The C* Word

clevergirlscollective.com

[clevergirlscollective]

33 Digital Marketers To Follow Because They Are Ballin’ Out

Yesterday, I read an article entitled Top Digital Marketing Twitter Handles to Follow in 2017, and aside from it being a list of mostly men (really, 18 people listed before even one woman is mentioned, and only 7 total including the author?), it doesn’t reflect the reality of digital marketing as I see it as a founder of Clever Girls, a certified-women-owned, award-winning influencer marketing agency. Our company was started by women, employs mostly women, and has cultivated a network of professional influencers who are mostly women. When I think about who is contributing to the digital marketing industry, it is not hard to come up with a diverse list that is mostly women.

Digital marketing is more far-reaching than talking about SEO and growth hacks, and the landscape is wider than generalists and “thought leaders” who seem to spend all their time promoting themselves as experts. The people on our list spend their days (and online time) doing the actual work of digital marketing, versus creating inspirational memes of – and in some cases full websites devoted to – their own quotes (you know who you are). In many cases, the experts on this list don’t provide “how-tos” so much as embody them. They’re worth following and observing.

1. Lisa Stone @lisastone, Founder, blogher.com

2. Jory Desjardins @jorydj, Founder, blogher.com

3. Elisa Camahort Page @elisac, Founder, blogher.com; CCO, sheknows.com

4. Barbara Jones @barbarajones Founder, one2onenetwork.com

5. Danica Kombol @danicakombol, CEO, @beeverywhere

6. Holly Hamann @hollyhamann, Founder tapinfluence.com

7. Promise Phelon @promisephelon, CEO tapinfluence.com

8. Stacey Ferguson @justicefergie, Founder, BeBlogalicious.com

9. Ana Flores @laflowers, Founder, @weallgrowlatina

10. Roxanna Sarmiento @_roxsar_, COO, @weallgrowlatina

11. Jyl Johnson Pattee @jylmomIF, CEO, Mom It Forward Media

12. Heather Barmore @heatherbarmore, Digital Strategist

13. Jim Lin @busydadblog, VP of Digital Strategy, Ketchum

14. Kim Kardashian West @kimkardashian, Reality TV Star, Content Creator, Social Entrepreneur

15. Cindy Gallop @cindygallop, Digital Branding Consultant

16. Kat Gordon @katgordon, Founder, www.3percentconf.com/

17. Kelby Carr @kelbycarr, Founder, typeaparent.com

18. Stephanie Schwab @stephanies, Founder, CrackerjackMarketing.com

19. Scott Monty @scottmonty, Strategic Communications Consultant, scottmonty.com

20. Olivier Blanchard @thebrandbuilder, Author, Senior Analyst at @Futurumxyz

21. Sarah Granger @sarahgranger, Digital Strategy Consultant, Author of The Digital Mystique

22. Zerlina Maxwell @zerlinamaxwell, Director of Progressive Media for Hillary Clinton

23. Piera Jolly @jollymom, Founder, DiMeMedia.com

24. Jackie Jantos @jackiejantos, VP, Creative Brand & Strategy, Spotify

25. Elisa Batista, @elisabatista, Campaign Director, momsrising.org

26. Jessica Smith @WarJessEagle, Social Media, @underarmour

27. Anna Fieler @annafieler, CMO, Popsugar

28. Ann Simonds, @ann_simonds, CMO, General Mills

29. Marie Denee @mariedenee, Founder, The Curvy Fashionista

30. Stephanie Smirnov @ssmirnov, MD of Consumer Marketing, Edelman

31. Cat Lincoln @dearbadkitty, Founder & CEO, Clever Girls

32. Kristy Sammis @kristysf, Founder & Chief Innovation Officer, Clever Girls

33. Stefania Pomponi @cleverstefania; Founder, President & Chief Evangelist, Clever Girls

Stefania Pomponi is Founder, President & Chief Evangelist, of Clever Girls, an award-winning, industry-leading influencer marketing agency based virtually in the San Francisco Bay Area with offices in New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, and Seattle .

