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Lijit CEO, Todd Vernon Featured As Cover Story On VUE Magazine
Feb 2nd
by Grace Boyle in Company, Featured, employees, industry
Our fearless leader and founder, Todd Vernon was just featured on the cover of the January/February issue of VUE Magazine (the magazine of the Marketing Research and Intelligence Association).
In the four-page spread, titled: Going Lijit: Mining and Monetizing Blogrolls, Todd discusses online publishing, advertising, and how Lijit has built a network of over 15,000 sites by providing tools that help publishers engage and understand their readers.
Introduction from author and Editor-In-Chief, David Hamburg:
The founder and CEO of Lijit talks about the tools and services his company provides to Internet publishers, the small as well as the large. It’s all about providing relevant information, connecting publishers to their audiences, linking them to advertisers, and monetizing their sites.
Here are a few highlighted questions from the lengthy interview:
VUE: Are your aggregate search returns truer than those of Google, where search engine optimization tactics often get the higher placings rather than the best search results?
TODD: Exactly. What happens – and this is one of the premises that we got into this space – is that people bond with blogs and individual publications for a reason. Theose blogs tend to be spicier, but the real reason they bond with those sites is bceause of the persona driving it. It’s about the author. You’re getting all the opinions and all the thought. And they really believe what they write.
One of the things that we do for these bloggers is expose all of their content. We provide a great search service on everything that they have written on the subject, but also we will include photos from their Flickr account and videos from their YouTube account and stuff they’ve tweeted about. So it glues the audience to the publication and forms that one-on-one metadata that you get when you really know somebody.
You are accessing numerous conversations with these small publications. They are kind of proxies for real relationships, because all ships float higher. SO when a message about whether a pain reliever works for my child is out there and those bloggers are super-engaged, it becomes way more interesting to the reader than an ad is.
VUE: Your goal is to deliver value to both sides. The bloggers get their analytics, and the agencies or companies get to have their message delivered to a wide but highly targeted and engaged audience – a perfect fit for their products.
TODD: Spot on. We can put an advertiser in contact with specific authors and then do something like either a campaign or product review. We are like a giant site rep firm from the agency side. Actually, our relationship is very large and far-reaching with all our publishers, because we contact them once a week with an email and they come back to our site to look at their statistics. It becomes an escalated sort of relationship with our publishers. We start with the free service: the bloggers learn something about their audience. And as they become more interested in monetization and getting contacted by marketers or even newspapers, we can also provide them with a monetizing service. We are kind of like a business partner on the publisher side. On the agency side, however, we are about finding those authentic conversations and getting the agency into it.
To view the PDF of the January/February VUE Magazine in full, click here.
Jeff has patience. All day Jeff is the trafficker responsible for answering (or ensuring they’re answered) your technical or support related inquiries as our Publisher Support Manager. Although Jeff isn’t “new” at Lijit, it’s better late than never to do a Get To Know series this month for rock-n-roll, futbol and football-loving Jeff.
What is your Lijit contribution?
I help provide support to our existing customer base as well as to our sales team to help get new accounts off and running with our search and advertising services.
What is your least favorite word and why?
It’s a phrase, “cool beans,” I hate it. “What does it mean?” (Please reference double rainbow).
What is your favorite sound and why?
Well, Jack White’s guitar is pretty good but I think my kids laughter takes the cake.
What profession, other than your own, would you like to attempt and why?
Something in the alternative energy sector. I just think creating energy from sources like the sun or wind is a very cool thing.
Something you’re guilty of…
I have seen Twilight.
FOX Business Interview With Lijit CEO, Todd Vernon
Oct 12th
by Grace Boyle in Company, Featured, employees, industry
This week FOX Business made their way to Boulder to learn about the thriving entrepreneurial community and to interact with some of startups that have found their home in Boulder.
As one of the tech startups interviewed, FOX Business headed to the Lijit Headquarters in downtown Boulder, to shoot some b-roll and learn about what we’re up to.
During a series of interviews first starting at Boulder Open Coffee Club with Foundry Group (Lijit investor) Managing Director, Jason Mendelson and a second video (below) featuring Foundry Group Managing Director, Seth Levine and Lijit CEO, Todd Vernon. They settled in to talk at Atlas (a local coffee shop) about starting a business in Boulder, Lijit and the community at large.
