Friday, February 23, 2007

Internet Marketing Strategies = Cross the road when you have a walk sign!

Relevance, Relevance, Relevance. They couldn’t have repeated it more. That was the word of the day yesterday at a search engine optimization conference we attended. Of all the tricks, keywords, etc that one could use and that they discussed, it all seemed to boil down to relevance. Are the links tied to your site relevant? Are the keywords you are using relevant? Is the title to your web pages relevant? Is the traffic hitting your site relevant? What I thought was interesting as well was the honesty and ethics both speakers showed. There was one from Google and another from a local SEO agency.

Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t expect them to be sleazy, but I thought they may have covered a few “hints” or “tricks” to get your website rated higher in a search. Nope, nothing of the sort. Quite the opposite actually. What they did discuss and present instead was the point that any “evil doings” in terms of tricks and things of that sort would actually work against you. This ultimately results in a lower page rating or worse (“black listed”). They both discussed insightful ways for you to look at your online marketing in a more holistic sense and determine what works best for you. One great point they made was that increased traffic doesn’t mean increased sales/leads/etc. You could have a ton of people going to your site but if they were looking for something else than what you are offering, they will quickly leave (relevance!).

I was also impressed with their desire to really make sure that the internet and a search engine digging into it were of value to the public and something that the public would have faith in continued use. The cynic in me says, of course they would, it means big bucks for them. But even if there intentions are self serving, it still means a better experience for everyone involved and the optimist in me likes that.

So, what did I learn from the conference, other than a belly full of delicious food (thanks Gibson’s!!)?


Follow the rules and no one will get hurt! Have a great weekend!

Sunday, January 28, 2007

Does your resume need an extreme makeover?

Keep the following tips in mind when creating your "new and improved" resume:

Speak the language
Use keywords or buzz words that HR personnel will look for when reviewing your credentials. Industry specific jargon(i.e direct mail, customer acquisition, retention, loyalty marketing, CRM)

Check for spelling and grammatical errors
Many employers have eliminated candidates out of the hiring process for misspelled words. A resume is a reflection of your skill set, spelling errors raise a red flag , indicating a person's lack of attention to detail.

Keep it real
Even a minor embellishment, raises a red flag. As a candidate moves farther along in the interview process, tactical experience is revealed. Embellishing skills on a resume and then trying to "fake it" reflects poorly.

Keep it easy to read
Make it easy for an HR professional to understand your skills and background. Complicated and "crowded" resumes often get passed over simply because it takes more effort to find the key elements. Resumes should quickly showcase your talent.

Friday, January 26, 2007

Direct Marketing Opportunities under 80K

CIRCULATION ANALYST (SM1041412, up to $55, Monroe, WI)

Growing client is seeking a Circulation Analyst to build and execute mailing plans for clients. Duties include developing budgets to project sales and profits. Monitor, analyze, and communicate sales results to management. Support the growth and profitability of clients and their businesses. Use statistical software to segment and optimize mailings.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree required, preferably in Business related to Marketing, Management, Math or Statistics, with 1-2 yrs. Experience. Possess advanced level knowledge of Excel, Word, and Access software. Must have exp. with direct mail campaign, negotiating with list brokers and be preferably in catalogue industry.

NEW!!! MARKETING ASSOCIATE (DJ1041554, North Chicago, IL up to $55k)

Work closely with internal marketing, risk management, and fulfillment production teams and external vendors to coordinate the overall flow and universe creation of acquisition marketing campaigns through the prospect database.

Utilize your expert knowledge of direct marketing, list processing and campaign management to assist in managing client expectations, issue tracking and resolution and change management process.

Must Have

BA/BS required

At least 2-4 years of direct marketing experience including list management, campaign management, or database marketing

Experience in the financial services or credit card industry, as well as knowledge of credit data

Market Manager (SM1040123 Columbus, OH, starts at $60 +relo assistance)

This position is responsible for marketing execution and financial profitability of products in the Parent market. Works closely with the product management team to implement marketing strategies at a detailed level. Serves as a team leader with internal Operations, Production, Creative, List, Marketing Database, Customer Service and Analysis areas to ensure that all marketing programs are executed smoothly, resulting in positive customer relations and positive contribution to profit. Assist the product management team with developing marketing plans and budgets. Some travel is required.

Maintain accountability for annual gross sales in the Parent market(s). Present information to Senior Management and other internal departments through regular verbal and written communication. Understand short-term and long-term strategies set forth by product management. Execute projects and change concepts to improve the overall profitability.

