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Search Influence Doubles Down on Talent: Recognizing Two Promotions Worth Celebrating

Search Influence, a New Orleans-based digital marketing agency, recognized the hard work and dedication of two of its employees, Lindsey Schultz and Shira Pinsker, by promoting them to new roles within the company.

Shira Pinsker Promoted to Senior Marketing Manager

Shira Pinsker joined Search Influence as the Product and Marketing Manager in early 2020 and was instrumental in guiding marketing efforts through the uncertainty of the pandemic. With more than 15 years of experience in marketing and communications, her wealth of knowledge, creativity, and strategic thinking directly impacts the agency’s marketing success. In the last year, Shira spearheaded the launch of a two-year partnership between Search Influence and UPCEA (University Professional and Continuing Education Association) to grow Search Influence’s impact as a digital marketing agency within higher education.

In her new role as Senior Marketing Manager, Shira Pinsker will oversee efforts to broaden and deepen the marketing strategy within Search Influence’s key markets of higher education, medical and health, and tourism and hospitality. Using her expertise in branding, messaging, and strategy, Shira will continue to communicate the value of digital marketing to prospective clients in order to help them optimize their potential.

Shira is excited to take on this new role and looks forward to using her skills and experience to help both Search Influence and our clients succeed.

Lindsey Schultz Promoted to Digital Advertising Analyst

Lindsey Schultz joined Search Influence as a Digital Advertising Coordinator in 2021 and quickly became an integral part of the team. Her problem-solving skills and keen eye for detail have become an incredible asset to the company, and she consistently demonstrates a collaborative and enthusiastic attitude with both clients and colleagues.

As a result of her hunger and dedication, Lindsey was promoted to Digital Advertising Analyst.

As a Digital Advertising Analyst, Lindsey will strategize and optimize the digital advertising campaigns for Search Influence clients. She will also work with the rest of the team to ensure campaigns meet or exceed their goals and that clients receive the best possible return on their investment.

Lindsey’s analytical skills and attention to detail make her well-suited for this role, and she looks forward to taking on new challenges while continuing to deliver outstanding results for her clients.

Lindsey and Shira are excellent examples of the talent and dedication that exist within the Search Influence team, and their promotions are well-deserved recognition of their hard work. Search Influence is proud to have such talented individuals on the team, and we’re excited to see what they will accomplish in their new roles.

Congratulations to Lindsey and Shira on their well-earned promotions!

Interested in joining the Search Influence team? Check out our open positions!

June 12, 2023
Search Influence Finds a 4-Leaf Clover with 4 New Team Members!

Search Influence finds a four-leaf clover with four new team members. Let’s meet our newest Influencers!

Becca Michelet Account Manager
Born in Honduras, Becca and her twin were adopted and raised in New Orleans, with their adopted (honorary) triplet, by two awesome parents. She graduated from Louisiana State University with a bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising, and a minor in Business. Becca brings a wealth of experience in customer service to her new role. When she’s not working on her client’s campaigns, you can find her snuggling with her dogs, Pepperoni & Roux, spoiling her nephews, cycling on her bike, or catching happy hour with her friends and family.

Tyla Maiden Account Coordinator
Moving to New Orleans in 2019 after graduating from Radford University, Tyla jumped right into her digital marketing career as a Social Media Manager for a local small business obtaining her Digital Marketing certification from Generation USA. Outside of Search Influence, Tyla is an accomplished freelance artist, painting murals and other art projects around the city.

Gi Levet Account Manager
A Louisiana native, Gi graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Communication from Southeastern Louisiana University and is currently on schedule to graduate with a Master’s degree in Strategic Communication in May 2023. Gi brings to the team an extensive background in social media and small business marketing. When she’s not working with her clients, you can find her spending time with her dog, Beans, traveling with her boyfriend, Josh, or checking out the newest true crime documentary.

Mikayla Hammer Technical Digital Marketing Associate
Originally from North Carolina, Mikayla has lived in Louisiana for the last 5 years with her husband and 3 children. Mikayla brings a diverse range of experience to her new role from service industry manager to graphic t-shirt business owner to being a stay-at-home mom. Outside of work, you can find Mikayla reading, gardening, or interior designing.

