A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM ABC FAMILY

Cyn opsis: Classified Advantage

11.17.09

Good morning – it’s Tuesday, November 17, 2009, and this is your weekly issue of Cyn opsis: Classified Advantage!  This edition includes the top job listings in the Television, Media and Ad Agency markets, professional development advice from national experts, your Q & A’s with our experts, and a summary of executive moves among top companies.

The following is a MOCK communication demonstrating a shift many companies have recently taken.

FROM: The CEO
TO: Manager of HR
SUBJECT: New hiring procedures

I don’t have to tell you how important our new hires will be to our company, especially now. With this in mind, here are a few suggestions.

I am not as enthused with youth as I once was. It’s always a gamble hiring someone who’s greatest attribute is that they are young. I understand the argument for it; I’m just not sure it holds water.

For example, I thought younger people stayed longer with a company, but I was wrong. Workers between the ages of 45 and 54 stay longer than those who are younger than 34. And studies show that workers with children still at home miss much more work than their older counterparts. Of course, the big concern is that you have to pay an older worker more money. On the surface this is true, but in real costs, the younger worker is actually more expensive. This is due to the higher turnover in younger employees which costs us in recruiting, hiring and training expenses.

But even all this isn’t the main reason I am rethinking our hiring practices. In this economy, most companies’ futures are fragile. Ours is no exception. With this in mind, I want you to search the resumes for tangible achievements, people who are proven commodities and not some young unknown worker who may or may not work out. I want seasoned veterans who can hit the ground running, who have established contacts within our industry, people who know what they are doing.

Now obviously such a person must be current with our technology, the software we use and must have a desire for continued education. But I want you to concentrate on resumes with results, accomplishments, achievements, transferable competencies and a good deal of experience.

This is not to say that if you come across talented prospects who happen to be young, that you should ignore their candidacy, just the opposite.  A young hotshot in the mix can keep everyone on their toes, push people to become more creative, bring us up to speed with social media and broaden the corporate acceptance of new ideas and technologies.

Our company’s future depends on hiring solid, seasoned individuals who will make this company stronger. We need to be careful, and I believe our most prudent tact to is value experience and track record above all.

Next week: Creating a Home Office

Cyn opsis: Classified Advantage is a work in progress, designed with our readers in mind. We welcome your feedback and will try to incorporate any suggestions into our weekly coverage.  And if you have any specific questions or topics of particular interest you’d like our Experts to address, please let me know!  You can reach me – John Cox – directly at [email protected].

We are always on the look out for more Experts to advise our readers – if you’re a headhunter, job coach, career advisor, etc., and may be interested in contributing to this edition from time to time, please contact me at [email protected].

 
As you go about your job search is critically important that you understand and internalize the value that you provide to an employee or client.

You must understand deep inside yourself what makes you so special at the job you are pursuing. You must have a good sense from your connections and research what a potential employer is looking for. You should know, or be able to intuit, what kind of problems they are likely to have and what problems they are looking to have someone  you hopefully  take care of for them.

You should have moved way past such generic, price-of-entry claims as “on time, on budget” or “I manage teams” or other boilerplate descriptions of what a job entails. These are merely support points, they do not differentiate you in any way. (Except perhaps from the people who write ” I am a sloppy worker, my team hates me and my projects are always late.)

You should look into your own career triumphs, large and small and pick three or four that you can describe briefly and vividly. These must be stories that no-one else could tell, that encapsulate the value and passion that you and you alone provide.

Once you have all this deep inside you, you will be able to pull out all the appropriate bits when the occasion arises. You will use those bits in your “elevator speeches” to people you meet. You will use them in your cover letter and in the wonderful opening of your resume document. And of course you will use them in your LinkedIn and other social media profiles.