MUST HAVEs

Bachelors degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience; advanced Degree in Business or Marketing is desired

2 to 5 years experience in Marketing, preferably direct marketing in a publishing, continuity or catalog environment

Experience with budgets and financial reporting is required

Assistant Marketing Manager (DJ3003855, Columbus, OH, up to $60 + 10% bonus, relo provided)

The right candidate to fill this role will support and drive implementation of direct marketing customer acquisition and retention programs including web site optimization, e-mail marketing, telemarketing, and direct mail. Will work closely with the Regional Director and Market Managers to develop national marketing campaigns and market specific programs to address unique market and customer needs.

MUST HAVEs

Bachelors at a min, MBA preferred

2-5 years experience in direct marketing utilizing a number of channels such as online/web/internet, direct mail, and telemarketing.

Highly analytical with strong PC knowledge including database management, mapping, and interactive knowledge.

Assistant Circulation Manager (SM1040495, Tucson, AZ, $65, relo provided)

Women’s apparel and specialty gifts catalog company seeks Assistant Circulation Manager to develop house and prospecting circulation and promotional plans and authorizes all pre and post merge/purge activity to insure names are mailed with the appropriate marketing promotions. Responsible for fiscal budgeting and production tasks for all house and prospecting mailings.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Develops, creates, and budgets house and prospecting list circulation plans for all catalog mailings. Prepare related documents, reports, and P&L's that accompany circulation plans. Coordinates credit programs insuring that customer contact strategies are correctly implemented. Key vendor contact for list brokers. Establishes Fiscal plans and budgets; Coordinates all production work for all catalogs with Experian/Direct Tech. Executes all front-end and back-end merge purge processes, making mail/no-mail decisions. Sets up tests and promotions. Check counts. Load segments. Compiles and runs all budget/actual reports on weekly basis. Analyzes all test segments and reports on promotional efforts. Creates Post Mailing communication to customer service and credit for all catalog promotions.

MUST HAVEs

5+ years experience in Direct Mail Marketing environment and strong analytical skills. Must be a good communicator and well organized

Understanding of list segmentation, modeling, merge/purge procedures, customer file layouts, profit and loss statements, forecasting techniques, and appropriate software for data mining and data analysis. Or be a "quick learner."

NEW!!! E-Commerce Manager (SM3004287, Anamosa, IA, up to $75 + relo)

Respected Catalog Retailer is seeking an E-Commerce Manager to lead, design and develop software applications to provide the technical architecture of Web sites or Web-based software products. This person will build user interface applications and back-end databases using various programming and scripting languages, author complex Web pages, assist in project planning and Web site design, create prototypes and functional specifications for software projects, and create technical methodologies for engineering solutions to Web-based development problems.

MUST HAVEs

Bachelor's degree

Demonstrated proficiency with web-related technologies such as Javascript, HTML.

2 - 5 years experience working with web pages.

Graphic design capability.

Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment.

MCAD or MCSD preferred


NEW!!! Database Account Executive (DJ3004903, Dallas/Fort Worth, TX, up to $85 + relo assistance)

The successful candidate for the Database Account Executive position will work with internal teams (IT, Research, Sales, etc.) and in conjunction, will manage client communications and database marketing projects. The Database Marketing Account Executive, with 80% sales initially that will transition into more of a client management role later is responsible for ensuring that projects are completed on time and on budget. The role requires management of resources through influence and hands on project skills where appropriate. Leads reporting on project status relating to database updates, hygiene, transfers, changes, and deliverables

Must Haves

BA/BS degree preferred

At least 2 years experience in database or direct marketing agency as an account executive or in client service

Must be high energy and have great communication and interpersonal skills

Must have strong database and access tool knowledge with an emphasis on relational and experience with any of the following applications a plus: ETL Tools, such as, Informatica, Group1 Dataflow or SRC Alteryx. Business Intellignce tools such as Microstratgy or Cognos.

Must be flexible as client projects and requirements change frequently.

SENIOR DIRECT MARKETING Sales Executive (ONGOING OPPORTUNITY) (DJ1038010, Houston, TX $80 to $100 base + commission + relo)

A 20 years old award winning full-service marketing agency that offers a streamlined, accountable process to meet the unique challenges of business-to-business and business-to-consumer marketing across numerous industries and media is seeking a well established Sales Executive to sell their products to long-term clients. Once the territory has been established, this person will then hire and manage a staff. Products to sell include direct mail, fulfillment, online, and database marketing.

This Sales Executive must have over 5 years sales experience within the direct mail/database marketing environment.

