Lubetkin on Communications 05/12/2016: NJCAMA Business Networking and Personal Brand Panel Event

At our April 28, 2016 event, we heard from dynamic keynote speaker Rocky Romeo about how to promote businesses through power networking. Mastering this crucial skill requires more than just schmoozing over cheese platters and exchanging business cards. Rocky will share powerful networking skills that can not only open the door to plum job opportunities but can also help you land new clients. Following Rocky's talk was a panel discussion on where the opportunities are – from freelance work to full-time jobs for communications professionals. You can hear the entire program thanks to our webmaster, Steve Lubetkin, who produces the "Lubetkin on Communications" podcast series on his website. [powerpress] Here is more background on our panelists:  Panel Discussion: "An Insider's View of Agency, Freelance and Corporate Communications Work" Julia Zauner, Director, Digital Strategy & Corporate Communications at Springpoint Senior Living Julia will talk about the pros and cons of working as an independent consultant, agency, non-profit organization and for-profit. She'll also touch on the ways for communications professionals to find opportunities in marketing roles. Prior to working for Springpoint, Ms. Zauner was as Senior Account Executive at Dana Communications, a full-service advertising agency, managing lifestyle and hospitality accounts. Ms. Zauner spent a number of years managing her own marketing communications consulting business. Prior to starting her own business, Ms. Zauner worked at the Interactive Publishing Group of Dow Jones & Co. as Marketing Communications Manager. There she managed on-line media buying and creative for the newly-launched Wall Street Journal Interactive Edition. Before working for Dow Jones, Ms. Zauner was with Disney Development Company, the real estate division of The Walt Disney Company. "The Importance of Your Brand" Laura Virili, Social Media Brand Expert We have all become brands and more than likely people are 'Googling' you. What do they find? Laura will discuss the importance of owing your brand and communicating it on social media. Laura is a leading social media influencer, speaker & coach. In demand and ahead of the curve when it comes to leveraging LinkedIn, she is a featured speaker at large industry conferences. She also works with smaller groups at various companies, and conducts one-on-one coaching with individuals. Ultimately, she enjoys helping people connect the dots and reach that a-ha moment of clarity. "A Systematic Approach to Networking and Relationship-Building" Frank D. Gómez, Strategic Alliances-Public Affairs Executive, Educational Testing Service Frank draws on his broad experience in government, the private sector, nonprofits and consulting to mentor, coach and assist people in networking, relationship-building and résumé optimization. Frank is a former career Foreign Service Officer and corporate executive who now works at Educational Testing Service. His experience, in three words, has been in communications and public affairs. Before joining ETS in 2005 as Executive Director of External & Media Relations, Gómez was a public affairs executive at Altria, directing corporate communications, executive outreach, community relations, corporate image advertising, an adult literacy program and support for government relations. He capped his 1965–1984 Foreign Service career as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs following cultural and public affairs postings in Haiti, Mali, Costa Rica, Colombia and Washington, D.C. He is a founder of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists and is active in its New York area chapter.