Heather A. Ritchie Communications and New Media Services

Proactivity. Logging off until 6:30. #it’sabigdeal

Posted on | January 15, 2010 | No Comments

In an increasingly social world of work, it’s easy to get lost online. This morning alone, I’ve jumped from link to link of ‘interesting reads’, have responded to a dozen FB messages or requests, have tracked down the leaked beta for foursquare on BlackBerry and have aimlessly jotted down over a dozen notes which added to the others I’ve taken this week could easily form the basis of a “dear santa” list indicative of an entire city worth of children’s requests. I used to be a lot more focused than this.

Being self(un)-employed these last 4 weeks has been a great recharge however have not accomplished anywhere near the quantity of work typical of my regular output. Why? Partially because the end of ‘09 was a bit hectic and the rest felt good but mostly because I haven’t yet found *the* outlet for all of my energy. Great news: thanks to my wonderful network and a ton of solid referrals, job opportunities have presented themselves. I’m overwhelmingly excited about the next phase and can’t wait to confirm “what’s next.” Still. Spinning my wheels these last few weeks has felt strange to me.

Anyways… Thank goodness I was reminded yesterday that it is OK to sign off for a few hours, by Amber Naslund (@AmberCadabra) of Radian6. Sat in (whilst multitasking ferociously ) on a webinar on Social Media Time Management, whereby she reminded all of us borderline ADHD (who’s kidding who here?) online junkies that although the social networking scene may be a large part of our careers, that it can also be a distraction when attempting to focus on strategy.

I’ve got a ton to do today. Writing, editing, organizing and proactively “taking care of business” before I head to Mexico on vacation next week. After that, no doubt I’ll be signed on to a full-time gig and being proactive will once again be my mantra. So here it is: Until 6:30pm ADT, I will be unreachable via all social networks. Thats 6 whopping hours but no doubt, by the end, I will way be ahead of the game.

Need me? You can always connect in an emergency at 506.381.9474.

-h

Category: Uncategorized

An open letter to my network

Posted on | December 30, 2009 | No Comments

Please note: the header for this blog is out of date. I am in the process of recreating it. Current contact information for me is listed below the letter. -hr

Dear friend,

This email goes out to you with mixed emotion but mostly with optimism as I share with you some personal news which will no doubt continue to evolve over the next days and weeks.

Just prior to Christmas I received the sad news that Hawk, my employer of just under 2 years, regrettably was forced to terminate my position, and that of a few other friends and colleagues of mine. The agency world is a tough one to be in right now as large companies tighten their budgets and force us all to work both smarter and harder for our dollars.

My specialization in social/new media with Hawk has been a blessing as it has truly opened my eyes to my passion for emerging media and our ability to actively engage with customers online. No longer are the days of relying on television and print advertising to sell our products and services. Instead, communication must be 2-way, and we must use the tools out there to listen to what people are saying, respond to their concerns, and use the knowledge we gather to provide them with solutions that meet their needs. I intend to pursue innovation and test traditional boundaries in what I do next.

Over the past years, I have had the opportunity to learn from and work with some of the best and brightest in the local agency world and I give specific credit to the team at Hawk for that. I have had the opportunity to travel as far away as Austin, Texas and Cincinnati, Ohio to learn from leaders and innovators in the technology sect and have managed to build a wonderful network of friends and associates – many of you are receiving this email today. I leave with no hard feelings – only optimism for turning the next chapter in my book and excitement for what lies on the next page.

So what next, you may be asking? While I am weighing my options I would like to take this opportunity to extend to you an invitation to talk about how I might be able to help you achieve your business objectives for 2010. Freelancing/contract work is certainly an option I am considering in addition to full time/salaried employment however in a nutshell: I’m looking for the right fit. Not the right ‘job’. Although preferred, I am not tied to the Moncton area necessarily, I can work remotely, and am open to travel.

While I dust off the old resume, in short – a few areas in which I am specialized and would love to see myself working in the near future:

E-mail Marketing and Customer Relationship Management
(I have had extensive experience templating, writing for and distributing e-mail communication to databased upwards of 75,000 with a high rate of success measured in both open rates and clicks, developing communication that will build and strengthen relationships with customers – delivering value is key)

Social Media – Strategic Recommendations and Content Development
(I have built and managed Facebook Fan sites, Twitter accounts, and blog content for National and Regional clients)

Website Architecture and Copywriting
(I have designed architecture and supplied content for dozens of successful corporate websites, contests, and promotional microsites for National and Regional clients .)

Public Relations and Media Monitoring
(Experience writing press releases, media advisories, holding and executing conferences, and acting as a corporate spokesperson as required. Post-release monitoring services both in traditional and online media.)

Project Management & Supplier Relations
(The majority of my career has been spent managing projects both professionally in the agency world and for community groups that I am affiliated with, like the Moncton Progress Club)

While these are a few areas I particularly enjoy, I am also experienced in and can certainly execute traditional media delivery – print and out of home – as part of an integrated communications plan. While digital media and public relations are critical, they are only components of a well-executed strategy.