Compensation includes a large base with a generous commission structure.

NEW!!! CRM Consultant (DJ3004121, remote, $70-$110 + 10% bonus plus options)

This pre-IPO client is looking for someone who would be able to travel to clients Mon-Thursday implementing their enterprise campaign management software. Competing against a well known competitor, this person can work remotely as long as they live next to a large airport.

MUST HAVEs

Able to travel 80%

Bachelors degree

Big 5 consulting experience or anyone out of a Harte Hanks, Siebel, Chordiant, SAS etc would be a great fit.

Great drive and personality

Direct marketing Circulation Specialist (SM3004732, Greenville, WI, up to $80 + relo)

One of the largest providers of educational products seeks candidate that has experience in circulation strategy which includes RFM and LTV. Primary responsibility is to plan which customers and prospects should receive direct marketing contacts, ensure campaigns are executed as planned, monitor marketing results and adjust plans to maximum return on marketing investment. Customer segmentation, contact strategies(email, catalog etc..), financial forecasting, list processing.

NEW!!! Customer Strategy Manager (DJ1040984, North Chicago, IL up to $90 + bonus + relo)

Become part of this newly created role and utilize your strong product marketing/management experience to achieve successful customer acquisition rates. Continuously review status quo and develop products as needed in order to meet market demand. Will work closely with x-functional teams (analytics, finance, sales, etc) so must be able to see big picture, read and understand data and transform it into actionable strategies.

Must Haves

BA/BS or equivalent, MBA preferred

At least 5 yrs experience in credit marketing, direct marketing, or financial services environment and at least 10 years experience in product marketing, preferably in credit card industry.

Great understanding of analytics.

NEW!! marketing manager-search and affiliate (SM3004737, Chicago land area, up to $85K, no relo)

Lead the management of search and affiliate marketing programs for leading retailer that is growing their online marketing department. Manage emerging and online media programs in conjunction with media services team. Direct external agencies in all aspects of search & affiliate marketing strategies to deliver against revenue goals.

Skill/Experience Requirements

Experience with Search and keywords

Project management experience

Strong analytical skills

Strong organizational skills with attention to detail

Online marketing, search marketing, retail industry

Executive Level Opportunities in Direct Marketing

NEW!!! CRM Consultant (DJ3004121, remote, $70-$110 + 10% bonus plus options)

This pre-IPO client is looking for someone who would be able to travel to clients Mon-Thursday implementing their enterprise campaign management software. Competing against a well known competitor, this person can work remotely as long as they live next to a large airport.

MUST HAVEs

Able to travel 80%

Bachelors degree

Big 5 consulting experience or anyone out of a Harte Hanks, Siebel, Chordiant, SAS etc would be a great fit.

Great drive and personality

NEW!!! MARKETING MANAGER – OFFLINE (SM3003674, FL, up to $90 +20% bonus + relo)

The selected candidate will focus on customer acquisition and lifetime value through the successful design, development, execution and analysis of marketing campaigns across multiple direct offline channels (call center inbound/outbound programs, DRTV/infomercial, Direct Mail, Radio and Print) for a variety of consumer products/segments. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, developing and implementing marketing plans by defining campaigns by product channel and customer segment; building appropriate offers, price, creative, media and product mix; establishing and tracking key performance metrics; managing the execution of campaigns from concept to creative implementation, analysis and adjustment recommendations and managing outside vendors in conjunction with the implementation of the campaigns. Candidate will also be responsible for evaluating overall campaign results through tracking, testing and modeling to ensure maximum return on investment.

MUST HAVEs

BS/BA in Marketing, Advertising, Business or related field; MBA preferred.

Must have 5-8 years of direct marketing offline experience utilizing multiple medias. Must have demonstrated experience with DRTV, Direct Mail, DR Print and Call Centers.


NEW!!! Creative Director (SM3004381, Chicago, IL, up to $90 + bonus, no relo)

The creative director will be responsible for the creative initiatives for the marketing department, including the content and design for all advertising and the website.

