Five tools the Director of Digital for the San Francisco 49ers can’t live without.
#TwelveDaysofISDI: Career advice, interviewing tips, and Silicon Valley secrets to make your 2018 the best it can be.
We’ve arrived at our second day and installment of the #TwelveDaysofISDI, and do you know what’s better than two turtle doves? One @Meghan Ryan. Director of Digital & Social at the San Francisco 49ers, Meghan weighs in on the role digital has played throughout her career, what she loves about The Faithful, and what it’s like moving across country to work in Silicon Valley.
Meghan, a Massachusetts native, began her career by spending six seasons with the Boston Red Sox before moving to the Bay Area in June of 2015 to begin her work for the San Francisco 49ers. She is currently responsible for all digital strategy regarding the 49ers and Levi’s® Stadium. Her team oversees editorial work and content creation for 49ers.com, levisstadium.com, email, social, and the 49ers mobile app. Let’s see what she has to say — and Go, Niners!
Share a piece of career advice that has stayed with you and continues to serve you now.
No job is too small. Be willing to do the not-so-glamorous things or the things that might not technically be part of your “job description.” This will carry you far in your career and in life. I think especially when starting out, it is often the intangibles that help that internship turn into a part or full-time gig. Prove that you are indispensible, and they will find a way to keep you around. Relationship building is so important, and little things like this set people apart!
What are your top five favorite digital tools that you can’t live without?
- Slack for sure is No 1. Anything that helps minimize inbox clutter rises to the top of my list. I think Slack is fantastic for idea generating, content sharing, and workflows across disparate teams and even with those outside your organization.
- Crowdtangle. The ability to run quick audits of overperforming content, stack-ranking leaderboards for any search terms and comparative sets across teams and leagues is very helpful.
- Photoshop. Your digital content should have polish. Give me the filet mignon, not the strip steak. Develop a clear brand voice, tone, and style guide, and take the time to ensure that your digital assets have that extra level of polish.
- Tableau. Data visualizations made easy. We use these workbooks for weekly and monthly reporting as well as viewing large comment workbooks. It’s important to check with your governing strategies, and Tableau makes it easy to do that across various time periods.
- A CRM system. There are several out there, but the ability to track interactions with your customers is pivotal. This can be built in house or sourced, but without key information on our fans, we wouldn’t be able to make strategic business decisions.
What has been different about working in Silicon Valley than from anywhere else in the world?
Proximity to so many thought leaders in tech! There’s an entrepreneurial spirit and energy here that is palpable. It also doesn’t hurt having access to so many startups and major social platforms in your backyard, which is very convenient for relationship building. Instead of picking up the phone, you can set up a meeting in person and get so much more accomplished.
What is the best interview question you’ve ever been asked?
Would you rather have hot dogs for fingers or mac & cheese for hair? No really, think about it. Lightning-round style questions that spark a conversation and really get to see someone’s personality are the types of questions I love. At the end of the day, it’s about connections, and I loved this obscure one that really stuck with me.
What has been your favorite 49ers moment? Any behind-the-scenes secrets you can share with us?
Probably my first NFL game — August 2015 vs. the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. I don’t think I slept a wink the night before! It was such a rush and an exhilarating day. Even though it was only a preseason game, I felt the immense reach and exposure of the National Football League. Though my game days feel a lot less stressful now, there is still a buzz in the air each and every Sunday, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to engage with millions of fans around the world on behalf of such an iconic franchise. That doesn’t get old!
Interested in the future of work? We’re offering a FREE Webinar with Steve Cadigan, former VP of Talent at LinkedIn and Cofounder of ISDI Digital University.
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Missed a day? More career advice here!
Day 1: Former VP of Talent at LinkedIn and a Partridge in a Pear Tree
Day 3: Three-time Author @britopian and Three French Hens
Day 4: Research Director of Google Cloud and Four Calling Birds
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