Editor’s Note
Read on to discover how AJ stays motivated during challenging times and what famous entrepreneur he’d like to have dinner with.
What is your role and how long have you worked at Terakeet?
I have been working with Terakeet since May of 2021 as an SEO Analyst and could not be happier. Not only does the company provide SEO expertise, but it also provides employees with a wonderful work culture that continues to encourage and support its staff.
My role as part of the Tech SEO Team involves tasks such as opportunity analysis, website audits, providing site structure recommendations, and creating monthly performance reports. Additionally, I am required to use a variety of tools to monitor rankings, position changes, competitors, and link profiles for clients. I am appreciative of the time that I have spent with Terakeet thus far and am looking forward to all that I will continue to learn.
What advice would you give someone who is new to Syracuse or to Terakeet?
The advice that I would share with someone who was new to Syracuse or to Terakeet would be “never be afraid to ask questions.” Working at Terakeet has given me the opportunity to branch out of my comfort zone, requiring me to reach out to others when I needed the extra support.
Terakeet provided me with the confidence and support I needed to ensure that I was doing my job to the best of my abilities. Terakeet is filled with brilliant minds and people willing to help. It provided me with a safe space to feel comfortable opening up and asking questions. Never be afraid to ask questions, you never know how far it will take you.
What is a quote that has helped you get through a tough time?
“All things are possible for one who believes” has helped me persevere in times where I felt like giving up. Facing challenges every day can seem impossible at times, but I always remind myself that there are better days coming. It is easy to run away and give up, but I have learned that believing in myself and my abilities can make all the difference.
This quote has taught me the meaning of resiliency and reminds me that there is no situation too difficult. It puts into perspective that this tough time is just a temporary roadblock and a stepping stool for something greater.
How do you unwind after a long workday/workweek?
I love the outdoors and being in nature helps me unwind after a long workday or workweek. Being outside in nature not only boosts my energy, but helps me stay grounded. It is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, but implementing forms of self-care is always a priority.
For those of you who know me, I am proud to say that I love my coffee. Sipping on my coffee and taking a stroll in nature is my perfect way to unwind.
If you could invite any famous businessperson or workplace guru to dinner, who would it be and why?
If I had the opportunity to, I would love to sit down with Elon Musk. I am a naturally curious person and love to ask questions. Elon Musk has always left me speechless through his world-changing ideas. I have always been fascinated to understand how he has risen to success and the efforts it took to get him to where he is today.
I admire the hard work he put into achieving his ideas and feel as though I would benefit from hearing his perspective. It is easy to come up with ideas, but to bring that to fruition is not an easy task and especially when it is on the large scale Elon’s working at.
If you could only use 5 workplace tools or platforms, what would they be and why?
My daily tasks revolve around working with some of Terakeet’s inbuild reputation management tools which truly have been beneficial. The five common industry SEO tools that I would use are:
- Screaming Frog for site audits
- Google Sheets for data analysis and getting insights
- Semrush for everything SEO-related
- Google Analytics
- Slack for daily communication
A combination of these five workplace tools and platforms will give me the success I need.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received from a coworker?
“When you see an opportunity, take it” has been the best piece of advice I have heard. It reminds me of the quote from Richard Branson “If somebody offers you an amazing opportunity but you are not sure you can do it, say yes – then learn how to do it later!” Every new opportunity is a pathway to learning something interesting and figuring out new things!
This is a continuation of our “Workplace Wisdom” series. Read the previous posts here:
Workplace Wisdom: Andrea Fitta
Workplace Wisdom: Kara Johnson