Wonders & Blunders: Back to the Future

Back to the Future

How was your decision-making in the 90s? It could have seriously impacted your portfolio. And what were you doing last weekend? Perhaps shedding a tear over the state of VC (and its lack of funding) or the most recent cyberattack? Maybe times had you thinking in a problem-solving state of mind like Microsoft’s president. This week, we’re headed back to the future.

Wonders & Blunders: Back to the Future

Cyber Attack Victims Want to Cry … Thanks to WannaCry 

Wonders & Blunders: Back to the Future
Wonders & Blunders: Back to the Future
Wonders & Blunders: Back to the Future Wonders & Blunders: Back to the Future
Ransomware called WannaCry paralyzed hundreds of thousands of computers last week across the globe … and lots of people could cry about it. The malware first emerged last Friday and it was reported that WannaCry had been contained by late Monday. While the initial outbreak (tantrum if you will) is over, The Wall Street Journal reports that experts are concerned about a “reignition.” 
Wonders & Blunders: Back to the Future
Wonders & Blunders: Back to the Future
Wipe Your Tears and Stop Ignoring Your Computer Updates 
Wonders & Blunders: Back to the Future
Wonders & Blunders: Back to the Future
Wonders & Blunders: Back to the Future Wonders & Blunders: Back to the Future
Turns out the WannaCry outbreak could have been prevented. Microsoft released a patch two months ago, fancy that. “But because so many companies didn’t apply it, the so-called WannaCry attack spread like cholera.” Computer updates are not the only solution Microsoft President Brad Smith is suggesting, a “Digital Geneva Convention” is what might actually save us all. As countries race to create cyber weapons, criminals are racing to steal them. A global charter to limit the creation of cyber weapons would result in less hoarding of exploits and vulnerabilities and more work with software vendors to keep systems secure. Could this be the start of broader collaboration on cybersecurity? We sure hope so.
Wonders & Blunders: Back to the Future
Wonders & Blunders: Back to the Future

Wanted: First-round VC Funding 

Wonders & Blunders: Back to the Future
Wonders & Blunders: Back to the Future
Wonders & Blunders: Back to the Future Wonders & Blunders: Back to the Future
First-round VC funding is feeling frosty in Q1 folks. Inc. reports a cool $16 billion in funding was divvied up last quarter, however only 10 percent of that went to startups seeking funding for the first time. That’s a 62 percent drop in first-time funding … deep breath. So what’s an entrepreneur to do? Successful startup founders shared their two cents and it all comes down to numbers, tone and time. Nuff said.
IN THE NEWS
America’s infrastructure is in good hands. Pavia Systems talks to the Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce about HeadLight Academy and how it’s revolutionizing the way our transportation infrastructure workforce is being trained, in and out of the classroom.
Wonders & Blunders: Back to the Future
Wonders & Blunders: Back to the Future
Wonders & Blunders: Back to the Future Wonders & Blunders: Back to the Future
1st Global EVP/Client Experience Officer Jeff Magson joins CNBC to explain why advisors should practice what they preach and offer fee diversification.
Wonders & Blunders: Back to the Future
DON’T MISS THIS
 
It’s not often in financial services that you get to be in a room full of fierce, powerful women who are changing the traditional way of doing things. Barron’s Top Independent Women Advisors Summit provides the opportunity to do just that.
Date : June 12-14, 2017
Place: Washington, D.C.
Wonders & Blunders: Back to the Future
LET’S GO FLY A CAR
Self-driving cars are so last week. Transportation technology has moved onward and upward – literally. Tech titans are looking to the skies for their next venture and we’ve got the scoop on what your next Uber could look like. 
Wonders & Blunders: Back to the Future
YOUR THOUGHTS
How often do you ignore your computer updates?
SHARE YOUR ANSWER on our social networks:
Wonders & Blunders: Back to the Future
Wonders & Blunders: Back to the Future
Wonders & Blunders: Back to the Future
Wonders & Blunders: Back to the Future

Hindsight is 20/20 

Wonders & Blunders: Back to the Future
Wonders & Blunders: Back to the Future
Wonders & Blunders: Back to the Future Wonders & Blunders: Back to the Future

Want to feel old? This week marked the 20th anniversary of Amazon’s IPO … TWENTIETH! GeekWire is asking the question, in May 1997 if you invested in Seattle real estate, or Amazon stock, what would your portfolio look like now? Spoiler alert, Amazon had nearly fifty times larger returns. Fingers crossed you bought into Amazon instead of stock in that sock puppet.

