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Hello, My name is Jessica, and I'm an Internetaholic...

I’ve mentioned over and over my struggle with disconnecting. Removing myself, if only for a few moments, from the online world and allowing myself to experience the world that’s actually around me — instead of viewing the world from my iPhone portal.

In a lot of ways I think it’s been a defensive mechanism to moving across the country (and dealing with life in general). It keeps me constantly preoccupied with a constant stimulus. Moves me from one thing to the next at rapid speeds as fast as 3G will take me.

….Texting a friend…checking the tweet stream…scrolling through pictures on Facebook….stalking checking in on friends on foursquarereading the NYTimesFoodspotting…E-mail…Evernote…downloading new apps.

It’s unhealthy, I’ll admit that. Obvi.  And when I was talking to a friend (like actually IRL talking) earlier this week about wanting to wane down on the Interweb scene, he pointed something I never thought about before. By moving on from one thing to the next  it keeps me away from processing any information (I suppose it’s not surprising I didn’t think of that, since I never disconnect/put my dang phone down). I never give myself the opportunity to feel, and no, there isn’t an app for that.

I’m missing out on speaking verbally to friends and family. Missing out on the interesting quirks of people on the subway, or reading funny signs along my way to work. Missing out on what makes life fun. Missing those things that I used to love.

But there’s more than that. Being online/connected all the time makes me bo-ring. Like seriously, bo-ring. Work…tweetups/social media events…sleep rest…work…tweetups/social media events…rest…. on and on and on. A total Internetaholic.

I don’t want that (the Internet/social media/yadda yadda) to be all that there is to me. I like an array of activities, and living in New York City is the prime opportunity to try some new activities out. So I logged on to MeetUp.com (step 1 of my 12 step program) and took a few minutes to think about things that I really enjoy.

The city in which I live where there are lots of things to do, and such.

So here are some of the things I enjoy, some I’m keeping a secret because you’d realize what a geek I am (Star Wars group I may or may not have joined or the LARPing group), and some because they’re random, and some are yet to be discovered.

  1. Writing. I absolutely love writing. So, I signed up for a women’s creative writing group. Looks kinda culty, but I back that.
  2. Dancing. I had an incredible salsa partner in Seattle, so I sought out a new one. Soooo excited.
  3. Yoga to the People. Donation based yoga studio = major win.
  4. Volunteering. There a few organizations that totally have my heart, and I’m looking forward to being a part of them here in NYC.
  5. Alpha Xi Delta. Admittedly, I was in a sorority in college, and sat on the alumnae board in Seattle. Looking forward to meeting the New York Chapter here.
  6. Vegetarian Cooking classes/dinner parties. Ultimate win.

After making the list, I felt a little relief. I felt a little more like the real me. The Jessica that does things, and connects to different sorts of people. A go-getter, a mover and a shaker.

So wish me luck as a shake on, and please let me know if there are activities you think I should check out.

So what do you do again?

I’m sure like many of you, the question I get asked most often is what I do for a living. And when I’m met by a blank stare (and sometimes even cynicism) after saying that, “I’m a social strategist,” I try to dive deeper. But, as the field evolves each day, it’s not always easy to explain. The elevator speech requires quite a bit of work yet, but maybe you can help answer that question that I’m asked multiple times each day.

“What is it exactly that you do?”

I began in traditional public relations, where I still spend a great deal of my time. Pitching traditional media outlets, holding press events, consumer events, and building integrated branded strategy (where from day one-ish in my career, it was always my charge to weave it into an online component). Again, still very much what I do today, but as social media has erupted I have found myself allocating more of my time to researching new technologies (whether they’re great for communication to consumers, added value, or change makers that I need to keep an eye on), formulating relationships with potential community managers/brand ambassadors/evangelists, and finding unique ways to build social strategy into a client’s long term goals (social marketing should be long term strategy and not just tactical). And while I can certainly explain the very abridged version (see above) in 20 seconds, it (1) still generates blank stares and (2) doesn’t do the industry (or my clients) justice.

The challenge in explaining what you do for a living is that you want to provide a clear understanding of how to (and please forgive me with the analogy, I’m tremendously horrible at them) milk a cow without giving away your dairy farm. It’s hard to do, because you want to boast your accomplishments, but still be humble/top secretive about upcoming plans – I suppose that’s like any industry, well, maybe the medical field(my roommate has explained to me her work in AIDS research over and over and I still don’t it would be a great idea for me to jump in and help).

