The University of Texas at Austin set to hire first Director of Digital Strategy

Today, The University of Texas at Austin announced it will hire its first Director of Digital Strategy.  This fantastic opportunity will help shape UT and higher ed's digital future.  The purpose of the position is to develop the University's primary web, social media and mobile strategy for internal and external audiences.


To view the job description and/or apply, go to the HRMS site.

What Starts Here Changes The World.

How I Deal with Cedar Allergies

Easy Breather by Herbalogic

If you have cedar allergies (aka cedar fever) you know it's one of the worst allergies to have.  In central Texas, my cedar allergies are out of control November to March. After living with cedar fever for the last five or so years, I've come up with the following tips that help me stay sane.

Just before the season begins, most allergists have suggested I start just before the pollen counts spike in November.  I begin taking two things daily: Zyrtec (or it's generic over-the-counter equivalent) and my new love - Herbalogic's Easy Breather.  Herbalogic was recommended to me by my local Whole Foods store.  It's worked wonders so far!

As the cedar season hits full swing, I begin adding to my aresenal to manage any flair ups. For my nose, I use CVS's maximum strength nasal spray for severe congestion.  I use it about two to three times per day.  For my eyes, I rely on Visine-A eye allergy reflief drops. I'll use these drops whenever my eyes begin to itch.  Right now, I am putting them in each morning and just before I go to bed at night. 
And, this year, I have added a nettipot to my routinue.  I think it's done wonders for my allergies.  I use a nettipot each morning. It's surprising how much it clears me up.



Other tips I follow:
- If it is windy outside, I try to avoid spending long periods of time in the wind.
- If I have spent a lot of time outside, I will take a shower when I come inside and definitely before I go to bed.  Taking a shower before you go to bed helps remove the cedar pollen and other allergens from your sheets.  Who wants to rub their face in pollen all night?!
- I don't ever open my windows when the cedar count is high.
- I try to wash my hands more frequently to avoid spreading pollen to my eyes when I touch them with my hands.

My Routine:
- Morning: nettipot, eye drops, nasal spray, easy breather
- Mid-morning: easy breather (if I think I need it)
- Lunch: nasal spray (if I am congested)
- Mid-afternoon: easy breather
- Nighttime: eye drops, nasal spray, easy breather, Zyrtec


What helps you get through cedar fever in Austin and central Texas?
YNN's Allergy Forecast
My Allergiest - Dr. Otto

Disclaimer: Since I am not a medical professional, consult with one first.

CareerCONNECTS: 02/11/2011

"It's about people and connections."

This Friday, the second annual CareerCONNECTS will be hosted in Austin, TX at the Hill Country Bible Church, home of the Austin Job Seeker's Network.  The man behind-the-scenes, Bryan Chaney of Novotus and Reaching Talent, has put together an action-packed day from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a happy hour to conclude the day.


Bryan's put together a great day that includes:
- Speaker Topic Panels: Your Social Media Brand, Going Solo, Getting the Experience, Recruiter Roundtable (yours truly will be on this panel!)
- Learning Sessions: Taming the Transition, Nuts & Bolts of Networking, Setting Realistic Goals, Leveraging Relationships
- Action Plans: LinkedIn 101, Facebook, Twitter, Local Support Groups

Here's the full 2011 schedule. And, I promise the speaker line-up is top-notch!  Even Mashable says it's #11 on their 100+ Upcoming Social Media/Tech Events.

Hope to see you Friday!  And, please come find/Tweet at me!


Twitter hashtag for the event: #CCA11

Update: Here's a Keepstream recap of the event. 

Fado Irish Pub Email: "Irish Response to Winter Weather"

This past week I received one of the best "calls-to-action" e-mails.

Austin was in a "deep" freeze, rolling blackouts were hitting the City and a number of businesses were closing. What did this mean? Lots of residents were going to be out-of-the-office. (I wasn't one of the lucky ones.) But, that's when Fado Irish Pub sent this well-written, action-enticing e-mail.




What did I think was great about this e-mail?

- It was timely sent.  As Austin experienced cold weather and blackouts, Fado went to action, capturing a unique opportunity with customers who may be looking for an excuse to get out of the house.

- Fado told us they were ready.  They had the kitchen up, the bartender (listed her by name) was ready and they told us hot drinks were ready to sip.

- They gave us a link to their winter drink menu.

- They told us several soccer games were coming up that afternoon and listed the schedule.

- And, a departing look at another great, hot drink.

Why wouldn't you want to go to Fado's after that?

A well-written, call-to-action e-mail makes an immediate impact with your customers and clients.  It was timely and filled with information that could meet the needs a customer would likely have that day.

I hope to receive more e-mails from Fado's and others in the future. It felt that Fado's knew my interest and were ready to help. (And, they didn't even offer a special!)

