Internet Marketing 101
I’ve fully submersed myself in the world of internet marketing, and I’d definitely consider myself a specialist now. I’m learning more and more every day about the tricks of the trade, and simply, it’s all about putting new information out there. Although it is a science and an ever-changing market.
I’ve developed some fabulous clients, and my Rolodex is building daily. I’m most excited about Watercube USA — I’ve successfully developed a logo, slogan and mini-Web site for the company. Do you live by the ocean? Are you paying exorbitant amounts for clean water? You might need a WaterCube unit; it purifies salt water for only $6 per 1,000 gallons! This is perfect for those living on an island, like in the Florida Keys. It’s very exciting being part of the beginning of a company that can skyrocket at any minute!
Also very exciting, I’ve decided to incorporate myself. I’m still trying to decide on a name, but since I’m technically working as an independent contractor for EPSIT and have several freelance jobs on the side, I might as well do it legitimately. I’m only 22, just graduated college, developed a niche for myself, and I’m basically running my own business. Life can only go up from here, and I have to say, I’m pretty proud of myself! I write Web site content, business articles, monthly newsletters, design advertisements, design logos, work heavily with social media and anything else marketing related.
I’ve always been a writer. I’ve loved it since my first complement on a poem I wrote in 5th grade. I started out running the high school newspaper and realized I definitely have a passion for writing, but I wanted to work in a field other than newspapers (It’s becoming antiquated these days anyway!). Once in college, I thought I’d end up starting my own magazine, and I still might one day, but for now I love what I do. I’ve gone with the flow of pop culture and technology and jumped on the train of search engine marketing. Although I love using colorful adjectives to paint a story onto a page, I’ve scaled back my writing and learned to write for optimization. It’s a WHOLE different world, but it’s very cool.
Every day is different, and I get most Fridays off; who could ask for more? Hopefully within the next few months I’ll be able to get my own place again and work remotely from Palm Beach (or anywhere fun, young in South Florida). I can’t wait to see where I am and what I’ve done six months from now!
Shark Adventures
This past weekend my mom and I took a spontaneous trip to Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra Beach to be more specific. We visited some family while we were up there and stayed with my grandmother who literally lives across from the beach. We lived in Ponte Vedra for two years, and I’ve never really missed it like I did this trip — probably because I was at the beach three days in a row! Saturday morning we went to brunch via my uncle’s boat. It was fabulous to start out the day with the cool breeze in my hair and warm sunlight on my back.
Each day I took some “me time” and strolled along the beach. In three days, I found more than 60 sharks teeth! I found them ranging in size from a pin head (I have no idea how I spotted them either!) to about two inches long and ranging in color from dark black to light brown. From what I understand, unless they’re white, the sharks teeth are all fossilized, which means they’ve been floating around in our oceans for hundreds of years. But I also think the lighter they are, the younger they are, so it’s very cool to find different shades of colors and wonder what shark it came from and where.
I forgot how abundant sharks teeth are amongst the shells on Jax beach. I got back to Stuart wondering why none wash up on our beaches here. I did some research to no avail. Many believe the more north you go, the more sharks teeth you will find. Maybe Jacksonville is the most south you can find them, although many believe you can find them on any Florida beach. It’s sort of a mystery why sharks teeth wash up where they do and in copious amounts.
When I lived in Jax, as I mentioned before, I developed a huge collection. I probably had between 300 and 400 sharks teeth of all shapes and sizes. I even found a huge one once and made a necklace out of it, which I still have. Unfortunately, with all the moves from North Florida to South Florida and everywhere in between, my collection has been misplaced. I was very excited to reboot my collection this weekend, and although it might sound like a dorky hobby, it’s a never-ending challenge which is what draws me to hunting for sharks teeth.
“Summer time… and the livin’s easy!”
As of now, my full-time job consists of searching for a full-time job! I’m looking for a career, and I’m so ready to start my life as an independent woman. I’m so fortunate to have had many call backs and interviews – even some second interviews – in this tough economy. But a word to employers: I can’t have experience without getting experience! Compared to a lot of my peers who just graduated, I DO have a lot of experience. I’m well-rounded, versatile, adaptable and driven. I know the right opportunity is out there, and I’m excited to see where life takes me.
But, in the mean time, in between searching for a career, I’ve been on a couple fabulous vacations. One of which was Washington D.C. I’ve never been – no, not as a safety patrol in middle school. I was so excited to go to this place packed with history, beauty and information. The entire time I was a sponge – I learned so much. Luckily, for the most part, we stayed away from the heated political debates. One of my favorite parts of the trip was taking Segways around the entire city. This is us in front of the Washington Monument:
We went on a tour of the U.S. Capitol; we ate at five-star restaurants; we saw the Lincoln Memorial and where Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his “I Have a Dream Speech”; we went to just about every museum D.C. had to offer; we shopped, ate and got dessert in Georgetown – yes, they have amazing cupcakes there; we visited Georgetown University; we went to the famous D.C. Zoo; we walked and walked and walked… All in all, it was an amazing week-long trip. We could not have packed anything else into the trip. Almost everywhere was hustling and bustling with young, attractive business people, so I was pretty much in heaven. I could even see myself living there one day!
