I Love Rock N’ Roll
by Bernard Ablola
Apr 23, 2007 Bernard, MSN, Microsoft, Search Engine Marketing, Seattle
Today Steve Berkowitz, the Senior Vice President of Microsoft’s Online Services Group led the discussion of Microsoft’s vision and goal to become the leader in the online space. The Ex-CEO of Ask.com discussed the innovative ways Microsoft will deliver the best products and services to our customers. Berkowitz was also the keynote speaker at this year’s Search Engine Strategies (SES) conference in New York earlier this month. Excited about the upcoming vision the executive panel answered pressing questions from the audience. Being an analyst it was exciting to hear Berkowitz discuss the data. As a former accountant Berkowitz understands that the truth is in the numbers.
Of course in Microsoft tradition we work hard and also play hard. After the group meeting we were escorted to a private concert with Joan Jett and the Blackhearts in Seattle’s WAMU theater. Joan Jett is best known for the hit “I Love Rock N’ Roll.”
Here is a few pictures of the concert and the Zune I received.
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts at the Online Services Group Company Meeting.
Microsoft Zune
Tags: Microsort
Technology and Hip Hop, From Jay Z to Bill Gates
by Bernard Ablola
Apr 7, 2007 Bernard, Microsoft
It has been 1 year at Microsoft. I wanted to reflect on 2006, since 2007 is happening so fast. What an amazing year! I haven’t had the time to soak it all in. Below are a few pictures of the events, interesting people and places of last year.
During the adCenter launch, Microsoft delivered with all the corporate parties, celebs and execs to celebrate the occasion. I was fortunate to be a part of it all. From Bill Gates to Jay Z, flights to Florida’s Disney resort, private concerts with Jewel, Universal Studios and Mariners Stadium for employees, Microsoft know how to celebrate. As they say, work hard, play hard.
These photos are from Donny Deutsch’s Big Idea with Bill Gates and Jay Z. Lights, Camera, Action. What an interesting event. I admire both men for doing what they love to do, and their passion shows.
Hitting a few balls at the Seattle Mariner’s Ballpark.
A private performance by Jewel at Universal Studios for MS employees.
Malcolm Gladwell, author of Tipping Point and Blink during Microsoft’s Marketing Symposium.
Bernard Ablola, and Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple during Steve’s lecture on his new book Iwoz.
Tags: Adcenter, Bill Gates, Jay Z, Microsoft
1.6 Million Reasons To Start A Search Marketing Business…
by Bernard Ablola
Mar 28, 2007 Bernard, Google, Internet Marketing, MSN, Microsoft, Networking, Search Engine Marketing, Seattle
Congratulations to Tim and Zak. Earlier this month they announced the sale of 51% of the Found Agency to Photon Group of just over $1.6 million. (…champagne glasses are overflowing in Australia) Can’t wait to see you guys in Vegas this year. Congratulations.
Zak, many thanks for helping me get into the Search Marketing Industry. You have helped me tremendously. Loving every minute of it.
Here is a link to the news article on Search Engine Room.
Congratulations!
Bernard
Microsoft Interview Process - cont’
by Bernard Ablola
Dec 30, 2006 Bernard, MSN, Microsoft, Networking
Here are a few steps I took to prepare for the Microsoft interview.
Seek Expert Advice
I prepared myself for the interview through voracious reading. I set aside two to four hours daily to study every book, magazine, and article about the Microsoft Corporation and the search marketing industry. After reading the books, I contacted each author by email and asked to meet them in person or by phone. Make sure to prepare a list of questions and be mindful of the other person’s time. I was surprised to acquire so much expert advice about the search marketing industry from these published authors. And make sure to keep in touch. Many are friends and colleagues to this day.
A special thanks to:
- Zak Asani, Director of Search at The Found Agency
- Aaron Wall, author of SEO Book. (Important book on Search Engine Optimization)
- Catherine Seda of sedacommunication.com, author of “Search Engine Advertising“
- Andrew Goodman of pagezero.com, Author of “Winning Results with Google Adwords“
- Francis Ablola, of ablola.com (thanks for the portfolio idea below)
Practice Your Interviewing Skills:
If you were like me and a bit rusty at the interview process ask your friends and family to interview and provide feedback. This helped me tremendously to quickly formulate my thoughts and ideas. If you have time, apply to different companies in order to practice your interviewing skills.
Bring a Portfolio of Your Work:
Since my background is in web development, I provided the interviewers with printed copies of my work. Each portfolio included high resolution color photos and was professionally bound and printed on resume paper. This gave me talking points to reference to during the interview process. Make sure to bring enough copies for everyone including you. It may be a bit pricey, but worth the extra edge.
Start Building Testimonials of Your Work:
Ask previous employers, clients, and professors for a testimonial in writing. Place these testimonials in the front of your portfolio. This adds credibility to your work and provides the interviewer with references.
Helpful links:
My friend Tejas’s blog about his Microsoft Interview experience. And a link to Microsoft Careers for MBA’s:
I hope this helps. To a great year. See you in 2007!
Bernard R. Ablola
P.S. A few photos of Life at Microsoft