The volunteers of SEMpdx are what help our nonprofit organization be successful. Without the hard work and dedication of our volunteers, SEMpdx would not be able to impact our industry and community at the same level or put on the monthly and annual events that we do. So much so that SEMpdx decide
d these fantastic individuals deserved to be recognized for their above and beyond contributions to our organization.
The SEMpdx board has selected Rachel Schmidt of Upsource as our inaugural Volunteer of the Quarter in recognition of her impactful contributions to our SearchFest (now Engage conference) sponsorship efforts and much more.
Please meet Rachel Schmidt in her own words below!
What is your day job?
By day I manage the Client Services/Account Management department, as well as the Production department, at an awesome company called Upsource. I make sure our clients are happy and our products are fulfilled at a level of excellence. Essentially, if it’s not sales, I’m involved. Shout-out to the amazing Upsource team!
What is your area of expertise?
I would say my “expertise” is in improving systems and growing teams. I enjoy the challenge of identifying and solving workflow issues and streamlining processes, but I’m also very passionate about people. It’s important to me to be the kind of leader that people enjoy working with.
Why did you choose digital marketing as a career path?
Marketing of any kind was always very interesting to me, even as a kid. I love the psychology and creativity that goes into capturing a potential customer’s attention. Digital marketing specifically was something that I sort of fell into, but I truly enjoy my work and intend on furthering my career in the industry.
What advice do you have for other professionals looking to break into the digital marketing industry?
Take an entry-level position and work harder than everyone else. There’s a Mark Cuban quote I really like that says, “Work like there is someone working 24 hours a day to take it away from you,” and that type of work ethic is bound to make you stand out. I also think it’s important to not get too comfortable with where you’re at. If you stay humble and keep pushing and educating yourself, you’ll have no problem breaking into any industry you choose. If you want it, go for it!
What is your SEMpdx volunteer claim to fame?
I work for Darin Fenn, who is on the SEMpdx Board of Directors as the Sponsorship Chair. For this year’s SearchFest conference, I coordinated with all the sponsors after Darin confirmed their involvement. Together, we helped SEMpdx double the sponsorship amount from the previous year!
What is your favorite benefit of being an SEMpdx member and volunteer?
My favorite benefit is the amount of networking that takes place. There are constant opportunities to meet other people in the industry, and I would say that I’ve made lasting connections with people that extend beyond an SEMpdx event. Being a member has also allowed me to stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices.
In your opinion, what is the most memorable marketing or advertising campaign, brand or story from the past year?
This is very “Millennial” of me, but Buzzfeed has completely taken over social media. You can’t escape the top ten lists and silly quizzes that, for example, let you find out which Game of Thrones character you are (I was thrilled to get Daenerys Targaryen, by the way). I have to admit that I participate way more often than I should. It’s so dumb but entertaining!
What is the most impactful digital marketing industry trend that you’ve seen or heard about at a conference this year?
There has been a lot of discussion about the rise of artificial intelligence and machine learning based systems, especially in relation to social media. The fact that a machine has the ability to learn based on user behavior and then filter what a user sees is very impactful. Users are also becoming conditioned to seeing ads and their behavior is evolving, so we in turn have to evolve our strategies.
If you could have any other job in the world, what would it be?
I think it would be fun to work in the A&R department at a record label. Or anything that involves baby animals. 🙂
What is your favorite Portland happy hour location?
That’s tough because Portland has the best food! I would say Doug Fir, Urban Farmer and Tasty ‘n Alder, to name a few.
Where can we find you (social media platforms)?
I’m mostly on Instagram @rskyeschmidt, but you can also find me on Facebook.
Thank you, Rachel for being such a fantastic volunteer and supporter of SEMpdx!
Pease make sure to congratulate Rachel when you see her next at an event or via social media.
Anna Hutson has spent the last 10 years building companies and driving agency growth. Hutson has helped companies ranging from Fortune 500 brands to start-ups and local businesses develop strategic marketing plans, launch advertising campaigns, tell their stories through digital and social communications, solve marketing challenges and approach business growth in a unique and measurable way. In 2016, Hutson founded and launched Avenue, a marketing agency that specializes in connecting brands to their customers through creative, measurable and data-driven digital experiences.
Also active in the community, Hutson serves on the Governing Board for SMART (Start Making A Reader Today) and has served on the Board of Directors as Secretary for the Cascade Academy Foundation.