Success Story Build Your Personal Brand to Land Major Clients - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Success Story Build Your Personal Brand to Land Major Clients - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career From time to time, I receive success stories from the Personal Branding Blog readers and those that have also benefited from reading Me 2.0, which was recently named to the New York Times job search summer reading list.   The most recent and interesting personal branding success story comes from Jason VanDusen, who is the Vice President of Business Development at Confidential.   I kindly asked Jason for permission to post this and he agreed with enthusiam.   Personal branding success I have been on LinkedIn for a few years now and am pretty new to Twitter and Facebook. A bulk of my business comes specifically from the relationships that I have built on LinkedIn and a lot of  my clients  come to me to help them understand how they can use it more effectively as well. My success story is that a client of mine forwarded one of my emails to a friend of his at a Fortune 100 company here in the Dallas area.   The friend saw my signature that has links to my LinkedIn, Twitter, and blog pages.   He told me that he wanted to see what the whole blogging thing was about so he clicked on my webpage at jasonvandusen.com to peruse over it.   When he liked what he read, he clicked on my Blogger  profile which allowed him to view my LinkedIn profile.   When he saw that I worked for a local company as their Director of Sales, he decided to look into my company, since he had never heard of it. Long story short, he gave me a call, we talked about the number of service lines that my company offers clients in his specific genre and there were immediately some synergies between what he was looking to accomplish and what I specialize in.   It just so happened that the need and timing were perfect for us to work together.   To date, they are my biggest client. Key takeaways 1.   Concentrate your energy. Its obvious now that the top three social networks, that not only have mass appeal and press attention, but have the numbers and success stories to back them up, are LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.   Also, Jason used a blog to link to these social networks, so that someone could access all of his information in a single location.   By focusing his energy on these areas, he was able to put more time in and as a result, he was positioned for success. 2.   The opportunity cost. If you dont have profiles on social networks and you dont own the Google search results for your name, then it will be very hard for people to find you.   Think of everything as a search engine and keywords as a way to position yourself, so youre easily found.   Dont make people Digg around the internet searching for your online presence (no pun intended). 3.   Your email signature. Many people forget that their email signatures are important for brand promotion.   You can leverage your email signature to point people to specific areas, such as your LinkedIn profile, your blog, a new book you wrote, your company, etc.   Your email signature is also valuable as a differentiation tool, so that you can tell them what your personal brand statement is and what you could do for clients.   Finally, you can list your preferred method of contact, so that you can tell them how best to get in touch with you. 4.   Cross-link everything. If Jason didnt place links between all of his sites, then the story would not have unfolded like it did.   It seemed like his client wasnt very well educated in social media (another opportunity for him), but since he had links to and from his blog and his social networks, it was easy for this person to follow his digital tracks, which led to the solution to his problems and a new client for Jason. 5.   Email is still a powerful tool. Dont neglect email marketing and conversations.   You may think Twitter is the best method of communication, yet email still prevails in being the most sticky and direct.   An email can be forwarded infinite times and if its valuable, such as a newsletter, then you have a good chance of getting new opportunities, whether its a job or a new subscriber.

Sometimes work is a welcome distraction

Sometimes work is a welcome distraction I am four months pregnant. But the baby is dead, inside me, and must be removed. I am devastated. I always knew this could happen, in the back of my mind. But you are never prepared for something like this to happen. When I first heard the news, I did nothing. Cancelled every plan I had. Sat in chairs staring at walls, laid in bed hoping for sleep, and cried. And then came the day of the week when I had to either write my column or skip a week. Skipping a week, I thought, would probably be okay. But then I thought. Well, Im not doing anything. I *could * write a column. In the face of tragedy work is a weird thing. On the one hand, it becomes unimportant. I think back to the day before the day I knew. My sister-in-law called me and said, How are you feeling? I said, Really rushed. I have two deadlines, and I dont have time to talk. She said, No, about the baby. That day, work was so important. On the day I found out the baby was dead I had scheduled three interviews. It was a tight schedule but I felt the interviews absolutely had to get done that day. But at the doctors office, when I was crying so loudly that I was taken to a room farthest away from the waiting area so as not to scare already jittery expectant mothers, I didnt care if the interviews got done. I know it is a cliche that a job isnt life or death, but you see that truth very clearly when there is death. Co-workers who, in the face of death, treat work as more important than death seem crazy. I know because of a boss whose mom died three hours before what was, admittedly, the most important speech of his career. He felt obliged to tell his direct reports the news so they would know why he was crying in his office. Word spread fast. Condolences poured in from co-workers throughout the company. Then he gave the speech. And no one could listen. We all thought, Why doesnt he go home? Why isnt he upset? Why is he standing in front of us now? Co-workers who treat less serious events as if they were a death, seem equally crazy. They appear melodramatic and unreliable. For example, when a colleagues boyfriend of one year walked out on her, she missed a week of work. Thats too much. Im not sure where the line is for whats too much, but a week is too much for that. So where is the line for a dead baby that I never saw, but has been a part of me and is still inside? For two days I did nothing. But today I feel like work might be the best thing for me. For most of us, work isnt just about getting a paycheck; its a way to connect with the world. I dont want to be alone today, so Im working. And although I postponed my interviews, I wont miss any deadlines. Not because I think the babys death is unimportant. In fact, in light of this event, I am sure people would be very sympathetic about my missing deadlines. But I wont miss any because in the midst of personal tragedy, work is a way for me to maintain structure in my life and find not-so-tragic things to think about.

