Aeroka Media http://blog.aerokamedia.com Online and Offline Marketing and Idea Implementation Tue, 01 Jun 2010 03:44:43 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 © erica@aerokamedia.com () erica@aerokamedia.com() Raising Your Brand and Traffic to New Heights! erica@aerokamedia.com No no http://blog.aerokamedia.com/wp-content/plugins/podpress/images/powered_by_podpress.jpg Aeroka Media http://blog.aerokamedia.com 144 144 AOL – Can You Really Go Home? My Ex’s 25th. http://blog.aerokamedia.com/2010/05/25/can-you-really-go-home-my-exs-25th/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=can-you-really-go-home-my-exs-25th http://blog.aerokamedia.com/2010/05/25/can-you-really-go-home-my-exs-25th/#comments Tue, 25 May 2010 18:04:59 +0000 Erica Simanek Knoch http://blog.aerokamedia.com/?p=306

For TEN years of my professional life, I grew into the marketer I am at AOL.
I consider those years, at least to this point, my “Glory Days”.  In many ways, AOL was my college campus, where I learned to be an Extreme Marketer!  I have so many stories to tell, but suffice it to say, when I was laid off in 2007, along with 2000 wonderful coworkers and friends, I was not mad, but a bit sad and very grateful for the opportunities the company gave to me, and the ones I was able to make for myself.

Last week when I was told that AOL Alums were being invited to The AOL 25th Birthday, I was hesitant to RSVP at first.  Especially since after I left, I had worked at a few places and consulted on projects that never quite measured up to the adrenaline high I got off of working at AOL.  Much of my AOL promotions work was with my favorite boss of all time, and dealing with network TV producers and later at AOL Mobile doing an  in-film product placement campaign.  AOL was my “hot boyfriend” that didn’t want to commit and broke up with me but very nicely.  So like an ex who left me, AOL got over me and went on, yet I still had lingering feelings of wanting to go back and try again.

AOL continues to be that “hot boyfriend” to my potential employers – I find that in many  interviews, when I discuss all the fun cross-media campaigns I managed, I get the same “well, our work here might not be as sexy as what you are used to” – as if they are the new boy I really want to date, but is too insecure and feels not hot enough to take me out.

So a few hours before the event yesterday, I decided to go and check it out.   I was probably not going to know a whole lot of the current employees, but was hoping to see some of my old friends/Alums. (most who are now friends with me on Facebook) 

I want to say it made me feel good to be back:

  • I enjoyed catching up with my first boss when I was a temp in 1998 – he is going to be a grandpa, so hard to imagine!
  • I saw some of the ladies I remember from my earlier days in HR, and later when I moved into Network Promotions.  I was pleased to sit and have some time with a few of them.
  • Said “hello” to Ted, Steve, and a few of my favorite execs from the past.
  • Got to hug a few of my favorite teammates, including my beautiful ex-boss who has really come into her own!
  • During the presentation, I actually felt good about being part of AOL’s history, was appreciated, even though AOL “broke up with me”. (and that decision was with another set of execs that I was grateful were NOT part of the celebration)
  • And yes, it was VERY interesting that the last set of top execs wasn’t present, no comment. ;-)
  • Loved, loved LOVED the Kara Swisher tape  – see it here! (scroll down under the cat pic)
  • Saw the official unveiling of May 24th as “AOL Day” in the State of Virginia.

Here are a few things I found out about the “ex”:

  • AOL no longer has guard gates! I mean, that was odd to see, I recall fumbling for my badge on many mornings, even crossing the street to go to a meeting, and asking  ”help, can I borrow your badge?!” to get to my meeting in time.
  • There is no “across the street” – the campus is now cut in half!  I guess after all the layoffs, eventually they would have to consolidate.
  • AOL seems to like the young ones – I could be wrong, but wherever I looked, anyone that didn’t have a name badge (Alums) I estimated that almost 90% were in their 30’s or under.  Again, not sure if that is a fact, just an observation of my ”ex” who seems to like them young.  

And, lastly, from what I understand from some current employees, not sure if it’s fact:

  • AOL doesn’t want me, or any other ex-AOLers, back!  This is what I heard at a few tables, but who knows.  If so,  talk about moving forward.  There is such a pool of talent that made that company great, it’s a shame they wouldn’t tap into it.

So I guess if you’re an ex,  you really can’t go home.   However, you can go there to remember the time that was, celebrate your time in AOL history, have some good laughs, see good friends, and pray that the next gig is a better rush.

Happy 25th AOL!

