I know, I know. It’s been a while since you’ve heard from me. I’m sorry. I’ve missed you, too. As most of you know, I’ve been working a lot. But have no fear, I’m still here. (Oh, and I’m only working TWO jobs now!) But what many of you may NOT know, is that I am a proud staff member of the 2010 North Carolina Comedy Arts Festival (#NCCAF).

I was honored to perform at NCCAF (as a guest) last year in 2009. This year, I have the honor of performing again AND the privilege of serving on the volunteer staff. It’s been an amazing experience so far, and the festival hasn’t even started yet. I was charged with being the Sponsorship Coordinator. What does that mean? Well, basically, the North Carolina Comedy Arts Festival (the largest comedy festival of its kind in the COUNTRY) takes A LOT of work to put on… and we can’t do it alone. So, I have been working with local media outlets, businesses, and individuals to coordinate sponsorships, coupons, and discounts for our over 500+ comedians that will be arriving throughout the ENTIRE month of February. This is one of those positions that is a lot harder than it sounds, especially when resources are tight… for everyone. It has definitely been a learning process, but I know that I’ve worked hard and represented the festival well.

What else am I excited about?

For those of you who aren’t familiar with NCCAF (formerly the Dirty South Improv Festival/DSIF) – this year is the 10th anniversary and it is bigger and better than ever. Executive Producer, Zach Ward has put more time, money, blood, sweat, and tears into this festival than you can imagine – all to make it what it is. A condensed timeline: (DSIF) Festival was started in 2001 showcasing ONLY improv comedy, went to TWO weeks in 2009 adding standup comedy, and in 2010 has added sketch comedy and film and video taking the festival to an entire month.

In addition to that, something that I had wanted to do for Zach and DSI for a long time also came to fruition this week. I spoke with both the Mayors of Carrboro and Chapel Hill and talked to them not only about how important the festival is for the arts culture in the community, but also the impact is has fiscally on local businesses. I wasn’t sure if they were going to be able to do anything, but I had high hopes. And then I got the good news. I take that back, AWESOME news. It’s OFFICIAL: both Mayor Mark Kleinschmidt of Chapel Hill and Mayor Mark Chilton of Carrboro have formally and officially proclaimed February 2010 DSI Comedy Arts Month in Chapel Hill and Carrboro. (And Mayor Mark Chilton will be at OPENING night this Thursday the 4th to read his proclamation before the start of the first show.)

Awesome.

Oh, and DSI won 2009 Small-Business of the Year last week. Pretty cool, huh?

We’re kind of a big deal.

Okay, okay. So why am I rambling and what is my point? My point is that this Thursday, February 4th marks the start of a HUGE month of comedy here in North Carolina.

Do you live in and around the Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Greensboro, North Carolina, and parts of Virginia area? Do you love comedy? Do you want to laugh… a lot?

Then you should come see shows.

Seriously.

Support you local, national, AND international comedy this month. Support your local comedy festival. Support #NCCAF.

Oh, and did I mention I’m performing? …Twice.

• Friday, February 5th, 7:30PM at the DSI Comedy Theater with DSI Witness News: (Facebook Event)
• Saturday, February 20th, 10:00PM at the ArtsCenter Mainstage with Made of BEES: (Facebook Event)

Want to know the rest of the schedule?

• Sketch Comedy – February 4-6
• Standup Comedy – February 11-14
• Improv Comedy – February 16-21
• Film/Video – February 25-27

I just want to reiterate how excited and how proud I am to be a part of such an amazing theater, company, and festival.

Questions? Let me know. Want to see a show but don’t know which one to come to? Let me know. Want to donate swag to performers in town? Let me know. Want to help out another way? Let me know.

I’ll make it happen for you.

Word.

I know, I know. I’ve told you guys a gazillion times now that I’m working my ass off. Sorry to belabor (is that the right word here?) the point, but I have some advice for anyone who wants to listen… or read.

Even my change is important.

READ: These are simply some frustrations of mine and in no way aimed at anyone in particular. It’s more of a venting tool for me. Take it for what you will, take it for comedy, I’m not being condescending, but I am being serious.

