Texas Gal Ramblings

There Has To Be More

2012-01-05T21:18:00.000-08:00


Special thanks to www.savagechickens.com.

Over the last couple of months I've come to realize that there definitely is more to life and that I have been stuck in this monotonous cycle of doing the same thing every week day. And let me tell you, it gets old.

So without a big hoop-la of New Year's Resolutions, I've simply made sure that I'm making an effort to spice things up a bit. Although it's not all that exciting, in the first week of 2012, I've accomplished a lot. It feels good.

And in January alone I've already committed to some fun get-togethers with ladies that are impactful in their lives and I'm going to be gleaning lessons from them on how they get so much done.

I've made a pact with myself to change up steps four and six in the Savage Chickens cartoon above. I'm getting offline more and turning off the television. Most of the the time the television has simply been on in the background as I wandered around the internet anyway.

I'll let you know what kind of progress I make and ideally there will be some great things coming out of this new found freedom from electronics. I'm jazzed about it!

2011-12-03T21:44:00.001-08:00

Highlights From Recent Blog Posts

Another year seems to have run its course. It's hard to believe that December's already here and I'm amazed by the number of Christmas gifts I've already purchased.

And tonight I spent the time going through my blog, which is something I've wanted to do for some time. I knew it needed to be updated and cleaned up and gosh, well, it's much more fun to sit here with baby puppy in my lap and dawdle away on the computer then . . . straightened other things in my home. That's what tomorrow's for, right?

I'd love to get your feedback on the new look. If it's your first time here I'd love to get your thoughts too.

And, while I'm asking for your thoughts, tell me what your favorite places are to visit on the web lately.

For me? It has to be Pinterest! I'm an addict. In fact, just this week I made two Christmas decorations from inspiration that started on Pinterest. If you're a fan and hang out there too, please add me. You can find my schmancy new Pinterest button over there on the top left column.

Time To Grow That Mo

2011-11-01T20:47:00.000-07:00

Okay, honestly, the only Mo (mustache) that I'll be sporting around this month is one that's fake and probably propped up by a stick or something.

But for you guys out there . . . consider sporting one for this great cause!

Movember, formally known as November, is now in full swing for the 2011 season.

Since its humble beginnings in Melbourne Australia, Movember has grown to become a truly global movement inspiring more than 1.1 Million Mo Bros and Mo Sistas to participate with formal campaigns in Australia, New Zealand, the US, Canada, the UK, Finland, the Netherlands, Spain, South Africa and Ireland. In addition, Movember is aware of Mo Bros and Mo Sistas supporting the campaign and men’s health cause across the globe, from Russia to Dubai, Hong Kong to Antarctica, Rio de Janeiro to Mumbai, and everywhere in between.

No matter the country or city, Movember will continue to work to change established habits and attitudes men have about their health, to educate men about the health risks they face, and to act on that knowledge, thereby increasing the chances of early detection, diagnosis and effective treatment.

In 2010, over 64,500 US Mo Bros and Mo Sistas got on board, raising $7.5 million USD.

This is my third year to participate - the first year was the year that my husband, Charles was diagnosed with prostate cancer. See our story here: Our Life After Three Words - You Have Cancer.

We'd really appreciate you helping us in our fund raising and spreading the Mo love! If you'd like to donate please visit my Mo Page. Oh, and tell your friends and family too!

Thank you, Steve Jobs

2011-10-06T21:17:00.000-07:00

Last night just before 7 pm CST I learned of the death of Steve Jobs, entrepreneur, visionary and former CEO of Apple. A man who was in the prime of his life at 56 years old whom I'd never met changed the life of just about everyone I know.

My first exposure to computers was in eighth grade (1981) in Mrs. Strain's math class on an Apple II. We did a little bit of programming and from what I can best recall we created mosaics. Big stuff for a girl from a tiny Texas town (West Columbia). In fact that computer may have been the ONLY computer in our junior high school at that time.

Thank you, Mr. Jobs for being a part of that first exposure.

So as I was driving home tonight after speaking at Social Media Club Texas State, I thought about what I'd done in my life that wouldn't have been possible without Job's innovations. Yes, I know he was the end all be all to Apple and there were many hundreds of people who helped their products, but he was the face of Apple to me. And while I have a strong sense of who my savior is and who my God is, I'd have to think that if I leaned toward believing in demi-gods then Jobs would be right up there in my top 10 list.

It was my iPhone that woke me up via my SleepCycle app.

I then surfed to check in on what's gone on since I went to sleep last night by checking my personal and work e-mails on my iPhone.

Later this morning it was my iPhone calendar, synched with my work calendar, that reminded me of a conference call with my team in Palo Alto, CA and Cambridge, MA.

For our conference call one of my coworkers was having an issue with her computer, so we created a Join Me connection and she gave her presentation via my computer, but because I needed access to my computer at the same time, I simply brought up the application I needed on my iPad as not to disturb our team's call.

I used my iPhone again to check my e-mail for directions to my presentation.

Once at my destination, I had some "down-time", so I surfed Pintrest on my iPhone to see what new things had been posted and continued to check in on my office e-mail, answering my manager and coworkers.

In preparation for my presentation, the attendees were discussing another topic, so I used my iPhone to do a quick bit of research that would be a nice addition to the presentation.

On the way home I was undecided as the best route home, so I checked traffic on my iPhone to ensure that the route I picked wouldn't have delays.

While I realize that none of this small uses of Apple technologies were all that important in and of themselves, they were all together life altering. My life is easier, my problems quicker solved, my knowledge exponentially increased and all because a man name Steve Jobs was an innovator.

Thank you, Mr. Jobs for never cowering to those who didn't believe in what you envisioned and for being such a joy in my life!

Engaging with the Smallest in Botswana

2011-06-28T22:14:00.000-07:00

During our time with Love Botswana Outreach Mission (LBOM), our team was able to assist with the Lorato House of Love - The Baby House. This is one of LBOM's community outreach programs.

Normally the house is run by two women during the day and two women during the night. Our team took over the house from Sunday evening until Tuesday evening. The house at capacity houses 10 babies and over the 10 days were onsite the 10th baby arrived. Our team rallied to the challenge and fed babies, loved on babies, bathed babies and played with babies. Whew. We had a tired group of folks - six babies and four toddlers is work for sure.

Lorato House is a rescue center and orphanage for abandoned babies and children in need. The Northwest and Okavango Districts of Botswana have among the highest levels of orphaned children and children affected by HIV/AIDS in the country. This is the first rescue center of its type in Botswana.

The goal of Lorato House of Love is to place these babies into loving families in Botswana that the children will grow up to be contributing members of society. Lorato House educates and empowers the extended families, guiding them to raise healthy, well-balanced children.

In Botswana, there are no legal options for a mother unable to care for her child. She would be imprisoned if found leaving her baby at the police station or a hospital. Desperate mothers deliver children behind closed doors and abandon them to the river or the bush. When found alive, these babies are raised in the hospital until official investigations have been completed, often years later.
LBOM discovered this and acted to open a rescue center for children in need of care. In 2009, Lorato House of Love was registered as a child welfare institution and opened its doors for service. Governmental social and community welfare divisions throughout Botswana refer infants and children in need of this specialized service to Lorato House.

Children are welcomed into a safe, caring and nurturing atmosphere while they await either reunion with their extended family or introduction to a new, loving family within Botswana. The children are cared for by Batswana in an environment reflective of cultural values and norms. Social, physical, mental, and spiritual activities match and challenge each child’s individual growth.

The cost to care for one child’s stay in the Lorato House for one day is $10. This money is used to provide the following:

For each child:

• 24 hour housing;
• physical support including clothing, food and medical attention;
• developmentally appropriate activities;
• case management in cooperation with the local authorities concerning official investigations into family of origin.

For the family once a child is placed or the family is identified:

• Counseling, training on health issues, prevention and psychological support to the adult caregivers;
• Referral and advocacy concerning the social network within the community such as government food baskets, health services, hygiene, adult education and parenting;
• Support in identifying and attending income generating programs; and
• Home repairs where needed.

LBOM is in the process of building a new facility that will host up to 70 babies at any given time and provide housing for missionaries and care-givers to live under one roof.

For more information about this part of LBOM and to find out ways you can make an impact on these tiny lives please visit: http://lovebotswana.org/what_we_do/page/Community-Outreach-Programs.

Our Missionary Adventure

2011-06-25T16:19:00.000-07:00

Charles and I just returned yesterday after spending the last two weeks in Maun, Botswana with Love Botswana Outreach Mission. It had been 10 years since I last visited LBOM and I was so excited to share the experience with Charles.

We're both attracted to adventure so I knew it would be a relatively easy trip for us both. Having been there before I had some pretty easy expectations. Charles, in typical form, arrived well prepared and with lots and lots of tools and medicines in his two bags of luggage.

One of the things he may not have realized that would prove useful was his knowledge of working on 4x4s or his Texas State Guard medic training. Read more about 3/4 down on Sarah Witt's blog post Kev's Version Of the Moremi Adventure.

My Movember 2010 Story

2010-11-19T20:35:00.000-08:00

Movember Austin Growing By Leaps and Bounds

2010-11-11T21:46:00.000-08:00

Movember, movember the second movember . . . there's a quote that goes something like that.

This is my second year to participate in the Movember movement. See my post from last year here.

If you aren't familiar with Movember it's a movement that started down under in Australia in 2003 to both be a silly way to bring back the mustache (Mo) and in turn as a way to raise awareness and funds to fight cancers that affect men's lives.

'Cmon. When you see pink what do you think? Breast cancer awareness, right? When you think about what cause is talked about the most during October it's what? Cancers that affect women.

But did you know that in 2010 tragically more than 32,000 men will die as a direct result of prostate cancer?

My husband, Charles was diagnosed with prostate cancer and subsequently underwent a radical prostatectomy last October. I blogged about it as "Our Life After Three Words."

In the last week he's had a one of many followup appointments with his urologist and he's completely cancer free and has NO PSA level.

Men, it's so important to talk about PSA levels with your physician. Women, it's so important to encourage the men in your lives to get consistent checkups that can catch things like cancer.

Charles' doctor told him that his cancer probably grew over a period of about five years. Yikes. That's a long time. There were definitely symptoms that were disregarded and thank God that he decided to get a check up and be completely honest with his physician when he did.

If you'd like to get involved with Movember please visit www.movember.com. If you're in the Austin area we're hoping to have 250 members by the end of November and as of tonight we're at about 150. Join us - Team AUS!