Develop the creative strategy and manage the creative aspects of all advertising campaigns, including print, direct mail, collateral, radio, O.O.H., internet and DVD. Development and oversight of market research (i.e. focus groups, market-specific language, feedback from the communities, etc.) associated with creating materials. Manage the corporate marketing department's creative team, ensuring that all timelines are accurate and deadlines met. Work closely with regional marketing directors to ensure that all marketing materials fulfill the strategic goals. Participate in quarterly strategic analysis calls with Sales and Operations - ensuring that all creative goals are threaded through all marketing materials. Ensure that all creative materials align with the corporate brand standards

MUST HAVEs

Bachelor's Degree in Art, Marketing, English or related discipline

Minimum 10 years with an advertising agency or corporate marketing department

Must have a minimum of 5 years supervisory responsibility

Experience in developing video/DVD, print, direct mail, FSI, and radio

Proficient in QuarkXPress, Adobe Illustrator CS and Adobe Photoshop CS


NEW!!! Customer Strategy Manager (DJ1040984, North Chicago, IL up to $90 + bonus + relo)

Become part of this newly created role and utilize your strong product marketing/management experience to achieve successful customer acquisition rates. Continuously review status quo and develop products as needed in order to meet market demand. Will work closely with x-functional teams (analytics, finance, sales, etc) so must be able to see big picture, read and understand data and transform it into actionable strategies.

Must Haves

BA/BS or equivalent, MBA preferred

At least 5 yrs experience in credit marketing, direct marketing, or financial services environment and at least 10 years experience in product marketing, preferably in credit card industry.

Great understanding of analytics.

NEW!!! Strategic Marketing Manager (DJ3004639, North Chicago, IL up to $95+bonus + relo)

Demonstrate your innovative marketer experience while developing effective direct marketing campaigns. This recently created position will lead efforts in developing and managing a new strategic direction while redesigning and rebuilding the existing core business function from the ground up. Work with x-functional teams such as Analytics, Finance, and Risk to identify key targeted growth segments and develop strategies and lead efforts to implement exciting new product enhancements to support strategic actions.

Must Have

BA/BS required, MBA preferred

At least 5 years of experience in financial services or consumer marketing.

previous project management experience and be able to multi-task in an independent environment.

Deep experience in consumer focused fully integrated strategic marketing programs.

NEW!!! Marketing Director (SM3004330, Chicago, IL up to $95 + bonus)

This individual will act in an advisory role to the regional A.V.P./director of sales, vice president of operations, executive directors and sales directors regarding all marketing and advertising strategies. Working closely with the regional sales team, the marketing director will manage the development of strategic marketing plans. Will manage the development of annual marketing budgets, develop a cost-of-acquisition analysis prior to any budget/plan development, continually evaluate all current and historic lead source data, lead quarterly strategic analysis calls with Sales and Operations, participate in the executive budget review - communicating business objectives with relevant members of the marketing team, and ensure accurate recording of marketing costs in the REPS system

MUST HAVEs

Bachelor's Degree in Marketing or related discipline

Minimum of 10 years with a corporate marketing department or advertising agency and developing print, direct mail, FSI, radio and video

Must have a minimum of 5 years supervisory responsibility

Must excel at building consensus and relationships

DIRECTOR OF CLIENT SERVICES (ONGOING OPPORTUNITY) (DJ1041122, Denver, CO, up to $100K + 10 TO 15% bonus + relo)

A fantastic database marketing agency seeks a Director of Client Services. Be a part of this winning group and experience a great culture while helping clients in the retail industry manage their marketing strategies. Report to the SVP and help grow business and develop long lasting relationships with clients while ensuring that all services and solutions are exceeding all expectations.

Skills/Requirements

Must have 7-10 years of Direct Marketing, Database Marketing within an agency setting required, in a sales/revenue generating role.

Business Development or Sales experience in a marketing agency environment required (will also consider a candidate from a Big 5 consulting firm)

Bachelors degree required (MBA preferred)


NEW!!! Executive, Multi-Channel Communications (SM3004465, Indy, IN, up to $160k)

Business to Business cataloger is searching for a strategic Director of Multi-Channel Communications who will be responsible for the creation, management, and distribution of Catalog, On-line, and targeted direct marketing collateral. A successful candidate must be able to take a strategic approach in providing leadership, creative insights and analysis to our marketing team in order to maximize our multi-channel sales growth and profitability through creative development and execution of distribution.

MUST HAVEs

Bachelor's degree in Art, Graphic Design, Communications, Marketing, or other related field with 5yrs with extensive knowledge of B2B catalog production as well as web/internet marketing experience.

In-depth knowledge of customer acquisition, retention, and reactivation strategies.

Strong understanding of all aspects of catalog and direct marketing processes.

Knowledge of Quark, Photoshop, and Illustrator.

Sr. Manager, CRM (DJ3003987, North Chicago, IL up to $110 + 30% bonus + relo)

Join the senior leadership group to develop successful CRM strategies with key partners. Utilize your strong understanding of private label credit business, while managing and training assigned analysts. Oversee and direct all loyalty and retention initiatives and be able to review ROI and analysis.