Communications, whether it’s traditional or non-traditional, will vary drastically based on the type of clients or corporation you’re working for. There’s a huge difference between how I’d build strategy and/or explain my non-profit efforts (even corporate social responsibility initiatives), as I would for profit or government accounts. One formula does not equal “the” social marketing solution. It just doesn’t translate that way. Clients have different needs, and for it I provide vastly different solutions, which means drastically different explanations for what it is exactly you do.

Example 1: Jessica at work. How do I explain this??

But each of your clients/companies probably has a common denomination — ROI. It’s just how you explain the channels to get you to that end goal that is difficult to explain. Again, strategy varies, so enviably explanation will fluctuate. But since I work in communications, I have to figure this out.

What is my 20 second elevator pitch for what I do? What is yours? What is important to call out or take away? How do you “sell” what you do?

Being Always

Most of us have been fortunate unfortunate enough to experience the terrible tagged photo on Facebook, or that one you’d just rather not have your clients, colleagues and family see. Believe me, I’ve been there, and I’ve untagged a fair amount of photographs in my day. As I mentioned before, I even once deleted my entire Facebook account and started over just so I wouldn’t have to deal with untagging 1,000+ college pictures. And when a less than desirable picture found itself plastered on my profile (thanks to a dear, and loving friend), I found myself mildly irritated.

I thought, “They have to like, KNOW that is NOT cute. Why would they do that!? I wouldn’t do that to them!”

Simmer, Jess, simmer.

I quickly untagged and then started to think about it.

Everyone I spend a fair amount of time with has a camera phone and a purpose. They all want to share information, and connect socially. It’s the space and age that we live in. Knowing that means I have to chillax a bit, and I have to recognize that I’m always “on”. Pictures will be taken, and my location and conversations I have will appear in tweets. It’s just part of the gig, and I have to be open to it.

That doesn’t mean it makes it any easier to digest though. Even when I know I’m “on” or pictures are being taken, or video is being recorded once it’s live on the InterWeb and people have the ability to comment…well, it can suck. People can change or edit content or images to suite their needs, or comment hurtful remarks next to videos you post.

Insert example one.

The comments in this video are semi-too hurtful to actually put into this post…so you can check it out here.

Being “on” is hard. It leaves you open and vulnerable.  Part of the gig, part of the gig.

Socialize and convey their reactions.

Post content and comment.

The bad videos and the bad pictures make just means we’re human. We’ve ALL taken the bad pictures.

Enter example two.

Nice, huh?

Being in the industry means those type of photos will be taken; that type of video will be captured, and you have to learn to deal with it.  Bad video/photos/comments will happen — It just can’t be habitual. Being “on” means you have to be aware that people are watching, and you have to be more cognizant of what you say.  To me, though, that just means being more polite and treating others as you’d like to be treated.

Respecting people.

Being a good person.

Treating others as you’d like to be treated.

If you do that then what do you have to worry about (other than the occasional bad photo/video)?

What's Your Dream Job?

When I was in third grade, I was in a performance called “When I Grow Up….” and while I’d like to say that I got to pick my ensemble for the concert (which at the time would have been a glamorous movie star with a big feather boa and sparkly jewelry….okay who am I kidding, I’d love that right now), I had to go on as a cowgirl.

A COWGIRL in the early 90s (no offense Lori)?!?! That was by no means my dream. EVER. I’m a VEGETARIAN. Whatever that means…

Fast forward to the early 2000s and for years I knew exactly what my dream job was – to open up a center for abused and neglected women in El Salvador. For years I had read horrible article after horrible article about the conditions for women in that country. It pained me. But as I dived deeper into my research and read more and more about the instability of the nation, I got discouraged. I doubted my ability to make a worthwhile impact, so I localized my efforts, and sought ways to improve the lives of women in  my own community. I began my career in the public relations field doing pro-bono projects at the Women’s Resource Center.

Since then I’ve had a number incredible challenges and unbelievable opportunities. I’ve been the face of major brands, I’ve launched national campaigns, I’ve toured with bands, I’ve worked with celebrities, I drove national campaigns to support our nation’s abused and neglected children. I guess I “grew up.”

But after a conversation a few weeks ago with my friend, Jeff Pulver, it got me back to my early hopeless romantic/save the world college mindset. It got me singing the songs from the concert in third grade.

When I grow up I wanna be, the very best that I can be.

To do the jobs that have to be done, and to do it well and have lots of fun!

I know in order to be happy at work, I have to be making a difference or impact the lives of others. And knowing that, I’ve never worked for a company that did not have a philanthropic tie or nonprofit account. I’ve been so fortunate, and what’s even better is I’ve had FUN doing it.

But, it got me thinking. What makes my friends happy? When they dream about work, what do they dream about? So, I sent out a survey to 100 folks asking them three questions: What’s most important to you at work, what is your current employment status, and what is your dream job.