As a trusted friend, I’m interested in hearing your thoughts and ideas. Do you know of someone that needs the type of services I can offer? Whether it’s a marcom firm looking for a fresh face, an organization ready to welcome new a new player, or a small/medium business in search of communication services but not ready for an agency relationship – I would sincerely appreciate the referral. Who knows – maybe I’m speaking to you right now.

If you think you can help, pick up the phone or flip me a note. I do apologize in advance for the bulk email however as I’m sure you can appreciate I am now tasked with ensuring this message reaches you all from me directly, rather than hearing second-hand. I’ll be happy to elaborate on any of the above over coffee or lunch on me at your convenience. My coordinates are below.

All the best for a happy and successful 2010, I can’t wait to see where it will take me.

Heather

–
Heather A, Ritchie
Digital Media | Email Marketing | Public Relations

c: 506.381.9474
e: heather.anne.ritchie@gmail.com
w: HeatherAnne.net
tw: @heatheranne
fb: facebook.com/heather.anne.ritchie/

Category: Uncategorized

Love your work.

Posted on | November 16, 2009 | No Comments

Great flowchart found at TypeCut and shared by @Unmarketing at Thank Goodness it’s Monday.

This morning began one of those days where I reminded myself how much I love my work. This chart made me smile, knowing I’m doing what makes me happy: helping my clients connect and engage in meaningful dialogue with their valued customers through the social web.

Love your work. Ask yourself: Am I happy? If not – shake things up. But whatever you do – make happiness the end game.

areyouhappy

Category: Health & Welness, Personal, Work-Related
Tags: > > >

Content creation a key for successful e-mail campaigns

Posted on | October 23, 2009 | No Comments

Copywright GapingVoid.com

Copywright GapingVoid.com

A friend asked me an interesting question yesterday; not as it relates to my day job but rather how, as a friend, I might be able to make some recommendations to help grow her business using online media. She runs a small clothing store in the Moncton area, catering to the upper echelon of locals, and therefore puts more emphasis on relationships with her clientele than nearly anything else. She, and her store, are beloved by many. Their model is working. So how then, can we take something that is already so well branded and so well-loved, and make it better?

To begin, we must first recognize our strengths and learn how to talk about them publically. Tell your story; sell yourself or your product. After all, we must be increasingly aware of what it is that we do well, so not to risk jeopardizing the support we have already gained from valuable consumers. Second, (and we’re going back to Marketing 101 here, I realize) we must identify and understand our weaknesses. We’re not perfect, yet we’re working to get better. Accept them. Get over them. And move on. You don’t need to talk about these publically, but remind yourself of them daily and consider every weakness an opportunity to improve.

In this particular instance, we identified that there was a lack of knowledge in the community about the store’s existence, despite a very faithful following of clientele. Due to the quality of the merchandise being offered at this location, there is a slight barrier between the store and the outside world due to this mild perception of elitism. Not fair, as the store is run by the most human, good natured people imaginable, however perception can often become reality if not addressed. There is nothing elitist about the place. We plan to change those thoughts.

To open up the door to new potential clients, my recommendation was simple: talk to them, and have your faithful customers refer you. Open up dialogue and communicate.

In this particular example, we are very interested in building an integrated e-newsletter campaign, coupled with social media strategies including building upon their Facebook® and Twitter profiles. My advice to her from a content creation perspective was simple:

(1) Determine your brand voice and stay consistent.
(2) Build a template and section content into ‘buckets’ of information. Keep one or two items featured, and ensure everything else is secondary.
(3) Ensure that content is good, relevant content.
(4) Keep the messaging clean, and don’t bore with excessive details. If elaboration is necessary, send readers for a lengthier dialogue elsewhere.
(5) Provide value-add in the form of advice/tips or cash/bonus incentives. A tip of the month gives experts an opportunity to teach and mould customer behaviour, which is useful in sales environments. (Ten ways to move from a summer to fall wardrobe) A coupon or discount (15% off your next purchase), or better yet: a plus up (Buy this, get that free) encourages trial. Choose what works best for your product or service.
(6) Ask for participation or feedback. When it’s received, acknowledge it. Show you care. Invite recipients to join your Facebook group or follow you on Twitter. Don’t forget to engage with them there as well.
(7) Ask for the referral. Care to Share? In today’s economy, a referral means significantly more than traditional advertising. Reward (see #5) those that do.

Delivering on these 7 items effectively and with good, solid content will allow them to open up the dialogue they are so genuinely looking for. My hope for them, as I continue to work with them to achieve their goals, is for continued growth as we move towards 2010.

Category: Personal, Social Media, Technology
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New Bookmarks: July 24th – August 10th (auto feed)

Posted on | August 10, 2009 | No Comments

I’ve added new bookmarks to my Delicious Bookmarks. Check out the sites I’ve visited through July 24th and August 10th. I wouldn’t have bookmarked them if they weren’t good. I’ve got taste, you know.

Category: Bookmarks
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