Podcast Numero Two: Double the Fun

In April, a lovely young man by the name of Jeph Maystruck asked me to podcast it up with him. We talked about why I think HR sucks, short pants and the Real Housewives of Vancouver. It was a fun little time and my first intro to the world of podcasting!

Since then Jeph and I continually connect over marketing hot topics, the latest fashion trends and why he’s not being a very good long distance boyfriend. Kidding, kind of. {Jeph and I will marry if we’re both still single in 2064.}

I’ve been sick as hell for the past 2 weeks and on one of my days in bed, doing nothing, staring at the wall — I texted Jeph and said we needed to do another podcast. We agreed to connect over September long weekend to record a gem. Jeph and I are both Gemini’s — we share the same birthday! That must explain the instant chemistry! ;) Anyways, we talk — a lot. I think we ended up recording 90 mins, but thankfully Jeph cut that down to a reasonable amount for our listeners pleasure! Who are we joking… the only person that listens is my buddy Gavin!

So Gavin, we chopped it in half just for you. :)

The podcast is now live on Jeph’s blog… everything you ever wanted to know about Pinterest, 50 Shades of Grey, Pretirement, Lisa Charleyboy, nightmares and surrounding yourself with people who lift you higher.

45 minutes of laughter, banter, swearing and a whole lot of opinion.

LISTEN HERE

Our most scattered, all over the place podcast to date. If this continues {of course it will}, I really think Jeph should start giving me an agenda to keep on topic. :)

In review:

• Stalk your girlfriend’s (or soon to be) Pinterest account
• Don’t put up with idiots in your life
• If you live in a bubble — at least be ok with it
• Soak up (or skip) 50 Shades of Grey — either works!
• Differentiate yourself from your peers
• Don’t let nightmares turn you into a psycho case
• Admit you’re not perfect
• Figure out what you fear and what you need to feel whole

Oh yes — and laugh. All the time. It’s good for the soul.

To learn more about Jeph, check out his blog, stalk him on LinkedIn or give him a follow on Twitter!

This is the ‘Marketing Revolution’ west coast, fashion, marketing, HR, running and yoga Correspondent signing out. Until next time Mr. Maystruck. ‘Twas fun.

We Be Pinnin’

Today a friend of mine from university (thank you Ahmed!) sent me a link on Facebook regarding hiring and LinkedIn. The article, Is Pinterest the new LinkedIn for job seekers?, was posted on the Globe & Mail’s career column in late March — and immediately caught my eye.

My first reaction was absolutely not.

My second reaction was I better read the article. :)

So anyways… a few good points:

• Involvement in social networking sites can provide you with exposure
• Pinterest will not solve unemployment
• Pinterest is getting a lot of traffic

Profound. ;)

Read the article and make a decision, but personally I don’t think that Pinterest is the next big thing for recruiting. It is one more place for a Recruiter to stalk you {although I’ve never seen it come up for an applicant in Google rankings} and it is an opportunity to help or hurt your “personal brand.” No sex, drugs, rock n’ roll and I’m sure you’ll be fine.

No different than any other social networking site, be aware of what you put out to the masses. The internet lives forever.

If you have an infographic resume — or whatever the hell job candidates are putting out there on Pinterest, ‘pin’ it to the homepage of your domain and generate traffic to your own site. Make a whole portfolio while you’re at it! :)

If you think Recruiters really want to know about the types of herbs you grow, birthday cake designs for your 4 year old or the type of chartreuse pillows you bought — you are wrong. It’s additional information that makes absolutely no difference to your application.

Me on Pinterest

If Recruiters or potential clients stalked me on Pinterest, they would find some version of myself. The Pinterest version of me has boards about running, yoga, travel, food and fashion. I’m usually on Pinterest as I wind down my night. 15-20 mins max. I often fall in love with a piece of fashion that I can’t afford or actually find online {this number is way cute}. It often spurs creativity or a super idea. My usual ‘pins’ have to do with running, healthy eats or some random do-it-yourself craft that I’ll do when I’m old and decrepit.

Pinterest for Brands?

I agree with Erica Swallow‘s comment about brands not joining Pinterest (or any site) if you don’t have a plan. Every platform has a different purpose. Figure out what works for your company and push full-speed ahead. Another post on Pinterest for brands can be found here. IMO tons of brands have got Pinterest way wrong. They joined because it’s the latest thing — and it’s fairly straight forward to sign up. Guaranteed that they have not looked into privacy/liability or thought about the tool strategically. A few who I think  have figured out a way to make it work for them? Foodtree, Organic Lives and YYoga. Well done to that crew.

Shocking Stats

The article states that Americans spend 1 hour 17 mins on the site. No idea on Canadian statistics but that seems like a whole lot of time. Love dream boards, visualizations and visual learners — but how about getting centered back on real life? Spend 17 mins on the site and 1 hour turning your dreams into reality. Promise that you’ll make more progress.

This random post is brought to you by 5am mornings and general exhaustion. Love Pinterest — but it still needs to find it’s place in this big bad world.

PS – What is with all the girls who have ‘when I’m married’ boards on Pinterest? For real, you’re not dating, engaged, nor have a blow up boyfriend. What if you don’t get married? Or what if you do get married and it’s not like Barbie’s dream castle? Then what? #EndRant