The answers blew me away.

70.4 percent said what kind of work they do is most important

29.6 percent are employed and happy (and/or not seeking)!

But the absolute best (as you may have expected), was the open-ended response for “What is your dream job?” This is raw, and I’m giving it all to you. It’s just TOO good, so scroll through if you will (I’ve highlighted the ones that caught my eye, whether that’s for their passion, hope, hopelessness, or humor). Please keep in mind some of my friends cannot spell, but that doesn’t mean they don’t dream. :) Enjoy.

1.Something equal parts challenging and rewarding, making enough to make how much I’m making not an issue, working with people who respect me, in a field I find interesting. Something with numbers and maybe some students.

2.Film director. Filming my stories and visions into reality- having the masses be changed and evolved by them. And to paint- oil on canvas

3.My dream job is work somewhere with experienced professionals that I can grow from and will challenge me intellectually and get my creative juices flowing!

4. Be a mom.

5.Writing for a fashion mag

6.The person who creates television show microsites, like Lost’s Oceanic 815.

7.Multiple Interesting challenges on a daily basis. Working in a collegial family friendly environment. Good life work balance. growth job/growth or stable industry. Light travel. Telecommuting

8.Genetics research

9.Matchmaker

10.My dream job would include part challenge, part innovation, part research, part teaching. Definitely have flexi time and work from home option.

11.A job in a field i love, with great people. I’m appreciated and I consistantly have new challenges. I’m busy but I still have time for my personnal life.

12.To be a stay at home mom to my daughters.

13.Lawyer

14.My dream job involves using my brain and creativity to solve complex problems. Oh, and a pat on the back for a job well done from time to time.

15.Something easy with nice pay….of course! :)

16.Doing the work I do now, but working with supportive people and making enough money to not have to keep my student loans in forbearance.

17.My dream job would be to balance my time between film and theater, without excluding rare quality television appearences. I would like to star/co-star/have juicy supporting roles in darkly funny and quirky independent movies with incredible scripts, supportive and intellectually curious casts and genius directors. I would like to to star/co-star/have juicy supporting roles in intelligent and funny plays on Broadway, Off-Broadway and regional theater.

18.I enjoy helping people find their strengths and learn to apply them in a work setting to improve their overall job satisfaction. I can do that many ways. Mostly I do that as a summer camp director where I hire and supervise 130 young people each summer.

19.I enjoy helping people find their strengths and learn to apply them in a work setting to improve their overall job satisfaction. I can do that many ways. Mostly I do that as a summer camp director where I hire and supervise 130 young people each summer.

20.Writing for movies and TV

21.I’ve worked in IT for 12 years. My dream job would be to do something where I can be creative, even tho in general I’m not, and not to bake under florescent lighting every day!

22.Self sufficient fine artist

23.WWW.AskaNewYorker.com is my dream job

24.My dream job is truly working for myself, where my income is determined by the amount and quality of work I do and by the quality of my relationships. It’s about control and choosing your environment.

25.One that would utilize my talents, allow me to stand out, and make a difference

26.Being able to create what i want, for who i want, when i want.

27.it’s all about the environment and people for me. commraderie, partnership, accountability, goals alignment, rewards for work well done not just political savvy.

28.Ideal “dream job” would incorporate all of the following: 1. Being able to work from home 2. 10 to 20 percent travel (domestic & international) 3. Makes use of my skills including foreign languages 4. Great co-workers – we can work together remotely 5. Open communications with everyone I work with 6. Decent money (of course)

29.Creative work highlighting real issues that face us

30.Consultant/Coach; helping others while still having time to do things for me.

31.idea maker

32.continue to connect with ideas and people.

33.Working for a tech charity – I really enjoy working in the public sector. I want to work with cutting edge technology and connect with influential people and be influential. I want to work for an ethical company. I want most of my job to be non-admin and working directly with people, bringing a positive difference into people’s lives.

34.one where i’m appreciated, able to work hard, be challenged, help others, work with non-idiots, compensated appropriately, and where i can where my tiny nose stud :-)

35.I do have it – I own a marketing agency and also do consulting on the side. I love working for myself and being able to fulfill my own ambitions with my company.

36.Director of non-profit

37.A balance of serving my stakeholders, doing passionate work, giving back to the community, a solid work/life balance and just a bit more money than I need…am I being too picky?

38.outdoor industry, working with eco-conscious people, doing work to help the environment or help people get active outdoors.

39.I have two:
1. Run my own non-profit
2. Travel writer

40.Being my own boss for a company that helps women achieve greater levels of success.

41.A PR agency in Chicago- so long as I have fun and it’s enough to help me support myself and the people I need to support.