Check it out here:
CEO: I Don’t Want a Business in Silicon Valley
Lijit Networks CEO Todd Vernon and Foundry Group Managing Director Seth Levine on starting a business in Boulder, Colorado.
Joe (who has an uncanny resemblance and adoration for Bob Dylan) came to us as one of our CU Boulder, MBA interns. He started working on our advertising operations and ad services team and quickly, in one summer, helped to assemble a system and organization to the process. At the end of the summer, here he is, a full-time employee at Lijit (while simultaneously completing his second year at his MBA). Talk about dedicated. Pull up a chair and let’s learn more about Joe, there might even be some “double rainbow” action!
What is your Lijit contribution?
I help roll out our ad services on the publisher side. It’s a lot of fun because I work with so many passionate publishers and help them get paid to do what they love – produce content.
What is your least favorite word and why?
As a business student by night, “networking” is my least favorite word. I think that the idea of networking takes away the human element that is so important in both personal and professional relationships.
What is your favorite sound and why?
The Double Rainbow guy crying. It’s so intense.
What profession, other than your own, would you like to attempt and why?
Documentary Filmmaker. I think a great documentary is one of the best ways to influence people about a cause or idea –even better than business or politics. I mean, do you really want to eat a chicken sandwich after you watch Food, Inc.? Neither Bill Gates nor Dick Cheney were ever able to effect my eating habits.
Joe, dressed up as Bob Dylan
Something you’re guilty of…
Buying a pair of shoes that might not quite fit but just look too cool to pass up!
Scope out Joe online – he can be found on Twitter as @jquaglia (fyi: the “g” is silent) or writing great blog posts here on the Lijit blog.
Kelly is one of our Sales Directors (we have Sales Directors across every major geographical area in the U.S.) and she resides in San Francisco. Besides bringing sweet advertising campaigns to our publishers and a varied taste in delicious vino, you might be surprised to know Kelly has dabbled in Opera! Read on to learn about Kelly…
What is your Lijit contribution?
I am the Pacific Northwest Sales Director; I try to get people to give us money.
Kelly, at a bakery in Egypt
What is your least favorite word and why?
Irregardless – but it’s actually not even a word, so I’m not sure if that counts.
What is your favorite sound and why?
The high pitched squeals, gibberish and cooing of our 8 month old son. It’s fairly obvious why, but I’ll articulate it by saying it makes me feel warm and fuzzy.
Kelly’s feet and her adorable son, Wyatt
What profession, other than your own, would you like to attempt and why?
Well, I’ve already given that whole “opera singer” thing a try when I lived in New York. This may sound boring, but I have toyed with the idea of re-purposing my voice degrees to become a speech therapist. I’m fascinated with how we learn to speak and how we manipulate the sounds we’re capable of producing. But, that would require 3-5 years of school. No thanks!!
Something you’re guilty of…
I’m definitely guilty of watching too much Rachel Zoe Project. It’s my embarrassing confession. But, to my credit, I don’t watch any of the bachelor/bachelorette, housewives or wherever, amazing races, or big brother shows. Rachel Zoe and anything on HGTV or DIY are pretty much the only reality shows I watch.
Kelly and her husband, Lance
I know, I know – we’re a little backed up on our Get To Know Lijit series but it doesn’t mean we forget about our amazing team here at Lijit. Although Matt has been with us for some time now, he deserves this shout out as our official, in-house web designer and developer.
Matt makes our website pretty and shiny, plus his enthusiasm is infectious. So without further ado:
What is your Lijit contribution?
I am the designer/developer at Lijit and I help communicate product ideas into usable designs or prototypes. I essentially put the shiny wrapper of graphics, usability and interaction onto every Lijit product, whether that be icons for a report or the layout of our blog, website and tools.
What are you passionate about?
Engagement. I think most of the web is a really noisy place with no purpose, and I really enjoy turning that into useful and engaging designs and content. Outside of design I always enjoy meeting interesting people, playing frisbee with my dog Vida and snowboarding.
What is your least favorite word and why?
I’m not a fan of the word “no”, especially when a person does not provide a reason or alternative when they say it. NO it can not be done or NO that will not work… I always like to be positive and stay away from negative comments. When someone says no I would rather go prove them wrong then accept it (unless I agree).
