We interrupt your regularly scheduled analytics broadcast for another confession: I love social media. First it was LinkedIn, now it’s all social media. Everything that’s happened as a result of participating in social media over the last few years has been positive. Well, maybe not everything, but darn near close to everything
One of the greatest parts about the space is that you never know when it is going to present you with interesting opportunities. Social media helps you discover everything from speaking engagements to guest blog post opportunities to, gasp, job possibilities.
A few weeks ago, I received a message (through social media, of course) from David Armano asking if I would be willing to get together for a drink while we were all in New York (for different reasons). When I showed up, there was Rick Murray, who I’ve also followed and admired for a long-time online. After our discussion, I was so pumped up that I remember going through every last detail of it in the cab.
These guys were interested in having me join the team? I was incredibly excited.
After more conversations (you know how these things go and don’t need me boring you with the details), I received an offer from the folks at Edelman to come to Chicago and take on a role as Vice President, Digital Analytics. In case you didn’t gather from the context inherent in the first few paragraphs here, I’ve decided to accept their offer and join the team.
WAIT… Did I just say move to Chicago and join Edelman Digital? Does that mean I’m leaving Austin? What about Ogilvy? I need answers!
Let me take a second and try to address some of the questions:
- Yes, I am moving to Chicago. Before the initial conversation with David and Rick, I had no plans of returning to the Midwest anytime soon. Sure, I love Chicago. Yes, I absolutely love everything about Minneapolis. Of course I love going home to Cleveland. But, the winters! Opportunities to work with guys of this caliber are not presented everyday, especially to those of us who are numbers dorks
- Yes, it also means that I’m leaving Austin. After moving here in February 2010, I felt like this would be home for a long time. I love everything about the city and its people. I’ve made some tremendous friends here, and be damn sure I’ll be making plenty of return trips (aside from SXSW, of course)
- It does, in fact, mean I’m leaving Ogilvy. This was the most difficult decision of all. Even in a relatively short period of time, the “Ogilvy red” has made its way into my veins. I love the people. I love the culture. It has great clients. This move should in no way change your opinion of that firm. It’s TOP NOTCH.
To say I am excited to join the likes of Jill Knisley, Zena Weist, Dave Fleet, Michael Brito, Chris Lightner, David Almacy, Phil Gomes and of course David and Rick was just something I couldn’t miss out on. These people are incredibly talented, and I can’t wait to work with them!
A few quick things before I continue to plan….errrrrr…. panic about moving cross country for the second time in two years in just a few weeks:
- Several people helped me with this decision along the way. To Kyle Flaherty, Bridget Jewell, Allan Schoenberg, Damion White, Lisa Grimm, Gina Gretchko, Katie Huntley and Sonny Gill…. I can’t thank you all enough. Difficult decision and your unwavering support made it a lot easier. Again, thanks!
- I’m going to miss my friends in Austin, “like whoa!” That, “like whoa” is credited to Lauren Warthan, who I’d most definitely put in this category. It’s going to be tough to leave such a great group of people, but hopefully we can all hang out again soon!
- Go Bulls! The, “anyone but Lebron” motto will continue in the Windy City…
SWEET HOME CHICAGO (apologies Robert Johnson)