42.My dream job is to travel the world; writing and photographing my life and experiences and living off my reputation as a talented and brilliant writer.

43.Unlimited budget, lots of creative flow and a good salary.

44.Working in house for an exciting and interesting consumer tech brand, something related to music.

45.Freelancing as a book designer/layout artist

46.Right now I am focused in the technology industry, but would rather move into the wine and/or travel industry. Something that is closer to my interests and what I could get more passionate about.

47.It’s in a company where i can have discussions with high level of complexity and importance, receive a great pay, and allows me to have a personal life after normal work hours most time of the year.

48.One where I feel like I am making a positive difference in the world and not just shoveling papers. One where I feel satisfaction and not burn out.

49.To help give a voice and public presence/awareness online and in future communication technologies to individuals, companies or businesses looking to make the world better

50.A publicity or event coordinator for a creative company or projects, with an entertainment and good-will aspect

51.Direct and edit films. and be a a teacher or counselor at a high school or college

52.Working at a mid sized PR firm that loves non profit clients, music, sun, and family.

53.It doesn’t exist. Not in this world.

54.connecting brands to consumers via integrated campaigns utilizing multiple platforms including social media, events and PR.

55.I would like to work in the sports industry as a public relations consultant.

56.My dream job would be to do PR for either the Yankees or MTV.

57.i very nearly have my dream job. i’m an interactive designer in higher education. my coworkers are terrific and my day-to-day is challenging in a great way.

58.Sports Public Relations & Media

59.i DO NOT have it
A job that provides a good balance of structure and creativity– gives me tools to better myself professionally and the flexibility to learn from my failures. One that is in the marketing space and politics are not affecting me directly (of course they will always be there..)

Actually. now that I am typing this. I want to coach softball for a comfortable amount of money.

60.I currently have my dream job. I have long-term clients who trust me to fulfill their strategies without micro-managing my time. I get to speak with people all over the country, hear their opinions, and produce relevant copy from it.

61.At this point in my life, I absolutely have my dream job. I work with an amazing agency doing social media monitoring and measurement, and I LOVE it! Measurement is my passion, and I get to work on it every single day. No two days are the same, and yes, I have some monotonous tasks, but I have ownership over some projects and that makes me understand the big picture. And that makes all the silly little tasks worthwhile.

62.Working for a company I believe in and succeeding in making an impact on society.

63.Working in PR, managng clients, planning events and managing others

64.A place where I get to write all day long, *and* play with technology. And I’ve got it :)

65.Great team, creative environment, great clients, travel, challenging/thought-provoking work, ethically centered, well paying

66.Proofreading or editing fiction. Helping to shape books is my dream.

67.Working hard where the work directly affects your personal success. Never repetitious, fun and engaging atmosphere and always challenging.

68.Male hand model.

69.Hitman

70.Allows me the opportunity to succeed and grow in directions that fulfill/interest me, with a paycheck reasonable enough to live on!

71.Leading a branding team where holistic marketing is the focus for a consumer brand.

72.I can see myself either writing or working an animal shelter.

73.To do something I love with people that make me laugh.

74.I’m pretty close — wish I could demonstrate more

75.A collaborative laid back job where I get to blog about TV all day long.

76.hearing or seeing the “thank you” in peoples reaction to what i do. be it a technological experience, a good meal or a work of art.

77.to own a business and not have a boss

78.My dream job involves being a leader, creative, and able to work on my own time.

Unfreakingbelievable. The answer got me thinking.  What new adventures can I take to make sure that I’m living my life the best that I possibly can? Am I really spending time to think about my dream? And am I living up to those standards? Why can’t I open a resource center in El Salvador or be a movie star, if that’s still my dream?

Evangelize the Ambassador, Not the Brand

As a community manager for major brands, I am constantly reevaluating my community approach.

How am I disseminating messages to the audience? What value am I providing for the community? Am I broadcasting my message points? Am I listening and actively (and appropriately) engaging in conversation? Am I welcoming? Am I receptive to criticism and feedback? Am I reacting without thinking?

I’ve had this conversation with a number of colleagues and peers in the social marketing space.  Community management isn’t about the brand, it’s about the community. It’s nurturing their needs, and reinventing your product/service to fit into their life.  What brands are doing that for you? What brand is paying attention to your needs and changing their approach to make it specific for you?

Lemme tell you a lil’ story about a brand who listened to me. Ahem.

Back in June I took a trip down to Phoenix to visit my best friend Mary. Now this may come as a surprise to you, but Seattle does not have Dunkin’ Donuts, and I have to tell you I am a bit fanatical about DD coffee. I mean, I LOVE it, and being the best friend that Mary is she took me straight from the airport to pick up a welcome cup of piping hot coffee.