Welcome to Search Influence, Becca, Tyla, Gi, and Mikayla!

Interested in joining our team? Check out our open positions!

March 17, 2023
#FreelanceFriday: Freelancing Tips for College Students

This blog is part of our Freelance Friday series, where we discuss everything and anything related to freelancers. For more freelance information, tips, and trends, follow us on Twitter.

College is expensive. Tuition is sky high, textbooks cost an arm and a leg, and everyone needs a little extra income to go out and fully enjoy the college experience. Even with scholarships and saving accounts, it is nearly impossible to avoid some kind of financial strain during these years pursuing higher education.

So, with time and experience typically at a premium for students, are there any legitimate ways to make some extra money on the side?

Yes! Freelancing!

Freelancers, digital nomads, work-at-home parents, and all independent workers currently comprise 33% of the U.S. workforce (approximately 53 million people). Freelancing is an umbrella term that encompasses writers, editors, graphic artists, designers, photographers, videographers, and many more people with specialized, in-demand skills. And, what’s great about freelancing is that it is open to anyone, including cash-strapped students.

Freelancing is a great way to get relevant work experience, which–whether through part-time jobs, internships, or freelancing–is incredibly important for a college student.

Where freelancing offers a distinct advantage over a normal job is in its flexibility. Most jobs have a fixed schedule, whereas freelancing (in most cases) offers you the chance to work on your own schedule. It also allows you to work from anywhere–your dorm room, apartment, library, classroom, or when you go home for the holidays.

If you decide to give freelancing a shot (and you totally should!), here are a few things you need to consider first, as well as a few things you need to do to position yourself for success.

Figure out How Much Extra Time You Have

Life as a college student is busy. You are already balancing classes, labs, papers, exams, presentations, and various extracurricular activities. Adding freelancing to the mix is only going to make you busier.

A commitment to weekends and holidays will help you as a freelancer, but no matter when you work, prioritization and productivity are key. Because you are a student, schoolwork should also come first, but beyond that, you will need to figure out how to find more time in your schedule to freelance. You can prioritize your freelance work based on things like deadline, pay, research/planning/setup, estimated time to complete, and other markers.

Determine What You’re Good At

Your freelancing side gig does not need to relate to your major, but it can’t hurt. Freelancing opportunities can fall into all, one, or a combination of three things: something you are passionate about, something you are knowledgeable or skilled in, or something that is in high demand.

Every topic with a web presence needs content creators. There are tons of niche markets you can work your way through, especially as a writer. If you really want to flourish, especially at first, stick to what you know best, but don’t be intimidated by exploring something new. College is the time when you should be exploring new things to help discover what you want to do in life.

Identify Your Goals

What do you want to gain by freelancing? More money? Of course. Experience? Always a plus. But what else are you looking to gain from this? Are you looking for a gateway to a full-time job? Do you just want to try out a field before committing to it? Will you continue freelancing after college?

These are all great questions to ask yourself before and during your time as a freelancer. The answers should not dictate whether or not you do it, but they should provide guidance and purpose to what you are doing.

Get the Right Tools

What do you need to be successful as a freelancer? For most, a computer and reliable internet access should go without saying, but what else?

Well, that depends on the field you are operating in. For some, that is all you need. The internet can help with the rest. Other more specialized skills will need more–graphic designers may need the latest software programs, while photographers will need a good camera, lighting, and other equipment.

Know what you need upfront and familiarize yourself with these tools. Freelancing may be a side job for many, but that doesn’t make it any less important when it comes to planning, preparedness, professionalism, and time management.

Understand You Will Have to Start From the Bottom

This is a tough pill for many to swallow. Like most jobs, you have to start at the entry-level position. It’s a nearly unavoidable rite of passage. Accept it and work your way up. Thankfully, ascending the freelance food chain is typically easier and quicker than climbing the corporate ladder.

It is important to build your skills and constantly improve your services and presentation. The more you freelance, the more you will learn how things are done, what you should and should never do, etc. Reaching out to other freelancers for advice and support is always a great idea.

