@JoelECarlson – Hello everyone, and welcome to the Twitterview of @KirsiDahl. A communications prof at @GoEast in St. Paul MN. Lets go!
@kirsidahl – I’m ready. Bring it on!
Q – #1 So @KirsiDahl, tell us a little bit about your beginning. Where did you grow up, go to school and what jobs have you had?
A: Always hard to answer: Born in St. Paul, lived in CA and KS for a bit before settling in Stillwater.
So, I say Stillwater for “home town”. Graduated high school there, went to @stcloudstate for college
Have worked in Stillwater school district as a teacher, but have been with @goeast for nearly 13 years
Q – #2 I see. So what is your role with @GoEast, and what kind of work does that entail for you?
A: Officially, “account supervisor” but the fun is in what that entails…
I do integrated marketing communication planning for big national and global brands
I work with great teams to do brand strategy and day-to-day tactical projects
For @goeast I do a lot of blogging, mostly on integrated marketing communications. I <3 blogging. :)
I think the @goeast copy/proof team may get tired of reviewing all the stuff I write. http://bit.ly/9MJOIm
I’ve also been clocked at 120 wpm for typing. I tend to get ahead of others when I use iChat, etc. :)
Q – #3 Impressive! In addition to working with @GoEast, what kind of things have you learned about personal branding?
A: Personal branding is a passion of mine, fueled, in part, by a @mimasummit session led by @MyklRoventine a few years ago
Until that point in my life, I had harbored a bit of resentment towards my parents for naming me “Kirsi”
It’s always mispronounced. :(
But, I see now that they were true visionaries! I took the opportunity to maximize my personal SEO.
I used to have 1-2 relevant hits before I cleaned up places/spaces and now I have 5-6 *pages* of relevant hits.
Learning to build my credibility as an IMC professional was easy. Highly recommend everyone take ownership of their personal brand.
Here’s what I did to build my personal brand online: http://bit.ly/ePNet7
Q – #4 Good for you. I also understand you also have an interest in photography. How is that going?
A: My husband gave me a great digital SLR camera last year for Christmas. I’ve taken 100’s of photos. My favorite is of my dog.
Meet Pete: http://yfrog.com/h3xxnksj
But, seriously, after 1 year with the great camera, that’s the best I have. But not for lack of trying.
I really like working with short depth of field, so I practice. Took a class at National Camera. Planning on taking more! <3 them.
Q – #5 Lets now shift to your FAVORITES: Restaurant, store, winter activity, Twin Cities neighborhood and comfort food.
A: @Mansettispizza is a great neighborhood place that we hit quite often. Funny: they tweet me when I don’t show up to make sure I’m ok.
A bunch of my @goeast friends and I regularly hit @bajasol. I worked at @zantigo in high school, always a place for me there.
Winter activity favorite is staying inside and reading a book by the fire, with a blanket. :)
I grew up in Stillwater, so I love it there. White Bear Lake is great too. As long as it’s east of the cities, I’m in!
Currently reading “Art of Racing in the Rain”. Read the 1st few pages and started to tear up. http://amzn.to/efAZ1Z
Q – #6 Comfort food? What are some personal or professional goals that you’ve set for yourself in the future?
A: Spaghetti = comfort food. Or, in a pinch, Kraft Mac&Cheese.
My personal goals revolve around strengthening my relationships with those I care about the most.
I’m a bit geeky. I think about my life the same as I think about a brand: what’s my mission? what’s my strategy?
I check most of my decisions against that “master plan” to make sure I’m staying true to my goals
Some say that’s “OCD.” I say it’s being prepared.
Professionally, I want to stretch my strategic muscles and contribute to strong brand growth with sound strategy.
… And of course, I want to continue blogging on integrated marketing communications and how social media fits.
Q – #7 Hehe! To close today, what advice would you give to people looking to do they type of work that you do?
A: I learned the most by asking a lot of questions. Fortunately, I am surrounded by smart peeps @goeast!
Attending #mimasummit’s and #smbmsp events has been helpful. Also, @LinkedIn has great resources and ways to connect.
@JoelECarlson – Questions & events…good plan! Thank you @KirsiDahl for your comments and your time today! Stay warm & be safe in the new snow.
@KirsiDahl – Thanks! I enjoyed our time together this morning. Time to refill my tea and think about how to drive home.