Web Marketing & People Connector

Helping You Find The World

What I Scotland Taught Me In 2002 – and Still True!

Mar 2

Posted by michael in Findling Thoughts | No Comments

When did the life-work balance become my very first six pack?  I sat down at in my office ~8:30am today and hoping for a quiet smooth day – maybe turn on Pandora and just….enjoy the rain.  It’s 3:30pm and the first 10 items on the to do list are still down around #18.  I started to draw (I like to sketch idea) about how I can best get those projects in my day job done and also take care of life at the same time.  Also, nobody told me the sun would come out! 

I started drawing and then I realized I had to work on some charts in Excel – next thing I know I was diving my life into 6 areas (you would think I needed a personal assistant in SF).  For now each slide has equal weight.  There are days where the percentages and pie slices might shift (hmmm, pizza for dinner?), but alas, this is where I have come to.  And because I am a PowerPoint/Excel dork, I made a chart and then a graphic and now a blog because this is what web marketing guys do, we blog….don’t we?

 

Life Work Balance

Now don’t get me wrong, I actually LOVE my day job.  I work at a database tools & developer software company called Embarcadero Technologies.   I get to be creative, I get have fun and I get to walk home sometimes through the gorgeous (and steep) hills of San Francisco – today feels like a Coit Tower day!  But when I get home, my darling Silvia (the most amazing professional organizer in SF) and I will have dinner. But I can’t forget, Sunday I am volunteering at a Jewish learning event at the JCC (as a photographer).  Then I would like to talk more with some non-profit groups about promoting local businesses and of course I have to make sure I count the calories (cause Weight Watchers wants my points!).

If you are reading this (ok for the 10 of you that are), give me your wheel, balanced at first.  I’m curious, where does your time lie, where do your passions lie?  The first time I went to Scotland in 2002 I was asked one great question that I have to ask myself everyday “….what are you passionate about?…”

Well…what are ya waiting for?

2010 So Far: The Good, Bad and Amazing

Mar 1

Posted by michael in Findling Thoughts | No Comments

Two months in, I'm stuffed!  It has been a year full of interesting new foods and opportunities.

New Year's 2010On New Year's Day I was recovering from what the doctors call "Walking Pneumonia."  From August through Thanksgiving I worked hard at trying to get in shape and shed some pounds, having the illness, I gained more than half of my weight back!   Now that brings me to the end of February and so much has happened.  


In the first two months of 2010 I learned a great deal about my own patterns and behaviors while working with my girlfriend Silvia.  We worked on getting her company Le Concierge SF started.  After the website is built and put the Facebook fan pages is up I started to realize I myself am not always aware of how so many things in life are connected to one's happiness.


Now imagine if only knew Silvia from a professional standpoint.   My life would be filled with a few major activities on a daily and weekly basis: work, gym, social, food and volunteering (the good deed thing).  I am a pretty clean person, there are certain routines I'm not the best at, like cooking fresh food and folding my clothes.  Imagine if you had the #1 Professional Organizer in SF on your team:

  • The fridge and pantry was stocked with your favorite foods.
  • Your fridge had meals prepared and labeled to take to work everyday (and oh yea the food is good for you!).
  • The fruit you were looking for at Trader Joe's is washed, cut up and prepared into small containers.
  • The cabinets in my kitchen are organized in such a way those dishes and glasses I use the most are front and center and the easiest to reach.  The same goes for the food, spices and snacks.
  • All of the Tupperware (different size containers), lids (oh the lids) and more are all organized in one area.
  • All of the arrangements for the trip I am leaving for in two weeks are done (hotel, car and theater tickets).
  • The dinner party I want to have for friends of mine that are coming to town in March, the menu is planned.

SF Professional OrganizerTake all of this (and so much more) and then start to think: you work 60-70 hours a week, a good portion of your weekend is spent doing errands (or rushing after you leave the office). 

Imagine leaving your office on any given day and thinking "aahhhhh, I have time now to do…(fill in the blank)." Ask yourself some questions – because honestly, living with Silvia, I did and it led me to some answers that I did not expect.  I realized that it is OK to admit in busy and stressful times that it is OK to reach out for help, it is almost psychologically uplifting.  There is something to be said to be able to given a new sense of freedom.

