This week I was able to attend a brand new Internet Marketing Conference called Search Exchange here in Charlotte, North Carolina. I was almost certain I was not going to be able to make it due to a recent change in employment and a long time planned vacation. The stars aligned and my new employer EDreamz was great enough to send me. Typically these events are not in my agenda. My attitude is pretty negative due to many worthless conferences in the past. In this case I happen to know the organizers through local events/meet ups. These guys are top notch so I knew it was going to be something great.

I was out of town I majority of day one and half of day two. Managed to arrive just before Joanna Lord took the stage and quickly(she talks fast!) fed us full of information about Social Media Tools. It was an action packed presentation at the ‘right’ pace(fast talkers=no time wasted.) Next up Jason Keath showed us some cool unicorns and a neat looking bull. He also shared some really valuable information on having a real revenue plan for social media. Then a unique character named Neal Rodriquez dropped one of the best presentations I’ve seen in my entire conference career. He explained viral traffic, digg, crack heads, teabagging, and flying on private plane then flying Jet Blue. Yes.. All of those subjects plus a ton more of craziness. Really enjoyed listening everything he had to say. The last presentation I was able to hear this day was Chris Winfield who shared information on ROI in Social Media Marketing. The whole group headed to Wild Wings Cafe where we shared some great wings and fun stories. As the night dawned on us we moved to Whiskey River where the bar was open and people were really getting started. Sadly I had work in the AM so I cut the night short before things really got out of hand!

Day 3 I was unable to make it in the AM due to some client work. I slipped in just as Dan London was explaining in-house struggles and hilariousness. I could really connect to this as I have worked in a small business where no one else had any internet marketing(or marketing in general) skills. Kate Morris gave a grand overview on PPC which I really enjoyed. All the information was very simple and probably familiar to most, but it was a great reminder of the obvious. Really got me thinking and rethinking some of my accounts. I’ve already implemented changes based on her presentation. Benjamin Rudolph gave us an overview of how to use Analytics to Optimize Landing Pages. This is something I have tons of experience in, but just like in Kate’s PPC overview I was able to spark new ideas which I plan to implement soon. The last presentation I was able to catch was Rhea Drysdale on Online Reputiation Management. I took away boatloads of truly useful information from her. ORM is something I have very little experience in. I thought I understood it/had the basics down, but her presentation really opened my eyes to what it really is.

I wish I could have made it every day for all the presentations, but the ones I attended made it worth every dime spent. I give huge props to Robert Enriquez, Keith Schilling, and Roy Morejon for putting on something amazing.

Looking forward to the next Search Exchange already!

I recently picked up a Canon XSi to start up my photography hobby. Pictures and photography have always had an appeal to me, but I never had to time/resources to get it started.

Follow what I am doing here:

Robbie Hodge – ModelMahyem.com

Local to Charlotte and want to do some TFP? Contact me!

So I just finished up a great business trip with FireFold at the Cedia expo. It was a BLAST! I had a very unique opportunity to be part of a radio show called “Into Tomorrow” with Dave Graveline. Radio shows are a little different from the local news I’ve done before. In this case we recorded a quick 5 minute conversation. No stopping, little editing, just quick and to the point. The topic of the conversation was HDMI and FireFold; two things I know on an expert level. Though I did not know the questions that would be asked. A little nerve racking for sure. In the end it was the fastest five minutes of my life.

I was 100% focused on Dave and what he was saying. His voice is intimidating- a natural radio host for sure. Here I am trying to not only make sure I am speaking clear and precise but also having to come up with answers on the fly! The first question threw me right off, but I was quick to respond. I kept up well and didn’t sound like I was blabbering. Overall I’m pretty happy with the outcome. They even mentioned coming back on air with them at CES.

Now what you really want to hear. The interview! Cut down to just my interview: Robbie-Graveline.mp3

I would highly recommend listening to the entire show via the Into Tomorrow website.

So due to my current busy life I am unable to spend time to focus on my personal blog. My current day in the life includes work, school, and exercising. I am trying to squeeze some fun/social events in there from time to time. But do not worries – there is still a way you can keep up with my oh so busy life! Here are links to social networking profiles:

Facebook – www.facebook.com/RobbieHodge
Twitter – www.Twitter.com/RobbieHodge or www.Twitter.com/Taldir
Linkedin – http://www.linkedin.com/pub/robbie-hodge/9/71a/4b6

Feel free to send any questions or comments to me@RobbieHodge.com.

I do plan on one day keeping up with this blog. Just a matter of finding the time.

So in my first post I talked a little about my history. I will not bore you with that right now. Overtime I’ll reference and talk about more of my previous experiences. For this second post I want to focus on what I am doing currently.

I spend most of my day at work like everyone else. I would consider my work pretty unique. I am General Manager of an E-Commerce store named FireFold. I have been with FireFold since day one. We literally started in a basement. Two shelves, a couple of boxes, a kitchen table for the packing table, and me. Since then we have come a long long ways. We currently reside in a ~25,000 sqft warehouse with 45+ employees. FireFold’s growth has been exponential. From 2004 to 2007 we grew 2,379.1% earning us spot #73 in the INC 500 fastest growing companies. Well enough about that. If you wish to read more please check out FireFold’s Wikipedia.

After work when I get home my time is spent with my lovely girlfriend Rebecca Hurley aka Becky. Becky is also just starting her blog which can be seen at RebeccaHurley.com. Becky and myself currently have been together 3+ years. Loving every minute of it that’s for sure. We have opposite views on majority of subjects ranging from religion, politics, movies, etc. yet we never fight and always get along!

When I have spare time I try to focus on my hobbies. There is a long list though the highlights are  cars, computers, modifying everything I own, creating websites, music, and photography. Over time I plan on posting about each of these in more detail. Keep checking back!

Off to bed yet again. Be back soon with even more about me!

Hello Everyone,

So I spent my day off work and my birthday getting around to creating this site. I am excited to say I plan to keep and this site updated with my life events and achievements. I’m thinking of it as an online portfolio of my life. Events will range from my hobbies, work events, charity work, what I love, what I hate, and anything else that sparks a lightbulb in my head.

Background Information -

First off my name is Robbie Hodge(SURPRISE). I was born in Rutherfordton, North Carolina. My family moved to Charlotte, North Carolina when I was in 2nd grade. I currently reside in the North East part of Charlotte.

More to come! Must head to bed to begin my work week.