Empowered Career Woman

Links for 2011-09-24 [del.icio.us]

Sun, 25 Sep 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Stop Whining, Get Out & Network
Networking success in in the palm of your hand. Make sure you have the right strategy, get in front of the right people, and attend the right events to build a solid network.
Stop, You're Sabotaging Recruiting
Companies and HR executives need to stop sabotaging your recruiting efforts by trusting your recruitment team to do their job, attract & bring in fresh talent, and give them the tools they need to make it happen.
Mom Incorporated: A Guide to Business + Baby | Tour

Links for 2011-09-20 [del.icio.us]

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Recruitment Positioning Online/Offline 09/20 by The Power Connection | Blog Talk Radio
Guest Adrienne Graham CEO Hues Consulting Management Inc. Author Speaker Discussion Position Yourself to get Noticed Online Offline Recruitment Climate 21st Sep 20

Links for 2011-09-15 [del.icio.us]

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Adrienne Graham - Google+

Links for 2011-09-12 [del.icio.us]

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Business Growth Strategies- Empower Me Next Level Business Coaching with Adrienne Graham- Hourly Counsel
Empower Me Next Level Business Strategy Coaching program focuses on moving past start-up and helps you strategically grow your business past the million dollar mark.

Links for 2011-09-04 [del.icio.us]

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Im a Person Not an Application Part 2 09/02 by Views from the Top | Blog Talk Radio
In a continuation of last weeks episode my guests and I will discuss the best practices for following up with recruiters things candidates can do to make thei Sep 02
Disruptive Recruiter Newsletter
Disruptive Recruiter Newsletter Email Forms
Fearless Networking Bootcamp

Links for 2011-08-30 [del.icio.us]

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Rate of Unemployed Starting Businesses Hits 25-Year Low | Inc.com
The number of unemployed starting their own businesses is at a 25-year low, says a new report from Challenger, Gray & Christmas.

Links for 2011-08-26 [del.icio.us]

Sat, 27 Aug 2011 00:00:00 PDT

Im a Person Not an Application 08/26 by Views from the Top | Blog Talk Radio
The job search can be a frustrating experience no matter where you are in your career. Oftentimes job-seekers can feel like to recruiters they are nothing mor Aug 26

This Blog Has a New Home

noreply@blogger.com (Talent Diva) — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 22:16:00 +0000

I've moved!

Times they are a changing. First, to all of the people who followed my Empowered Career Woman blog, THANK YOU for your support. I hope that you found my writing informative, thought provoking and helpful. As the brand evolves and the landscape changes, I have decided that it is time to consolidate the blog with the website (which by the way, I hope you're enjoying). I wanted to give you an opportunity to find everything you need within the Empower Me! website.

The brand has expanded to include women AND men and believe that the information I provide is applicable to both. Over the years I've gained many male readers and I am equally grateful to them as well. Empower Me! has taken on a new journey and I hope you all continue to follow along. Just because the brand is no long strictly for women, doesn't mean I no longer support women's causes or that I'm abandoning women. Hey, I still kept Empowered Woman TV! So please embrace this new direction and while I still believe that there should be some things exclusively for women, we have so much to learn from one another as human beings and shouldn't keep everything segregated by gender.

You will still be able to get the archived content on this site, but all new posts from this day forward will reside on the new Empower Me! blog. I promise to continue bringing you the raw, unedited information, resources and opinions you need to live your best professional and/or entrepreneurial life.

Til next time,

Adrienne Graham

What's Your Best Networking Tip?

noreply@blogger.com (Talent Diva) — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 14:59:00 +0000

Everyone knows I live and breathe networking. It is a vital component to your overall brand arsenal. No matter what your job title, station in life, or background, you need a network. There are a lot of people out there who just can't get the hang of it. So I'm asking you to help them out a little.

I just posted a video on my Facebook Page. Send in a video talking about your one best networking tip and win a prize package. The details are in my video, but I'll give you the cliff notes version. Go post a video under 2 minutes telling us about that one killer networking tip that always works like a charm for you. The community will be voting on the best tip and the winner will be announced on my radio show Views From the Top next Friday. The prize package is explained on the video. Oh, and did I forget to mention that there's another component to the prize package that's not mentioned in the video? The winner will also receive a free networking strategy session with me (that's not light stuff either! I make it happen).

So get those videos in NOW! Go over to the Fearless Networking Facebook Page athttp://www.facebook.com/FearlessNetworking to enter. We'll even be selecting a few entries to be shown on the Empower Me! Magazine website. So make it a great one!

Looking forward to putting the names with the faces!

Til next time,

Adrienne Graham

When Things Got Tough, I Hired Me

noreply@blogger.com (Talent Diva) — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 16:50:00 +0000

That's the theme everyone should be living by. Everyone who is cut out to be an entrepreneur that is.

With unemployment showing no signs of decline, companies still afraid to hire, and job seekers increasingly on edge about not finding an ideal job, many people are choosing to say SCREW IT and hire themselves. If you have solid, bankable skills, there is no reason why you should continue to subject yourself to constant rejection and unemployment. Being unemployed takes a toll on your mental, emotional and physical well being. If you want to be successful, you must remain nimble, and that means learning to make opportunities and businesses when you keep coming up short.

Many of today's most successful businesses started out of necessity or in a down economy. Sears, Proctor & Gamble, Wal-Mart are all examples. To take it even further, Martha Stewart, Bethenny Frankel and countless other people took their fate into their own hands and turned what they knew into business enterprises. With technology being the great playing field leveler, there is no excuse, not even lack of money, for not being able to start your own enterprise. I chose to leave the corporate world in 1994 and never looked back. I've had different incarnations of businesses, but the one constant was that I worked for me and nobody else.

If you can't find full time work, there are other options for those who have (operative words) bankable skills. If you feel you're not cut out for running a full fledged business, you can start off small by contracting yourself out on a 1099 basis. You're still getting a guaranteed hourly rate (or project rate) but you're independently responsible for your own taxes and expenses. In a sense, it is similar to running a business. Just a business of one. You don't have to go through an agency to be a 1099 contractor. As long as you have savvy marketing and presentation skills, you can represent yourself and negotiate great rates for what you're worth. For many, this is the baby step they need to take before they take that major leap into full fledged entrepreneurship.

Why wait on someone else to determine your fate? My guests didn't, and instead chose to say I Hired Me! Join us as we discuss what it takes to move your mindset from employee to entrepreneur, how to manage your finances in the transition, figuring out what you're best at and making it a business, and how to rebrand yourself in the process so you don't get lost in the "start up noise". Call into the show (347) 215-9362, tweet @talentdiva on Twitter using hashtag #ihiredme, chat with us in the chat room live during the show, or send an email with your question or comment to info@empowerme.org.

I Hired Me on Views from the Top will air Friday, 06/03/11 at 9AM EST. Will you be tuning in? http://tobtr.com/s/1937835 #BlogTalkRadio

JobMeWednesday Debuts Tomorrow!

noreply@blogger.com (Talent Diva) — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 22:51:00 +0000

OK, it's a well known fact that I do this thing every Tuesday called TweetMeTuesday. Each Tuesday I give Recruiters a chance to tweet me their jobs and I in turn retweet them out to my followers. At last count, that number was well over 5400. Then I ask my followers to in turn retweet the tweet. I started this movement about a year ago. While it has been slow in picking up, things are getting hot now. More Recruiters are reaching out and asking me to retweet their jobs each Tuesday. I don't charge a fee. It's my way of giving back and helping to put people back to work. Does it work? It's hard to say. But the Recruiters are fully engaged so I guess they find it useful.

I often get asked why don't I do anything to help out job seekers. Hello??? I have a weekly radio show, a newsletter, I tweet, post, write articles, etc. But today I really thought about it. Why not do something to help candidates too? Yes, sure, retweeting the jobs of Recruiters is a start. But I wanted to do something more. There are many job seekers out there who are using social media to look for jobs but they have been unsuccessful. My theory is that they do it wrong. You have to follow a certain etiquette when using social media to look for work. So I figured I'd help make it just a little bit easier.

Tomorrow I will kick off the brand new #JobMeWednesday initiative. Starting tomorrow, I will give job seekers a chance to tweet me in 140 characters or less, their pitch to find work. I will in turn retweet them to my followers and ask them to do the same. I don't know how many people it will put back to work, but I believe strongly in the power of grass roots movements. So here are the rules:

You MUST be following me on Twitter. My handle is talentdiva. You can't tweet me someone else's information. You have to be the person looking for work and following me on Twitter. Keep in mind, this is not an overnight thing. It's more experimental than anything. So don't get mad at me if job offers don't come rolling in. It's a process.
In order to be retweeted, you must include your desired job title, location, area of specialization and of course a link to how recruiters can contact you (email, Twitter handle, blog, etc). Now, if you're gunning for President Obama or Steve Jobs positions, please don't email me. I'm not a miracle worker! Your link should include an online resume of some sorts. You have one shot to make a good impression.
If you are contacted, you must respond directly to that person. I don't screen jobs so I am claiming no liability. Do your own research and due diligence, please.
Please do not ask me to follow up with recruiters. I won't.
Please be patient. If as many people as I think will participate, there will be a lot of volume. If you tweet me and follow the rules, trust me, you will get retweeted.
If you do end up landing a job, please let me know about it. I may feature you on my radio show or in one of my articles.
Pay it forward. If you're not participating, please pass along the information about #JobMeWednesday. Share it on Twitter, Facebook, Linked In or wherever you use your social media!
When you're tweeting me, please use the hashtag #JobMeWed or #JobMeWednesday if it fits. The hashtag is very important. It's how I keep up with the tweets.

So I am doing my part to put people back to work. Will you join me?

Til next time.

Adrienne Graham

Putting people back to work!

