Connect
http://www.poppermostcommunications.com
https://www.facebook.com/poppermostcommunications
http://www.twitter.com/PopWriting
Education
San Diego State - Associate's in Marketing + Bachelor in English Literature
Anita Williams Weinberg had a problem most people dream of: the challenge of choosing between two excellent job offers. But rather than limiting herself to the obvious option "A" or option "B," Anita created a third choice. She pitched the hiring managers on the idea of taking her on as a consultant, and then launched Poppermost Communications.
While Anita's technical title is "Principal, Poppermost Communications," she says in day-to-day life, she's "not that fancy." Instead, she describes herself as a "really good content strategist and copywriter," who specializes in digital marketing content for the technology industry. We love her five-year plan (Hint: one option involves George Clooney), and are curious to see if anyone can meet the challenge she floats at the end to name the origins of Poppermost's moniker.
Help everyone, and they will help you. We’ve all got to have each other’s backs.
How did you discover your current job?
I created it myself! I had been working as a writer and marketer and was looking for “the next great thing.” I ended up having TWO fantastic job offers, and didn’t want to turn either of them down, so I pitched the hiring managers on taking me on as a consultant, and Poppermost Communications was born!
What is your typical day like? What types of things do you do in your job?
My typical day starts out with getting the kids ready and out the door for school. Sometimes when I am working with an international client however, I’m up at a crazy-ridiculous hour for a conference call before feeding the kids. Over the course of a day, I may do things like attending a new product demo for a hot startup, developing messaging frameworks for technology behemoths, writing customer success stories for an international product launch, building Web landing pages for tech industry events, or blogging and tweeting up a storm for a social media client.
What is the most rewarding part of your job? The most challenging?
The thing I like the most is having an insider’s view of cool new technologies as they’re being developed, whether they are from tech giants that everybody knows, or scrappy startups that could change the world. The most challenging can be when I have to learn a lot about a complex technology in a very short timeframe.
What is the biggest personal sacrifice you have to make because of your job?
In the earlier years of my business, a regular, predictable paycheck was something I had to get used to living without. It was stressful sometimes. Now that my business is more established, it’s not as much of an issue anymore.
What is one lesson you've learned in your job that sticks with you?
Network. Network, network, network. It’s all about who you know and who they know.
What do you feel is the biggest challenge for women today, particularly females in your industry?
I have two industries, really: Tech and marketing. Fortunately, they’re both pretty woman-friendly. If you’re smart, good at what you do, and ambitious, you can make it in either sector. Opportunities are everywhere.
What keeps you awake at night?
I lie awake sometimes when I have a lot to do -- trying to “get it done” in my head overnight, when I really just need to shut it down until morning.
Who are your role models?
They fluctuate all the time -- I don’t really have any one person who has been “it” for me as a career role model. I surprise myself all the time by learning about new people with slightly rebellious takes on business. I’m an avid reader of Fast Company and Entrepreneur.
What are some of the rules you live by?
Do the right thing and help everybody you can -- if someone is looking for job leads, keep an eye out for them and provide introductions. If they have a small business and need clients, use them if you can -- and connect them with potential clients. Help everyone, and they will help you. We’ve all got to have each other’s backs.
What advice do you have for girls who want to be in your industry?
Make sure you take those Math and English classes seriously, and intern however and wherever you can. Show them what you can do, and what you can learn. Girls rock!
Where do you see yourself five years from now?
Hopefully with a business that has grown to the point that I can focus primarily on managing my brand. I love that part of the business, and as my client roster and team of writers continue to grow, I’m hoping to be able to do more of that. Or conversely, I could be having a raucous dinner with George Clooney at a private supper club on the shores of Lake Como. Either way.
What are three things you love aside from your job?
My family, my animals, and anything related to cheese or chocolate.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Wondering if anyone might be able to guess the origin of my business name. . .