Personal Brand Do People Really Know What You Do

Personal Brand Do People Really Know What You Do Recently I was on a call with a new JibberJobber user (and good friend) who had a lot of questions on how to use JibberJobber. I’ll call him Brad. Like many of my users, Brad is good with technology but not an IT guy. This means he has a lot of smart “how do I do this? “ questions… things that I don’t think about. Also, Brad is an entrepreneur and is using JibberJobber to manage professional relationships (customers, prospects, etc.). I call JibberJobber a tool to organize your job search but really it is a relationship manager. Some call it a personal relationship manager but it is really, essentially a “customer relationship manager,” or CRM â€" that’s what we modeled it from. So back to my call with Brad… one thing he said is that he LOVES LOVES LOVES the inline help videos we have for users to understand how to use various parts of the system. He asked me to make a lot more. “Spend a day and just do a lot of recorgding,” he asked. It occurred to me that even though I, and many users, know about many of the rich features of JibberJobber, there are many more who don’t. I have to educate them, continually! And you, as CEO of Me, Inc., have to educate YOUR audience. You think they know, but they don’t. Yes, you have told them a me-in-30-seconds, but that doesn’t quite do the job! My point is this: YOU have to communicate what you do, your brand, etc. to your network/audience regularly. HOW are you doing this? Personal Brand Do People Really Know What You Do Recently I was on a call with a new JibberJobber user (and good friend) who had a lot of questions on how to use JibberJobber. I’ll call him Brad. Like many of my users, Brad is good with technology but not an IT guy. This means he has a lot of smart “how do I do this? “ questions… things that I don’t think about. Also, Brad is an entrepreneur and is using JibberJobber to manage professional relationships (customers, prospects, etc.). I call JibberJobber a tool to organize your job search but really it is a relationship manager. Some call it a personal relationship manager but it is really, essentially a “customer relationship manager,” or CRM â€" that’s what we modeled it from. So back to my call with Brad… one thing he said is that he LOVES LOVES LOVES the inline help videos we have for users to understand how to use various parts of the system. He asked me to make a lot more. “Spend a day and just do a lot of recorgding,” he asked. It occurred to me that even though I, and many users, know about many of the rich features of JibberJobber, there are many more who don’t. I have to educate them, continually! And you, as CEO of Me, Inc., have to educate YOUR audience. You think they know, but they don’t. Yes, you have told them a me-in-30-seconds, but that doesn’t quite do the job! My point is this: YOU have to communicate what you do, your brand, etc. to your network/audience regularly. HOW are you doing this?

How To Build a Strong Social Media Influence - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

How To Build a Strong Social Media Influence - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career There’s a lot you can do to improve your personal brands social media influence. When you persuade people, your visibility and authority will both rise as a result. How can your brand gain more recognition online? By forging meaningful relationships with individuals and leaders in your industry. Daily conversations can help your brand could generate more recommendations, especially when it’s from a trusted source. In a time of social advertising and automation, brands should connect with their audience on social media in a trusted way. There are a few simple strategies you can use to attract the right people to your brand. Building more influence with social media Brand advocates are built over time through daily activity and communication. Increase your visibility with these tips: Create remarkable content Your influence depends on whether or not people want to view or read your content. Develop your message first, then move onto your marketing strategy. Outstanding content gets noticed, while poor content garners low visibility and trust. Build a group or community Groups on social media can quickly attract an interested audience. With just a couple posts or tweets a day your brand can start an active and engaged community. These are places to forge new relationships rather than generate sales. Include the right hashtags Find and use the most popular hashtags people are much more likely to respond and also find your content above the competition. Each social network uses these differently, and it’s important to pay attention to which terms are trending the most for a particular topic. Gather community feedback Ask your audience questions, such as creating a user poll on either Facebook or Twitter. Ask your community to share their opinions about a particular topic. Dont be afraid to ask provocative questions as these make for great dialogue and can help you learn more about your target market. Connecting with the right relationships online is worth the investment in time and effort. Use these steps to help give your online presence the boost that you need in order to effectively reach your brand followers.