Image Caption: Stefania Pomponi with Jyl Pattee, Barbara Jones, and Danica Kombol at WOMMA Summit 2015 #girlbosses

[clevergirlscollective]

Blogger Feature: Kileen Valenzuela of Cute and Little

This month’s featured influencer is Kileen Valenzuela of Cute & Little. From Fashion, Beauty, all the way to Recipes and Parenting tips - Cute & Little is full of amazing content! Kileen’s philosophy is simple: sporting a fabulous look has the magical ability to make you feel good, and therefore do good as well. Her blog focuses on making fashion fun and accessible, especially for those on the petite side (she even makes it easy on you with a “Shop My IG” section!) Being a Fashionista extraordinaire isn’t where it ends with Kileen - she also works full-time as a software developer, which lends to her unique and creative approach to blogging. We love working with Kileen because she always delivers thoughtful blog posts complemented by dazzling photos. Plus - she keeps us fashion inspired on the daily! To learn more about Kileen, keep reading!

How did you start blogging?

I first started blogging back in 2010 when I happened to stumble across a petite fashion blogging community and instantly related to all the difficulties in finding clothes that fit someone who was only 5' tall.  While I started initially with simple iPhone pictures, I gradually learned my way around taking higher-quality DSLR pictures and figuring out how to properly edit them.  Since then I've loved sharing my fashion finds and style tips with a growing community of followers as well as new milestones in my life such as becoming a mom!

What are your favorite blogs to read?

Extra Petite, The Teacher Diva, Barefoot Blonde, Sandy a la Mode, Dress Corilynn

What social media outlet do you use most frequently and why?

Instagram!  It's my highlight reel and I love sharing inspiring images as well as discovering new influencers!

You focus quite a bit on fashion. What are some ways in which you cultivated your own personal style?

My style is classic, feminine, and colorful.  I don't let the fact that I'm petite stop me from trying out different styles and figuring out how to make a certain trend work for me.  My style is ever-evolving and I always remind myself that fashion is meant to be fun!

Since you have a multi-faceted blog, how do you balance which topics to focus on each post?

My mainstream readers come to my blog for fashion so I try to have at least 3 style posts up each week (Tuesdays I also host a fashion link-up with my blogger friend Sandy a la Mode which is so much fun!).  I try to mix in at least 3 beauty posts a month as well as 2-3 parenting posts a month as well since I know there is also a growing segment of my readership that are new parents looking for tips on how I manage that aspect of my life as well.  I try to avoid having back-to-back sponsored posts (although it has happened a couple times) and always try to find my own personal point-of-view on sponsored content.

What are some Clever tips for planning out/organizing your posts every week?

I use Google calendar to keep track of my editorial calendar and am always juggling posts around so that the content fits well given the day of the week as well as frequency of sponsored content.  I also know that fashion-related content works best for my audience earlier in the week while family / lifestyle posts work well towards the end of the week.  It's all a matter of knowing how your readers respond to your content to keep them coming back!

How do you put your own unique and personal twist on sponsored posts?

I only take on sponsored posts that I can personally relate to and can incorporate into my life in an organic way.  Many times, my readers have asked me questions relating to a certain topic in the past and I love taking on a sponsored post so that I can help fill that void in my blog.  I write my sponsored posts in a personal way showing how I incorporate products in my daily life in the hopes that my readers will find the information helpful and not like a sales pitch.

[clevergirlscollective]

Employee Spotlight: Kristen Conley

Name: Kristen Conley

Position: Designer

Location: San Francisco

What do you do for Clever Girls?

I own the Clever Girls brand standard and work with all departments to keep our materials lookin’ groovy throughout the entire client experience.

How long have you been with CG?

3 years in November (I started 11/12/13).

How did you get into your current position?

I found Clever through a Craigslist ad. One of the requirements listed was PowerPoint, so I designed a presentation about myself and why I had the right sparkle for the job. Kristy called and offered me the job on Halloween -- I was dressed as a shooting star.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

I would LOVE to renovate houses. I enjoy working with my hands and seeing things transform.

What is your Alma Mater?

University of Missouri

We have the benefit of working from home - where is your favorite place to work remotely?

It is important fuel for my creativity to mix up my location. I like to spend afternoons in cafes, the SF libraries, or meeting fellow Clevers for our #WorkInPerson Thursdays.

What are your favorite social channels and/or influencers?

Instagram - beautiful food @wrightkitchen, beautiful typography @friendsoftype, beautiful places @withthelocals.

What is one food you just cannot live without?

Tacos! There is so much variety.

We believe in a good work/life balance - how do you spend your time when you’re not working?

