cheezhead sells out
January 15th, 2007
When I first blogged 2 years ago, I had no idea where it would take me. It was cool and I had a few things to get off my chest. I also hoped it would help my primary business. Thinking back, I’m not even sure if I cared all that much if anyone read what I wrote.
To my surprise, people showed up for the party. Not many at first, mind you, but the best readers I could have asked for came. The real sneezers: Sumser, Crispin, Manaster, Davis. And things progressed from there. Truly humbling.
As time passed and my business grew, investing time in blogging became more and more difficult. With continuing growth and commitments on time, blogging might go away entirely or at least be reduced significantly. I didn’t want that. I enjoy blogging too much.
So the debate arose: Reduce the blogging and grow HRSEO vs. maintain a healthy existence for HRSEO and continue to blog. That latter won. As a result, I needed to create revenue to support the decision to keep blogging.
Enter JobCentral.
Loyal readers will remember JobCentral from last year’s eBay auction that sent me to SHRM. My relationship has been really strong with company president Bill Warren since that moment, so when searching for a primary advertiser to help support Cheezhead, he was the first and only call I had to make.
In a meeting of the minds, we came up with a deal for 2 years worth $100,000 that would make JobCentral the featured sponsor of the site. For their support, Cheezhead will provide a myriad of ways to build their brand without creating intrusiveness for visitors, such as their logo in the header.
A word on selling out. Accepting money like this for advertising, risking the loss of support and credibility, did not come easily. However, it’s a risk I’m willing to take if it means being able to regularly blog. I mean, I don’t think any less of LeBron James because he wears Nike.
It was also important that whatever company supported Cheezhead should not expect preferential treatment or being immune to criticism. In JobCentral, I know I have such a partner.
The journey has been incredibly rewarding. With sincere thanks to JobCentral and my loyal readers, I expect the future to be even more so.
Click here for the press release (PDF)
January 15th, 2007 at 11:47 pm
They are getting a deal. Congrats Joel.
January 16th, 2007 at 12:00 am
Great news joel. Let no one proclaim it doesn’t pay to blog.
January 16th, 2007 at 12:23 am
I don’t think I’ve commented here before, but I’ve been enjoying your insights into employment related search. This sounds like a great opportunity for you. Congratulations.
January 16th, 2007 at 12:48 am
awesome !
what further plans for Cheezads ? Does that get impacted by any way?
January 16th, 2007 at 1:49 am
SWEET! When I grow up, I want to be just like you.
January 16th, 2007 at 2:13 am
You didnt thought of monster when searching for a primary advertiser? ;-) Congrats Joel.
January 16th, 2007 at 4:22 am
Congratulations Joel$$
I knew someone would partner with you but thought Jobster e.t.c. would snap you up first!
As an old 80’s singer Yazz would say, “The only way is up”.
January 16th, 2007 at 4:42 am
Congratulations Joel.
I am so glad they have an association with you. I am an avid reader of your blogs and your insights have truly inspired me.
All the very best to you.
Sucharith
January 16th, 2007 at 10:02 am
Way to go Joel. You are the ‘master’ of this game. Keep up the great work!!
January 16th, 2007 at 10:05 am
Awesome news. Congrats.
January 16th, 2007 at 10:51 am
Very impressive, Joel. I think both of you will benefit from this. The big question is how much this will spread beyond recruiting. Could you see yourself on TechCrunch?
January 16th, 2007 at 11:13 am
Congrats Joel. All this capitalistic stuff may be embarrassing but how else can you afford the wine to go with the cheese? I applaud business deals that people are willing to make public because they are fair and laudatory.
January 16th, 2007 at 1:47 pm
Joel-
I’ve got to get back tying my shoes.
I love you.
Hey remember that time when the river in Cleave-town cought fire?
That was awesome…
January 16th, 2007 at 2:28 pm
Congrats, Joel! The only people who will say you sold out are those jealous of what you’ve achieved. I am very interested to see what this means for the Cheezhead blog 2007.
January 16th, 2007 at 3:59 pm
Very cool. Joel - I think we’ll all look back on this one day and realize that it was much important than we now realize.
Look forward to seeing the fruit,
Dennis
January 16th, 2007 at 5:19 pm
Joel,
Am very pleased for you and can certainly understand why you would feel so comfortable with Bill as a partner, and if we’ll get to see as much or more of your commentary it will be an added plus for all those who follow your (a)musings.
Not that you are unaware, but you not only have knowledge that helps a business, but you also have a gift for communication in words. Pretty cool. Now, if we can only get you off the Charlie Frye bandwagon, who knows how far you can go.
Dave
January 16th, 2007 at 6:34 pm
Joel - At the end of the day, you are an American, and to maintain your citizen-ship, you must pay (or earn) to play. So congrats on your wholly american activites and keep the good word streaming! I love when good things happen to good people!
January 16th, 2007 at 8:03 pm
Cheers Joel!~
Welcome to the world of being a PAID wordsmith…many aspire, few achieve.
In the meantime…please remind Bill that genius comes in big packages… who drink and cost A LOT.
Welcome to the family.
JDA
January 16th, 2007 at 10:24 pm
It’s not “selling out” if it does not effect the quality of your work. It’s “monetizing” — and that’s what business is all about.
Congratulations. They got a good deal.
January 17th, 2007 at 6:49 pm
Hi Joel,
Many congratulations, well deserved!
Mike
January 17th, 2007 at 11:44 pm
Personally I would think more of LeBron if he wore Converse Weapons, cos that’s the shoe that lets Magic do, what he was born to do. This move puts you up for MVP of Recruiting Bloggers in my opinion Joel. Congratulations!
January 18th, 2007 at 4:18 pm
I would like to thank JobCentral for doing this deal with you so the rest of us can continue to learn from your writings.
January 19th, 2007 at 5:23 pm
Shocking, just shocking. I will never read the blog again. ;)
January 19th, 2007 at 10:30 pm
Nice.
Had I known about the bidding… ;)
March 1st, 2007 at 6:02 am
Hi Joel,
Congrats !!