Are you networking in 2007 using skills from 1987?

Networking is a secret weapon to success; and not just for the self employed, either. Facebook, LinkedIn, Plaxo, associations, business groups, and chambers of commerce. Are you a member? Are you taking full advantage of today's broad spectrum of social networking resources?

In 1987, you went to an association meeting or a chamber of commerce meeting because you needed something - a new job, a new client, a connection. Networking tended to be a very selfish activity 20 years ago. Now in ...More of "Are you networking in 2007 using skills from 1987?"

Do you put in a full day at work?

My 16-year-old son, Christopher, works at a golf course. His shift starts at 4 p.m. If I am driving him to work, he is in a complete state of panic if he's not at the golf course by 3:50. He is worried that he will be fired.

The other day I had an office temp help me with a seminar. Her scheduled starting time was 8 a.m. She arrived at 7:52 and apologized for being early, and then excused herself "to relax" until 8.

Why is it that my 16-year-old gets it, and yet this full-grown ...More of "Do you put in a full day at work?"

Look as professional as you are

Close your eyes and walk into your office or cubicle. When you open your eyes, look at your desk as if it doesn't belong to you. Now describe the person who owns this desk. Do they seem professional and competent, or frazzled and disorganized? Now remember that this is your desk, and think about what message it's sending about you.

I am a pretty good housekeeper. My mom was obsessive-compulsive about keeping a neat house. She vacuumed daily, she ironed everything, and everything was put ...More of "Look as professional as you are"

Would you hire you?

Are you worth the salary you're earning?  Do you really give it your all, or are you just showing up for work?

I was in Houston last week and had a waiter who impressed me to no end. I wanted to offer him a job.  His work ethic was impressive, genuine and, I'm sure, rewarding (I certainly tipped him well).  I call his work ethic that of the  Eager Beaver.

Eager Beaver
She loves her job (or she'll look for a new one).  She wakes up ...More of "Would you hire you?"

The Book of Life

In the book of life, the next chapter is often unpredictable. Some of us love that, and some of us fight against it. We struggle for control and we want to know what is written before it actually happens. Basically, we all want to live happily ever after without any of the traumas, challenges and difficult situations that life can throw our way.

I've been resisting making decisions about a situation that had no easy answer. Recently, I stopped resisting, and decided to turn the page and ...More of "The Book of Life"

We can learn a lot from "The Apprentice"

I like reality television. I love to watch the interactions between the contestants. I am particularly fond of The Apprentice because it shows people in professional situations.

What I find fascinating is that the contestants seem genuinely surprised when they have trusted someone, only to find that they shouldn't have. Don't they realize that it is everyone for herself? Only one person wins the prize and the others don't want it to be you.

Unfortunately, our work settings are often ...More of "We can learn a lot from "The Apprentice" "

A false sense of security

Remember when computers were introduced into the workplace? We were told we would have a paperless society. But on average today, 19 copies of each original document are made. Hardly a paperless society! I think all that paper gives many of us a false sense of security. We assume there are multiple copies of everything floating around, and that nothing can really get lost.

Bad assumption. This month it happened. However, my false sense of security allowed me not to panic.

I've since ...More of "A false sense of security "

Is Your Resume Helping You or Hurting You?

Below are some tips that I offer:

Cover Letter - Don't treat it as a formality. You can give valuable information by writing it carefully. You should include information about your background and interests as they apply to the job specifically. This is your opportunity ...More of "Is Your Resume Helping You or Hurting You?"

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