]]> http://blog.aerokamedia.com/2010/05/25/can-you-really-go-home-my-exs-25th/feed/ 1 Small Business Networking: Advice & Resources http://blog.aerokamedia.com/2010/02/01/small-business-networking-help/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=small-business-networking-help http://blog.aerokamedia.com/2010/02/01/small-business-networking-help/#comments Mon, 01 Feb 2010 19:03:58 +0000 Erica Simanek Knoch http://blog.aerokamedia.com/?p=274

I have a couple of things to say about networking as a small business owner:

  • Do NOT act like the guy in the video above!  When I first started networking, I thought it was “all about me”, and would ramble on about what I could offer, and didn’t take much time to listen to others.  After a while, I realized there is much more value in listening to others and sharing experiences.  You really have to be there in the moment, pay attention and find real connections at networking functions.  It’s smart, it’s respectful, and it’s good for business!
  • Read my post regarding Creative Networking.  In today’s post  on Network Solutions’ Grow Smart Business site, I give a  few ideas and resources for the small business owner who has time constraints. (and who doesn’t!?)   If you have more ideas, I would love to hear them, as I am always looking for more creative networking options.

Additional resources on networking:

  • PartnerUp:  Network and partner on projects with other small business owners.
  • Ryze:  Similar to LinkedIn, this site is great for networking online.
  • Entrepreneur Connect:  A community within Entrepreneur’s site where you can join, get advice and connect for partnerships and possible clients.

Do you have other ways of networking with little or no time to get out?  Please share. :-)

]]> http://blog.aerokamedia.com/2010/02/01/small-business-networking-help/feed/ 2 Earthquake: How to Help Haiti Now! http://blog.aerokamedia.com/2010/01/13/earthquake-aftermath-haiti-needs-our-help/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=earthquake-aftermath-haiti-needs-our-help http://blog.aerokamedia.com/2010/01/13/earthquake-aftermath-haiti-needs-our-help/#comments Wed, 13 Jan 2010 16:14:04 +0000 Erica Simanek Knoch http://blog.aerokamedia.com/?p=247

On Tuesday, Haiti had an earthquake measuring 7.0!      
Now that we can start to see the devastation today in Haiti, help can’t get there soon enough!  There are predictions that fatalities are in the thousands, many more injuries, health concerns and so much more devastation we can’t even imagine. 

To start, you can donate $10 immediately by texting “HAITI” to 90999 that will go to the American Red Cross relief for Haiti. 

How else can you help?  MSNBC.com has a comprehensive list here:

Do you have any other ideas to help with this or another devastation?  I’m interested in hearing them.  Thanks!

]]> http://blog.aerokamedia.com/2010/01/13/earthquake-aftermath-haiti-needs-our-help/feed/ 4 Winding Down World AIDS Day http://blog.aerokamedia.com/2009/12/01/winding-down-world-aids-day/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=winding-down-world-aids-day http://blog.aerokamedia.com/2009/12/01/winding-down-world-aids-day/#comments Wed, 02 Dec 2009 05:25:03 +0000 Erica Simanek Knoch http://blog.aerokamedia.com/?p=235 WADribbon_download
It’s almost midnight, and World AIDS Day is almost over and I am just disgusted.   Although there were some very important events going on in the world to commemorate World AIDS Day - a day to bring attention to AIDS in Africa (and really, around the world) –  it was almost a non-event in major media outlets. 

I mean, to listen to one newscast after the next go on and on about  everything else BUT this day made me irrate!  I saw “big stories” such as:

  • Wii playing in schools in place of real exercise (are we going to have future Wii Olympians?!)
  • MORE coverage than needed of the NON-interview of the White House Crashers (and please, do they need anymore attention, and her HAIR!)
  • Tiger Woods finally cooperating with the cops, and NOT getting anything but a traffic ticket!? (but oh, the stories that’ll be sprouting up soon about a rumored affair with a SECOND woman!)

So many other stories, but not ONE mention of  World AIDS Day.  Here are a few links the network news should have given you to check out:

]]> http://blog.aerokamedia.com/2009/12/01/winding-down-world-aids-day/feed/ 6 New Logo! http://blog.aerokamedia.com/2009/11/09/branding-myself/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=branding-myself http://blog.aerokamedia.com/2009/11/09/branding-myself/#comments Tue, 10 Nov 2009 02:36:58 +0000 Erica Simanek Knoch http://blog.aerokamedia.com/?p=222 AMlogo3[1]

My talented sister, who happens to be THE BEST graphic artist, has come through again!
After many back and forths with me, her usually NOT picky sister, she came up with a great logo that I can use now as well as keep when my business grows.

Big props to Kristin Simanek, my little sister – great graphic artist, graduate of The Corcoran School of Art, and currently working at the National Conservation Training Center.

Love you Kristin!

]]> http://blog.aerokamedia.com/2009/11/09/branding-myself/feed/ 0 DISHing It Out to Help Local Charities – One Open Mic at a Time http://blog.aerokamedia.com/2009/10/21/dishing-out-help-to-local-charities-one-open-mic-at-a-time/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=dishing-out-help-to-local-charities-one-open-mic-at-a-time http://blog.aerokamedia.com/2009/10/21/dishing-out-help-to-local-charities-one-open-mic-at-a-time/#comments Thu, 22 Oct 2009 02:56:46 +0000 Erica Simanek Knoch http://blog.aerokamedia.com/?p=204 DISH Logo

Tomorrow I will get a ride with my friend Jami and attend the first open mic nite at Dish.
I’m looking forward to a few hours of conversation, fresh and tasty food, and fun entertainment.  Doug Vaira is the owner of Dish, and on Thursday, 10/22 will be the first of his monthly open mic nights in which he will give back to local charities.  The first charity is Community Alternatives to Violence. 

