Reflection: My Marketing Internship at PROTECH

            Finding a summer internship in South Florida was not an easy task trying to work around my summer schedule before I went back up to Florida State University in the fall. When I stumbled upon PROTECH, I was grateful for the opportunity and experience to broaden my knowledge in a working environment. I wasn’t too familiar with marketing and what it entailed but I was willing to learn and grow, especially do to my major being in Communications.

            Here at PROTECH, along with the help of another fellow intern, our brand was sharpened by the new website we were trying to build and publish as well as the start of a brand new blog. Our internet-technology based articles were being published on our new website as well as other social media platforms. Before I knew it, I went from barely having my toes dipped into the marketing industry to making my through it full speed. Coordinating some of our social media brought out my inner creativity while strengthening my skills in this rapidly growing social media world. 

            After reading through tons of resumes, I also learned about certain do’s and don’ts to include on your resume to strengthen it for future employers. Contacting candidates became second nature while trying to update our database with relevant information. Overall, I became familiar with the IT industry even by my limited exposure and I am thankful for that.

            Not only did my internship at PROTECH help me build up my resume and marketing skills, it helped me get a feel for what it actually means to implement hard work and have something to show for it. I am excited to bring back what I learned to school and have the opportunity to apply that into my major in more ways than one. This wasn’t just a job to me, but a newfound skillset that is only the beginning of my professional career. I would like to thank PROTECH for giving me a great internship experience that I am sad to see go.

-Hali Jordan, Marketing Intern 

Apps: The Good, the Bad, and the Angry (Birds)

At PROTECH, we’re focused on all things tech. Our summer intern, Alexa, compared some of the most popular (and similar) free vs paid apps in the marketplace. Let us know your favorite app in the comments below!

When a tech company rolls out a user-friendly, profit-generating application, dozens of others in the industry attempt their own versions, struggling to keep within patented parameters and away from copyright infringements. Many will try, and fail, to boost sales of a copycat app. Consumers are then faced with the question: which app is better? Is it worth it to spend the 99 cents (or more) on a less-advertised download or stick with the popularized free version that might be just as good, or vice versa? Here’s a look at some of the digital world’s most featured applications and their alternatives.

Candy Crush (Free) vs. Smiles HD ($$)

Anyone with an app-enabled smartphone has heard of Candy Crush, whether or not they’ve actually played it (or admitted to playing it), but an extremely similar game, Smiles HD, seems to have been around longer. The sweets matching app costs nothing, unless the user chooses to purchase extras, such as more lives or a candy hammer, while the veggie-packed alternative costs $3.99 on the iTunes App Store. Candy Crush has hundreds (and hundreds) of levels to be passed, while Smiles HD offers three modes of play and unlockable achievements.

In conclusion: Both games are colorful and cutesy, with parallel strategy and progression of difficulty, and even happy music, but Candy Crush offers virtually continuous gaming for no cost to the gamer.

Temple Run (Free) vs. Ski Safari ($)

Was Temple Run the game to set off a cult following for endless running games? That cannot be determined, but it continues to be one of the most popular apps ever, with over 500 million players. Gamers run and run (and run), collecting coins as they do, just to run some more. Ski Safari is endless skiing; users guide Sven through avalanches and on adventures with animals to level-up.

In conclusion: When it comes to a continuous movement game of any kind, it’s always better to opt for the free app. Choose Temple Run.

Angry Birds ($) vs. Crazy Penguin Catapult (Free)

 

Before Candy Crush, and even before Temple Run, there was Angry Birds, the game of sling-shots, birds, and mischievous green pigs. The app stills reigns as the #1 paid iPhone game in over 60 countries and has grown to now include over 500 levels, as well as power-ups and secret levels. However, the game is prone to advertisements and external links, despite purchase, which can take away from the fun. Crazy Penguin Catapult, a completely free alternative, involves flinging penguins at polar bears to free captive birds and features two play modes and three maps.