Job 1: Art Gallery Retail Job

1. Please do not haggle me (or anyone) on the price of a retail item. Look, I am not the owner, nor the manufacturer of the item you want. I did not price it at $49.99. No, you can’t buy it for $25. Please, don’t get mad at me for charging you the actual price of the item. No, I won’t give you a discount. Is the item broken? Oh, it’s not? Then no, you can’t have it for free. So please don’t make me feel like sh*t when I charge you full price. You are not buying a car. You’re buying a poster. Buy the damn poster at full price.

Job 2: Retail Clothing Store at the Mall

1. No, we don’t have any “doorbusters.” Does it look like you are shopping at Radio Shack or Sears? No. That sweater you are holding is $278 and is practically made of gold and the hair of angels. We aren’t going to offer it 70% off before 9AM. So shut up.
2. You don’t have your receipt? You don’t have any sort of proof whatsoever that you purchased this item at any time, yet you want a full cash refund when you return it and you’re mad that I’m giving you a refund in store credit? Our store has an awesome return policy and a program in place to make returns super easy for you to return things. For all I know, you could have picked up that item when you walked in and said you bought it but are now trying to return something we already own. No dice, my friend. No dice. Take the store credit and scram.

Job 3: Server (mainly), Food Runner (sometimes), and Hostess (sometimes) at local Pub Restaurant

1. You paid for your meal with a coupon, gift certificate, gift card, or some type of similar voucher? Guess what? You still need to tip me. Just because you only paid $1.27 for a meal that actually cost $51.27 doesn’t mean you get to tip me off the $1.27. Many people don’t know that servers only make $2.13 an hour – and all that money goes to taxes. The only way a server makes his/her living is through tips. So when you only tip me $0.50 (cents) on a meal that should have cost $51.27, that is like $9 that I am losing out on. Oh, and I have to tip out a percentage of that to three different people, so in reality, I only made $0.20 (cents) out of that $0.50 (cents). Does that make sense to you?
2. Servers make $2.13 an hour. I said it before, I’ll say it again. As a server, my largest “paycheck” was $9. Yeah NINE (9) dollars. The $2.13 an hour goes to taxes. That’s it. The only money a server makes it off of tips. Keep that in mind the next time you walk out without tipping, or tip 10%.
3. No, 15% is not a good tip. I know many of you will disagree with this, but if you have EVER waited tables, you know that it is not exactly the easiest job. I have waited tables for 7 years and I can’t tell you how many times I have burnt myself, cut myself, dropped plates on my foot, sprained my ankle, sweated, been cursed at, walked out on, etc. It is a physically and yes, sometimes emotionally taxing job. Sure, some servers suck, but you have no idea what could be going on that day to make them a sh*tty server. Hey, they could be working four jobs. Cut ‘em a break and leave them an extra $2. It won’t hurt you.
4. Yes, sometimes your food taking a long time or coming out wrong IS NOT the server’s fault. Those guys in the kitchen work their butts off – and many times, there are only 3 cooks trying to make food for a completely full restaurant. It’s hard work. I respect the cooks and the dishwashers SO much. I could never do that job. So, if your food takes a couple extra minutes, politely ask your server why, and understand that they might be slammed back there. Unless you have to catch a plane or train out of town, an extra 5-10 minutes isn’t going to kill you.
5. When a food runner is standing at the end of your table calling out the names of the dishes, please wake up and respond. Although I have been working out lately, that tray that is on my arm when I am delivering your food is sometimes REALLY heavy and can be really hot. I can’t stand it when I stand at the end of a table, call our names of dishes, and no one responds. The table just keeps on talking and I called out, “Cheeseburger?” at least 12 times then the guy I am standing right behind says, “Oh woops! That’s me.” I say, “Oh, no problem. I didn’t need the 3 layers of skin that plate just burnt off.” If you see someone standing at your table, answer them. They are not decoration.

Job 4: Sales and Marketing Coordinator at Local Radio Station

NOTE: I haven’t told you guys about this job yet. I am actually really excited about this job. It is a part-time, hourly job, but I am really excited about the opportunities that this job can and will bring me. (More info to come later).