No, You Can NOT Pick My Brain, It Costs Money to Maintain

noreply@blogger.com (Talent Diva) — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 17:39:00 +0000

I love giving advice. I write blogs, articles and a newsletter. I host a radio show. I tweet, Facebook and share nuggets of advice almost daily. So what is it in all of that, that would make anyone think they can still have the right to "pick my brain"? I can't tell you how flattering it is to be approached by representatives from major companies seeking my wisdom and advice. It show they are listening and like what I have to say. But often I find the road ends when they are just on a fact finding mission. That mission is to pick my brain to gather as much free intel and knowledge they need to make their jobs easier. Not gonna happen, sorry. My brain costs money to maintain. There's training, classes to attend, reading (I have to buy books), gaining certifications, costs of memberships so I can network, attending conferences and mastering my skills that all cost me money. I have to protect my investment. How fair is it to me to give away all the knowledge I have acquired that I use to make my living, pay my bills and eat?

Now, don't get offended. If you do, maybe you deserve to be offended because you're one of those aforementioned brain pickers.

There have been many articles written and discussions formed around this very subject. With the Internet being so widely available loaded with free information, people automatically assume that you too have to provide information for free. My response to that is go ahead and read the free stuff. But when you still find yourself lacking answers, then apparently the FREE stuff doesn't work. You can't come to a professional and ask them to work for free. In essence, that is what you're doing when you ask to pick someone's brain.

How would you feel if your boss came to you and said "hey since we can get this done from information from the internet, I won't be paying you today". Go ahead, let it sink in. Got that visual yet? Good. That's exactly how I feel whenever someone wants to take me to lunch or call me to pick my brain.

If you're like (how I used to be) you've given away tons of valuable information. I never once minded helping people out. It's the ones who keep coming back for more freebies and those who take my ideas, implement them, find success, then never offer to repay me for my time. And no, a turkey sandwich is NOT payment for something that helped you overcome an obstacle and either created value or additional revenue for your company. I charge my PAYING clients very good money for results. How would they feel to know that I'm giving out free advice? Not too swell I would imagine. In fact I hope they don't call me demanding refunds!

The most prevalent question I get is how do you draw the line? Deciding the point where you begin to charge is tough, especially if you're just starting out. But your knowledge has value. You've invested time and money into learning your craft and it's not fair for people to expect you to give it away for free. Even friends need to understand there are boundaries. For example I will no longer advise my friends or family for free. (Wow, I just made some people mad....they'll get over it!). I have businesses to run, employees to pay, mortgage to pay, office rent to pay, college tuition, etc, etc, etc. I've told this to friends who have promptly replied "me too, you know I don't have much money". SO WHAT. That means you either have to delay your plans or come up with the money to fund your dreams. Period. Giving away information is the quickest way to end up evicted or foreclosed on. Put that in proper perspective for a moment.

If you're having problem drawing the line in the sand, here are some rules of thumb you should follow:

Believe that what you know is valuable. If it wasn't then why are they coming to you? You're their chance to solve a problem or find a solution. That has value. Charge for it.
Create a fee schedule. Whenever someone wants to pick your brain, make sure you have your fee schedule in front of you. Give them a quote for how much it will cost them. They'll either pay it or move on. If they move on, good riddence. They weren't interested in paying you anyway. Let them figure it out on their own.
Decline lunch/coffee invitations unless they are strictly non-business. If the conversation swings around to business, quickly and politely tell them you're off the clock. If they are interested in a consult they can book an appointment and let them know what the charge is for that.
Keep it light. Some of you will probably cave and throw a few nuggets out there. If you do (I hope you don't), keep it general. Give the why and what but never the how. Anything beyond the why and what comes with a charge. And don't even point them in the direction to obtain the how. That's short changing yourself.
Prominently post that there are no freebies. OK not in those words. But if you have a blog or website, and even on your social media profiles, make sure you mention that consultations are available at a fee.
Exchange for equal value. This puts you in an advantageous bargaining position. If someone requests free information or help, you must feel comfortable in asking for an in kind value service. Assess what they have that can be of equal benefit for you. If they are genuine, they should have no problem in an even exchange of knowledge. Only you will know if what they have is equal to what you're giving.
Refer them to your "free" resources. If you write a blog, have published articles, have archived videos or podcasts or have a show in which you dispense advice, refer them to that information. Explain that those are the only free information sources you offer. Anything specific or beyond what's readily available has a cost.
Don't be afraid to send them to Google. You can recommend they go to Google, or any other search engine or to sites that have articles or information about what they need advice on. You can also recommend a book or magazine that might be helpful. Let them expend that energy they would have used in meeting you at Starbucks and hit the search engines to find their answers. Problem is, they'll be overwhelmed with varying degrees of information. Not fun for them, but when they're ready to put it in proper perspective and implement, they can come to you...for a consult...a paid consult.
Ask them for a paying referral. If they truly want your expertise, they have to be willing to help you out too. It's kind of like the Equal Exchange point I made above crossed with paying it forward. Before you dispense any advice, ask them to provide you with referrals to others who most certainly need (and can afford) your service.
Don't back down. I know it's hard to say "no" sometimes. But you can't back down. People will know how far they can bend or push you. Stand firm, set your boundaries and guard your treasures (your brain and the know how in it). The minute you compromise you devalue yourself and your expertise.

Most people are afraid to draw the hard lines in the sand for fear of angering a friend or losing a potential client or opportunity. Trust me, if they will walk away because they cannot get a freebie, they weren't meant to be a client and there was no real opportunity in it for you. Many in the marketing circles will tell you the freebie give away is vital. But it doesn't always lead to a sale. Likewise giving away what you would do in a given situation during an interview will not necessarily lead to you being hired. It's up to you to determine what you're willing to give away and how much of it. Know your worth, understand your value. Stop being taken advantage of. No more freebies.

Til next time.

Adrienne Graham

No, you can't pick my brain!

OATV is Looking for a Few Good Women

noreply@blogger.com (Talent Diva) — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 19:24:00 +0000

As much as I'd love to recruit for them myself, O'Reilly AlphaTech Venturesis looking for a few good women to join their firm. My overriding need to see more women get ahead and along has overcome my passion to make a buck in the recruiting business. Venture capital is known for being a make dominated industry and any opportunity that comes up for women is worthy of writing about. Many of the firms in the industry are constantly criticized for being the Ol' Boys Club and not making it very easy for women to break in. There are a handful of companies out there that focus solely on women (as clients) but there are so few of us in the industry as game changers and decision makers.

O'Reilly AlphaTech Ventures co-founder Bryce Roberts and his partners are looking to change that. Bryce tweeted a message out today that he posted on his blog that his firm was hiring but so far no women had come forward to apply. They seem to genuinely want to hire women (or at least give them a fighting chance). Do you know someone who might be a fit? The other more pressing question is are women even going into this industry? Well like Bryce, I'd like to see a few good women step up to the plate and apply.

So I'm doing my part by spreading the word. http://bit.ly/icOXXW Go apply if you've got what it takes! And be sure to READ THE INSTRUCTIONS. I've decided as much as I want to RECRUIT for them (did I mention that already...since I do work with fully funded start ups and venture capital firms AND I'm all about diversity), I decided to take the message out to my people (followers, readers, listeners to my radio show, etc). So if you have what it takes to break in, and you're a creative visionary, make sure you reach out to Bryce. But make sure it's in an unconventional way. The boring resume and cover letter are not acceptable.

Could this be the beginning of a much needed trend? Do you think OATV will be the first to break the trend of Venture Capital being an all guy club? I sure hope so. You can bet I'll be watching. I hope you other VC firms out there are watching and learning! And as a side note, wouldn't it be grand if we can get some women of color in the mix too? I'd be in heaven!

Good luck Bryce!

*Please note that O'Reily AlphaTech Ventures did not ask me to write about their opening and I chose to do so solely based on my need to see more women in the Venture Capital industry. I am receiving no payment, incentive or business as a result of this posting.*

Til next time,

Adrienne Graham

Stay tuned for the release of my new book “Get Recruited: Secrets from a Top Recruiter to Use Unconventional Tactics to Get Noticed in an Inconvenient Economy”

Linked In Taking Advantage of the Unemployed?

noreply@blogger.com (Talent Diva) — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 13:18:00 +0000

It's a well known fact that I am an early adopter of Linked In. I am an avid networker and have met some great people because of Linked In. But honestly, in their quest to make money over developing a mature, credible networking tool, they are sinking lower by the day. They call themselves tightening the reigns and nickel & diming every little thing, yet they can't respect their (paying) members enough by allowing spammers to run rampant and they want to charge you more money? Get out of here with this nonsense.

As a Recruiter, I find myself getting tons of email from Linked In members seeking employment. Never mind the fact that many of them already don't take the time to find out my specialities to see if I can help them or not. They assume that because someone said "every recruiter" is on Linked In, that all recruiters are using it as a recruiting tool. I can speak for many Recruiters in saying that Linked In is definitely the place to be to attract a lot of applicants. But the ones who have a shot at candidacy are not the ones reaching out. You have to go find those on your own. I don't use Linked In solely for recruiting purposes. Unlike many recruiters, I actually use it for networking and research. Shocked, are you? Well yes, I don't use it as my sourcing and recruiting tool. You see, I think I've done a great job in building an authentic network and I can say that when I'm looking for specific talent, I can turn to my wonderful network. In fact, I don't even need the paid service for Linked In, but I opted for it any way. I use LI as a starting point to gather my information then I do something radical...I call them directly to connect. Unless I just can't get through to them on the phone or in email, I rarely use in mails, and I NEVER use the introduction feature. But enough about how I use it.

So now, Linked In has introduced a new service called Job Seeker Premium. Now, I've read the description. To me, it sounds like the regular premium service, except you get to be a featured candidate. But who are you a featured candidate for? All this tells me is that you opted to pay them so you can get moved to the top of the search list. It does NOTHING to prove to me that you are a top notch candidate. Anyone can look good on paper, or now days a screen. Linked In has decided it can play on the dismal unemployment crisis to make a few extra dollars. I don't knock them for that, after all I am a capitalist. But I think it's criminal to set false expectations for applicants that by paying more money they will be more desirable. If you didn't get attention from recruiters before, what makes you think paying a few extra dollars will make you all of a sudden desirable? It's like the recommendation feature. Anyone can write a stellar recommendation. I get people who ask me all the time to write a recommendations for them. Never mind that I never worked with them and barely even know them socially. I don't take those recommendations to heart. I do my own due diligence, as should you.