In conclusion: Though Angry Birds has added to its original interface and created more than one spinoff (Angry Birds Rio!, anyone?), one can only play so many variations of the same thing (the addictive qualities of Candy Crush are hard to duplicate). Download Crazy Penguin Catapult for no charge and play essentially the same game for less money.  

Pitfalls of Project Management

Being a project manager is like being a goal tender in Hockey. No one really notices if you’re doing a good job but as soon as you make a mistake you end up with angry customers, employees and worse of all, an angry boss.

Goaltender Jacques Plante said that “How would you like it if at your job, every time you made the slightest mistake a little red light went on over your head and 18,000 people stood up and screamed at you?” That’s how it can feel as a project manager. One tiny mistake and you can have your whole company and clients demanding your head on a stake.

I’ve worked as a project manager and I’ve worked under project managers. Here are five pitfalls to avoid to become a great project manager and have clients returning again and again to your company.

Pitfall One: Underestimating.

Always Overestimate. No matter what type of projects you manage, your main job as a project manager is to be the liaison between your team members and another party, typically either a higher up at your company or a client. This means it’s your job to find out from individual team members how long their portion of the project would take and put together estimates. Always overestimate. Keep track of how long team members actually take compared to what they estimate and take that into consideration. Then, overestimate, within reason of course, to the client. When you come in below budget and a week early, you will have the client, and your boss, singing your praises.

Pitfall Two: Giving Clients Too Much.

Giving clients too much makes them too happy way too fast. Wait, I thought project management was all about making clients happy? It is, but if you make them happy as soon as they hire you, it probably means you offered them too much for too little. A client that you’ve never worked with has no way of being pleased with your services before you even begin. If you promise them a whole cake for the price of a cupcake, they’d be ecstatic. They’d talk about you to everyone they know. However, if you can’t deliver on time or on budget, happy clients will turn into nightmare ones. Even if you delivered them the most beautiful cake of all time, they still won’t be happy.

Pitfall Three: Offering Too Many Services

You’re a web design firm but your client wants you to write blogs for them. Someone on your team has done it before so sure, why not, take the extra money and provide the services, right? Wrong. If it’s not your specialty and you don’t have proven results, don’t compromise your business by offering or taking on additional services you aren’t experts at. You’re putting you main business at risk because even though you delivered an exceptional website, if the blogs you put up are terrible, they probably won’t be referring you to anyone in the near future. You don’t want comments about your business being “Well, they did our website and it was good but…the blogs they did for us were just terrible!”

Pitfall Four: Not Keeping Clients Informed

You gave an estimate, distributed the project to your team but then ran into a snag: it’s going to take an extra three hours to fix an issue on the project that you didn’t anticipate. You have three choices: eat the cost (and tell your boss), bill the client, or let the client know about the issue. As difficult as it is to call a client and let them know that you hit a roadblock, it’s what you need to do to keep a happy customer. They’ll like it more than discovering you billed them without talking to them and you’ll establish your own credibility because you discovered – and are willing to fix - a possibly disastrous issue.

The exception to this is if the issue was caused by your team. If so, you do need to absorb the cost but let the client know if the extra time will change anticipated deadlines. No, you don’t need to go into details about the error on your part or even admit your firm made an error. Just let them know the project is taking longer than anticipated but you’re comping them the 3 extra hours it will take. When you send the invoice, show those three hours as well as them being deducted. Everyone loves getting something for free.

Pitfall Five: Failing to Deliver

This is the biggie and it comes from the combination of all of the above. No matter what you’re doing, no matter how complicated and difficult, clients will not understand. They only know what you tell them.

If a space engineer tells you it will only take 1000 hours of his time to build a space rocket and the cost will be one million dollars in parts, you have no real way to actually know the time and cost of building that product. You don’t know how much engines, electronics or even fuel will cost. You take the engineers word for it and you assume that a space rocket costs one million in parts and takes 1000 hours to build.