Here is a list of seven key points to keep in mind as you develop this pitch:

1.      You are pitching that you want to solve the hirer’ s problem
2.      Be very, very clear on what specific value you offer them that is different from anyone else
3.      Be very, very passionate about doing it
4.      Tell a brief anecdote about a career triumph that proves you have the qualities demanded
5.      You are not asking for them to give you a job  you are offering them a uniquely perfect solution to their problem
6.      You need to understand their needs and challenges  imagine yourself in their place.
7.      You need to present yourself as the solution they are looking for  even if they weren’t looking

Michael Pollock is President of Pollock Spark ( www.pollockspark.com ). He is an Executive Coach and Consultant to Creative and Media professionals. He works with people in film, TV, advertising, design, marketing, music and the Internet, bringing them the experience, techniques and inspiration to take their businesses and careers to new levels of success.
 
I f you have any specific questions you’d like our Experts to address, please email them to me, John Cox at [email protected].

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM AMC

I treat all people with respect, but is there anything to be gained by treating the interviewer’s secretary especially well? Will he/she have any influence?    
        
If you always treat people with respect, then simply continue to do so when you meet the secretary.     

Some secretaries may indeed have some influence with the interviewer, but normal politeness should be fine. Don’t be condescending, don’t bring him flowers, just treat him like an intelligent human being who is doing a good and valuable job.

It’s true that a secretary who likes you can help you over any rough scheduling issues and show you where the coffee pot is  but they see many interviewees so they’ll know when they are being “worked.”

The interviewer is going to be evaluating your experience and work skills and knows best what will fit into the team, so as long as the secretary is not going to say of you, “that person was a real jerk,” then you should be okay.

Other than a poor return, are there any drawbacks to sending out mass resumes to all appropriate companies? I have tried all the things people have suggested, worked a couple hours a day on networking, on Facebook and LinkedIn, and still nothing. So I thought I would try a mass mailing but wanted to check with you first.

If it will make you feel better, then go ahead. But bear in mind how you feel when you get a communication that is clearly written “to whom it may concern.” Your suggestion that there will be a poor return to this is probably more optimistic than mine.

Here is how I might suggest you spend your effort instead. If you have been networking, and to no effect, then perhaps you are not presenting your true and unique value to the appropriate people who will jump at the chance to have you on their team.       Perhaps the way you are framing your skills is not quite right. Perhaps it is not clear and succinct enough. Perhaps your target companies or executive selections are not fine-tuned enough.

I would much rather suggest you spend time working on these aspects than doing a mass mailing.

Michael Pollock is President of Pollock Spark ( www.pollockspark.com ). He is an Executive Coach and Consultant to Creative and Media professionals.

Have a question for our experts? Send it to [email protected]

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM WE tv

JOB OF THE WEEK …

OTHER INDUSTRY JOBS OF INTEREST …

development and execution of revenue generating, multi-platform integrated marketing opportunities for potential and existing clients in support of USA network’s sales goals
Manager Strategic Marketing – USA Network   1109143
NBC Universal
NYC, NY
http://www.nbcunicareers.com /

developing sales strategies for products, programs and services for ESPN’s Audio division
Vice President – Sales
ESPN
NYC, NY
http://corporate.disney.go.com/careers/index.html

oversee HBO Home Entertainment (HBOHE) DVD and Blu-ray product development
HBO Manager, DVD Production   115644BR
HBO
NYC, NY
http://www.timewarner.com/corp/careers/

direct and maintain the sale and distribution inventory to agencies and clients to meet revenue budget requirements
Account Executive, News Sales NY Team 1   115610BR
Turner Broadcasting
NYC, NY
http://www.timewarner.com/corp/careers/

overseeing all sources of acquiring new consumer business for 16 monthly magazines within Time Consumer Marketing’s centralized marketing division
Marketing Director, New Business   115423BR
Time Inc
NYC, NY
http://www.timewarner.com/corp/careers/