Personal Branding Interview Sean Aiken - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Personal Branding Interview Sean Aiken - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career Today, I spoke to Sean Aiken, who graduated college in 2005 and decided to embark on a grand journey, starting the one-week job project, where he had 52 jobs in a year. His journey is now captured in a brand new book called The One-Week Job Project: 1 Man, 1 Year, 52 Jobs.   In this interview, Sean talks about why its hard for a college student to choose a career upon graduation, which job was different than he had expected, what lessons hes learned from his journey, talks about his media campaign, and his future. Why is it so hard for someone to choose the right career out of college? When we’re fresh out of college, we don’t have a ton of work experience. We open up the classifieds, search online job postings and see all of these important sounding job titles, but it’s difficult to know what the job will actually be like. For me personally, it was hard because I was scared at the thought of committing to a career path, not liking it, and then feeling trapped in the position. I think a mistake that many people make when deciding on a career is to focus on the title and ignore the characteristics of the particular career and it’s associated lifestyle. We may spend a bunch of time and money on school or required designations only to show up at the workplace and find out it’s not for us. My intention in starting The One-Week Job Project was that I’d be able to learn about the characteristics I wanted in a career, and the type of workplace situation I’d need to be happy before making the full commitment. I think another factor is that our generation has different expectations of the workplace. We’re looking for more than just a job; we’re looking for a career that we’re going to enjoy, a position in which we feel we’re making a meaningful contribution and that grants a balance between work life and social life. With little work experience, a hurting economy, and going up against an old paradigm that says, “You’re not supposed to enjoy work,” choosing the right career is not an easy task. Out of all the jobs you took on your adventure, which jobs werent what you thought they would be? Hollywood Producer â€" Typically when we think of the job description of a Hollywood producer, it’s all glitz, glamour, and red carpet premieres. I quickly found out that there is a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes. The producer I worked with said that he receives 50-75 scripts a week. He was responsible for buying the script, deciding who is going to star in the film, who is going to direct the film, managing the budget What lessons did you learn from your jobs that helped you decide more of your career path? I learned that I dont necessarily need to have my “dream job” in order to be happy at work. There are many other factors that contribute to our job satisfaction. When I asked my coworkers what they liked most about their job, the common answer I heard was the people they worked with. Also, I recognized that those who were most passionate about their jobs were the ones who had a vision of how they were contributing to something greater than themselves. It mattered that they showed up to work each day because they contributed something valuable, and something was made better because of their work. For example, I worked on an organic dairy farm with a guy named George. The job demands long hours, very hard work, early mornings â€" after a couple of days I thought, “How can anyone enjoy this job?” But George seemed to love it. To George, he was providing food for thousands of people while contributing to the environment with his organic farming practices. He understood the significance of his job and thats where he derived his job satisfaction. I also learned that it’s important to take a close look at our passion and see what are the different ways in which we can fulfill our passion. For Week 22, I was a Radio DJ. On my last day I sat down with the radio station’s program director, Scott. I asked Scott, “How did you get involved in Radio. Did you always know that this is what you wanted to do?” He said, “If you ask most people in radio where they started out, we’re all kind of failed musicians really. Truthfully we’d rather be the people making the music, but to be involved in music in some way, that’s where the passion lies.” Even though Scott is not what he originally thought he wanted to be as a rock star, he loves his job. He still works in the same industry, deals with the same people, and is still able to cultivate his passion for music. We can’t all be rock stars, but it doesn’t mean we have to end up in a completely unrelated field. It made me realize that even if I can’t be the rock star, maybe I’d be just as happy being the person who hands the rock star their guitar. How did you handle your media campaign? I didn’t have a formal media campaign. As word of The One-Week Job Project spread, media outlets from around the world started to cover the story: The New York Times, CNN, The Rachael Ray Show, Good Morning America, 20/20, CBC… At times it was overwhelming trying to manage everything. It felt like I was always working two different jobs; my job that particular week, and then finalizing plans for the following week â€" where I was working, where I was going to stay, and how I’d travel to the next city. Whats next for you? The book I wrote about my experience, The One-Week Job Project: 1 Man, 1 Year, 52 Jobs, will be published May 4 by Random House. It’s a memoir of my year, highlighting the different jobs I had, adventures from the road, and advice that I received from my employers on how to find the right career. We recently finished post-production on the documentary that will be available this spring. We just started the One Week Job Program that provides others the opportunity to have a similar experience to my original journey. We’re giving three individuals $3000 each over the course of two months this summer. They’ll perform eight different one-week jobs and blog from the website. Anyone interested can apply at oneweekjob.com. Also, I’m planning an extensive college campus tour around the country next fall to share my story and all that I learned in making the transition from school into the working world. Sean Aiken graduated from Capilano College with a degree in Business Administration in 2005. At the top of his class, with a 4.0 cumulative GPA, he was voted the class valedictorian. He started the One-Week Job project in February 2007, at age twenty-five, and finished his 52 weeks in March 2008.   He is the author the career book The One-Week Job Project: 1 Man, 1 Year, 52 Jobs.   The One-Week Job Project has been featured in numerous media around the world, including The Rachael Ray Show, The New York Times, CNN, Good Morning America, 20/20, CBC and countless others. Sean has been involved in sports his whole life and captained the men’s varsity volleyball team at college. He loves to go on adventures, meet new people, and bring some fun to whatever it is that he’s doing. Sean speaks English and French, and has backpacked throughout Europe, North America, Central America, the Caribbean, and South East Asia.