 

 

  • How can my life be improved?
  • Where can I make changes in my life that allow me to explore new activities and opportunities?
  • What do I need to do in order to eat healthier so that I lose weight and have more energy?
  • What can I do to change the world?
  • My home feels cluttered, I know there is more space here, how can I find that space???

If you ask yourself these questions and more, maybe you should talk with Silvia (seriously call her now, 415-602-6652).  I know that because I asked those questions and each were answered it allowed me to start projects like YelpSF.  I want to help local businesses and help the local SF community grow economicaly.  I spent over eight years of my life in New York helping the Jewish Community.  I see a need here in San Francisco, there is a growing movement of "buy local" and I do think I can help.Snow Shoe in Tahoe

There is much more to say about the last two months.  There have been some really great experiences.  We went to Tahoe,  we had some great snow shoeing, we had a dinner party full of Brazilian food, I learned how to make a great detox soup (7 veggies in one soup, now that's detox).  Every month I try to write in my blog and I try to say I will keep this up.  Maybe I need to do a monthly review….but…

my next review will come from Sao Paulo, Brasil……!


Nourish The Children Event & Press Club

Feb 18

Posted by michael in Fun Stories, San Francisco | No Comments

I recently photographed an event there for Nourish the Children (www.NourishtheChildren.com) and had an amazing time!   I really want to thank Debbie Chan (mavenwealth.com) for allowing me the opportunity to join the event and take pictures.  The crowd that came was amazing, the event was festive and I learned a great deal about how dire the need is to help children around the world, and what a small amount of money that takes!

The Press Club in San Francisco is a wine country experience in the heart of San Francisco, offering an exclusive array of wines direct from eight of Northern California’s most acclaimed wineries. The luxuriously modern interior features dedicated tasting bars, social sipping lounges and a retail store. 

If you are looking for a 5-star wine experience in San Francisco that is filled with great food and service check out the SF Press Club (20 Yerba Buena Lane).  The entrance is just off Market under the Four Seasons.

sfpress-club-map

And of course if you are looking to host an event be sure to contact Le Concierge SF, an amazing SF Event Planner and SF Concierge Service.

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Senior Marketing Manager, eCOMMERCE, Financial Services

Feb 17

Posted by michael in Job Opening | No Comments

Job opening from a friend of mine:

What you need to bring to the table:

  • 7+ years of marketing experience within the web
  • 5+ years of working within the financial services industry ability to execute web initiatives including web content within a CMS while also being the driving force behind the strategy of the website  bachelors degree, preferably within the marketing, communications or web field

What you will do:
Develop and execute e-Business strategies and objectives to enhance companies on-line presence manage the strategic and tactical development of this award winning website, coordinate and monitor online campaigns and support collaborative efforts with other organizations to plan and execute online marketing strategies.

What you will get:

  • Competitive salary and benefits
  • Opportunity to work in a socially conscious work environment
  • Chance to be the driving force behind the strategy and direction of the website.
  • Some relocation assistance offered if needed

Interested candidates should send their resume to l.hickman@thebossgroup.com asap as my client is actively reviewing resumes.

Fun With Le Concierge SF and Learning Portuguese

Feb 4

Posted by michael in Findling Thoughts, San Francisco | No Comments

Personally, I’m having fun with life right now.  For the last 6 months I have been having the most amazing time with this nice Jewish girl from Sao Paulo, Brasil – Silvia.  When I met Silvia she just seemed full of life and talent.   The idea started as soon as we met, with all her great talents and experiences, she should start her own company.  I would never tell anyone to go do this while the economy is in such a fragile state – well, I would never tell anyone…except Silvia.  Last week, we officially launched the main corporate site for Le Concierge SF (leconciergesf.com), an on-call concierge company in San Francisco,

It occurred to me, I am having so much fun coming up with new ideas for Silvia to go create awareness of the company I forgot that I personally have been living with the some of the great benefits on the company: personal organizing, event planning, personal assistant and a host of other amazing talents.   I see how her clients respond, you can see it in their faces – the stress level in their lives exponentially drop instantaneously. 

