In the next month some of my professional memberships are up for renewal and I must consider what value each has brought me over the past year.  My primary purpose for both LinkedIn and SEMPO is lead generation (although clearly both offer other features/functionality).  So the question is:  What have you done for me lately?

First SEMPO.  Individual Membership $299 US

I’ve supported this organization since its inception although I’ve often questioned whether or not it has a well-defined mandate.  I’m listed in the member directory as an individual which, although is correct, seems to penalize me unnecessarily.  I get the following kinds of leads from SEMPO:

• students or those just new to SEM wanting free advice
• small business entrepreneurs whose first words to me are “I don’t have much budget”

I have rarely replied to a SEMPO RFP and to date have acquired no new SEMPO business.  I was (wrongly?) hoping that SEMPO would help grow my business.  It has not. 

Next LinkedIn. Business Account: $199 US

Let’s just face it.  LinkedIn is my new addiction.  Beyond networking, you are only limited by your imagination in how you use it.  I’ve had great successful in using it for lead generation by identifying specific companies I’d like to work with and finding an appropriate contact within.  I would rather InMail than cold call any day! 

Interestingly, Google Analytics tells me my web site gets more traffic from SEMPO than LinkedIn.  But in terms of qualified leads, LinkedIn wins out by a long shot. 

I won’t be renewing my SEMPO membership this year.  You?

For some time I’ve been looking for a way to do pro-bono work.  Just in my googling, I had found an organization called SEMcares, which seems to offer SEM specialists a way to easily sync up with charities in need of assistance.  I didn’t sign up there, but if anyone has worked through that service I’d appreciate it if you could share your experience.

In the end, a former client introduced me to the Freeplay Foundation, and a relationship has begun. 

After several failed attempts, I finally got myself out to a Web Analytics Wednesday event - “social networking” (basically having a few beer!) for web metrics types.  A well organized & very friendly community, they are in stark contrast to Search Marketers who have historically not created an information sharing environment for themselves.

There were maybe 40 who came out for yesterday’s event - and not all were strictly web analytics professionals.  As long as you have an interest in the topic you are welcome.  Great way to start making contacts, get answers to burning metrics questions.  I will definitely go again! Look here for upcoming events: http://www.webanalyticsdemystified.com/wednesday/index.asp.  I will also post the next Toronto event before it happens.

Thanks to all who made a SEM specialist welcome.

Welcome to my new website redesign, an update of the look and feel certainly, but more importantly this reflects a significant realignment of my business to better play to my strengths. 

Historically I’ve offered the full range of SEM services, including both SEO and paid search.  With this relaunch, I’ve decided to concentrate my efforts solely on giving clients expert, long term & strategic PPC consulting.  Current clients & prospects should understand:

• I now have in place professional, industry-recognized SEO partners and will oversee any initiative in this area;
• Although high tech business-to-business (both B2b and B2B) remains my passion, I have also acquired significant experience in managing search advertising campaigns for consumer electronics products, telecommunications and the travel industry over the years;
• I’m now offering a multitude of ways you can use my expertise: from short term, one time consultations to ongoing strategic advice in the form of a retainer.  This flexibility is in response to client feedback.

This blog will be my soapbox for commenting on the search industry, life as a SEM specialist & the challenges of search in the B2B space.

All comments welcome.