The Psychology of Networking How Some Appear Natural While Others Stutter

The Psychology of Networking How Some Appear Natural While Others Stutter If you’ve spent time looking for a new job these days, then it shouldn’t surprise you to find out that, according to Harvard Business School, 65% to 85% of jobs are found through networking. That statistic was a big deal when it was released. To 99% of the population, it was like a brutal slap in the face. People were outraged that they were not given a “fair chance” to interview. To be frank, I thought that number was pretty low. Here’s why. Let’s say you went to a bar one night and you intended to meet someone. And sure enough, a stranger approached you as soon as you sat down. Let’s say you hit it off with this stranger. After a brief 30 minutes chat, both of you decided to set another date. Now would you move in with this stranger after the second date? Because that’s what that number is saying. That number is saying that 15% to 35% of all employers are desperate enough to make a new hire based off 2 interviews (pretty standard practice) with a stranger. And here’s the thing: hiring is a risky business. Forget the hard financial cost. By employing you, the employer is taking a social risk by introducing you to her team. She is also taking a professional risk because to some extent, hiring you is like putting her job on the line. And most important, she is taking a personal risk what if you’re a psycho? That’s where networking comes in. Networking is like dating. It allows your future employer to get to know you better and minimize the risks she will be taking in hiring you. The problem is that schools don’t teach networking and most people simply don’t know what to do. Well, the first step is not to appear like a desperate weirdo. Of course, that’s easier said than done, especially when a job is on the line. Here are a couple of steps to make sure you never again say, “I can’t believe I said that!” Serendipity vs Goal: “How does he appear so smooth?” my friend wondered. He just witnessed a colleague of ours get a card from one of the most well-known industry influencer. Here’s how: he prepared! Those who are new to networking tend to have this assumption that networking is like falling in love. You go from one person to the other, stumbling around randomly, and hope that you find “the one”. There’s just one problem with that approach: when you do meet the one, you don’t know what to say. Networking veterans, on the other hand, have a clear target. They identified which company they want to work with and exactly what role they desire and thus who they need to speak to. Before they step into a conference or any networking opportunity, they did their research. Who will be the speakers? Who are the VIPs? Are there anyone who will be there I’d like to meet? Check Linkedin, scour twitter and dig around Facebook. Most people would tell the world when they will be attending a major event. Once they’ve identified who they want to meet, they do two things: Find for similarities to create a perceptual bond. For example, did both of you attend the same university? Are both of you photography enthusiasts? Find out what these people are doing so you can talk about it. Are they involved in a foundation? Did she just come back from a prolonged break? And if you’re worried they find out you conducted research, don’t! Most people would be flattered you take the time to get to know them better before approaching. Mindset: Getting a Job vs Delivering Value: Once you make contact, make sure you have the right mindset. Most people have this mindset that they should be given a job before they start working almost like they are entitled to a job. Treat me well first, in other words, and I will do the same. Successful networkers, on the other hand, know that the opposite is true. You need to deliver value first, and you’ll boost your chances of being offered a job in the future. There are 3 ways you can deliver value: Offer to help with a current project. Like this, “I’m actually working on something similar. Would you like my notes?” Forward interesting research you might have discovered. Busy people have no time to keep up to date with all the latest development in their industry so anyone who points them to interesting happenings scores big points. Start with, “I heard you’re working on this project, you should check this out” Introduce them to people who can add value to their lives. Beginners have the misconception of hoarding their contacts, wrongly assuming that social equity is this limited pie. In fact, the opposite is true. The more connections you make, the more your social equity multiplies just make sure you know the person you’re introducing knows his/her stuff. So there you go, 2 simple steps. First, conduct your research on a number of topics you want to talk about. Prepare and practice, practice, practice. Second, consult and deliver value first before asking. Heck, don’t expect anything in return for that matter that simple shift in mindset is bound to improve your behaviour. Related: 3 Smart Networking Strategies to Use at Your Next Event. This article was written by Andrianes Pinantoan, who is part of the team behind opencolleges.edu.au, an Australian TAFE Courses provider.  When not working, he can be found in his personal blog, Journey To Earth.