Now, I do have to mention the best part of Silvia working with her clients, not only to do I get to learn get to cook with my best friend and love – I get to learn Portuguese.  And lordy can Silvia cook, see this amazing quinoa tabbouleh she made me for the week – munito gostoso (very yummy in Portuguese).

tabboulehlarge

I hope everyone is having a great week, I’m going to do my best to write in here – if anything I feel the need to share the amazing food that we cook every week!  I am also off to Brasil in April for 2 weeks, so I’m thinking I might even post some fun words to learn each week, like como se falla “nickname"?

 

Technology Job Openings in San Francisco

Jan 25

Posted by michael in Job Opening, Uncategorized | No Comments

Below are a number of job openings that have been sent to me in the last week, hopefully you will find something below for you or someone you know looking for a position in the Tech, Web or App Dev community.
 

Product Manager for Web Application Security Technologies

Are you a product manager with a background in Web Application scanning technologies and Penetration test? If so, we have a product management position in Redwood City, CA

Click here to apply!
http://bit.ly/72C9Ke

We are looking for a seasoned professional with 7+ years of proven product marketing and product management experience. Responsibilities include leading the product team to define and implement Guard Web Application Scanning solution which allows customers to scan Web applications, spot cross-site scripting vulnerabilities, identify SQL injections and conduct authenticated and unauthenticated scanning to capture the perspective of both authorized and unauthorized users. In addition, the future state of the solution will include capabilities to detect malware infected sites. The solution will be delivered on top of the Guard SaaS platform and to be marketed to enterprises, small, and medium businesses.

Qualifications
- Candidate must possess a strong background in all aspects of product marketing/management
Proven experience in building enterprise products and creating broad awareness within the information security community

- Experienced in working with development teams and managing a number of tasks and priorities
Proven ability to launch products to the market and position products successfully for the enterprise

- Strong written and oral communication skills

- A minimum of 7 years experience preferably in product management
Experience with Penetration test

Additional Plus Competencies
- BS/BA in Marketing
- Knowledge of web application security threats and malware
- Knowledge of the Web application scanning technologies

Click here to apply: http://bit.ly/72C9Ke

 
 

Senior Web Manager Marketing (Content Management)

Location: San Francisco, CA Reports To (Title): CMO Up to 20%

Position Purpose and Scope
The senior Web manager will be responsible for the design, development, coding, maintenance and enhancement of
all online marketing properties, including the corporate Website. This person will own and drive five
major areas:

  • Design & usability
  • Content
  • Architecture & coding
  • Continuous improvement through metrics analysis
  • Quality initiatives

The goal of these activities will be to continue to portray as a large, successful enterprise software company
with a ‘larger than life’ image, brand, community and content through our most important marketing channel: our
Website. This person will work closely with the executive management, sales, product definition and product
marketing teams to align the Website with sales goals, product direction and strategic company objectives. The
senior Web manager must be able to independently ‘connect the dots’ between the business and his/her projects.
This person must be able to effectively leverage other assets within the company as well as outside vendors to
accomplish their tasks. The senior web manager must also interpret monthly Website data into clear trends that
validate their approach.
 

To apply click here to submit your Resume/CV:
http://bit.ly/8B0NXg

Primary Responsibilities

  • Define Website goals, themes and directions that support company goals, branding
  • Develop a road map for major projects and continuous improvement enhancements to the Website
  • Define and implement strategies to improve front-end experience, site structure/information architecture and
  • back-end technical resources.
  • Maintain content, develop new pages, enhance functionality, and ensure overall high quality of the Website
  • Develop well-structured, coordinated online marketing vehicles in support of sales & marketing goals.
  • Ensure consistent adherence to branding, visual, and style standards as well as compliance with applicable

    • policies and legal requirements.

  • Create high quality Web graphics and design templates as required.
  • Report and provide analysis on Website statistics on a monthly basis with recommendations that feed into a
  • continuous improvement plan.
  • Dynamically function both as tactical, hands-on implementer and strategic thinker – execute site updates and
  • contribute to long-range marketing plans.