Self-Promote

Once you have been working for a while, it is important to create a portfolio of your best work as an example of your skill and proficiency. This is a crucial tool for landing other gigs. You can even include some pertinent school assignments as well, especially when you are just starting out.

Creating a personalized website or blog as well as engaging on social media are also great ways to showcase past projects and seek out new work. Many freelancers today use Twitter and Facebook to stay up to date on industry news and find relevant opportunities.

You shouldn’t feel bad about this kind of self-promotion. It is a crucial part of freelancing. And speaking of the importance of self-promotion, check out our freelance Twitter account. We frequently share the latest freelancing trends, tips, and best practices.

Build Your Professional & Adult Skills

Freelancing can help you build valuable workplace skills. Just like school, deadlines are extremely important, as are promptness and efficiency. Similarly, freelancing often calls for collaboration with a wide variety of people. While you may already be using these skills in school, freelancing will allow you to put better hone them in a more professional setting.

As an independent contractor, you will learn to deal directly with your clients and gain valuable experience handling a variety of situations as they arise. You will also learn more about contracts as well as taxes.

Treat Freelancing Like a Real Job

Many people have made this mistake, especially those who have never freelanced before. They contract for a little while before quickly realizing that it is a real job. You are getting paid to provide a skill or service. You have to consider deadlines and often collaborate with others. How is that not a real job?

In essence, freelancing is even more than just a job. You are essentially starting your own microbusiness. If you go into it knowing this, you can somewhat avoid the learning curve and work through any missteps early on that could cause you to lose clients, doubt your own abilities, or even quit.

Use Your Freelance Career to Jumpstart Your Post-College Career

Because freelancing is a real job, don’t be hesitant to include it on your resume and discuss it a significant positive in job interviews after you graduate. The work you’ve done has given you experience in the workplace–use that to your advantage! Be confident about your transition into the job market. You will have more experience than your fellow graduates.

Of course, you can also continue, and likely expand, your freelancing business after school. You have spent the time and effort to build these relationships and skills, why not continue utilizing them!

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November 10, 2017
Diversity in the Workplace: Why Who’s at the Table Matters

In the corporate landscape, it’s easy to overlook words like diversity or inclusion, which often get tossed out as buzzwords lacking real meaning. But building an inclusive workplace where employees with different backgrounds, viewpoints, and identities can succeed is a benchmark for company success as well. In fact, a 2015 McKinsey report found that ethnically diverse companies are 35 percent more likely to outperform the national industry median and 15 percent more likely to have better financial returns.

But let’s be real—diversity in the workplace is far from the norm.

According to the New York Times, there are more male CEOs at S&P 1500 companies named John or David than the total number of female CEOs. And of the CEOs at Fortune 500 companies, only five are African American.

This issue isn’t just for leadership either. A study from the Society for Human Resource Management found that 41 percent of managers surveyed said they were “too busy” to create structured diversity efforts in the workplace. Even so, more than half of employees surveyed by Glassdoor said they think their companies should be doing more to increase diversity.

This data shows that there’s immense work to be done. But we can look to companies who have successfully incorporated diversity into their operational ethos as an example for what works—both for the employees and for the bottom line.

Defining D & I in the Workplace

Diversity and inclusion can’t be achieved without first setting a clear definition for what these words mean, how they align with the business’ values and mission, and what systems are in place to create them. Building an inclusive workplace means being accepting and accommodating for gender and race, but also for sexual orientation and identity, religious affiliation, disabilities, age, and even thinking styles or backgrounds.

By creating a workplace with diversity of thought—as in, collaboration among people with vastly different perspectives and viewpoints to solving problems—organizations can create systemic change. A study from Deloitte found that diversity of thought can help prevent “groupthink,” allowing for more creativity and more thoughtful decision making.

But how does diversity of thought become a reality in the workplace?

It Starts at the Top

If diversity is built into the company ethos, then its leaders should be advocates on the frontline. For example, Arne Sorenson, president of Marriott International, regularly advocates for LGBTQ equality in the workplace. Marriott was ranked #7 on the 2016 Best Workplaces for Diversity list and scored a 100 on HRC’s 2017 Corporate Equality Index. Ethnic minorities make up 64 percent of Marriott’s workforce, with 2.7 percent of employees identifying as LGBTQ. Sorenson has fought for LGBTQ rights publically, even writing an open letter on his LinkedIn account about diversity in government and business.