Now, imagine this space engineer sends you a bill for two million dollars as well as 1500 hours of his time. You’d be upset that the space engineer overcharged you and failed to deliver on his promise.

However, what you don’t realize is that the 5 other space engineers that build that same rocket take 3000 hour and charge ten million dollars. Even if the space engineer tries to explain, you won’t care: all that matters is that he didn’t deliver on his promises.

As the project manager, you’re the space engineer. Clients typically don’t understand the complexities of what you’re doing for them. You need to help clients realize exactly what you will deliver and when you will deliver it by. Even if you give them the best product at a price well below your competitors, if it isn’t what you promised, you failed.

What are your tips for avoiding project management pitfalls? Comment below.

Elizabeth Becker, Marketing Manager of PROTECH.

Are you a Project or Product Manager? We're Hiring!

Image Credit: Coding Horror

The "L" Word

What’s Love Got To Do With It?

It’s the American Dream – love what you do and you’ll never work a day in your life. We teach our children to follow their dreams and to find that job that they’ll love. So what’s wrong with the “you need to love what you do” mindset?

1. Creates more stress. If you’re in a job that you aren’t crazy about you become dissatisfied and think you need to find a new job. Can lead to job hopping.
2. Less free time: You really want to love what you do so you’re willing to work overtime and weekends in order to keep that job.
3. You’re still replaceable. Just because you love your job, doesn’t not mean it will love you back.
4. Doesn’t place focus on the 5-9: Happiness doesn’t always come from what you accomplished during the 9-5. Make the 5-9 an equal (if not higher) priority.
5. Love is just an emotion: If you look for jobs to love, you could easily confuse love with lust. You might be looking at jobs that are really attractive and think that you’re going to love it. Instead, be realistic about how much you’re going to love (or like) your job. If you go into a job thinking it is for sure the one, you may end up disappointed.

So, Should I Love My Job or Not?

Get into a realistic mindset about what it means to love your job. Just like a relationship, the butterflies and excitement may wear off. That doesn’t mean you no longer love your job. Maybe it just means you’ve finally realized that your job isn’t perfect. The question you have to consider is whether you can live with and appreciate those imperfections or whether you need to cut the cord and move on.

If you realize you need to move on, you need to make a list of ideal items for your next job and make sure that it meets your requirements before job hopping. A new job may seem exciting and you may “fall in love” with it at first glance but this isn’t a feeling that will last. Instead, here are a few main points that should determine if a job is something you want to pursue.

1. Working Hours: This can be a hot button for many employees. If you don’t relish the thought of working after hours, make sure you find out what’s accepted before accepting a position.
2. Vacation Time: Make sure to get in writing how many vacation hours you get each year to see if it’s a job that has long term potential. If you are looking for 3 weeks’ vacation and the job offers 1 week, you’ll probably feel unsatisfied.
3. Working Environment: Before you accept any offer, make sure you check out your working environment. Will you be crammed in a corner, cubicle or have your own office?
4. Benefits: If you are thinking about saving for retirement, check to see what type of 401K or other savings options the company offers.
5. Company Culture: Define exactly what you’re looking for in a company culture. Maybe you want to see company happy hours in your future or maybe you don’t even want to have lunch with coworkers. Decide what you want in your next company culture and make sure it fits the bill before signing on the line.

Make sure your next job meets your criteria before accepting to enjoy and you’ll find yourself in an enduring romance over an exciting, but short-sighted, fling.

What do you think it means to “love” your job? Share in the comments below.

-Elizabeth Becker, Marketing Manager at PROTECH.

5 Reasons to Attend a Hiring Fair

Thinking about attending a job fair to look for your next career move? Here are 5 reasons you should attend a job fair in your area.