Required Experience

  • Minimum 5-8 years professional experience managing Web site strategy and development, along with
  • implementation and maintenance.
  • Demonstrated experience developing complex sites featuring dynamic interaction, rich content, embedded

    • forms, audio, video, and script objects. (Links required.)

  • Strong understanding of Web services, design, information architecture, and open source apps.
  • Experience implementing RSS feeds, blogs, wikis, and other user community-building techniques.
  • Experience using systems such as Salesforce.com, Engage B2B
  • Thorough understanding and experience with Google adwords
  • Proficiency with HTML, CGI, CSS, Dreamweaver, Flash, Photoshop, Illustrator, JavaScript, PHP, and MySQL

    • required; other languages, environments, and standards desirable.

  • Ability to independently set and meet deadlines, manage diverse tasks across multiple projects, while being

    • able to work under pressure.

  • Excellent customer service – ability to work successfully with remote teams and maintain cross-functional

    • relationships at all levels, including executive.

  • Must adapt in a rapidly-changing environment and keep up with Web trends and technologies.
  • Must possess proper command of American English language usage and grammar; editing or proofreading

    • experience desirable

  • Familiarity with enterprise software industry and software development methodology.
  • Flawless attention to detail.
  • Demonstrated experience managing external agencies and vendors (including references)
  • Sound, mature business judgment
  • Operates with integrity without compromise
  • Solid understanding of the creative and production process underlying the delivery of marketing materials and

    • programs

  • Experience managing to budget constraints
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively
  • The ability to identify innovative and creative solutions to marketing challenges – to think in new ways about

    • old problems

  • The ability to make decisions and defend them clearly
  • Must be a self-motivated, independent energetic presence with a can-do attitude and drive to succeed
  • Outstanding attention to detail and exceptional project management skills are essential
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills required
     

Success Factors
Critical success factors for this position include the ability to nurture outstanding working relationships with internal
stakeholders and external vendors combined with the experience and commitment to execute on time and on
budget. Additional specific expectations of this position include:
 

  • Applying a high sense of urgency to tasks
  • A commitment to innovation and creativity combined with superior project management skills
  • Clearly demonstrating enthusiasm and passion for projects and activities
  • A high comfort level working in an unstructured, free flowing environment
  • A willingness to wear whatever hat is required at any point in time…flexibility
     

Education
Bachelors degree in Business or similar discipline required

 

For the remaining positions, all resumes, CV's and cover letters should be sent to Juliette at juliette.adida@vnhstaffing.com

 Web Apps Developer, Web Developer and Senior Search Engineer

The first client is an Internet Start Up company has just raised funds to finance its second stage of development and they are looking at urgently strengthen their development team to meet the deadlines for the next run of financing with most reputable VCs in the Silicon Valley.

The plan is to create a Knowledge People Network indexed on the largest Social Networks to allow members of this network to ask questions that will be answered in near real time by other members of the Network with the relevant knowledge. They have already registered 4 patents and devloped a search algorithm similar to Google search engine. In order to meet their ambitious goals, they are looking for Web Applications Developers & a Senior Search Engineer.
 

Web Apps Developers
 

- To join a bright team of PHP community experts, used to play with MemCache, Gearman… in a high volume environment
- To assist in Feasibility analysis and Estimation, refine development practices and facilitate communications beween various teams (Business, Quality, Product, Technical)

Candidates should have:
- 5 + years experience in Web development
- 3 + years with PHP/MySQL/Apache
- Solid experience with Version Control, JavaScript, CSS and OO Programming
- Knowledge of GIT, Python, Memcache and JSON would be a plus, as well as knowledge of Microformats and Open Standards.
- A Bachelor Degree or more in computer Science would be preferred.

Senior Search Engineer
To design, develop and deploy components of a search infrastructure:
- Knowledge of classification and clustering techniques
- Expert at efficient indexing of large amount of data and capable of building Restful API interfaces to Data Stores.

Candidates should have a BS or more in Computer Science, with strong expertise in Algorithms/Data Structure and Graph Theories. Experience with Systems development/Deployment and proficiency with Python/Java/PHP will be preferred.