You can also include the LGBTQ community at large in your brand’s marketing efforts. Take a look at these ideas.

Offer Benefits That Enhance Inclusivity

On an operational level, businesses can also build inclusion into the brand identity by offering benefits that defend their stance on diversity. Rather than just relying on an annual cultural sensitivity class or a blanket statement in the employee handbook on diversity, companies should take a multi-faceted approach that includes diversity in the training, communication methods, and employee benefits.

For example, AT&T offers Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and Employee Networks (ENs) connecting over 130,000 members from across the company’s global workforce. The ERGs are nonprofit organizations that support, mentor, and advocate for communities in the company, including ethnic groups, the disabled, women, LGBTQ employees, and military veterans. The ENs are more informal, employee-led initiatives that convene around specific professional development issues.

Groups like this give a voice to individuals who might feel marginalized and help individuals find common interests—both key for building a culture of inclusivity.

Other ways to help enforce and validate inclusivity include offering English as a Second Language classes for foreign employees, providing benefits for employees with same-sex partners, and working with other companies that share the same values (or saying no to companies that don’t).

Make Diversity Measurable

While meeting quotas doesn’t determine your company culture or employee morale, it does make a difference. Including diversity goals in annual reviews for managers and building it into hiring practices can help set the baseline for what diversity really looks like in your company’s daily operations.

Some companies have even created positions dedicated solely to diversity. Abbott, ranked #10 on DiversityInc’s 2017 Top 50 Companies for Diversity, has a Director of Next Generation Recruitment, Diversity, & Inclusion who focuses on using technology to hire and retain employees with diverse perspectives. While not every company has the budget to devote an entire position to D & I, small businesses can still make diversity part of the recruiting, hiring, and review processes in order to measure success.

When diversity is measurable, employees feel accountable and empowered to make it a priority. Give employees outlets to share feedback anonymously about the success of diversity initiatives, and be transparent about what is working and where the company can still improve.

In today’s globalized economy, a diverse workforce can better reflect the needs and wants of a much bigger, much more varied consumer base. By building diversity and inclusion into every facet of your company, you’re building a workforce that is more empowered, innovative, and ready to take on the complex problems of our ever-changing, increasingly-connected world.

At Search Influence, we realize that we still have a long way to go in order to foster an inclusive and diverse community—especially in the tech industry. Learn some ways we fight for women in the workforce and read more about our company culture.

October 27, 2017
#FreelanceFriday: Finding More Time in Your Schedule to Freelance

This blog is part of our Freelance Friday series, where we discuss everything and anything related to freelancers. For more freelance information, tips, and trends, follow us on Twitter.

“I don’t have time…”

As writers, we have all said it at one time or another, most likely as an excuse for not writing more. And let’s not kid ourselves here, it is most certainly an excuse. There are 24-hours in the day for everyone. So, why can only some people pull off a freelancing side gig?

Deciding to add freelancing to your daily schedule probably didn’t seem like that big of a deal at first. You can make your own schedule and work from anywhere at anytime. That all sounds great (and it really is!), but you still have to find the actual time to do it. It can certainly be tempting to let freelancing take a back seat to other tasks and priorities in your life—but don’t let it happen!

For those who truly want to do it, they find the time. Freelancing (and writing in general) are choices. Likewise, you have to choose to find the time. Time management techniques and organizational skills can be developed and utilized easily. In the end, freelancing is all about scheduling and prioritization, especially when you are still working full-time at another job. Make those and other strategies for time management work for you and you will discover the time.

Of course, this is all easier said than done. Here are a few tips that will help you fit your freelance business into your schedule.

Assess and Make A Schedule

We have talked about time management tips a lot—and for good reason. It is the key to freelancing. Start by evaluating your daily schedule. When do you wake up? Eat lunch? Work at other jobs? Go to bed? Fill in the intervening times with potential availability to freelance. Not all of it; just when it works well for you. There are tons of time management tools to help you with this.