1. If you call a company and the receptionist (me) answers and I’m nice to you, please don’t be mean to me. I have gotten so many calls lately where the people are downright RUDE to me. And when I am pleasant to you and doing my best to answer your question, please be nice to me. Being nice goes a long way.

Okay, I’m done ranting. Well, not ranting, just expressing my thoughts/frustrations/things I have learned.

I want to know, what takeaways do you have? Do you disagree with me on anything? Is there anything you have learned in the workforce that you want people to know?

Leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts.

I love you. Yeah, you. Reading this.

Word.

Maybe this is just my pet-peeve, maybe I’m a bit cynical (who isn’t?), or maybe I’m just cranky and need a burrito. But if I read one more “Predictions for 2010″ blog entry, I think I might have to punch my computer.

Unless you're this lady, stop telling me what WILL happen.

And my computer doesn’t deserve that, she’s been nothing but loyal to me.

But seriously, stop making predictions and start DOING. Stop telling me what you THINK will happen and take the steps, do the work, and take the actions that are necessary to actually MAKE things happen the way you want them to. Don’t let “the man” do the dirty work for you.

That’s what I’m doing.

Do you think I am working four jobs right now because I predict I will be worn out in 2010? Or predict I will be broke? No. I am working four jobs right now and #hustling like whoa so that I can get over this hump, make a real connection, and be a rockstar in 2010.

Now, because I’m awesome and I like to contradict myself a little bit sometimes, I will say that I understand the intent of or purpose behind predictions. We can all see what is coming… in a sense – I think we all have a bit of clairvoyancy (is that a word?). I think it stems from our innate ability to have a vision for the future… and for all of those Nostradamus specials on the History channel.

(In my humble opinion, there’s a difference between having vision and being a “predictor.”)

But seriously, I don’t want to hear ANY MORE 2010 predictions. If so, I predict that I’ll open up a nice can of whoop ass on you.

(Ps: I am just joking about the can of whoop ass. I do not promote violence in any way. I hope that for those of you that are not aware of my sometimes sarcastic tone, that you can take my words for what they are. Just words.)

What do you think? Do you think predictions are valid or just lip service? Prove me wrong. I love being proven wrong.

Word.

photo credit: dailymail.

I haven’t blogged in a week. Blah blah blah, yada yada yada. I went from blogging every day to I haven’t blogged in a week. [Note: I really hate posts when people say, "Ahh I'm so sorry I've been slacking!" or "My apologies for not blogging much" or "I suck and I am lazy and I haven't posted in forever." This is not one of those posts. This is a post of facts. Or truths. Or factruths.

I want to join the RE-UP crew.

But guess what?

Unless you’re a blogger with a gazillion readers, or Oprah, I bet you that people don’t give a rats rear if you haven’t blogged in a week.

But I haven’t blogged in a week and I feel guilty.

I’m not making excuses, but honestly the reason I have slacked off is because I have bigger fish to fry. I love writing, I love blogging, and I have so many thoughts running through my head that if I DON’T write them down, I tend to go a little stir crazy. Fact.

Those of you who have either read my blog, know me personally, or whatever, you know that I’ve been unemployed for nearing six full months. I left an awesome full-time teaching job in Richmond, Virginia and I moved to North Carolina to pursue my love of comedy, writing, and life “en general.”

I’m broke. Fact.

My rent is high, I have a “second rent” paying off a gazillion dollars in debt (only two more years to go!), and I have a Chipotle addiction to feed. Triple facts.

I work 17 hours a week at an art gallery/retail store and maybe 10 hours a week (if I can get the hours) at the mall. I just got a third job waiting tables, something I swore I would never ever ever ever ever do again. Last week I worked every day from at least 9 in the morning until midnight at more than one job. (So? I need the money). Needless to say, when I got home, blogging was not on my mind.

In the past six months, I have applied for over 93 jobs, had a total of 7 interviews, and have yet to find “a JOB… job.” Although working three full-time, part-time jobs isn’t always awesome, it isn’t life-ending. The people are great, my bosses are awesome, and the money is feeding me. Facts.