Recruiters are already inundated from LI members. Somehow it has turned from a strategic networking site to a begging site. Yes I said it. Most of the people there are only looking to fluff their numbers, "connect" with influential names (never mind they don't ever have any contact with them after connecting). Then you have recruiters who have ravaged the site and cause many people to walk away from it. Any way you look at it, people on both sides of the coin (recruiters and applicants) have become disillusioned with the site and deemed it spam central. And now they have the nerve to want to charge an extra premium AND they're going public? HAH!

This site used to have such promise. The groups are ridiculous and unmonitored. The spammers are running rampant (I get email every day asking me if I want to make thousands of dollars, if I want to help someone in the UK or Nigeria transfer money through my bank account, and an invitation to every seminar, webinar, teleconference you can think of from how to win my man back to how to optimize my website through SEO). People are becoming a bother...there, I said it. Not the ones who genuinely reach out. But those who send me the "since you are a trusted contact I'd like to add you to my network". When did we speak? How do you know I'm a trusted contact? And to those who keep saying we did business together or they are a friend STOP IT because I don't know you. If you're going to lie to get connected to me, I don't want to be connected to you.

They are dangerously close to me canceling my subscription. If they aren't going to come with real features instead of trying to compete with Facebook, then why am I paying them money? I certainly don't feel any exclusivity or premium services. I'm so fed up with that site. I'm truly disappointed. And now they are taking advantage of job seekers. What else can we expect from them?

Til next time.

Adrienne Graham

Who's to Blame for the Job Market?

noreply@blogger.com (Talent Diva) — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 22:45:00 +0000

My answer is everybody and nobody.

As a Recruiter and a business owner on the front line (on both sides) of this job market, I see a lot of finger pointing and blame being passed around like the collection plate on Sunday mornings. You know how it is. Some will minimally contribute, some will pass the plate along, and some will shake their heads and pass judgement on those who don't contribute, but yet don't contribute themselves. That is how I see this current job market and economic climate. I try to be fair in my criticism and opinions about the market. If you're an avid news junkie as I am, you'll hear it on all fronts. Job seekers are angry because jobs are scarce and companies are closing, downsizing, rightsizing and outsourcing. Yet everyone is contributing to this mess.

Companies are angry because they feel the government isn't making it easier to hire. The government is uncomfortable because media is shining a big old spotlight on the unemployment numbers and people are blaming them. Democrats are angry that the Republicans want to give big company bail outs and slash funding for programs. Republicans are angry that the Democrats want to punish big corporations. College students are mad because they invested time in money in their education and they aren't guaranteed a job when they graduate. Recruiters are mad because candidates are applying for any and everything out of panic and desperation making their jobs harder. Candidates are mad because companies are not communicating with them or acknowledging them. Small businesses are mad because they can't get funding so that they can hire. And it's all one big endless ridiculous cycle!

In all of this, I don't think any one party has stopped and looked inward to find the solutions (or blame) to their problems. Everyone wants to pass the buck. You see, it's easier to blame others for YOUR problems. I lost my jobs- blame my boss. I can't get funding- blame the government. My clients can't do business with me any more because they're tightening their belts- blame the economy. People, enough is enough already! Collectively we all contribute to this job market being the way it is. No matter how small or large the achievement, everyone wants to still find some blame to shove onto someone else. President Obama announced that there were jobs created and that unemployment has dropped. While it's not enough to soothe the economy it is a start and I give points for that. But like clockwork, the anti Obama gang start shouting it's not enough. Do you really think this unemployment issue is going to change over night? In two years? Heck, in five years? You're right, it's not enough but here's the million dollar question- what are you doing about it besides complaining and adding to the background noise? We have to explore new technologies, energy, and processes because obviously the same old same old is not working. We have to be open to change and innovation.

I've seen lots of comments and email from people who have been out of work a long time. They're discouraged and in some cases ready to give up because it's been so long. I feel for them. I really do because I've been there. But instead of coddling and offering "feel good" sentiments, I've learned to give constructive criticism and actionable advice they can use to turn their situation around. Yes, criticism. Before you get yourself all in knots and judge me, let me explain why. We as a nation have become dependents. Everyone wants to believe we are owed something in this life. We're not owed anything. It's up to us as individuals to control our own destiny. I believe that those of us who have the knowledge and resources should put people on the right path, not enable them. It is not my job make anyone pursue continuing education or get the training they need to advance. That's an individual task. I can merely suggest. But if you don't want to learn something new or upgrade your skills, am I to blame when I don't feel compelled to help?

In the days before technology, people made a way. They turned to their skills, lived off the land, found what they were good at and made it work for them. Wal-Mart wasn't always a billion dollar company. In a time where it should be easier because of technology, globalization, leveled playing fields and ease of entry, there is no excuse to not develop new skills and talents. None. Yet people still are stuck on "I can't". Your ancestors didn't have iPads and smartphones, and computers, but they made a way. A wise man (or woman) will make opportunities than he finds. So do you have what it takes to stop being a victim and start making opportunities? I'd like to think that people face with long term unemployment and the need to feed their families will not sit by idle and let the world pass them by, but will get out there and reinvent themselves...or start a business.

Companies bartered, partnered and provided real value with their services. As they grew, their communities grew and jobs were created. That is the key. Not a stimulous package, not forced hiring, not tax cuts. If you offer services or products that provide your clients with solutions and value they can use to grow their own businesses and lives, you all prosper. It's not so much about borrowing money or getting funding. It's about the value you bring to the table. Whether B2B or B2C, you have to focus on creating a company that people rely on. Focus on your growth so you can afford to hire. If all small businesses can hire just one person each, so many people will be put back to work, and the unemployment rate would drop. Tax cuts won't cause people to hire. Increase in demand dictates hiring patterns.

Before I wrap up let me just say this. My next article is going straight for companies and their recruiting teams. The way you manage the recruitment process has a direct affect on this economy. Treat candidates badly, and the collective mood will remain low. Treat them well and the collective confidence in the market will improve. But I'll save that for my next post.

So now that it's crunch time, what will you do, as a business owner, individual, elected official, to improve this job market? Here's a hint, it doesn't rest in President Obama's hands. It's not his job to create jobs. But it is your job to create your own opportunities. We have a lot of work to do with this economy and job market. The job doesn't rest on President Obama's shoulders, big business' doorstep or even to your neighbor. It rests with all of us.

Til next time,

Adrienne Graham

Learning A New Language Puts You Closer to Global Dominance!

noreply@blogger.com (Talent Diva) — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 20:38:00 +0000

OK maybe not Global Dominance. But learning a new language is the first step in the right direction of making your career more global! Having a second (or even third or fourth) language puts you at a competitive advantage. As the world's playing field becomes more and more leveraged, it is important that we keep up. English is the universal language of business, but there is still a need for additional languages.

If you'd like the chance to win a Foreign Language Immersion CD Program to help you learn and perfect a new language, tell me why learning a new language would put you at a competitive advantage. How would winning this language program help you in achieving your professional or business goals, what you'd do with the new skill and what you will do to continue the momentum.

All responses must be submitted to this blog under the comments section. Please submit your real name and City & State in order to be considered (we want to know you're a real person!). One entry per person so make it count. Winner will be announced in the Monday, March 7th issue of the Fearless Networking Newsletter.

Good luck!

Adrienne Graham

No More Sugar Coating- This Economy Can't Take it, and Neither Can You

noreply@blogger.com (Talent Diva) — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 21:32:00 +0000

I recently received an email newsletter with an article about BWN...Blogging While Nice. I had to step back and laugh at it. Not because it was silly, but because it was dead on and echoed what I had been feeling for some time now. Blogging is not supposed to replace news reporting. It's not about being politically correct. It's supposed to inform, but also give you the opinions and thoughts of the person behind the blog on any given topic and allow the reading audience an opportunity to agree, disagree and share their opinions. Of course you have some bloggers that want their blogs to be educational, and that is great. But with my blog, I feel the staleness resonate through every post I've made recently. While they've been informative, they don't truly speak from my heart. I made a promise to be transparent and keep it very real this year, and not merely repeat some of the same information you can readily find out on the net.

Career Management is serious stuff. I would love to live in a world where people plan their careers, work their plans and find fulfillment as opposed to just taking a job to make ends meet. The sad reality is that many people will only be able to (or excuse me, allow themselves) to just take job after job just to pay the bills. For the purposes of my blog, we're not talking about those folks. So if you offend easily or have no inclination to move your mind set from "job" to "career" you might want to leave the blog and never come back. It's OK, my feelings won't be hurt at all. There is nothing I can do for you because you have already made up your mind that cashing a paycheck and paying bills is what motivates you.

When I look at the articles and comments on the unemployment rates, lack of jobs and sheer frustration that candidates express, it irritates me to no end. I don't want to say the comments border on whining and anger but they do! Big time. Listen, for some sectors the fact is the jobs are not coming back. Period, end of story. Until the administration can reign in companies from outsourcing jobs overseas, there's nothing bringing those outsourced jobs back either. Let me ask you this. If you have a car accident, you get a new car (or get the damaged on repaired), correct? If you lose something, you replace it, right? Well why is it that most people choose to lament and cuss and remain perpetually angry about things they cannot change? Losing a job follows the same premise. For the many people who stubbornly hold out waiting on certain jobs to come back is like returning to a burned out house expecting your things to be as they were before the fire. WAKE UP!

This is a fast moving society. Technology has changed...no, disrupted the game dramatically across many industries and sectors. I feel sorry for those who remain comfortable in their skills without contingency planning. You must keep your skills current, learn new skills and embrace new technology in order to remain competitive. There are no two ways about it. Technology in some cases make certain jobs obsolete and you have to be prepared for that. And another thing, stop blaming the administration, the President, your neighbor, the local bag lady, or whomever. Anger is justified. Nobody wants to lose a job or be replaced. We all have responsibilities. But we are all ultimately responsible for our own selves. From some of the angry comments and venomous posts I've seen, I'd wager a bet that many people are not looking where the blame belongs. Look in the mirror. Who made you not return to (or in some cases finish) school? Who made you not continue your education or seek certification or training to help advance your skills? Who made you not gather the required experience to be successful or move up within your career? Who made you keep a stand offish attitude and not learn how to communicate and "play nice" so you could gain mentors and advocates that can help with your career? The onus is on YOU.

