Author Archives: Alan Dodaro
Alan Dodaro | Critical Mass Chicago
It turns out all of that idle time spent on Twitter could actually pay off. In my case, it did with a brand-new job. The Great Recession changed how people think about jobs while creating new ways for people to be heard and stand out. I spent months looking for new opportunities the old-fashioned way trolling through job posts and making weekly sweeps through career sites without any luck.
On Twitter, I followed a few agencies including Critical Mass and noticed several companies tweeting about new opportunities within their organizations. This made me rethink my job search strategy with Twitter. Here’s what I did to land my sweet new job:
Research
I knew I wanted to go beyond the traditional agency setting and explore a more interactive workplace. Aside from a few staple companies, I didn’t know who the main Chicago players were in this industry. I began following the trades and blogs diligently to see who was making headlines. Once I had a few companies in mind, I began following them and their key players, learning more about each company as information was pushed to my twitter feed as soon as it was released.
Extreme Makeover: Your digital image edition
Social media allows for very personal interactions and it leaves a lot to be desired when you update about your mystery rash, blackout bar nights (to be fair, everyone gets one drunk tweet) or starring role on the next episode of Hoarders. Save the sick stuff for Facebook where it belongs (kidding) and focus on creating dialogue. Tweet about work, websites and industry happenings you think is cool (and why). Retweet anything insightful and provide your own commentary. You’ll get your fair share of followers that will boost your twitter credibility too.
Change your avatar to a photo of yourself. Make your face clearly visible and be the only person in the shot. It doesn’t have to be dry and corporate but keep it to something you’d feel comfortable having your grandma show to her friends. A real photo helps connect you to your online identity, and will help people pick you out at networking events and at (fingers crossed!) your interview.
Finally, include a bio. After indicating I was in the advertising/marketing industry, some of the agencies I followed began following me back even while it was very obvious I was in a very junior position. Keep your bio short and sweet highlighting relevant information showcasing your interests.
Twit Lists
The typical twitter feed can be an overwhelming free association of thoughts from friends, celebrity train wrecks, industry leaders news posts. My problem was that I wasn’t monitoring my timeline 24/7 meaning important posts could be pushed out of my feed if my timing wasn’t perfect. Twitter has a feature that allows you to group specific people/companies into specific lists separate from your main timeline. Even more helpful, you do not need to be following a person to have them on your list, provided their updates are public. I set up a list to follow agencies and companies without the noise and distraction of everything else. This helped organize my hunt.
By Alan Dodaro | Critical Mass Chicago
Photo by diebmx
3D’s popularity exploded in theatres last December with Avatar, the $600 million blockbuster filmed with new cameras and production technology developed specifically for the movie. TV manufacturers are now looking to cash in on the popularity with 3D-HDTVs that require special glasses ranging from $55-$150 per pair for the full 3D effect. Most sets are only bundled with two pairs, making for an expensive 3D Super Bowl party unless it’s BYO3D. Companies like Intel are working on glasses-free 3D but the technology is facing challenges in image quality and narrow viewing angles to see the effect.
A surprise play was recently made by Nintendo with the announcement of a new portable system that’s 3D-capable without the need for special glasses. The Nintendo 3DS will replace the DSi and DSi XL before March of next year. We don’t know how the 3DS displays image depth without glasses, but a puzzle game released for their current DSi system may give users a preview of what to expect. The game uses the built-in camera to track head movement adapting the angle based on user motion and giving the impression of peeking inside the game’s environment without the need for expensive display technology. If this is the technology behind the 3DS, it would be interesting to see this carried over to the world of 3D HDTV. Sony already has sets loaded with face- and motion-detecting technology and this could be an interesting feature as TVs become more aware of their environments.
Nintendo has pioneered “cheap tech” solutions that made the Wii a huge success, despite the lack of multimedia capabilities and HD video included with other systems. If Nintendo’s portable 3D solution is equally successful, we may see TV manufacturers borrow their process to ditch the dorky glasses necessary with today’s 3D TVs. I see current 3D sets as transitional, temporary solutions until more refined 3D technologies are perfected and the costs come down.
My antiquated 6-month-old Bravia won’t be going anywhere until 3D sets forego glasses. By then, I’m sure I’ll hold out for a hologram TVs that will be “a few months away.” As for the Nintendo 3DS, I’m considering one of these to hold me over until next March.
Alan is the business development/marketing coordinator from our Chicago office.