Again, I am not complaining, these are simply FACTS. I also want to be clear, I am not telling you this to feel sorry for me. I am telling you this to share my experience and I want you to share yours. Hopefully, maybe ONE of you can learn something from me, because Lord knows I’ve learned an immense amount from you.

People keep asking me, “Molly what do you want to do? What is your IDEAL job?” And to be honest, sometimes I feel like that is a bullsh*t question. No offense to anyone that has asked me that, because this is not a personal statement, it’s simply an observation.

Everyone WANTS to do what makes them happy. An ideal job for ANYONE is a job where they can do what they want and make the big bucks.

Right?

My ideal job? What do I WANT to do? Well, I WANT to be a professional comedian. I want people to pay to see me perform and I want people to pay me to make them laugh. But that’s hard to do. I also want friends, and a family, and a life. I don’t really want “things.” Who doesn’t?

What is my ideal JOB job? What do I REALISTICALLY want to do? I want a job that pays me money where I can write, and be visionary, and be a thought leader, and be challenged, and learn, and be creative, all the while, making people laugh. I want room for growth. Personal growth. Professional growth. THAT is my ideal job. Facts.

So, do you want to hire me?

But here’s my deal and here’s why I’ve been rambling on for the past 550+ words…

I am going to be awesome in 2010. It’s not that I’m making New Years Resolutions. I’m not setting goals. I’m changing my life. I’m not complaining. I’m taking the cards that I’m dealt and I’m playing the better hand. Or some cliche phrase like that.

Facts for 2010:

• I do and will continue to work my ass off.
• If I have to wait tables forever to pay my rent, I will. And I will wait tables with a SMILE and PASSION and, damnit, I will make my customers laugh.
• I will love my friends and I will love my family.
• I will eat Chipotle when my stomach wants it.
• I will write because I love to write, not because I feel like I “have to.” As soon as writing becomes work, it is no longer fun.
• I will perform.
• I will change my plans if they need to be changed.
• I will adjust my thinking if it needs adjusting.
• I will work harder if I need to work harder.
• I will make connections.
• I will make a difference.
• I will make an impression.
• I will make an impact.
• I will be awesome.

So, what are YOU doing in 2010?

Word.

Be jealous: I went to Las Vegas (again) a week and a half ago. The trip was my Christmas present from Zach Ward (@zachward) and it included a stay at Planet Hollywood, a facial and manicure at the Mandara Spa, and TWO VIP tickets and passes to see Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds play an acoustic set. It. Was. Awesome. (I’m super lucky).

But even when I am on a short (but awesome) vacay, a part of my brain doesn’t leave work/writing mode. Well, I’m not a gambler and I have much more interest in partaking in spa services than any of the other “activities” that “sin city” has to offer. But the one thing that continually impresses me about Las Vegas is their use of social media and the way they use it to engage residents, visitors, and potential travelers.

Everywhere you go in The Vegas, social media follows. Almost every resort, spa, casino, and store has some sort of “get connected” signage encouraging people to… well, get connected. (Example to the right).

Even a mention of Vegas on Twitter and you’re going to be followed and @replied by a few casinos and/or shows that might want to help you out.

When I checked into Planet Hollywood on @FourSquare (a location-based social media application), a nearby special popped up. Just for checking in on FourSquare, Zach and I got a free drink from the bar at KOI, an uber-nice Japanese restaurant inside Planet Hollywood. (Screenshot to the left.)

If you have Vegas-related questions about discount show tickets, hotel reservations, restaurants, whatever, there is going to be someone in the social media space to answer it for you.

Zach and I had a huge breakfast mishap the first morning we were there, we were taken care of, and @PHVegas checked in with us on Twitter about it.

It was nice to know that if I had a problem or a question, there was going to be an answer, in real time, no matter where I was.

Vegas does social media right.

I know Vegas isn’t the ONLY city that uses social media to such heights, but it sure is a great example of how it should be done.