If you aren't in the Austin area, see if you can find a team near you or consider making a donation.

And tell me about your stories either here on this post or on my Movember page. We'd love to have you share!

Time to Post

2010-09-07T21:19:00.000-07:00

I think about it often. I know I haven't posted in a long time. Okay - six months. How did that happen?

Since my last post I've been busy working, working, working.

I launched The Talent Sleuth almost immediately after I found out I was going to be affected by a lay off in March. I use the site to post positions I'm recruiting for in the Austin, Texas area and beyond.

I've also been doing some Human Resource consulting.

Immediately after I left Kershner Trading Group I went to work onsite in both an HR and recruiting and front desk capacity at Hall Plastic Surgery and Rejuvenation Center. Tricia Hall and her husband Jeff own the company and even though I've been a client of hers for almost a decade, working in the beauty industry again was fun and enlightening. While there I consulted on HR practiced and located and hired a new front desk person.

As that position was wrapping up I came across my next position - a contract HR Manager at CSIdentity. An amazing group of people and amazing technology. This organization works to fend of identity theft. Sadly, it's also an industry that I don't think is going to go away anytime soon as there will always be horrible criminals out there.

In between both of those positions I was also recruiting for a few various positions at Convio here in Austin. I was able to locate and Convio hired a new PMO Director. This organization went public early in 2010 and helps non-profits with their fundraising efforts.

After CSIdentity I went to work on a full-time contract basis at PayPal's Austin office where I'm still working as a Sourcer in their Talent Acquisition group. I've always been a PayPal (owned by eBay) admirer, so the work I do in finding top talent for them is very rewarding.

I'm continuing to pick up extra work on the side as well including a position I start recruiting for this week for Illuminas' New York City office. I flew up there about a week ago to get to know the staff a bit better and had a great, albeit quick trip in NYC. Hmmm . . . how do I get back there and Jane Quigley, can we go back to The Cafeteria? Okay, I'm sure there are plenty of breakfast places we can try!

I've also, via The Talent Sleuth, met and career counseled a number of people in person and over the phone. I'm always amazed when we wrap up our sessions at how they tell me how much they get out of our conversations.

The last six months have been a whirlwind of possibilities and fun, intriguing, insipiring and challenging work. I'm so glad to be so busy and thankful for the opportunities that continue to open up in front of me.

As much as I joke that I need to learn to say no, I think I'm not quite to that point yet . . . bring it on. All of it!

Free Agent in the House

2010-03-18T21:42:00.001-07:00

About a year ago I started a website - Help I Was Laid Off (and on Twitter as @HelpIWasLaidOff).

As a recruiter I was often approached by people who had been laid off, those thinking about leaving their jobs and others keeping an eye out for friends and loved ones. They'd ask if I could help with their job search or review their resume. I was getting invited to coffee and breakfast and lunch left and right. My dance card was filled.

Then it dawned on me. I was repeating much of the same information time and time again.

Lightbulb - Hey, why don't I create a place where I can dispense all of this information at once?!

Thus the site began. But I also didn't want it to just be me. I, by no means have all of the information where job searching is concerned. Don't get me wrong - I think I have a lot to offer and having been laid off in September of '01, but I also thought it would be interesting to also have others' vantage points.

I solicited a few friends and acquaintances that I'd met along the way from various places and asked that they write about what they'd like where job searching was concerned and it's been a pretty successful endeavor. Great information and lots of folks reading the information and telling me how helpful it's been for them.

So . . . when I received news a couple of weeks ago about my impending lay off - my last day is tomorrow . . . I wasn't nearly as frightened as I might have been.

The site was preparing me for a day in which I might hear those words.

And you know what I did? I followed the suggestions that I've made to hundred of other folks and the suggestions that my writers dispensed.

I immediately reached out to my network! I received my notification before it was officially announced to anyone else, so I made sure that the people I reached out to in the first 24-hours would honor my request for confidentiality.

Then my network went to work.

I'd recently given a talk to the Austin Women in Communications Association and reminded the 70 or so in attendance to get to work on building their network before they needed it. If you start building your network once you need it, it will simply take longer to get to your desired destination.

What does my network look like?

I run Help I Was Laid Off's site and Twitter account (over 400 followers combined)
I run AustinTXJobs on Twitter (over 400 followers)
I run the Out of Work Austin group on LinkedIn (currently over 800 members)
I have over 1700 followers on my personal Twitter account
I have over 900 direct connections on LinkedIn
I belong to over 40 groups on LinkedIn
I belong to a confidential group of HR professionals in the Austin area comprised of over 60 companies and I manage their social network
I serve as the communications chairperson for our home owners association.
I've attended the same church and been involved in various areas for over 10 years

Within 24-hours of my news, a contact in Atlanta put me in contact with a recruiter in New York looking for a sourcer (someone to search for candidates) and within 48-hours I had a signed contract to work with her on a project basis as her sourcer.

It's now been two weeks since I knew I'd be joining the intervewing circuit. I have had a well networked recruiter calling me a couple of times a week about opportunities. I've been on two face-to-face interviews, turned down one opportunity and have calls on schedule with a couple of others about specific positions.

It's nice being a free agent. Not something I necessarily wished for or hoped for, but I'm looking at it in a very positive light and feel good about the possibilities of where I'll land next and how I'll spread my wings.

Why A Vigil To Remember A Tragedy?

2010-02-24T18:12:00.000-08:00

Vigil according to Wikipedia is an outdoor assembly of people, held after sunset. The definition continues with it can be held in protest or in memory of lives lost to tragedy.

After the horrific plane crash that occured in Austin, Texas last week, a few of us decided to host a vigil tomorrow evening. Our goal is to remember those who lost their lives as well as to show those left behind and those affected by the event that we are here to support them.

It's both a sad and controversial disaster and the opinions abound on all sides.

I called Lani and Benn Rosales the day after the crash and told them how I thought that we as a social networking community should be the ones to step up and hold the vigil. Omar Gallaga, of the Austin American Statesman, is the one who put the idea in my head with his article titled, "Social media speeds up news-gathering in plane crash aftermath." (Steve Buttry posted a similar article dissecting how Twitter played a part in the event @statesman : A case study in using Twitter on breaking news)

For many people in Austin area, it was the first time since they'd joined the social networking community to experience the lightening fast speed that occurs when news travels via microblogging.

In January of 2008, when Twitter was a much smaller community many of us were affected by the death Ashley Spencer in Louisiana. People were chatting with her within the same hour that she died in a car wreck. Her Twitter stream went from vibrant and very alive to listless and dormant. Those of us who had become her virtual friends knew that Ashley was a new mom and looking forward to her military husband returning from overseas.

We grieved together online. Several people even traveled to her memorial service. It was shocking and sad and it moved us. An account where we could make monetary contributions was set up to be distributed to her surviving family.

This has obviously happened more than once over the years.

As a physical community it's easy to join together and grieve and be supportive of one another.

For those that are still new to online communities whether it's on Facebook or Twitter or other online sites it may seem weird at first to meet in person with the people that you only know in an online world.

For those of us who have been on Facebook or Twitter for a while it's actually quite normal. We love to get together for over coffee, to learn about new ideas over breakfast (Social Medi a Breakfast), to hang out in the evening over pizza (Social Media Club), to learn how how teachers teach in unconventional ways (Ignite Austin) or to come out and have a drink at a happy hour (Big Ass Twitter Happy Hour).

Attending those events are networking opportunities, fun times, and often times silliness abounds.

A vigil though? A vigil for a tragedy steeped in controversy started by a man who burned down his families home and killed another person, hospitalized people and traumitized countless others?

Yes. Sometimes we come together in a physical sense, take our relationships offline and share a quiet moment together. Tomorrow night we will do just that.

If you Tweeted about the event
If you sent an e-mail to others about the event
If you cross-posted a story about the event on your Facebook page
If you took a photo of the building and posted it to an online site

Then tomorrow's vigil is for you.

Join us and remember the tragedy of a husband lost, a family's home destroyed, a son who will never hear his military veteran father's laugh again.

Join us to show your neighbors who officed in the Echelon building and complex that you are here for them, to listen to them and to console them when they are awake for hours on end because of nightmares they have from being in the building.

Join us for a moment of silence at sunset on Research Boulevard in front of Manny Hattens in the large grassy area as we look across to the building as it stands a week after the Austin, Texas Plane Crash.

Thankfully Those Days Are Past

2010-01-31T13:07:00.001-08:00

A dear friend of mine, we'll call her Alisha, told me that she recently filed for divorce. It was years in the making. I've been aware of trouble, not necessarily to the extend that finally brought them to divorce. Isn't there always a string of events that causes the demise of a marriage?

In speaking with another friend, we'll call her Casey, a few weeks ago, she is now in the final stages of her divorce. She's moved on. Actually, she's moved cities, found someone old and made him new and is working on rebuilding her life.

Alisha is at the very, very beginning stages of understanding what divorce feels like. She grew up in church and was taught and believed that marriage is forever. She and her husband have been involved in church in various capacities and I'm certain she thought this would never happen to her.

I can totally empathize. Both friends' experiences bring me back to my first marriage and ultimate divorce. I was married on paper longer than I was in person. I married a man that I had known and dated on and off for over 15 years. I should have known that if we broke up as often as we did, then the likeliness that we could make a marriage work would be a pipe dream. It was a horrible experience. I mean the majority of it. The marriage had a super brief honeymoon and then it just got dramatically worse.

And still, I was devestated to watch it unwrap. I tried with everything in my being to convince him not to end it. I finally had to give in because as soon as he decided he wanted out he never turned back.

My heart hurts for my friends. Alisha, has three children under the age of 10. I see her updates on social networks and there are words like depression, not wanting to get up in the morning, trying to just make it through the day. And my heart breaks.

My other friend, Casey, seems more ready to move on. She too has children, two of them under the age of eight. I think part of where she's been able to get to emotionally also stems from the new guy she's found and how unhappy she'd been for so long. But I hurt for her as well. I know that her family has their thoughts on her new life and the support for her simple is not there.

I want to make a point to reach out to both women and to remind them and encourage them that their feelings of loss will subside, that there will be a better day and that the sun will eventually shine again. It's so much easier to live in the moment of the sad times and I remember all too well how I'd find myself wallowing in the grief of the loss and wondering what I could have done differently or better.

In reading this post let me ask you one favor. Please keep both Alisha and Casey in your prayers. Keep their kids in your prayers. Pray that their tomorrow's will be amazing as they both begin to reshape and begin their new lives.