I run around San Francisco climbing the tallest hills, discovering secret staircases, and finding ocean views. I also like exploring California and spend a lot of time road tripping, camping, and weekending throughout the state.

Any other fun facts?

I am launching a whiskey brand called Subtle Spirit Company with my beau, Joshua.

[clevergirlscollective]

Employee Spotlight: Kayla Doty

Name: Kayla Doty

Position: Marketing Associate

Location: Los Angeles

What do you do for Clever Girls? I help make sure the Clever Girls story sparkles far and wide, whether that’s through engaging social media or stunning marketing materials.

How long have you been with CG? A year and 3 months!

How did you get into your current position? My junior year of college, I was looking for a marketing internship. My cousin—a long time Make-A-Wish volunteer—immediately pointed me to the women-owned business behind #SFBatKid. I researched, met Stefania for coffee in Palo Alto, and never looked back.

What do you want to be when you grow up? A traveling stand-up paddleboard instructor or a professional reading nook tester.

What is your Alma Mater? Loyola Marymount University

We have the benefit of working from home - where is your favorite place to work remotely? TOMS Cafe always has the perfect mix of sunshine and puppies and GroundWork Coffee Co makes the best almond milk latte ever!

What are your favorite social channels and/or influencers? Definitely Instagram! This pup always makes me smile: @Leothefrenchie.

What is one food you just cannot live without? Tacos and chips + guac. That counts as one right? Do you eat one without the other?

We believe in a good work/life balance - how do you spend your time when you’re not working? I love spending time outside—by the beach, hiking, at baseball games, or at any fun pop-up market, movie, or concert L.A. has to offer.

Any other fun facts? My roommate, who also works from home, and I have taken to trying the peanut butter cookie at every new coffee shop we work in. If you need a good peanut butter cookie in L.A., we’re your girls!  Also—86 days until the Gilmore Girls Revival.

[clevergirlscollective]

Employee Spotlight: Katie Stone

Name: Katie Stone

Position: Client Services Project Manager

Location: Los Angeles

What do you do for Clever Girls?

I strive to manage campaigns to success for a variety of clients, connecting them with influencers who promote their brand and/or mission all while working with an amazing team of A players.

How long have you been with CG?

4.5 months, although it feels like I’ve been here longer since our team is so connected and close.

How did you get into your current position?

I started off as a blogger and then became a photographer and then eventually worked in marketing and branding. When I saw the ad for this position, I felt like it was speaking to me. I had my eye on the company for a few months after I saw a previous ad for a position that wasn’t in my background, so when I saw this ad, I made it my mission to get this position.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

My dreams point to me being an artist, a healer and/or an influencer of sorts, I just want to make massive, positive impacts in the world and help others live their soul’s purpose. I’m kind of a hippie at heart and love getting deep :)

What is your Alma Mater?

San Diego State University

We have the benefit of working from home - where is your favorite place to work remotely?

I work from my home for the most part and the occasional coffee shop, however I do love working at the airport when I travel. Ideally, if I lived close by to a beach that has wi-fi which I’ve heard is a thing, I’d be a regular.

What are your favorite social channels and/or influencers?

Instagram is my social channel of choice, anything from fashion, food, health and baddiewinkle.

What is one food you just cannot live without?

Just one? Then I absolutely gotta go with tacos.

We believe in a good work/life balance - how do you spend your time when you’re not working?

Music music music - live, jukebox, records, electronic, rap, rock, I could go on and on, hiking with my dog, yoga, art, photography, deep talks with friends and strangers, and any kind of adventure - especially one that involves travel.

Any other fun facts?

I share the same birthday with two cousins in my family, one on my mom’s side and one on my dad’s. The one on my dad’s side is also the same year!

[clevergirlscollective]

Employee Spotlight: Justin Robinson

Name: Justin Robinson

Position: Talent & Culture Director

Location: San Francisco

What do you do for Clever Girls?

I handle all people and business operations. I make sure our people have the systems and hardware to do their job, tech support, professional development opportunities and training, places to work in person when necessary, and encourage the culture.

How long have you been with CG?

Just over a year.

How did you get into your current position?

I’ve known Cat, the CEO, for years and the opportunity came about to work at Clever Girls based on the needs at their current stage of growth. I had heard such amazing things about the culture at Clever Girls, so I jumped on the opportunity.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

A bartender on a beach somewhere.

