Introducing: OpenXtips.com guest blogger Erik Geurts
Editor’s note: this is a guest blog by new contributor Erik Geurts
It has been a few months since The Guru has posted a tip or news item, and I decided to reach out to him and ask if I could help out. To make a long story short, I was offered the role of guest blogger here on OpenXtips.com, and this is my first post.
OpenX consultant and guest blogger Erik Geurts
Let me start by introducing myself. I have many years of experience using OpenX, I can’t remember exactly but it must have been late 2003 or early 2004 when I started using it. What I do know is that I joined the OpenX Community Forums on May 23, 2004. Like many I was searching for answers, but I found that I could also help others with their questions. I began getting requests for paid consulting work soon after, and this enabled me to start my own business as an OpenX consultant in 2008. The slightly longer version of this story can be read in a post on the OpenX company blog from May 2008.
Fast forward to the summer of 2010 and I’m still doing what I love, helping publishers, ad networks and advertisers with their OpenX Ad Server. Another part of my business is now to help people with the hosting of their OpenX systems, focusing on the European market for the moment. And last year I co-founded a project to kick start the development of plugins for OpenX Ad Server, with fellow OpenX consultant and expert Matteo Beccati.
Turning a hobby into a full time occupation and a growing business has been an amazing experience. It might look like it all went without effort, but let me assure you starting a business takes time, energy, dedication and perseverance. It’s all been worth it, in my book.
I’m planning to post some of my own tips here on OpenX Tips, I’ve got a few ideas already but feel free to leave a comment with your suggestions.
Shameless plug: I’m hosting an OpenX Master Class on October 7, in Amsterdam (Netherlands). During this unique event, a group of experienced OpenX users will gather to discuss advanced features and use cases of the OpenX Ad Server software. I will be facilitating this event to make sure it will be an intense training course and a memorable experience. More information and a signup form on my site.