Some of you might get a little pissed off at me. But I have to be blunt. The only way to help you is not through feel good, touchy feely articles. It's by giving you a hard shake and a swift kick to get you back in gear. So if you are looking to build a career, stay tuned to this blog. If you're looking for someone to commiserate with you and chant hateful comments blaming everyone else for your job woes, well keep it moving. You have to take responsibility and move on. If your skills are outdated, update or get some new ones. If your industry is in a sharp decline, find a new one where your skills can transfer. But the last thing you want to do is sit and stew. Finding a job can be as hard or easy as you allow it to be. Now is the time to man/woman up and take control of your destiny.

Til next time,

Adrienne Graham

Nice Girls Don't Get Give Away

noreply@blogger.com (Talent Diva) — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 04:58:00 +0000

I LOVE giving away things...especially when they help with one's professional development goals. So let's start the new year off right. I want to help you achieve your professional development goals.

Ever wonder why you're not progressing fast enough in your career? Well I have something that might just help. I'm giving away two free 4 CD Box Sets by the phenomenal Lois Frankel. The box set contains the Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Office and Nice Girls Don't Get Rich CD sets together in one package.

We want to hear from you. Post your story here on our blog. Let us know what you're struggling with and what obstacles you feel are standing in your way of success. Tell us what you've been doing to get yourself on track for 2011. Two lucky winners will receive a gift box set. The winner will be announced on February 7, 2011 (contest was extended!). One entry per person.

You're Not a Professional if You Can't Follow Directions

noreply@blogger.com (Talent Diva) — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 20:00:00 +0000

As a Recruiter, a great deal of my day is spent reviewing applications and resumes for the positions my clients ask me to fill for them. It's no secret that I think the recruiting process for many companies can be improved or that recruiters need to infuse a little more empathy and thought into how they deal with candidates, especially in this crazy job market. I get email and comments from candidates worldwide who echo my sentiments and applaud me for calling things on the carpet. But we must keep in mind, that the fault doesn't solely lie with the recruiters or companies. Candidates need to own their role in the dysfunction.

Recently I was asked to fill a high profile legal position for one of my clients. As I predicted, I received a flood of candidates within the first few days of putting out the notice. Great for me! It meant that there was a serious interest in this position and that my client would get some great candidates. As I began perusing the candidates, I noticed a common annoyance. Many of the candidates, well pedigreed, extremely experienced, and polished as they were, did not follow directions. Some stated only their name and included an uploaded resume. Many didn't attempt to even write a cover letter. And a handful did slightly better by including a name and phone number but no email. I ask you, in 2011, why is this happening? Why do professional candidates feel they can write their own rules?

All the experts at sites such as Monster Worldwide Inc (NYSE: MWW) and Careerbuilder.com have driven home the point that during your job search you have to present yourself in a professional manner, apply for jobs that you are at least minimally qualified for, and help the company make this process as smooth as possible for all involved. For the most part, many candidates do that. But I'm finding that a lot of "professionals" feel their resume should stand on its own and don't feel it's necessary to follow the rules. They are so sophisticated and coveted, the rules don't apply to them because employers should be banging down the doors to get to them. In addition to skills, some of the key criteria my client specified was that the person for this job has to pay close attention to detail and follow directions. So if a candidate clearly hasn't done that, I'd be slacking in my job if I swept those infractions under the carpet and forwarded these otherwise highly qualified candidates. It really bothers me to do that because (at least on paper) these candidates were front runners for this position.

You might be asking yourself "why is she making such a big deal about it if she has their resumes"? I'm making a big deal because no matter who you are, where you received your degree or how much experience you have, if you can't follow clear, simple directions, how can I trust that you will be able to give great attention to the details of your job. It also shows that you only care about what you think is important and don't feel it's important to provide what the employer is looking for. The total package candidate for me is someone who is not only skilled and well pedigreed, but can follow directions and seeks to give the employer what they expect.

So if you're on the job market, think about how you are presenting yourself. First impressions (even electronic) could be the difference between an interview or a rejection. Pay attention to what the employer wants and then deliver. Otherwise, don't be surprised if your phone isn't ringing with invitations to interview.

Til next time.

Adrienne Graham

Stay tuned for the release of my new book “Get Recruited: Secrets from a Top Recruiter to Use Unconventional Tactics to Get Noticed in an Inconvenient Economy”

Rise & Shine! It's a New Year

noreply@blogger.com (Talent Diva) — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 22:40:00 +0000

Happy New Year!!! It's a new year and time to shed the past and look towards creating a new future. With the economy not really making any progress and the unemployment rate still scary (double digits), it's time for people to stop waiting on a savior (or the government) to come rescue them. Many of the jobs of the past won't be returning. So it's time to dig deep and figure out what you need to do to move on with your life. The past is buried. No need to stay in mourning over something you can't bring back.

As I peruse the various news sites and blogs, I see a fast growing sentiment of anger and despair from a whole lot of angry people. People have a right to be angry, I don't take that away from them, but you cannot wallow in anger indefinitely, blaming Republicans & Democrats. It is so much deeper than that. At what point do you pull yourself together and start seeking other options? Who's to blame for you not learning new skills or exploring other career options? To find that answer, you need to look in the mirror. Hey I tell it like it is. We are all responsible for our own lives. Your life is what you make it to be and no government or corporation has an obligation to help you figure it out.

Everyone needs to understand that in this age of change and ever growing technology, you have to gain additional skills. It's mandatory and this is nothing new. Look at what happened to the steel industry, auto industry, manufacturing, airlines, and on and on. Every year or so, another industry takes a big hit. It's inevitable. Before I understood that, I felt a deep sympathy for people who were ousted from their jobs. I would think, "wow, who's going to hire all those people and save them?". But as I got older, I realized myself that you have to stay versatile. It's great to have that one special skill set that is bankable. But you always have to be mindful that skills (and people) become outdated or replaceable. I'm not being mean or uncaring, I'm stating the facts. We can no longer rest on one or two skills. You are responsible for securing your future.

So what do I propose? Well for starters, make sure you educate yourself. Sometimes education doesn't have to come from a college or university. A whole new industry and set of jobs were created by social media. People didn't go to school to learn how to maximize social media. They used their current skills and learned social media as they went along. With the onset of new gadgets (iPhones, iPads, Blackberry, Android, etc) a whole segment of jobs opened up in App development. Take an inventory of the different things you like, what you're good at, and what you would like to do. Then you need to figure out how you can gain the skills that will pave the way for you to do what you love.

There are tons of websites and books out there to help you learn just about anything. But let's look beyond that. In the early 1900's there were no gadgets or technology. It was survival of the fittest. If you had an idea, you could start a business or hire yourself out to proprietors. People had survival skills. So today, with all the luxuries of technology, there is no reason why people can't switch into survival mode like our ancestors and find new things to do. Not everyone is meant to be a business owner, but you can take your skills and market them to companies who are willing to pay top dollar for your knowledge. Look to continuing education and certification programs. If you're currently employed at a company where they will reimburse for professional training or in a state where the local Department of Labor is able to pay part of all of the expense, take advantage of it. Also look into scholarship or waiver opportunities to help with the expense.

In addition to continuing your education, you should be networking with people who are where you want to be. Tap into your human resources to help you gain the knowledge you seek. People are more likely willing to share with you if you show a real interest. Be respectful of their time and don't push them too much for knowledge. Many people won't share everything, but will share as much as they can. How you approach them and how you ask will determine how much they will share. Also look for a few mentors. A lot of people will limit themselves to one mentor. But no one person can be all things to you. Diversify a bit. And also ask to shadow for a day or two so you an get the hang of the day to day aspects of their job. You pick up a lot by observing someone in their professional environment.

Stop looking for a JOB. Or rather, stop giving off the vibe that you'll apply for every and anything just to get work. I think many people fall short here because it becomes a matter of survival and hiring managers can sense that. A person in a desperate spot exudes just that. Hiring Managers spook easily and will think "will this person leave my position if something better comes along?". Nobody wants their company to be a stepping stone. I agree, we are not obligated to one position or career in a lifetime. But in a scary economy, you have to do your best to assure employers that you are legitimately interested, even if it is your intention to seek greener pastures. If you approach your job search as a strategy in advancing your career as opposed to looking for a pay check, you will find yourself in the driver's seat in interviews. This is your career. You, not your circumstances, should set the tone and the course.

What am I saying? STRATEGIZE! All positions you apply for must fit into your master career plan. Don't just apply for a job because it's posted, or you like the company. Make sure you can actually do the job (and have a proven track record of accomplishments) before you apply. As it is, many resumes submitted through company websites and job boards are ignored. So if you don't have the skills or experience, not only will you be ignored, but you'll probably be deleted. Take time to read the different job postings and get an understanding of what they are looking for. Then review your resume and cover letter to see if you address those specific needs. Then research the company. We have the power of Google, Linked In and the like to get all the information you need about your potential employer. They research you so why can't you research them? Plus you'll get some extra points for knowing about them before you walk in the door. Finally, tap into your network to see who knows who in your target company. Ask for introductions to key people who may have influence over who gets hired. But don't abuse the opportunity!

And finally, sit down and map out what you want. Where do you want to go with your career? How do you plan to get there? Who will you need to connect with to be successful? What tools and resources do you need? What skills do you need and how will you get those skills? And what are you willing to do to create your brand and market yourself to be seen and noticed? The ball is in your court. You get what you put in. Don't let the unemployment numbers or ratio of applicants to jobs scare you. If you do what needs to be done, you will be a survivor. But sit on your hands waiting to be rescued, and you find yourself up a creek...literally.