What is your Alma Mater?

Loyola Marymount University

We have the benefit of working from home - where is your favorite place to work remotely?

I like to work in different coffee shops around the city. It’s fun to explore and have a change of pace.

What are your favorite social channels and/or influencers?

Instagram for sure. Some of my favorite influencers are @skyzzle and @miglu_miglu.

What is one food you just cannot live without?

Burritos, hands down.

We believe in a good work/life balance - how do you spend your time when you’re not working?

I spend a lot of time with friends. We explore the city a lot and find new places to eat.

Any other fun facts?

Even though I don’t commute to an office anymore, I sit down and read every morning before starting work. I also run almost daily during the week.

[clevergirlscollective]

When It Comes To Influencer Networks Size Doesn’t Matter

It’s the quality of the network that counts

If you’re a brand or PR agency, selecting influencers for your marketing campaign can be a daunting task. Without proper guidance, it’s hard to know where to begin. There are a lot of players in the influencer marketing space, and a common brag is that these networks have thousands, or even hundreds of thousands of members. But what does that really mean? Is bigger actually better?

The dirty secret is that the majority of these “members” are unvetted. These types of networks or platforms have low, or, more often than not, NO barrier to entry. In other words, any influencer with email address and a URL can sign up to join. They don’t need to prove they create quality content. They don’t need to demonstrate engagement. They’re a warm body with a blog. Or Instagram account. Or YouTube channel. Plus, has any of these networks ever actually put all, for example, 100,000 members on a campaign? No. And they never will.

The Evolution of Networks and Influencers

Back in 2009, influencer networks were a thing. We started our network with 100 members, and it quickly grew to almost 10,000 members. Over the years, our network has flexed as we routinely check for quality and activity to ensure only the most engaged members are included.

What’s different about our approach is we never wanted to be the biggest network. We wanted to be the best, and that means carefully vetting and selecting the right influencers to make the biggest impact for the brand and achieve the brand’s goals.

The industry has also changed. When the world of influencers was simply bloggers, and there were a finite number of “successful” i.e. high-reach/high-engagement bloggers, it was logistically possible to gather them in one place.

Today influence happens across many different platforms, verticals and mediums—word, video, image, long form, short form—and a new talent can amass a significant audience practically overnight.

Think Better, Not Bigger

This means it’s a waste of time to try to collect relationships into a giant network. It becomes a case of chicken and the egg. The next big star hasn’t happened yet, and until you have a client with a specific need, you don’t know who, or where, the best influencers are to make that program a success.

Our business isn’t a numbers game based on how many. It’s based on what kind of results we produce on behalf of our clients. It’s about meeting and exceeding goals. We believe the smart approach is to have a proven process for identifying and evaluating influencers, and a proven process for managing influencer programs—regardless of the platform—that includes quality control, payment methodology, metrics and reporting.

Real. At Scale.

When we started Clever Girls we thought we’d go the influencer platform route so we put a lot of effort into our technology. When we realized we were, in fact, an agency, we also realized what a powerful combination our technology (including processes for tracking, member and campaign management, reporting) matched with our commitment to unparalleled client services was and is. We are automated where necessary and human where it counts.

We aren’t interested in competing on the “network” level. We are THE influencer agency, and that means we can get any influencer, in any vertical, on any platform or channel, that will make our clients’ programs a success. That means the whole of social media is our network, but not everyone makes the cut. Our influencers have to be authentic, quality content creators with the reach and engagement that is tailored to each individual client’s needs.

It’s not about being the biggest. It’s about being able to connect brands with exactly the right influencer to get the job done, and that has nothing to do with size.

Cat Lincoln, Founder & CEO Stefania Pomponi, Founder, President & Chief Evangelist Clever Girls

Image Credit: Porter Maberry 5’5” professional dunker and Clever network Member. Check him out on IG @heartoverheight

[clevergirlscollective]

Employee Spotlight: Joe Petrillo

Name: Joe Petrillo

Position: VP, Brand Partnerships

Location: Los Angeles

What do you do for Clever Girls?

I connect brands with the most dynamic social media stars to create amazing collaborations.

How long have you been with CG?

Since January.

How did you get into your current position?

I followed a former colleague from Martha Stewart.

What do you want to be when you grow up? 

I wanted to design fountains.

What is your Alma Mater?

