by Angela Copeland | Oct 13, 2013 | Advice, Business Cards
In an earlier post, I mentioned the importance of business cards. This is a point that can’t be overstated, so I want to touch on it again. Business cards are an essential part of your job search process. Not having a job is no excuse for not having a business card.
One of the most important steps to finding a new job is to network. Successful networking involves meeting new people, and meeting new people involves exchanging contact information. It is far more embarrassing to write your name and phone number on a napkin at a bar (for a potential employer) than to hand them a crisp, new, custom business card.
The card can be simple. If you’re out of work or thinking of switching careers, start with the following:
- Your name
- Your phone number
- Your e-mail address
You can also add your address, your website’s URL, or your job title (“marketing consultant” for example). Some people even create a personal logo, although I would caution you to not use too many graphics or too much color unless you have a design background. The last thing that you want is a completely homemade looking card.
Once you have an idea of what you want your card to look like, log onto one of the many sites where you can order business cards. A few that I have tried in the past are GotPrint.com, VistaPrint.com, and FedEx.com.
Even nice cards should cost you less than $50. This is more than worth the investment when it comes to finding your next job. Some sites (Vista Print in particular) offer an option to print cards for free. If you print free cards, Vista Print will put their website on the back or bottom of your card. I would encourage you to try to pull together the $50 to pay for premium cards at Vista Print or one of the other sites. They look more professional and minimize the chances that you’re going to look either inexperienced or desperate for a new job.
Once you have your business cards, TAKE THEM WITH YOU. Everywhere. Do not leave home without them. Ever. I keep business cards in my purse, my car, my wallet, my jacket, and any other place with a pocket. I don’t ever want to miss a networking opportunity, and if you are looking for a job, neither should you.
Last but not least, don’t forget to give your business cards away. Don’t be shy. That’s what they’re for. Most people will give you theirs in return. And if they don’t, it’s probably because they don’t have one and are too embarrassed to write their phone number on a napkin.
by Angela Copeland | Oct 12, 2013 | Networking
Financial planners Douglas and Associates are hosting a young professionals fall social at Grawemeyer’s. The event will be a little different than most I’ve seen as they are volunteering to take professional photos of attendees – for free.
Here are the details: Meet other young professionals from the metro area at this seasonal social sponsored by Douglas & Associates. We will help you improve your professional image with the opportunity to update your head shots with photos taken by our professional photographer as a thanks for attending this event at no cost. This event provides an opportunity to meet other professionals in the Memphis area and network in a great environment. Come out and meet your peers!
- What: Young Professionals Fall Social with Douglas & Associates
- When: Thursday, October 17th at 4:30 PM
- Where: Grawemeyer’s, 520 South Main Street, Memphis
To register for this event, visit their invitation on Eventbrite here.
by Angela Copeland | Oct 11, 2013 | Job Posting
Here’s another great Memphis job posting that I couldn’t resist sharing with you. It’s for a Director of Brand Management at Hampton Inn. Hampton is part of the Hilton brand, and they have offices not far from I-240 and Poplar in East Memphis.
The job description describes the role as: The Director of Brand Marketing will be responsible for stewarding the brand identity of the Hampton brand globally for two thousand (2,000) hotels and for managing the strategy and execution of all Hampton Brand marketing, public relations, social media strategies and initiatives from media planning and/or selection of creative execution to drive revenue, market share and build brand loyalty with existing audiences and to cultivate new and/or emerging traveler segments. The Team Member will manage the global Hampton brand architecture and brand identity guidelines and will be responsible for ensuring adherence to Hampton brand standards across all hotels and team members globally.
It says they are looking for someone with integrated marketing strategy and campaign management experience, including brand marketing, advertising and agency, online marketing experience.
If you’re interested to learn more or to apply, visit their website here.
by Angela Copeland | Oct 10, 2013 | Job Posting
I received an e-mail this week asking me to share another great job here in Memphis. Methodist Healthcare is looking for a web/UI/UX designer for their web team. The position is responsible for design and user experience on all of our sites, primarily www.MethodistHealth.org, www.LeBonheur.org and their intranet. Experience with Responsive Web Design and Mobile First is important.
Here’s more information from their posting. To apply online, visit their site here.
JOB SUMMARY:
- Responsible for designing, optimizing graphics for the Web and coding HTML/CSS for MLH Web sites or Web application UI to match the customer’s needs and effectively communicate the ideas being promoted while maintaining consistency with MLH and Le Bonheur brands. Models appropriate behavior as exemplified in The Methodist Mission, Vision and Values.