New year - new goals

2010-01-03T20:03:00.000-08:00

I've been pondering what to write about as the new year approaches for the last week. When looking back at this post at the end of 2010 what would I like to say I've accomplished? The goals are almost always the same, lose weight, live healthy, etc. That won't change.

Mostly I know that this coming year will have more challenges that I'm expecting to tackle than in year's past. So, I don't feel all together capable of even knowing what goals will surround those challenges.

This past year has been event-filled for certain. Charles and I married in May. Charles was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer in September and had his prostate removed in October. Just the last few months alone have been a whirlwind in our personal lives.

At work, still loving my job, we've laid off more people than we hired and our hiring goals at the beginning of 2009 was pretty hefty. Not a big surprise here. Seems like everywhere you go you hear something negative about the economy and how difficult it has been for so many.

I think I'll take a few more days before declaring what I'd like to accomplish in 2010.

Happy Holidays or Merry Christmas - To Friends of Both Political Parties

2009-12-20T18:02:00.000-08:00

A dear friend of mine, okay, Eric Doggett, passed this along to me and I couldn't help but share it with my friends as well.

To All My Democratic Friends:

Please accept with no obligation, implied or implicit, my best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low-stress, non-addictive, gender-neutral celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasion and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all. I also wish you a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2010, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make America great. Not to imply that America is necessarily greater than any other country nor the only America in the Western Hemisphere. Also, this wish is made without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith or sexual preference of their wish.

To My Republican Friends:

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ

Help Me Show The Mo - Mo Love!

2009-11-13T23:11:00.000-08:00

I've joined Movember.

Never heard of Movember? I hadn't either until a few weeks ago, just after Charles' Prostatectomy.

Take a peek at the below video to learn more about this great cause, which raises funds to fight cancers that affect men and proceeds will go to the Prostate Cancer Foundation and Lance Armstrong's Foundation Livestrong.

To make a donation, you can either:

• Click this link Kim Hollenshead Mo Donation Page and donate online using your credit card or PayPal account, or
• Write a check payable to "Movember Foundation™", referencing my Registration Number 259 and mailing it to: Movember Foundation, PO Box 2726, Venice, CA 90294-2726

All donations are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.

• The Prostate Cancer Foundation will use the money raised by Movember to fund research to find better treatments and a cure for prostate cancer.

• The Lance Armstrong Foundation will use the money raised by Movember to fund:
•The LIVESTRONG Young Adult Alliance program
•Research initiatives to further understand the biology of adolescent and young adult cancers.

For more details on how the funds raised from previous campaigns have been used and the impact Movember is having please go to Movember's Gift.

Our Life After Three Words - You Have Cancer

2009-10-27T18:13:00.000-07:00

Earlier this summer my husband, Charles, went to his doctor for a check up. He hadn't been to see a doctor in a number of years. I tend to believe that most men aren't the best at seeking medical attention or at least routine physicals. Yes, I know that's a far reaching statement, but true from the men in my life.

In a series of appointments with his M.D., Shane Keller of Pflugerville, TX, which also included him running a PSA exam they found that there were a few things that warranted further investigation. His doctor scheduled a follow up appointment with a urologist.

I went with Charles to his urology appointment as he needed a driver to take him home afterwards. I hadn't realized that the next followup appointment to gather test results was an in person appointment until the night before.

So on Monday, September 21, 2009 away we went. Charles in his Army Chevy Blazer and me in my car. We were ushered into the room furthest from the front door. I'm not sure why I paid attention to what room we were in other than we kept walking until we couldn't walk any further. Our conversation in that far room was chipper. It was still rather early in the day, I think about 9 or 9:30 am. I noticed a sperm bank brochure and we jokingly talked about it.

Then in walked his urologist, Dr. Sandeep Mistry. Niceties were exchanged. Hello. Good to see you. The usual. Then Dr. Mistry sat down.

The next words were the most impactful. "Well, you have cancer and a lot of it," Dr. Mistry solemnly stated.

Shocked. It was one of those surreal moments. The story you've heard from anyone else diagnosed with cancer was just the same for us. We never thought we'd hear those words. I know Charles never thought he'd hear those words.

In a matter of seconds, we were sitting eyes and ears wide open and fully engaged. I know several people think Dr. Mistry'sstraight forward approach seemed awkward. I on the other hand feel it was the best response we could have had.

My degree was in journalism and I fully recall writing obituaries for a couple of days and we were taught that they should always be written as a matter of fact. Sally Smith died. George Williamson died. They didn't pass away gloriously from this life . . . Factual. Nothing more, nothing less.

We must have spent a good 30-45 minutes listening to Dr. Mistry and asking a few questions that immediately came to mind. Charles and I left the appointment, hugged and went our separate ways. As I drove away I realized I was definitely out of sorts and work was the furthest thing from my mind. I called to check on Charles and he became teary. I told him I would stop by my office to let my manager know that I wouldn't be in that day and that I would meet him back at home.

We spent the rest of the day together, thinking out loud, asking questions, and conversing about the enormity that we had been dealt.

Over the last month we had another appointment with Dr. Mistry after we had time to gather questions and speak with friends and family. All of whom were incredibly supportive and gave us amazing advice. I think reaching out to our family and social networks has been amazing.

In particular to me, I really valued my CEO, Andy Kershner, putting me in touch with his personal friends who helped ease my thoughts on if we had chosen the right doctor to perform the surgery and they gave Dr. Mistry a big two thumbs up. Yay!

Charles too had many of his friends from social online boards he's been on for years reach out to him from around the world.

We married in May of this year and although Charles has a 19 year old son, Jareck and a 11 year old daughter from previous relationships, I at 42 have never had children, but would very much like to experience motherhood. So, we've also had appointments with the Texas Fertility Center, gone to one of their seminars on In Vitro Fertilization and banked future babies. Yes, we're at a point of light-heartedness at this point in our journey.

Early tomorrow morning we will arrive at the Seton Medical Center Williamson and Charles will have a Robotic Prostatectomy. His father had a prostatectomy over a decade ago and we know that the procedure is much less evasive than his father's and with much less scaring, less down time and less blood loss. We know that Dr. Mistry has an amazing track record in successful surgeries.

But beyond all of that I know that our family and friends have poured many prayers over his condition. I know that I serve an amazing God who still works healing miracles today and has laid His hands on my husband and promised him a long and healthy life. I know that his surgery is simply another part of our story as a couple. I know that when I said I do there were vows that went something like . . . in sickness and in health . . .

Thanks to each of you who are walking this part of our journey with us and supporting our steps. We love you!

Canadian Cheese Soup Hits The Spot

2009-10-11T19:10:00.000-07:00

Cooler weather has hit Central Texas sooner than most Octobers and it has me in the mood to cook and bake and make soup!

I made my all time favorite, in fact I think it's the only soup I actually make - not one I reheat from a can, last week and messaged about it in Twitter and Facebook and had a few requests for the recipe. I had a feeling that there might be others that would also enjoy its yumminess.

Thanks to Momma Marian who shared it with my family probably over 20 years ago now.

Canadian Cheese Soup

1/4 onion
2 stalks celery chopped
2 carrots grated
1 qt (2 14.5 oz) cans chicken broth
3/4 lb Velvetta cheese
1/2 stick butter
1/4 c flour
5 oz evaporated milk
5 oz water

Saute veggies in butter. Add flour and stir. Stir in broth. Simmer on low temperature for 1 hour. Add milk, water and cheese. Stir over low heat until melted. Serves 4.

Momma Marian commented on my post of making it over the last few days and said she added it on top of broccoli recently. She also indicated serving it with Oyster Crackers when she originally shared it.

Personally, I don't know why I hadn't thought of it earlier, but I think I'm going to add some bacon to it next time. Wowza!

Oh, it's probably not the healthiest thing you'll enjoy this winter.

Where HR Lives

2009-09-24T20:45:00.000-07:00

For me of late I feel like I've been living at my office. Our organization, like so many across the nation has been hit by troubling financials. I work for a day-trading firm and because of what they do they do better when the stock market is acting crazy as opposed to staying calm.

Meanwhile, in my rather back office work which is Human Resources (HR), I don't know if I've ever been busier.

Aside from a number of projects that were in play for a number of months that are all coming to a head in the next couple of weeks, I'm not sure that most employees always understand all the things that their HR department does either in the hiring process or the firing / laying off / disassociating of employees. There's a TON to do.

HR is the keeper of all things legal, often times the organizer of all things fun, the listener of both the good and the bad, a guide to executive management in important decisions and holder together of much. Sometimes a bit daunting if I do say so myself.

But, I love it. I love the idea that I'm here to help people and our company. Even exhausted and out of breath, I'm thrilled that I'm working in the capacity that fulfills me the most.

Welcoming Family Back After Loss

2009-09-05T19:39:00.000-07:00

I've attended Shoreline Christian Center in Austin, Texas since I was in college at what is now Texas State back in the early 90s. When I moved to Austin in 1997 I never church shopped, but simply made Shoreline my church home.

One of the first few Sundays I was there I approached Pastor Laura Koke and told her that I was new to Austin, new to the church and ready to serve where she needed me. A week or so later I got a call asking if I could babysit her three kiddos. Of course. Seemed an easy enough request.

Over the next decade I was called on whenever they needed me. Pastor Rob and Laura's kiddos grew up during that time and I found my self moving away from Austin a couple of times, but every time I moved back I was ready at their becon call. They became an extension of my family. Their kids - my kids, even if it was for a few hours as their parents made the most of a well deserved date night.

I've posted about the loss that the Koke's experienced earlier this summer when their 17-year old son, Caleb, passed away in a car wreck. It's still a bit unreal to me as I'm sure it is to them as well.

Last week our church family welcomed Pastor Rob and Laura back. It was an amazing service and I only attended one of three of them. At our service at the north campus just about every seat was filled. The sanctuary seats 5,000 and that obviously doesn't count all the children and babies. Cars were parked way beyond the parking lot - sometimes four deep in the grass.

We love them and I wanted to share a bit of the service here:

Welcome Back Pastor Rob and Laura Koke from Bryan Martin on Vimeo.

Goodbyes Are Never Easy

2009-08-19T20:21:00.000-07:00

After tomorrow afternoon I will have attended two memorial services this summer. One was for a boy at the young age of 17 who died tragically in a car wreck after falling asleep at the wheel. Tomorrow's service will be to remember a coworker I had only had the pleasure of knowing for less than eight months.

Both tragedies.