Til Next Time,

Adrienne Graham

I've Been Applying for Jobs, But Nobody Will Hire Me!

noreply@blogger.com (Talent Diva) — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 21:18:00 +0000

I recently stumbled across a post in one of the Linked I forums where a young lady was asking for help. She said "I have a BS in Accounting & an MBA in Finance and I've applied for over 1500 jobs and nobody will hire me". Would you like to know what I told her? Stop applying for jobs. Period. You might be saying "that's harsh" but it really isn't. Everyone else is doing the same thing and nobody is getting the desired results (or at the least very few people are). There were tons of other constructive feedback but I felt none of them really dug into the heart of the matter.

Her mentioning that she has her degrees tells me absolutely nothing about what she has accomplished other than she was determined and smart enough to make it through school. People tend to throw around degrees and acronyms like they really hold a lot of weight in the recruiting world. Newsflash, they really don't (unless of course you're a doctor). You have to be sure to let people know what you've done, what your expertise is (and what makes you that expert) and how you've impacted your previous employers. On paper, anyone can look the part. But if I interview you and I can't determine what you've actually contributed or done for your past employers, I consider it a wasted conversation. I'm not being facetious, I'm coming from the perspective of a Recruiter.

So like I said to the young lady with the dilemma, you have to stop applying for jobs. It fascinates me that people don't stop to think that there are hundreds of other people just like them applying for the same jobs. What makes you so special? That is the million dollar question and trust me, if you want to stand out you better be prepared to answer it. In the mean time, there are things you can do to make sure you increase your odds of finding a job or creating an opportunity. It's not enough to apply, you have to work at finding a job.

Tired of not getting interviews?

Well take your skills and strike out as a consultant or start your own business. I wouldn't try to do something that takes you out of your skill set. When a recruiter scans your resume or profile and they see you moved out of your skill set, a red flag goes up. You may have had honorable intentions or may be filling the time to bring in a check until that ideal job comes. But remember, you are one of hundreds applying. Your resume has 30 seconds to wow a recruiter. Don't sabotage your chances. Now I don't say this to discourage you. I know in these tough economic times, everyone needs to bring in a paycheck. But be careful about what you choose. You want to stay as organic to your strengths as possible.

Next, boost your networking. Don't just be connected to people, communicate with them. Get involved. Make yourself known. But make sure you are building a list of 'must know' people and not just connecting with anyone for the sake of connecting. Sounds harsh but if you're hanging out with customer service reps and you should be hanging around finance professionals, it's time to make a change. True anyone can be a great networking source, but you have to be laser focused when you're looking for a job. You have read me say time and time again to get out and build networks and relationships. You can't just turn to people when you need work. Cultivate those relationships so that when you are in need, people are more receptive and empathetic to you.

Get out and get known online and offline. Do something to showcase your expertise (podcasts, blogs, guest articles, etc). Recruiters are looking at those things more than you know. Social media is very powerful and it levels the playing field. Building your professional brand is key. Show them what you've got and don't be shy about it. You want recruiters coming to you, not to chase after jobs and recruiters.

Create a job opportunity. Research companies you want to work with and identify sore points that they are dealing with where you know you could be the solution. Speak to the hiring manager, department manager, etc (not HR) and ask to meet with them to network. During the conversation mention their problem and ask for clarification on what ails them. Then offer some (generic) solutions by giving them the what and the why (but not the how...that's how you come into play). If they seem interested in hearing more, ask for an interview.

I have a feeling many of you are going to job boards and applying for everything you are interested in. I'll let you in on a recruiter secret that's probably going to get me kicked out of the circle. Those are usually ads to pipeline candidates. Some (not all, but some) companies have no intention of filling the jobs, only building a database. So if you choose to apply, find out who you need to get in front of that matters and go through them first to let them know you're interested. Then apply online per protocol. You must approach online job ads as if there is a potential that it is solely for pipelining. Make sure you back that application up with some roll up your sleeves, investigative work to connect with the true hiring manager. Express your interest in the position, let them know you've applied per protocol and make sure it gets to the right people. You just never know in this day of technology and applicant tracking so it's up to YOU to do the due diligence if you really want the job.

If you're getting interviews but no offers, ask someone to do mock interviews with you so you can identify the problem(s) and correct where necessary. Don't be afraid to connect with agency recruiters who specialize in your field. I forgot to mention if you are applying online the hiring manager will not see that application in most cases. The recruiter will be screening out and most times will not send the cover letter. You still need to include one, but don't assume they will see it. That's why I suggested finding out who the hiring manager or department head is and contact them directly.

And what's coming up when you Google yourself? Make sure you're building a strong professional brand for yourself. You want to be sure nothing negative is coming up. You don't want NOTHING coming up about you so make sure to document your professional achievements and expertise online. Make it easy for recruiters to find you.

If you want a job you have to go above and beyond the norm. Tactics of yesterday won't work today. Make sure you are giving yourself every advantage to land that job you want.

Til next time.

Adrienne Graham
Stay tuned for the release of my latest book Get Recruited: Secrets from a Top Recruiter to Use Unconventional Tactics to Get Noticed in an Inconvenient Economy"

Professional Development....On a Budget

noreply@blogger.com (Talent Diva) — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 16:46:00 +0000

Professional development is your responsibility. Any woman serious about career advancement always has it on her mind and in her sight. The biggest misconception is that it is costly to continue professional development. It doesn't have to be expensive. Money is the number one reason why a lot of people bypass professional development and end up stunting their career growth. But blaming cost is a cop out.

There are several low cost things you can do to invest in your professional development.

Get biblical with it and "tithe". OK for those of you who attend church faithfully, you understand the concept of tithing. It's where you give 10% of your earnings to the Lord. Well I content that you can tithe to yourself as well as the Lord. I always tithe in thirds. 10% to church, 10% to build my savings and 10% dedicated to my professional development. Set yourself up a Professional Development Fund. It can be a separate savings account at your local bank or credit union, or even using the envelope system. Each month count up your contributions and decide whether to invest in a course or certification or if you want to continue to build the account up to invest in a conference or something bigger. But no matter what, don't touch that money for any other purpose. You'll be surprised at how much money you accumulate.
Remember that Reading is Fundamental. I am a voracious reader. I have been since I was a child. Don't over look your local library. Granted some area libraries are better than others, but take an afternoon and stroll through. My local library has a book sale the first Saturday of each month. I always find great books (it could be because I live in an area where a lot of prominent business people live). I've paid anywhere between 50 cents and $5 for quality books. I've gotten books by Jack Welch, Seth Godin and many more prominent thought & business leaders. You never know what gems you'll find. Also, sign up for member cards at book chains like Barnes & Noble and Borders. You get special discounts and sales. I love the clearance table! And of course there are online book sites such as Amazon.com, Half.com and Alibris. Reading books keep you up to date in your industry and social trends.
Trade with your friends. If you hang with an intelligent crowd, which I'm sure you do, you can always trade books, CDs, and programs. My friends love coming to my house because I have an actual library in my home. Yes, a separate room that is a dedicated library with all my books, CDs, Magazines and DVDs. Rather than lending stuff out, I make trades. That way I know I will get my things back! You've heard of cookie swap parties and even clothing swap parties. Each month, make it a point to have a Knowledge Swap Party. Everyone invited should make a list of what they have (books, CDs, DVDs, etc) so there is no overlap. Then have everyone bring the items to the party and trade. You are educating yourself and helping your friends educate themselves at the same time. Trust me it's fun and saves lots of money.
Enlist your boss in your professional development plan. I know times are tight, but some companies are still willing to invest in their top talent. If you are a valuable employee and you stay on the cutting edge of your field (and that in turns brings value to your company's bottom line), your company may pay for you to attend conferences, training and/or certification courses. It's up to you to write a compelling proposal and presentation that convinces them why you are the person to attend, what benefits you'll gain, and how it fits into the company's success. The burden of proof is on you so make it a good case. Request a meeting with your boss and explain to him or her where you'd like to see your career go. Then ask for his or her help in achieving your goals. Inquire about tuition assistance or tuition reimbursement programs.
Learn a new language. You can access tons of free and low cost websites, buy CD and DVD programs, instructional books or get a tutor. Local community colleges offer courses for continuing education credits. Visit their websites and find out what language classes they offer and what levels you can take. Being bilingual (or multilingual) can dramatically increase your earning potential. While some people still fight embracing additional languages (Spanish in particular) the smart people are immersing themselves in new languages. Learn a new language.
Can't afford to return to college, look into continuing education courses. The beauty of continuing education is that you can often get credit that can be applied towards certain certifications and job promotions. There are certificate, diploma and certification programs in everything from Office Management to Project Management to Bookkeeping & Accounting. These courses prepare you to sit for certification exams.
Get a team of mentors. Yes, a team. No one mentor can fulfill all of your needs. Also, no one person is meant to be your mentor forever. It's a great professional move to find multiple mentors from varying backgrounds and experience. Draw from the collective experience. Make sure you set up regular appointments with them on a rotating basis. Take plenty of notes and challenge yourself to learn more in between your meetings. Remember to give back in return. After all, your mentors are being gracious with their time. Even if they don't ask for or require anything in return, it is still proper etiquette to establish a give and take relationship.
There's always the internet! When all else fails, you can find a wealth of information on the web. There are resource websites available on every imaginable topic. Exercise your Google skills to find new and up to date information. While some would caution you to stay away from opinion blogs, I say read them, but be objective. It's always good to get other people's point of view on different issues. Set up Google Alerts so that you are notified every time an article, blog post or event pops up on the internet.

Don't let lack of money keep you from advancing your career. In this economy, you must be creative and resourceful. It is your responsibility to cultivate your career. Over time, you will find that you'll be able to afford more sophisticated professional development. Until then, try the suggestions above.

Til next time.

