Pay Attention - This Is Important

Web Wandering Wednesdays

As you know, I'm a regular reader of Cup of Joe, Joanna Goddard's blog. I had to share her very inspiring post that included cooking, great photography, wine and what seemed to be, good company. All the important things in life right?! According to Joanna's post, photographer Karen Mordechai invites people into (what looks like) her amazing home to cook a fantastic meal led by a chef. I scrolled through the post to find a fellow Skidmore Grad (go liberal arts!) who started the delicious artisan ice cream truck Van Leeuwen seen here with his wife and business partner. I don't remember him from school but it's always inspiring to hear about someone from my college who paved their own way and took an interesting path. For more photos and the full blog post about the event, check out Joanna and Karen's blog and hopefully it will give you some ideas for Memorial Day celebration fare.

via Cup of Joe

via Karen Mordechai's blog Sunday Suppers

New York City Guide to Surviving Unemployment

Many people have been wondering what I've been up to since my position was eliminated. They've wondered why I've been so busy. So I tell them that job searching is a full time gig and the most effective ways to get leads is to network. The last time I was unemployed, I wasted so much time blindly sending off resumes only to finally get a full time job from a random connection. Attending networking events is not only more effective but keeps my spirits up. On top of that, many of us are capable of paving our own way and providing skills that we already have on a freelance basis. I can't tell you how many casual bloggers turned "pros" I've met that now work or run their own sites. Or marketers with only a few years of experience now consulting in how to effectively integrate social media.. or PR gurus who are in demand..

In this economy, you'll be ahead of the game doing all these things while employed, giving you the opportunity to stay on top of industry trends, meet new people and potential hires (hello recruiting bonus!) and.. learn something new!

Networking 101

Join an industry organization. But don't just join it - attend the events, get involved, and join a committee within the organization. 
   - I joined AWNY last December, was invited into their Marketing Committee and became a mentor of social media, new technology, etc. for one of their well respected members. I also have a mentor and am co-chairing an event tonight! So I've made quality connections and because I've made myself visible, people will hopefully put a face to my name. 

Not all networking takes place at Happy Hour.
   - For the past two years, I somehow found myself on the mailing list for likemind. I vowed to attend one of the 8am coffee hours but once the date rolled around and the clock struck 6am, I rolled back to sleep. Last Friday, I finally ignored my "resistance" and took the faithful F train all the way down to West 4th Street where I met an incredibly interesting group. There were photographers, social media experts, an art director/pattern maker turned website editor, model turned writer turned product developer and the list continues. In fact, one of the attendees was someone I had seen ask Seth Godin a question during his Linchpin book signing last winter. She declared she wanted to be an Account Planner (of all professions!) but didn't know where to start. He advised to her gather a team and work over the weekends, to which me and my neighbor promptly raised our hands. Hmmm.

Go to an event/party by yourself. 
   - Yes, meeting strangers can be exhausting, but you're more likely to make connections if you're forced to.

Anytime you're invited to a party, book signing, gallery opening, talk, etc. GO. 
   - You can always go to the gym another time cause you're never going to lose those 5 pounds anyway. The worst that can happen is that it sucks and you leave. The best that can happen is that you meet your future employer, lover, best friend or great idea.

Be open minded. 
   - So you happen to have an MBA, are working but not satisfied in your job. Go to the next NY Tech Meetup and you'll surely meet startups looking for financial advice. You have your JD but can't find a job without experience -  go to an entrepreneurial Meetup. And the world is your oyster.

The nitty gritty.
   -  Get your elevator speech down pat. Can you describe what you currently do and what you want to do in one punchy, positive, clear statement?
   - Read, read, read. I have a (rational) fear of awkward silences. Fortunately, I read the NY Times most popular stories, various websites on technology, marketing, advertising, etc. so I can shoot the shit on basically any current topic. Thus, I am able to make connections, keep up with the conversation or lead it into an interesting place if things go stale. When all else fails, politely shake their hand, get their card (if interested) and head to the bar for another drink.