Michigan State University

We have the benefit of working from home - where is your favorite place to work remotely?

Wanderlust Hollywood

What are your favorite social channels and/or influencers?

Instagram. Favorite influencers: Bri Emery from @designlovefest, @thefatjewish, @yummertime.

What is one food you just cannot live without?

McClure’s Pickles

We believe in a good work/life balance - how do you spend your time when you’re not working?

Painting and hanging out with my partner Tim and my 2 dogs- Henry and Dino.

[clevergirlscollective]

Blogger Feature: Jessica Fay of Lipstick, Heels, and a Baby

This month’s featured blogger is Jessica Fay of Lipstick Heels And A Baby. With a background ranging from small-town girl, to hairstylist, to Military wife, Jessica has a practical  and unique approach to celebrity style and fashion. Using her diverse experience, Jessica offers tips, advice, and personal anecdotes for mammas on the go. One of the most striking aspects of Jessica’s blog is her stunning photography. Each post is filled with breath-taking photos that highlight the featured look beautifully. We love working with Jessica because we can always count on her for dazzling content! From the latest style tips, hair and makeup tutorials, all the way to homemaking hacks - Jessica’s blog is packed full of daily inspiration! To learn more about Jessica, keep reading!

How did you start blogging?

I started blogging at the end of the year 2012. Ryan, my husband, was deployed to Afghanistan and Braydon was just a few months old. I started Lipstick, Heels and a Baby as more of a personal diary to keep my mind busy while Braydon was napping. Talking about fitness, dieting, losing baby weight, etc. I also found it an easy way to keep Ryan updated on our daily life happenings since his internet was in and out - we didn’t always get to chat everyday.

What are your favorite blogs to read?

I go in phases on my favorite blogs. Since I am a fashion blogger - I tend to not look at many fashion blogs to help keep my blog true to me and my own personal style. We all know - the more you see something the more familiar and normal it becomes. I want everything to be my own personality. My favorite blogs tend to always be home decor blogs as well as health and fitness blogs.

Have any favorite Instagram accounts to follow?

I love @SazanHendrix because she does a great job at capturing her personality through video and images. I also love any home decor instagram account! I am really loving Amanda from @FashionableHostess lately!

What social media outlet do you use most frequently and why?

Most frequently is absolutely snapchat these days - my snapchat is @jessicalfay. I feel like it is a real and personal way to connect with my readers. Other than that, Instagram of course!!! Follow me!! @lipstickheelsandababy - on insta!

What are some Clever tips for planning out/organizing your posts every week?

I am old school - so when it comes to planning I write EVERYTHING down. Like EVERYTHING in 10 different places! I have my planner I plan my days out months in advance in pencil - in case anything has to be moved or changed. I then have a to do list on my desk and another one on my kitchen counter!

You have a significant following on Instagram. What are some suggestions for Instagrammers looking to grow their audience?

I have gone in phases on how I grow my instagram. Sometimes hashtags help me out - but with the new algorithm, I don’t think just hashtags will cut it anymore. I think word of mouth, having your family and friends share your posts and making connections with other people in your same industry are all some of the best ways to share. (i.e. You go on a girls trip to NYFW - take a group photo of all the girls and tag each other!)  At that point you’re exposing your readers to their accounts and they are doing the same for you!! Scratch my back - I will scratch yours! :)

How do you put your own unique and personal twist on sponsored posts?

Putting your unique twist on posts can sometimes be challenging - but it does not need to be. When I first started blogging I would take any and every paid post that would come my way, don’t we all? I then realized that while I may be making more money that way - the work was much harder because I couldn’t relate, and worst part? Neither could my followers. I soon realized that if I only apply to sponsored posts that I feel were made for me that not only would my job be easier - but I would also get a lot more views on my posts!

Check out some of Jessica’s work for Clever Girls: Chobani, NFL, Glade

[clevergirlscollective]

Employee Spotlight: Jody Hart

Name: Jody Hart

Position: Vice President, Technology

Location: Oakland, CA

What do you do for Clever Girls?

I work with great team of programmers to create the systems our #onecleverteam uses to facilitate awesomeness. I also keep track of the broader world of technology. Again, for awesomeness.

How long have you been with CG?

10 Months. 10 Months? 10 Months!

How did you get into your current position?

