5 Ways to Advance Your Career with Innovation

The familiar refrain "reinvent yourself" has never been more sound for those in search of career advancement today. Fortunately for the CIO, reinvention is a relatively easy thing to do given the innovations IT wields every day. It's a matter of looking at those technologies differently and seeing them as much as a means to promote professional achievement as they are to improve the company's efficiencies and profitability.

"It has never been easier for CIOs to be viewed as thought leaders in their respective industries and move from positions of relative obscurity to highly desirable," said Nicholas Kinports, Digital Innovation manager at Maddock Douglas, an innovation initiatives firm with a client list that includes 20 percent of the top 100 global brands.

There are as many ways to use technologies to build your visibility, credibility and promotability as there are technologies. But here are five ways to get you started while you think of other creative means to highlight your work and build your personal brand:

Get social - Social media allows you to come out of the data center and face your public. It is the surest way of building your professional brand and name recognition. It is the first step to being publicly recognized for a job well done. "As CIOs move to implement innovative social technologies they should be aware of opportunities to self-invest through social networks, blogs and micro blogs, speaking opportunities and communities," advises Kinports.

One good example of a CIO that has used social media effectively is...

Read the full article on CIO Update

Nick Kinports (follow him on Twitter @ADMAVEN) has worked in the interactive technology world for over 15 years, and helps the Fortune 100 identify unmet consumer needs, create ideas to fill those needs, and bring them into market. He currently works at Maddock Douglas.

Chicago Tonight Hosts ADMAVEN on Social Media in the Job Hunt

Chicago Tonight recently aired a segment in which I discuss finding a job using social networking, as well as the bigger picture of personal branding and how candidates appear to potential employers. My thanks to Phil Ponce and the rest of the Chicago Tonight team for having me on the segment. Be sure to read other employment resources from ADMAVEN linked below the video.

For more on this subject, read the following articles from ADMAVEN:

Controlling Google Search Results Essential For Job Seekers

Personal Branding Wars: Does Your Company Already Claim a Stake in Your Personal Twitter, Facebook, or Blog?

Facebook Forces Millions To Consider Personal Branding

Chicago Recruiter Roundup - Land That Next Big Ad Agency Job

YPC Blog: The Importance of Differentiation

YPC Blog: The Importance of Differentiation Part 2: Master Your Offline Brand

Interact With ADMAVEN on Twitter

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> Chicago Media Marketing & Advertising August Meetup at Saper Law

> Marcus Sakey: Social Media Marketing in the New World of Publishing

> Tweetsuits Multiply: Suing People For Tweets Going Mainstream

Personal Branding Wars: Does Your Company Already Claim a Stake in Your Personal Twitter, Facebook, or Blog?

Thanks to Daliah Saper for giving a great presentation at the Chicago Media Marketing and Advertising June Meetup. Check out the videos below for great advice on the legal implications of personal branding:

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Facebook Forces Millions To Consider Personal Branding

Whether you are a marketer or just a Facebook fanatic, the early morning hours of June 13th, 2009 forced you to seriously consider how you represent yourself online. Choosing a user name to replace the archaic and confusing identification URL is a one-shot opportunity - you can't make a change.


How did you choose your new Facebook URL? Did you find yourself considering how others will view your new identity? Perhaps you made some fundamental changes to your profile to be in line with your new URL. Share your story in the comments below using Twitter, Facebook, or standard DISQUS commenting. I will use some of the best comments in an upcoming article on how personal brands have jumped to the mainstream!

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> The Great Facebook Race: What It Means For Your Brand

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Chicago Recruiter Roundup - Land That Next Big Ad Agency Job

Nicholas Kinports (follow him on Twitter @ADMAVEN) has worked in the interactive technology world for over 15 years. He is the Digital Strategy Lead and founder of Chicago-based digital marketing firm lonelybrand, where he directs the creation and execution of digital marketing programs that generate measurable signups, conversions and sales.

The original version of this article was written due to the influx of bad news for the Chicago ad agency community - such as the 118 year old JWT office closing, then summarily announcing a limited staff would remain. As a result I thought I would compile a list of resources that I have found helpful in the past. Happy hunting!