Adrienne Graham

Valuable Career Lessons from LeBron James

noreply@blogger.com (Talent Diva) — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 17:39:00 +0000

Now that the initial hoopla surrounding LeBron James' poorly executed (and planned) career move has simmered down, you might not believe it, but we can focus on the valuable career lessons that can be learned from this experience. We've already heard all the commentary on how arrogant, stupid, ignorant everyone thinks he is. We've even heard how his business partners have lead him down the wrong path and doused a healthy serving of gasoline on his ego. But that's not what I want to focus on. Besides, I've already addressed all of that very thoroughly on my blog post the day after "Decision 2010". (lol) If you had been paying close attention and sidestepped the drama of the occasion, you could have taken away some valuable gems (good and bad) to help guide you with your own career strategies.

Here are ten strategies that could work for you.

Define Your Brand...Then Own It- LeBron has not only used his skills, but also his marketing muscle with LRMR to build his brand. The city of Cleveland, fans, Dan Gilbert, and not to mention the product endorsements have all been instrumental in building his brand. Let's face it, he has defined himself as the King of Basketball (and business) and let everyone else run with it. He definitely owns his brand unlike any other ball player before him...including Michael Jordan (my opinion). Define and clarify your brand, then make sure other people are representing and referring to it as you wish it to be.
Assign your own value- Know what you bring to the table in terms of talent, expertise, resources and connections. Then assign what you think is a fair value to it. Stand firm in that value and never let anyone devalue or diminish that. If you don't believe you're worth it, no one else will. Set your value before someone else does. Compromise should come on your terms only.
Continue honing your craft- The better you get at something, the more valuable you'll be to the world. Nobody rewards for mediocrity. Always seek to challenge yourself to grow to the next level. It helps to build and validate your brand power.
Position yourself to have options- LeBron was a free agent. He built up his value so much that he had the luxury of choosing where he wanted to play (and boy did he have some hot bidding going on for him). Whether you know it or not, you have the luxury to choose where you want to be...if you've built a solid brand and value. Don't be locked in to what other people THINK you should be doing. Keep those options open.
Always keep your options open- This piggy backs off the last tip. Often people are afraid to see what else is out there. They feel that the economy doesn't allow you to look elsewhere for career satisfaction. I mean, you should be grateful you have a job right? WRONG. Keep your options open so when opportunity knocks you can answer.
Be willing to compromise slightly to get what you want- Yes, you should hold your ground and ask for what you deserve, but sometimes you have to take a step back (financially or otherwise) to reach the bigger end goal. It's not always about the money. LeBron took a "pay cut" but should he win and continue to build his brand, the money will roll in. What is your happiness worth? Career satisfaction wins every time.
Never play your hand before you're ready to make a move- If you want to avoid career suicide, keep your mouth shut about plans to move on. If your employer finds out you want to leave, it may end badly for you. They may see it as a sign of disloyalty and can you quicker than you anticipated. Focus on achieving your objective, secure any new offers in writing, boost your savings, then give customary two weeks notice.
Negotiate from a place of authority- When you are at the final stages and compensation is on the table, do your research. Find out what comparable companies are paying, optional career path in the company, and what your skills and knowledge mean to the company. When you have a clear understanding of why they need you and what they are willing to do to get you on board, you can negotiate just about anything. But don't get crazy!
Leverage your brand- OK, this is effective if you've spent the time and energy in building your brand and the employer sees value in hiring you. Be prepared to back it up though. Know what you bring to the table. What makes you valuable? Who else is willing to pay for top talent? Do you have (real) options? Don't try the squeeze play if you don't have the juice behind it.
Don't burn bridges- This is self explanatory. But I'll explain just in case it isn't. Idealistically we all have the right to go where we choose for professional fulfillment. It's not about leaving...it's the WAY you leave. People will remember the way you leave far longer than the fact that you left. You never know when paths may cross in the future. Be mindful of that.

So don't look at LeBron's big move as the circus act it unfolded into in the media. Think about it as an employee exercising his options to fulfill his career goals.

Til next time,

Adrienne Graham

noreply@blogger.com (Talent Diva) — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 17:49:00 +0000

Have you voted yet? Going for the WIN this year as Savviest in Social Media or Most Innovative. Cast your vote often! http://ping.fm/ZWD5C

Operation Social Outreach

noreply@blogger.com (Talent Diva) — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 22:28:00 +0000

Ah, the Internet. The great equalizer. The medium designed to reach more people in less time to expand your brand. I’ve been hooked on the Internet since it was first made available to the masses at home. I’d spend hours on end trying to find as many sites and as much information as I could. Remember those AOL days with the message boards and chats? Remember when social networks first started popping up (and no, I don’t mean Myspace and Facebook). It was the early 90’s when I really took an interest in the Internet and all it could do to help me grow my business and make a few friends along the way.

Fast forward today. There is text messaging, tweeting, status updates, tweet ups meet ups, and so on and so on. We’ve become an instant message kind of society. It’s all about shooting out quick sound bites telling people what you like, don’t like, what you’re mad at and thrilled about. We can leak breaking news, update on critical situations, find out business news or even what Grandma made in pottery class. We can make “friends” with millions of people online. That’s what Facebook and the like sell to us every day. We are on overload! But one thing is sorely missing. You see, in this ever growing, real time, microwave, too much information society. Real communication.

“But what do you mean lack of real communication? You just said we can tweet, update and post what’s happening right now. And I have over 5000 friends who I communicate with every day” you might be saying to yourself. Bullshit I say. I love the fact that we can communicate with millions of people at any time, and if our branding and messaging is on point, we might even be able to get some two way dialog going. But there is no way that you are “connected” to 50,000 and realistically having healthy, productive conversations with each and every one of them every single day. I have long since defended the notion that you can have a big network and still cultivate it without looking like some spamming moron. I even achieved it at one point myself. But then the numbers grew and my time got more and more scarce, and I was not able to keep up my consistent “keep in touch” networking.

What happened? Same thing that always happens when you get a few people who claim to be “gurus” at something, package lessons, then sell people on the idea that they can teach them how to become social networking gurus. The space got over saturated, everyone’s messaging became carbon copies of one another, spammers gained control and people started losing interest in hearing from new people for fear that they were going to be sold to pitched to or solicited in some way. The recruiting gurus told companies that social media was the key to recruiting top talent but then didn’t give them the right information to do it correctly. Job seekers thought it was the in thing to blast emails and resumes to recruiters (regardless of their specialty) because they were told by an irresponsible guru that all recruiters are using social media to recruit and they better jump on the bandwagon quick. Celebrities (and internet celebrities) use it to talk about themselves, what they're doing, where they will be appearing, who they're hanging out with. How many do you actually see chatting it up with the masses? Not many. It's all about "me, me, me" with them. Social media and social networking has become a way to blast self important messages and marketing spiels to the masses. Any way you slice it, the ‘social’ aspect is fast becoming extinct.

I have had more than a few prominent people (celebrities, business leaders, “internet” rock stars and prominent personalities) follow, friend or subscribe to be my “friend”. Many of them verified too. No, I won’t name names. I’m pretty sure you can go on any of my social networking profiles and check (the ones that are public anyway), plus they know who they are. I was sincerely flattered because I mistakenly thought that they were interested in what I had to say or in getting to know me. I would connect or follow them back only to get an automated message from them thanking me for following them now go check out something they wrote, created, released, etc. I would send a private note saying that I appreciated the follow but I was more interested in getting to know them and build a REAL networking relationship. NO RESPONSE. My guess is that they are only on there to build their popularity.

You see, I don’t know about the rest of you, but when I join a social network, group or whatever, I expect to be social. You know, interacting with others, having two way conversations, and eventually taking the relationship offline. But nooooooo. The massive popularity of social media tools, social networking sites and social marketing have lead to a cheapening of the experience. I cringe every time I hear someone say “social media is a free cheap way to get your message out and capture the eyes and ears of millions of potential customers”. WRONG! Those millions are not meant to be your customer. A smart business person knows that a targeted audience brings much more success. And I won’t even get into how the recruiters out there are using it the absolute WRONG way. I'm tired of being blasted with marketing messages, squeeze pages and links.

Well I’ve had enough, but rather than just bitch about it or try to convince people how to use these tools and mediums the way I want them to, I came up with a solution. Well, I wouldn’t call it a solution as much as a challenge. A few weeks ago, I came up with Operation Social Outreach. Here’s the gist: Every day (or maybe every week if your schedule is like mines) you pick 5 people from your “network” that you really don’t know. You reach out to them and invite them to a quick 5-10 minute phone conversation to get to know one another. Email is not good enough. You want to put a voice with the name. If you’re local, try taking it to the next step and meet for coffee or something. But here’s the kicker. The people you reach out to can’t be people you already know of even communicate with periodically. The goal is to get to know the people you connect with.

I’ve already started this and so have a few others and I have to tell you, people were shocked and pleasantly surprised. It was totally unexpected and very much appreciated. I’m that chick who is going to put her money where her mouth is. I have tons of followers, friends, listeners, connections and readers. But I want to cultivate relationships. I don’t care about marketing messages. I don’t care about having high numbers of followers. I don’t care about being label a social media rock star. I want to get to know the people who are taking an interest in what I have to say. Who knows, they may have ideas and points of view that I want to know about.

I really love that Fast Company has launched the Influence Project. I would love to know if I’ve been crucial in influencing people around the world. But it’s not really ‘social’ enough for me and I can only influence so much by words on a screen. I want social interation. So starting this week, I want everyone to sign up for the challenge. I’ve put together a tracker sheet you can download and use or edit as you see fit. Here are the rules:

· Go to Operation Social Outreach and sign up for an account to post.

· Go in and introduce yourself and tell us about your objective for participating.

· And then each week, come back and report on your progress.

That’s it. You choose whether you want to reach out to 5 new people each day or 5 each week. If the people you reach out to don’t want to communicate with you, it’s time to delete them and move on. They clearly serve no purpose. So why give them the numbers by staying connected? And don’t go looking people up and then connecting with the purposes of reaching your 5. The idea is to get to know the people you are connected to first, then you’ll have good social networking habits in place going forward as you get to connect with more people. This project will be ongoing until December 31, 2010. At that time, we will see just how connected people have become. We will have a special prize for the top 5 connectors (with verification of course). Details to come soon.

I hope that through this project everyone who participates has a chance to really get to know and grow their networks. Are you ready for the challenge? Happy Social Networking everyone!