How to improve your confidence - Debut confidence

How to improve your confidence - Debut confidence This post was written by an external contributor. Emer Scully gives some tips to get rid of those nerves and replace it with confidence.   Making the change from school to university can involve a whole new set of expectations as you enter a world far removed from home. You will meet new people, perhaps get a part-time job and manoeuvre your way around a potentially unknown town/city. What you will find, however, is that by the end of university these issues wont seem as daunting. Making friends, attending job interviews, and speaking up in class becomes a little easier each time you step out of your comfort zone. Its the same with every challenge. The more you do it, the less scary it becomes. With this in mind, here are the five things you can do to become the best and most confident version of yourself. Have some public alone time There is nothing more nerve-wracking than being alone in a public space. In an area where everyone else seems so sociable, actually stopping and enjoying the moment on your own can be daunting. The constant concern about what others think is often a cause of anxiety, but its important to take this step away from caring about the opinions of an anonymous crowd. Enjoy your own company outside and spend time alone in a coffee shop, a cinema, or at dinner. Take a book, people watch or just take the time to think. Join a club Pick an activity you have never tried before, or one that you gave up years ago. Get yourself into a new environment and make some new friends. They could end up being people youll know for life. You never know, you might love the club so much that you go professional, make your fortune and never have to write another essay again! okay, maybe were exaggerating a bit. BUT it could still be a lot of fun. Again, anything that gets you out of your comfort zone can only help the feelings of nerves and anxiety go away. Pick up the phone Have you been putting off chasing up that email you sent last month? If you want a job or work experience badly enough, you have to call. People in big offices doing important jobs are busy people and will probably have missed your email. We know its terrifying to pick up a phone when you are used to instant messaging, but its so important to get over that fear. When I first made a call during my first ever work placement I was shaking. But I refused to let my fear get the better of me, so I picked up the phone and all was fine. I can attest that as soon as you start talking you will realise how simple it is for your brain to create fear over the simplest of tasks. Just do it If your brain constantly deliberates over whether or not to go somewhere or do something, nine times out of ten the best option is to go and do it. Believe me when I say that the faster you go ahead and try something new, the better you will be at overcoming any negative feelings. Your brain may have the power to plant doubts and worries in your head, but you ultimately decide what to do. Send the email, go on the night out, just do it. Take your time Doing what seems scary more often that not will result in a sense of achievement. But you also need to take your time. Understand that ‘the world cannot touch me’ attitude will not suddenly appear overnight, and nerves will always be there. Everyone feels scared sometimes. It may appear that charismatic politicians, inquisitive journalists and hilarious comedians are incredibly put together. But believe it or not, they will also still feel anxious at times. If you want to be more confident you need to accept the nerves, and deal with them calmly. Ultimately the key to confidence is to do what scares you â€" approach the celebrity you see in the street, sing karaoke with your friends (even despite your complete inability to sing) and say yes more. Because once you’ve achieved what you once thought was impossible, the world suddenly becomes one notch less terrifying. Connect with Debut on  Facebook,  Twitter,  and  LinkedIn  for more careers insights.

