Who says marketing is only for enterprises? Check out how this digital officer marketed himself after a high-profile layoff!

Monday: MicroBusiness and Marketing Marvels FROM THE DESK OF MILES EVERSON: Every Monday, I feature personalities who have become widely known in the business and marketing industry. And while I’ve been highlighting entrepreneurs and marketers behind some of the most successful marketing campaigns for enterprises in the past weeks, today I’d like to talk about a unique case. Allow me to share with you today the story of Sree Sreenivasan, a former digital officer who effectively marketed himself after experiencing a high-profile layoff. Are you ready? Check out his remarkable and unusual story below and see how his insights can help you strengthen your brand in the independent career path. CEO, MBO Partners Chairman of the Advisory Board, The I Institute

Who says marketing is only for enterprises? Check out how this digital officer marketed himself after a high-profile layoff! Sree Sreenivasan: The former Chief Digital Officer of New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art When New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art hired Sree Sreenivasan as its first-ever Chief Digital Officer (CDO) in 2013, the move made it to the headlines of different media outlets. Before taking the top job, Sreenivasan was previously a technology reporter and a professor at the Columbia School of Journalism. Then, as a CDO, he brought the museum into the social media age. Sreenivasan led the creation of the museum’s first app, invited influential Instagrammers inside during closing hours to take photos of the #emptyMet, and brought the museum’s collection online via a mobile-friendly website. So, when the MET announced that Sreenivasan would leave high-profile job as part of an effort to cut costs, the move once again made it to the headlines. However, Sreenivasan had an unusual response to the news… Instead of withdrawing from social media and the public’s attention, he posted a note on his Facebook account and shared his gratitude to his bosses and team. Aside from that, he included a comment saying he’s open to any and all meetings and attached a link to a form, inviting his friends to offer advice about what he should do next. “If you want to invite me to anything, I now have time, including for meaningful cups of coffee and drinks. I’d also love to walk with anyone available. I try to walk 5 miles a day, I plan to make it 8 to 10 miles this summer.” Most of the comments on Sreenivasan’s Facebook post were effusive and congratulatory despite the circumstances. Other social media influencers who knew Sreenivasan personally endorsed his talents online and shared the news that he was available. Clearly, we can see here how Sreenivasan had taken a highly stressful situation and turned it into an opportunity. After discovering this remarkable story, I made a few more searches online regarding what happened to Sreenivasan and one of the articles I found from Quartz shared the former CDO’s insights from his experience. I would like to reiterate them here in the hope that you would also gain new knowledge, ideas, tips, and learnings as you continue your journey as an independent professional. Build your network even before you need it. As an early adopter of social media, Sreenivasan has made a practice of living publicly for over a decade. He tweets to his 76,000+ followers on Twitter and offers his “SreeTips” to journalists via Facebook, Tumblr, and a podcast. This made sharing the big news on his Facebook account look natural, rather than “thirsty for attention.” According to Sreenivasan, “You need to have an incredible support group and people who understand. You have to build it when you don’t need it.” If you are to apply this principle in your life, this doesn’t mean Snapping your daily commute or being online literally all the time. What this means is that you should keep your resumé and LinkedIn profile fresh, maintain your professional contacts, and be generous with your time and advice. It’s okay to be vulnerable sometimes. Sreenivasan displayed no false optimism about his experience. He even said it felt like he was at his own funeral during his last days as CDO. However, the 300+ responses he received on his online form felt like a “giant digital hug” for him. Sreenivasan said, “It just tells you how nice people are, and how much they want to help you.” The main takeaway for this? Don’t worry about trolls. Instead, amplify your fans. It’s okay to be vulnerable sometimes because that shows you that you’re human… but you also have to trust your friends in the process. Control the narrative by setting it free. According to Sreenivasan, showing vulnerability doesn’t necessarily worsen a situation. Oftentimes, it’s the contrary: By showing vulnerability, you allow yourself to share and control the narrative of your story. The benefits of this kind of response usually outweigh the risks you could get. Be open to meetings and advice. “I’m meeting everybody.” This was what Sreenivasan said when he got the news that he only has 30 days left as CDO of New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. Instead of the usual response to just stay away from the spotlight and shy away from everybody after receiving such stressful news, Sreenivasan did the opposite: He drew near to people and publicly announced that he’s willing to welcome anybody who would like to talk or walk with him. How many people would you see react this way in the midst of a negative situation? Sreenivasan is just one of a few of them! There’s no shame in accepting tons of meetings with different kinds of people―especially when your schedule calendar is suddenly made free. Besides, you never know… one of these meetings might lead you to a bigger opportunity to improve your craft and enhance your skills! Sreenivasan’s story is a good example to demonstrate how showing appropriate vulnerability, building and maintaining a professional network, and being open to meetings and advice can turn a low situation into a big opportunity. Remain optimistic in the midst of a challenging situation. This will help you maintain a clear mind and calm composure to respond to the circumstance appropriately. Hope you’ve found this week’s insights interesting and helpful. Follow us on LinkedIn. Stay tuned for next Monday’s MicroBusiness Marvels! Drew Hendricks is an experienced social media strategist and a tech and environment enthusiast. Learn more about Drew Hendricks and the importance of a happy work environment on next week’s MicroBusiness and Marketing Marvels!