Caleb Koke was the middle child of my pastors, Rob and Laura Koke of Shoreline Christian Center in Austin, Texas. I became one of the Koke's babysitters when I moved to Austin in 1997. Their kiddos have grown so much as all children do and Caleb was an amazing young man. His death was one of the saddest that I can recall over my lifetime. Watching my dear friends question the loss of their son and also Rob's own father just two weeks prior is hard to wrap my mind around. People who I've admired from a distance and close up were suffering and there was nothing that any of their friends could do for them. It will take time to heal such broken hearts.

David Barney, my coworker at Kershner Trading, was a software developer and as mischevious as they come. He often came into our HR office asking some of the most perplexing of questions and always walked away telling some sort of joke usually about himself. Even the week prior to his death he was helping a coworker and myself as we worked on a prank for another friend at work. You could just tell that he loved the idea of a good practical joke.

And as this week has gone by we've learned more about David, his life beyond our work walls and his life with friends from his work before working with us. You can just tell he was a man of few, but close and dear friends that will truly miss him.

It's hard to know just how to react when you lose a coworker. His desk is no longer occupied. His work no longer touched.

I can only hope that our memorial service we've planned for him tomorrow will honor his memory and will help to remind us how short life can truly be.

Julie Powell, author of Julie and Julia Sits Down for an Informal Conversation

2009-07-28T20:56:00.000-07:00

This summer's long awaited movie, Julie & Julia is based on Julie Powell's book, Julie and Julia, 365 Days, 524 Recipes, 1 Tiny Apartment Kitchen.

Julie Powell began blogging way before blogging and social media was cool. She set out to blog about her experiences of cooking from Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking, Volume 1, but had no idea about the journey to which she was about to embark. From blog to a huge readership to a book deal and finally to movie, this Borders Book Club candid interview offers a great glimpse into the whole process and allows new fans of Julie Powell a way to get to know her up close and personal.

Borders Book Club Interviews Julie Powell

No Health Benefits Tax

2009-06-23T20:27:00.001-07:00

No Health Benefits Tax

Posted using ShareThis

We Said, "I Do"

2009-05-18T21:37:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday, Charles and I decided it was finally time to get married. We've been talking about it for sometime now, but we admitted there simply wasn't going to be that perfect time when we looked the way we wanted to look, to have saved the money we would have liked to have saved, etc., etc.

For those of you that don't know our story, Charles and I aren't really sure when we first met, but we were in the same schools from 7th grade through high school graduation. Charles grew up in Brazoria, Texas and I grew up in West Columbia, Texas. Our two towns and a small little village, Wild Peach, combined at the 7th grade to form our secondary and high school years. We knew each other back then mostly because it was a small school and everyone knew everyone. We went through high school together, but were never really friends or ever close associates. I don't think we even had a single class together, but looking through old yearbooks we find that we were involved in drama together at some point.

At our 15 year high school reunion we caught each other's attention, but never pursued anything.

Then at our 20 year reunion we found ourselves single and still eager to see one another. That was August 19, 2006. A few weeks later Charles left Baton Rouge for one of his first visits to Austin. By the end of September 2006 Charles and I were living together.

Not exactly on my agenda or on his. It was a huge surprise to my family, friends and coworkers and honestly I wasn't sure if it was a good idea at all.

The following May we purchased our home in Round Rock.

I couldn't have planned our relationship better if I had tried. It had to be a God thing.

Every day that we are together we laugh more and more and appreciate each other's goofy humor. We balance each other out and make up for each other's shortcomings. We appreciate the differences that we bring to each other's lives.

We had been talking about getting married for some time and expected that it would take place this spring. When conversing last week about it we questioned what exactly are we waiting for?

Early Thursday morning Charles had already researched what we needed to do in order to make this union official. That afternoon we went to the courthouse in Georgetown to obtain our marriage license. Then on Friday after work we shopped and found a wedding ring for me. On Saturday I drove around for hours to find Charles' outfit and my dress. On Sunday we finalized the pieces for Charles outfit and purchased his ring.

On Friday, we also called my parents to let them know our big news. And it just so happens that they were planning on being in Austin today. The bonus is that my parents are pastors. My father mentioned that they were staying at a hotel on Ladybird Lake and he thought it would be a beautiful spot for a wedding.

With that we had all the elements that we needed.

License? Check.
Rings? Check.
Wedding attire? Check.
Wedding location? Check.
Pastor? Check.
Bride? Check.
Groom? Check.

My mom and I stopped by Central Market and the guy in the floral area whipped up a lovely bouquet. I called my friend Alice and she joined the four of us down at Ladybird Lake for the 7 pm ceremony.

It was precious. Simple and sweet.

Afterwards we went to Bess Bistro on 6th street in Austin and then decided it would be fun to pop by Whole Foods on Lamar and pick out our individual pieces of "wedding cake."

As we began making plans for our big day, Charles said he'd like it to be something simple like in the movie Runaway Bride with Julia Roberts and Richard Gere. At the end of the movie it was just the two of them and an officiant standing on a hill.

Tonight our wedding was very close to that movie perfection and we are looking forward to many years together.

Thanks to those of you who reached out to us on Facebook and Twitter to send us your well wishes. We love you all!

It's Much More Than Your Sammich

2009-04-13T23:36:00.000-07:00

For those that haven't yet tried Twitter or Facebook there seems to be a common thread of reasons such as:

Reason: I don't care what others ate . . . Reality: they think that all Twitter is about is posting what you ate last

Reason: I don't care to be found by classsmates . . . Reality: they think that classmates still suck or they're afraid to let them know they've either finally made it or are still searching for what will make them feel like they've made
it

Reason: I'm too busy to keep up with all those online things . . . Reality: they have no
idea how fast and easy it is to connect online

I ran across Laura Thomas' post and it really hit home. I agree that for me hanging out on social networks has allowed my world to expand exponentially both in a knowledge aspect as well as a connection one. I treasure the contacts I've made. I get a rush from the new things I learn everyday.

Thank you, Laura for your introduction of Austin Kleon!

Twitter Serves a Purposes During AT&T Outage

2009-04-12T20:18:00.000-07:00

For those skeptics that wonder about how Twitter can serve a more business function this is a great story on how Twitter recently kept AT&T customers abreast of a situation in which their service was down.

AT&T Calls on Twitter During Outage

I'm Beginning To See The Light

2009-04-07T22:48:00.000-07:00

Tonight I attended the Austin Technology Council's Tech Tailgate. An annual event and I was happy to get out and be encouraged by the attendance. Austin's technology community is not dead. In fact it's very vibrant and very alive.

I was encouraged to hear from Mike Mayeux, Founder and CEO of Novotus who always speaks from the heart and in particularly I enjoyed hearing him say,

"We (Austin) are on the front end of the rebound."

Here. Here. Mayeux! I wholeheartedly agree.

I'm hopeful. I'm watching candidates accept jobs. I'm watching companies turning their hiring plans back on. I'm watching as companies grow and stretch and tackle new challenges head on.

And then as I was shutting down my computer for the night I ran across one more piece of encouagement. Really. It really is encouraging. Peter Kim's post from a couple of days ago on the Dow when it FIRST hit 10,000.

Kudo's to Peter for keeping this piece of history and thank you kindly for reminding us to learn from where we are today and press on to greater things tomorrow.

Right Place Right Time to Hire

2009-03-26T18:55:00.000-07:00

Lately it seems that every time I turn on the TV, radio or view a web page I'm see negative reports about people losing their jobs, the economy on a downward cycle or some other sad, sad story. It can be mighty depressing.

But then I see stories like this:

Hedge Talent For Hire But Few Can Recruit

The story reads just like most of the rest of the disappointing stories across the news waves, but this one struck me as hopeful.

The industry is now able to select from a wider pool of talent . . .

"Hopeful?" you wonder.

Yes, you know why? I'm a trader recruiter. Right now we are seeing better qualified candidates coming through our doors. We're inundated with talent that we may not have had a chance to speak to just six months ago.

I'm looking forward to this brave new world of talent ripe for the right place. Bring it on!

Bright Eyed and Bushy Tailed at Austin's First Geek Breakfast - SXSW 2009

2009-03-23T20:20:00.001-07:00

Dave Delaney was kind enough to host Austin's first Geek Breakfast at Hoovers on Sunday, March 15. It was mighty early, but I met some great people at my 8 am breakfast!

Thanks, Scott for the video!

Shame on you Bernard Madoff!

2009-03-12T08:08:00.001-07:00

My world now consists of looking for and hiring traders. Outside of my office door is where our traders reside at Kershner Trading - all 150~ of them as of today. It's a world filled with lots of computer monitors and CNBC blaring from opening to closing bell

Today there is a sad hush on the trading floor as the news reports are only focused on one man. Bernard Madoff. A man who has lost millions of dollars for people who trusted that he was investing properly for him.

Bernard Madoff By The Numbers

This article is simply today's story which reminds us all that there are some very bad people in the world. Sad. Very sad.

Why It’s Worth Sticking with Twitter

2009-02-18T17:44:00.001-08:00

I found this fascinating quote today:

I’m sure there are business benefits of being on Twitter and you’ll find plenty of articles on the web as to why, and how. But for me the real benefit of sticking with Twitter is the people you get to know from spending time there.Why It’s Worth Sticking with Twitter, Feb 2009

You should read the whole article.

And I wholeheartedly agree and applaud Joanna for such a great way of describing Twitter and giving first time or beginning users of Twitter a few more reasons to get on and get going with this microblogging phenomena.

Times they are a changing

2009-02-03T18:09:00.000-08:00

Wow. I've been amazed of late by videos that show me how far we've come in our technology. There are powerful statements here.

Love my new job!

2009-01-29T09:30:00.000-08:00

Okay, so it's not so new anymore. I've been with Kershner Trading here in Austin since Dec. 1. But I'm still enamoured.

One of the cool benefits is that they cater in lunch everyday. It's not free, but pretty close to it. We pay monthly to partake in the yumminess.

Today's lunch was too good not to tell you about. We had: Pecan Crusted Chicken with Caramelized Onion and Sweet Potato Sauce, served with Roasted Garlic Smashed Red Potatoes and Dill Glazed Carrots.

Wow!

Know someone looking for a job that can appreciate a fun benefit like catered in lunch? Have them reach out to me - khaynes(at)kershnertrading(dot)com.

I'm currently sourcing for a Sr. Accountant, an HR Generalist, an HR Intern, a Technical Support position and both inexperienced and experienced traders.

