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Brad Hilderbrand

Public Relations, Marketing and Product Quality Manager, Sourcebits

Public Relations

http://www.sourcebits.com/

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TOP IDEA: Harriet May Right now our company is hiring, so I am reading a lot of resumes from young entry-level professionals. Many are terrible. I thought I'd share my thoughts and experiences by starting a new blog, http://resumemascara.wordpress.com. I would love to have guest posts! What do you think in general? Do you think this would be helpful to you/ something you would like to contribute to? Because I'm just getting started all criticism/feedback/suggestions are welcome!

67 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas, Entry-Level Young Professionals, GenYJourney: Tips, Insights, Experiences For Young Professionals and Personal Development 2 more

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Allison Cheston: @Laurie I'm curious to know more about this organization. Was it just at your high school or in other parts of the state and/or country? Thanks!
14 weeks ago

Laurie Perkins: @Allison I was part of a collegiate student organization called the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA). Being a communications ...More@Allison I was part of a collegiate student organization called the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA). Being a communications major with an emphasis in PR, I joined in order to meet like-minded students and enhance my learning experience. PRSSA is a national organization and has national professional chapters as well (PRSA). There were a variety of student organizations on campus that helped students to take their studies and apply them to the working world. We were encouraged to hold internships, attend student and professional networking events, and were aided in the areas I mentioned above. I would suggest joining a student organization to anyone-it really gave us a leg up when breaking into the workforce after college!! Although I did this in college, I think classes or workshops to teach high school students these skills would be a great idea!!
14 weeks ago

Jason H. Parker I worked from home yesterday morning and accomplished a ton of work. Seems like I'm always able to focus when I'm working from home. Is this rare--I feel like I'm in the minority here?

58 weeks ago from Freelancing, Location Independent and Washington D.C.1 more

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Pamela J Carter: I don't think so...if you're comfortable in your home and have work space set aside there, often you'll find you're more productive there than at ...MoreI don't think so...if you're comfortable in your home and have work space set aside there, often you'll find you're more productive there than at the office. And you don't have the drive time there and back to worry about daily.
34 weeks ago

JRandom42: Here's the thing: I'm an infrastructure engineer, which means I work on and with the company's infrastructure, which includes, switch, routers, ...MoreHere's the thing: I'm an infrastructure engineer, which means I work on and with the company's infrastructure, which includes, switch, routers, servers, cabling and so on. Kinda hard to do from home, especially when a lot depends on the high-end hardware and software that never leaves the facility, not to mention the 10Gbit network throughout the facility. Remote connections suck, especially with the security involved and the narrowness of the bandwidth pipe.
33 weeks ago

Brad Hilderbrand I have an informal meeting with the dept head of my dream company coming up soon and I'm a bit nervous regarding what to talk about. Do I steer the conversation towards how the company does business and their best practices, or should I keep the conversation light and focus on shared interests and getting to know each other? Any suggestions/tips/advice?

35 weeks ago from Recruiters Unite!, Entry-Level Young Professionals, I am Gen Y, Video Games Industry and PR & New Media 3 more

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Dana Leavy: I would approach the conversation by initially just wanting to learn about them, and then gauge where it's going, and that'll give you a better ...MoreI would approach the conversation by initially just wanting to learn about them, and then gauge where it's going, and that'll give you a better idea of where to stear it.
35 weeks ago

JRandom42: The personal stuff will come later if the fit is right. Right now, talk about the company, its direction, and how your prospective role fits in ...MoreThe personal stuff will come later if the fit is right. Right now, talk about the company, its direction, and how your prospective role fits in achieving those goals and contributing to moving in that direction.
35 weeks ago

Edward Antrobus What is your biggest career-related disappointment? I don't have giant ambitions. I don't want to be rich or famous. I just want to be the first person in my family to escape blue collar work. The most depressing thing about getting a job as a construction flagger is the fact that my family is excited about it.

40 weeks ago from Ask Penelope Trunk! and Entry-Level Young Professionals

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JRandom42: Interesting, Karan. When I hear the word "renegade" in terms of employment, I remember a "renegade" software engineer that I worked with. There ...MoreInteresting, Karan. When I hear the word "renegade" in terms of employment, I remember a "renegade" software engineer that I worked with. There was no question about his brilliance, but he just couldn't mesh well with the team, because he "always knew he could do better than anyone else."

