Start Me Up Again (Or How I Found the Golden Ticket)

I started researching social media in 2004 while working at the University of Arkansas. Back then, we just called it blogging, and I was convinced that it would change the world. I told this to anyone who would listen and even gave a couple of presentations to the regional PRSA chapters.

After leaving the University, my interest in social media remained an avocation as I pursued other business interests. I paid the bills through freelance writing and watched as this animal called social media evolved. I followed my favorite podcasters via iTunes and moved along the social media continuum from blogging to MySpace to FaceBook to Twitter and back to Facebook. I even tried my hand at producing podcasts for short time with my buddy Larry.

When most early social media icons all seemed to live in the tech corridors of Silicon Valley and Austin, Texas, actually landing a job in the field seemed out of reach for someone who never planned to leave Northwest Arkansas.

Despite this, I managed to leverage my online activities into real world consulting gigs over the last 18 months. I gave a couple of paid social media presentations at the University and for area companies. I also helped a few companies develop their own social media strategies.

I love this work and could happily talk about it all day for free. When somebody actually pays me to talk about it for two hours, it’s like being paid to play a game of kickball.

Imagine what it would be like to play kickball professionally — all year long.

I am very, very happy to announce that I have accepted a position with Collective Bias as its new director of brand strategy. Collective Bias facilitates ongoing conversations amongst brands, retailers and consumers, building true relationships with consumers that make them “part of something” and engender a sense of ownership manifesting in advocacy.

I love this company for many reasons; I’m joining them primarily for two. Firstly, they live, breath and eat social media. My job will be to study social media platforms and activities and recommend strategies to our client companies.

Secondly, Collective Bias didn’t exist this time last year. I think at this point I’m CB’s sixth or seventh employee. I should probably be playing it safe and get for a job with a large, well-established company, but I’m just not wired that way. Collective Bias gives me a chance to work with a team while experiencing the thrill of creating something brand new.

Margaret Mead once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed individuals can change the world.  Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

I am tremendously impressed by my new colleagues at Collective Bias. I’m honored to join them on this adventure. Now let’s go change the world.

Tags: Collective Bias, social media