Any other tips? Please add comments!

Targeted Ads

The Buzz on the series finale of Lost is all about the Target ads.

New York Times Connections

Aw, I went to high school with this guy... Super cool dude and his (now) wife is very sweet. Of course ran into them at a bar a few years ago.

And supposedly went to college with this girl although I'm not sure I knew her. Weird how that works. On top of that, ran into my ex boyfriend's friend today and some guy I went to college with. Just a typical day in NYC. Hmmm.

In other news, I went to a party in Williamsburg that ended up being really cool. I met some new and interesting people. Both girls told me the story of how they met their husbands/fiance and in both cases, they strayed off their beaten path and did something they wouldn't normally do. One went to a bar she normally wouldn't have gone to- to watch the debates when she would have rather stayed home. And the other was set up on a blind date by a coworker - with a man who lived in a different city. So.. yeah, I've sort of been following this motto over the last few weeks in terms of networking, etc. but it's a good thing to reiterate. That yes - there's a time and place for staying in, watching a movie, working, etc. But if you have the opportunity to meet new people, go to a different neighborhood, hang out with different groups, etc. definitely go for it. Reschedule time with your good friends. I must say, they'll always be there.

Love,
Molly

Happy Friday

Well Hello there and Happy Friday! If you have managed to stalk me on Facebook or Twitter, you'd know that I'm at the Ace Hotel working right now. Great spot and I'll be back but it's getting a little too cold in here. So I thought I'd share some of my experiences as of late with you. It is becoming strongly apparent (again) that everything happens for a reason. These last few weeks have had their ups and downs but for the most part, I've met some amazing people and have been intellectually and creatively stimulated and moved. My bit of wisdom is to try new things and just get out of your apartment. When I was in a relationship and employed, I often chose sleep, movies and generally hibernating rather than going to events alone or meet ups that started at 8am! But since then, every event I've gone to has been a positive experience.

Case in point. Last night I went to a classical music performance at my church (St. Peter's) in Citicorp Center. I was invited by a talented composer whom I met at a bar 2 years ago. Thanks to Facebook, we have vaguely kept in touch. I went because it was in my church and hey, you never know. The performance - by The New York Chamber Virtuosi conducted by Jean-Pierre Schmitt was incredibly moving and I spent the first half tearing. My friend's piece is called The Adventures of the Blue Cat (timely) - a metaphor for life about discovering the world, losing ones way, seeking advice and then realizing the power to finding ones way is to channel inner strength and light.

After the concert, I spoke to some interesting people. There were tons of French women who were characters straight out of a movie. One was kind enough to let me photograph her. She was a beautiful (Upper East Side?) dame - jewelry designer with piercing blue eyes and a unique fashion sense. See picture below. Unfortunately not pictured, were the two 70+ year old women - either twins or sisters wearing semi-matching black and white outfits with each with a small Channel clutch - one black with white trim and one white with black trim. When I finally get back to writing my novel, I'll have to work these three in.

Letters to Juliette

Yeah.. I saw it. I spent this very rainy Tuesday running from place to place.. outside... Another pair of Aldo shoes has bitten the dust. Or rather... drowned. So at 5 when I finally returned home, I was slightly hesitant to leave my apartment again to meet up with a friend for a movie across town. I had gone out last night to a Music Unites Event. Awesomeness. And got home at 11:30ish, did not sleep a wink, then woke up at the crack of dawn to get to an AWNY 8am meeting. After the meeting, I spent a very productive morning working at V Bar on Sullivan. It's still by far my favorite work spot and worth the trip. Being in a quiet, open windowed café with classical music and great coffee definitely beats having Oscar nibble at my toes for attention. Speaking of, what's that I feel?!

