#TheGroundFloor
A professional development blog by Andrew Exler. Highlighting experiences, wisdom, success stories, failures and everything in-between.
Interested in being a guest contributor?
Email Andrew at andrew@andrewexler.com!
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Time Management Tips: A Guide for Professionals
An important skill set to own in your life is your time management. Whether you're running a business, climbing the corporate ladder, or chasing your dreams, mastering your time can be the key to success in both your professional and personal life.
As someone who took a risk when I started my own business in 2019, I know firsthand the chaotic world of deadlines, meetings, and endless to-do lists. I pride myself on my time-management and organization skills and am happy to share a few tips to help you master this yourself.
Why Every Business Needs Social Media
The digital world offers a glass ceiling full of growth opportunities in the rapidly evolving business landscape. As businesses, nonprofits, and individual professionals strive to make their presence known in a competitive marketplace, the imperative of establishing a social media presence has gone from an option to a non-negotiable necessity. This does not mean every business or organization needs an overly robust presence, but they should maintain some presence on more popular platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. Of course, platform selection is highly dependent on your target audience, but you get the gist.
In this edition of #TheGroundFloor, I share the simple, straightforward reasons why every business, regardless of size or industry, should conscientiously maintain a strategic and purposeful presence across social media platforms.
Social Media 101 for C-Suite Executives: Why It Matters & Getting Started
This one is for the C-Suite Executives and major decision-makers. If you don’t fall into that category (just yet), but you understand the importance of social media for a business, pass this along to the right person.
To the C-Suite Executives & Decision Makers of the world, in this edition of #TheGroundFloor, I feel compelled to share something that might not be on your radar but absolutely should be: social media. I understand that for many of you, the world of hashtags, likes, and posts may not seem too important and far removed from the core focus of your business. However, I'm here to show you why social media is a crucial tool for your brand and why hiring the right professional in this domain is a smart move. So, let's dive into Social Media 101!
How To Manage A Crisis On Social Media
The significance of a well-prepared crisis management plan for your marketing team (or the individual who manages your online presence) cannot be overstated. It becomes even more critical when it involves safeguarding your brand's reputation on social media during turbulent times. Whether you're dealing with a global crisis or a situation unique to your business, the insights shared in this edition of #TheGroundFloor will prove invaluable.
In a fast-paced digital age where information spreads like wildfire, the consequences of a crisis can be harsh and unforgiving. But don't worry, I am here to help you navigate this turbulent landscape with empathy and a bit of lightheartedness, if appropriate.
What I Learned After 1 Year In Business
Andrew Exler Consulting was “officially” launched 1 year ago.
On paper, I have had the most successful year of my career, but that was not my goal in year 1. I knew my first full-year in business would be filled with peaks & valleys. I knew I would experience great wins, while also preparing myself to know that not everything would go as planned. I gave myself “cushion” to fail, understanding that when you fail, the only way to go is up.
As I look back on year 1 and prepare for year 2, here are a few things I learned along the way.
3 Tips To Maximize Your LinkedIn Presence
I believe LinkedIn is the most under-utilized social media tool we have in our society. Besides health and family, your professional network is the most valuable asset you have.
There are many ways to be successful on LinkedIn & maximize your presence. There is no scientific data to guarantee your success, only personal experience and analytical data which can provide guidance.
Here are my top 3 tips to maximize your LinkedIn presence.
Inbound Marketing Can Save Your Job Hunt: Guest Contributor, Kushaan Shah
“It was frustration in my last job search that led me to a new realization: I didn’t have to just rely on cold outreach or applications and wait for someone to see my resume to show that I had value. I could somehow bring people to me, build awareness and make noise - in other words, how marketing teams employ inbound marketing.”
#TheGroundFloor welcomes Kushaan Shah, where he discusses how inbound marketing can salvage your job hunt.
Kushaan is currently a growth marketer at a digital health company, Livongo and is based out of San Francisco, California. A University of Maryland graduate, Kushaan has spent most of his career in tech, with experiences spanning consulting, product, and various marketing roles. He has been writing regularly since 2014, with his work having been featured in the Huffington Post, Washington Post, IBM’s Social Business Insights, The Almanac and more - his current interest is at the intersection of marketing, current events, and social psychology, which he writes about at his blog The Marketing Mind Meld.
