Reflecting on a year where Serial Marketers grew by more than 1,000 members and nearly tripled from the 700 it had in December, it begs the question: when’s the best time to start a community?
The question came up when I was in a chat with Mac Reddin, founder of Commsor and Community Club.
As we discussed how long it can take for communities to bear fruit, I was reminded of the proverb often cited as ancient and Chinese: “The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”
The quote memorably recurs in the Richard Powers novel The Overstory (thanks Bill Hartnett for the recommendation), which makes sense given that it’s an epic that’s as much about trees as it is the people who love them.
It strikes a chord with me on a range of levels professionally and personally.
I started the community in the summer of 2018, not because of any momentous timing but because a job wrapped up early as a startup ran out of funding, and I had the time and energy to try it. If the startup landed its A round, the community might not exist.
I had the idea in 2016 but wasn’t ready. That’s okay. Some seeds take time to germinate. What took me longest is to figure out how to make it a community that’s about all the members connecting with each other and not a community centered on the members’ connection to me. Whatever sins of vanity I’ve indulged in, I hate vanity projects.
The proverb is so frustrating but so forgiving.
How many people think it’s too late to reconcile with a loved one? (Yes, I just rewatched Home Alone and keep thinking about the scenes with Kevin’s neighbor.) How many people think it’s too late to get professional help for themselves or for their marriage? How many people have some project that could have launched ages ago?
It’s okay, says the proverb.
Yes, it’d have been better if you started sooner.
You’d be reaping sweet, crisp fruit from your tree by now if you started then.
But the second-best time is right now.
Go ahead. Do it. Pick one of your ‘coulda, woulda, shoulda’ ideas that you thought about getting started on 2 or 5 or 20 years ago.
Do it now.
Come 2021 or 2041, the fruit will be there to harvest.
What are you going to plant?
Please, let me know. I can’t wait to hear about what’s ahead for you.
David
PS: Thanks for reading this. This is the last newsletter of the year as I wind down to plant a few more seeds for the year to come. See you in a few weeks. If there are any ways this newsletter can add more value for you in the year ahead, please let me know. However the holidays will be for you, stay healthy and safe, and may you find sparks of joy wherever you can. — David
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BROUGHT TO YOU BY… TALKWALKER
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2021 Social Media Trends: What the Experts Say
Power up your marketing strategy and discover the top ten trends that will matter most next year. Download the #SocialMediaTrends2021 eBook, filled with expert advice from 70+ industry leaders.
https://bit.ly/35etu4Q
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LEARN. TRY. SHARE.
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SPEAKING OF THE NEXT GOLDEN AGE OF AGENCIES….
Light+Co founder David Cameron wrote about how he created a model that’s perfect for unpredictable years like this, but he did so in a much saner time six years ago.
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/post-2020-agency-model-six-years-making-david-cameron/
THE JETS LOSE THE CONTENT BOWL TOO
Butter Works, which analyzes and predicts content performance, looks at how the NFL teams are doing with their video game. Even this year, you can’t underestimate the Cowboys.
https://butter.works/clients/nfl-1/charts/
Thanks to Michael Browne, Michael Marzano, Claudia Strauss, E.B. Moss, Candice Grobler, Keren Unrad, Jaimee Kniffen, Chris Gorges, Don Steele, and Rachel Pasqua for spreading the word about the newsletter recently.
Here’s your own personalized link, with more referral rewards for sharing the newsletter. Visit https://referralhub.page/serialmarketer to see how you’re doing. https://www.serialmarketer.net/subscribe/?rh_ref=c5a5b0cf
Share via: Email | Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn
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EVENTS
————————————————–Please send over any events you’re hosting or attending, and I’ll add them to the list. All events below are virtual, and all times are EDT.
TD FOUNDATION 15TH ANNUAL GALA
December 16, 7-8:30pm
This is one of my favorite causes led by one of my favorite people, and it’s a stellar networking event for ad industry execs. “Celebrate our 2020 successes and discuss how the TD Foundation has been helping the children and families of wounded warriors and fallen heroes at the 15th Annual TD Foundation Holiday Cocktail Event! Bring your own Cocktails – there will be Live Music, Entertainment, and Silent Auction.”
https://tdfoundation.org/event/2020-holiday-cocktails-gala/
SERIAL MARKETERS SPEEDUPS
December 17, 12pm
Join the virtual 1:1 rapid-fire speed-meeting event to connect with fellow Serial Marketers, hosted on the Upstream app.