2 Ways to Attract the Best Talent for Your Company

2 Ways to Attract the Best Talent for Your Company 2 Ways to Attract the Best Talent for Your Company Do you have a high attrition rate or employee turnover? Is the development of future leaders in your company important? Are you concerned? Do you believe the best candidates are lined up outside your door just because you have a good brand? Are you concerned that you may not be appealing to today’s candidates? There are essentially three generations of job seekers vying for jobs today: Baby Boomers, Generation X or Gen X, and Generation Y or Millennials. Whether you answered “yes” to any of the above or haven’t even given it much thought, now is the time. While the unemployment crisis has been dominating the news for years, a serious and related problem that companies face today is a talent crunch. Companies of all sizes are concerned about â€" and ill equipped to face â€" these three challenges: creating a differentiated employee value proposition, attracting the right talent for the future, and enhancing the retention of new-hires. Of course there are many more talent issues; the list goes on. But let’s just tackle these three challenges. Here are two new techniques you should be thinking about and acting upon to meet them. 1. Update your hiring value proposition; have a variety of versions. Are you inspired by your company’s job description(s)? Would you apply? Who wrote the copy on your website CAREER page and when was it last reviewed? Have you asked for feedback from someone from each generation? I review job descriptions with my clients and guide them to do research on prospective employers. Often I hear comments like, “This company sounds old-school.” or “I want to work for a cool, fast-paced company.” or “I want to make a difference and this reads like a dead-end job.” Re-boot your hiring value proposition: re-write your key messages to speak to the audiences you want to reach. Develop multiple angles, depending on the target generation and function (finance versus sales and marketing). Re-launch a great employee referral program and use your local and national business resources to re-position your company as a great employer. 2. Develop a talent pipeline filled with internal and external candidates. No matter what size your company, from start-up to Fortune 500, your talent needs continual shift, and should shift to stay competitive. I believe one of the biggest potential threats to many companies is the lack of a robust talent pool from which to select future leaders. And by “leaders,” I don’t mean just senior executives. Does your talent pool contain people who want to move across multiple functions, such as sales, operations, or marketing, to learn all aspects of your business? Do they have the people skills, the leadership capabilities, and global diversity sensitivity required for your company’s future? Challenge your managers to interview your current employees and clearly understand what they aspire to do in the future, what motivates them, and what is missing from their current role. Senior executives should spearhead this effort and demonstrate not only interest but take ACTION as a result. Challenge your human resources and recruiting team to do a better job conveying your hiring value proposition during the recruiting and interviewing stages AND to stay in touch with candidates who either declined an offer or who have a great background but don’t match an open position. What are your hiring challenges? Send them to Career Mojo at nncgio.

How to find people on LinkedIn -

How to find people on LinkedIn - I wrote about LinkedIn this week and about how to subscribe to RSS feeds for the Answers section. Before I published the post, my friend Hannah Morgan, AKA @careersherpa, contacted me to ask if Id   contribute a suggestion to help readers find great people to connect with on LinkedIn. There are so many great ways, but since I had LinkedIns Answers on the brain, I replied: Using LinkedIns Answers is one way to expand   potential connections. Often, when I ask a question, people who answer it will request to connect, or if I answer a question, people who asked it may request that we link in. If you are asking and answering questions related to your field, you may meet people who could be great networking contacts you wouldnt otherwise know. A lot of our colleagues offered great ideas to help you find people via LinkedIn on Hannahs blog. Be sure to visit CareerSherpa.com for all the suggestions! photo by 99zeros