When we got to the door we saw a plastered sign declaring that very day as “Free Donut Day,” and while I don’t like donuts, that’s something I can certainly back. So I flew open the door and darted inside to find there were no donuts (which as you might imagine makes donut day a lot less appealing). So, I did what any normal person would do to a brand they unconditionally love (but are really really disappointed with). I tweeted with contempt.

JessicaRandazza: “Dear @DunkinDonuts, FOR SHAME! No donuts left on FREE DONUT DAY. So sad I even left without coffee! With an empty heart and stomach, Jess”

Now, I’ve been talking to my boys at DD for quite sometime, telling them how much I love them and such, but I really was mad at them. And let me remind you: I don’t like donuts.  But I was disappointed in a brand that I love, and assumed they would adhere to that high level of expectations that I set. And less than three minutes later, they changed my anger back to love.

Direct Message from DunkinDonuts: Jess, Sorry to hear that you’re upset and know you love coffee. Can we send you some on us? Need a mailing address, and again, apologies.

*SWOON* Out of all the complaints they receive, and the number of folks they communicate they know I love coffee?! They listened. They made it about me. They paid attention to me. And for that reason, there isn’t a week that goes by that I don’t have a their coffee (I may or may not have moved to New York just so I could have it readily available).

To me, that’s what it’s all about. Listening and remembering what is important to your network. To quote Gary Vaynerchuk, it’s all about “Care.”

How are you taking care of your network ? Are you listening to their needs and adjusting accordingly? What experiences have you had with brands to make you a fan/hater?

Stepping Outside the (Marketing) Bucket

Having a background in social marketing and public relations (and a genuine passion), I find myself more often than not surround by like minds working in like spaces. As I mentioned, I know a lot of really incredible people in the space that encourage development and growth to stay passionate. I love the space I’m in and the people I know. Love it.

And while my close friends and family don’t work in the space, they’ve been around long enough to know every little detail of what my career entails, so they get it. And what’s even cooler, is they ask questions. They’re interested. Because they love me. Love it.

Earlier this month I moved in to an apartment with a guy who works in finance and a girl who is an HIV researcher (which my mom is, as well, just FYI) and are in no way connected with my space.  And in a conversation to explain what I do, I realized I was coming off affronted and gruff when I thought, “How can they like, honestly not get it?” Ew, Jessica, ew. Bad form.

The more I got to thinking about it, the more I liked the idea of living in a social media/marketing/PR free zone. It’s a chance to step outside my marketing silo….

Silo or bucket...whatever.

…and experience new and interesting things. And I believe it may be exactly what I need to keep my thoughts fresh. I may even look for additional opportunities outside of my marketing network friends….maybe join a design group through Mood? Or become more active with my yoga friends? I absolutely love the idea of it!

What about you? What do you do to make sure you’re still connected with the world outside your network?

Craigslist, I <3 You (most of the time)

I’ll admit, I’m mostly a Craigslist hater. It just always seemed so shady, and every experience whether it was selling furniture (like my bed which is probably one of the saddest stories you’ve ever heard so I’ll spare you the details) or looking for roommates, it was just always….well subpar.

When I moved to New York, I was absolutely overwhelmed with the idea of scoping out an apartment on foot, I could certainly get a sense of what neighborhoods that I thought would fit, but to find something in my price range, with roommates (believe it or not I actually want roommates), and with the amenities that I need would be hard without asking Craig what was up. So after responding to more than 50 postings (which is probably underestimating) and looking at 15 of those locations, Craigslist was making it’s way over to my own _____ list. So overwhelming, so unfun, and so discouraging. But I kept looking, hoping Craig would prove me wrong. I accepted the price tags, the size, the potential grocery store hassle. I tried to keep an open mind, which I think is required for Craigslisting.

Yesterday I schedule appointments with 4 apartments, and after the first viewing (of an apartment that looked like it came straight out of the scariest episode of CSI you’ve EVER seen) I wanted to cry. But, I heading to the second viewing in the East Village. And that’s where Craig threw me a curveball and I found it, perfection.

A gem in the East Village, with great facilities, incredible roommates who are working really cool jobs, and Susan (my cat) friendly! Total win. I move in Feb 1, and I’ll be compiling a housewarming list of items for you viewing/purchasing pleasure. Justttttt kidding.

Anyway, I’m sorry, Craig, for being such a cynic. I’ll keep you in mind, because it looks like I’m going to need new furniture.

What about you, good/bad Craigslist experiences? Is there another service you use to sell/buy your stuff online?