Interview with Jodi Chamberlain – I have asked various parties within the domain industry to take part some interviews to give us a little background about themselves, where they see the industry heading and how they feel the current market for domain names are our twelfth interview is by Jodi Chamberlain.
Ms. Jodi Chamberlain has been in the professional staffing industry for nearly a decade, directing sales and marketing for offshore outsourcing organizations with offices in Asia. Ms. Chamberlain also has substantial experience event coordinating. She has planned numerous trade shows, including major domain conferences for T.R.A.F.F.I.C.
Her most recent success has been the launch of 32Events which is a visionary events management agency dedicated to providing seamless event coordination for everything from social parties to industry trade shows and business engagements.
Be sure to be on the look out in 2013 for 32Events projects in Napa Valley, Spain and within the all NEW, The Executive Network. http://32events.com/ten.html
1) What are your current thoughts on the Domain Aftermarket? i.e. Sales and Enquiries etc – General Mood of Domainers / End users?
The market is good. Sales reports show consistant growth within the space throughout the last few years. It’s refreshing to see.
2) Where do you see GTLDS in 3 years time?
Still sitting in the application process with ICANN. HA! Just kidding. All jokes aside, I see many extensions being born. And since I’m a natural at organizing things, I look at the many of the applied extensions as that, organizing a market place. Placing pizza related websites in the box that’s nicely labeled,.pizza. And I believe others who aren’t actively online will see an extension as that. Naturally, typing in .pizza to find out the weekly special at their nearest Papa Johns.
Success for those who applied is yet to be seen. I do see many extensions that will need some serious attention and brand messaging to grow, and a few that will hit the ground running once released!
This era for some applicants is about locking down real estate. For those who have been in the space long enough, real estate is becoming scarce and some of the players are hungry for property! I’m eager to see how those applicants manage their extension/s. How they market and create the necessary hype!
3) What are you or your companies investing in? i.e. Dot Com only Domains – Typo – etc?
I don’t invest in Domains. Not like my big players do. But when I do need a domain I go straight for the .com or CCtld. Country codes are big in other countries. You’ll rarely see a .com on a German billboard/ad space. It’s always going to be .de. Having an international event company, CCtlds are important when it comes to advertising.
4) Do you believe in Parking or Developing? What are your tips for either i.e. Top Parking Platform (What Do You Use) – Developing your thoughts on what to develop and how best achieve it?
Yes and yes! Both. It depends on who you are.
Seriously, it’s not easy to brand something and breathe into it everyday. There’s a huge audience of domainers who don’t have the creativity, know how or time to develop out a brand. It’s easier for them to park. And there’s nothing wrong with that.
Parking, I would have to say Nico Zeifang team’s over in Germany is pretty bad a$$, Team Internet. And also Frank Schilling and Vern Jurovich at Internet Traffic are an outstanding group. I don’t personally park, so many of you may roll your eyes (how would she know). But what I do know is both teams do an excellent job at taking care of their clients and team. Any given opportunity these companies seize upon to show their clients and staff they’re #1. And that’s sort of rule #1 in my book.
5) What is your favourite domain personally or company owned?
Personal favorite of mine is (undeveloped) deepbellychuckle.com. I picked this up last year after my son busted out in his hilarious deep belly chuckle! Ever since he was born he has had this amazing chuckle. See for yourself; http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=64304209660
One day I’ll create a video type site where other people can watch or upload their video’s too. Who knows, maybe America’s Most Funniest home video’s will use the site to search for funny videos?!?
6) If you were starting out in the domain space today what are your 3 top tips?
Great question. If I were to invest in the domain space I would buy a portfolio. Something that’s already generating traffic and hire a professional to show me the different ways to monetize. Teach me. Show me. Watch the lessons turn into profit.
7) What’s the next big thing that your companies are working on?
My events company, 32Events.com is currently working on a new networking group called, The Executive Network.
The network is a members only group which allows executives from all around the world to meet and have business discussion/s. 32Events.com also is coordinating 2 members only getaways, where all members will travel to some of the most exciting places in the world!
There are 12 meet ups in 2013. Locations are in the following areas:
LA, Florida, Canada & Germany. Members may attend one or all twelve.
8) Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?
Health conscious. Technology in hand. Leading others.
9) What has been your biggest challenge in the domain business?
Standing outside of the box and looking in. You see, that’s where I typically stand. It can be difficult at times listening to others talk about their competitors when I’m in business with them also. But you know standing outside of the box gives me great advantage. I’m able to see the space as a whole and not just from one corner. Which is why I love coordinating events within this space. It’s fun bringing everyone together and setting up the days in such a way that it even allows competitors to share a glass of wine together!
10) What do you feel has been your largest accomplishment in the Business / Personally?
Largest accomplishment has to be getting through TRAFFIC 2010. What a year that was.
I would like to say a big Thank You to Jodi Chamberlain for taking part in this interview for RobbiesBlog.com – Please check out Jodi Chamberlain’s sites 32Events.com – and many others.
I enjoyed the interview. Nice quote: “Health conscious. Technology in hand. Leading others”
When Jodi says she is going to do something she does it. She has great values, energy and is dependable.
From what I’ve read “The Executive Network” looks like a great idea.