Choose the Best Online Resume Writing Service Executives

Choose the Best Online Resume Writing Service ExecutivesThe first step in choosing the best online resume writing service executives is to find a service which is reputed for its quality. There are many freelancers who offer service but these services might not always be the same.The same thing happens with content management systems as well as the most important parts of the resume. There is no point hiring a content management system, if the same is not well maintained.You also need to check the credentials of the writer for your resume service and his or her experience. You can do this by consulting the clients you have worked with in the past. This will give you an idea of what they expected from the writer.Content management systems are not a hard thing to master, as long as you know the right way to use them. If you are unaware of how to use them, you could end up being scammed or having problems with your resume software because the owner does not bother about their programmer s.Resume writing service executives can help you and not only that. In fact, their skill of providing good service to its clients can never be matched by their customers.The best online resume writing service executives should provide the most innovative solutions to fill your resume with as much information as possible, and leave your employer with the impression that you were hired because of your professional capabilities. They should also fill your resume with all the required information, so that you get noticed for what you really are.In this kind of industry, your resume is your medium to share your knowledge with the prospective employer. You can write your resume in a very structured manner but it would be more effective if you could add some personal and informal touches to make your resume more interesting.You can download free resume samples or hire a freelancer to write it for you. You just need to be resourceful and know what to expect in your service.

What I Know About Getting A Job The eBook

What I Know About Getting A Job The eBook 75 Flares 75 Flares Download the eBook - What I Know About Getting A Job Job search and career advice is troubling for job seekers.  Its not because of the advice giver, but because there is never just one right answer, and each person needs a unique solution to fit their situation.  Job seekers come from all walks of life, different skill sets, different educational experiences, and different goals.  Its impossible for one HR blogger, career counselor/expert, or recruiter to provide all the correct answers for each person. With that in mind, Penelope Trunk and I came up with an idea for an eBook that would bring job search and career advice from all different perspectives.  Weve compiled a contributer list of 18 experts in HR and the job search.  They are professionals named as the Top 25 Digital HR Influencers in 2009, and theyve shared their stories, experiences, and beliefs in this eBook. Its silly to think that this eBook will answer every question you have, but Im certain that you will enjoy these shared stories and experiences in an eBook that we are very proud of. Thank you to Penelope Trunk and Brazen Careerist for the opportunity, and thank you to the contributers for sharing their insightful, inspiring, and helpful stories.  Enjoy the eBook and make sure to visit BrazenCareerist.com Download the eBook -  What I Know About Getting A Job

Best Tips for Leveraging Your Network in your Job Search - CareerAlley

Best Tips for Leveraging Your Network in your Job Search - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. Your network of friends, coworkers, business acquaintances and family is one of your most important job search assets. How you leverage your network during your job search is equally as important and can often be the deciding factor in how quickly you land a new job. There are many ways you can leverage your network and there is a delicate balance between over-using your network and not using it enough. Building Your Network: Your network is something that you should build and cultivate over time. Knowing who is in your network, where they work and how they might enhance your career is very important. With tools like LinkedIn, that should not be difficult. Remember, networking is a two way street and giving advice/help is as important as getting help when it is needed. Keep track of your contacts. This includes (but is not limited to): Current and former coworkers College friends, roommates and college professors Friends, neighbors, community groups and relatives Professional association members Professionals (attorneys, accountants, doctors, dentists, etc.) Current and former managers Boy/Girl Scouting friends, sports team members and coaches Use networking tools to see who you may know from former employers Networking not your favorite? Take a look at [easyazon_link asin=1605095222 locale=US new_window=default nofollow=default tag=caree07-20 add_to_cart=default cloaking=default localization=default popups=default]Networking for People Who Hate Networking: A Field Guide for Introverts, the Overwhelmed, and the Underconnected[/easyazon_link]. Managing Your Network: Years ago, it was all about your Rolodex (some of you will need to look that one up). Keeping track of your network has never been easier. There are a number of popular networking tools. My favorite (and one of the best known) is LinkedIn, although you should use whatever works best for you. Size matters but . . . Only connect with people you actually know (weve all received requests from people weve never heard of) Make sure you keep in contact with the most important people in your network Give recommendations to those in your network who are deserving There is nothing wrong with asking for recommendations do it sooner rather than later Continue to build on your brand, update your skills and experience Know Your Networks Network: Sometimes its not who you know, sometimes its who your network knows. If you have an interview scheduled, check to see who in your network works (or a has worked) at this company No one on the list? Check to see who knows someone that has worked at the company (LinkedIn has this ability) Leverage your network to find out more about the companies they work for Canvass your network for job opportunities at their companies Look at several business networking sites and organizations. While you dont want to spread yourself thin, dont limit yourself to just one network. Related Articles: 10 Quick and Easy Ways to Use Social Media to find a Job 5 Resources to Check Your Job Search Social Profile 5 Resources for Leveraging Your Network in Your Job Search We are always eager to hear from our readers. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or suggestions regarding CareerAlley content. Good luck in your search,Joey Google+ what where job title, keywords or company city, state or zip jobs by

