1. Make a plan. I’ve always been fascinated by game shows, and why some people seem to be more successful than others. I watched tapings to try to analyze the different games. If only I was as smart as Michael Larson who won $110,237on a game show in 1984. The digital world consists of planning and strategizing for brands as well. Brands need to listen to the conversations about themselves before participating. Both game show contestants and brands can not afford to skip the planning stage.

To continue reading this post in its entirety, check out Ogilvy PR 360° Digital Influence Blog.

Moved to downtown Chicago – The days of an hour plus commute to work each way are a thing of the past as Michelle and I moved into a really nice high rise condo. We’re still putting the finishing touches on it, but it’s already starting to feel like home.

I got engaged – On June 26, I asked Michelle to marry me, she said yes! Since so many people are asking how the proposal went – I set up a private tour of the Chicago Theater and asked Michelle on stage. We don’t have a date picked out yet, but we’re aiming for next summer.

A new position – Next week I start a new position with Ogilvy PR’s 360 Degree Digital Influence Practice. It’s an exciting opportunity with a very prestigious company. I am really grateful for all my previous opportunities – the positions I’ve held and the people I’ve met – as they have led me to this point.

There’s my life in a nutshell. I can’t wait to see where the road continues to lead me.

Links to social media are everywhere. From branded merchandise to bathroom stalls to restaurant receipts. Where is the most creative or unusual place you have seen a brand advertise their social media presence?

Despite signs of economic recovery, the unemployment rate in the United States is still alarmingly high. This recession has been especially tough on the budding careers of generation Y, including me. However, I’ve been fortunate enough to secure freelance work during my job search, and recommend the same to all of my fellow young professionals, regardless of employment status.

Pros and cons associated with freelancing:

Avoid resume gaps: A large gap in your work history can signal a red flag to perspective employers. You may have a reasonable excuse, such as a lengthy job search, but hiring mangers might interpret it as a lack of commitment, and move your resume to the bottom of the pile.  Freelance projects solve this problem. If you can’t find paid work, consider volunteering with a professional association or non-profit; preferably in a leadership role.

Sharpen your skills: For those not in the midst of a job hunt, freelance work offers an opportunity to build on the skill sets needed for success in your current position. For example, public relations professionals must be strong writers, so why not seek a part-time gig with a local magazine?

Networking opportunities: Successful freelance projects not only open the door to more contracts, but also could lead to full-time opportunities. Be sure to maintain a professional demeanor at all times, and never let your work ethic slip.

Irregular paychecks: Freelancers are usually paid an hourly wage or per-project rate, thus creating a fluctuating income that’s difficult to budget for.  My number one advice is to resist the temptation to splurge during good months, as you never know when the work will dry up.

No paychecks at all: The Wall Street Journal estimated that 40% of freelancers struggled to collect payment from clients in 2009. Independent contractors aren’t protected by most federal employment laws, forcing some to resort to small claims court (an expensive process that doesn’t guarantee you’ll actually be paid). Experts suggest including all terms of payment in your written contract, and performing ample research on potential clients.

Tips for landing freelance work:

Maintain a personal blog: This is a no-brainer. A blog provides a platform to display a portfolio of your previous work, and demonstrate your communications skills and web savvy. Promote your blog like an actual business by learning the in and outs of important marketing tools, e.g. Google Analtyics.

Online sources: There are hundreds, if not thousands, of blogs out there offering valuable advice for freelancers, from marketing yourself, to increasing productivity. I recommend FreelanceSwitch and WebWorkerDaily.

If you’d like to learn more about my experience as a freelancer, feel free to contact me at info@andrewillis.com.

And it’s a hit, especially among teens.

Twenty-five percent of the sites visitors are under the age of 18. The site has averaged over 1 million teen visitors for the past two months (according to Nielson). More specifically twice as many teenage girls than boys are using the site.

Why the teenage obsession?

Social skills are developed at different stages for everyone, but the bottom line is interpersonal skills are not required to sit behind a computer and ask goofy or serious questions.

Want to ask me a question? E-mail or Tweet me - but if you really want to, you can ask me a question on Formspring.

Below is  an e-mail from Treasure Island in Las Vegas. The e-mail says I can come in and receive ZERO dollars in FREE SLOT PLAY if I’m not staying at Treasure Island.

They haven’t sent out a new e-mail yet to acknowledge the mistake and entice me even more to come in.

Put all these together and you have one hot internet trend – deals of the day Web sites. Some are the Web sites only offer deals in major U.S. cities, others are internet based.

• Groupon.com
• BuyWithMe.com
• LivingSocial.com
• Woot.com

All of the above Web sites utilize deals of the day. They each also utilize social media to promote their deals. You can also find these deals on coupon blogger Web sites.

How long will these sites remain hot?

Before we know it every single item will be linked to a QR code that consumers will scan and be alerted of the bottom line price and where else they can find the item (both online & in person).

…Just a thought.

More info to come in a future post about my thoughts and experiences about both sides…

1)      Have a Plan – It’s important to have a plan. What do you want to do and how do you plan on getting a new position? Research salary averages and best places to live.

2)      Network, Network, Network – This should be an obvious. Reach out to leadership of local industry organizations in your new city. Tell them the type of position you seek and inquire about who are the best people to talk to. End all e-mails/phone calls thanking the other person for their time. Don’t forget to let them know you appreciate their confidentiality because of your position.

2b.)   Online Networking – Use Twitter & LinkedIn to find connections at your new city as well as companies you would like to be employed at.

3)      Informational Interviews – Once you’ve made those connections, fly to your destination to meet potential employers or mentors in person. Chances are you already have trips planned to your future relocation city for another reason. Use this time wisely.

4)      Paid Time Off – Save up your vacation/sick days. You never know when you will need to take a long weekend or a turnaround flight to meet for an interview.

5)      Timing – If you know you’re going to relocate in August; don’t wait until July to start looking for a job. It could take you two weeks to find a new position or it could take nine months. You never know. Start looking for a new position as soon as you’re certain relocation is a necessity.

6)      Expenses – You might not like to hear this, but offer to relocate at your own expense. This will help a potential employer make the decision easier if it comes down to you and a local candidate.

If you have any detailed questions or want to discuss a relocation strategy, feel free to contact me at brian@theprpractitioner.com.

Transitioning from intern to a full-time professional can be tough. As I’ve preached many times on this blog before, it’s all about the progress you make. Entry-level employees aren’t expected to be perfect, but you should always strive to learn, grow and develop your skill set. Unfortunately new employees often forget that and sometimes act like they know everything. Don’t do that. It will only set you back.

Enjoy the article.