Seven Important Qualities For Young Entrepreneurs: Guest Contributor, Myles Cutler - FRY'D Brands
What qualities make a great entrepreneur? #TheGroundFloor is thrilled to welcome guest contributor, Myles Cutler, for this week’s edition to discuss how he became a CEO while still being a college student.
Myles is the CEO of FRY’D Brands and a fellow Ohio University Bobcat. Growing up, Myles always had a huge passion for business and sports, so once he visited and heard about the sports management program at Ohio University he knew that he had to become a Bobcat. Myles is now 22 years old beginning his senior year at Ohio University while also working full-time as the CEO of his own quick service brand, FRY'D!
I am very excited to welcome Myles to #TheGroundFloor!
Livin The Dream, Featuring Matt Scoletti (Podcast Edition!)
Life shouldn't be easy.
It’s important to own & celebrate your failures. If you can accept failing, you have already taken a step towards success.
Ask for help. Learn every step of the way.
This edition of #TheGroundFloor is exciting as it is the first podcast edition. I’m thankful to my friend, Matt Scoletti, for having me on his podcast called “Livin The Dream”.
In this podcast we talk about:
What it takes to be happy
Esports (& Lost Tribe Esports)
Depression
Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh
My New Summer
Life
& more!
Enjoy this week’s edition of #TheGroundFloor!
Win at Work with a Coach’s Mindset: Tyler Pepe, COO, My New Summer
Have you ever had a coach of some sort in your life? Have you ever been a coach? There are opportunities to take those experiences & transfer them into your professional life.
Guest Contributor, Tyler Pepe is a Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer at the start-up nonprofit, My New Summer. Before COVID-19 impacted the world and changed his plans, Tyler was completing graduate work in Organizational Behavior and Development at the Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya in Israel. While abroad Tyler served as Head Coach and Captain of the undefeated Herzliya Stars in the inaugural season of the Israel Lacrosse League. Prior to this Tyler spent 5 years as a Regional Director at BBYO.
I am very excited to welcome Tyler to #TheGroundFloor as he talks about winning at work
Should I Feel Guilty For Taking A Vacation From Work?
Are you allowed to take a vacation from work? Is this something you should be guilted over?
As times have changed and remote working environments are becoming normal for many businesses, separating work from personal life has become more & more difficult. Many employers believe that since their employee is working from home, or can easily access their “office” from their computer, that they need to be working productively at every moment possible. This has certainly created a negative stigma around time-off, vacations and even tracking your hours since it is so difficult to step-away from work.
Luckily, I have a great network on LinkedIn & Twitter who provided some great advice.
Job-Searching Tips During A Pandemic: Guest Contributor, Jacob Hollander
The #COVID19 pandemic has completely altered the landscape of employment around the globe. Many individuals have been laid-off or furloughed from their jobs. At this time, the hiring field is extremely competitive and many people could use some assistance.
#TheGroundFloor is thrilled to welcome guest contributor, Jacob Hollander, a recent graduate from the University of Central Florida Master’s program in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, for this week’s edition as he shares his best job-searching tips during a pandemic.
If You Love What You Do, It Won't Feel Like Work
If you’ve been following along to my business endeavors recently, you may think that things are moving a mile a minute for me. That’s because they are. Busy is a good thing.
The last 7 months of my life have been something I have strived for my entire professional career. I always wanted to have the independence to do what I thought was right, especially as it relates to my business & my professional choices. Currently, I am essentially working in three full-time roles with Andrew Exler Consulting, Lost Tribe Esports & My New Summer. The decision to take my career in this direction is one of the best decisions I have ever made.
Enjoy this week’s post in #TheGroundFloor to learn how I got here!
What Does It Take To Start A Personal Brand? Guest Contributor, Ethen Ostroff
#TheGroundFloor is thrilled to welcome guest contributor, Ethen Ostroff, aka “The TikTok Lawyer”, for this week’s edition.
With over 212,000 followers and more than 6 MILLION likes on TikTok, Ethen has built his strong personal brand utilizing social media while continuing his full-time role as an Associate at Ostroff Law.
I am very excited to welcome Ethen to #TheGroundFloor as he shares his story where he discusses what it takes to start a personal brand.
Be Careful Choosing Who Manages Your Social Media
Have you ever wondered who the people are behind your favorite business or brand account on social media? It is essential to have the perfect person running your account. There is so much that goes in to running a social media account (well), that it’s easy to forget the work it takes to be GREAT!