Dish is located:
213 W. Washington Street
Charlestown, WV 25414
304-728-8464
info@wvdish.com

So, if you are in the Charlestown, WV area, stop by tomorrow night at 8:30 p.m., bring your guitars, singing voice, stand up… express yourself in the name of giving back! 

Hope to see you there.

]]> http://blog.aerokamedia.com/2009/10/21/dishing-out-help-to-local-charities-one-open-mic-at-a-time/feed/ 0 Local Farmer Gives Back to His Own http://blog.aerokamedia.com/2009/10/20/local-farmer-gives-back-to-his-own/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=local-farmer-gives-back-to-his-own http://blog.aerokamedia.com/2009/10/20/local-farmer-gives-back-to-his-own/#comments Wed, 21 Oct 2009 02:02:05 +0000 Erica Simanek Knoch http://blog.aerokamedia.com/?p=173 The Nighthawks under a Harvest Moon!

The Nighthawks at Green Hill Farm

 I saw a sign and had that “do this!” moment.   
That’s the day my girls and I were on Route 9 in Harpers Ferry when we saw a sign about a two-day music fest, and I read about all the bands, then “The Nighthawks”!  OMG, I feel like I’m back in time rocking in Bethesda!  I pulled over, wrote down http://www.greenhillfarm.org.  I got home, went right on the site, and saw “volunteers needed”.  I was in. 

Nick Frobouck’s Green Hill Farm is in Sharpsburg, MD.  I volunteered for one of the two days of the festival.  (had kid’s soccer on the first day) All proceeds went to support Loggers and Farmers Inc, a 501c3 organization formed to help in the financial support of families of loggers or farmers where there has been injury or loss of life.

I met Nick and his family (so friendly!), Lisa Jacobs who really coordinated the marketing efforts, and a bunch of great food and small business vendors, families, and bands.  Oh, and I got to talk to Mark Wenner of  The Nighthawks! 

Great to see farmers giving back to their own. What a great time!

]]> http://blog.aerokamedia.com/2009/10/20/local-farmer-gives-back-to-his-own/feed/ 0 This Building COULD Save Your Life http://blog.aerokamedia.com/2009/10/05/this-building-could-save-your-life/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=this-building-could-save-your-life http://blog.aerokamedia.com/2009/10/05/this-building-could-save-your-life/#comments Mon, 05 Oct 2009 18:16:51 +0000 Erica Simanek Knoch http://blog.aerokamedia.com/?p=149 The Capitol - Life Saver?
It’s up to YOU to make this place a life saver!
How do you do that? Well, educate yourself on who is currently voting against funding for researching cures for ALL diseases.  Then DO NOT VOTE for those candidates!

Vote for candidates that have your health first in mind.  If you only remember one link, remember to visit this one:

http://yourcongressyourhealth.org

It’s up to all of us to make this building work for our health. Start now.

]]> http://blog.aerokamedia.com/2009/10/05/this-building-could-save-your-life/feed/ 0 The REAL Rockstars http://blog.aerokamedia.com/2009/09/22/the-real-rockstars/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-real-rockstars http://blog.aerokamedia.com/2009/09/22/the-real-rockstars/#comments Wed, 23 Sep 2009 03:39:42 +0000 Erica Simanek Knoch http://blog.aerokamedia.com/?p=134 An incredible campaign from Geoffrey Beene!
Want to cure diseases?  Check out Rock Stars of Science campaign! 

]]> http://blog.aerokamedia.com/2009/09/22/the-real-rockstars/feed/ 0 Back to the Land of the Living! http://blog.aerokamedia.com/2009/09/21/back-to-the-land-of-the-living/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=back-to-the-land-of-the-living http://blog.aerokamedia.com/2009/09/21/back-to-the-land-of-the-living/#comments Tue, 22 Sep 2009 02:57:26 +0000 Erica Simanek Knoch http://blog.aerokamedia.com/?p=104 Rebirth

I am seeing  the signs of an “Erica Recovery”!
Since my last post, I have been fighting and losing the battle I had with a heck of a sinus infection!  Made sure the kids were where they needed to be, and basically SLEPT the other hours of the day getting little accomplished.  Now, I’m starting to feel much better.

Also, my professional situation is showing promise.  Today I was asked to be a blogger for a blog run by folks I truly respect.  More about that when it’s finalized. Then I got a call to meet regarding a great gig in Social Media in Dulles. (not AOL, but near it) Would I like to work back at AOL one day?  Sure, times are getting exciting there again, especially with new focus on quality content!

So as I say goodbye to the summer today,  I see a rebirth.  For me that means good health, happy family, and  finding success in what I love to do, and with people that will energize my creativity. 

Here’s to a new season!  It has to be better than the last!

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