ADMAVEN's Chicago Advertising, PR, Media, and Marketing Recruiter Roundup:

Be it advertising agency creative, account services, project management, public relations, media, client side marketing, or social media and community relations, these staffing and recruiting firms are your direct link to landing interviews in relevant industry communities. One of the first - and most important - steps you can take as a candidate is to schedule interviews with as many of them as possible!

DISCLOSURE:
I have personally visited each of the companies listed in this article. I have not been paid to endorse or support any company listed here. If you are looking for a job in advertising, these companies are one of your best starting points.

Aquent
500 West Madison, Suite 2600
Chicago, IL 60661
312.869.3000
Map it

Featuring a robust digital offering and specialized recruiters for Chicago interactive talent, Aquent represents a powerhouse in the Chicago market. Aquent also features placement outside of Chicago with offices in most major US cities and globally.

The Buzz Company
62 West Huron, 2nd Floor
Chicago, IL 60610
312.255.0808
Map it

A boutique agency with a personal touch, The Buzz Company has strong local connections with many advertising agencies. Buzz Co. specializes in creative talent but caters to all types of ad agency folk.

Creative Circle
233 North Michigan Ave., Suite 1960
Chicago, IL 60601
312.329.9990
Map it

With offices in Chicago and five other major US cities, Creative Circle takes a generalist approach to staffing ad agencies around the country. A good option for anyone looking to be placed in small to medium Chicago based agencies.

Creative Circle adds:
The recruiters who work here [Creative Circle] all come from an ad agency or marketing background so we understand this business and use our industry knowledge to make smart placements. We work with any type of client who has a marketing or advertising need; ranging from client service or marketing strategists to designers for all media and Flash developers.

The Creative Group
205 North Michigan Ave., Suite 3301
Chicago, IL 60601
Map it

Owned by Robert Half International, The Creative Group's reach extends beyond Chicago ad agencies. If you are also considering positions in the marketing departments of mid to large sized companies, The Creative Group may welcome your resume.

Digital People
55 West Monroe, Suite 2660
Chicago, IL 60603
312.606.9097
Map it

As the name suggests, Digital People is focused on new media and the creative/account talent that brings it to life. Offering training and other ancillary services to sharpen candidate competencies, Digital People can help hone your skills before that key interview.

H2 Agency, Inc.
601 South LaSalle, Suite 502
Chicago, IL 60605
312.427.0192
Map it

Everything about H2 Agency says boutique! Offering a personal touch, H2 seeks to place talent in a number of small to medium sized agencies in Chicago. If one on one is your preference, H2 is well suited to the task.

Lucas Group
230 West Monroe, Suite 850
Chicago, IL 60606
312.357.1160
Map it

Once focused primarily on Executive level recruiting, Lucas Group now works with ad agency talent as part of it's core business. Retaining close ties to many ancillary businesses, Lucas Group is a good fit for the candidate looking to branch out beyond advertising agencies.

Melinda Holm + Associates
7630 Madison
Forest Park, IL 60130
708.488.9701
Map it

Located outside the loop, Melinda Holm + Associates has a greater abundance of suburban agency clients. If the burbs aren't off limits you may want to give them a call!

Paladin Recruiting and Staffing
200 West Madison, Suite 1805
Chicago, IL 60606
Map it

Paladin staffs a wide variety of companies - from temporary to full time positions - including ad agencies. Paladin's "go the extra mile" mentality you give you confidence as you pursue that next big opportunity.

SmartDept. Inc.
309 West Washington, Suite 430
Chicago, IL 60606
312.284.1350
Map it

With a unique office and a unique ethos, SmartDept. consults with talent seeking a personalized approach to the job hunt. Offering positions at all levels and in a variety of boutique to large Chicago ad agencies, SmartDept. should be placed on your to-do list.

The Wunderland Group
200 West Jackson, Suite 1700
Chicago, IL 60606
312.506.8596
Map it

The personal touch is prevalent at The Wunderland Group. Based in Chicago and focused on the local market, Wunderland boasts 30 years of experience matching candidates to local creative (web and print), Marketing, Advertising, and PR companies.

Interact With ADMAVEN on Twitter

PEOPLE WHO READ THIS ARTICLE ALSO READ:

> YPC Blog: The Importance of Differentiation Part 2: Master Your Offline Brand

> YPC Blog: The Importance of Differentiation

> Chicago Media Marketing & Advertising April Meetup

YPC Blog: The Importance of Differentiation Part 2: Master Your Offline Brand

Nicholas Kinports (follow him on Twitter @ADMAVEN) has worked in the interactive technology world for over 15 years. He is the Digital Strategy Lead and founder of Chicago-based digital marketing firm lonelybrand, where he directs the creation and execution of digital marketing programs that generate measurable signups, conversions and sales.