See more here: Kersher Trading

This Personality Quiz is probably right

2009-01-15T21:39:00.001-08:00

I took the 43 Things Personality Quiz and found out I'm a

Traveling Romantic Extrovert

2008-12-19T13:45:00.001-08:00

Mobile post sent by KimHaynes using Utterli. Replies. mp3

Kershner Trading Gives Back

2008-12-03T22:28:00.000-08:00

One of the things I've quickly uncovered in my first week at my new job is that Kershner Trading is a giving organization.

Tonight's event at 10,000 Villages of Austin was a fun way of showing their charitable side with proceeds going to Caritas of Austin.

A few employees really got into the holiday spirit by doing their own rendition of Feliz Navidad!

10,000 Villages of Austin is an amazing little shop in Austin's So-Co (South Congress) neighborhood filled to the brim with great artwork, home decor, toys, clothing, jewelry and more. Each piece indicates the country of origin and many of them have information about the artisan, but if it's not clear the store volunteers just input the item code and can give you a full story of its maker.

They host benefit evenings for various Austin non-profits and the holidays seems like the perfect time to not only holiday shop, but to do so and benefit a great cause.

Great Fundraiser Event to Benefit Caritas of Austin

2008-12-03T12:43:00.000-08:00

So, for those of you who may not know it, I've left Bulldog Solutions and have joined Kershner Trading as a Recruiting Specialist. I know I need to update a ton of things on my blog, but first things first.

If you're in Austin today (Wed., Dec. 3) we'd love to have you join us tonight!

This year, my new employer, Kershner Trading has partnered with Ten Thousand Village's Austin's SoCo location and Caritas of Austin to create a unity holiday shopping evening.

When: December 3 from 5-8 pm

Where: 10,000 Villages, 1317 S. Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78704

Come support two great charitable causes and find unique gift ideas for the upcoming holidays. For those unfamiliar with 10,000 Villages, here is the mission statement from their webpage:

At Ten Thousand Villages, we work with over 120 artisan groups in more than 30 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America to bring you fair trade jewelry, home decor, gifts and more. As one of the world's oldest and largest fair trade organizations, we build long-term relationships with artisans that are based on mutual understanding and respect. Fair trade enables artisans to earn a fair wage and provides the opportunity for a better quality of life.

Additionally, since Kershner is sponsoring the event through their volunteer support, we are able to donate 20% of the total sales from 5-8 PM to Caritas of Austin. Caritas is another great organization fighting hunger, homelessness, and poverty in our greater Austin community.

Questions? Please contact me.

How To Use Web 2.0 To Get Ahead

2008-10-22T20:29:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of speaking with two good friends today at Texas State's Mass Communication Week 2008. (See Mass Communications Week at Texas State Adds Web 2.0 to Schedule post)

For my portion of the talk I spoke to students and shared with them keys to successfully making sure that hiring managers take notice of them in our Web 2.0 world. It's important to know that as the web continues to grow and the wealth of information expands exponentially that they use the skills they're developing and their natural inquisitiveness.

You can watch the recorded podcast here: Web 2.0. (apologies up front - not great audio or video - promise the next one will be 100% better)

And download the slide presentation here: slideshare

And finally check out the Texas State Mass Communications site for a brief documentation of the entire presentation.

What an Amazing Privilege

2008-10-20T21:29:00.000-07:00

I'm not one to write on political topics, but I'm pretty darn patriotic. I grew up with my father not only decorating our front yard with little flags, but then making sure that the neighbors were all decked out as well. He was big on showing support of the candidates he liked by allowing them to post their HUGE signs on his back yard fence which was a perfect spot for advertising on the busy street.

It's one of the things that I found enticing about Charles from the get-go of our first conversations. He was a passionate . . . okay, I'm going to leave parties behind in this post . . .

Whatever your preference of candidate, party or beliefs, if you're an American and able to vote you should. Many countries don't allow their people this right. Many Americans take it for granted and think their voice doesn't count. But it does. It matters.

And even though I have incredibly opposing views to many of my friends and even some family members I also know those same people are adamat about one thing - exercising the right to choose, the right to vote, the right to participate in the world's most amazing democracy.

Be sure do your part. Vote.

Texas voters find more info here. Vote Texas.

Vote!

2008-10-20T16:51:00.001-07:00

Mobile post sent by KimHaynes using Utterli. Replies. mp3

Mass Communications Week at Texas State Adds Web 2.0 to Schedule

2008-10-10T20:09:00.000-07:00

Sheila Scarborough, blogger-writer, asked me to join her and Omar Gallaga, reporter at the Austin American Statesman, on a panel discussion entitled Web 2.0 in the Real World. (photo shows left to right, Sheila, Omar and me). The panel is just one of Texas State's Mass Communications Week events set to occur October 20 - 23, 2008.

This is a super exciting honor for me as I'm a TX State (SWT) alumni and hold my degree in Journalism, it became Mass Communications the following semester, with a focus in Advertising.

I'm always eager to share with people on how to interact with each other on the internet. Talking to students about it will simply be a bonus. I think they are much more familiar and already take part in so many Web 2.0 forums that they probably don't even think twice about it. Talking to adults is a whole other topic.

In the Human Resources world, that is my profession, I think it's a struggle right now to define where we can and can't join in on conversations. About five months ago I set up a Ning site for a group of my HR colleagues in and around the Austin area. We're involved in HR departments of technology companies so one would think that this would be an easy step.

For the most part it has been pretty easy. And I believe that's probably one of the large misconceptions. Web 2.0 is all about interaction and conversations. It's not a stagnet website that tells me this and that and doesn't allow me to take part.

Our HR Ning allows us to communicate in a much more efficient way then we did when we blasted e-mails to the entire group several times a day. It also allows us the ability to keep our group closed and we don't accidently give our member's personal contact information away to the rest of the world.

I've been so impressed with our little Ning site that I've also set up one for my Home Owner's Association. I'm the Communication / Newsletter Chairperson and the Ning site is simply an extension of that group. It allows the members of our HOA to connect in a way we haven't before. It personalizes our neighbors and brings a sense of a better community.

Web 2.0 to me simply brings the world to my doorstep and allows me to interact with others from the comfort of my living room and from time to time allows me the chance to put on events, host events, speak at events with the people I've become friends with in my cyber world.

Sitting. Waiting for REI to open.

2008-09-28T08:27:00.001-07:00

Mobile post sent by KimHaynes using Utterli. Replies. mp3

Watching and Waiting on Ike

2008-09-10T09:46:00.000-07:00

My family is from south of Houston and I don't know if we ever evacuated for hurricanes when I was growing up. We generally boarded up the house and slept - they tended to come on land overnight.

But since Katrina and then Rita, people from home and my family in particular, take the warnings a bit more seriously.

Today my family is evacuating from the Gulf Coast and headed to Central Texas. Tough to keep my mind on work when I'm thinking of all the things back at my house I'd like to do to be better prepared for the arrival.

As we sit and wait . . .

What does your company offer you for a referral?

2008-08-11T11:58:00.000-07:00

When I talk to people who are looking for a job I always tell them the number one way to most of your best positions is through networking.

According to Roberta Chinsky Matuson in her article entitled, Networking 101 on Monster.com, a leading career website,

A vast number of job openings never make it to the newspaper or job boards.
These positions are often referred to as the "hidden job market." Candidates
find out about these positions through word of mouth. The higher up the ladder
you go, the more likely a position will be filled this way.

And since recruiting is one of my key responsibilites at Bulldog Solutions I network in various locations always keeping my eyes open for a potential recruit.

When I joined Bulldog Solutions in March of 2006 I was recruited by our Vice President of Strategic Accounts, Heather Hoetger. She and I had worked together at CyberTrader, now a fully owned entity of Charles Schwab, as HR Managers. Since she knew that Bulldog was looking to hire their first HR manager and she knew that I was in the job market and had experience working with me, she contacted me and well the rest is history. What I found in joining Bulldog Solutions is that most of the people in our company were recruited simply from our own networks and that we'd recruited just about everyone that we knew to fill what positions we had. So my next task . . . find new blood.

Which we did and over the last two years we've been recruiting through a variety of sources and while we've continued to hire referrals there hasn't been a big push to really hone in on each others networks. Until now . . .

We are looking at starting an employee referral program and I thought I'd reach out to YOU! If your company has an employee referral program would you mind sharing how it works here on my blog. We're looking for both its successes and pitfalls.

Oh, and by the way . . . if you're looking for a job in the Austin, Texas area be sure to stop by our Career page and if you don't see something of interest that's okay too. Sign up to be part of our Kennel Club where we'll keep you abreast of positions as they become available.

Austin Tweetup @ an Austin Wranglers Game

2008-07-26T17:42:00.001-07:00

Mobile post sent by KimHaynes using Utterz. Replies.

2008-07-26T17:30:00.001-07:00

Mobile post sent by KimHaynes using Utterz. Replies. mp3

@ http://Conjunctured.com

2008-07-24T06:23:00.001-07:00

Mobile post sent by KimHaynes using Utterz. Replies. mp3

Leading the Lost

2008-07-23T19:22:00.001-07:00

Are you an expert?

Webster defines an expert as:

One with the special skill or knowledge representing mastery of a particular subject

Have you worked in the same area for a while? Have you studied a particular subject in depth? Could you share some of your insight with others?

Most of us are an expert in something whether or not we realize it. If you're a stay-at-home mom you may be an expert of hushing a tired toddler. If you're well organized you may have the keys to keeping a closet uncluttered. You don't need to have an advanced degree to be an expert. You simply have to have enough of a passion to become good at something.

More and more I've been called on to lend my HR / Recruiting expertise to associates and new friends. I'm happy to do it.

I know that by no means do I have all the wisdom to impart on others. But I'm willing. I love to share. I love to help. I think sometimes it's tough to ask for assistance and I'm honored when others approach me.

Often I'm asked to meet for coffee or a chat and I meet every single time not suspecting anything in return aside from someone feeling like I listened and cared.

How about you? Are you sharing your expertise? Are you imparting the knowledge that you have with others that could use it? If you do share your knowledge, are you doing it to help someone else or to just to show off?

Learn how to give for giving sake. Ask for nothing in return. Share. Choose to make a difference in someone else's life today.

