Watch. Learn. Act. Repeat.

My humble beginnings

It was just over a year and a half ago that I first put my fingers into the realm of Digital Marketing.

“I think I’d like to learn how to build websites, Ben,” I said to our office web-designer, who has been instrumental in creating the Business Services Group portal page and many of the official program websites. Ever the optimist, Ben assured me that I’d be able to learn the process in no time and that he, despite his never-ending commitments, would be willing to help.

A year and a half later I’ve worked on over ten sites, some of which I built almost entirely on my own. While the learning didn’t take “no time”, I have become decently proficient in building and customizing WordPress-driven websites – much to the credit of Ben and his patient instruction. While this is an accomplishment of which I’m proud, I know that much of my progress is actually a product of the environment; websites have become increasingly user friendly and less reliant upon users knowing that scary old word: code. Continue reading

This weekend my roommate, coworker, and Russian friend Eldar received his MBA from the University of Nevada, Reno. Many of his friends (myself included) were there to watch Eldar graduate – alongside the other MBAs, graduates from the College of Business, and masters students from colleges across campus – from Social Work to Bio Molecular Engineering. Soon, Eldar will be working full-time for Amazon (where he’s worked as a finance analyst for the last few years).

I personally have another year before I graduate, and I watched the ceremony with a mixture of envy and relief; as much as I want to finish school I enjoy the sense of belonging that comes with campus life and my steady job as a graduate assistant.

The pressure to find a job after graduation touches everyone, and while Eldar has one lined up, others are busy scrambling to secure employment in this economy. The weekend’s ceremonies – especially the variety of majors among the graduates – reminded me of an ongoing argument I’ve had with family and associates regarding the usefulness of a college education that is not directly related to a specific field.
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A practice.

I have extensive experience in teaching clients simple steps to creating effective internet marketing campaigns. Build a blog. Jump on Facebook. Make friends. Connect to your customers. Serve their needs.

All of these tasks are achievable, and yet campaigns tend to fall apart quickly.

Why?

Consistency.

Marketing is a practice. It’s a habit. It’s lifestyle choice. And this blog is so that I remain accountable, because as much as I believe in the effectiveness of truly organic digital marketing, I won’t stay current – nor will I remain authentic – if I’m not putting my knowledge to use consistently.

I must watch. Learn. Act. Repeat. And so must you – it’s the only way.

And not just with marketing.