Til next time,

Adrienne Graham

LeBronomics: Lessons Learned from LeBron James

noreply@blogger.com (Talent Diva) — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 14:35:00 +0000

What We Can Learn (Good or Bad) From LeBron James?

*Disclaimer* I do not hate LeBron James. I'm a Knicks fan...and proud of it!

OK so unless you've been living under a rock or just not that into sports, you would know by now that the flamboyant self professed King, LeBron James, has opted to leave his hometown Cleveland for sunny skies in Miami. *cue Will Smith's 'Welcome to Miami' song* Yes, LeBron has joined the Heat. Boy are the people in Cleveland HOT. I can't say that I blame them for feeling betrayed. But they'll get over it. This morning I was watching CNBC and they talked about Cavs owner Dan Gilbert's rather scathing, public open letter he wrote and released immediately after LeBron made his announcement. So much is running through my mind. From a business angle, I think this entire story has been a circus and one big ego stroking session for LeBron. My own son spent 30 some odd days counting down the momentous occasion of LeBron choosing where he wanted to go.

Where do I begin. Let's start with Dan Gilbert and get him out of the way. As the owner of a team I think he has shown a complete lack of class and has publicly set his city and team up for failure. Mr. Gilbert blasted LeBron for making his own FREE WILL decision to move on. The Cavs have not delivered on a championship. That equates to there being no growth on the job. They didn't make their best efforts to build a solid well oiled machine by bringing in talent (real talent) to complement LeBron. Yes, they've gotten as far as an Eastern Championship, but where's the ring? So how can anyone in their right mind blame LeBron for wanting to move on to find better opportunities? Who wants to stay with a losing team? If he was in a corporate position, I'd say seven years would have been way to long to hang in there with a lackluster company. Then he goes on to GUARANTEE the Cavs will win the championship without LeBron and before he ever gets a chance to. Hah ! Way to be real mature. You have just set your city and team up for a fail of massive proportions. If they couldn't get it done with LeBron , what makes you think they'll get it done now? Mr. Gilbert, you are a sore loser, poor boss and even worse "project manager". NEXT.

On to LeBron. Wow, so much I can say here. But for the sake of time I'll narrow it to the highlights (good and bad). LeBron, or as you proclaimed yourself King James, I say brilliant move. You have shown not just the sports world, but the business world just how to leverage a strong brand. I'm quite impressed. Not impressed with your court skills, but majorly impressed with your business skills. You have got to be the smartest business man in the NBA and I hope up and coming players take a page out of LeBronomics 101. You have positioned yourself as a valuable employee, commodity if you will that had the world sweating, anticipating, and praying on where you would land. You called your own shots, set your own terms and made great use of your free agency. A lot of times players (and employees) allow themselves to be the company, be the brand and representation so that you cannot separate the business from the person. But you made sure to differentiate your brand and stand away from the team. I've always said I would much rather be a contractor/freelancer than a fully engaged employee. There's a certain freedom you have. You can get in, get the job done, dazzle and impress then move on to the next project. And that's what you did. Right or wrong, you made the best decision for your brand, your earning potential and your shot at excellence (and a ring). Bravo for you.

However, while I am impressed by the branding and marketing strategies, I'm less impressed by the grand standing, disloyalty, and disrespect. There is a thing called common courtesy and you could have told Dan Gilbert and the team privately that you would not be returning. Yeah, yeah I know it's about the excitement and the mystery and I'm sure you had a blast. But from a business perspective, common courtesy goes a long way. The right thing to do would have been to let them know at least that you would not be returning home instead of letting them find out on TV. So I can see why Dan and the rest of Cleveland are pissed. Let's move on to your arrogance. Yes, arrogance...not to be confused with confidence. I've seen it in Jordan, Kobe,Rodman, Shaq , etc. It's not cute. You take it to another level. I can see if you had the ring to back it up, but you don't. I don't know if it's because the public places so much emphasis on you or because you've become self important on your own. Either way, it's not a way to be a TEAM player. It's the perfect way to be the selfish player.

So how does all of this ranting fit into this blog? I'll tell you. As a manager you have to respect your players. You should always be sure to give your top talent the support they need whether resources or other talent to complement their strengths. No one person is obligated to any company or team for the life of their career. While we all want to keep the best for ourselves, if we're not creating the ideal work environment for them to thrive and produce, can we really be angry when they choose to go somewhere where they are more appreciated? No we can't. If you lose an employee, you learn the lessons from the mistakes that were made and work on revamping what you have. You don't throw a hissy fit and publicly deride someone for exercising their FREEDOM OF CHOICE. Look to your own blueprint for your company then make adjustments so you can begin to attract top talent and create ideal work environments that make them want to stay and be loyal. And most importantly, if you don't have the talent don't make statements or guarantees about delivering excellence when you know you won't be able to deliver. Man (or woman up) and don't be a baby about it. Learn and grow.

For the employee or "free agent", you are absolutely supposed to have confidence in yourself. If you've spent your professional life building your skills, owning your craft, then hell yes, you deserve to be confident and self assured. But, you never burn bridges. I tell clients you always end things on a good note, even if you have no desire to ever return. Common courtesy and class are lost these days. If you know you're not happy and want to leave, at least tell your boss. You don't have to tell them where you're going, but a heads up would help. Especially if you're in a high profile position. Yes, the company that gets you are the lucky ones, but there will always be that thought in the back of their minds that you could bail on them too. It becomes a matter of trust. You don't want to be known as flaky , unpredictable or worse, disloyal. You don't want to have a relationship where they feel they need to always keep one eye on you at all times for fear of what you might do. Remember the saying "how you get them is how you lose them"? Keep that in mind. You can be and do anything you want, but always end your business relationships on good terms. No matter how your current business or job relationship is, don't burn your bridges, ever.

As for branding yourself, I say we all should take a page from LeBron's book. That man, love him or hate him, has done a hell of a job in branding himself. He has continuously improved his craft, aligned himself with the right people, paid attention to people smarter and richer than himself, and understands his worth. He understands the value he brings to the game, the sport, the world and he's not afraid to continue to build it. He has done what was in his own best interest and used his business acumen to make sure he was looking out for his future. He wasn't swayed by money or even "hometown loyalty" (or as I call it guilt). Did he overstay his welcome? Yes I think he did. Seven years is a long time in NBA years to dedicate your heart and soul to a team, a company only to not see tangible results. LeBron sought professional greatness and I am not mad at him for making the decision he did. He refused to allow anyone, any organization dictate where his career goes next. And I think we can all learn from that. He also leveraged the power of negotiation. He wanted what he wanted and was willing to take a pay cut (not that he'd notice!) to get it. If a company wants you bad enough, they'll be willing to adhere to your terms. He went for what he wanted and didn't let anything or anyone get in his way or in his head. You've got to admire that. More of us need to do that!

Good luck to you LeBron. I'm not a fan of your basketball game, but I am in awe of your business game. I hope it's all you hope it to be. Dan Gilbert, Grow Up & Do Better!

Til next time.

Adrienne Graham

noreply@blogger.com (Talent Diva) — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 14:24:00 +0000

Am I an Influencer for you? Do I bring value? I sure hope so. Fast Company Influencer Project- http://fcinf.com/v/br79

Calling Out the Fakes! Enagement, NOT Content, is King

noreply@blogger.com (Talent Diva) — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 19:15:00 +0000

Calling Out the Fakes! Engagement is King. Not Your Bullshit 'Content', Auto Greetings or Sales Push!

OK, so everyone knows how gaga I am over social media and the act of social networking. It is a key component to my overall networking (and marketing) strategy. Being able to connect with more people in more places across the globe has allowed me to stay up on industry trends, challenge my opinions on certain issues, and educate myself (yes, you can be educated through social networking...who knew!?). I often like to tell people I've been social networking since before it had a name! I've been using social media since the primitive days (and before that too had a name). As an early adopter I've had the distinct advantage on many occasions to get the pure essence of many sites and tools before they became overrun by the masses. Back when people were leery yet excited about the potential of a new site and the opportunity to connect with some great people. The one thing that always sticks in my ass these days is the way people and businesses take a site or tool and "commonize" it (is that even a word?) for all purpose marketing and dare I say harassment. Social networking sites have become a way for people to tout how many "friends" or followers they have. It has become a sport and even worse, bombarded by marketing messages.

Coming from a recruiting background, I am all about the relationship. I've never been big on growing numbers for the privilege of boasting how popular I am. Call me crazy, but that's never been my thing. I'm into organic growth and real relationships. Granted, I don't know each and every person who follows or connects with me. But I am trying to make meaningful connections and get to know those people who find me interesting enough to follow and connect with. I've put my own quest to connect on hiatus because people are tired of getting invitations to connect. I can't blame them. I get tired of trying to figure out the motives of those who try to connect. Are they genuinely interested in getting to know me? Do they want to connect and learn more about my expertise and possibly learn from me? Or do they just see someone who's numbers are growing or who's been on panels and in articles and want to connect to get a piece of that? Who knows these days. Especially when you get email after email saying "Hi I'd like to add you to my professional network on Linked In" without so much as a hint how they found you or why they want to connect. Well I say enough.

This week I decided I had enough and launched a new social networking project- Operation Social Outreach. No, it's not an official name or or website or anything, I just like the sound of it. I don't know about you, but I am so tired of connecting with people or accepting invitations to connect only to receive an automated response telling me to click a link, download a "gift" or check out a website. Or still getting those generic Linked In invites. People just don't feel they need to take the time to introduce themselves. Would they come up to you at a conference and say "hey connect with me"? No, they wouldn't. They would introduce themselves properly. So why don't they feel the need to do it online? They wouldn't walk up to you and say "you want to learn more about me, check out my website". No, they would tell you a little about themselves. What the hell happened to common etiquette? A simple "thanks for connecting, tell me about yourself" or "thanks for the add, let's connect via phone to get to know one another" goes a long way in building a relationship. So why aren't people doing it? Well I have a couple of theories, but let me stick to three of my favorites.