Strangest reasons to miss work -

Strangest reasons to miss work - Is work becoming tiresome? Do you need a mental health day and a break from your job and co-workers? Sometimes, just calling in sick (cough, cough) doesnt seem inventive or interesting enough, and you ramp it up a bit by offering a more interesting excuse. Before you decide to call in sick (when youre not really sick), or provide another excuse to stay home, keep in mind that some distrusting employers may decide to check up on you. A survey from  Career Builder  found 30% of employers checked in on employees to make sure they werent making up excuses to miss work. The survey found 64% required a doctors note for being sick, 48% called the employee during the missed day of work, 19% snooped on social media posts, 17% asked another employee to call the worker and 15% reported that they had driven by the employees house. (Presumably to determine if the person was actually at home or not.) Recently, a man in Florida went so far as to  fake a home burglary  to avoid going into work. Apparently, he did not know that reporting a false crime was actually illegal; he wound up in jail. Most people dont go to such lengths to avoid work, but they do come up with some interesting excuses. Have you ever heard (or used) any of these: I was so overwrought because my team lost last night, I just couldnt get out of bed.  Theres a reason the term fan comes from the work fanatic, but even the most die-hard fans would balk at this excuse for missing work. There was a squirrel in my house and I needed to wait for animal control. They took all day to get there.  It sounds crazy, but it is possible for outdoor animals to find their way into the house. Would you really want to leave home with a squirrel roaming your house? However, if this is true, it may be wise to post some timely pictures on social media of the squirrel chowing down on your cats food in the kitchen. The cat got out and is hiding under the deck.  If you have animal lovers in your office, they probably wouldnt expect you to leave your indoor cat outdoors for the day. However, as with the squirrel, you better have some photos, and does it really take you the whole day to rescue your cat? Theres a sinkhole in my yard.  What sounds like a crazy excuse could actually be true, but this is pretty easy to confirm, especially if your employer is the drive by to check on you type. I didnt have a thing to wear.  Even if you work in a fashion conscious environment, this is unlikely to hold water as a reasonable excuse to stay home from work. Similarly, I cant find my shoes will not garner much sympathy. The electricity went out and I cant open my garage door.  Even if youre not particularly handy, it shouldnt be too difficult to disable to automatic garage door. Alternatively, consider other transportation options, such as a cab or a ride with a friend. Even if you work in a creative industry, make sure youre using your skills to your advantage, and not to get you in trouble with your boss and colleagues. Dont be the one in the office best known for reasons NOT to come to work! Originally appeared on AOLJobs.com.

A Guide to a Good Resume Writing For Undergraduate Students

A Guide to a Good Resume Writing For Undergraduate StudentsWhen you are first beginning your job search, the prospect of writing a resume for undergraduate or graduate studies can seem very daunting. This is because there are many ways to do this, and the ways aren't necessarily easy to find. Since you've decided to go this route, here are some great tips to follow to make your job search much easier. Hopefully these will put you on the right track to more success in your future.The most important thing to remember is that you do not need to be a great writer in order to write a great resume. Sure, that might make your job search easier, but it won't help you when you are considering just writing a cover letter. It's good to have good writing skills, but you can also have writing experience in conjunction with this job search.The most important thing to remember is that you should be focusing on providing information that will help your application goes well. This means that you are going to have to pay attention to things like spelling and grammar. As soon as you are aware of any obvious errors, you should point them out to the hiring officer. If you are thinking of adding other information to your resume, it is a good idea to make sure that your resume is easy to read.If you have the skills and experience necessary, it is a good idea to use a professional resume writer. The pros that you should be paying attention to are the words that you are using, the types of fonts that you are using, and the overall formatting of your resume. You can find out about the pros in the ad that they give you to read. There are also paid services that will do the legwork for you. They can draft your resume and make it a great, professional-looking document that will impress anyone that is going to look at it.Another good part of the resume that you need to pay attention to is the information that you want to tell your potential employer. This is especially true if you are think ing of getting some internships or volunteer opportunities in the future. You need to be able to state that you have experience that will be valuable to this type of job search. This could include your experience as a secretary at a local bookstore, or you are volunteering at a museum. There are a number of internships that are available, and it can be a great way to spend some time with a prospective employer.No matter what area of your career you want to choose, you are going to need to have a good understanding of the job that you want to write a resume for. It is necessary to create a list of topics that will have to be covered in your resume. You can try to keep things generic and general, but there are going to be some topics that are specific to the position that you want to pursue. These should be listed in the appropriate spaces in your resume.Having a great resume writing for undergraduate or graduate students is a great way to have a solid start in the job search. Even if you are the type of person that is motivated to learn about all the ways that can be used to create a great resume, you should begin by taking some time to find a great resume writer. This is because they will be able to assist you in finding the best wording to suit your needs. They will also help you make sure that your writing is as professional looking as possible.