@amysilverbills' Baby Shower

2008-07-19T10:00:00.001-07:00

Mobile post sent by KimHaynes using Utterz. Replies. mp3

Sure, I Can Help

2008-07-17T14:08:00.000-07:00

So many folks that I speak with seem to be amazed at how and why I connect in the social networking world of places like Twitter, Facebook, MySpace and Plurk. Often times they get the fact that one of the hats I wear is that of a recruiter and I simply don't know where my next great hire may be lurking. They understand I want to be ready and have figured out that networking is a means to an end.

This week, however, I think I have had a chance to really make one of my connections become real in a different sense.

Through my connections I’ve made on Twitter and face-to-face connections I met at SXSW interactive earlier this year, I received a desperate call earlier this week from Jane Quiqley, one of our past Friday Morning Live speakers at Bulldog Solutions, asking if I could go and help “run” an event here in Austin that’s being broadcast to another convention in San Francisco tomorrow.

Two conferences: http://www.netrootsnation.org/ and http://www.blogher.com/blogher_conference/conf

and one of my coworkers and I will be there to make sure they connect via http://www.oovoo.com/.

This is the panel in particular: http://www.netrootsnation.org/node/867

And today’s New York Times article on the event: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/16/us/politics/16web-seelye.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

I think it’s pretty nifty that some of my online connections feel good enough about me that they trust me and our team to help them when they're in a pinch. Good stuff.

Charles puts our new kitchen cart together

2008-07-15T16:54:00.001-07:00

Mobile post sent by KimHaynes using Utterz. Replies. mp3

Austin Tweetup 7/9

2008-07-09T17:30:00.001-07:00

Mobile post sent by KimHaynes using Utterz. Replies. mp3

Jareck gets a set of new wheels

2008-07-05T16:57:00.001-07:00

Mobile post sent by khaynes using Utterz. Replies.

2008-07-05T16:52:00.001-07:00

Mobile post sent by khaynes using Utterz. Replies. mp3

2008-07-04T19:36:00.001-07:00

Mobile post sent by khaynes using Utterz. Replies. mp3

Celebrating the Red, White and Blue

2008-07-04T17:45:00.000-07:00

This is the second year in our home and we decided to show off a little bit more American spirit.

I came home yesterday and Charles had hung the bunting just like I had asked him too. Today I posted the flags along the driveway and front yard.

My dad is the one who got me started on the flag posting. See, this is their house.

I haven't taken it quite as far as he does though. He makes sure his neighbors get in the 4th of July spirit by distributing flags and placing them in their yards too.

Happy 4th of July all!

Get Out And Give!

2008-06-30T10:51:00.000-07:00

Virtually join the Austin Twitter/Tech community to save lives by donating blood on Thursday, July 3, at the Blood and Tissue Center of Central Texas. Connie had the idea to do a blood drive in association with the Frozen Pea Fund, and Michelle Greer and David Neff stepped up to help organize the Austin event.

The idea is to gather with some friends from your favorite social network — Twitter, Plurk, Ning, Facebook, for example — at your local blood donation center and give a few pints for a good cause. It’s especially timely this Thursday, which is the day before a major summer holiday, when the blood banks need extra inventory.

Choose a sign-up time for the Austin blood drive here. And if you organize a drive in another location, please let us know in the comments below.

Sr. .NET Lead Developer Sought by Bulldog Solutions

2008-06-03T21:06:00.000-07:00

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Bulldog Solutions is a fun, fast-paced place to work. Our Lead Generation process has been embraced by businesses all over the world, including many Fortune 500 companies. We have developed successful lead-generation campaigns and strategies for B2B organizations in many different industries, including technology, finance, science, health care, telecom, insurance and publishing.

Senior Developer

Bulldog Solutions is currently seeking a Senior Developer to add to our Information Technology team. The Senior Developer will be the technical lead on software development projects supporting internal development, as well as, external facing product development. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing multiple development projects at a time, running code reviews, mentoring other developers, managing release cycles and writing code. This position requires an expert technical skillset in a Microsoft environment, as well as, as strong skillset with current Web 2.0 technologies (AJAX, Web Services, SOA). As the Senior Developer, you must possess a thorough understanding of rapid development methodologies, object oriented analysis and design, .NET best practices, and the development of highly scalable, maintainable and secure Web solutions. This is a full-time salaried position.

Responsibilities:

Lead the software development team in estimating, planning, designing and coding of software applications

Mentor developers by contributing best practices and holding code reviews

Ensure that all code retains logical stability, reliability, confidentiality and integrity

Manage source code versioning and system release schedule

Review and analyze the effectiveness and efficiency of existing systems and develop strategies for improving or further leveraging these systems

Meet with decision makers, systems owners and end users to define business, financial and operations requirements and systems goals as well as to identify and resolve systems issues

Stay on top of industry changes and drive innovation of the Bulldog Solutions products

Qualifications:

Bachelor degree or equivalent in computer science or MIS

5+ years development experience in fast-paced, technology company

Expert knowledge of ASP.Net [preferably ASP.NET 2.0] and Web Services development using both VB & C#

Experience with Web and Web 2.0 technologies including Web Services, Ajax, RSS, CSS, XML/XSLT and JavaScript

Expertise in database design, data architecture to support systems development (preferably in a SQL Server environment)

Web UI design exposure including basic principles and patterns
Proven success mentoring junior developers (previous experience in lead developer role is a plus)

System integration, SOA architecture design, implementation and management is a plus
CMS (or WCMS) implementation and customization familiarity

Proven experience working in environments where software applications are being built from scratch (concept to deployment)

Demonstrated commitment to continuous personal improvement of business and technical skills, including the ability to learn and apply new technologies and techniques

Microsoft developer/architect certifications are a plus

Desired Characteristics:

The successful candidate will posses expertise in both written and interpersonal communication and be at ease with public speaking, in relationship building, and in collaboration in a cross-functional team comprised of diverse personalities, skill sets, and levels of experience. Excellent organizational skills, focus, and attention to detail are a must, as is the ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic and energetic environment.
Description of relationships and roles

Candidate must demonstrate a proven track record of obtaining results without direct report authority.

Compensation

We offer a competitive salary based on experience; health care plans including medical, dental, and vision; a bonus plan; corporate fitness discounts as well as various other employee benefits in an energetic and cutting-edge work environment.

Disclaimer

To be considered an applicant, you must apply for this specific position and meet its minimum qualifications as determined by Bulldog Solutions. This job description is not meant to be an all-inclusive statement of every duty and responsibility of the jobholder. Certain features of this job are described in the above headings, but are not necessarily limited to the above written statements. They may be subject to review. All positions within Bulldog Solutions may include other duties as assigned.

This is a full-time, regular position in our offices in Austin, Texas. As this is an immediate need, local candidates will be given more serious consideration. We are not offering relocation packages.

NO SPONSORSHIP IS AVAILABLE FOR THIS POSITION. U.S. CITIZENS OR GREEN CARD HOLDERS ONLY PLEASE.

Please forward your resume to khaynes@bulldogsolutions.com.

Fawn rescued

2008-06-02T16:27:00.001-07:00

Mobile post sent by khaynes using Utterz. Replies. mp3

Social Media Club Austin

2008-05-15T17:07:00.001-07:00

About 40 or so in attendance listening to a presentation entitled The Headless Organization

Mobile post sent by khaynes using Utterz. Replies.

Headed back to Louisiana

2008-05-13T05:20:00.001-07:00

Mobile post sent by khaynes using Utterz. Replies. mp3

The Music Man Comes To Town

2008-05-10T19:51:00.000-07:00

Charles' son Jareck came to town earlier this week after he graduated from high school in North Louisiana. He's a musician by heart and plays the piano, guitar, bass, violin and drums. Jareck also sings and writes music.

Tonight he sat out on our porch and rounded up a group of neighborhood girls who even asked for his autograph and his MySpace page so that they could become fans. Oh, the party has just started. Watch out John Mayer!

2008-05-05T16:39:00.001-07:00

Mobile post sent by khaynes using Utterz. Replies. mp3

Our New Addition

2008-05-03T19:43:00.000-07:00

In only a matter of days our home will have a new addition. One big day includes Monday, May 5, 2008, the day that Charles' son Jareck graduates from high school - a pretty important day for him. It's followed by Tuesday, May 6, 2008, which is also a monumental day for him as he turns 18 on this date.

For Charles and I both of these dates are pretty big milestones too as Jareck will be moving in with us on Tuesday. He'll be leaving the familiar of Homer, Louisiana and setting off to a new adventure of adulthood.

We're of course hoping that he secures a well paying job that will help him save money towards college. I also suspect he'll be learning a lot more about himself and us within the coming months.

So, he knows that I'm truly excited and thrilled about his arrival this is my first public shout out - Welcome Jareck, can't wait to have you here!

Mariachi band @ Austin Tweetup

2008-04-28T19:23:00.001-07:00

Mobile post sent by khaynes using Utterz. Replies. mp3

How to Hire Someone in Social Media

2008-04-25T13:00:00.001-07:00

My friend, Jason Falls from Twitter has the right idea when looking to hire his next Social Media Marketer. He's posted the position requirements on his blog and is only looking for someone steller that connects to him via the various social media outlets.

In addition to listing the normal things like what this person needs to do and what they are hoping to find, he lists how someone can really stand out from the pack and make themselves known.

HERE’S HOW YOU GET THE JOB

Don’t send me resumes. Connect with me. I’m easy to find.

Give me an elevator pitch on why you are the person we’ve described.

Send me (via whatever electronic method you deem most efficient) a short list of what you’ve done and where I can find evidence of it. Or have a full profile on LinkedIn. It’s easier that way.

If your profiles are hard to link to you on social media sites, tell me which are yours and what you’re hiding.

Understand this will be a competitive search and I’m hiring one person. Be outstanding.

Great job, Jason. I'm looking forward to watching your search progress.

So this is what happens when you blog

2008-04-14T18:21:00.000-07:00

Seriously, Julie, my cousin, couldn't have dreamed in her wildest dreams that this would happen to her.

Back in 2002 Julie began to blog. She set out in her blog titled The Julie / Julia Project to write about her experience cooking every recipe in Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking. Who knew people would read the blog?

In 365 days she was going to cook 536 recipes and write about it. Who knew she'd publish a book about it now titled Julie and Julia: 365 Days, 524 Recipes, 1 Tiny Apartment Kitchen.

After a successful book tour, who knew she'd watch herself portrayed on the streets of New York as they filmed about it in a film titled Julie & Julia?

But all of that has happened to Julie.

In October 2007 they named Amy Adams to portray Julie and Meryl Streep was cast to play Julia Child and Nora Ephron directing.