A few years back, I was briefly a freelance consultant for Clever Girls. When an opportunity arose to work full time with such a smart and passionate group of people, I jumped at the chance.  A number of rounds of interviews later, and here I am.

If you didn’t already have your dream job, what would you want to be doing?

Sitting on a beach, writing novels.

What is your Alma Mater?

Indiana University

Where is your favorite place to work?

My office and/or my back yard underneath my beauteous patio umbrella.  I switch back and forth.

Favorite social channel and/or influencers?

I enjoy following some of my favorite authors (@MargaretAtwood, @PatrickRothfuss, @Richard_Kadrey, @jk_rowling) on Twitter.

What’s your favorite food?

Grape popsicles.  No matter how many I have, I will eat them until they are gone.  First aid is sometimes necessary.

What are your hobbies?

I like to write, play the guitar (mëtal stÿle), and read science fiction.  I don’t know if it’s a hobby exactly, but I also follow politics very closely.

Any other fun facts?

I am a total sucker for cats.  No matter how scruffy, ill behaved, or aloof, I will feed and pet them until purring occurs.

[clevergirlscollective]

Employee Spotlight: Jocelyn Hudak

Name: Jocelyn Hudak

Position: Product and Packaging Director

Location: San Francisco, CA

What do you do for Clever Girls?

I think the best way to describe my job is to say that I am the gatekeeper between all the departments here at Clever Girls. As part of the product team, we support the sales team by building innovative programs and creative strategies that meet our clients’ objectives. I also own the Clever Girls Product Suite and am responsible for making sure we offer compelling programs and keep our place as industry leaders.

How long have you been with CG?

2 and a half years.

How did you get into your current position?

I applied to a position as “Unicorn Marketing Writer” on Craigslist about 2 and a half years ago, got a call back that same day, and the rest is history. I started by working directly under our CIO, Kristy Sammis, creating proposals and helping out the sales team. As our company grew, my position grew as well. First, owning proposal creation and then pricing, products, results, partnerships, managing a team, and more!

If you didn’t already have your dream job, what would you want to be doing?

I would own a tiki bar on a beach somewhere far, far away.

What is your Alma Mater?

John Carroll University in Cleveland, OH

Where is your favorite place to work?

Poolside (the perks of a remote job).

What is your favorite social channel and/or influencers?

I love Instagram. I’m not a big poster, but more of a looker. My favorite influencer is Betches Love This -- I’m still waiting for a campaign to work with them on.

What’s your favorite food?

Ice cream.

What are your hobbies?

I try to stay active: rock climbing, hiking, yoga, learning basketball, etc. I also love music and just started taking piano lessons.

Any other fun facts?

I’m a Valentine’s Day baby!

[clevergirlscollective]

Employee Spotlight: Jenny Ng

Name:  Jenny Ng

Position: Senior Client Service Project Manager

Location: San Francisco

What do you do for Clever Girls?

I work directly with our amazing clients to launch creative influencer marketing campaigns with the best influencers in the biz.

How long have you been with CG?

3 years

How did you get into your current position?  

I answered a Clever Girls ad on Craigslist and received a response the same-day to chat! It was meant to be :)

If you didn’t already have your dream job, what would you want to be doing?

I would be the proprietor of a dog-friendly boba cocktail lounge -- thereby combining my love of bubble tea and frolicking with puppies all day.

What is your Alma Mater?

Smith College

Where is your favorite place to work remotely?

At home, because I like to make my own lunch and take a break to walk my dog at mid-day.

Favorite social channel and/or influencers?

There are so many influencers that produce fantastic content. It’s tough to pick favorites but I consistently check out Extra Petite, Good Bad Fab and Damn Delicious on Instagram.

What’s your favorite food?

Fried chicken and ice cream

What are your hobbies?

Attempting to play the ukulele and exploring the many green spaces in the Bay Area with my dog Riley.

Any other fun facts?

I plowed through all 6 seasons of Game of Thrones in about a month because I had FOMO. It was totally worth it!

[clevergirlscollective]

Employee Spotlight: Jennifer Bateh

Name: Jennifer Bateh

Position: Client Services Project Manager

Location: Morgan Hill, CA

What do you do for Clever Girls?

As a project manager, I strive to make every campaign a success for all of our clients, from start to finish. White-glove service for our clients is of the utmost importance to us here at Clever Girls and I am proud to say we provide that service to our clients on a daily basis.

