Case Study
On Being Found:
No, I’m not talking about a religious conversion, however, I’m not against that. What I’m talking about it being “found” on Google. (By the way, it’s amazing to me how fast that word and that tool has become embedded into our way of life!)
9 months ago I had no idea what “Social Media” or “Web 2.0” was. Absolutely none. I own an executive search firm (Sanford Rose Associates – Brighton, Michigan), and at that time had a traditional website and used a variety of recruiting tools and software. I was vaguely familiar with LinkedIn, and knew that my three kids were crazy with something called Facebook. Twitter was some goofy thing that I heard Hollywood celebrities were using to communicate with their fans. I didn’t know much about all this stuff, and didn’t care. If you typed “Brett Blair” into the “Google” search block, I didn’t show up anywhere. Not on page one, two, three….nowhere. Oh, there were many Brett Blair, more than I’d like to know, with lifestyles not at all resembling the one I’d like to show on the world wide web!
Through my very good friend, Mr. Synchronicity, I crossed paths with Al Curtis and Sandi Maki at the Brighton, Michigan-based “Insights Group.” Al and Sandi are social media experts and consultants for small businesses. After attending a “Social Media Boot Camp” in November, 2009, the lights went on in my head regarding social media and my place in it. With Al and Sandi’s help, I started a blog on January 1, 2010 (brettablair.com), and have since written/recorded at least one new blog each work day. I’ve connected my blog to my social media outlets (LinkedIn, Facebook, and yes, Twitter….as well as about 40 other less well known sites). Now, less than seven months later, with no money spent on web development or Search Engine Optimization (SEO), when I type “Brett Blair” into Google, I come up as the first five results…all on the first page! This is great for me and for my business. I also now have over 8,000 Twitter followers, 500 Facebook friends, and 1,200 LinkedIn level one connections.
I love connecting with people, and I love helping people. This is why my career as an executive search consultant is such a great fit for me. I also love reading, learning, sharing and writing….and this fits my new love of blogging. The cool thing about Social Media, is that it keeps on growing over time. It also keeps me growing. Friendships and connections and conversations, sharing, learning, and growing are all part of a web-connected Brett Blair community that adds to my life, and hopefully the lives of those I’m connected with.
I’m excited about this ride, and will continue to blog and connect, and see where this path takes me! Happy Trails!!
Thanks,
Brett
Brett A. Blair
President
Sanford Rose Associates – Brighton, Executive Search
132 East Grand River Avenue
Brighton, Michigan 48116
Office: 517-552-9230
Cell: 248-303-9994
brettablair.com , sanfordrose.com/brighton
This post was written by
Bliss in a Bubble – In the moment – my favorite place to be. As a creative outlet, I enjoy ‘Heavy Breathing Just Before Midnight‘ – a series of podcasts on fun, interesting, and random topics that I share. At InSights Group – I mastermind, coach, consult, and use Organic Marketing to empower businesses tell their stories to the world to become more productive and profitable – especially in the online world. I am also a coach and take on personal clients to help empower positive changes and growth within their lives and businesses. I have experience in many areas of philosophy and psychology including face reading, personality studies and motivation, as well as many holistic modalities such as Reiki Master, and core-conscious transformation. Ask the Pool Guy: I’m a partner in a trio of swimming pool companies from construction to service to online sales – we are changing the industry – and the experience of customers across the country – based in Brighton, MI.