1. Companies are investing time and money: Companies that are willing to invest time and money into finding employees are typically more interested in finding good employees over cheap employees.
2. Networking: Although you may not find a job that’s perfect for you at the hiring fair, you've had a chance to get your resume in front of people that matter. Exchange business cards and follow up a month or two later with your resume to let them know you’re still interested in working for the company. If something has opened up, you’ll get pushed to the top.
3. Practice Interviewing: Often you can interview for a position while at the job fair. How many interviews have you gone on? This is a great opportunity to practice your interviewing ability. When you finally get the interview for your dream job, you’ll be prepared.
4. Learn to ask questions: The one thing most people regret when taking a new job is failing to ask the right questions. Accepting a job is like getting into a new relationship. Perhaps this is the perfect job and you’ll be there forever. Or, perhaps it just won’t work out and you’ll break it off and move on. Point is, you wouldn't get start dating someone unless you knew a few things about the other person and thought you were a match. Most job seekers are so excited about something new that they jump right in, forgetting important questions about salary, health benefits, vacation time and hours. Ask these questions when talking to employers about positions to get comfortable asking the right questions.
5. Get a job: This might be obvious but don’t forget you might find the perfect job at a hiring fair. Keep an open mind, bring a stack of resumes and pack those business cards.

I’m getting ready to represent my company at the upcoming eMerge Americas Techweek hiring fair on May 6th at the Miami Beach Convention Center. This is one of the biggest hiring fairs in south Florida and is a must attend for anyone interested in a new career. Know of any other upcoming hiring fairs? Share in the comments below!

Elizabeth Becker, Marketing Manager at PROTECH.

Unplug & Cash in that Vacation Time

Did you know that Americans forfeit 226 million vacation days each year? Giving up vacation time is not only causing more stress but is also is linked to increased health problems. 70% of healthcare visits are related to stress. Missing out on vacation is not only taking a toll on your body but it’s also taking a toll on your brain, contributing to depression, irritability and a lack of focus.

Sounds like it’s time to unplug and book a vacation!

1. Don’t be afraid to take longer vacations. Many Americans report they don’t take longer vacations because they are afraid it will impact their career. If you’re worried your boss will realize you really aren’t worth your payroll, then you really do need a vacation. Anytime you’re worried about being replaced, you realize you aren’t giving 100% and you need to recharge. Take a week or two off, set up your email autorespond and completely disconnect.
2. Don’t spend your vacation social networking. Yes, we all love our social networks and want to brag about our vacation. If you’re like a majority of Americans, you spend most of the workweek staring at a screen. Why turn your vacation into a work-like environment? Leave your smartphone, tablet and any other device you have at home. Try reading a book or just gazing off into the distance. Let your brain – and eyes – have a break from the glare.
3. Mix up your routine. If you typically stay out late, try going to sleep early. Or, if you typically go to bed early, stay up late. Vacations are all about spicing it up and having a different routine. How many times do we wish we could take a 3 pm nap while at work? You’re on vacation, take that nap you’ve been dreaming off!
4. Be active…if you want…but don’t waste time. I know plenty of people that have taken vacation then were disappointed because they didn’t really enjoy it because they wasted too much time wasting time. Wasting time isn’t the same as relaxing. Try being active while on vacation. I don’t mean going to the gym, I’m talking about trying something fun and exciting like going horseback riding, snorkeling or hiking (followed by a nap on the beach). Try at least one thing that will get your adrenaline racing.
5. Meet new people. You’re unplugged from social media so try the old fashioned way of connecting with others – real life social networking. Talk to people: ask them how their vacation is going, go out of your way to offer to take a photo for a group or help someone out.

What are your reasons to take a vacation? Let me know in the comments!

-Elizabeth Becker, Marketing Manager at PROTECH.

Gauging the Effectiveness of Social Media

As companies, we know that having a active social media platform is vital to getting the attention of new fans and followers. Building up our platform seems to mean having to be on Facebook, Twitter, G+ and LinkedIn 24/7 while still making sure to continue other more traditional marketing efforts. How can you make sure that the time spent and money invested in Social Media is making an impact?