CNNMoney.com is looking for a detail oriented and client focused individual to manage the execution of interactive campaigns
Campaign Manager   115113BR
Time Inc.
NYC, NY
http://www.timewarner.com/corp/careers/

coordinate strategies to implement new/expanded business initiatives for On Demand and Mobile (Domestic and International) services or technical enhancements being introduced to improve content delivery
HBO Project Manager   115538BR
HBO
NYC, NY
http://www.timewarner.com/corp/careers/

publicizing the activities and products of HBO Home Entertainment, HBO Licensing and Retail and the HBO Shop
HBO Sr. Publicist   115635BR
HBO
NYC, NY
http://www.timewarner.com/corp/careers/

responsible for managing, maintaining and developing relationships between public relations firms, studios, other networks, celebrity agents and managers
VP Celebrity Talent
MTV Networks
NYC, NY
http://www.mtvnetworkscareers.com /

manage the implementation of marketing/promotional plans for Bravo, which incorporates advertising, media, promotions, digital marketing, publicity/PR, and brand research
Manager, Consumer Marketing – Bravo   1109170
NBC Universal
NYC, NY
http://www.nbcunicareers.com /

develop and execute key external partnerships across iVillage.com sites and channels
Director, Business Development, iVillage   1106930
NBC Universal
NYC, NY
http://www.nbcunicareers.com /

responsible for developing new national business, as well as managing and growing existing account
Network Account Manager
Westwood One
NYC, NY
http://www.westwoodone.com/pg/jsp/aboutus/careers.jsp

oversee custom presentations and support the sales department in reaching and achieving consumer revenue goals
Director, Ad Sales Research (National Geographic Channel – NY)   FNG17717
Fox Networks East Coast
NYC, NY
http://www.foxcareers.com/jobSearch.html

evolve traditional media buying processes to cutting edge, results oriented, digital strategies
Brand Account Manager   25915
Yahoo
NYC, NY
http://careers.yahoo.com/jdescription.php?frm=jsres&oid=25915

understand and clarify strategic and tactical business decisions that serve at the basis for the research we undertake
Market Research Analyst   25906
Yahoo
NYC, NY
http://careers.yahoo.com/jdescription.php?frm=jsres&oid=25906

develop customer relationships that deliver commercial advantage for Warner Home Video
National Account Manager WHV Sales   115638BR
Warner Bros. Entertainment Group
London England
http://www.timewarner.com/corp/careers/

manage major publisher clients, and take full responsibility for management of additional publisher accounts
Account Manager, Publisher Relations   114716BR
Time Inc.
Stamford CT
http://www.timewarner.com/corp/careers/

from concept to completion, writing and producing promotional spots for business day and primetime programming as assigned
Writer/Producer Promos   1108588
NBC Universal
Englewood NJ
http://www.nbcunicareers.com /

ability to handle both live breaking news in the control room and newscast production as well as solid piece and segment production
Producer   2769BR
CBS Television Stations
Philadelphia PA
http://www.cbscorporation.com/careers/index.php

drives the conception and implementation of innovations on Web, mobile and other digital platforms
Director Product Development   1021601015RFNA
NPR
Washington DC
http://www.npr.org/about/jobs/

guides the development of NPR’s Web, mobile, and digital audio platforms
Sr. Director Product Strategy & Development   1021022014RFNA
NPR
Washington DC
http://www.npr.org/about/jobs/

leverage unpaid media assets to build channel and program awareness/viewership and to enhance sponsor value wherever possible
Director, Marketing Partnerships (National Geographic Channel)   FNG17451
Fox Networks East Coast
Washington DC
http://www.foxcareers.com/jobSearch.html

work with talent and staff producers to create a compelling unique, interactive experience for the Fred Thompson listeners
Digital Content Manager for FredThompsonShow.com
Westwood One
Washington DC
http://www.westwoodone.com/pg/jsp/aboutus/careers.jsp

developing new business opportunities, as well as managing and growing existing station distribution as outlined by the company
V.P. Affiliate Sales – Southeast
Westwood One
Atlanta GA
http://www.westwoodone.com/pg/jsp/aboutus/careers.jsp

building and expanding client relationships and must be willing to spend time onsite with a client
Account Director   87752
iCrossing
Chicago IL
http://www.icrossing.com/careers/index2.php

ensures that strategies align with objectives and objectives of projects are met
Director, Research Media   88224
iCrossing
Chicago IL
http://www.icrossing.com/careers/index2.php