When 26 year old William Reigle became a victim of downsizing at an otherwise stable IT company in downtown Chicago he made a realization: working at the same office for the first four years after graduating college had left him in a vulnerable position. Other young professionals who had made job changes in recent years were using new and unfamiliar tools to help land interviews, network, and the job hunt.

He summarizes his predicament: “I looked around and saw that many of my peers were leveraging resources like LinkedIn, Facebook, and specialized recruiting agencies. Searching through Monster and CareerBuilder just wasn’t going to cut it.”

William recognizes the power of differentiation for the young professional, and he also realizes that if he goes into an interview unprepared, he may miss out on a key opportunity. He notes, “Part of the [information technology] profession is being on top of new technology. So much of the industry revolves around communication today; what kind of message would I be sending if I walked into an interview without the latest and best tools?”

...CONTINUE READING ON YPSPEAK.COM

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PEOPLE WHO READ THIS ARTICLE ALSO READ:

> YPC Blog: The Importance of Differentiation

> Twitter; New Facebook Trend From Early Adoption to Early Majority

> Chicago Media Marketing & Advertising April Meetup

YPC Blog: The Importance of Differentiation

Nicholas Kinports (follow him on Twitter @ADMAVEN) has worked in the interactive technology world for over 15 years. He is the Digital Strategy Lead and founder of Chicago-based digital marketing firm lonelybrand, where he directs the creation and execution of digital marketing programs that generate measurable signups, conversions and sales.

One of the greatest challenges of finding work in an economy plagued with downsizing, cutbacks, and an overbearing sense of frugality is differentiation. How do you position yourself to be seen as unique and special?

In my line of work I always try to think about how to make my clients stand out, get attention, and make the public stop and stare. It’s about communicating a clear and percussive message using the tools that budget allows, and innovating along the way to get more done with less.

For quite some time the advertising community has been discussing the concept of personal branding. With the advent of freely accessible Web 2.0 tools it is now possible to create and own an online persona.

Over the next couple of months I will talk about steps you can take to differentiate yourself – whether you are looking for a job, thinking of changing jobs, or simply looking to secure your position with your current employer - these tools will help focus and maintain the message that you are a valuable asset in a challenging time.

Before we begin I want to make one thing abundantly clear: I do not advocate using social media tools as the de facto method of increasing the value of your personal brand (or finding a job). These tools are all designed to work in tandem with the more traditional concepts. Get out there; network and meet people in your industry. Interview with relevant staffing agencies and prepare your in person message to be as powerful as anything developed online.

...CONTINUE READING ON YPSPEAK.COM

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> Twitter; New Facebook Trend From Early Adoption to Early Majority

> ADMAVEN to Begin Bimonthly Column For Young Professionals of Chicago

> Skittles on Twitter: From Social Media Sensation to Cliche in 48 Hours

ADMAVEN to Begin Bimonthly Column For Young Professionals of Chicago

Nicholas Kinports (follow him on Twitter @ADMAVEN) has worked in the interactive technology world for over 15 years. He is the Digital Strategy Lead and founder of Chicago-based digital marketing firm lonelybrand, where he directs the creation and execution of digital marketing programs that generate measurable signups, conversions and sales.

Recently I accepted a request to begin a twice-monthly contribution to the Young Professionals of Chicago (YPC) blog.

From YPC:

Young Professionals of Chicago (YPC), a non-profit, all volunteer organization, is dedicated to building a better Chicago. We are made up of motivated, energetic young professionals certain to become the community's future leaders. YPC encourages members to get involved and make a difference by becoming active participants in the professional, civic and social aspects of their city.

YPC offers its members a way to link their personal passions with professional ambitions. The group is the one professional, civic and social organization that drives positive and real change in Chicago, while giving young professionals a chance to make a significant impact in the community.

I look forward to contributing outstanding content from my own perspective to YPC. Please look for my posts beginning early next week. If you would like to contribute suggestions for content, please comment below or contact me via email, Twitter, or other outlet.

Interact With ADMAVEN on Twitter

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