What is your favorite sound and why?
Waves crashing on the beach. Reminds me of great times in Brazil staying on the coast and enjoying caipirinhas all day. Sometimes I’ll even set my phone to play beach sounds when I go to sleep.
What profession, other than your own, would you like to attempt and why?
I’ve tried many jobs from full-time snowboarder, to snowcat operator & EMT. Since joining Lijit though I’ve really enjoyed the work style at start-up companies, I’m not big on corporate jobs. Eventually I want to open my own start-up or boutique design studio in the US or Brazil. I love Brazil, there is a huge opportunity down there in the design/tech/ad world.
Something you’re guilty of…
Dropping out of college to be a snowboard bum. Yes I did it, and although I DID go back to college it was an awesome experience to spend 2 winters snowboarding every day with friends. Life is short, you have to live it up sometimes.
It’s okay Matt, we don’t blame you for being a snowboard bum. Good call (although we’re glad you’re making things shiny at Lijit!)
Find Matt out yonder: Twitter, Personal Blog and Tumblr.
Doniree (also known as Doni) and I first met through our blogs and Twitter (geek at first sight), which then led her to Lijit working as a contractor for two months, which led to her current full-time gig as one of our Publisher Services Manager. She hails from the South, but grew up in Minnesota. With a little Southern charm, her strong grasp of the online world (and love for champagne), we’re happy to have Doni on the team.
What is your Lijit contribution?
I’m a Publisher Services Manager, which means I maintain relationships with our current publishers as well as identify new publishers that would benefit from the Lijit search. In short, I surf the internet for cool new blogs and publications to work with all day – not bad from a digital native who loves being in this space, right?
What is your least favorite word and why?
I’m too much of a word nerd to dislike too many words, unless you start getting offensive, but I can tell you that my favorite words are: copacetic, blissful, brilliant and delicious. (Yes, I’m as sunshine-y as I sound).
What is your favorite sound and why?
The pop of a champagne bottle opening because to me, it means celebrations and bubbles. I’m also a firm believer that champagne isn’t only for “big” celebrations, but that so many moments in life are celebrations and deserve champagne. Or maybe that’s just my excuse for champagne anytime.
What profession, other than your own, would you like to attempt and why?
I want to be a celebrity guest judge on Iron Chef America. Because I love food and dining and am always fascinated by the cool ways the chefs use the secret ingredients on the show.
Something you’re guilty of…
Not allowing myself to stop and unwind. I tagged along on a girlfriends’ trip to Breckenridge while my friends snowboarded, and I managed to try to fill up my “relaxation” schedule until I got a migraine that forced me to chill the f#$% out. I love doing things, being physically active and have a pretty social lifestyle, so sometimes it’s tough for me to reach a point where I don’t feel guilty doing nothing.
You can find Doni on the interwebs at her personal blog (http://doniree.com/), her foodie blog (http://nomadicfoodie.com/) and she tweets here.
Tags: get to know Lijit | View Comments
Perry came to us from a corporate setting but we don’t hold that against him. As soon as he wheeled his bike into the office, we knew it was a good fit. Of course the fact that he can keep up with most of the cyclists in the office also wins him points all around. From his casual demeanor (he loves wearing old-school Vans with no socks) to his good humor, Perry has been a most welcome addition around Lijit.
Perry’s official title is VP of Market Development, but since he seems to know everyone in Boulder, we also like to call him the Jaunty Man about Town. And don’t even get him started about his glory days in the 90’s when he rode mountain bikes with Dan Cortese or hung out backstage with Perry Farrell (who, believe it or not, shares the same first name. OMG.) Fortunately, Perry agreed to take some time out of his busy schedule to allow us a peek into his psyche.
What is your Lijit contribution?
A muddy bike in a no-bikes allowed building… I have worked for large and small companies – I like to believe that I bring the best perspective/practices from each (and left the shite at the door…well, mostly).
What is your least favorite sound and why?
The sound of a frisbee banging into a car. For any of you who have played the game, you will know EXACTLY what I am talking about. When I was a kid, we used to play frisbee in the cul-de-sac where I lived. Invariably, someone would either over-throw or miss and that unforgettable sound would echo through the neighborhood…thankfully is was (usually) less damaging than one would think.
