In June of 2009, I wrote a blog post hinting that NESN.com -- my employer at that time -- was about to launch a new version of its Web site. Days later, my boss stumbled upon the post, which led to a mild scolding of me, warning me to be careful about divulging internal, easily-accessible information to the public. Needless to say, I'm going to be more cautious this time.
My current employer -- Coyote -- is a Third-Party Logistics firm; in other words, a "freight broker." We serve as a middle-man between customers with freight and trucking companies that can move that freight.
My job as a customer sales representative is to get freight from clients (clients that I must acquire myself) so we can effectively move that freight for them, based on our relationships with carriers (trucking companies, essentially) across the country. "Freight" is basically anything that can be moved on trucks. (I'd rather not give examples in order not to hint at any of our current clients. Yes, I'm being super safe here for aforementioned reasons.)
That said, I've realized a few things about business over the past few years. In order to be successful, you have to network as much as you physically can and you have to market yourself, which is what I'm doing now.
In 2010, I spoke to longtime friends Ryan Fannon and Danny Sullivan about moving freight for their respective companies, and I've been in touch with Missy Owens's company as well (I'll keep them anonymous for obvious reasons). I've also been in contact with several leads given to me by family members, one of which turned into my best customer in the fourth quarter of last year.
I've thought about posting this for a long time now, but figured that the first business eve of the new year was the most appropriate time for it.
In the past, I typically get 100-200 readers per blog post when I post it on Facebook (thank you, Google Analytics and Mark Zuckerberg), so I figured there was no better way for me to network and self-market than here.
So I ask you, if your employer, family friend, uncle, brother's neighbor or cousin's college buddy knows someone that moves freight, please let me know. Warm leads are always the best kind of leads.
In the same light, I'd love to help people with their own businesses, portfolios or job situations. Contrary to semi-popular belief, I'm actually a pretty selfless guy; I've hooked several people up with jobs at Coyote and have helped others with their business as well (the name Sean Goldfaden comes to mind).
I have a good feeling about 2011, especially for young people in the business world. I think there will be many places for hard-working, motivated young people fresh out of college.
So I ask for each of your help with my current, personal portfolio as we head into 2011. And if there's anything I can do to help you, please let me know as well. You scratch my back, I'll scratch yours. Sounds like a fair deal to me.
Thanks, guys. Happy New Year!