EDUCATION/TRAINING REQUIRED:
- Bachelor’s degree in Web Design, Graphic Design, Interaction Design or related field.
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
- Three to five years experience in Web design, to include strong web design background/portfolio.
- Strong skills in HTML/CSS and Photoshop, including optimizing graphics for the Web.
- Strong knowledge of UI/UX (User Interface and User Experience) best practices.
- Experience with AJAX/JQuery.
- Experience with cross-browser testing.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills for the purpose of designing sites according to customers’ needs.
- Ability to work well in a fast paced environment with tight deadlines.
- Strong attention to detail.
by Angela Copeland | Oct 9, 2013 | Networking
The Memphis Urban League of Young Professionals is presenting a workshop on creating personal wealth you should consider checking out. The discussion will be led by finance industry veteran, Al Pickett.
Here’s the description from the MULYP Facebook page.
Be part of a rich, diverse network of peers working toward creating an energetic and dynamic environment of learning, networking and entrepreneurship. Financial planning success can indeed be attained as a young professional by cultivating and practicing disciplined financial planning habits to achieve near-term and future goals. Join us for a discussion led by Al Pickett, a veteran of the real estate finance industry. At the age of twenty-four he purchased his first company in a strategic buyout. Through interruptive marketing and advertising campaigns, he was able to attract clients and build a trustworthy company brand recognized throughout the community.
- What: Be Your Own Boss – YPs Guide to Creating Wealth
- When: Thursday, October 17th at 6:00 PM
- Where: 413 N. Cleveland, Memphis, TN
by Angela Copeland | Sep 7, 2013 | Networking
YPConnect is hosting their monthly networking opportunity. It’s for Memphis Young Professionals, and will be held at the Marriott Memphis East.
Details are below. Be sure to bring your business cards!
Who: Memphis young professionals
What: YPConnect monthly networking mixer
When: Tuesday, September 10, 6-9 PM
Where: Marriott Memphis East Hotel, 5795 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN
Invitation: View the invitation on Facebook here.
by Angela Copeland | Sep 7, 2013 | Job Posting
Here’s an opportunity to work at Lokion Interactive in Downtown Memphis. They are looking for a Java Developer.
The description says the Java Developer is responsible for creation of applications or parts of applications as directed by the project’s technical lead or project manager. This may also include other aspects of application development such as application deployment and configuration, database tuning and creation, or any other related activity that is necessary to the project’s successful completion.
I’m a fan of the team at Lokion. I would definitely check this out if you are a developer. They also mention that they’re open to developers looking to advance their skillset further.
To read the entire posting, visit their website here.
by Angela Copeland | Sep 6, 2013 | Job Posting
I found an opportunity today that may be of interest to those in Memphis. It’s for a business solutions director position at ServiceMaster.
The description says they are looking for someone who directs the design, development and implementation of business solutions that improve the end-to-end customer experience. Oversees solution testing and support for current and future business delivery models. Directs and manages the functional support for business systems. Partners with enterprise IT resources to develop and implement solutions to facilitate delivery of overall business strategy.
They are looking for someone with technology, project management, and management experience. To learn more, visit their website here.
by Angela Copeland | Sep 3, 2013 | Job Posting
I came across an interesting posting today that you should check out if you have an interest in teaching. Tutor for Good is looking for online tutors to teach struggling students. They have both a paid and volunteer position listed on their website. The volunteer position would be great for someone between jobs, who has not yet found exactly what they’re looking for. It would be a great resume builder for a good cause.
Here’s information about Tutor for Good, from their website:
Tutor for Good is a project of Felicity Motivational Group (FMG), a nationally recognized non-profit organization and the premier source for educational services. We provide free online tutoring to students, regardless of location. T4G is dedicated to providing students with free online tutoring while fulfilling FMG’s mission of informing minds, transforming health, and changing lives(TM).
To check out these postings, visit their website here.
by Angela Copeland | Sep 2, 2013 | Career Fair, Elevator Pitch, Networking
The National Black MBA Association is holding their annual conference in Houston, Texas this year September 10th-14th. If there’s any chance you will be in the area, I encourage you to go.
Although the entire conference is quite expensive, you can purchase a ticket to just the career fair at a greatly reduced rate. Even if you aren’t a NBMBAA member, they would love to have you. I’ve attended this fair before and found it very helpful.
Hundreds of large employers recruit at this event every year. Below is an awesome photo of their career fair in action. Just seeing it makes my heart beat with anticipation. I hope you’ll check it out.
To learn more, or to purchase your ticket, click here to visit their website.
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