SERIAL MARKETERS SALONS
Tuesdays, 3pm
RSVP on our private Meetup (request access if you’re not there)
(More to come in January)
FIRST WEDNESDAY
January 6, 6pm
First Wednesday keeps going strong. We have dozens of people RSVPing for this fun NYC tradition led by Zack Rosenberg. Len Bilello might even buy you a drink.
https://www.meetup.com/Serial-Marketers
DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT WORLD
February 8-12
Described by Hollywood insiders, digital influencers and industry leaders throughout the world as a “must-attend” event, now in its 8th year, Digital Entertainment World (DEW) is where you want to be if you are in the business of creating or monetizing digital entertainment content.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/digital-entertainment-world-2021-tickets-122162343859
SXSW ONLINE
March 16-20
I’m not sure if Stubb’s delivers to me, but I’ll be seeing if they can capture any of the magic with the online festival. “Register today to take advantage of the unique opportunities this event has to offer, including keynotes, Conference sessions, Music Festival showcases, Film Festival screenings, world-class networking, and the unexpected discoveries that are always a part of SXSW, all in a digital setting.”
https://www.sxsw.com/attend/
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BROUGHT TO YOU BY… THOMPSON & PRINCE
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Thompson & Prince (www.thompsonandprince.com) solves creative problems and business brand foundations for early-stage startups and growing small businesses. They offer the following services:
-Naming / Nomenclature (Company & Product/Service)
-Logo Design / Visual Identity / Brand Guidelines
-Brand Strategy / Positioning / Messaging
-Marketing Collateral
-Website Design & Development
-Connections to a curated network of agencies & consultants
To support the startup and small business community, their project minimums remain at a much-reduced $1,000. Email chris@thompsonandprince.com if you’d like to learn more!
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JOBS
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Keep checking out the #jobs channel in Serial Marketers for more. Here are some great opportunities shared there or sent to me directly.
Thanks to Yuval Yarden for this batch of jobs:
Petal
- Marketing Operations Manager/Associate – https://jobs.lever.co/petalcard/4cc5e77f-20a5-4231-87f2-face3582c604
- Marketing Designer – https://jobs.lever.co/petalcard/b7eef690-b518-41da-bf45-b8eaad1eb77a
- Marketing Operations Manager – https://jobs.lever.co/petalcard/b97f39df-8ccf-42fc-be31-4883dc34637f
Curacity
- Influencer marketing coordinator- https://www.curacity.com/careers/influencer-marketing-coordinator/
Maven
Tailwind
- Content Marketer – https://www.tailwindapp.com/careers/listing?gh_jid=4013378003
- Demand Generation Manager – https://www.tailwindapp.com/careers/listing?gh_jid=4066174003
On to other posts:
(MAJOR MEDIA COMPANY)
NYC or remote
-Head of Media Studio
-Head of Creative Studio
I have a recruiter with two terrific job specs for a major NY-based media company. Check the Slack group’s #jobs channel for more details and how to apply or get an intro.
EQUILIBRIA
Performance Marketing Leader
Remote
This is from my friends at Hunt Club. If you’re a good candidate for this, let me know, and I can refer you. The job is not listed publicly.
Hyper-growth mindset who thrives on iterating quickly with limited structure, the future Performance Marketing Manager has:
- 6-10 years of experience in eCommerce digital marketing
- Demonstrated history of running and optimizing omnichannel campaigns to drive rapid new customer acquisition while growing average customer lifetime value
- Experience in SEM, SEO, display, social, email, traditional/OOH, direct mail, etc. and should be comfortable managing budgets up to or in excess of $10M/year
Equilibria (“EQ”) is a premium, high-growth, direct-to-consumer CBD platform for women. We are dedicated to restoring balance to our community — physically and mentally — through our high-quality CBD products, personalized dosage support, and digital journey accompaniment.
CARS.COM
VP Growth Marketing
This is from my friends at Hunt Club. If you’re a good candidate for this, let me know, and I can refer you. The job is not listed publicly.
With extensive media and performance marketing experience in an eCommerce or marketplace, the future VP of Growth Marketing has:
- 10+ years in a leadership role within marketing and/or growth with experience proliferating consumer-facing digital products and services
- Strong ability to grow and coach internal “hands-on keys” marketing talent
- Expertise in performance marketing – SEM, Paid Social, and SEO
Cars.com is a leading two-sided digital automotive marketplace that creates meaningful connections between buyers and sellers. Launched in 1998 and headquartered in Chicago, the company empowers consumers with resources and information to make informed buying decisions and enables advertising partners with innovative digital solutions and data-driven intelligence to increase inventory turn and gain market share.
THE HONEY POT COMPANY
Chief Marketing Officer
This is from my friends at Hunt Club. If you’re a good candidate for this, let me know, and I can refer you. The job is not listed publicly.
Looking for: Proven success in developing and leading an end-to-end brand and marketing strategy in the consumer space, the future Chief Marketing Officer has:
- 10+ years of experience within CPG with D2C + Retail Experience (Ideally within Beauty, Health & Wellness, Food & Beverage)
- Skillset of classically trained marketer: able to formalize brand pillars and brand architecture, owning product development from ideation through commercial distribution
- Proven ability to scale a company from to exit within 2-4 years
- Mentality of a go-getter, someone who can adapt easily, operate in a fast-paced environment, and roll up their sleeves to execute
- The Honey Pot is a plant-based feminine care system, that provides women with a healthy alternative to feminine care that is free of chemicals, parabens, carcinogens, and sulfates. Our washes are gynecologist approved, clinically tested and pH balanced. Say hello to the future of feminine care.
