Have you ever experienced the dramatic effect of the right song playing at just the right point?

Something like that happened to me yesterday afternoon.

I had a conversation with a friend I know through social media about an available position at their company. One of the first things (s)he said was, “I had no idea you were looking for work.”

It’s true: other than a single tweet, I hadn’t really made it public that I’m looking to move back into full-time work after freelancing for the last 10 months.

After the call, I was walking down the street, listening to my Pixies station on Pandora, and “Ask” by The Smiths came on.

Any self-respecting indie rock nerd has heard every song released by this icon of moody Brit-pop, and I’m no exception. But today, the words spoke more clearly than usual:

Shyness is nice and
Shyness can stop you
From doing all the things in life
You’d like to

So, if there’s something you’d like to try
If there’s something you’d like to try
Ask me I wont say no, how could I?

And suddenly the combination of the previous conversation and the Smiths made something inescapably evident; it was time to get over my shyness and share something important. Ready?

I’m looking for full-time work.

I started working freelance — as many people do — after I got laid off last June.

Since then, I’ve worked alongside some fantastic people, and witnessed time and time again the important role social media is playing in helping a diverse range of clients  –  among them established health care companies, financial startups, non-profits, and even a New York Times bestselling author — discover, and connect with their communities.

I’ve also experienced the natural ebb and flow of client work. It’s an exciting way to live, to say the least.

But there are changes coming in my life — changes that require changes. Meg is moving here soon (No, we don’t have an exact date on that — though we get asked daily — but things are in progress that aren’t “bloggable”, unfortunately… and fortunately!)

We want to save for a bigger space (my current one is actually only 500 sq. ft. — great for one person, but a squeeze for two, three, and four), as well as an eventual “large party of a particular sort.” (*cough*)

So I’m looking to put my social media and content strategy know-how to work for the right company. Here’s a quick summary of where my passions lie:

Relationship Management

After over 10 years working in customer support, sales and account management for a variety of telecommunications, technology, and internet-based companies — from Fortune 20 corportations to 5-person startups — I have learned that building and maintaining a community of loyal (and vocal!) users is one of the biggest keys to any organization’s overall success. It’s a cliché, but it holds true: It’s easier to keep the customers you have than to find new ones.

Social Media Strategy

From helping a 10-time New York Times bestselling author connect with his fans (for the first time in 18 years!), to developing social media strategy for a health activist social network, to helping a pharmaceutical publication make some significant first steps into connecting with the social web, I’ve worked hard to make sure concrete goals were set — and that the plans to achieve them were clear, actionable, and sustainable.

Speaking, and facilitating discussion at events on social media and community management

I’ve had the privilege of speaking in front of audiences of many different sizes and backgrounds, primarily on the benefits of engaging through social media, and creating a strong community around a brand or product/service.

I’ve also been a facilitator and panel member for several workshop, “camp” and “unconference”-style discussions on social media, marketing, and branding topics/issues. For a full breakdown of my speaking history, check out my Speaking page.

Longtime blogger and online content specialist

I started blogging in 2004, and haven’t looked back since. My longest running blog is found at DesignBoston.org, where I discuss and promote local architecture and design. But whether I’m working on one of my own sites, or a client’s, I’m well versed in developing, and executing on effective content strategy.

Veteran researcher and interviewer

Whether I’m sitting down for a quick chat with a local artist, or setting up an extensive interview with an international design figure, I make sure I’m getting the most out of the opportunity — and that my readers get more perspective than they’ll find in the typical 300-word bio, or two-page Q & A.

I put the research in to ensure that my questions dig deeper  — and that my subjects get to share something fresh, unique and inspired with their audience. My most recent interview was with an architect and television host.

Now that you’ve heard what I do, here’s a little about what I’m looking for.

I’m most interested in roles involving community management; developing and executing marketing, branding and social media strategy for an organization/company; or working as part of an agency team to serve clients in these areas. However, I’m definitely interested to hear about any role you think might be a great fit for my skills and experience.

And finally, my request: Are you hiring, here in Boston (or remotely)? Do you know someone that is? If so, and you’d like to get in touch with me, please feel free to connect with me via email: gradon AT gradontripp.com.

If you’re not hiring, but you’d like to connect me with your own personal network, please hit the “Retweet” button above, or the “ShareThis” button below, and give this post a little boost in the right direction.

Thank you! I’m excited to see what’s next.