Do you remember this time of the year when you were younger and your pencils were still all new and sharpened? The beginning of a nice cool fall. Your back pack was brand new and full of supplies and shiny new gym shoes. It felt good right? You could conquer anything. It’s not such a bad thing to be able to restart like that every year. Keep that feeling, it is going to help you get through the following course work. Yep, that’s right, you have homework.
Let’s jump back to your professional reality. It’s very nearly Q4. You’ve been slacking off all summer (I kid, I kid!) and now it’s time to get back to work. Just like back when you were pimply faced and squeeky voiced it’s time to hit the books and get to class. I’ve outlined all of the subjects on your schedule for you but the homework is up to you.
Math
While analytics and metrics are not, strictly speaking, “math” — there is a great deal of data analysis that needs to be done to make the most of any online marketing you are doing. If you haven’t picked up Web Analytics 2.0 by Avinash Kaushik yet you’re missing out. Avinash is not only an incredibly smart guy, but an absolute whiz at making web analytics an entertaining and insightful read. This book will become your best friend.
Science
So, you might be thinking that analytics is more science than math. Well, we can argue that off line mkay? For now, just work with me. Science class is all about laws and hypotheses. And testing. Testing is key here. Are you testing and how are you determining the results. If you’re not currently testing landing pages, calls to action and other elements you’re missing the chance to optimize your social media efforts. Check out Dan Zerrella’s blog for more social media science focused content. Dan has featured some great research and testing on his site, and I suppose he better as the self proclaimed “social media scientist.”
P.E.
No day at school would be complete without PE. Of course, as an adult you’ve replaced the silly games with drinks at the bar and awkward locker room moments with uncomfortable conversations at networking events. Whatever form it takes now – getting out and meeting people is an invaluable item in your tool box. With the holiday season approaching there are going to be more and more parties. Plan ahead and bone up on your conversation skills people – this is where the magic happens! Some suggestions of major networking events that are coming your way: Future M in Boston on October 4th, Blogworld Expo in Las Vegas October 14th, and Social Media Atlanta on November 4th.
Band
Yes. I was a band nerd. Do not judge me. Music is and always has been an incredibly important part of my life. At work its a critical key to productivity. This time of year time magically speeds up. It’s true! Concentrating on your productivity and ways to improve it will exponentially increase your success as year closes out. Find great headphones. Use egg timers. Get a productivity software. Whatever works for you. But find a method to make yourself more productive. Check out Chris Penn‘s 11 Little Productivity Secrets for a few tips to get you started.
History
History repeats itself and as they say – those that don’t learn from their mistakes are destined to repeat them. Take a look at what you’ve learned in the year behind you. Do case studies on initiatives. Pull out those findings so going forward you can be even more awesome than ever before. Marketing in general and especially in social media is about experimenting and learning form your results. Be a good student of your own marketing history and your efforts will always be improving.
So there you have it. School is in session courtesy of moi! Surely I missed some things and I’d love for you to school me (get it???) in the comments!]]>
Do you remember this time of the year when you were younger and your pencils were still all new and sharpened? The beginning of a nice cool fall. Your back pack was brand new and full of supplies and shiny new gym shoes. It felt good right? You could conquer anything. It’s not such a bad thing to be able to restart like that every year. Keep that feeling, it is going to help you get through the following course work. Yep, that’s right, you have homework.
Let’s jump back to your professional reality. It’s very nearly Q4. You’ve been slacking off all summer (I kid, I kid!) and now it’s time to get back to work. Just like back when you were pimply faced and squeeky voiced it’s time to hit the books and get to class. I’ve outlined all of the subjects on your schedule for you but the homework is up to you.