Notes from Flat Creek

Over the past eight years, Melanie and I have worked tirelessly to deliver value to our clients by finding new, creative, and useful ways to leverage technology to accomplish their goals. I've always viewed Flat Creek as an extension of my evangelism that technology is more than wires or HTML, but a vehicle to reach new audiences, build new relationships, and make organizations more effective. 

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Having worked in digital advocacy for over a decade now, this election was of particular interest because of the growing role of digital within the campaign. Through the lens of someone who believes that campaigns need to make more use of digital strategies -- like web, email, social media, and online advertising -- to be competitive, I studied the results closely, and have talked with digital and traditional operatives close to both presidential campaigns. 

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Michael Hyatt, author and blogger, wrote a post recently titled "Embrace Permanent Beta and Launch" and the topic just jumped off of the screen:

Unfortunately, many people get stuck in this kind of no-man’s land. They want it perfect before they share it with the world. The problem is that they are missing scores of opportunities by waiting. Instead, they should get used to the concept of "permanent beta."

We have seen this time and time again through our RootsHQ and Studio 31A services, where we focus on creating a website design service that is quick, easy and personal. But too many people get wrapped up in the concept of "launch" as if we are about to send a book to the printer, with no opportunity to change so much as a comma once it is off to print. 

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One of the most dynamic and successful businessmen around had some practical, personal perspective to share from working with Steve Jobs. Guy Kawasaki lays out several paradigm-shaping ideas in mere bullet points. A couple that struck home to me: 

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In remembering we honor those who perished, so here's my story from September 11... 

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Flat Creek is currently seeking a full-time Account Coordinator to provide friendly, proactive support to our growing client base. The ideal candidate will have two years of experience in a professional agency setting or in a customer support role and have a working knowledge of web technology and marketing and/or public relations.

Day-to-day duties include communicating with clients regarding their needs and managing tasks and schedules for Flat Creek's production teams. Other duties include monitoring project timelines, managing site content and email newsletters, and communicating with project consultants, designers, and developers regarding status of project-related tasks. Other duties as assigned.

Skill sets include:

- 2 years experience writing press releases or other content for distribution
- 2 years experience in a professional agency setting or in a customer service role
- Task oriented
- Friendly and proactive professional approach
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, especially Excel
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and proactively move projects forward
- Self-starter
- Working knowledge of HTML and other web technologies

Qualified candidates can apply for this position by submitting a resume, writing sample, and three references to careers@flatcreek.com. Interviews will take place August 23rd with a target start date of September 12. Salary commiserate with experience. 

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Not a day goes by that we don't hear about the latest trend in digital marketing. Last week it was search engine optimization. Before that it was social networking. This week, I got an email from someone saying "it's all about mobile." Here's my take on the latest trends in online marketing: 

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National Journal's daily publication the Hotline featured a Q&A with Flat Creek Strategies' managing partner Allen Fuller. Allen discussed his experiences working on federal and statewide races, as well as in the U.S. House and Senate. He also took a look at where the business of politics is heading. 

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We experience media convergence every day, from checking websites on our cell phones to watching TV shows on our computers. This video does a great job of putting the trends into perspective in a visually engaging format. 

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If you're an active user on Twitter, you've probably run into the issue of wanting to post something but just to a closed group of colleagues or members of an organization. And while Twitter does not provide this ability, there are several new services that do. 

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