How long have you been with CG?

A year -- time flies when you’re having fun!

How did you get into your current position? 

I’ve been in PR/Marketing sector since 2009 and have worked with a variety of brands spanning B2B and B2C. When I saw the Project Manager opportunity at Clever Girls, I was curious and loved the energy from the job listing and website. I researched a bit more and found that I had to be a part of the Clever family. As luck and determination would have it, I’m here now and am loving every minute of it!

If you didn’t already have your dream job, what would you want to be doing?

Ah, the dreamer in me would be a writer or political speech writer. I love the arts (music, dance, literature) and the freedom that comes with writing. My next obvious choice would be a back-up dancer for Janet Jackson.

What is your Alma Mater?

University of California, Davis -- go, Ags!

Where is your favorite place to work remotely?

I have two places: my office at home and Coffee Society in Campbell. Coffee Society used to be my go-to study spot so it holds a special, nostalgic place in my heart.

Favorite social channel and/or influencers?

Instagram me, please. I’ve found inspiration on so many different levels -- from fashion, fitness to food!

What’s your favorite food?

Can this be favorite foods?! I love a good charcuterie board, fresh veggies + hummus, but when the craving hits for guac, chips and salsa, I have to go for it.

What are your hobbies?

Working out, power vinyasa yoga, finding new recipes for cauliflower rice, all thing music, and playing with makeup.

Any other fun facts?

I love Motown and early 80s/90s rap/hip-hop music. I wasn’t kidding when I said ‘all things music’ is a hobby!

[clevergirlscollective]

Blogger Feature: Kim Lee of Kim's Cravings

This month’s featured blogger is Kim Lee of Kim’s Cravings. Recipe-maker extraordinaire, Kim has found the key to living healthy without sacrificing any of the “yum” factor! Her blog empowers others to develop a conscientious lifestyle, while still keeping things fun and unbelievably delicious. “Because I didn’t always believe it myself; I want to teach others that nutritious eating will not only have you feeling great, but can also be VERY yummy.” Did you also know that Kim has also run multiple marathons and she lifts weights? Wow! We love to work with Kim because she always creates stunning, irresistible content that inspires us (and her readers!) to fuel our lives and bodies better. To learn more about Kim, keep reading!

How did you start blogging?

As I entered into my 30's, I became very passionate about preparing nutritious meals for my family and living a healthy lifestyle. I also really enjoyed reading other healthy living and cooking blogs. I started thinking, how cool would it be to share with others that it really can be easy and delicious to eat healthy.

What are your favorite blogs to read?

Pinch of Yum, Carrots 'N' Cake, Peanut Butter Fingers, Minimalist Baker, How Sweet It Is, Iowa Girl Eats, Two Peas and Their Pod.... I could go on and on....

What social media outlet do you use most frequently and why?

Instagram is definitely my favorite because it is so visually stimulating. I also love the hashtag feature and the ability to look up a photo of something you're interested in.

What are some Clever tips for planning out/organizing your blog posts every week?

Call me old-fashioned, but I love my handy dandy, Erin Condren, pen on paper calendar. I go through it multiple times a day. I always plan when I plan to prepare a for a post and when I plan for the post to go live.

What are some of your blog post photography tips?

I feel that the three things that have most improved my photography are using natural lighting, adding garnishes to food (like sprinkling parsley over a pasta dish) and learning my DSLR.

How do you put your own unique and personal twist on sponsored posts?

I only sign up for sponsored posts that I truly either want to try or already know I like. This makes it a lot easier to make the post more personal. If you're interested in what you're posting about, it will be obvious to the reader.

Check out some of Kim’s work for Clever Girls: Gluten Free Carrot Cake for Bob's Red Mill ,Southwestern Tuna Cakes for Wild Selections® ,and Chunky Hummus Dip for Dare Crackers

[clevergirlscollective]

Employee Spotlight: Gayle Lambert

Name: Gayle Lambert

Position: VP Regional Sales East Coast

Location: NYC

What do you do for Clever Girls? 

Connect brands with the ideal influencers who will authentically share their brand message through engaging and compelling storytelling. I love the variety of clients that I work with and the wide range of goals/objectives that they have. Not one program is the same: it makes for a very interesting, challenging and fun work day!

How long have you been with CG?

December 2015

How did you get into your current position?