At home, things haven’t been quiet either. For some reason, this summer has been packed with themed parties – from Alice in Wonderland to Ninjas and Pirates: 
And, for Labor Day Weekend, my uncle had a 50th birthday bash in the Bahamas – yes, the Bahamas. He treated his family and friends to an amazing weekend full of sailing, snorkeling, drinking and tanning.
I could not have asked for a more fabulous summer!
It’s been a while
In my absence, I’ve graduated college, and I’ve begun my career search. It feels more like a life search, though! I’m trying to figure out what I want to do and where I want to be. Oh, and did I mention I’ve moved back in with my parents? Boy, that’s been tough, but the free rent is certainly a giant help! BUT, I cannot wait to get my own place when I get on my feet.
I’ve also learned about SEO (search engine optimization), so maybe that will help out this blog and get some more views. Then I’ll be more motivated to keep up with it! To keep me busy, I’ve taken a job working with my parents’ business’s Web site (tilemarketusa.com). The original designer is setting us up with a redesign frame, and I’ll be in charge of adding and updating all the content, including photos and copy. I use a content management system where I only need minimal html skills to keep up with it. The designer also set us up with a cool blog that I’m in charge of updating. Once it’s all officially set up, I’ll review the site statistics each week to report back to my parents and meet with them in order to make positive changes. This job is something to keep me covered for the meantime and hopefully broaden my horizons even more in the journalism field.
If you have any connections out there for me, this world is all about who you know! I’m making a promise to keep up with my blog more and keep everyone updated of my endeavors. Just in case, I’ve attached an updated version of my resume 😉
>> Resume<<
You will also find me on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/sydnee-newman/18/867/980
A few meals I can guarantee your man will LOVE!
I know you know the saying, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Here are a few simple meals that make that phrase really hold true, and I know you’ll enjoy it too!
1) Breaded pork chops with green beans and apple sauce.
- Oven Fry pork
- Thin pork chops (Definitely make sure the bone is in. The meat around the bone is the best part!)
- Green beans (my man loves canned, but fresh or canned is your choice)
- Apple sauce – This one might seem weird, but it’s a PERFECT complement. Make sure it’s cold, and it’s actually a great dipper for the meat.
2) Angel hair pesto with fresh shrimp and zucchini
- Buitoni pesto with basil (from Publix) – I usually add a little extra EVOO, basil and Parmesan to thin the sauce.
- Angel hair pasta (cook al dente)
- Mix chopped zucchini and shrimp into the sauce, when warm. Then mix all into the pasta and voila!
- A little Parmesan sprinkled on the top makes it perfect
3) Chicken in a bag
- Bag n’ Season original chicken flavor by McCormick – use all chicken legs, fresh green beans, fresh baby carrots and sliced red potatoes
4) Egg & Cheese breakfast sandwich
- Cook 2 eggs, make sure to break yolk in pan so it’s not too juicy inside, and cook both sides thoroughly
- A little salt and pepper for flavor
- Place a slice of American cheese over the cooked eggs (to melt) on side plate
- Toast 2 slices of whole wheat bread in the pan to incur the delicious flavor
- Once the toast is browned and the cheese is melted, put it all together!
These are some staple meals my man loves. Feel free to comment, and add other recipes or tell me how these recipes worked for you!
Some of My Favorite Quotes
I don’t know THAT much about blogging, but I think one shouldn’t be afraid to put themselves out there. I’m just going to keep writing whatever is on my mind and hope somebody also finds my topics interesting!
Here are some of my favorite quotes. Enjoy!
“If it’s meant to be, it’ll be…”
“Everything happens for a reason.”
“You’re killin’ me smalls!” (Sandlot)
“Never frown because you never know who might be falling in love with your smile.”
“The most wasted of all days is one without laughter.”
“I love you not only for what you are,
but for what I am when I am with you.”
“Aim for success, not perfection. Never give up your right to be wrong because then you will lose the ability to learn new things and move forward with your life.” -Dr. David M. Burns
“Life is not about finding yourself; it’s about creating yourself.”
“The most important thing in any relationship is not what you get but what you give… in any case, the giving of love is an education in itself.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
“To each his own.”
“You do what you love, and F*ck the rest.” – Little Miss Sunshine
“Speak the truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story. … Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.” -Philosopher Max Ehrmann
My Life in Limbo
I recently created a Business Resume, just in case. I feel as though I’m in limbo. I’ve always been the girl who knew exactly what I wanted to do and where I was going to end up. Now I still know I love journalism, all types of journalism, but I took the general major to keep my options open. I have no doubt I’m going to get a great opportunity, but I have no idea where I’m going to be or what I’m going to be doing in a year. I just want to end up in a position where I can use my creativity and writing ability. I want to be happy and passionate about what I do, but I’m open to just about anything.
I know I don’t want to work for a newspaper. It’s too dry for my taste, and I that’s NOT where the money is. I am aiming for stability, which is hard in the journalism field – so now you understand my conundrum! Someone recently told me I’m a natural leader, and I have a natural way of business thought, so who knows! The idea of law school is even still in the back of my head.
I’m just looking for an opportunity, any opportunity.
Signed: intelligent, attractive, smart college-almost-graduate
Timing
I’m not sure if there’s a way to fix it, but the times are DEFINITELY not correct — there’s no way I’d be blogging at 3 and 4 a.m.!
Sydnee, like Australia -- but spelled differently ;) 