When you are getting started or overhauling your time management, try timing how long it takes you to complete this work. Work on improving that time, as well as adjusting your schedule as you need or see fit.

Strengthen Time Management Skills

Even if you are able to find the time, it is equally important to use that time well. Because this time is so valuable, you need to have a clearly defined time management schedule—prioritize, avoid distractions, stay organized, etc.

Try working in small pockets of time in between bigger tasks. While you are waiting for the water to boil while cooking, on breaks at your normal job, during your commute, etc. The start and stop nature of this doesn’t work for everyone, but all of these small increments can add up quickly for those who can make it work.

Don’t Be Afraid to Say No

Such an easy word to say, but one that most people are so hesitant to utter. Learning to say no can help your freelance life in more ways than one.

First, it allows you to decline jobs that you are not fully interested or invested in. Why waste precious time on something you don’t want to do in the first place? Doing this could prevent you from working on an assignment or project that is more aligned with your thoughts and aspirations.

Second, saying no can also be employed in order to free up more time to do the actual work. If you made previous plans for multiple nights of the week, think about canceling or turning one of them down beforehand. A lot of work can be accomplished in a single extra evening.

For best performance, you also need to learn how to say no to TV, social media, and other time-consuming forms of entertainment as often as possible.

Find Your Peak Hours

Most people already know if they are night owls, early birds, or in-betweeners. Whatever time of day, it’s all about finding that time period where your drive and mental capacity are at their highest and you are able to do your best work (speed and quality-wise).

That is not to say that your peak hours have to be consecutive. Maybe you can work well at multiple points throughout the day. In fact, you can probably train yourself to work better at one time or another. Try to get as much done as you can in those times—as long as you keep things consistent and don’t waste time figuring out where you left off before.

By finding and using these hours effectively, you will be able to get more done faster without the common plague of interruptions. Whether you like working into the wee hours of the morning or you are an early riser who can get things done with a hot cup of coffee, there exists a time especially for you.

Outsource Your Work

Admittedly, this tip may not be for everyone. But, if you are capable, it can be a huge timesaver to help you budget time. By subcontracting out lesser, but still necessary, chores, you can free up time to perform your freelance work.

So many things (some obvious, others not so much) can be outsourced, including house cleaning, bookkeeping, laundry, cooking, lawn maintenance, house repairs, child care, pet care, and grocery delivery. Not all of these are needed, of course. But find one that fits your budget and schedule, then get to work—this isn’t new found free time, it’s extra time.

In the end, to find more time for freelancing is a gradual process. Find what works for you and allow for adjustments and new routines along the way. Freelancing is still a job, no matter how much time you devote. The changes may not be easy at first, but they are more than doable if you want your freelance career to succeed.

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No Time

John Candy—No

Dog Doing Chores

June 9, 2017
Three New Team Members Join Search Influence

While New Orleans is busy with festival season, Search Influence has hired three new Influencers. We are excited to welcome Rob Monk, Sierra Kellogg, & KD Minor!

Robert Monk – Junior Software Developer

Born and raised in southern Louisiana, Rob grew up building and taking apart computers and any other electronic he could get his hands on. After advancing his skills through a coding boot camp in Boston, he decided to come back to the city he loves. Rob enjoys poboys, crawfish, and local festivals. In his free time, he can be found riding his bike around the city, enjoying anything and everything it has to offer.

Sierra Kellogg – Junior Graphic Designer

Born & raised in New Orleans, Sierra graduated from Delgado Community College with an Associates Degree in Graphic Design & a Certificate in Photography. Previously, she worked at a newborn photography studio. In her spare time, you can find her doing arts & crafts & watching (highly addictive) makeup tutorials on YouTube.

KD Minor – Sales Executive

A native of Lake Charles, LA, KD got her start in marketing at the InterContinental New Orleans Hotel as their Content Marketing Manager. To stay ahead of the curve, she became a certified Advanced Social Media Strategist and enrolled in Tulane’s School of Professional Advancement where she studied Media Arts. In her free time, KD enjoys spending time with her kitten “Dr. Manhattan,” cooking for friends, and visiting her favorite bartenders for their latest cocktail creations.