Need more examples? Look at some of the MANY Vegas venues on Twitter:

• @VegasConcierge
• @zappos (BTW: if you ever go to Vegas, DEFINITELY do the Zappos tour. It’s awesome.)
• @LasVegasHilton
• @PHVegas
• @CaesarsPalace
• @PalmsLasVegas
• @PalazzoLasVegas
• @HardRockHotelLV
• @EverythingVegas
• @VegasCom
• @WeddingsLV
• @HootersCasinoLV
• @MyVegasScene
• @Cirque
• @Vegas_Hotel

By using these tools, Las Vegas is able to reach out to an international audience. People come from all corners of the world to The Vegas and Vegas needs a way to connect with those people. And they do.

Question(s): What other cities do you think utilize social media tools as effectively as Las Vegas? Have you have a negative experience with Vegas social media? Do you think they could improve? What do you think engages you the most when a city uses social media? I would love to hear your thoughts and/or other examples.

Word.

If you know me at all, you know that I need a pair of these glasses. No questions asked. I want burrito vision. Thank you, Fashionably Geek (@NerdApproved) for introducing these to the world.

Need a gift idea for a burrito lover? Look no further.

Burrito. Glasses.

If you could create any “vision” of your own, what would YOU create?

Word.

]]> http://www.themollybuckley.com/2009/12/17/thuper-therious-thursday-burrito-vision/feed/ 1 http://www.themollybuckley.com/2009/12/16/social-media-tip-make-better-connections/ http://www.themollybuckley.com/2009/12/16/social-media-tip-make-better-connections/#comments Wed, 16 Dec 2009 12:00:47 +0000 Molly Buckley http://www.themollybuckley.com/?p=731

I came down with a pretty bad case of the flu this weekend, so my thoughts have been a little more difficult to organize. But as I was lying in bed, drinking 30+ cups of orange juice, and watching yet another Audrey Hepburn movie, my mind wandered to the people in my life. Of course I began thinking about my family and close friends, but then I started thinking about this whole idea of a personal “network.” In my humble opinion, your personal network is really consisted of those meaningful, professional relationships that you have developed in which you can call on those people for references, advice, career opportunities, support, etc.

In the “old days” your personal network was developed solely in person. By attending leads groups, BNI groups, networking events, churches, PTA meetings, school, whathaveyou… for the most part, your network was built by one-on-one, in-person contact – or with a personal introduction from/through someone else.

Now today, with the onslaught of social and online networks (i.e. Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter), the development of a personal network has evolved and how we meet people and foster relationships has completely changed.

Within our social networks, there are those we communicate with often. We know them by name, we comment on their content, we engage on a regular basis. We have developed a working rapport with these people.

Then, in our networks, we have the “lurkers.” The “lurkers” are those whom we are friends with, or follow, or are connected to, that we never, ever, ever, engage with. (I’m 100% guilty of this, too. We all are. So let’s not go pointing fingers.) These are people we ran into or had a brief conversation with way back when, and since then, we have dropped that connection. We don’t chat, talk, or connect at all.

SO, my social media tip of the week this week is: Make Better Connections (and renew old ones).

Find those people that you follow on Twitter, are friends with on Facebook, or are connected to on LinkedIn and spark a conversation with them. Renew that relationship. Make that connection worthwhile. You never know when you might need that person!

And the next time you follow someone, friend someone, or make a connection with someone, make it personal. Find a common interest, share a personal story, ask a question. Whatever! But make it substantial.

Rid your network (and your life) of those “lurkers.” Lurkers are creepy, anyway.

What do you think? Do you think those “lurkers” are always going to be there? Have you found a way to make your network more worthwhile?

Word.

Every one has their own style. No two people are exactly the same. (Except for maybe the Olsen twins. They are eerily similar). There are different styles of writers, bloggers, marketers, advertisers, teachers, bosses, CEO’s, standup comedians, and improvisers.

Sure, to someone who isn’t familiar with the church of Improvisation, it might seem like improv is all the same. It’s a bunch of people on a stage getting strange suggestions and hamming it up to an audience. I assure you, this is not the case… most of the time. Styles of improv even vary from city to city and theater to theater. One theater might support an “organic” style of improv where you start slow and gradually find the crux of the scene, or figure out what the scene is out. Whereas another theater might be all about playing the game of improv – fast-paced, quick edits, an absurd world. and big bold characters. The latter is my world. And I love it. I’ve only been doing improv for a little over three years, but I know what is fun for me and what gets my adrenaline pumping. And that is no nonsense, take-your-breath-away improv. But each style is tied together with a few (or single) philosophical or abstract threads – make people laugh… now.