Wonders & Blunders: Back to the Future
Wonders & Blunders: Back to the Future

 

PR Assistant

San Diego, CA
Close

Our ideal candidate is a news and digital marketing junkie, who loves the thrill of pitching top-tier business media, writing a timely blog post and managing client PR & marketing campaigns. Pitching the Wall Street Journal or TechCrunch? No problem. Searching and networking for the next great speaking opportunity for a client? Of course! You live to see your clients featured in the spotlight. KCD PR is hiring a full-time Senior Associate based in San Diego or virtual (with some travel to San Diego!) to join our growing agency specializing in the financial, fintech and emerging technology industries. This position works directly on a small, collaborative team on public relations, digital marketing and social media campaigns for our diverse roster of clients across the nation in emerging categories like fintech, AI, SaaS, cybersecurity and blockchain. This position promises to offer an exciting, fast-paced work environment, access to clients and the opportunity to grow within the firm. If you enjoy rubbing elbows and supporting some of the brightest names in financial and technology with brand-building public relations and marketing campaigns, we want to hear from you. We have a caring and rewarding culture and a fun work environment – we work as hard as we play!  Expect a fast paced day and plenty of opportunity to shine and be rewarded for your hard work.

What You Will Be Doing at KCD PR:
•  Key contact for clients, supporting daily communications for 5-7 key client accounts
•  Partnering with other KCD PR team members on content creation and support of collateral materials and client events
•  Key role on agency marketing initiatives – creating company newsletter, blog content and digital PR and marketing campaigns
•  Participates in day-to-day media monitoring of client and industry news
•  Creating press releases, fact sheets and various other press materials
•  Strategizing on public relations and marketing goals and objectives
•  Pitching/conversing with national business and technology media on behalf of KCD PR clients
•  Managing social media marketing content for new clients and knowledge to use Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+, Twitter and YouTube
•  E-Marketing management, blog posts and landing page content creation
•  Utilizing social media to promote client news/events updating/creating pages for clients, web content revisions for client web sites
•  Editing web site content, uploading videos, often first draft of client work

Does This Sound Like You?
(*Must meet all criteria*) Candidates with previous experience working in related roles in the financial services and technology industry will be given priority. No recent graduates will be considered.

At least 3+ Years previous PR or marketing agency experience (with technology and/or financial services clients)
Bachelor’s Degree in related field (Communications, Marketing, Finance, Business or related field)
You have proven skills of integrating and leveraging social media programs, print and broadcast media to heighten client exposure and visibility
You have a strong knowledge of the financial and technology markets and know the trends, opportunities and challenges that face many of the agency’s clients
You’re a communication guru and have a strong portfolio of writing (creative and strategic) and possess a healthy network of media contacts that have helped garner impressive results
Experience managing multiple client accounts and collaborating with a team of internal resources
Superior, proven written and oral communication skills and an obsession with detail-oriented results
Ability to speak with clients, participate on conference calls and maintain high level of professionalism and maintain confidentiality of client information
Knowledge of WordPress, basic website editing and Hubspot marketing software systems a plus (as is Hubspot certification)

Compensation:
Competitive salary based on commensurate experience, bonus program for smart goal performance, 401 (k) retirement plan with full company match and annual company profit sharing contributions, generous group health care plan options, PTO plus paid company holiday from Christmas Day through New Year’s Day, free beer, breakfast and all sorts of goodies at our awesome co-working space in Little Italy, direct deposit, mass-transit/biking incentives.

PR Assistant 2

San Diego, CA
Close

Our ideal candidate is a news and digital marketing junkie, who loves the thrill of pitching top-tier business media, writing a timely blog post and managing client PR & marketing campaigns. Pitching the Wall Street Journal or TechCrunch? No problem. Searching and networking for the next great speaking opportunity for a client? Of course! You live to see your clients featured in the spotlight. KCD PR is hiring a full-time Senior Associate based in San Diego or virtual (with some travel to San Diego!) to join our growing agency specializing in the financial, fintech and emerging technology industries. This position works directly on a small, collaborative team on public relations, digital marketing and social media campaigns for our diverse roster of clients across the nation in emerging categories like fintech, AI, SaaS, cybersecurity and blockchain. This position promises to offer an exciting, fast-paced work environment, access to clients and the opportunity to grow within the firm. If you enjoy rubbing elbows and supporting some of the brightest names in financial and technology with brand-building public relations and marketing campaigns, we want to hear from you. We have a caring and rewarding culture and a fun work environment – we work as hard as we play!  Expect a fast paced day and plenty of opportunity to shine and be rewarded for your hard work.

What You Will Be Doing at KCD PR:
•  Key contact for clients, supporting daily communications for 5-7 key client accounts
•  Partnering with other KCD PR team members on content creation and support of collateral materials and client events
•  Key role on agency marketing initiatives – creating company newsletter, blog content and digital PR and marketing campaigns
•  Participates in day-to-day media monitoring of client and industry news
•  Creating press releases, fact sheets and various other press materials
•  Strategizing on public relations and marketing goals and objectives
•  Pitching/conversing with national business and technology media on behalf of KCD PR clients
•  Managing social media marketing content for new clients and knowledge to use Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+, Twitter and YouTube
•  E-Marketing management, blog posts and landing page content creation
•  Utilizing social media to promote client news/events updating/creating pages for clients, web content revisions for client web sites
•  Editing web site content, uploading videos, often first draft of client work

Does This Sound Like You?
(*Must meet all criteria*) Candidates with previous experience working in related roles in the financial services and technology industry will be given priority. No recent graduates will be considered.

