Each month we share the profile of a digital professional so that you can find out how they work in the interactive industry and what motivates them. Kicking this off we thought it only fit to ask Jen Storey, co-founder of Interactive Minds who is now living in Melbourne to contribute. If you would like to be profiled, please contact us.

Name: 

Jen Storey

Role: Editor for Anthill Magazine, Digital Strategist at OutsideInsights, Co-Founder & Advisor for Interactive Minds Brisbane and Founder of Interactive Minds Melbourne.

How did you get into digital marketing?

I began using email and usenet groups when I was still doing my undergrad. Then, these technologies became more prolific. I did my Masters Thesis on how the internet had the potential to change corporate communications. That was 1996. So, I've never really not worked in digital, if I think about it. From day one of my working life post study, I've been doing digital marketing, strategy and communications in some way, shape or form.

What does your current role involve day-to-day?

I spend a few hours each day writing, subbing and commissioning articles for Anthill Magazine. But, I also do a lot of consulting for my clients. So, I spend the rest of my days creating strategies, executing them, writing and doing various other things for clients. I am also in the middle of kicking off Interactive Minds in Melbourne. Plus, there are one or two other ideas I'm working on to see if they are viable businesses.

What is the best thing about your current job?

I've set up my work to revolve around my life as I need it to be. I do all of the above around school hours and other activities for my daughter. I juggle and balance to get everything done. I work much longer hours than many people who have a single job or are employed by someone else. But, this gives me the flexibility I need. Plus, having several things on the go stops me from getting bored. If I'm bored, I'm dangerous!

What is your biggest challenging with digital marketing in 2013?

Getting Interactive Minds Melbourne off the ground and running. I'm taking on a new market with the business. So, it's not the business challenges that are new, it's making the in roads into a new market, one I've only been in for a year. I have a great Advisory Panel and am now working on venues, sponsors and speakers.

What do you see is the biggest opportunity in the industry at the moment?

Anything is possible. I'm pretty sure that the reason certain types of people end up in digital is because of the constant opportunity for change. Digital types thrive on change and are always wondering 'what's next?' So, the biggest opportunity could be anything right now.

How do you stay up to date with the digital marketing industry?

As Editor for Anthill I get to receive a lot of information that I either commission into an article or, if I'm really interested/have the time, I will write. I also get to interview amazing people, entrepreneurs and industry experts. So, that certainly helps keep up to date. I also scan read a lot of other publications - startup smart, Smart Company, Mashable, arstechnica.com, http://www.theregister.co.uk/, macalope.com, Wired, The Econimist, NYT and The New Yorker.

I'm attending the eCommerce Convention in Melbourne this week, as Editor of Anthill. It will be great to catch up with mates who are speaking and people I've interviewed recently for Anthill.

Plus, of course, running Interactive Minds, devising topics, finding speakers and then attending the events ensures I am up to date with what is happening.

Finally, I have an amazing network - from previous roles, clients and Interactive Minds. And, I use it. If I need to know something, I'll ask. Just having conversations with your friends within the industry is always an amazing learning experience. Everyone knows something you don't. So, the more you just talk and hang out, the more you learn.

If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?

I'd be a professional mermaid/scuba diving instructor.