Celebrities & so called Internet Celebrities have taken over.

Yes, you read me right. Every time something big gets going for the common folks, celebrities come on board. Now I'm not saying they aren't entitled. But they take social networking to another level. They set up accounts, gain tons of followers, then sit back and engage only with people they know personally. So they'll have a couple of thousand (or in some cases millions) of followers and communicate with about 10. Well if you know them already, use the damn phone! A smart celebrity or public figure would tap into the power of social media to ENGAGE their public and build (or strengthen) their brand. As someone who is becoming more in the public eye, I use social networking as a means to engage in conversations, find out what my public wants to talk about, and educate by sharing my knowledge. I pay attention to what people say and want. And most importantly, I do my own communicating. Some of these celebrities hire people to communicate for them. Where's the authenticity? And do I even need to talk about the Internet Celebrities?

Internet Marketers & "Gurus" told people it's OK to blast their business services/products because it's free or cheap and EVERYBODY is on it.

OK maybe it's unfair to paint Internet Marketers with one broad stroke. But it seems like many of them are reading from the same manual when it comes to social media. There is nothing worse than being bombarded by marketing messages, especially when it's intrusive. I like to get to know about people, not their products or services, when I connect. Ease me into it. People buy from people they know and trust. If I just connect with you on Monday, what makes you think I'm going to buy from you on Tuesday? By immediately bombarding me with sales pitches and marketing messages, you're showing me that I'm a lead, not someone you want to connect with. How do you expect me to take you seriously? So many of these people are so caught up on making a sale, they forget about the SOCIAL aspect of social networking. And besides, don't you know that after a while, all of those messages all look alike. If you're going to follow the Internet Marketing "Gurus" at least change up your style! A lot of those websites look exactly the same. Here's a tip for you. If you even think I'm your "target market" get to know me and what my touch points are. Take the time to interact with me and learn how to work with me. I care more about relationships than I do making purchases.

People just don't care. They're joining because everyone else is doing it.

I've seen this in the recruiting world a lot. A site will pop up and a few early adopters will try it out. Then someone like clockwork will write a book or post or teach a class that positions them as the "expert" of this site. Then everyone and their momma will go running to the site because it's the in thing to do. I find Facebook to be the latest victim of this. In the beginning, people avoided Facebook. They dismissed it as being something kids used. But somewhere along the line, business crossed over into the personal and we got what we have today. It's talked about on television shows, mentioned in magazine articles, it's even part of every day life in movies. So now everyone is on it. Some people don't even know why they are on. Whatever the reason, people are using it to avoid having to network in real life or because everyone else is doing it. In my opinion, this cheapens the experience and goes against the intentions of networking.

Networking, especially online networking, is about relationship building. It's not about selling or popularity contests or number padding. It's about finding people who add value to your life in some way. It's not supposed to be about egotistical, selfish motives. It's supposed to be about engagement. If you're not communicating or opening yourself up to connecting with people, then why are you wasting time and bandwidth? It's not supposed to be about You. Networking is a team sport. If you're not ready to embrace that, perhaps it's not for you. So I'm calling out the fakes. Don't waste people's time. We don't care about your self serving purposes. It's all about making real connections.

Til next time.

Adrienne Graham

noreply@blogger.com (Talent Diva) — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 01:10:00 +0000

Want to know how to succeed in social media? Read my new article at Forbes.com: http://tinyurl.com/23k2jsa

noreply@blogger.com (Talent Diva) — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 19:36:00 +0000

Thank you to everyone who made my article on Social Media at Forbes.com so popular. Thanks for sharing & RT it. http://tinyurl.com/28tf9un

5 Ways to Make Yourself 'Network Worthy'

noreply@blogger.com (Talent Diva) — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 04:59:00 +0000

5 Ways to Make Yourself 'Network Worthy'- by Adrienne Graham- Examiner.com http://tinyurl.com/23mghbt

Not everyone is network worthy but I'm hoping to help get as many people there as I can. It is true that anyone can technically network, but it's hard for a lot of people to do it effectively. As I've often said, it is a team sport, and the sad reality is networking is often one sided. You may be one of those people who reaches out, does all the right things, follows up in the right amount of time. But some people are just not responsive to you. It's not your fault. It's theirs. Some people, sadly, are just not network worthy. So now you can breathe that sigh of relief and no it's not your doing. But I want to share some tips so that you never become unworthy.

Lose the Attitude. Wow, where do I begin with this one? I've seen many women sign up for networks or organizations under the guise that they are there to 'network'. Then they either proceed to not mingle with the other members or make themselves untouchable. You've seen them on social networks. They put up a great profile and even a picture. But you never hear anything back from them. The flip side to that is the person who makes themselves so unapproachable that people are hesitant to connect. There is absolutely no information available about them, they never introduce themselves. You can't network with "closed arms". Nobody wants to connect with someone who thinks they are above everyone else. Soften that attitude and be more approachable online and offline.

Be Reliable. Be a woman of your word. Don't make empty promises. If you commit to doing something, make sure you follow through. Nothing damages your credibility more than skirting commitments. If you promise to make an introduction, follow through. If you agree to show up at an event, show up. If you agree to follow up with someone, make sure you do so in a timely manner. People have to be able to take you at your word.

Give as Much as You Get, and Give to Educate. OK so this is a 2-for. When I say "give" I don't mean giving updates about yourself, sending discount offers, or your resume. I mean give information that you think might be helpful to your networking contacts. A journal article, a link to a study, a white paper. These are all examples of things that you can give to contacts (for free). If you're really looking to cultivate a long term relationship, send a book or subscription to a noted trade journal or magazine. I once sent a copy of the Jim Collins book Good to Great to a networking associate simply because he was re-evaluating leadership within his company.

Stay in Touch. I don't care how busy you are. And yes some people would say "I have too much on my plate so people will just have to understand". I say BS! It takes you a minute to respond to an email...even if to say 'no'. It is never OK to ignore anyone. Even if it takes you a month to get back in touch (and if it does you had better have an apology ready). Being busy doesn't exempt you from common networking etiquette. I don't care who you are or how powerful you are.

Exercise Common Sense. OK the fact that I even have to say this speaks volumes. Don't over communicate. Don't harass. Don't intrude. Don't embarrass. Don't you ever commit a networking contact to anything without asking them first. And most importantly, keep the familiar attitude at home. Sometimes women tend to get chummy with people like they're a family member or best friend. Keep it professional. You don't have to be an ice queen, but never get too personal.

Networking is a responsibility. You're not only building your own career and professional alliances, you're also contributing to help build other people's too. Don't be a selfish networker. Always seek to make it a team effort...and that includes YOU being part of the team.

Til next time,

Adrienne Graham

6 Signs it's Time to Move On from Your Job

noreply@blogger.com (Talent Diva) — Thu, 27 May 2010 00:26:00 +0000

No job is meant to last forever. Yet so many people opt to hang on and squeeze as many paychecks as they can out of their job. I have tremendous respect for people who remain in a job for years and decades. But I also feel a sense of pity for them. Long ago, it was considered an admirable thing to put 25 years into a company. But fast forward to 2010 and it screams "safe", "unmotivated" and "stuck". I have always believed that a person should always be planning out for the future. In order to succeed you must be a continual learner, striving to gain more skills, knowledge and connections to allow you to advance in your career. But for all my people out there who are afraid of taking a chance you are doing yourself more harm than good. I bet you stay at a job you dislike just because it pays the bills. Am I right? Well I'm here to tell you that you don't have to be stuck and miserable.

Chances are that long before you stumbled upon my article, you knew it was time to go. You knew that your days were numbered at your current job. It's not too late for you. You deserve to be happy and do what you love. But in case you still don't get it, here are six surefire signs that it's time to leave your job.

The job is unfulfilling. How does the song go? "You lost that lovin' feelin'...wo-o-o lovin' feelin'". You know the feeling. You dread getting up on Monday morning to head in to the office and you live for the weekend. Watching paint dry is more exciting than your job. Whenever you get to a point where the job does absolutely nothing to you or for you, it's time to go. You're not happy, so why are you still hanging on?

You are under worked. There isn't much for you to do. Now I know some of you may long for the days where you have less on your plate at work. But I'm here to tell you that's a sign that it's time to go. Whenever your company can't come up with enough work for you to do, you need to reconsider your options. If they can't keep you busy, chances are, they'll be looking to let you go soon.

Lack of respect. Nobody deserves to be disrespected. When it gets to where your boss is verbally abusing you, it's time to go. Sometimes a boss or manager may feel threatened by you and react by lashing out or hurling the verbal abuse. Don't take that, it's their problem, not yours. The minute anyone crosses the line and treats you badly, it's time to go.

It's just a job. This is the kiss of death! Whenever you have indifference towards your job and treat it as if it's just a paycheck, it's time to examine your options. When it's just a job, that means you are merely functioning on autopilot as a robot not getting any fulfillment from the job. You have no expectations or goals towards advancement. That's dangerous. If you feel indifferent, it's time to go find work that is more your speed.

Your work is out of context. If you don't take the time to understand the dynamics of how your position fits into the overall scheme of the business or business unit, you are setting yourself up for failure. Here we have the classic problem of walking through your professional life in a haze. You should always seek to understand what your business unit does, how your job fits into it, how it all fits into the bottom line of the company, and what complimentary business units mean to your job. Never be content with just "doing your job" if you want to get ahead. If your job doesn't allow you to get to learn or know the other units, it's time to go.

You are overworked. With the crush of the economy over the last two years, companies have resorted to downsizing and taking that extra workload and piling it on remaining employees. Keep busy is good. Doing two and three jobs, not so much. Don't let the company's need to cut costs overload you and take you away from what you're supposed to be doing. It may be only temporary, and in that case, it's OK. You get a chance to prove your salt. But if they're talking about a long term situation, heed that red flag and run, don't walk, to the nearest exit.

You don't have to be stuck in a job you hate. If you are in a job that is in direct conflict with your goals, it's time to start looking for a new job. Life is too short to be stuck somewhere you're not happy. You have the power of choice. Use it.

Till next time,

Adrienne Graham