And just how does Julie feel about all of this especially when Amy Adams isn't allowed to meet my dear cousin? Well catch her latest blog posts on What Could Happen.

Good for you Julie. I'm so terribly proud of your accomplishments!

Eatin' dinner at Rudy's Barbeque

2008-04-14T16:46:00.001-07:00

Yum!

Mobile post sent by khaynes using Utterz. Replies. mp3

What does my cloud say?

2008-04-13T07:59:00.001-07:00

What does my Tweetcloud tell me and others about what I chat about on Twitter? The cloud as of 4/11 tells me that I chat alot about Twitter, say howdy often to new followers, mention things that are new often, etc. I just love all these applications. ;-)

UT vs Texas State

2008-04-08T16:36:00.001-07:00

Jareck and I catch a game at the Round Rock Express' Dell Diamond

Mobile post sent by khaynes using Utterz. Replies.

2008-04-08T16:33:00.001-07:00

Mobile post sent by khaynes using Utterz. Replies. mp3

2008-04-07T18:36:00.001-07:00

Mobile post sent by khaynes using Utterz. Replies. mp3

2008-04-05T06:01:00.001-07:00

Mobile post sent by khaynes using Utterz. Replies. mp3

Three Cheers for Good People

2008-04-03T20:10:00.000-07:00

They're every where when we really look around.

It's the person that held the door open for you as you left the store with your hands full of bags.

It's the person that let you sneak into their lane during rush hour not realizing you were running late to a meeting with your boss.

It's the person across the cubes that said bless you when you sneezed.

In our real world it's simple to find really good people. Is it any different on our social networks? Not really. But it takes a commitment from you on the front end to establish relationships in order for others to talk back to you and show you a glimpse of their good side.

I had a chance to speak with several recruiters today over a conference call that I had recently connected to across various networks. We called in from Minnesota, Atlanta, Dallas and Oregon. We've never met in person, but we have started conversations online. Once on the phone it was as if we'd known each other for quite sometime. We simply jumped on introduced ourselves and the call ensued. We asked questions, suggested solutions, posed theories and within a few short minutes left having really connected and with plans to connect again.

The relationships established online happen much more quickly and for the most part much more effortlessly and without as much work.

Twitter is my social network of choice and has been since Chris Brogan introduced me to it in September 2007. I didn't met him on Twitter, but rather on Facebook. Then I found a post on his website that led me to an interview that Guy Kawasaki conducted with Chris which asked him some of his top hints. One of the hints was using Twitter. So I signed up. Yes, I'm open to new adventures.

Within 5 minutes from joining, Chris sent out a note to his followers asking them to introduce themselves to me and boom. I was in thanks to Chris. As of today I have almost 700 people following me on Twitter. It's amazing.

And it's all because I follow good people and good people follow me back. The relationships have grown both online and offline. I've met people from all walks of life who are simply doing just that. Living. We giggle together. Laugh together. Cheer each other on. Joke with one another.

Gary Vaynerchuk had posted a wonderful idea today asking each of us to chat about the Good People that we know. And I'm not one to disregard a challenge especially for an idea as good as this.

So here are a few of my own personal favorite recommendations of good people you'll find on Twitter. If you haven't joined us on there yet, we'd love to have you!

@chrisbrogan - Known as The Mayor of twitter and super nice guy in Boston
@conniereece - Social media and PR goddess in Austin
@susanreynolds - Social marketing pro and cancer survivor in D.C.
@shashib - Social Media Swami (his biz card reads that!) in D.C.
@thomsinger - Networker extraordinaire in Austin
@chrisbergman - Marketing specialist and all around great guy in Cincinnati
@tojosan - Computer programmer and photographer in St. Louis
@pistachio - Social media maven and consultant in Boston
@karasoluri - Social media queen in training and mom in Austin
@mikeneumann - Business development consultant and all around great guy in Austin area
@sheilas - Blogger, Traveler, Former Navy, more energy than my small toe in Austin area

and my, my, this list could go on and on, but these are simple a few folks who have made an incredible impact on my life. Thank God for Good People!

Twitter in Plain English

2008-04-03T11:09:00.001-07:00

I'm often asked about Twitter and why to join and what's the point. This is a great explanation of the phenomena. Enjoy!

Social Community Strikes Again!

2008-03-29T20:33:00.000-07:00

The social community I'm most active on for the last nine months or so has been Twitter. On this site I've made many new friends, learned so much more about marketing and had a wonderful time being a part of efforts I would never had participated in prior to this relationship.

Today I had a chance to participate in what was titled the Bum Rush of The Age of Conversation. This experiment was to take the sales of this book and raise them up on the Amazon Sales Rank as high as possible on one day.

It rocketed from a starting point of 102,282 and by the end of the experiment landed at 262. What an amazing feat of what can happen in an online social community when we put our hearts into an effort.

2008-03-10T17:18:00.001-07:00

Mobile post sent by khaynes using Utterz. Replies. mp3

2008-03-07T13:43:00.001-08:00

Mobile post sent by khaynes using Utterz. Replies. mp3

2008-03-07T09:33:00.001-08:00

Mobile post sent by khaynes using Utterz. Replies.

Why the heck should I "twitter"

2008-03-06T14:01:00.001-08:00

I get that question a lot and will post a more detailed explanation myself one of these days, but I thought Tris Hussey's post about it today was a great summation.

What are you doing? The question that Twitter answers, but it’s more than
that

It's A Crazy Thing, This SXSW

2008-03-04T19:08:00.000-08:00

Seriously. Crazy. Hundreds of thousands of folks from all over the world descend upon our humble hill country land of Austin and surrounding communities to make the most of their social networking, film and music skills. They're planning on meeting and greeting and showing off.

I can't wait.

I've been scouring other messages on Twitter and adding anyone that looks of interest to my followers list. I've completed one conference call today, have another planning meeting for our Bulldog Solutions efforts tomorrow (right after we celebrate Adam's birthday) and completed my online scheduling.

Just look at this craziness.

I ask you. How's a girl supposed to get it all done?

Not really looking for an answer here, I know that I can't, but it's fun imagining that I can. Who needs sleep?

Let's Go Fly a Kite

2008-03-02T20:46:00.000-08:00

This was the song playing in my head as I got dressed this morning. Okay. This is the song I was singing out loud as I got dressed this morning.

After church today I joined a couple of friends to attend my first ever Zilker Park Kite Festival. In it's 80th year, it seems that there are a number of folks who have attended it and known about its existence much longer than myself. There must have been thousands of people, families, kiddos, moms, dads, grandparents and lots of dogs.

Seemed that most folks were actually flying their own kites and then there were professional kite flyers with contraptions that must have been as large as my house. The professionals did kite acrobatics to new age jazz music that was broadcast throughout the event via huge speakers.

All kinds of colors and shapes and sizes and amazingly I didn't see one political one and yet we have the US President Texas primaries happening in two days. My favorites included tails with spinny things on them. There was a beareded dragon that was beautiful, lots of butterflies, a few Austin bats, and even a flying man.

Check out all the photos from the event on my Flickr site.

Yet another reason why I LOVE Austin so much with all it's weirdness. Keep Austin Weird!

2008-03-02T11:46:00.001-08:00

Mobile post sent by khaynes using Utterz. Replies. mp3

Zilker Kite Festival Austin

2008-03-02T10:59:00.001-08:00

www.zilkerkitefestival.com 80th annual - another reason I LOVE Austin.

Mobile post sent by khaynes using Utterz. Replies.

2008-03-02T10:48:00.001-08:00

Mobile post sent by khaynes using Utterz. Replies. mp3

SXSW Interactive Here I Come

2008-03-01T12:51:00.000-08:00

I'm a newbie. I live in the Austin area, but I've never attended any part of a past SXSW event. Sad to think that I've lived in and out of Austin for going on 11 years and haven't been a part of it until this year.

So this year I'm going in full force. Not only am I planning on getting my feet wet, but I'm determined to simply wear myself out by attending and chatting with everyone at the Interactive portion of the festival.

Mostly I'm connected with folks from all over the world on Twitter and we've set up a Wiki to keep up with who's planning on attending. And this morning I just joined a Ning site for attendees.

My company, Bulldog Solutions, is a cosponsor with Federated Media and Dell, The Conversation Group, and Social Media Club Austin, an evening of “Conversation Starters” at the Iron Cactus on Monday, March 10, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Over drinks and appetizers, attendees will have a chance to share ideas with a number of people who have volunteered to start conversations: Shel Israel, Robert Scoble, Jeremiah Owyang, Charlene Li, Chris Heuer, Mack Collier and Lionel Menchaca, as well as several Federated Media authors. If you know anything about social media then you'll know that these folks are the big guns in the arena.

I can't wait. If you've thought about going and they still have badges left to SXSW Interactive then come. Be a newbie with me.

My First Austin Tweet Up

2008-02-23T21:52:00.000-08:00

Organized my first Austin Tweet Up tonight.

Tweet Up?

It's when a bunch of us who have become friends on Twitter get together and chat in person by using much more than 140 characters at a time. Not only do we chat, but we post micro-blogs on Twitter as we go, we Utterz about it live and take a ton of photos that we rush home to upload on sites like Flickr. We're a bunch of geeks. Really we are.

We also do all kinds of things in our professional lives like Kay who works on taxes, Richard who works on Social Media for Dell, Connie who does tons of PR for lots of companies, Kara who blogs and freelances, David who works for the American Cancer Society, Bryan who podcasts and works with Monster, Susan who freelances and is a fabulous artist, Aruni who runs her own company Babble Soft, Thom who works for VCFO and is an accomplished, Lani and Benn who are incredible interactive realtors, Mike who works for a biomedical type of company and travels all over the world and me HR Manager for an interactive lead marketing firm. Whew!

And we all got together tonight because Bryan was in town from Boston and Susan was in town from Washington, D.C. How could we not get together?

I heard it was going to be a beautiful Central Texas evening, so I planned the event and publicized it on Event Brite and had everyone meet at Waterloo Ice House on Capital of Texas Highway. I love taking folks on Capital of Texas Highway also known as Loop 360. It's absolutely breathtaking!

We had such a great time and the conversations never skipped a beat. Susan commented that she wanted to listen to nine conversations at once. It's tough when you put that many folks that have so much to say in one location.

And within 30 minutes from our departure the photos started popping up and more conversations about conversations began being blogged. Fun stuff. Wish you could have joined us.