driving search engine marketing campaign performance with Yahoo! highest value clients
Senior Account Manager   25385
Yahoo
Chicago IL
http://careers.yahoo.com/jdescription.php?frm=jsres&oid=25385

developing and achieving client objectives and becoming the trusted advisor for our clients’ interactive marketing needs
Account Manager   87998
iCrossing
Dallas TX
http://www.icrossing.com/careers/index2.php

develop the comedic tone and direction of the network through a steady flow of quality and cost effective ideas, projects and formats
VP Original Programing and Development – Spike TV
MTV Networks
Los Angeles CA
http://www.mtvnetworkscareers.com /

2 positions
drives sales for Warner Bros. Digital Media focusing on a specific list of target accounts and agencies
Account Director   115256BR, 115483BR
Warner Bros. Entertainment Group
Burbank CA
http://www.timewarner.com/corp/careers/

manages day-to-day licensee marketing relationship and related communications on assigned properties
Manager, Marketing   115637BR
Warner Bros. Entertainment Group
Burbank CA
http://www.timewarner.com/corp/careers/

translate campaign strategies and goals into successful direct marketing campaign tactics
Manager, Direct Marketing   113938BR
Warner Bros. Entertainment Group
Burbank CA
http://www.timewarner.com/corp/careers/

responsible for inventory management & ordering, customer service, vendor management (e.g., Datapak and Allied Vaughn) and invoicing
Manager, Digital Operations   115282BR
Warner Bros. Entertainment Group
Burbank CA
http://www.timewarner.com/corp/careers/

work with talent and staff producers to create a compelling unique, interactive experience for the Dennis Miller listeners
Digital Content Manager for DennisMillerRadioShow.com
Westwood One
Culver City CA
http://www.westwoodone.com/pg/jsp/aboutus/careers.jsp

budgeting – Interact with key TV personnel to compile TV’s annual budget
V.P. Business Affairs – TV
Westwood One
Culver City CA
http://www.westwoodone.com/pg/jsp/aboutus/careers.jsp

driving strategic thinking across various account teams by adapting marketing strategies to reflect changes in customer behaviors, technology and competitive landscape
Strategy Analyst   88394
iCrossing
Irvine CA
http://www.icrossing.com/careers/index2.php

responsible for defining and delivering a holistic product marketing strategy that combines a deep understanding of the consumer, competitive and market landscapes for a global product
Senior Product Manager   25918
Yahoo
Sunnyvale CA
http://careers.yahoo.com/jdescription.php?frm=jsres&oid=25918

responsible for defining and delivering a holistic product marketing strategy that combines a deep understanding of the consumer, competitive and market landscapes for a global product
Senior Product Marketing Manager   25919
Yahoo
Sunnyvale CA
http://careers.yahoo.com/jdescription.php?frm=jsres&oid=25919

drive market share by providing industry insights and expertise to Field Sales for Top 200 Advertisers
Advertiser Vertical Manager   25670
Yahoo
Sunnyvale CA
http://careers.yahoo.com/jdescription.php?frm=jsres&oid=25670

drive market share by providing industry insights and expertise to Field Sales for Top 200 Advertisers
Advertiser Vertical Manager   25689
Yahoo
Sunnyvale CA
http://careers.yahoo.com/jdescription.php?frm=jsres&oid=25689

understand the traffic trends of a site and analyze performance of individual publisher and ad network as a whole
Senior Media Account Manager   25922
Yahoo
Sunnyvale CA
http://careers.yahoo.com/jdescription.php?frm=jsres&oid=25922

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM NATPE

Cynopsis CLASSIFIEDS – For More classifieds, visit the Cynopsis.com classifieds page here – also check out our Facebook page where our classifieds are listed the night before the editions are published!