At least 3+ Years previous PR or marketing agency experience (with technology and/or financial services clients)
Bachelor’s Degree in related field (Communications, Marketing, Finance, Business or related field)
You have proven skills of integrating and leveraging social media programs, print and broadcast media to heighten client exposure and visibility
You have a strong knowledge of the financial and technology markets and know the trends, opportunities and challenges that face many of the agency’s clients
You’re a communication guru and have a strong portfolio of writing (creative and strategic) and possess a healthy network of media contacts that have helped garner impressive results
Experience managing multiple client accounts and collaborating with a team of internal resources
Superior, proven written and oral communication skills and an obsession with detail-oriented results
Ability to speak with clients, participate on conference calls and maintain high level of professionalism and maintain confidentiality of client information
Knowledge of WordPress, basic website editing and Hubspot marketing software systems a plus (as is Hubspot certification)

Compensation:
Competitive salary based on commensurate experience, bonus program for smart goal performance, 401 (k) retirement plan with full company match and annual company profit sharing contributions, generous group health care plan options, PTO plus paid company holiday from Christmas Day through New Year’s Day, free beer, breakfast and all sorts of goodies at our awesome co-working space in Little Italy, direct deposit, mass-transit/biking incentives.

PR Assistant 3

San Diego, CA
Close

Our ideal candidate is a news and digital marketing junkie, who loves the thrill of pitching top-tier business media, writing a timely blog post and managing client PR & marketing campaigns. Pitching the Wall Street Journal or TechCrunch? No problem. Searching and networking for the next great speaking opportunity for a client? Of course! You live to see your clients featured in the spotlight. KCD PR is hiring a full-time Senior Associate based in San Diego or virtual (with some travel to San Diego!) to join our growing agency specializing in the financial, fintech and emerging technology industries. This position works directly on a small, collaborative team on public relations, digital marketing and social media campaigns for our diverse roster of clients across the nation in emerging categories like fintech, AI, SaaS, cybersecurity and blockchain. This position promises to offer an exciting, fast-paced work environment, access to clients and the opportunity to grow within the firm. If you enjoy rubbing elbows and supporting some of the brightest names in financial and technology with brand-building public relations and marketing campaigns, we want to hear from you. We have a caring and rewarding culture and a fun work environment – we work as hard as we play!  Expect a fast paced day and plenty of opportunity to shine and be rewarded for your hard work.

What You Will Be Doing at KCD PR:
•  Key contact for clients, supporting daily communications for 5-7 key client accounts
•  Partnering with other KCD PR team members on content creation and support of collateral materials and client events
•  Key role on agency marketing initiatives – creating company newsletter, blog content and digital PR and marketing campaigns
•  Participates in day-to-day media monitoring of client and industry news
•  Creating press releases, fact sheets and various other press materials
•  Strategizing on public relations and marketing goals and objectives
•  Pitching/conversing with national business and technology media on behalf of KCD PR clients
•  Managing social media marketing content for new clients and knowledge to use Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+, Twitter and YouTube
•  E-Marketing management, blog posts and landing page content creation
•  Utilizing social media to promote client news/events updating/creating pages for clients, web content revisions for client web sites
•  Editing web site content, uploading videos, often first draft of client work

Does This Sound Like You?
(*Must meet all criteria*) Candidates with previous experience working in related roles in the financial services and technology industry will be given priority. No recent graduates will be considered.

At least 3+ Years previous PR or marketing agency experience (with technology and/or financial services clients)
Bachelor’s Degree in related field (Communications, Marketing, Finance, Business or related field)
You have proven skills of integrating and leveraging social media programs, print and broadcast media to heighten client exposure and visibility
You have a strong knowledge of the financial and technology markets and know the trends, opportunities and challenges that face many of the agency’s clients
You’re a communication guru and have a strong portfolio of writing (creative and strategic) and possess a healthy network of media contacts that have helped garner impressive results
Experience managing multiple client accounts and collaborating with a team of internal resources
Superior, proven written and oral communication skills and an obsession with detail-oriented results
Ability to speak with clients, participate on conference calls and maintain high level of professionalism and maintain confidentiality of client information
Knowledge of WordPress, basic website editing and Hubspot marketing software systems a plus (as is Hubspot certification)

Compensation:
Competitive salary based on commensurate experience, bonus program for smart goal performance, 401 (k) retirement plan with full company match and annual company profit sharing contributions, generous group health care plan options, PTO plus paid company holiday from Christmas Day through New Year’s Day, free beer, breakfast and all sorts of goodies at our awesome co-working space in Little Italy, direct deposit, mass-transit/biking incentives.