July 27th, 2010
by admin
I came across this visual post from David Steel of the Steel Method LLC and though it was a great quick, simple and fun visual for building and maintaining networks for small businesses using social media.

Via: The Steel Method
Social Media & Marketing |
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July 25th, 2010
by admin
After a number of years as a recruiter, I have to remind myself at each networking event or party that it takes time to become good at networking. It’s a skill some people seem to be born with but for the large majority of people it is a never ending learning process that can be even a little scary in the beginning.
To overcome the early obstacles there are things you can do as a new networker:
• Take and extra few minutes the day of the event to get caught up on current events, headlines, movies or books so you can insert yourself into conversations that might be happening on these topics or stock pile yourself with something to talk about.
• Practice your elevator pitch. One the way to the event practice some questions and answers out loud to yourself. It sounds silly but it gets your mind moving in the right direction.
• Many networks have current members listed online. Sift through them and see if there is anyone you want to meet or learn a little about them ahead of time.
• Get to the event early. It’s easier transition to go into an almost empty room rather then when it’s full of conversation. By doing this you also almost turn into a greeter and get to meet the first group of people one on one.
• Bring a pen with you to quickly jot down information about people on the back of their business cards before you drive home. Be sure to follow up with and email or other introduction.
• For more experienced networkers keep an eye out for shy or new networkers who might be trying to join a conversation. If someone stands next to you in a conversation ask the other person to “hold that thought” for a minute and ask for the new person’s name. Be sure to introduce them to the others you are talking to. It will make them feel more at ease.
Planning might not always make perfect but it might help you be more successful at your next networking event.
Look forward to seeing everyone at an event soon!
Business Tips |
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July 2nd, 2010
by admin
A few months ago was the Social Recruiting Summit held by ERE hosted at the Best Buy headquarters in Minneapolis, MN. I would have loved to attend but although I could not fit the travel into my schedule I was lucky enough to see many of the wonderful presentations streamed live via the internet. Even after the conference we had access to some of the slide presentations through SlideShare. The presentations were full of great content and an excellent learning opportunity even for those of us who did not attend. This experience made me think of other non-traditional learning avenues that are worth exploring.
Though I don’t commute for work any longer I actually do not mind long car trips due to what I call “Auto University”. There is an actual educational program out there called Auto University about cars but what I am talking about is my audio CDs of seminars and book reviews. Most commutes are filled with listening to a little Howard Stern or some NPR but what a great place to learn or soak up a book. Don’t have a lot of time to listen to an entire book? Check out Executive Book Summaries where they break the book down into easily digestible concepts and reviews. Can’t attend a seminar in person? See if there is a recorded event on YouTube or an iTunes podcast. Visit SlideShare to see if their presentation is posted online. Search for webinars online. If you can’t make the live presentation ask if the webcast will be recorded. Many times it is.
Life is a continual learning process, what have you learned today and where did you learn it?
Internet Solutions |
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May 24th, 2010
by admin
Most people have heard of the 30 second commercial or elevator pitch, meaning you should be able to meet a person and pitch what you can do for them in between getting on an elevator and the doors opening again. Good elevator pitches are well practiced, concise and clearly articulate what you do.
The truth is it doesn’t matter if it’s a business offering a service, a candidate submitting a cover letter and resume or the Boy Scouts selling something outside of the local Wal-Mart. Most people have a short attention span until you have “hooked” them into listening longer.
This past week I had the pleasure of sitting in on an excellent business seminar where throughout the day the participants were able to come to a clear objective of what their business could offer. Not only was it easy to ascertain what they could or couldn’t offer me but the clearer they were and the more they had their statement down the more confident they were in what they were saying.
Here are some tips on getting your own clear objective.
- What is your product or service you offer?
- Who is your target market?
- What can you offer that no one else can or what makes you stand out from competition? What is unique about you or your service?
- Make sure it is clear of too many ten-dollar words or industry jargon. You can go into details afterward but remember people may have other things on their mind, you need to catch their attention quickly be sure it is understandable.
- Is your pitch compelling? Remember you are just setting the hook. The next step is a further conversation or in the case of a resume to read further.
- How can you customize it to different audiences?
Once you have your pitch put together, write it down, and repeat it as often as you can until it becomes second nature. The more you have it down the easier it will be to customize it and the more confident you will be the next time you go to a networking event, on an interview or better yet stuck in an elevator with just the person you are trying to impress.
Career Planning, Interview Tips, Social Media & Marketing |
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May 17th, 2010
by admin
I took this photo in a session led by Mark Magliocco during MarketingCampPhilly a few weeks ago. Mark asked a great question and led a lively good discussion started with the question….Are You a Brand? You may have a company or work for a company that you consider a brand but in reality we are all walking talking personal brands. There are a number of blogs popping up every day devoted to this concept such as Brand-Yourself and Personal Branding by Dan Schawbel dubbed the “personal branding guru” and author of bestselling book Me 2.0.
So how does this play into your career or business? Reading a post by Libby Sartain on Brand For Talent entitled “How Would This Look on the Cover of the WSJ?” reminded me that whether you like it or not everything you say and do is interpreted in person and online. This affects not only the company you work for or respresent but your reputation as a personal brand.
Growing up in a small town word travelled fast. Everything I did I would sometimes have to ask myself…What would my family think if they knew I said or did something? Nowadays that word of mouth is now the world of mouth, news good and bad, can travel not only within your town limits or your “friend” circle but around the world in a blink of the eye. Company reputations and brands can be lifted or ruined in a matter of days. If someone wants to know about you or your past they can easily research it online.
So next time you think of blasting that nasty email about a colleague, talk poorly about your employer or even make an unwise choice in your personal life, think…Is this something I would want posted on the front page of the Wall Street Journal? Is this something that best represents me to future employers or clients? And of course…What would mom say?
Social Media & Marketing |
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May 16th, 2010
by admin
If leaving for a better opportunity, moving to a new position can be an exciting time and most likely most of your focus but don’t forget to put as much effort into your departure as you do into your new opportunity. A few quick tips on making a professional exit:
- Don’t burn any bridges. You might be surprised to find some of your old co-workers or managers moving over to the same company as you.
- Handle exit interviews with tact. Be honest but this isn’t a time to unload.
- Finish projects and wrap up any loose ends. Don’t leave a project dangling upon your departure for someone else to complete. That is the last thing a co-worker might remember about you.
- Keep the details of your departure to a minimum. Leave your contact information with colleagues you might want to keep in touch but discuss your new position off company time.
- Leave things organized and cleaned out for your replacement. Think of how you are hoping to walk into your new position and keep this in mind with how you leave things for your replacement.
Career Planning |
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May 7th, 2010
by admin
Neurosurgeon – Texas
We currently have an immediate need for an experienced Neurosurgeon in the Texas Panhandle region. This is a hospital supported solo practice. Income guaranteed, relocation and overhead support to start from hospital. There is a large referral base for neurosurgery services and practice need in this Texas region. For more information please contact Shannon Myers, Managing Partner Walton Search, at (215) 793-4892 or by email shannon@waltonsearch.com.
Featured Position |
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April 26th, 2010
by admin
OB/GYN – Multiple Openings
We are currently working on a number of searches for OB/GYN Physicians across the US. Our most immediate hiring needs are in South Carolina, Georgia, Washington, Texas, Oklahoma and California however a number of active positions are open for start dates throughout 2010 in other areas. Candidates should have Obstetrics and Gynecology background.
We have opportunities for private practice as well as hospital sponsored practice. For additional details please contact Managing Partner, Shannon Myers, at shannon@waltonsearch.com or by calling (215) 793-4892.
Featured Position |
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