What turns you on, creatively, emotionally or spiritually and why?
I am not sure if it is a paternal thing, but I get really fired up when my kids take an interest in a sport and get super excited about it. My girls both locked onto Lacrosse (I never played…and am horrible) and my son took to cycling right away. While they have miles to go to be “great” at their respective endeavors, it inspires me to learn or better myself so that I can enjoy their growth alongside them. Wish me luck.
What profession, other than your own, would you like to attempt and why?
As Boulder-stereotypical as it sounds, I would LOVE to own a bike shop. People need to remember that cyclists put the U.S. into flight first (Orville and Wilbur). A bike shop caters to every demographic and has substantial breadth when it comes to customer interests – everything from the recreational rider to the pro-level cyclist…and the revolutionary anti-gasoline commuter to the hardcore downhiller. Many different customers creates a hyper-diverse and interesting place to work.
Something you’re guilty of…
My body is really bad at processing sugar, which does not work well given my moderate addiction to dark chocolate. The pros tell you there are anti-oxidants in chocolate, but I still think that the sugar wrecks me…such is life.
But the greatest thing about Perry is that he is willing to represent Lijit in the manner to which we’ve become accustomed. On bikes.
I would normally wrap this up by encouraging interested parties to check out Perry’s blog and Twitter stream. However, in this case, all you’ll discover is that he is woefully negligent with both.
But then again, he does have a wonderful wife and three really cute kids…which speaks more about him than any social media platform ever could.
Tags: get to know Lijit, Lijit employee profile | View Comments
What’s buzzing around the Lijit offices, you ask?
Jul 9th
by Tara Anderson in Company, employees, events, fun
In case you were wondering where all the honey bees have gone…look no further.
According to eyewitness reports, the swarm “arrived in tight formation, surveyed the Rio Grande across the street, found it unsuitable and then proceeded to colonize our tree.”
The guy in the white shirt is Bill, a wonderful guy and Lijit employee who alerted us to the swarm’s presence yesterday. After others in the building caught wind of the news, a small crowd gathered to enjoy the spectacle of nature until some do-gooder beekeepers came by to collect the bees a little while later.
A final close-up shot of the swarm, so you can fully appreciate just how Lijit we can bee…
Many thanks to Zach Conger, our resident Systems Architect and honey of a guy for rushing out to document this extraordinary event.
And yes, this does constitute exciting around our workplace. No judging.
Tags: good times, Lijit employees, Lijit office, nature encounter | View Comments
Aditya holds the honor of being the first intern that we had at Lijit AND the first that we hired upon college graduation. That’s how important QA is to us. Here he is in the Lijit offices, working diligently on the white board, or for the purpose of this picture, pretending to be…
(And yes, Aditya is a little out of focus but it’s only because I was playing with my new camera and amazed at the focal capabilities.)
What is your Lijit contribution?
As part of the QA team at Lijit, I work on making sure that the Lijit product is as bug-free as possible. The best part of my role is that I get to see and test all of the cool features being added to our product before they are released to our publishers. The more bugs I am able to test and find, the better the quality of the product.
What turns you off, creatively, spiritually, or emotionally and why?
Not being appreciated for the work being put in. It is my belief that appreciating an individual’s effort, however small, helps to bring out the best. And this applies to any setting.
What is your favorite word and why?
In recent times, I think my favorite word has become ‘Verified!’ because that status on a bug means that the product is cleaner and of better quality. With releases becoming more frequent, it has become my new mantra.
What profession, other than your own, would you like to attempt and why?
Playback Singer in Indian movies because I love music. I think music has the ability to influence people’s moods and I would love to be able to do that. And since I have grown up on Indian movies (Bollywood!), it would be great to be a part of them.
Something you’re guilty of…
I am crazy about cricket and can never get enough of it. In the summer, I play the game at least 3 times a week (I wish it were sunny all year in Boulder) and watch pretty much any cricket match that India is involved in.
We love having Aditya around and hope that as his first job out of college, we haven’t set him up for future disappointment when he realizes other companies aren’t as cool as ours. Here’s to Aditya’s ninja-like QA skills and many more successful bug smashings! (Insert the Hulk’s menacing growl here.)
Tags: get to know Lijit, Lijit employee profile | View Comments