CINTANA EDUCATION
Head of Global Digital Marketing
Remote
This is from my friends at Hunt Club. If you’re a good candidate for this, let me know, and I can refer you. The job is not listed publicly.
With 10-15 years of experience in the marketing arena, the future Head of Global Digital Marketing has:
- Experience preferred in the B2C or services space (e.g. financial services, insurance, mortgages, etc.)
- Ability to mentor, advise, and support affiliate universities with all aspects of digital marketing (inclusive of SEM, SEO, PPC, SMM, Content Marketing, Email Marketing, Influencer, and Affiliate Marketing)
- Knowledge and calibre to lead customer acquisition through digital channels (inclusive of CRM configuration and analytics and sales force design and optimization)
- Experience in developing, monitoring, and reporting on all relevant digital marketing budgets
CONEXIUM
Enterprise Account Executive
Dallas
This is from my friends at Hunt Club. If you’re a good candidate for this, let me know, and I can refer you. The job is not listed publicly.
Having demonstrated experience with strategic selling methodologies, the future Enterprise Account Executive has:
- Proven success in B2B Enterprise SaaS or Software business application sales exceeding a $1M+ quota – bringing in average deals of $200k
- Has been able to drive sales cycles forward in their prior experience
- Can quickly articulate value prop and be an effective communicator
- Experience navigating large/complex enterprise businesses and accessing the key stakeholders
- Operates as a collaborator – does not have a lone wolf mentality
Other job resources:
- Ad Ops Online: Job listings for ad operations, programmatic account management, sales operations, and more.
- Advisable: Get instant access to top marketing freelancers
- AMA Job Board: Listings from the American Marketing Association (maybe you can also ask them anything)
- Built in NYC: Jobs at a range of levels and functions, as long as you’re okay working in this quaint, backwater hamlet.
- CareerList: Here’s a form for companies hiring and a form for job seekers; here’s the public list with tabs for both
- Content Writing Jobs: Content marketers, enjoy
- Creative Women of Color: List yourself in the database and find talent, via Women Who Create
- ExecThread: Senior roles spanning a range of verticals and cities; membership is free but fully vetted (this uses my referral ID to get you in faster)
- GLG: Get paid to share your topical expertise; it can lead to some interesting conversations at a potentially decent hourly rate
- Grace Blue Transitions: A portal for hirers and seekers with resources from this exec recruiting firm
- The Hired Guns: An array of jobs in marketing and related fields at brands, agencies, and media companies
- Hue: Amplifying voices of people in color working in marketing
- Hunterz: A way for connectors to get paid to introduce startups to large enterprises
- Lead5: A paid service for executive roles, plus intel on changes with companies and PE investments; you can try a risk-free weeklong trial to see if it’s any good for your needs
- Lunch Club: Match 1:1 around predetermined goals with accomplished professionals (free)
- NYC Ad Jobs & Networking: A popular Facebook group
- One Club for Creativity: COVID-19 jobs Board
- #OpenToWork: There’s a channel in Serial Marketers where you can share what you’re looking for
- Pangea: Where you can hire college freelancers (and college students can get gigs)
- Pocit: A platform connecting people of color with jobs in the tech industry
- Remotists: Remote startup jobs, chronicled weekly
- Sales Hustle Stack: Find platform-based gigs and other creative ways to earn some extra cash
- Startup.Jobs: There’s a section for marketing jobs
- Teal Job Tracker: A free Chrome extension to manage and enhance your job search
- TechNY Daily: While more technical, there are also some sales and marketing jobs at NY startups.
- VC Job Boards: Aleph, Eniac Ventures, Pear, Sequoia, Union Square Ventures
- VentureLoop: Free startup job listings; their paid option is $15/month and might surface more leads (but it might not).
- Wanted: Wanted helps top talent in tech and marketing find a job at your desired pay. Plug in your salary, stay anonymous at first, and connect with companies that want to recruit you.
Do you run or enjoy other job listing sites? Let me know, and I’ll share them.
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OFFERS (NEW SECTION)
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Below are offers extended to the Serial Marketers community. To share your own or access the Premium member discounts, review membership options here.
Secret
Sign up and use the promo code SERIALMARKETERS to get 20% off on any membership plan. Membership enables you to access all deals with unlimited usage. One deal should more than pay for itself.
Marpipe
Create an account and start a 7-day free trial for $125 in ad spend credit toward your first experiment with this multivariate testing platform. Redeem here. (Premium members get $175 in credit with a custom code)
Copysmith
Following a 7-day trial of this AI-powered marketing tool to generate ads, product descriptions, and more, use code SERIALMARKETERS for 35% off any plan for 3 months (premium subscribers get 50% off for 4 months).
Dokkio
Get lifetime access to this file management tech with three seats, all free. (Premium members get five seats; see the Slack channel for details and a custom link.)
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