Austin (ATX) Snow Day

It snowed here today in Austin.  Here's a look at the photos I took today on The University of Texas at Austin campus.

For a larger view, click on the slideshow.

Using Social Media to Stay Connected During University of Texas at Austin Emergency

What a day. Today, I was working at The University of Texas at Austin when a student killed himself on-campus. There were many lessons learned from this experience but the ability to share information in real-time through social media proved invaluable.


When I arrived on campus today, I saw several UT police officers - sirens going - race past me heading south toward to the middle of campus. I felt it was unusual but did not give it much thought beyond any emergency that needed police attention. After arriving to my office, I poured myself a cup of coffee and received a text message alert from the University notifying us that there was a gunman on campus at the PCL - one of our largest libraries.


My immediate reaction was to let my family know of the situation, so I sent them a group text. And, my next thought was to alert others through my Twitter and Facebook accounts.  I knew folks would be impacted with the information if they had not received it already. We were in a lockdown. A social media firestorm began...


Retweets on Twitter started and Facebook comments were next. Many people I share my social media space are connected to the UT campus and had an interest in the updates.  


As I received updates from the school - main campus and the law school - I began sharing what information I had.  I also shared information I had from other colleagues who I was connected with on Facebook and Twitter. 


I found myself connecting with lots of people on Twitter who had concerns for loved ones on campus and sought information.  Lots of questions came in and I began to share information I had. 


Twitter makes it easy to connect quickly around an event using hashtags -- #UTshooting and #UTshooter quickly emerged as the tags folks were using.  I mainly used #UTshooting. Twitter connected the campus and its community beyond the 40 acres.  People were sharing information at rapid speed.  Shortly after I began tweeting retweets (RTs) were pouring in - after 600 I stopped keeping track. People yearned for more information at the very critical time for many on campus. 


I soon received an email from Carson Daly's producer in Los Angeles that works on his morning radio show. Soon thereafer we spoke on the phone about the events and what I was experiencing at the time.  Next came a phone call from a New York City radio station -- I still do not remember who it was. Things were moving so fast -- tweets, Facebook comments, texts to friends and family. Next came a message from a Twitter follower who wanted me to call into Fox 7 Austin.  I spoke live on their TV broadcast of the situation. People began sending tweets and Facebook messages that they were seeing me on TV. Even co-workers were seeing it offices away.  I then received a few messages that people were hearing me on the Bobby Bones morning show on 96.7 KISS-FM ... well, they weren't "hearing" me, Bobby Bones was reading my tweets to his listeners. Next came messages that Good Morning America was interested in speaking but I'm still not sure that's accurate. Lastly, tonight I was messaged by the San Antonio NBC affiliate for a TV interview on social media and its use in emergency situations.  


From radio to TV, from West coast to East coast, the power of social media is real. It's a platform that extends all boundaries and allows many people to share and learn information instantly.  It's also a platform that gives a voice to many. 


It's relieving to know that no one was injured in this shooting and hope that social media and mass communication tools; e.g. text messaging, emails and sirens UT used, played a significant role in keeping people safe and informed. Information is power.

Twitter Teaches and Lessons Learned

I'm not sure what you'd classify as a milestone on Twitter, but when I crossed 1,000 followers this past weekend I wanted to reflect on the experience and identify what I've learned.


Twitter is the real deal. You can make connections. You can make meetings happen. And, you can learn anything you want. Seriously.


When I first joined Twitter in December 2009 I was timid – to say the least – about who I should follow and what was I supposed to do when someone followed me. I was taking this on for a work assignment (yeah, I was a Twitter-basher prior, too). And, I couldn't figure out why some people hit the follow button but I wasn't sure I wanted to follow them back.


Lesson One. Just follow back. It'll be o.k. I promise. No one bites. (Well, maybe, the spammers do. But, I hope you can figure who those folks are.) You might say, Drew, why the heck do I want to follow someone who tweets about growing bananas and I only care about growing apples? My reply – you might not know what you'd learn from this person … and if they are in your region or city, there's a great chance you could meet up and with almost certainty they know others in your area you should know too. Twitter can be for expanding your reach but I tend to find more success with people in my own city. Somehow seems more real – or realistic that you'll meet. I wanna be connected to everyone in Austin, for sure. And, if following this person/entity is sooo bad, then unfollow later. I've gotten to the point where you know exactly what someone is going to tweet and if you like them, just maybe not their content, it's pretty easy to gloss over the tweet.


Lesson Two. Follow lots of different people – not just the 'experts'. (Even though I strongly encourage you to follow/watch what experts do, look to everyone. Many people don't give great bios/info on themselves so I get that sometimes it's a shot-in-the-dark.  Look to follow others that people you follow are tweeting about/with.) Not only is it not a richer experience, there are many things to learn from folks in fields other than your own. And, you might be surprised to find how many people are really just like you. I've been able to offer advice (I use this term loosely. :)) to folks in other areas and they to me. You can learn lots.


