Why I Moved to Cincinnati

by Shannon Paul on June 12, 2012

I loved my job as Social Media Manager at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and living in Detroit, but I made a decision to move on to a new opportunity. I already miss so many of the talented, intelligent, supportive, funny, and amazing people I had the opportunity to work with over the past two years since I returned home to the area, but I received an offer to work in Cincinnati I couldn’t refuse…

This week, I officially joined Fifth Third Bank as the company’s Vice President and Social Media Strategist at its headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio.

No Regrets

Every step in my career has been a huge growth opportunity and I believe this opportunity is no exception. In the short time that I’ve come to know many of the team members at Fifth Third, I’ve been inspired by the company’s desire to use social media to engage with its customers to build relationships, learn from them, and provide better products and service as a result.

I Will Just Be Down the Road

To my friends, colleagues and those involved in the social media communities throughout Michigan — I will still be working for a company with a strong Michigan presence and commitment to its communities. In many ways, I’ll just be down the road (four-and-a-half hours down I-75).

Replace Me!

If you think you’re up for the best social media job in the metro Detroit area, please reach out to my colleagues at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan on Twitter and let them know you’re interested: @andrewhetzel, @sveng, @davidlingholm, @jacki_halas, @gracedietitian, or @brianjbellz. Andy Hetzel is hands-down one of the best people I’ve ever worked for — you can count yourself among the lucky if you land a job reporting to him.

Thank You

Chances are if you’re reading this, you have helped me arrive at this opportunity in ways you may never understand. For this and so much more, I am grateful.

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{ 21 comments… read them below or add one }

June 12, 2012 Matt

Congratulations, Shannon! You’ll be missed, but social media makes the world small enough that you won’t be far away. Best wishes in your new city and new position!

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June 12, 2012 Shannon Paul

Thanks, Matt! I’m really not so far… and I promise to visit :)

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June 12, 2012 LisaDJenkins

YAY for you! I’ve been watching and waiting to see where you took your brilliance. Congratulations :)

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June 12, 2012 Shannon Paul

Thanks, Lisa! I’m really excited to get started :)

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June 12, 2012 John Minni

Congrats! Best of luck to you!

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June 12, 2012 Shannon Paul

Thanks, John!

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June 12, 2012 Tim Bursch

Congrats Shannon! It will be fun to see what impact you make on banking.

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June 12, 2012 Shannon Paul

Thanks, Tim! I hope I’m up for the challenge :) It’s an exciting time indeed.

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June 12, 2012 Joel Richman

5/3 is a great org. Make sure you check out the boutiques and awsome little restaurants on Mt. Adams. Nigghtlife courtesy of Over the Rhine district–just don’t wander too far beyond that at night.

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June 12, 2012 Chad Wiebesick

CONGRATS Shannon!!!!!!!

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June 12, 2012 Lauren T.

Congrats, Shannon. It’s been great fun following all of your “official” moves and career steps. I have no doubts you will shine wherever you are and Fifth Third is lucky to have you!

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June 12, 2012 Kristy Bolsinger

Eeeeep!! I know how hard it can be to leave. The harder it is the stronger a signal you were doing amazing things there. Good on you for recognizing a good opportunity when it came your way. So excited for you Shan! This is very exciting and I could not be happier for you. Very well deserved!!!

#hearts

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June 12, 2012 Deborah

Congrats Shannon, wonderful news to hear. Wishing you the best at Fifth Third! I will miss seeing you at Detroit events. I’ll be in Cincinnati for Western & Southern Tennis Tournament in August.

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June 12, 2012 Kevin Dugan

Shannon: So excited it’s official. Welcome to Cincinnati and the region’s social media community!

From the big brands that headquarter here to the marketing service companies (including ad agencies, brand strategy consultancies, consumer research firms and marketing technology companies), Cincinnati is a world-class hub of consumer marketing.

When a businesses like Fifth Third increases their commitment to consumer engagement by hiring you in this role, it’s another example reinforcing the above.

Based on this post, it’s clear you’re moving to a different town vs. a better town. This was obviously a big decision; one you took seriously.

Your timing could not be better. I’m looking forward to having THE Very Official Blog based in town. We’ll talk soon!

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June 12, 2012 Kate

Shannon, I am so proud of you. I knew from working with you at HFCC that you’d amount to great things. Best wishes to you in your future endeavors. Fifth Third is lucky to have you.

Best-

-Katie Tank/Swagler

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June 12, 2012 Mack Collier

I was hoping we’d get an update soon! Congratulations Shannon, I hope Fifth Third Bank realizes how lucky they are to have you!

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June 13, 2012 Emily

I hope your first week is going well down in Cincy! We miss you already… me especially! Fifth Third is very, very lucky to have you on board – I hope they all appreciate you and your furry laptop bag!

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June 13, 2012 Jon Burg

Congrats! Best of luck, looking forward to seeing some real innovation.

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June 13, 2012 Shawnee

Congrats Shannon!! All the best to you!!

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June 13, 2012 Jay Baer

Congrats Shannon. Very exciting. Plus, it’s my bank. Glad to have a new contact person there! Once you get settled in, let’s get you on SocialPros.com podcast.

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June 19, 2012 Rufus Dogg

Hey welcome to Ohio!! Dayton = South Detroit, right? :-) Now I am up the road from you instead of down the road. Hope you are liking Cincy; it is a cool town.. parts of it. Most of it. What neighborhood did you end up in? Or did you do Warren County?

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