Web Developer

Our client is an affiliate web publisher. They promote and sell third-party products or services through their web sites, using email marketing, search marketing and social media marketing. They are a starting up in the US as a subsidiary of a French company. They are looking for a web developer able to mature into a primary technical role.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Design and develop landing pages and micro web sites.
- Design and develop database and web site to database integration.
- Develop software application for social network such as Facebook or MySpace.
- Create newsletter template; integrate content and send newsletter using an email solution.
- Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables.
- Excellent English written and oral skills.
- Able to mature to meet deadlines; able to communicate and teach non-technical users; able to lead outsourcing.
- Knowledge in internet marketing such as e-mail, SEM, SEO, SMM preferred.

Technologies to master
- Solid knowledge and skills with HTML, CSS, CGI, JavaScript, PHP AND mySQL .
- Familiarity with UNIX / Windows platforms.

 

Finally…my own company, Embarcadero Technologies is hiring, check out our 3 job openings:

http://bit.ly/6edxUD

Help the ex-Borland Memorabilia Auction for Haiti Relief

Jan 23

Posted by michael in Fun With Data | No Comments

At Embarcadero, we're collecting unique and one-of-a-kind Borland memorabilia to auction to the developer community for Haiti earthquake relief. Embarcadero employees have donated several hundred items from their personal collections ranging from 1st Ship product boxes, to Borland Leather Jackets, to Borland surfboards. We're currently organizing the auction and plan to launch next week but there is always room for more stuff if it will bring more donations for Haiti relief, particularly unique and "early years" items.

If you're an ex-Borlander like us and you are local to the Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley area and would like to donate any Borland memorabilia to the auction, you may drop off at our drop box in the Scotts Valley Embarcadero campus main lobby (former Borland HQ campus). We will be checking the drop box daily.

Senior Web Manager Marketing (Content Management)

Jan 6

Posted by michael in Job Opening | No Comments

Job Title: Senior Web Manager Marketing

Location: San Francisco, CA Reports To (Title): CMO Up to 20%

Position Purpose and Scope
The senior Web manager will be responsible for the design, development, coding, maintenance and enhancement of all online marketing properties, including the corporate Website. This person will own and drive five major areas:

  • Design & usability
  • Content
  • Architecture & coding
  • Continuous improvement through metrics analysis
  • Quality initiatives

The goal of these activities will be to continue to portray as a large, successful enterprise software company
with a ‘larger than life’ image, brand, community and content through our most important marketing channel: our Website. This person will work closely with the executive management, sales, product definition and product marketing teams to align the Website with sales goals, product direction and strategic company objectives. The senior Web manager must be able to independently ‘connect the dots’ between the business and his/her projects.

This person must be able to effectively leverage other assets within the company as well as outside vendors to
accomplish their tasks. The senior web manager must also interpret monthly Website data into clear trends that validate their approach.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Define Website goals, themes and directions that support company goals, branding
  • Develop a road map for major projects and continuous improvement enhancements to the Website
  • Define and implement strategies to improve front-end experience, site structure/information architecture and back-end technical resources.
  • Maintain content, develop new pages, enhance functionality, and ensure overall high quality of the Website
  • Develop well-structured, coordinated online marketing vehicles in support of sales & marketing goals.
  • Ensure consistent adherence to branding, visual, and style standards as well as compliance with applicable policies and legal requirements.
  • Create high quality Web graphics and design templates as required.
  • Report and provide analysis on Website statistics on a monthly basis with recommendations that feed into a continuous improvement plan.
  • Dynamically function both as tactical, hands-on implementer and strategic thinker – execute site updates and contribute to long-range marketing plans.