On his final project with this company, he "supercharged his own initiatives" "thought outside the box", and "quit asking for permission", by reverse-engineering a competitor's product, stealing the code, and planting it as his own in a product we were ready to release to market. This really "wowed others when they least expected it", when the Justice Department, and the competitor's lawyers showed up with proof of his theft of intellectual property and copyright infringement. The company had to pay up millions in fines and damages and was driven out of business. The offending software engineer is due to be released next year, after serving his 20 year sentence with no possibility of parole.
39 weeks ago

Edward Antrobus: @JRandom, How about march to the beat of a different drummer? I work best in situations where I can perform individually because 1) I get ...More@JRandom, How about march to the beat of a different drummer? I work best in situations where I can perform individually because 1) I get distracted by having people around me and 2) it's easier not having to explain the intuitive leaps and side paths I take when I'm not satisfied with the present process.

Stealing code? That's just lazy. It's not taking initiative; it's taking a short-cut.
39 weeks ago

Beth Moore Hi Citi! I am currently employed and have a fairly large social media profile because that's the field in which I work. I very much understand the value of SM networking to find a great new position - but how do I do this effectively, while maintaining a "stealth" cover from my current employer? I am a bit nervous about posting this. Anyone else have any ideas?

47 weeks ago from Citi

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Brad Hilderbrand: Good advice La Donna, when I apply for specific positions I definitely want to message the hiring managers with as much relevant info as possible. ...MoreGood advice La Donna, when I apply for specific positions I definitely want to message the hiring managers with as much relevant info as possible. Here's something else to run by you, what are your thoughts on connecting with folks at a specific company who already do the job I'm interested in. For instance, I'm in PR, and there's a big company nearby with a sizable PR dept that I'd love to work for. So I'm strongly considering messaging current reps for that company and asking if I can meet them for lunch to talk more about the company, what their job is like, etc. just basically an informational interview. I know they don't have any say in the hiring process when openings are available, but I'm hoping that such meetings would give me better insight into what the company wants as a rep, and if things go well then maybe I'll be able to use that person as an in-house reference when jobs are available. Am I on the right track here, or will I just end up spending a lot of time that would be put to better use elsewhere?
46 weeks ago

La Donna Lokey: Hi again Brad - sorry for my delayed reply! I would say if you can get an in with anyone in your desired field, it's always a plus. A word of ...MoreHi again Brad - sorry for my delayed reply! I would say if you can get an in with anyone in your desired field, it's always a plus. A word of caution, though. If these folks don't know you and have no connection to you at all, knowing how busy people are in their work lives, they may have trouble finding a value in connecting with you. So, what's in it for them? If you can help them to see that, you're more likely to get a meeting. And a meeting is one step closer to a job, IMHO.
45 weeks ago

Edward Antrobus This is, in fact, a rant. So feel free to ignore it. But what am I doing wrong here? After checking every day over a dozen company job boards, job search aggregators, and specialty job boards, I find about 1-2 mediocre-fitting listings a week, and a good fitting listing about every 2 months. Applying and even following up produces 0 results 90% of time. Networking over 2 years has dug up 3 people in my field who have all refused to meet in person and provided a total of 1 referral. *End rant*

46 weeks ago from Rocky Mountain Networking, Entry-Level Young Professionals, Green and Environmental industries and Sustainability Professionals 2 more

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Regina Richardson: Edward, I'm getting in touch with the TEK folks I know to see if they have any ideas...the company is worldwide, so there should be other points ...MoreEdward, I'm getting in touch with the TEK folks I know to see if they have any ideas...the company is worldwide, so there should be other points of contact I can dig up. :)
45 weeks ago

Ty Unglebower: You assume the fact that nothing happens means you are doing anything wrong. It is a combination of bad luck and a terrible job economy that each ...MoreYou assume the fact that nothing happens means you are doing anything wrong. It is a combination of bad luck and a terrible job economy that each year is slanted more and more against the average worker.
45 weeks ago

Anoop Kansupada Are there any social media networks that let me share videos to a select group of friends. Youtube/Vimeo is great for public videos, but what about sharing videos to just my friends, not the world?

47 weeks ago from Social Media

Rebecca Thorman and Kate Davids recommended this

Brad Hilderbrand: If you have a smartphone you might want to consider Knocking Live (MoreIf you have a smartphone you might want to consider Knocking Live (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/knocking-live-video/id335489392?mt=8). It lets you broadcast video to friends and there's an update coming this fall that I believe will expand the service to groups rather than one-on-one.