It was kismet! I reconnected with Arlene, former colleague at Martha Stewart and now SVP Sales at Clever Girls; she had just accepted the job at Clever Girls and had a spot to fill in NYC. After she shared with me the exciting things happening at Clever Girls, I was sold and couldn’t wait to talk to the founders! The rest is history...

If you didn’t already have your dream job, what would you want to be doing? 

Leading Backroads travel vacations around the world, mainly the biking focussed ones, but would be happy to lead the multi-sport too.

What is your Alma Mater? 

Wayne State University (Detroit, MI)

Where is your favorite place to work remotely? 

Anywhere quiet. I’m not one of those lucky people who can work in a busy cafe, I get way too distracted checking out all the people and commotion.

Favorite social channel and/or influencers? 

Instagram, for sure.  I love the visual storytelling. I am always transported on an amazing journey when I come across a Chase Guttman post. He’s an extremely accomplished 18 year old travel photographer.  

What’s your favorite food? 

Anything middle eastern or mediterranean! Plus cherries (fresh, dried, frozen) and chocolate and wine and cheese :)

What are your hobbies? 

Biking, pilates, photography, travel and spending time with family/friends

Any other fun facts? 

I am getting married this September and we are going to South America (Santiago, Patagonia and Brazil) for our Honeymoon.

[clevergirlscollective]

Employee Spotlight: Elyse Collett

Name: Elyse Collett

Position: Finance Manager

Location: Danville, CA

What do you do for Clever Girls?

I invoice all projects, pay all vendors/staff, complete monthly close of the books, create monthly budget reports, manage credit cards, manage collections, provide ad hoc financial reports as needed, and calculate commissions.

How long have you been with CG?

4 years, 11 months

How did you get into your current position?

My old next door neighbor had been doing some admin work for Clever Girls. She was moving and asked if I could run errands for the company a few hours a week. While interviewing for the job with one of the Founders, she discovered that my background was in Finance. I immediately started helping with the Finance thereafter.

If you didn’t already have your dream job, what would you want to be doing?

Any job that would allow me to go to cool places and tour around. However, my current job comes in a very close second.

Alma Mater: Cal Poly, SLO

Favorite place to work?

When I am not in my office at home, I prefer to work somewhere where I can see the ocean. I also love to come into our staff meetings and catch up with all of the Clevers!

Favorite social channel and/or influencers?

Facebook

Favorite Food: I love any baked goods especially containing chocolate. I also love all Mexican food.

What are your hobbies?

I love to attend concerts, specifically Pearl Jam. I also love to travel and shop ( if you can call that a hobby…)

Any other fun facts?

I have an obsession with shoes and the show “The Walking Dead”.

[clevergirlscollective]

Employee Spotlight: Daloma Phillips

Name:  Daloma Phillips

Position: Senior Membership Campaign Associate

Location:  Santa Cruz, CA

What do you do for Clever Girls?

As a Senior Membership Campaign Associate, I focus on member communication and specific recruitment for the Latina subnetwork of Clever Girls.

How long have you been with CG?

I have been with Clever Girls for four awesome months!

How did you get into your current position?

I had heard incredible things about Clever Girls from Robin Johnson for years. I had always wanted to join the team and this year the stars finally aligned and here I am!

If you didn’t already have your dream job, what would you want to be doing?

Oh my! I would definitely want to be Anthony Bourdain’s sidekick host -  traveling the world and eating amazing food is a dream come true!

Alma Mater:

San Jose State University with a stint at La Universidad Católica del Uruguay in Montevideo.

Favorite place to work:

My front porch when it’s sunny outside. Currently there is fresh jasmine growing and it smells amazing! I can also wave at all the dogs that go by.

Favorite social channel and/or influencers?

Definitely Instagram. I can get lost on it for hours just being an uber creeper #guiltyascharged.

My favorite Instagram to follow is Chutney_Muttney - I think I follow every weiner dog channel there is!

Favorite Food:

Fresh ceviche - I can’t get enough! Oh and pizza every day all day - I shock myself with how many slices I can put down.

What are your hobbies?

I love camping - I try to go as often as possible on weekends in the summer. I also love riding my bike with my BFF posse and hauling coolers of food and cold tecate to the beach!

Any other fun facts?

I always carry dice in my purse in case anyone wants to play Yahtzee! Also, my parents are both Peruvian and I can speak a little bit of Quechua!