Microsoft Imagine 2011, the Redmond, Wash.-based company's annual summit with the world's top marketers and agencies, was more uncomfortable this year than in years past.
Why? First, Mich Mathews, Microsoft's marketing chief and the host of the event, had just announced that she would be leaving the company in a few months. Second, Microsoft's head of sales, Carolyn Everson, had also recently jumped ship to Facebook -- and Ballmer and co. are in the midst of wrangling over whether Facebook should refund them her signing bonus.
These two executive shakeups at Microsoft were the backdrop for a conference that included marketing heads from Unilever, P&G and Coca-Cola as well as the upper echelon of Madison Avenue. The event is an important one for Microsoft in that the company hopes it will result in some ad and marketing dollars being diverted away from Facebook and Google and toward Redmond. (NYP)
Sales Buzz
Get Some Skills (FINS)
The better-than-expected job numbers from March showed an important trend: Those with skills are finding it easier to get jobs. You may want to consider going back to school for a refresher.
Beating Google (WebPro)
How can Bing make a dent in the search giant's armor? One columnist argues that the solution may lie with hiring many support and sales staff.
Making Strides (News and Record)
Furniture salespeople are caught in the thrall of the iPad. More manufacturers' reps are shunning the favored catalog method for the shiny gadget.
Looking Ahead (Poughkeepsie Journal)
The healthcare sector is doing so well in job growth that effects are trickling down to insurance salespeople as well. Average salary is almost $53,000.
Marketing Buzz
One Woman's Tale (BI)
How do you get a job at a speedily growing startup? Here's how one polite, classy and persistent woman did it.
The Time Saga (Adweek)
Time Inc.'s head of the Lifestyle business, Evelyn Webster, has made Diane Oshin group publisher of All You and Cooking Light.
Buzz Around the Office
Kid's Got Moves (YouTube)
This soccer player has even gotten the attention of Barcelona's youth team coach.
List of the Day: Business Tips for Women
Bethenny Frankel, a reality TV mogul and author of a new book, dishes out some tips.
1. Make everything your business
2. When you have a great idea, act on it.
3. Sometimes, you have to say no.
(Source: Forbes)
For more news you need to know throughout the day, follow FINSider (sales, marketing) on Twitter and Facebook!