MUST HAVEs

Bachelors, but Master’s degree is preferred
Five years of experience in marketing, direct marketing, loyalty marketing or retail marketing
CRM principles such as segmentation, customer loyalty programs, email and direct mail campaigns.
High-level understanding of SAS and SQL

DIRECTOR, ONLINE ACQUISITON (DJ3003776, Minneapolis, up to $110 + large bonus potential and relo provided)

A growing and successful client is seeking an expert on internet/online marketing and client acquisition strategies to fill this key role. Utilize your consultative approach to team with several disciplines to bring together a coherent, meaningful, and aggressive lead, conversion, new client results. The right candidate will lead a small staff of high potential and energetic professionals and will report directly to Senior Leadership. Draw upon your expertise in search engine optimization/marketing, contextual, banner ads, and partnership marketing/affinity marketing and make a deep impact.

MUST HAVEs

MBA preferred

5 to 8 yrs heavy online/internet/web marketing experience (SEO, SEM, banner, affiliate, partnership, acquisition) with a history of experience in traditional direct marketing channels as well (i.e. direct mail, etc) from retail or B2B environment.

Previous management and budget responsibility.

NEW!!! Senior manager, Direct Marketing (DJ3004937, North Chicago, IL up to $110 + 30% bonus + relo)

Join a large growing firm to manage and develop several marketing specialists and the day to day direct marketing initiatives and direct mail process. Define and implement process improvements based on a solid business case and establish a reputation as a thought leader with senior executives.

Must Have

BS/BA or related experience required, MBA preferred.

7 to 10 yrs direct marketing experience, preferably in a direct mail production environment.

Financial Service or Credit Marketing a huge plus.

NEW!!! CRM MARKETING MANAGER (DJ39806, Columbus, OH up to $115k + 15% bonus, full relo)

Our client, a Consumer Packaged Goods Manufacturer (CPG), is looking for a candidate with 7 to 10+ years of online customer relationship/loyalty experience within the CPG or Pharma industry. While reporting to the Director of Relationship marketing, you will manage 3 direct reports covering both advertising and analytics, and partner with other relationship marketing managers and brand manager to help differentiate their product online, provide tools for consumers, and manage multiple websites targeted to the professional and consumer market. Must be a strategic thinker and be deeply experienced in the Pharma or CPG environment. Client will also consider marketing agency experience that has focused on the CPG or Pharma industries. Must have experience working with large budgets (over $20M) and managing staff effectively and acting as a thought leader.

MUST HAVES:

Bachelors degree in marketing, MBA preferred

Experience managing staff and large budgets

8 to 10 years experience in online customer relationship/loyalty marketing strategies

NEW!!! INTERNET MARKETING MANAGER (DJ39806, Columbus, OH up to $115k + 15% bonus, full relo)

Our client is looking for a candidate with 7 to 10+ years of online customer relationship/loyalty experience. While reporting to the Director of Relationship marketing, you will manage 3 direct reports covering both advertising and analytics, and partner with other marketing managers and brand managers to help differentiate their product online, provide tools for consumers, and manage multiple websites targeted to the professional and consumer market. Must be a strategic thinker. Must have experience working with large budgets (over $20M) and managing staff effectively and acting as a thought leader.

MUST HAVES:

Bachelors degree in marketing, MBA preferred

Experience managing staff and large budgets

8 to 10 years experience in online customer relationship/loyalty marketing strategies

NEW!!! Director, Web Analytics (DJ4004418, Atlanta, GA, $120-$135 + 20% bonus + relo)

Our client has a need for a director level candidate in their group in the web analytics space. Someone who has either has experience with web analytics specifically, or at least someone analytical who has a lot of experience in the online marketing space.

MUST HAVES:

Provide key strategic thought into online marketing, pushing new content on the web to drive incremental sales

Serve in a key role of the transformation of “legacy” web strategies to more sales/service oriented value added online marketing endeavor

Worked on cross functional teams, providing thought leadership and working closely with clients and other vendors

Advanced knowledge of Web personalization

Experience integrating online and offline knowledge to develop more targeted online offers

Involvement in test design of online marketing, ensuring that online marketing initiatives are working

Experience with firms, agencies or interactive vendors in the integration of email, web marketing and offline (direct) marketing

Hands on experience with web analytics tools, such as Web Trends, WebSide Story, Coremetrics, etc.