#6Things: A Funding Desert, Elevated Discourse and Interview Blunders

Big Launch, Big Talk, Big Names

Elevated Careers (disclosure: a social and multimedia client of Red Branch Media via Branded Strategies) launched in LA this week, with Crystal Miller, as their strategist and consultant on the project, leading a bevy of well-respected analysts through the very sweet and very classy launch party (according to Peter Shankman the best press conference EVER!). Included in the values and matching tool fête were smarties like China Gorman, Kyle Lagunas, William Tincup, Todd Raphael and more! While some felt the tool was not ready for the big time (namely Matt Charney), current customers like Dovetail’s Dwane Lay and Rayanne Thorn had a different story to tell about the tool. (ERE)

Bigger Deal Though?

Never let it be said that Crystal Miller doesn’t get a lot done in one week, girl ALSO GOT ENGAGED! Dwane Lay and Crystal Miller said yes to the dress, or the ring, or the happily-ever-after the night before Elevated’s Launch Party! Yeah, that happened. As two of the most well-respected and recognized names in the industry, I think I speak for all of us when I say, NOICE! (Facebook, eveywhere, more instagrammed than Kim K’s ring)

So… just don’t send any pictures

Just when I think I understand the candidate experience and have decided that yes, there are too many walls between the job seeker and the recruiter, someone sends a di*k pic along with their application and I’m like THIS IS WHY WE CAN’T HAVE NICE THINGS! (Gawker)

And not to pick on interviewees but

These are not so smart applicants. I guess it says something for being able to winnow down the talent pool but this…this seems like more of a gene pool issue. Hint: Do not throw your beer in the trash before an interview, finish it at home…LIKE A NORMAL PERSON! (Reader’s Digest)

Funding Desert

So, I have spoken to several startups and tools with huge brands, tons of $$$ in the bank and lots of employees. You SEE these people at shows, you’ve USED these products. And all of them are waiting until Q3 to get funding. There is no scientific source for this but it seems like maybe one or two people should try and get a little funding before the bubble bursts…sometime this summer? (Me, myself and I)

Definitive? Maybe. Useful? For sure.

John Sumser talked to some of the smartest people on the PLANET (yes, I’m in it) to put together this definitive guide to employment branding. And while I think it’s chock full of incredible strategies and as Lis Cervenka said “will really help clients and executive stakeholders grasp employer branding” (especially when combined with this HBR finding that hiring can cost around 10% when you have a shit*y brand) I also think there are some tactical agency views missing. However, here at Red Branch, we use the word definitive all the time, so I’m hardly the arbiter for the word because it gets clicks. (HR Examiner)

Maren Hogan

Maren Hogan is CEO of Red Branch and general Bad@$$

Maren Hogan is a seasoned marketer and community builder in the HR and Recruiting industry. Maren started Red Branch Media and, before she hired all the smiling faces you see below, she ran it on her own. In marketing for over 15 years, she has deep experience in strategic campaigns and a long-term, results-based operational approach.