Austin Tweetup

2008-02-23T17:41:00.001-08:00

Pictured is @conniereece and @susanreynolds

Mobile post sent by khaynes using Utterz. Replies. mp3

2008-02-21T07:58:00.001-08:00

Mobile post sent by khaynes using Utterz. Replies. mp3

Social Media Club Breakfast Austin

2008-02-21T06:11:00.001-08:00

Mobile post sent by khaynes using Utterz. Replies. mp3

Real Life Collides with Online Life

2008-02-16T15:36:00.001-08:00

Social networking and media have recently become more and more real to me as I've been having more human interactions with folks that I've become friends with on various social networks. The two have collided.

This afternoon as I logged into my Twitter account I found that I was invited to attend a Social Media Breakfast here in Austin this week. Just after registering to attend I had a call come through on ooVoo from Geoff Livingston in D.C. I clicked on, plugged in my webcam and for the first time had a conversation with Geoff, Jay Moonah, Joseph Jaffee, and Robin Goo d - - two guys here in the states, one guy in Toronto, one guy in Rome and little 'ol me in Central Texas.

A year ago it would have never crossed my mind that I would be having conversations of any kind with folks like this and that they would be from all over the world. But today, it's becoming more and more normal. In addition to this afternoon's chat I also caught up with my CMO in Belgium and an old friend in Argentina earlier this week. Amazing.

My boyfriend has been chatting with his social friends online for years now - again coming from all over the world. Of course his conversations are never around media, marketing and the effects of social media though.

My organization, Bulldog Solutions, is constantly trying to help our Business-to-Business (B2B) clients find better ways to reach their clients on social networks and media and the simple truth is that it begins with a conversation. First they have to determine where their customers live and then begin interacting with them there. And by interacting we know it's not pushing more advertisements at them, but really interacting - posing questions, offering helpful insight and opening up about what's going on at an organizational level and becoming more personal and interesting.

I have to believe in my own experiences that although it might take us a while to teach our clients how to evolve in this new social world that their efforts will pay off exponentially.

@SheilaS speaking this AM

2008-02-08T06:24:00.001-08:00

Wanna listen in? DM me on Twitter for info.

Mobile post sent by khaynes using Utterz. Replies. mp3

Let the hiring begin

2008-02-02T18:23:00.000-08:00

I've been in the HR / Recruiting world for going on close to a decade now and one of the things I know is the fourth quarter of any year is generally not the time for huge hiring sprees. Then when the calendar flips to January the frenzy begins.

That's exactly where I find myself these days. With awards like this it's not surprising that Bulldog Solutions is about to undergo tremendous growth, yet again! Do you have what it takes to be a Bulldog?

2006 Listed as one of the Top 50 Fastest Growing Privately Held Companies by the Austin Business Journal

2007 Listed as one of the Top 50 Fastest Growing Privately Held Companies by the Austin Business Journal

2007 Listed as one of the Inc 500s Fastest Growing Privately Held Companies

2007 Listed as one of the Best Companies to Work for in Texas

And now . . . I'm in need (or soon will be in need) of the following:

Event Manager - In essence a DJ for our clients Webinars. Folks with 2-3 years of professional experience and RTF degrees usually fit well in this positions.
Account Director - The bridge between our sales department and our project campaign managers. We're looking for folks with 5-7 years of strategic marketing experience. Interactive advertising / marketing a huge plus.
Web Production Developer - HTML proficient and graphic / design background who is comfortable with an incredibly fast-paced work environment and is fanatical about quality.
Campaign Manager - If you've led campaigns for the Democratic or Republic party goody for you, but this title is all about project managing our client events and marketing objectives.

There will be more listed very soon so if you're in the job market, if you know someone in the job market, if you live in Austin or can't wait to get here, then bookmark this page or subscribe to my RSS feed.

Oh, and you have to like working with dogs. I'm not saying our employees are dogs, we actually allow our employees to bring their well-behaved dogs to work with them.

Scary Valentine Kitty

2008-01-30T18:19:00.001-08:00

Seriously, what was this manufacturer thinking?!

Mobile post sent by khaynes using Utterz. Replies. mp3

Morning in Texas

2008-01-30T06:55:00.001-08:00

Mobile post sent by khaynes using Utterz. Replies. mp3

The Giant Panties!

2008-01-26T19:23:00.001-08:00

@MikeNeuman sharing the giant panties.

Mobile post sent by khaynes using Utterz. Replies. mp3

Dinner with @AnnOhio and @ConnieReece

2008-01-24T17:21:00.001-08:00

Mobile post sent by khaynes using Utterz. Replies. mp3

Event Manager Sought by Bulldog Solutions

2008-01-13T14:15:00.000-08:00

Understand the corporate environment but looking for something a little different? Check out Bulldog Solutions—a globally recognized, Austin-based company focusing on creating quantifiable, Web-based marketing and sales products and campaigns for Fortune 500 companies around the world. Bulldog is a fun, fast-paced place to work, and in addition to being headquartered in the Live Music Capital of the World (Austin, Texas) we have our EMEA offices based in Brussels, Belgium. We are authorities in the development of successful lead-generation campaigns and strategies for B to B organizations in a portfolio of industries that includes technology, finance, science, health care, telecom, insurance and publishing.

Event Manager

Bulldog Solutions is currently seeking an Event Manager to add to our Operations Team. An Event Manager is responsible for the set-up, coordination and management of live and pre-recorded Web events delivered as part of Bulldog Solution’s service package. Each event that Bulldog Solutions produces contains unique and varied circumstances, and our customers rely on our Event Managers to help organize these essential presentation details. Bulldog Solutions is looking for a technologically savvy, detail oriented, and customer focused individual to join our Event Management Team. This is a full-time salaried position.

Responsibilities:

Manage/supervise all aspects of business event set up, primarily web events (Webinar platform, audio, Web, IP streaming), pod/audio productions, video creation/editing, and other special events. (Primary focus will be on Webinars for Clients). This requires careful attention to detail; mistakes can result in major problems that compromise event success.

Speaker training – Conduct customer training/rehearsal sessions prior to live event. Coach speakers on best practices for optimal audio and visual during the live event, and how to use the platform technology.

Live event support - Troubleshooting technical, vendor and scheduling issues; testing events prior to launch and ensuring events proceed smoothly from beginning to end. Anticipate potential problems and proactively take preventative steps.

Event moderation – During live event, event manager will give verbal instructions to the audience for optimal viewing, and may act as moderator during live event to introduce speakers, read polling questions, and read audience-submitted questions during the live Q&A session. Event manager needs to have good public speaking skills, and be comfortable speaking during live events.

Develop a summary of each event's performance for clients (critique of speakers, PowerPoint slides, etc.), give recommendations for future events, and organizing post-event reporting.

Stay up-to-date on audio and Web platform technologies and continually drive innovation of the Bulldog Solutions products.

Communicate platform changes with customers and internal staff.

Work closely with/lead teams that include internal/external subject matter experts, marketing/sales professionals, vendors, facilitators, content developers.

Qualifications:

College degree

One to three years’ experience in client facing role, preferably in an agency environment

Exceptional verbal/written communications skills; must be articulate and communicate clearly and concisely with all levels of management.

Detail oriented and exceptionally well organized with the capacity to manage multiple priorities and tasks simultaneously.

Must work well under pressure. Ability to quickly resolve technical problems during live events while remaining calm is key.

Requires skill working with Web technologies to facilitate Webinar activities and provide quick responses to ad-hoc customer inquiries, and experience with audio and Web technology troubleshooting. A basic understanding of html is a plus.

Proven track record of obtaining results without direct report authority.

Highly self-motivated contributor who works well as an individual and within a team environment.

Software proficiency skills: strong MS Office, and excellent computer skills.

Must have a basic understanding of audio and video concepts and terminology. Audio and video editing skills a strong plus.

Desire to be part of a team who can grow the business by consistently delivering high quality client services within prescribed timeframes and project scope.

Desired Characteristics

The successful candidate will have natural interest in Web based technologies and the desire to stay up-to-date on the latest advances. Requires a solid understanding of the basic technology behind Webinars and Internet communications; familiarity with metrics, operations, and the complete product scope (e.g. requirements through reporting) is required. The candidate must posses expertise in both written and interpersonal communication and be at ease with public speaking, in relationship building, and in collaboration in a cross-functional team comprised of diverse personalities, skill sets, and levels of experience. The ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic and energetic environment while simultaneously maintaining excellent organizational skills, focus, and attention to detail is critical.

This is a regular full-time position in our offices in Austin, Texas. As this is an immediate need, local candidates will be given more serious consideration. We are not offering relocation packages.

NO SPONSORSHIP IS AVAILABLE FOR THIS POSITION. U.S. CITIZENS OR GREEN CARD HOLDERS ONLY PLEASE.

Please forward your resume to khaynes@bulldogsolutions.com.

Making an Impact One Friend at a Time

2008-01-11T18:12:00.000-08:00

I still find Twitter fascinating and one of the most fascinating parts is that it is such an incredibly caring group of talented and creative and smart individuals. Like other social networking or even dating sites, you add or others add you to their network and there are so many various reasons as to why you'd "hook-up" with these people.

And then quickly, on Twitter, at least, you take peek at their blog. You often find out what town or region of the world they call home. You strike up conversations and begin a friendship. You connect things that are of similar interest. You learn that they are a mom or a writer or a software developer or a race car driver. Those are the fun parts of what happens.

The parts that aren't fun are the parts that remind us we're chatting with humans.

Humans who have faults and problems and the worst of it all illnesses or are literally hit by a "Mack truck."

Yes, one of our dear friends, "ashPEAmama" on Twitter was hit by actually a Peterbilt truck this week and did not survive. She had given birth to her second child in November and this week at the age of 29 less than five hours after her last post on Twitter her life came to an end. Tragic.

And many of us have now donated to a fund in hopes of helping her family financial during this imaginably difficult time.

A month or so ago another one of our friends, Susan found a lump in her breast. A big lump. It required almost immediate surgery and she has now undergone breast cancer surgery and writes about what she is living through in Boobs on Ice.

We have rallied around her and as well as "Splash Girl" who is also going through her battle with Breast Cancer and created the Frozen Pea Fund with proceeds going to the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.

The Washington Post picked up on our efforts and ran How Frozen Peas Started a Movement which gives more color to all the craziness that has ensued in our little circle of friends.

Where are you on this map?

2008-01-09T21:07:00.000-08:00

Created in Spring of 2007, I wonder where Twitter would be on the map now?

2008-01-09T14:41:00.001-08:00

Mobile post sent by khaynes using Utterz. Replies. mp3