Mary Rarick – Cultivating Conversations

‎Mary Rarick; Cultivating Conversations. A digital communications and content marketing strategist, trainer and social media enthusiast with an emphasis on compelling content, customer service, company culture and community management.

WHAT LED YOU TO START WORKING IN DIGITAL/MEDIA PUBLISHING?

After attending Blog World (now New Media Expo) in 2009 I began moving the print publications I was managing more purposefully into the digital space. My readers were already online; I needed to be there, too. In addition to offering opportunities to expand the brands, online platforms like Twitter were rich with article ideas, feedback and interview subjects.

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?

I scan my social networks and inbox to see if there’s anything that needs my attention before hitting the tasks identified as priorities the previous day. Mornings are my most productive time, so I tackle the most challenging items then. I take a break around noon for Pilates or a walk and lunch before heading back to the office to address lower priority items.

WHAT’S YOUR WORK SETUP LOOK LIKE?

An early Franklin-Covey adopter I now use ToodleDo to organize and prioritize my tasks by project and date. I keep meeting and project notes in Evernote and Google Docs.

WHAT DO YOU DO OR GO TO GET INSPIRED?

I’m inspired by great writing, whether it’s Sorkin’s The West Wing or Paul Kalanithi’s When Breath Becomes Air. Art and great design inspire me. Fashion.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PIECE OF WRITING OR QUOTE?

I Knew a Woman by Roethke is one of my favorite written pieces. My everyday favorite quote is by Cathie Black, former Hearst Magazines chairman and president: “Make difficult decisions sooner.”

WHAT IS THE PASSIONATE PROBLEM YOU ARE TACKLING AT THE MOMENT?

I’m currently working to raise awareness of the benefits of buying local, both goods and services.

IS THERE A PRODUCT, SOLUTION OR TOOL THAT MAKES YOU THINK IT IS A GOOD DESIGN FOR YOUR DIGITAL PUBLISHING EFFORTS?

It’s not limited to digital publishing, but one of the best tools I’ve used is a small mastermind group. Take what you’re working on, what inspires you and what you need help with, and prepare to share and help others. It’s incredibly effective.

ANY ADVICE FOR AMBITIOUS DIGITAL PUBLISHING AND MEDIA PROFESSIONALS JUST STARTING OUT?

Identify what you want. Then imagine and pretend that you already have it. Make decisions based on that. For example, if you want to be an editor, read what an editor reads; attend events an editor would attend. You will incrementally make it happen.