How Can I Apply?

How can I apply?

Please note: Applications for the first group of Communication Agents starting their learning program in August 2003 will be closed on Tuesday July the 29th at midnight GMT.

To apply as a would-be Communication Agent you need only to take one simple step. Send me a direct email to Robin.Good#masternewmedia.org ( please replace the # with a "@") with the following:

1) Trusted presentation
You need to be introduced by an existing Communication Agent or by someone in direct contact with me or with one of the Communication Agents in our core group (Josef Hasslberger, Chris Gupta, Ivan Ingrilli).
I am looking for a short introductory email or letter that this person is willing to write in your behalf to introduce you to me and to state the reasons why your referrer is recommending you for this project.
If you do not know anyone who can introduce you, do an introduction letter yourself and include in it what is listed at point 2) here below.

2) Introductory mission statement
I want you to write and submit a one page statement of containing:

a) who you are,

b) what background you have in education and business

c) why you want to take on the role of a Communication Agent

d) why do you think that this learning program will be of benefit to you?

d) which one are the Areas for Change that you have most experience with and in which you are most interested in working

e) statement of intent specifying the issue, problem areas or solution development approach(es) that you would like to address initially in the selected Areas for Change.

3) Proof of good writing
It would be nice to see some of your best writing whether they have been published or not. Reports, presentations, white papers, research dossiers and even marketing messages and content from your web pages or emails is acceptable. I am looking to see how well you can express your ideas and at the style and approach you use.

4) Technology setup
I need to know what computer setup you have (PC & Mac), the type of Internet connection (speed, dial-up, ISDN, DSL, cable, etc.), the operating system version, model and version of your digital friend, amount of memory and a short list of applications that you have installed and that you normally use to do your work (word processor, email, browser, etc.). Relative to the Internet is very important for me to know at what speed you connect to the Internet. Please tell me also the brand and version of your software tools so that when I will provide you with instructions I can take into account your specific setup and preferred tools. Please specify also if you have a sound board, speakers and a microphone or a headset that you already have or that you can promptly activate/buy for your computer.

See also "Draft Your Communication Agents Profile" and other relevant examples here below.

The above are criteria by which I can more evaluate and assess more effectively those who can immediately make a difference through this project.

Apply now and provide with as much info as necessary to evaluate your ability to take on this challenging mission.

Here is an example of a tentative application as sent in by the first formal applicant (Paul Swider - USA):

Robin,

I'm pretty sure I'm already one of these, albeit not with your imprimatur. Still, I'd like to find like-minded people so here is what I can contribute by way of application:

I don't know your trusted partners so they cannot present me. A Google search of my name, however, will show that I have a pretty lengthy track record of exactly these sorts of communications. You can also learn more about me from my URL below, which has clips, and from work I do for an innovative media group at
http://greenstar.org/pswider.htm
one sample from there is http://www.greenstar.org/butterflies/index.htm

More about me here:

My communications experience covers writing and presentations to a wide array of high-level audiences.

I have experience with international multilateral organizations as well as private-sector (venture capital) investors. I have made compelling cases of business development to federal agencies, the White House and to foreign governments.

I can relate highly technical details in an accessible format to any audience.

I also have experience in retail marketing communications.

I have made presentations internationally, from the consumer to the board room.

I have developed online marketing campaigns as well as off-line communications for community building and client affiliation. I have created and deployed an affiliate marketing program. I have developed
viral marketing campaigns and incorporated these into overall market strategy. I also have experience in business-to-business strategic marketing communications.

I have considerable experience as a writer and editor, including layout and design for both print and the Web. I have also taught journalism at the university level and done international freelance writing and editing.

I have worked with cutting-edge technology and its marketing applications in a variety of unusual environments. These applications relate directly to market expansion and business/community development.

I'm a true believer in the power of communications.

I think a clear, honest message will win out over manipulation. I also believe that clear, honest messages, cleverly packaged, will soon become de rigeur as consumers of media are rapidly becoming savvy enough to smell through a ruse.

I want to be a Typhoid Mary of constructive, open messages and the means to get them out.

Though there are lots of media and lots of technologies, refreshing the field of communications is the area of change in which I have the greatest interest. I think the time is ripe to take critical thinking retail.

I'm not sure if this is the kind of manifesto your seeking but it's the one I have to offer. I'm not applying for a job, I'm reaching a hand out to someone I perceive to be a fellow traveler. I'll go on as my own agent if that's all there is.

Best,
Paul

sent in on uly 17th 2003