The Cool Projects I Worked For (Part 5 – Online Reputation) – Rodric Leerling

From publishing SuperBrands and CoolBrands to Online Reputation – CoolBrands People @coolbrandspeople @aroundtheworldin80brands

The Cool Projects I Worked For (Part 4 – Consumer Research)- Rodric Leerling

Having worked as a freelancer for several years now, one tends to forget how it all started and how my career choice in 2004 has defined where I am today.

MinutePoll, CoolBrands, SuperBrands, TrendBox

“I’m introducing video to support referee mentoring” – Rodric Leerling

Rodric Leerling, Leerling.biz, Sales Power Provider, RefRod, CoolBrandsPeople, Sportief Westfriesland

This weekend, the 2nd part of the football youth competition is supposed to start in the Netherlands. Since this week though, half of the nation is covered in snow and temps expected to stay below zero degrees Celsius. That part of Holland won’t play any football, that’s for sure.

But in my part, the western half, it’s frosty and snowy as well, but not all games have been cancelled yet. On the roster for tomorrow is a another new ref to accompany. It’s been a great experience ever since I finished the ref mentoring course. All the negative associations of a ref assessor don’t apply as I’m allowed to meet the ref before and afterwards. One is allowed to discuss his performance, hint on things during half time and I have even started sending video clips afterwards, showing the rookie ref what I meant in my written report.

Last week, I accompanied a relative experienced new ref – he already started five years ago – who needed a last push towards promotion. Somehow he had been neglected (his words) by the Football Assoc. I thought he did pretty well but should work on his condition and try to avoid long talks with players and coaches. I actually shot a video clip of how he took a player apart towards the end of the game, who should have been booked with a yellow card. Instead, he took him apart and said something (no gestures) and walked back slowly to the free kick spot, where the fouled team was waiting for the restart. Who’s time was being wasted here?

He was very grateful, not only for the positive report, but more so for the practical tips and, of course a novelty, receiving actual video proof of his performance and items to work on. I hope more mentors will start using their phones, not only to record your thoughts, but also to shoot quick clips.

 

“I love networking” – Rodric Leerling

Even with today’s social media tools all switched on, freelancers still need to meet and speak to people in person. At least once a month, half a day of meetings works best for me. Listening how others are doing, pick up new ideas, connect with other people or get introduced.

It happened to me yesterday and it felt great, as always. After a quick update on my status, I shared a new business idea with my first business friend and got some constructive feedback. He offered me a publishing project to run. Another network partner shared a great new social media concept. Confidential, so it wil stay that way, no need for an NDA. An on-the-spot brainstorm lead to the invitation to take on the business development in my international network.

I then met a business friend whom I could ask for an offer to develop an publishing app for another partner. To finish off with a former colleague for a drink, gossip a little about our latest project, and return encouraged with ideas to brood on. At home, I started connecting to new LinkedIn company sites, following new Tweeps and responding to the business proposals. Making choices soon. Stay tuned.