Erica Haims, International Creative Marketing Producer
Erica Haims is an international creative marketing operations producer and evangelizer of the localization industry.
She sits at the intersection between marketing content and localization production. She is a former Manager of Content Production at Apple, focusing on the globalization of digital marketing assets.
In 2020, Erica served as Board Sponsor, Marketing for Women in Localization.
Tell us about your current role and what you like about your career/role or areas of focus.
I consider myself to be an international creative producer who bridges marketing content production and localization.
What inspires you, motivates you, helps you to make each day count?
I'm inspired by how small the world is. I love to be connected to people all around the world.
How do you network? What is your preferred way to network?
I miss in-person events. I love to connect with people and hear their stories. Right now, it's all digital, which is great too because I can attend events all over the world, virtually but I miss the personal connection.
In your opinion, what do you think it takes to be a business owner and which challenges come from an SMB/ Start-up?
Someone who can be flexible, creative, and a great salesperson.
The challenges are always finding inspiration to keep moving forward, and I can do a better job at selling myself.
How do you come across the idea of your business and why?
I needed a platform to promote myself. I'm still discovering and learning where I fit best in localization.
I love to evangelize localization, and I want to share all my learnings of globalizing content.
How did you plan your business before starting it, and do you have any tips to continue improving business growth?
I have to admit that I am still transforming. I started with a desire to bridge my world with localization, and that has taken many shapes since I started.
What are the challenges of COVID-19 in your business? Does it have a positive or negative effect, and how have you been managing it?
I really miss being part of a team. Not being able to meet people in person and travelling has been awful, and I know I am not alone. I've been doing my best to keep learning and connecting.
Do you have a mentor/coach to support you in your decisions/ideas/challenges, and what is the best advice you have ever received?
My coach keeps reminding me to appreciate what I have to offer.
What is your project/company's mission, and how do you see it changing in the future?
To connect the world by evangelizing globalization and localization.
What are your thoughts on the future of social media and how it affects your business/company?
Social media is a complex world that is constantly evolving. I love to explore and learn new things and see where connections can be made, and find a way to tie global thoughts together.
What is your favourite social media platform, and why?
I currently love clubhouse because it's new and hasn't been monetized yet.
As a beta platform, it's thrilling to see something grow and define itself based on the users.
How important do you think it is to designate tasks to others, and when it comes to your business, what are the tasks you ask for help with?
Brainstorming is really what I need the most help with. Delegating and outsourcing are always possible, but teamwork really makes the dream work.
Do you have any advice or examples of executing a successful business strategy?
I have been the most successful when I understand the full scope of the project and have identified all of the stakeholders.
First, I don't ever repeat a mistake; I learn from the past and remove those obstacles, so they don't get in our way.
I connect outside my team and fully grasp what resources and technologies are at my disposal.
What drives or motivates you each day in a work environment?
The opportunity to help people.
What advice would you have for someone looking to get into the same area of work?
Always keep learning.
What do you feel is the most common reason for people failing or giving up?
They listen to other people who are just projecting their own negativity on to you.
What are you most proud of in your life?
The animal-assisted therapy I was able to do. It was extremely rewarding.
Outside of your professional work area, what hobbies or interests do you have or what other areas of your life are of real importance to you?
Animal rescue, voting accessibility, and inclusion.
When it comes to your life chosen career, is there a phrase, quote or saying that you really like?
Learning where we are the same and where we are truly unique around the world.
What do you wish you had known when you started out?
That you will always be evolving.
Who do you most admire in business, academic or creative circles?
I am a huge fan of Takashi Murikami – I love his art and how he shares his vulnerability with his audience.
What companies, brands, or institutions do you like or do you think are getting it right?
I love how Netflix paved the way for globalization—especially being able to distribute content in China, creating content for global audiences, and bringing international content to the US audiences.
How do you define success, and what lessons have you learned so far that you could share with our audience?
Success is freedom. Freedom to work on what you want and be truly creative.
What skills do you feel have helped you to become successful?
I always see the big picture and focus on the tiny details that can get in the way. I like to see all sides of a situation.
Anything else you would like to share with our audience?
Embrace change and keep learning. Don't be a jerk.
Is there anything new that you are working on or involved in that you would like to share?
The clubhouse is really a great community where there is so much to learn from our peers and even others around the globe. Find me on it, and let's brainstorm.