What does your company offer you for a referral?

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.

Sure, I Can Help

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.

It's A Crazy Thing, This SXSW

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?

SXSW Interactive Here I Come

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.

Event Manager Sought by Bulldog Solutions

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.

Today's Life in the Fast Lane

My dear friend Jamie moved from the Dallas area to our beautiful Austin in July of this year, but she wasn't able to move all of her things and chose to store some of her belongings in a storage unit near her old home. Today we trekked up to her storage facility to bring a few things back down to Austin including a 10x10 tent that we use for craft shows.

I'm the lucky keeper of the tent because I have a craft show that I will be attending the first weekend of December - Angleton's 20th Annual Christmas on the Square.

It's been over a year since I attended my last craft fair as Crimson Threads, which is my online side business. In fact the last show was the same Christmas show back in 2005. In 2006 and apparently in 2007, I was much more focused on directing all of my working energy to becoming the best HR Manager I could for Bulldog Solutions. My niece, Claire, was so sad that we didn't do the Christmas show last year. She's my number one sales girl.

In 2004, at the age of 9, Claire sold around $950 worth of products from 10 am - 9 pm. In 2005, she sold just a little shy of that, but both times I was absolutely amazed at her sales skills at such a young age.

Okay, I have to admit, she's a cute strawberry blonde thing and I have this sweet little apron for her to wear and the main product she hocks for me are Northridge Gardens Lotions in a Bar. The women that attend the craft for simply can't pass her up, when she's standing their with lotions in her hand asking them to try the different fragrances.
I'm anxious to see what happens in a few weeks at the show.

I suspect that Jamie's and my trip wasn't in vain and we made the most of our time in Big D. Just before we started the rearranging of her storage unit and packing up, we thought it best to grab a bite for lunch and stopped at one of our favorite places - Blue Mesa Grill in Frisco, yummy Southwestern cuisine. And the sign out front reads, "Catering Anywhere Anytime". Somehow I think that might not be the case, but if they're serious, I'll take some sweet potato chips, an Adobe pie, the Mesa Sampler, and Passion Fruit Tea please.

Bulldog Solutions Applauded in New List

A couple of weeks ago Bulldog Solutions found out that we were named to the Best Companies to Work for in Texas. This third annual program was created by the Texas Association of Business (TAB), the Texas State Council of the Society for Human Resource Management (TSC-SHRM), and Best Companies Group.

Bulldog Solutions was one of only 20 in the 25 - 74 employee category and one of but a few from Austin.

Read more about this encouraging news here: Bulldog Solutions One of the Best Companies to Work for in Texas.

Tweet Reasons on Why You Should Twitter

Part of our corporate intiative of late is to encourage our employees at Bulldog Solutions in Austin, Texas, to become more involved in Social Media and Networking and step beyond our city limits. We see it as a win-win both for them as individuals and obviously from a corporate standing as well. It simply makes sense to connect, to learn, to share.

On Twitter this evening, I found a post from Connie Reece to Sheila Scarborough. I briefly met Connie a few weekends ago down at Blogtoberfest down in San Marcos. We're connected on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. I've never connected with Sheila before, but after I finish posting this I'll add her to those I follow on Twitter and see where else we can connect.

Sheila posted a great article on ProBlogger today on why Twitter isn't a waste of time and included a great graphic of when other social media outlets showed up in our history and how they worked along with why you would use them. She notes, just as many of my friends ponder:

As a freelance writer/entrepreneur in her mid-forties, married with two kids, it’s hard to justify fitting one more thing into my life. It’s easy to become overwhelmed by all of the available social media options; Facebook, LinkedIn, MySpace, StumbleUpon, etc.

So, why Twitter?

Think of it as a stream of mini blog posts (and we all know why blogging isn’t a waste of time.) Think of it as an interesting news feed. Don’t judge it by the continuously-updated public timeline of often pointless blather. The value is in your own micro-community of followers and who you choose to follow.

Great point and great commentary. If you're still trying to figure out where you fit into this new mix, check out the full article of: "Why Twitter Isn't a Waste of Time."

It's a Small World Afterall

It really is. It's especially small the more time you spend online. In case your not in the know it's called Social Media. It's connecting interests and genres and all sorts of things and quite simply making this huge world of ours smaller.

While I'm not amazed to the point of falling over in awe, I am amazed daily as I find more and more of my friends are of the virtual sort. We may have met briefly at some point or we may have met on line through friends of friends or we may have accidently bumped into each other on Twitter or Facebook or MySpace. However we connected, the fact of the matter is we connected. And most of these friends and I chat in our pajamas for goodness sake.

I like to think that I use my social network first and foremost for business connections. Since I'm the HR Manager / Recruiter for one of Central Texas' fastest growing companies, Bulldog Solutions, I'm always on the look out for our next potential hire.

But secondarily, I find myself using my network for socializing and peering into lives whether near or far.

This weekend I putzed around the house, but was also doing searches for a friend's project up in Boston. Laura Athavale Fitton and a slew of folks were taking part in Startup Weekend Boston where they created from scratch a company, DeskHappy and I believe will be launching its beta version before the night's over.

As I played around with that this evening I was also able to stay up to date on the Boston Redsox and I'm so not a sports watcher.

And all of this is what makes me think, yet again, how small our world has become.

This is what work feels like

I always joke around that kids would never want to rush through school if some adult told them the honest to God truth that they'd have to get up, act right and go to work for the rest of their life. Who in their right mind would want to do that?! Geesh, if I had my way I'd go straight from elementary / middle school to retired.

Of course, I'm not completely serious about that, but doesn't it seem like a nice dream. Me now tootling around in my RV?

I guess I would miss out on my first kiss

on my first love,

on my first heartbreak,

on my starter marriage,

on my new love.

But, it's work week's like I've been experiencing of late that would definitely have me wishing for the skip forward part.

Yet as I type this I remember how much I was energized even after the end of a long hard week sitting in my office in the quiet way past 5 on a Friday. The flip side is that even though there are tough topics that are discussed behind my HR door, there's also a lot of passion from people wanting and desiring to do the right thing. Whatever the right thing means.

It's the mentality of a start up and entrepreneurs and probably the number one reason that makes the more painful weeks worth it all in the long run.

Puppy in the house

In Austin, it's not that unusual to find dogs or cats in either offices or other places of work and Bulldog Solutions is no different.

Today was General's day at the office and as you can see he was welcome with open arms. In fact, Sidney came into retrieve him probably 4 or 5 times. She'd say, "I need puppy loving!" and then off she'd go with General.

Here I found Sidney with General curled up with her as she learned to type with one hand.

What a cute couple!

Have I located a new dog sitter?!