Not a perfect solution, but maybe a step in the right direction!
47 weeks ago

Felicia Brower: There is a feature on YouTube that lets you make a video that's only visible to people who have a link to see it. I'm not sure if you were trying ...MoreThere is a feature on YouTube that lets you make a video that's only visible to people who have a link to see it. I'm not sure if you were trying to avoid YouTube completely, but that's how I share personal videos with friends.
47 weeks ago

Ryan Paugh Hey all you Washington D.C. people!!! I want to start creating some Twitter Lists by city to help Brazen members connect w/ each other locally. I'm starting w/ Washington D.C. because I know that you all are an engaged bunch. So leave your Twitter ID as a reply below and we will make sure to add you to the Official Brazen D.C. Twitter List.

100 weeks ago from Washington D.C.

Katrina Stanfield, Paul Blackwell, Tiffany, Doug Mitchell and Chris Paugh and 2 others recommended this

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Thien-Kim: I'm @thienkim
54 weeks ago

yifei: @yifeiliu
54 weeks ago

Brad Hilderbrand I'm wondering if anyone has any good resources for how to market digital products. Most of the reference materials I see talk about physical locations, actual inventory, etc. I'm having trouble translating these concepts into an all-digital world. Any suggestions?

61 weeks ago from Internet Marketers, Interactive Media and Marketing, New Media Marketing and Marketers 2 more

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Kirk Ackerson: Brad - I would consider how you can build buzz about your apps offline. For example, Newsweek used to show the top ten apps (or something similar) ...MoreBrad - I would consider how you can build buzz about your apps offline. For example, Newsweek used to show the top ten apps (or something similar) on the back cover of the magazine.

Physical businesses are begining to use QR codes. I would consider, based on the specific app, which business or venue it naturally relates to and get creative in advertising your app. This could range from a formal partnership to co-advertise with a business to a viral campaign such as a QR scavenger hunt at an industry conference or within a city or town.
61 weeks ago

Jonathan Vaudreuil: Brad, I recommend researching the most influential app sites on the Internet, especially those that review apps in your genre/niche. Try to build ...MoreBrad, I recommend researching the most influential app sites on the Internet, especially those that review apps in your genre/niche. Try to build a relationship with the people who run the site long-term. In the short-term, see what it would take to get your app reviewed by them, or at least looked at.

I'd also recommend contact companies that have launched apps which sold well to see what you can learn from them.
61 weeks ago

Brad Hilderbrand Howdy Central Floridians! My wife and I just moved into the area (I'm a PR/Marketing manager for Sourcebits: http://www.sourcebits.com/, she's a librarian at FL Southern) and so far we love it! I can't wait to get involved with the local BC community. I'm mainly a lurker, but I'll try and chip in from time to time and contribute. It's great to be here. :)

61 weeks ago from Central Florida Professionals and Tampa Bay

Ann Ellingham Crutchfield: Is your wife at the Lakeland campus of FL Southern? We just toured that amazing campus (the Frank Lloyd Wright buildings).
61 weeks ago

Brad Hilderbrand: It is indeed the Lakeland campus. She took me around over the weekend to show me all the Frank Lloyd Wright architecture and it is indeed ...MoreIt is indeed the Lakeland campus. She took me around over the weekend to show me all the Frank Lloyd Wright architecture and it is indeed impressive. I only wish I could have gone into the chapel where the sunlight throws all the stained glass window colors around the room. She assures me it's super-cool. :)

The covered walkway around the campus kind of messed with my head. I know it was tall enough to walk under but I kept finding myself subconsciously ducking my head because I was worried about banging into it! I'm sure there's some sort of elaborate architectural theories at play here, but I don't know what they are. :)
61 weeks ago

Beth Bodenstein New here...anyone from Lakeland/Polk County?