Welcome to the Search Influence team, Rob, Sierra, & KD!

May 1, 2017
Freelance Friday: Time Management Tips for Freelancers

This blog is part of our Freelance Friday series, where we discuss everything and anything related to freelancing. If you are a freelance writer and are looking for additional work, consider applying at Search Influence.

Freelancers often need to be jacks-of-all-trades. And with so many balls in the air, strict time management is a necessity. So, how do you get it all done without letting work overtake your life?

Here are 10 time management tips for freelancers:

Make a Schedule and Stick to It!

This may be the most obvious time management tip, and it is certainly the most important. We have talked about making schedules before and avoiding burnout—quite a lot actually. There are tons of time management tools and apps that can help you stay on schedule. Keeping a detailed, editable calendar (we like Google Calendar) is essential. But don’t discredit good old pen and paper, as analog to-do lists (such as bullet journals) are making a comeback in a big way!

Don’t Take on More Than You Can Handle

Under-estimate and over-deliver should be every freelancer’s motto. There is only so much you can do in a given day. As long as you stick to your schedule and analyze your own productivity, you should have no problem knowing exactly what you can and cannot do. Use this information to negotiate deadlines and plan your day.

Estimate Your Time Generously

This goes hand-in-hand with the previous tip, and it goes not only for negotiating deadlines with your clients but also how you schedule your day. You should know approximately how long it will take you to complete a task, so give yourself a little more time to ensure that it is done properly or provide a buffer in case something unexpected comes up. Any leftover time can be put to good use elsewhere.

Make the Most of the ‘In-Between Time’

Get out of a meeting a few minutes early, or have some time before your next phone call? Use that time to tackle small tasks on your lists, check email, or double check the rest of your schedule to make sure it is still achievable overall.

Compartmentalize

Most people procrastinate to avoid doing tough tasks. Tackling hard tasks with a full head of steam will always benefit you most. Deal with something once, and do it now. Afterward, it is off your mind and you can turn your full attention to the next (easier) task at hand. Easy tasks can start your day on a positive note or fill in times when you may feel stuck.

Gain Ground Early in the Day

They say the early bird gets the worm. Well, the early freelancer gets the work done on time. Take care of some easy tasks first. Completion (and the sense of accomplishment that comes with it) can increase your energy and establish a positive mind frame. Combined, these boosters will help set the standard for consistent forward motion on the rest of the day’s tasks.

Prioritization

Prioritization can be tricky, with lots of factors figuring in. There are hard tasks and easy ones, pending due dates and long-term projects, ones that pay more and ones that are more personally beneficial. Decide what is best for you on that day. Deadlines are typically the most important. As mentioned before, knocking out a few easy tasks first thing in the morning is always a great way to get started, but don’t fall into the trap of avoiding harder, more time-consuming tasks.

Limit Information Intake

You can never have too much information. Unfortunately, you don’t have the time to collect all of that information. After a while, a lot of research starts to yield repetitive results. So, sure, you can continue searching for that new nugget, but when you are staring down the pipe at an encroaching deadline, it may not be the best plan of action.

Same goes for daily activities. Avoid scheduling 3–4 meetings or phone calls in a row. While that may seem like an effective way to schedule things, it won’t necessarily help in the long run. After you sit back down at your desk ready to work, how well are you going to remember everything from that first meeting?

Eliminate Distractions

Everyone knows that distractions can come in many forms, especially for a freelancer–emails, social media, family members, pets, TV, your perfect comfy bed, etc. The tricky part is avoiding these dangers while working. There are a ton of apps to help you work distraction-free. But ultimately, this comes down to self-discipline. As a freelancer, you and only you are accountable for yourself. Don’t let anything distract you from that.

Don’t Overwork Yourself

Work is important, but it is not the only thing. Working late into the night or through your lunch break may be needed to hit that deadline, but it will often catch up to you in the end. If you are tired or burnt out, your work will suffer and often take longer to complete, which compounds your issues.

February 24, 2017
Meet Alison Zeringue, Director of Account Management, Search Influence

This blog is part of a series Search Influence is doing in anticipation of International Women’s Day on March 8th. We love to tout that 70% of our staff members are women and 66% of our senior management team are women, too. Far above the 20% average seen in the technology industry.