Required Experience

  • Minimum 5-8 years professional experience managing Web site strategy and development, along with
    implementation and maintenance.
  • Demonstrated experience developing complex sites featuring dynamic interaction, rich content, embedded forms, audio, video, and script objects. (Links required.)
  • Strong understanding of Web services, design, information architecture, and open source apps.
  • Experience implementing RSS feeds, blogs, wikis, and other user community-building techniques.
  • Experience using systems such as Salesforce.com, Engage B2B
  • Thorough understanding and experience with Google Adwords
  • Proficiency with HTML, CGI, CSS, Dreamweaver, Flash, Photoshop, Illustrator, JavaScript, PHP, and MySQL required; other languages, environments, and standards desirable
  • Ability to independently set and meet deadlines, manage diverse tasks across multiple projects, while being able to work under pressure.
  • Excellent customer service – ability to work successfully with remote teams and maintain cross-functional relationships at all levels, including executive.
  • Must adapt in a rapidly-changing environment and keep up with Web trends and technologies.
  • Must possess proper command of American English language usage and grammar; editing or proofreading experience desirable
  • Familiarity with enterprise software industry and software development methodology.
  • Flawless attention to detail.
  • Demonstrated experience managing external agencies and vendors (including references)
  • Sound, mature business judgment
  • Operates with integrity without compromise
  • Solid understanding of the creative and production process underlying the delivery of marketing materials and programs
  • Experience managing to budget constraints
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively
  • The ability to identify innovative and creative solutions to marketing challenges – to think in new ways about old problems
  • The ability to make decisions and defend them clearly
  • Must be a self-motivated, independent energetic presence with a can-do attitude and drive to succeed
  • Outstanding attention to detail and exceptional project management skills are essential
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills required

Success Factors
Critical success factors for this position include the ability to nurture outstanding working relationships with internal stakeholders and external vendors combined with the experience and commitment to execute on time and on budget. Additional specific expectations of this position include:

  • Applying a high sense of urgency to tasks
  • A commitment to innovation and creativity combined with superior project management skills
  • Clearly demonstrating enthusiasm and passion for projects and activities
  • A high comfort level working in an unstructured, free flowing environment
  • A willingness to wear whatever hat is required at any point in time…flexibility

Education

  • Bachelors degree in Business or similar discipline required

Apply

1 Million Pennies Project Party Pictures!

Dec 15

Posted by michael in San Francisco | No Comments

http://1millionpennies.com, What an amazing party, event and cause. We came, we bid, we drank and we gave pennies. Great job Tova! And thank you to all the volunteers!!

Thanks to the 1 Million Pennies Project team:
Stu Berman, Frank Brodsky, Amy Bryan, Julie Cowley, EcoJews of the Bay, Michael Findling, Silvia Oppenheim, Ilana Gauss, Gelena Grinberg, Tova Grunes, Dina Jacobs, Robby Kaufman, Stephanie Lim, Alexis Marina Kershner, Nicole Miller, Gina Moltyaner, Ellie Pelc, Maria Rodriguez, Ryan Smith, Mark Schulman, Eli Spector, Jessica Stern, Sam Strauss, Rebecca Trobe, Kevin Waldman, Joseph Yeh.:

1 Million Pennies Party Announces Silent Auction Items

Dec 10

Posted by michael in San Francisco | No Comments

We are very excited that you are joining us for the 1 Million Pennies Party next Monday December 14th at Apartment 24.   The response from the San Francisco Community for Silent Auction items has been overwhelming – proving small actions make a big difference.  To date the following gifts have been donated (and more are pending!):

Again, the cost of admission is a minimum donation of one penny. 

This event came together because a small group of people truly believe in positive change in the world.  And with that, we hope you will bring your friends, energy and of course pennies.  And of course if you are not able to attend the event we hope you will donate online at the 1 Million Pennies Project website,  http://www.1millionpennies.com.
 
See you Monday night at Apartment 24!
 
Thanks,
One Million Pennies Project Team*
 
 
Thanks to the 1 Million Pennies Project team:
Stu Berman, Frank Brodsky, Amy Bryan, Julie Cowley, EcoJews of the Bay, Michael Findling, Silvia Oppenheim, Ilana Gauss, Gelena Grinberg, Tova Grunes, Dina Jacobs, Robby Kaufman, Stephanie Lim, Alexis Marina Kershner, Nicole Miller, Gina Moltyaner, Ellie Pelc, Maria Rodriguez, Ryan Smith, Mark Schulman, Eli Spector, Jessica Stern, Sam Strauss, Rebecca Trobe, Kevin Waldman, Joseph Yeh.