How to Find Innovative, Smart People (hint: be innovative and smart)

It takes a lot to impress me when it comes to marketing and social media campaigns.  I think a lot of it has to do with the level of ingenuity and creativity on the backend; and most importantly, what you’re selling matters.  A lot.  That’s why when Murphy Goode, a Sonoma(west of the Russian River, to be exact) area winemaker went on the hunt for a new “Lifestyle Wine Country Correspondent” (what a job title), they decided to take a very nontraditional approach to their search.  Launching “A Really Goode Job,” Murphy Goode invited applicants from around the country to submit video diary-style job applications as to why they would make the perfect candidate for what they deemed “The Wine Country Dream Job.” 

But along with the request for videos, they launched a social media campaign of epic proportions.  A Really Goode Job news was tweeted, retweeted, blogged, posted on Facebook, Wine 2.0 – and a few ambitious applicants created blogs to showcase their effort to try to land the gig.   To top it all off, they allowed everyone to view the video applications (currently over 500) and vote on who they liked.

So yes – they marketed the hell out of this thing and it certainly paid off.  But the key here is that the job?  Well, it really is a dream job for anyone who is passionate about wine and social media.   Among other things, one of the job responsibilities includes “Exploring the vineyards of Murphy-Goode and surrounding areas and discovering what the Sonoma County Wine Country has to offer, from well-known destinations to off-the-beaten-path spots.”  So….drinking wine?  Hmm.  They go onto to detail the compensation –

If you are chosen, you will be housed in a deluxe private home in the heart of Wine Country, within walking distance to our tasting room on Healdsburg Square. In addition, you’ll be paid a salary of $10,000 a month (U.S.) for the six-month contract. You’ll receive return airfare to your hometown, accommodations and transport in Sonoma County, travel insurance for the contract period, computer, internet, PDA, and digital and still camera access.

Sure it’s a temporary job – but WOW. 

The last day to throw your hat in was Friday but kudos to Murphy Goode on pulling out all the stops, getting some great publicity and hopefully hiring an extremely qualified candiate.  They certainly deserve it.

Posted by: Ashley / follow me on Twitter