JOB OPENING: DIR AFFILIATE SALES & MARKETING/HALLMARK CHANNEL/NY: Increase distribution for Hallmark Channels; please see full posting and apply at http://www.hallmarkchannel.com/ConsumerWeb/JobOpening/Default.aspx (11/21)

JOB OPENING: MGR DIGITAL ADSALES FINANCE/FNC.com min. 5 yrs ad sales financial exp. Respon. for fin. analysis of digital metrics. Strong business partner exp. Ad Servers/Yield systems req. Res + CL to [email protected]. EOE (11/21)

JOB OPENING: STRATEGIC MKTG MGR/(USA)/NBCU/NY: Devel. & execute revenue generating, multi-platform mktg opportunities for potential & current clients, support USA network’s sales goals. BA 5 yrs exp. www.nbcjobs.com , #1109143 (11/20)

JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR, MARKETING PARTNERSHIPS/Nat’l Geo Channel, DC. Lead/develop promo partnerships. BA & 7yrs exp & cable network pref. Apply www.FoxCareers.com job# FNG17451 (11/20)

JOB OPENING: EXEC PROD/NYC: Proven track rec to lead prod arm of NYC post shop. Resp for successful completion of projs across all mediums. Bring proven leadership skills to all phases of prod thru post. Res: [email protected] (11/19)

JOB OPENINGS:  (2) DIR, SALES & ACCT MGR/The Hotel Networks/Chicago: 3+ yrs Ad Sales Exp, OOH/Dig-Place Based+, Creative, Aggressive, Proven Sales Pro, Exp w/ Sales Promo, Excel Comm Skills, Self-Motivated. [email protected] (11/18)

JOB OPENINGS:   MGR, STANDRD PRACTICES/RADIO DISNEY/BURBANK: Revw commercial copy/audio for policy compliance. Revw lyrics, video, sweepstakes, online content. Knwldg kids issues, COPPA, CARU, FCC, radio. www.disneycareers.com 212770 (11/18)

INTERNSHIPS – These positions are for credit only – nobody gets paid here. These ads are always posted for free , and students work for school credit only. For more information on the specs for posting an Internship ad, email Trish at [email protected] .

SPRING INTERNSHIPS CREDIT ONLY: Rock Ridge Music/Newark NJ: call tour promoters & retail stores, work directly w/RRM staff & artists, Internet promo/research, computer savvy, familiar w/social networking sites [email protected] (11/20)

SPRING INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY:  Trylon SMR ( www.trylonSMR.com), a NYC PR agency, is seeking a Spring intern that has familiarity with the media industry and tech sector, and strong internet skills. [email protected] (11/17)

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM THE GEORGE FOSTER PEABODY AWARDS

CBS Television Stations appointed Peter Dunn as President to manage the operations of the company’s 29 stations. Based in New York, Peter reports to Leslie Moonves, President/CEO, CBS Corporation. Peter moves into this new role from WCBS/New York, where he currently is the President/GM and also succeeds Tom Kane who is leaving his position as President/CEO of CBS Television Stations.

Horizon Media tapped Serena Duff as EVP/Managing Partner for the company’s Los Angeles office. In her new position, Serena will supervise Horizon’s clients, reporting to Zachary Rosenberg, EVP/GM for the L.A. office. Serena joins Horizon Media from Universal McCann where she served as SVP/Communications Planning.

Santa Monica-based Circus Road Films hired Sebastian Twardosz to be in charge of securing films that will be represented by Circus Road Films. Sebastian joins the company from Allumination FilmWorks, a unit of Contentfilm where he was Senior Acquisitions Executive. Additionally, Circus Road Films added Tara Schemansky Reynolds as Director/Business Affairs to help with the licensing and distribution of films represented by the company.

DeMill Halliburton was named Managing Director with Sterling & Sterling Insurance to oversee the Entertainment & Sports practice. DeMill will be based in Los Angeles.

Melody Goede was rehired at LA Digital Post in the position as Director/Business Development to supervise marketing and business development efforts on behalf of the company. Melody reports to Gary Migdal, President.