In partnership with Growth10 (G10), I am happy to present my next collaboration with Co-Founder, Tom Healy, where we discuss why it is ESSENTIAL that you are careful in selecting who is running the social media account(s) for your business. Growth10 is the #1 community for entrepreneurs and as their mission states, Growth10 wants to help entrepreneurs grow faster and have a greater impact on the world. As part of your G10 membership, you will be providing a needs-based scholarship for an entrepreneur to be in the G10 Community. I am a proud member & contributor of the Growth10 community and I invite you to test it out with a 7-day free trial! You won’t regret it!
Enjoy this week’s video blog!
From Seed to Startup: Guest Contributor, Sam Rose
Do you want to make a bad day good, and a good day great? Introducing, Rosebud Ice Cream! #TheGroundFloor is thrilled to welcome guest contributor, Sam Rose, for this week’s edition!
Sam is the Founder & “Cream Executive Officer” of Rosebud Ice Cream, based out of Denver, Colorado. In the new world of CBD, Rosebud is innovating with CBD-infused ice cream.
I am very excited to welcome Sam to #TheGroundFloor as he shares his story where he took an idea and turned it into a reality!
3 Things Small Businesses Can Do RIGHT NOW To Improve Social Media
Social media doesn’t need to be intimidating. There are a few simple things to focus on to improve your social media RIGHT NOW!
In partnership with Growth10 (G10), I am happy to present my next collaboration with Co-Founder, Tom Healy, discussing 3 things that small businesses can do RIGHT NOW to improve on social media. As their mission states, Growth10 wants to help entrepreneurs grow faster and have a greater impact on the world. Enjoy this week's blog which includes a video conversation with Tom, as well as a link for a FREE 7-day trial with Growth10!
As part of your G10 membership, you will be providing a needs-based scholarship for an entrepreneur to be in the G10 Community. I am a proud member & contributor of the Growth10 community and look forward to providing more excellent content for Tom and the G10 family!
Why Former Summer Camp Staff Will Be Your Best Employees
Our society is continuing to face a pandemic that we never imagined we could experience. Sadly, this means that summer camps around North America have started to announce that they are cancelling their summers due to COVID-19. I’ll say this with full confidence - camp counselors will make the best employees.
Introducing “My New Summer: An Alternative Summer Experience for Camp Staff”. Once I heard about the possibility of camps being cancelled this summer, I was heartbroken. I began to think about the thousands of staff members who have had their summer plans abruptly changed. Now, I want to help and I ask you to join me.
Are you one of those staff members currently trying to figure out new plans for summer 2020? Are you looking for a job, internship or a mentor to talk to? Go to www.mynewsummer.com and fill out the information form to be connected to other like-minded individuals who will do their best to help you find your place this summer and beyond. Make sure to join the LinkedIn group!
Are you hiring or looking to help? Whether you are looking to hire for a full-time position or a seasonal job, please join the My New Summer LinkedIn group to connect with thousands of individuals looking for assistance.
Right now, the best thing we can do is help each other. No strings attached. Let’s act quickly to make this work for everyone. Please contact me with questions at andrew@andrewexler.com.
5 Mistakes Small Businesses Make on Social Media
In partnership with Growth10 (G10), I am happy to present my next collaboration with Co-Founder, Tom Healy, discussing 5 mistakes that small businesses make on social media. You may recall our last piece, “Why Your Business Should Be On Social Media”. Growth10 is the #1 community for entrepreneurs and as their mission states, Growth10 wants to help entrepreneurs grow faster and have a greater impact on the world. Enjoy this week's blog which includes a video conversation with Tom, as well as a link for a FREE 7-day trial with Growth10!
As part of your G10 membership, you will be providing a needs-based scholarship for an entrepreneur to be in the G10 Community. I am a proud member & contributor of the Growth10 community and look forward to providing more excellent content for Tom and the G10 family!
How I Started to Grow and Develop as a Professional: Guest Contributor, David Green
#TheGroundFloor is thrilled to welcome guest contributor, David Green, for this week’s edition! David is a Senior Account Executive with the Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Join David for this week’s blog post where he discusses, “the beauty in the process”, as he details his journey to growth, both personally & professionally.