Lesson Three. Engage. You gotta, gotta, gotta give your “hellos” out. Don't be shy. Respond to someone's post. Offer help, if asked...and sometimes when they don't. If you are following someone and they don't follow you back. RT them, comment on their post, tell them why you followed. This builds a connection (lots of “shy” folks it seems...aka humble?) and usually you can get a follow-back. I love building 'tweetships' with others. Tons of funny, great folks out there. Had no idea!


Lesson Four. Add Value. How do you think you should add value? Eh, I don't have the easy answer but I look to be helpful by engaging, being humorous at times, commenting and also tweeting content that's helpful to me and I think others would find valuable. I read dozens of blogs daily and usually tweet at least one post I've read that day. It could be anything from tech, to personal development, to branding, to leadership, to The University of Texas, all-things-Austin to the random humor post. Mix it up...helps people get to know you and sort of expect what they will get when they see your tweets. I'm not a fan of only tweeting about 'x' when the world is 'a' to 'z'. 


Lesson Five. Meet up. If you're engaging with others you'll be following folks who tweet about tweetups, lunches, other meetings. You'll find something you want to go to...then go! You'll have fun and it's exciting to meet people in real life that you've been tweeting with. And, you can't even imagine how much stronger your Twitter relationships become. If you're in Austin, the #BATHH (Big Ass Twitter Happy Hour) is a happy hour I knew I needed to attend after seeing tons of folks tweeting about it....and I was right. Lots of awesomeness at this event.


Lesson Six. Join chats. Those # thingys you see. Do searches for industry-specific chats or any topic you want to be connected to. Great way to meet new folks and learn more about something you care about. Fun way to connect. The sky's really the limit. There was a law job chat started last week...can you imagine the help students are getting from attorneys all over the Twittersphere? Connecting is powerful.


These are just a few things that come to mind that have been helpful to me. I love connecting, learning more from others and expanding what it means to be a community.


What lessons have you taken away from using Twitter? Do share!


Wanna connect? @drewcarls

CityWorks Academy: Quick Reflections

As I sat down at my desk for the first time in a week, I caught glimpse of my CityWorks Academy photos graciously sent by the talented Communications and Public Information Office at the City of Austin.  It reminded me of the power of taking action, engaging your community, personal and professional development and the important work the City of Austin does for its citizens.  Don't underestimate how important your community leaders are.  Keep engaging them to create the best city for all citizens.


Here's some quick photos I snapped from my iPhone:
1. City Manager Marc Ott, Me, and Mayor Lee Leffingwell [photo]
2. The Inaugural CityWorks Academy 2009 Class (incredible group of people) [photo] 
3. Certificate of Graduation signed by Mayor Leffingwell [photo]


And, the City now delivers many of its meetings via online video.  If interested, take a look at the video on demand.  CityWorks Academy is mentioned at 12:35 and I'm introduced at 24:10.


Again, I do not have enough good things to say about the openness of the CityWorks Academy and hope more cities and more Austinites take the opportunity to learn and engage.

Austin: Help Set Affordable Housing Priorities

In 2006, Austin voters approved $55 million for affordable housing. Of that $55 million, there is now about 24 percent left and the City wants your input and feedback.

Austinites, take this opportunity to engage the City.

There are several ways to provide input to the City of Austin Neighborhood Housing and Community Development Office.

(1) Take the survey: online or visit any public library for a hard copy.
(2) Provide a written comment to Kelly Nichols.
(3) Attend the Community Development Commission Public Hearing on Thursday, January 7 from noon to 2 p.m. at City Council Chambers.

For more information, visit NHCD Web site.

CityWorks Academy: Connecting Austin Citizens and City Government

I had the opportunity (and privilege) of being one of 30 Austin citizens selected to participate in the inaugural CityWorks Academy.  What an experience!  It was an inside-look at how the City serves Austin and the innovation that comes from city services.

The CityWorks Academy Web site describes the program as: "...an inside look at Austin government - a unique opportunity for Austin residents to learn about the City’s governmental processes, its procedures and the people who deliver these services. Participants will learn about the A to Z of City operations, from aviation to zoning. Be informed and involved, and join others who help keep our community strong by actively participating in City affairs."

The 30 Academy members learned much more than can be described but Austin leads in a number of areas including using waste water and yard wastes to make Dillo Dirt.  Dillo Dirt is so safe that it can be used in vegetable gardens since it is given an "unrestricted use" rating!


The City has posted the 10-week course materials online now.  Check them out.

Get involved in City government, stay involved.