My words of advice

I decided to add my email address and an open invitation to anyone to contact me pinned to the top of my Twitter account:

I always think it’s good to connect with people. Whoever they are. I might not be able to help, but as a ground rule i respond to everyone. When i was starting out in my career, and until recently honestly, i would reach out to people i thought were interesting, and never hear back. I swore if i was ever in the same position, i would not be that guy.

The email i get most often is something along the lines of “I’m just starting out in digital, what can i do to break in”, or “i’m looking to get a job in your industry, any advice?”. I thought i would answer it here, in hopes it helps answer that question.

My advice:

1. Know what you want to do.

If you don’t know if you want to be a strategist, community manager, copywriter, etc i can’t help. First have a clearly defined objective and position you want.

2. I don’t care where you went to school

As someone that went to a state school (SDSU AZTECS STAND UP!) i’m not that impressed by a high ranking school, or good grades. To me, if that’s what you’re harping on, i’m going to be turned off. Don’t res your laurels on a degree.

3. Passion

But to offset the last point, i love people that were in 20 clubs, volunteered, built an elaborate slip and slide for their fraternity (me), competitively horse ride, drive soap boxes, whatever. Showing that you gave your spare time to work on something you pour your heart in goes a long way.

4. Make Shit

This is by far and away the most impressive thing for me. If you love the digital space, show that you are already doing something in it. Parody twitter account, stop motion Vine’s, funny Tumblr, or even a Pinterest board that somehow went viral. Here’s one i put together: http://vineball.tumblr.com/.

5. Study

Understanding the space is pivotal. Sure you know how to use each platform, but understanding strategy, techniques, tactics as well as reading case studies will better educate you on capabilities as well as concepts. Knowing the space matters. I always ask questions related to what someone is interviewing for, to make sure they really have taken the time to understand what they are getting in to.

6. Don’t Give Up

No matter what, keep at it. It took me years and years and years to get where i am, and people along the way told me i wasn’t good enough and smart enough to do what i wanted. Work hard, and you’ll eventually get that job you wanted.

Hopefully that’s a little helpful.