Similarly, in the world of marketing and media, there are completely different styles of how people want to connect and engage with their audience. Some companies are going to be way more in your face with product placement or “YOU MUST BUY/ACT NOW” deals. Others are going to use more passive marketing techniques – warming you up with nice words and pretty images, and THEN proposing their deal. And again, each style is tied together with a single (or few) similar philosophical threads – make money… now.

Whether we are talking about the world of improvisation or the world of marketing, the truth is, the big, bold choices tend to be more successful than the passive, laissez-faire, approaches. If I want into an improv scene hesitant, coy, and non-chalant, the audience is going to not trust me and check-out pretty quickly. But if I walk into that scene playing to the top of my intelligence, making a bold, strong choice, the audience is immediately going to be engaged with everything that I am doing.

If you try to market your brand, your idea, or your business by just resting on your laurels, you are bound to fail… eventually. But if you make a strong, bold, choice – differentiating your brand within your niche, making it stand out, and engaging with your audience, you have immediately set yourself up to succeed.

When I perform, I want to make people laugh. I’m not going to do that by just standing off to the side letting things “happen.” I make them happen. I play the game. I go in strong.

When you own a business or you are promoting a brand, ultimately it’s about money and recognition. Make things happen. Play the game. Go in strong.

Question: What experiences have YOU had with a successful brand? How were they successful? How did they engage you? How did they stand out? Do you agree or disagree with my thoughts?

Word.

photo credit: peterastn

These people are awesome and I am sorry that I haven’t given them a shoutout sooner. They are rockstars in my eyes and you should totally check them out. Not in that way, well, maybe in that way. If you want it to be in that way. I’m sure some of these people are single and could use a good checking out. Maybe? I don’t know. I don’t even know what I’m saying anymore. I’m going to move on from this point and get to the #FollowFridaying. (By the way, that is totally a verb).

@jakrose: Bio: Where we’re going, we don’t need roads… - Website: http://jasonkeath.com/

Jason Keath is such a rockstar that the level of his rockstarness should almost be illegal. He is a social media man, entrepreneur, community engager, blogger, speaker, and creator of SOCIAL FRESH (http://socialfresh.com/). Social Fresh (and Jason) brings amazing speakers, facilitates incredible conversations, and gets people together to collaborate and learn from each other. His content is solid and consistent. Oh, and he works his butt off.

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@sarkatbur: Bio: My joys of southern living as a PR/marketing professional include family, friends, music, laughter, fashion, sports and a black lab. - Website: http://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahburris

I first met Sarah Burris at a #TLWT (Triangle Ladies Who Tweetup) and she was such a great person to talk to. I didn’t know very many people when I first arrived and she immediately started talking to me and we got along really well. Since then I have been following her on Twitter and she is one of the most engaged people I follow. She retweets awesome content, is a conversationalist, engages in the space, and creates great stuff of her own. She adds a personal touch to everything which I think is awesome.

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@ElizabethPW: Bio: Elizabeth Potts Weinstein: Speaker of Truth. Lover of Passion. Video Blogging Addict. Tweetup Connoisseur. People Loving Introvert. Truth Evangelist. – Website: http://elizabethpottsweinstein.com/

This woman is easily one of the most inspirational women on Twitter (and, arguably, in the social media space). I read her blog regularly and she is no bullsh*t, in your face, honest, and transparent (even when she doesn’t want to be). She video blogs, she writes, she inspires. This woman rocks and I really hope to meet her someday.

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Tell me: Who are YOU #FollowFriday’ing this week?

Word.

Sometimes we forget the correct etiquette and proper manners for Facebook usage. In case you HAVE, in fact, forgotten the rules, here is a short 1950’s-esque video to remind you. Enjoy. (I wish I could do my hair like Alice…)

If you can’t see the video, click here.