Meet Geek Girl Julianne McLaughlin

Written by: Leslie Fishlock // January 11th, 2010 // Interviews, News

Julianne McLaughlin will be teaching workshops on: Podcasting – See all workshops here

1. How and when did you become a Geek Girl?

I am an expert in texting my 13 year old daughter “it’s time to come home” or “where are you at the mall?”  I am also an expert in social media, especially podcasting.  I have an awesome podcast with two friends named “Two Geeks and A Girl”.  We have a grand ole time each week discussing how to get your business on the web.  We laugh, we cry…..it’s better than Cats!  I would suggest you check it out…..oh and by the way, both of the Geeks are single and if I dare say, very cute!  Also, I am a blog freak.  I love to write my company’s blog, read blogs, comment on blogs, anything to do with blogs!  Finally, I am an expert in websites du jour.  I don’t build them or even design them, I have an awesome team who does that, but I can tell you what’s good, what stinks, what will work, what will not.  I can count thousands of hours of looking at websites from construction companies to driving schools to realtors to venture capitalists.  I’ve seen a lot and I’ve got a pretty good idea of how your website IS your business, so make it really, really great.  This is the future of the web for businesses…..a kick butt website and social media 24/7!

Well, when I learned to program the VCR about three years after my husband had mastered it…….I would say I felt pretty left behind.  All joking aside, I never felt that I had the same level of expertise when it came to technology and computers.  I could use Word to write a letter, Excel to make a spreadsheet and that was about it.  With the advancement of the internet (and yes, I remember life BEFORE the internet!) I came to realize very quickly that the world was moving faster and faster and I was either going to join in on the fun or get left behind.

Without a doubt it was all of the Workshops, but I especially loved blogging for business with Julie Roads.  She was great!

6. List 3 ways that women (or you specifically) can have an impact on technology.

I tell my daughter she can do everything her brothers do.  And I believe it.  Already she knows more about technology than I do!  For me my life goal is to make sure that my little girl (not so little at 13) can do everything and achieve everything she sets her mind to.  She will never know a time before the internet, or email, or texting.  This is her life.  It’s my job to make sure she (and her two younger brothers) use technology in a safe, honorable, and respectable manner.  I will also continue to learn how technology can help the business owner.  I owned a business, now defunct, and know well all the ups and downs it entails.  A business is like your baby….you eat, sleep and live it 24/7.  Because of that I will be on-top of the latest technologies to assist the business owner to grow and prosper.  I believe that all business will be conducted (to some degree) from the web.  Gone are the days of looking for an electrician in the phone book.  Now we go to the web.  Finally, I will learn how to fax and scan from my new HP Laser Jet Printer.  It’s brand new and I am still figuring out how it works.  By the time Geek Girl Boot Camp 2010 rolls around, I hope to be faxing and scanning like a crazy woman!  J

Julianne McLaughlin brings a unique skill set to her role as Project and Solutions Manager for Blue LAN Group, Inc. Her years with the Executive Office of Public Safety (a Massachusetts state law enforcement governing agency) taught her how to successfully navigate the waters of  predominantly male organizations while garnering respect (the excused parking tickets were just an added bonus). Her experience writing grants for the Weymouth Police Department gave her valuable insight in how to evaluate a client’s needs and pursue the resources to meet those needs. As the owner of Bodyworks Fitness Studio, Julianne gained firsthand knowledge of the obstacles that small business owners face in a competitive industry. Her years as a certified Personal Trainer added to her already tenacious personality, working with clients to meet their goals, even if it meant kicking their butt in the process. (“C’mon, 25 more push-ups!”)

Joining Blue LAN Group in 2008 as a Social Media/Networking Consultant, Julianne quickly proved an invaluable asset and was promptly promoted to Business Development Manager which led to her current position as Director of Web Services. Working under her younger brother, Ed O’Connor, has been both a rewarding experience as well as an exercise in humility.

In her spare time, when not devouring books at an alarming rate, Julianne can be found hiking, biking, running and enjoying other outdoor activities with her husband Mike and their three children.  She is a regular contributor to the wildly popular podcast “Two Geeks and a Girl” (hint: she’s the girl) and was recently featured on WBIX Radio’s “Real Deal on Real Estate” program with host Fran Yerardi, where Julianne shared her expertise as an authority on Social Media.