100 weeks ago from Central Florida Professionals

Smith+Fritzy: No, but if you work at Publix corporate offices, get me a job. Thank you. :)
100 weeks ago

Brad Hilderbrand: Clearly this is a super-old post but I just moved to the area so I figured I'd reply that I'm in Lakeland. :)
61 weeks ago

61 weeks ago from Central Florida Professionals and Tampa Bay

Brad Hilderbrand joined the groups Central Florida Professionals, Tampa Bay and Tampa Bay 1 more

61 weeks ago

Jason Cote How do people get "IN" a company? In other words, how are people getting hired these days? I continuously hear that in order to get a great job, you need to network and find a way in the company through the backdoor. I am 28 years old with a B.S. in Business Administration, an M.B.A. and also 7 years in the Marine Corps. At the beginning of my job search, I thought I was on top of the world and would be hired immediately. This has not been the case and am figuring out other ways to be heard

69 weeks ago from Citi

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Amy Ng: @Jason: People are getting hired the same way they have historically; that is, by convincing a hiring manager that they are the most qualified ...More@Jason: People are getting hired the same way they have historically; that is, by convincing a hiring manager that they are the most qualified person to do that job. What’s different is how people are finding those jobs, and the answer is through networking and research. You’re on the right path by joining communities like Brazen and asking for guidance. Keep going by looking for employers who are using SM to talk to prospective candidates so that you can find out about their company and their jobs.

On paper, you sound like you have good credentials. But in this job market, so do many others. When you find a job that interests you, figure out a way to articulate how your skills and experiences uniquely qualify YOU for that job. @Stacey and @Marquis wisely advised you to get clear on what you want to do. When you know what kind of job you are looking for, and if you are interested in finding out about opportunities at Citi, I’d be happy to help you get started on a job search with us.
69 weeks ago

Brad Hilderbrand: @Jason: In my case I was working in media and was noticed by other media outlets as well as companies looking for PR reps. Basically I made it a ...More@Jason: In my case I was working in media and was noticed by other media outlets as well as companies looking for PR reps. Basically I made it a point to get my work out in front of people and make it hard to not get noticed. In your case I would say are you an expert in any particular field? What do you gravitate toward and have a deep knowledge about? Trumpet that expertise and let people know that this is something you're really, really good at.
69 weeks ago

Brad Hilderbrand So I just started an exciting new role in PR/marketing for a mobile developer. The only problem is, I'm brand new! Does anyone have any good resources to consult? I picked up "The New Rules of Marketing and PR" by David Meerman Scott as well as the handy "Marketing for Dummies" but what else should I consult? Thanks in advance!

69 weeks ago from Internet Marketers, Interactive Media and Marketing, New Media Marketing, PR & New Media and Social Media Marketers 3 more

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Jean DeVries: Brad...getting people to go along with it is usually the hardest part. I have some experience with this, so holler if you need some advice/assistance!
70 weeks ago

Sufi M: There are a number of ways to get yourself known over Google. There are the traditional SEO tactic, some are dangerous (i.e. BlackHat) and some ...MoreThere are a number of ways to get yourself known over Google. There are the traditional SEO tactic, some are dangerous (i.e. BlackHat) and some not so (WhiteHat). Being in a PR position entails giving your visitors or clients more diverse reasons to maintain their cooperation with your site.

As you've said, you'd like to develop both onsite and offsite exposure, and public releases are the way to go. To be a PR representative of your company, you'll have to do a lot of netwroking and relationship building.

Create a website, make it beautiful, make it something worth visiting and then begin writing "Letters to the editor" messages for your local newspaper. Do that for maybe a month, giving you an awesome presence and maybe followers, you never know how many will agree or disagree, haha. After a while, you'd have earned the editor's trust and he/she may give you a chance to have your company be mentioned on the paper.

PR is very manipulative like that. You've gotta be witty, clever and two steps ahead of the competition. I've got some wicked onsite tactics for you to explore, I'll be more than happy to teach you Brad.

Sincerely,
The Glaring Facts
http://www.theglaringfacts.com
69 weeks ago

Brad Hilderbrand joined the groups Social Media Marketers, PR & New Media, Internet Marketers, Social Media, iPhone Game Developers, New Media Marketing, Interactive Media and Marketing and Marketers 6 more

70 weeks ago

Brad Hilderbrand Need some insight from you great recruiters! I was contacted about an amazing job on Wed and applied that day; connected with the recruiter via LinkedIn on Thurs and sent a follow-up note Fri thanking her for considering me and making sure my materials were received. What should be my next step? Should I get in contact again this week to see where things are or lay low for a bit and wait to be contacted? I guess the question I'm asking is what's the line between interested candidate and stalker?