Nickelodeon elevated Richard Barry to VP/On-Air Creative Director, Nickelodeon International to oversee the brand creative for Nickelodeon channels worldwide. Richard’s duties will encompass television branding, packaging and on-air promotions. Richard will jointly report to Russell Hicks, CCO, Nickelodeon/MTVN Kids and Family Group and Steve Grieder, EVP/Nickelodeon International and MTV Networks.

Warner Bros. International Television Distribution (WBITD) promoted Roni Patel to VP/Sales-Scandinavia, Benelux and Middle East, WBITD and Rita Akkari to Director/Sales-Central and Eastern Europe, WBITD. Both Roni and Rita are based in London and report to Robert Blair, SVP/Northern Europe, WBITD. Roni and Rita will engage in licensing efforts for WBITD programming including TV series, feature films, made-for-TV movies and animation in each of their respective regions to various free and pay TV outlets.

CBS Corporation reorganized its local broadcasting operations and restructured its management team by appointing Anton Guitano as COO of CBS Local Media. Anton, reporting to Leslie Moonves, President/CEO, CBS Corporation, was previously the CFO and SEVP/Operations for CBS Radio. Anton will additionally report to Dan Mason, President/CEO, CBS Radio and Peter Dunn, President/CBS Television Stations. Dan Mason also extended his contract as President/CEO of the CBS Radio division. Dan has been in charge of this division since 2007.

Portland-based animation studio LAIKA, Inc., producers of the feature film Coraline, tapped Gary Raksis as CFO. Gary was previously the Head/Strategic Planning and Corporate Finance at DreamWorks Animation SKG. At LAIKA, Gary will manage the studio’s business operations in addition to identifying growth opportunities.

Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc. added Debbie Reichig to the newly created position as SVP/Business Development and Marketing. Debbie is charged with client development and marketing efforts relating to the company’s brands. She will report to Rocky Sisson, EVP/Sales and Marketing, Clear Channel Outdoor.

Todd Zander advanced to VP/Digital Media Distribution with Discovery Communications where he will develop and implement strategies to spur additional distribution for Discovery’s digital media products via online and mobile platforms. Todd also works directly with the Discovery Education unit to further extend distribution for the company’s education services through new digital partnerships. Todd reports to Rebecca Glashow, SVP/Digital Media Distribution.

MTV Networks’ Entertainment Group hired Ben Hurst as VP/Strategy and Business Development. Ben joins from online video service Joost where he was VP/Business Development and Sales Strategy. In his new post, Ben will be based in New York and reports to Dan Yang, SVP/Strategy and Business Development. MTV Networks’ Entertainment Group consists of Comedy Central, Spike TV and TV Land cable networks and their companion websites in addition to Atom.com and GameTrailers.com.

Comcast Corporation appointed Steven A. White as President of the company’s West Division, effective immediately. Steven is in charge of Comcast’s video, high speed internet and voice operations in multiple states including Arizona, California, Colorado, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, Oregon, Washington, Utah and Wisconsin. Steven will lead a roster of 20,000 employees and his management area serves more than six million customers. He reports to Dave Watson, EVP/Operations, Comcast Cable.

Telemundo promoted Pilar Lamadrid as VP/Specials to manage original productions and acquired entertainment specials. Pilar will continue her supervision of Telemundo’s simulcast of Miss Universe among other high-profile telecasts. Pilar will report to Derek Bond, SEVP/Studios, Production and Broadcast Operations.

Beth Harris was named SVP/Director of Entertainment at Ketchum Sports & Entertainment (KSE), a division of public relations agency Ketchum. Beth joins KSE from Disney ABC Television Group where she served as Executive Director/Marketing for the Business Development and Digital Media unit.

Allison Corn advanced to the new position of VP/Production and Development with Lion Television Inc. Allison has been executive producer on a number of series for Lion Television and will continue in this capacity for such series as Planet Green’s Wa$ted and Discovery Channel’s Cash Cab among others. Allison will also continue to develop new content for the company.

Shine-Reveille tapped Clay Murphy as VP/Production to continue production supervision of the studio’s various reality/competition television series.

Later — John
   John Cox for Cynopsis: Classified Advantage
[email protected]
11.17.09

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