. Not interested as the commute would be hell (40+miles each way)
5. Dir of digital Mtk This is a new one that just surfaced today. I am being introduced to the hiring mgr by the recruiter. This is a solid opportunity and #2 on my list
6. I continue to log some time consulting for a loyalty company in St. Paul. This could be a great fit but there is not a full time offer
7. Just spoke with a former colleague who is now the CEO of a SaaS company that is back in the hospitality space. These guys are doing it right but I have little interest in going back to the hotel software space......but it is an option.

Then I have three agencies I am talking to. All three are in a wait and see mode.
8. Agency 1 (Plymouth)
9. Agency 2 (downtown)
10. Agency 3 (downtown)

Bottom line in week 6. I am still in a great mood. The fact that I do not have any more income coming is a concern but I am confident that something will surface. It has to. To have 10 legitimate opportunities going is good. I would just to hate to see "Job Hunting- Week 10 because that means that nothing has come to fruition.

Plus I am getting sick to death of the coffee office. Although I prefer Dunn's coffee I have to say that Caribou's free wireless beats the hell out of having to log into the Starbucks ATT system. Need to prepare for my next call....#11. I won't add this to the list yet as it is for a job "near St. Cloud". Talk about a lengthy commute. Hopefully that will not be necessary but as I wrote early....never give up until an offer is in hand.

Blog Management

I decided to modify my blogging efforts and try to keep some 'theme' consistent for each blog. So I have now migrated my fire related training to a new blog called www.2in2out.blogspot.com

This blog will continue to focus more on my professional business life and my adventure racing will still be on www.tmmar.blogspot.com

Holiday Inn

I started the following blog a few days ago after seeing this new commercial by Holiday Inn. I was interrupted by false alarm fire call (a story for another day) and I am finally getting back to finishing it.

Awareness. Retention. Acquisition. Trial. Loyalty. Repeat. Engagement.
These are key terms I think about when I am 'thinking' about how drive more revenue. Any good marketer is looking for a strategy that can be measured. It might be as simple as reservations or units sold or more complex like a percentage increase in click through’s on a specific site over a defined period of time. This commercial is funny. It is very creative. And yes it is even getting me to write about. But is going to drive more revenue? Will it encourage a frequent traveler to ask....maybe I should stay at a Holiday Inn? Will remind a family that Holiday Inn provides accommodations? Will it encourage someone to take a trip that would never be taken before? Upgrade to a more expensive room? Order a movie? Anything incremental?



I am all for entertainment. Even at the expense of marketing and advertising dollars....but what value is being driven?

One Cool Video

The CMO at BestBuy posted a link to this video on Twitter. I am glad he did as it really made me smile today.


Where the Hell is Matt? (2008) from Matthew Harding on Vimeo.

Great Post on Blogging

I picked up this post on Twitter from Desarev . Great overview on blogging.