75 weeks ago from Citi

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Kevin Li: Also, don't feel bad to as for an extension from the smaller firm if they're not giving you a lot of time. Work all the angles!
75 weeks ago

Brad Hilderbrand: Thanks everyone for your advice on this, I'll politely ask about timeframes next time I check in and handle things from there. I've also been ...MoreThanks everyone for your advice on this, I'll politely ask about timeframes next time I check in and handle things from there. I've also been planning on telling the smaller firm that I'm going to wait until the holidays are over before making any major decisions, so hopefully that will give me enough time to sort some things out and get a better picture of what all is going on. It's nice to be wanted all of a sudden, but this is definitely unfamiliar territory for me! :)
75 weeks ago

75 weeks ago from Recruiters Unite!

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Kathryn Smith: Next week you could call again to keep yourself fresh in mind. That doesn't hurt, and could prompt them to follow up with the company/hiring ...MoreNext week you could call again to keep yourself fresh in mind. That doesn't hurt, and could prompt them to follow up with the company/hiring manager. But quite honestly, after a recruiter submits your resume for consideration, they have next to no power in how quickly they receive feedback. Depending on the company, they may only let the recruiter know when the position has been filled and never give specific feedback on your resume. Other companies give timely, insightful feedback. When you speak with the recruiter early next week, ask them what their expectations are with feedback for this company, and use that as a guide for when you should follow up with the recruiter.
75 weeks ago

Tracy Brisson: That's a lot of great follow-up you already did! I would give her at least until next week since you haven't yet interviewed. Combining your ...MoreThat's a lot of great follow-up you already did! I would give her at least until next week since you haven't yet interviewed. Combining your follow-up with a happy holiday message will make sure you're not seen as a stalker.

@Kathryn's points are spot on about recruiter's control over these situations.
75 weeks ago

Brad Hilderbrand became a fan of Citi

75 weeks ago

Brad Hilderbrand joined the group Recruiters Unite!

75 weeks ago

Ryan Healy First day in the new Brazen office DC (Tyson's Corner). Looking forward to meeting or catching up with as many of you DC peeps as possible in the next few weeks! Anyone work in Tyson's?

85 weeks ago from Washington D.C. and NOVA

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Ryan Healy: @Doug - We are here for good, so anytime we should meet up! you can email me at More@Doug - We are here for good, so anytime we should meet up! you can email me at ryanhealy@brazencareerist.com

@Carrie - thanks! Where do you live in the area?

@sean - of course, we're always open. Come on down, should be fun!
85 weeks ago

Jeffrey Alexander: If you find yourself someplace that's Metro-accessible, give a shout-out--I'm sure plenty of us would be interested to hear what you're up to.
84 weeks ago

Barbara Hall Rally to Restore Sanity Meetup http://www.rallytorestoresanity.com/ Who's going? I think I'm taking a bus filled with Baltimore peeps and its unloading us at the Nat'l mall. I have no idea how to get there on my own. If you are near Balto and need a ride .. here is the link http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=103876806343686 So if anyone wants to meet up, mtg at the Mall sounds like a good place. I think I might take a sign that says #Brazenmeetup just so you can find me.

85 weeks ago from Washington D.C.

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Barbara Hall: I think my bus leaves at 10am. So around 11am?
85 weeks ago

Brad Hilderbrand: Hopefully traffic into DC won't be too terrible that day, or at least not more terrible than normal. :)
85 weeks ago

Brad Hilderbrand joined the group I am Gen Y

87 weeks ago

Brad Hilderbrand Hey NOVA! Just moved to Ashburn so I wanted to join up with this great crew. Also, new city means new job so if anyone knows of openings for writers/editors, online community managers, social media or research then please let me know!

88 weeks ago from NOVA

Brad Hilderbrand joined the group NOVA

88 weeks ago

Interests

video gaming and its culture, fanatically following all things football

Goals

Immediate: Learn the intricacies of PR and marketing
Intermediate: Love what I do and get damn good at it
Long Term: Become rich and famous, ???, profit!
Other Goals: Write a book, write a screenplay, be more than average

Favorite Quote

"Each of us is a God. Each of us knows all. We need only open our minds and hear our own wisdom." -Buddha

Specialties

I'm a writer, an editor, and an all-around nice guy who's just fun to work with. Get to know me and you'll probably love me, I have that effect on people. :)

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