Quality, not Quantity

We’ve all heard the saying “if you don’t have anything good to say, don’t say it at all.” The same applies to social media. Don’t inundate your audience with posts that aren’t relevant to them or are boring just to get a post out that day. It’s better to not post than to post something that can disengage your audience. Effective social media follows the 80/20 rule. 80% of what you post on social media should be fun, uplifting and not self promotional. Only 20% of your posts can be about you. The whole point of social media is about being social and shouting “me, me, me” all the time is not social, it’s selfish.

Post at the Right Time

You’ve finished your new company blog post and it’s 5 pm. Time to post a link to the new blog all over your social accounts before you call it a day, right? Wrong. Unless the majority of your target audience is online at 5 pm, you’re wasting your post. Each social platform is different when it comes to the best time to post. For example, the best time for most people to post on Facebook is 11 am and 3 pm as the engagement level is the highest. Your audience may fit the norm or it may not, the best way to find out is to experiment with the times to post your content. The days and times that you get the most engagement are when you should be most active on that social platform. This takes some trial and error but when you find out what time works the best, stick to it.

Schedule Posts for Effective Time Management

Tools such as Hootsuite allow you to schedule your posts ahead of time. If you finished writing your new blog at 5 pm and your optimum time to post is 11 am, pop your post into Hootsuite, set the post for 11 am the next morning, then enjoy some well deserved rest without having to worry about having to post it yourself. It saves time because you can schedule one post across multiple social platforms. Remember, social media is still about being social so make sure to check and respond to comments. I highly recommend not fully relying on scheduling tools and making sure you're still staying social.

Monitor Google Analytics

If you don’t have Google Analytics set up on your blog or website, this is something that you need to set up right away. Google Analytics tracks visitors to your site and where they came from (such as which social platform). If you have analytics, there is a section that outlines social acquisition by network. This shows you how many visitors your site received each day from which platform. Plus, you can also see which page they landed on (the link that they clicked). Analyzing these numbers can show you which social network brings you the most traffic as well as which article or blog you posted got the most visits. This is essential information to help you focus on what is working the best to build your network up in the most time effective way possible. One of the most important things to look at is your bounce rate. A ‘bounce’ is when a visitor lands on your site and immediately leaves. The lower the bounce rate the better. How can you decrease your bounce rate when it comes to visits from social networks? Make sure your post description matches your link. We all want to get clever with our posts to get visits to our site but if your description and link are not relevant enough, you’ll get a high bounce rate.

One of my favorite ways to monitor posts is through Google's URL Builder. This tool allows you to track specific campaigns. Let's say you have a new event and you want to share it. Build it with this tool, changing campaign source (ie Facebook, Twitter, G+) and medium (post, ad, comment) for each post, while keeping campaign name (event name) the same. This is also a great way for anyone posting on behalf of companies to show how much return they are getting. I'll usually add my initials into one of the fields (usually medium) so I can pull a report on analytics showing exactly how many clicks I got on links I put out there. Pop new URL's into the Google URL Shortener if you want a cleaner appearance.

Make New Fans

You have great Facebook fans but if you keep sharing posts to those same fans day in and day out, they’ll get bored. Plus, if your fan base is still relatively small, you’re missing out on an opportunity to reach new people. Instead of using your time to post only on your own wall, find and join groups and communities on Facebook and G+. By sharing your posts with new people through these new groups, you’ll avoid boring your audience and you’ll gain new fans. A word of caution - there have been reports from a variety of sources that running campaigns to increase Facebook likes is ineffective because most of the likes you will get are fake. You may get more fans but do not expect greater engagement. Try to reach your fans in other ways rather than buying them through advertising.

Social media is one of the most exciting platforms for businesses of all size because it can connect you with those interested in your services. By using your time on social media effectively, you’ll get the most out of your network while still being able to keep your main focus on your writing.

Elizabeth Becker is the Marketing Manager at PROTECH. Looking for a new career in IT? Choose the experts in Technology Staffing and Recruiting.

[Image via Jim Benton]