Johnny Russo

Shaping the Ecommerce, Digital Marketing, Social Media Landscape

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From Writer to Marketer, and How I Embraced the Curveballs Along the Way

May 23, 2019 by Johnny Russo Leave a Comment

From Writer to Marketer, and How I Embraced the Curveballs Along the Way

I read a book called Mind Platter last year. It’s by a Canadian-Lebanese author named Najwa Zebian. It’s one of those books where every page or two is a different topic, or chapter.

She had many topics on life, success, happiness, family, positivity, personal development, heartbreak, and career.

I highly recommend reading that book, but this is not a book review. There was one particular section on change that made me stop and think about my own life and career. I often take images of quotes or writings that resonate with me, and upload them into Evernote for safe keeping and future use. This was one of those times.

“Sometimes we choose to stand at a closed door and hope that it will somehow open,” writes Zebian.

Chase Growth, Embrace Change

I don’t know about you, but my oh my, do we change a lot over the years. In my case, I think that’s a great thing. If you follow my blog or my social channel, you know that I embrace change (not just for change’s sake) but real, solid, growth change.

When I was growing up, I didn’t have too many frustrating days. I’d play lots of sports, my parents and family would support me, financially and otherwise, and even when I bought my first car, a 2000 Toyota Celica, my parents were there to throw in the extra cash I needed. Things came easy.

My grades in high school were pretty good, and then in College (Cégep in Quebec) and University, as I got more independent and more interested in what I was learning (sorry Physics and Chemistry classes, you just weren’t my jam), my grades and work went from good to great.

I Was Going to Be a Hall of Fame Sportswriter

However, things always seemed to come relatively easy for me then. I got into one of the best Journalism programs in Canada (Concordia University), got an internship at the only English language newspaper in Montreal (the Montreal Gazette, my dream place to work), got published a few times in print, worked for the Montreal Canadiens writing blog posts and news articles (interesting, since I detested the Canadiens since I was 9) and then I graduated with a high GPA. All good I thought. Easy. Next up, my dream job, which was either working at aforementioned Montreal Gazette, to be a sportswriter and learn under the great Red Fisher, or to be a sportscaster on TSN.

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Filed Under: Social Media, Transform, Uncategorized / Personal Tagged With: Career, Change, Digital Marketing, Ecommerce, Journalism, Marketing, Transformation, Writing

My Blog Is Changing, Because I Have Changed – My Blog Manifesto

March 24, 2018 by Johnny Russo 3 Comments

My Blog Is Changing, Because I Have Changed – My Blog Manifesto

 

More than 3 years ago, I started a blog. I have a Journalism degree, so it was not that hard. I probably should have started one 10 years earlier, but I guess I thought I didn’t have anything interesting to say, which is kind of odd for a marketer, right? As I developed my career – and more importantly, gained new life experiences that have helped me grow – I started gaining a voice. And I wanted an outlet to share that voice. And over the years, that voice has grown and continues to grow. And since I advocate strongly against the status quo, I thought it was time I changed this blog and what it will stand for.

Currently (or at least in the recent past), my blog is/was focused on writing about Ecommerce, Digital Marketing and Social Media. I currently publish about once per month. Posts range from 1,500-2,500 words. Many posts have a lot of research attached to them. But I read a lot of books, blogs, and articles, network a ton, learn from mentors and mentees, and have opinions I’d like to share, more often. However, in the current context of my blog, it does not necessarily fit with the 3 main pillars of Ecommerce, Digital Marketing, and Social Media – though it usually does tie back to them in one way or another for sure.

Helping People Has Become A Passion

I also have a love of helping people, and topics surrounding leadership, inspiration, motivation, transformation, and retail that I have trouble intertwining within my blog as it currently lives. Also, I would rather share my experience and thoughts and feelings, than spend so much time researching posts to write about.

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Filed Under: Ecommerce, Leadership Tagged With: Branding, Culture, Digital Marketing, Digital Transformation, Inspiration, Johnny Russo, Leadership, Marketing, Motivation, Personal Branding, Personal Development, Retail, Social Media, Technology, Transformation

Recent Posts

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About the Blog

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I have been following blogs for over 15 years. I have also written blog posts for many of the companies I have worked for. So it only made sense that I finally (yes, I said finally) made the plunge and launched my own blog in 2015. So what … Read More

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Experience

Digital Experience - Johnny Russo

I have 13+ years experience in the Retail, Start-up, Technology, and Manufacturing industries. I have led growth and strategies in Ecommerce, Digital Marketing, Marketing, Branding Social Media, Mobile, and Omni-Channel … Read More

Current Project

Working as the Vice President of Marketing & Ecommerce at The Kersheh Group, an apparel retailer and manufacturer that specializes predominately in kids sleepwear. The Kersheh Group manufactures and markets sleepwear for boys, girls, adults, and the entire family. Our cozy, … Read More

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