Since her start in 2011, Alison Zeringue has played a key role within the Account Management department at Search Influence. Before her start at Search Influence, she earned her B.A. in Communication from LSU and worked at a nonprofit called Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana, a cause for which she remains a passionate advocate.

Now, as the Director of Account Management, she continues to provide vital support to her team and the growth of the company. Her days at the office start early with some peaceful preparation before she leads the department morning meetings.

“I’m typically at my most productive and creative in the mornings, so I use that uninterrupted time to work on large projects that require big picture thinking, strategic planning, etc.” she said.

Once her workday ends, she is usually dancing, baking, or crafting. She also loves spending time with friends and family, and she credits her dedication and drive to her biggest supporter—her mom.

“The person I admire most is my mom. She is an incredibly strong person who’s been through a lot in her life, but she remains the anchor, holding our family together! She had a successful career as a nurse, is the mother of five children, has demonstrated what a successful marriage looks like, and meanwhile, has been the caretaker for family members in need of care,” she said.

A new mom herself, Alison can see firsthand just how hard her mom worked. Along with her family, she is happy to have great inspiration at Search Influence, watching her co-workers master motherhood and careers.

“I anticipate it being challenging, but judging from the great examples set by my kickass coworkers who are also moms, I believe Search Influence will be supportive of my personal and professional goals—just as they are now!” said Alison.

To balance the work/life routine, while also juggling first-time pregnancy, Alison always tries to make time for some zen when she leaves the office. While she knows that the “perfect balance” isn’t always attainable, she relies on the support of family and co-workers to make it through the give and take.

“I balance work and life by fully unplugging when I can, rather than trying to stay connected 24/7,” she said. “In order to do that, you need a personal productivity method and to understand your own habits and traits, like when you are most productive, so that you can prioritize appropriately. It doesn’t always work out quite that seamlessly, of course, so I have a home office setup, which helps me to get some privacy and focus when I need to put in some extra hours from home.”

Of course, the occasional spa day always helps her unwind, too. Especially as the baby bump makes toe touches pretty much impossible, she’s eager to get one last pedicure in before the big arrival day. As she prepares for the next phase in her life, it’s the perfect time to reflect on her biggest life lessons thus far. So just what would she tell her 8-year-old-self today?

“Keep being yourself, girl! Don’t be afraid to try new things—mayo is really not all that bad and, believe it or not, someday you’ll love brussel sprouts,” Alison reflected with a laugh. “Take risks every once in awhile and get into some more trouble!”

Speaking of spa days, do you know a hardworking woman like Alison that deserves recognition? Search Influence is giving away a day at the spa to the hardest working New Orleans woman. If you know an amazing woman who either owns her own business or works 40+ hours making a difference at a New Orleans business, please click here and nominate her. A winner will be announced on March 8th, International Women’s Day.

February 22, 2017
Freelance Friday: Freelance Burnout and 10 Ways to Prevent It

This blog is part of our Freelance Friday series, where we discuss everything and anything related to freelancing. If you are a freelance writer and are looking for additional work, consider applying at Search Influence.

Freelancing may seem like an easy, carefree gig to those not in-the-know. You get to work when and where you want and are free to do whatever you want at the drop of a hat.

But actual freelance writers know that this is certainly not the case. Freelancing can be just as time-consuming and demanding as any office job. We, too, are prone to feeling overworked, overextended, and altogether overwhelmed.

In fact, since so much of the responsibility is placed squarely on their shoulders, many freelancers feel obligated to work and work and work long after 9–5 Monday through Friday. This can ultimately lead to freelancer burnout.

Freelancer burnout is more than just “writer’s block”—it’s something more oppressing and potentially dangerous to you and your freelancing career. Burnout can lead to a creative motivational block, which in turn, can impede your work and affect your income!

Thankfully, there are a few things freelance writers can do to avoid this breakdown. Here are 10 tips to prevent freelancer burnout!

1: Stay Organized

Organization helps in all facets of life, and freelancing is no exclusion. Know what needs to be done and when, establish priorities, keep emails in order, etc. Getting organized makes you feel proactive and sets you up for success.