Then headed up to Times Square to have lunch with the pops at Eatery. Hello Asian Chicken salad! Actually, everything on the menu looked amazing. Since I was in the area, I decided to check out a bead store I've been meaning to get to. Found a bunch of others. Bought some beads which I haven't done in about 5 years. Holy crap. I feel the passion for jewelry making. Now if only I had a little more room in my apartment and my schedule. Then went on a long, puddle filled journey to find a pair of Hunter Boots that ended in complete failure. Hence my drowned shoes. Bloomingdales had a pair of deep purple boots but I actually felt like it would clash with all the other purple in my wardrobe. And people would think, like.. er, I have an obsession with purple or something.

Oh.. so here we are! Back to the movie. It was totally cheesy. Just as expected. But completely delightful and just what I needed. Nothing like watching a movie that takes place in Tuscany, about finding love while sitting in a Times Square movie theater, as a recently single gal on a cold, rainy Tuesday. It reminded me what I really want in life again. Not that I needed reminding. Love. Sun. Good food. Wine. And Good conversation. To top things off, I found myself surrounded by a group of 20 or so young Italians while walking to the F train. I sign? Why yes. I would think so. Now the question is, can I find these things in New York City?

See visual journey of last two days below. 

Yeah, apparently they have a love/ hate relationship. No. not adorable at all.

Rachel Platten from the Music Unites concert at the Cooper Hotel. She's going to be a star.

And couple walking through Times Square today. I got nothing. You?

NY Photo Festival 2010

These last few days have been crazy. Two 3amers in a row. Wow. I've still got it. Or something like that. Thursday night, after going to a low key AWNY networking event (Silent Auction), I went downtown to an end of law school party for Brooklyn Law. It was crazy. Packed. There was dancing. And drinking. And whiskey. Not in that order.

Friday, I spent all day working from home and recovering. I didn't even leave my apartment until 5 so I was a bit stir crazy. So when my friend suggested heading to Dumbo for a NY Photo Festival party, I was all over it. The photo parties I've gone to have been generally low key, involve cheap wine, well dressed and interesting looking people standing around talking. That's how the party started... Fast forward an hour and a half in and people started dancing. The DJ put on some seriously old school tunes - like Elvin, Marvin Gaye's "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" (my favorite) going back to 50's early rock. People of all ages- hipsters, attractive Dutchmen, older folks and even someone in a handicap scooter were rocking out. And then.. we did a conga line around PowerHouse Books. It was like an awesome, sweat inducing, wedding dance - a - thon. My kind of Friday night.

And one of my favorite moments of the night - upon arriving at the York Street station, this guy and I looked at each other, had a moment of recognition that we were both at the party, and laughed. Like we were both in on a secret and knew how special, crazy and unexpected the dance party turned out.

Don't Worry Ma, I Still Have My Sense of Humor

For the last few weeks, I have been trying to get my stuff back from my ex. I vaguely remembered leaving a Harry Potter book in an attempt to get him to read it (he didn't!!!) and especially wanting it back because it was my sister's book. But mostly, I forgot all about the other things. I wanted some sort of closure but who doesn't? So it was kind of annoying that it kept dragging on - and my friends asked, "Do you really need your stuff back?" To which I replied that that wasn't the point. It was the principal! Duh.

So this evening, the day had finally come when we were to meet. As I opened the bag (following 20 minutes of awkward conversation interrupted by Oscar's frequent attacks (I didn't train him, I swear!!)) - I realized... it was about my stuff! Well mostly... Stuff I totally forgot he had. Holy crap. I feel whole again as I leaf through my "150 Ways to Tell if You're Ghetto" book. I can now have a cathartic release watching old episodes of Sex and The City (yeah, he wouldn't watch those either). And realize that like the early history of New York City, my love life (and self) is constantly evolving but will eventually grow into something great. All the while asking myself One Hundred Questions so I can truly figure out who I am and what I want... Okay, so it did take a plate of penné allá vodka and glass of red wine to come to this happy conclusion. But c'est la vie.

This Happened

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. It all goes back to that movie and the idea of genetic perfection. Just some Wednesday food for thought.

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.