2: Stick to a Schedule

Just because freelancing affords you more flexibility in your work schedule doesn’t mean you can be nonchalant and lackadaisical. An easy-to-follow plan of action will not only help you keep due dates in order and your agenda under control, but it will also help you manage the proper work-life balance needed to prevent burnout.

3: Give Yourself More Time Than You Think You Need to Finish Your Freelance Projects

You may think it takes a certain amount of time to write a blog post, but who knows what curveballs might be thrown your way. Maybe you will have trouble getting started or locating a source you know you have seen before. It’s always best to be prepared (as best you can) for the unknown.

4: Know Your Limits

Don’t overcommit. It’s easy to make promises to impress clients, but keeping those promises can be a lot more work. Don’t say yes to everything, and don’t put extra pressure on yourself to get more done or get things done quicker. You know how much you can write in a day. Get the work done on time, and most importantly, get it done well—those are the only things you should ever guarantee.

5: Set Mini Goals

It is always best to divide up larger projects into more manageable parts. In conjunction with your schedule, set up achievable milestones throughout the day, week, and month. This will give you a sense of accomplishment and help you stay on track while keeping the bigger picture in your mind.

6: Don’t Give in to Writer’s Block

Writer’s block is legit, but there are ways you can work around it. Don’t just keep plugging away and turning out pages of dribble. Put the assignment to the side and get your blood flowing—go for a walk or a run, try a new environment, write about something else. Stir your creative juices and come back to your project with a refreshed mind and reinvigorated determination.

7: Take Care of Yourself

You can’t sit in front of the computer all day. Don’t overwork yourself. As a freelancer, you are your only workforce—and you don’t get paid sick days! Eat properly and exercise. Do right by yourself and it will show in your writing. Here are 8 tips for freelancers to stay healthy and happy.

8: Switch It Up

Change is good. Whether you take your work to a new location (like the library or a coffee shop) or tackle an entirely different project, it will usually help. Remember, freelancing offers you the freedom to do things like this that other workers can’t, so take advantage of it!

9: Build a Support Network

Freelancing can be an isolated career. Without colleagues to interact with and vent work-related frustrations to, stress—and even depression—can creep into your day-to-day. Try seeking out other freelancers (there are tons of us out there) in various forums online and local meetup groups. Finding people that understand what you are going through is the best way to tackle any struggle, including burnout.

10: Reevaluate Your Freelancer Goals

Are you focused too hard on a specific niche? Then expand your horizons. Are you spreading yourself too thin? Then try honing in on what you do best. Depending on your situation, change can be liberating. Focusing your time and energy on one expertise can help you enjoy your work and find more appropriate clients, while trying new things can keep you stimulated and multi-faceted.

January 13, 2017
Search Influence Hires Two New Employees

The holiday season is off to a great start, and it’s been pretty chilly the past couple of weeks in New Orleans. However, this didn’t stop people searching for Search Influence jobs. We’ve hired two new employees to add to our team! Meet Marcus Carter and Bradley Thompson.

Marcus Carter

Marcus joined Search Influence as a Junior Technical Internet Marketing Associate. Marcus is an INTP, according to the Myer-Briggs test, a New Orleans native, and a photographer/designer. He and his friends started a business a couple of years ago called Nolagrown (@nola.grown). They produce apparel and accessories. Marcus enjoys gadgets and learning about the latest tech. He loves to eat at La Boca, drink Blueberry Mojitos from St. Joe’s Bar, watch Narcos on Netflix, and he enjoys getting a grape snoball from Hansen’s Sno-Bliz.

Bradley Thompson

Brad is our new Public Relations and Marketing Associate. He is tasked with supporting the Marketing Department as they promote and manage the Search Influence brand. He is from Knoxville, TN and is a recent transfer student from the University of Tennessee. When he’s not busy learning and growing as a marketing student, he has a predilection for the outdoors, good food, and good company.

Welcome to the Search Influence team, Marcus and Bradley!

If you believe that you represent our core values, there are still Search Influence jobs available at the moment. Submit your application today.

December 14, 2016