Jersey Shore Networking Group:::...

The first meeting of the Jersey Shore Network Group was a great success!

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas E. Kenny) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 15:39:00 +0000

This past Tuesday, the Jersey Shore Networking Group had its first meeting at the Toms River branch of the Ocean County library.

18 people attended and there were many accolades regarding how valuable in person networking is. It was deemed so valuable by individuals from 3 separate states (NJ, NY and PA) that they traveled 90 minutes or more to attend. They stated it was worth the trip and would attend again!

Thomas E. Kenny and Rod Colon presented educational material regarding career management best practices. Participation was excellent, with many attendees contributing their insights and experiences to the discussions.

After our formal meeting, most of us visited a local coffee shop for additional social networking, where we all got to know each other much better.

The library is an excellent Ocean county venue. Thus we will be planning future meetings at the same location. However, we are also searching for Monmouth county venues and ETP members to assist facilitating meetings in Monmouth county as well.

If you are interested in being on the invitation list or volunteering for future meetings please send email to JerseyShoreNetworkingGroup@gmail.com

For those that missed the meeting, below are the slides that Tom Kenny presented on the topic of Career Management at the meeting.

Career Management Presentation at Jersey Shore Networking Group

view presentation (tags: career networking branding)

HTML signatures from a Gmail account

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas E. Kenny) — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:02:00 +0000

At last week's meeting of the Jersey Shore Networking Group I discussed the importance of Email signatures as a form of electronic business card. Thus you can imagine my surprise when my HTML signature was no longer being appended!

This was due to functionality being removed from the Firefox browser add-on known as "Better Gmail2". This feature was removed in version 0.5.3.2 of that add-on and was placed in a new add-on known as the "Blank Canvas Gmail Signatures" add-on.

There are two ways that you can assure your Emails from Gmail will contain your HTML signature.

Either continue to use versions 0.4 through 0.5.2 inclusive of the "Better Gmail2" add-on. Meaning you will need to assure that you never upgrade to the latest version or you can perform the following steps.

1 - Upgrade your Firefox browser to version 3. The new version of Firefox has some very nice improvements. However, note that not all add-ons support Firefox version 3. Thus if you use any other add-ons besides "Better Gmail2" you'll need to carefully consider this option.
2 - Update the "Better Gmail2" add-on. This is accomplished within Firefox via clicking on Tools, Add-ons and Find Updates.
3 - Download and install the "Blank Canvas Gmail Signatures" add-on.
4 - Click the Gmail's Compose Mail link, click the Edit Signature button, paste your HTML signature and click the Save Signature button.
5 - Enter your email address and some text in the subject line and click the Send button to test that your emails contain your Email signature.

If your instance of Firefox has already updated Better Gmail2 to version 0.5.3.2 and you do not wish to upgrade to Firefox version 3. You may click here to download the 0.5.2 version of the "Better Gmail2" add-on.

Free voice activated cell phone services!

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas E. Kenny) — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 20:31:00 +0000

By Thomas E. Kenny

Even if you are not a road warrior, many professionals have busy on the go lifestyles. To help support that fast paced lifestyle, almost all of us have cell phones. Below I describe three free services for your cell phone, which can help make you more efficient and knowledgeable while on the go.

Does your cell phone plan charge you for every call you make to directory assistance? If so, consider using 800-466-4411. It is a toll free call that will provide you with free automated telephone directory assistance, thanks to Google.

Have you ever had a question when you were not in front of your computer, that you know you could answer via a Google search? A few weekends back, a friend was telling me that his doctor advised him to take potassium supplements. Being interested in a natural solution my friend stated, “I wonder how many milligrams of potassium are in the average banana?” I said, well I don’t know but we could ask CHA CHA. I then dialed 800-224-2242, and asked that question to their automated system. A couple of minutes later, I received a text message with the answer. My friend was truly amazed!

Last but not least. Do you find you make to do lists, to help you keep track of tasks you need to remember? Well you might want to consider using Jott.com. Once you establish an account with your cell phone number, you can dial 866-568-8123. Their automated system will ask you who you want to Jott, state “myself” and then the message you want to Jott. It will transcribe your message and send it to you via a text message. You can configure your account to also send your Jott message to your E-mail account, that way you don’t have to log into Jott to retrieve your messages. If there is a transcription error you can always listen to the recorded audio, to recall what you wanted to remember. However, Jott has many other features such as:
1. Send your transcribed text message to a group of individuals.
2. Have it read your favorite blogs to you.
3. If you use Gmail you can have Jott read new E-mail messages to you if you are willing to setup some advance tricks.

Well there you have it, three great free services for the busy professional. If you wish to see an online video demo of these services, you may want to view
this link.

Upcoming JSNG meetings

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas E. Kenny) — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 16:00:00 +0000

Since many professionals are on vacation during August we won't be meeting this month. However, starting next month we'll plan to meet on a monthly basis and will alternate locations between the Monmouth and Ocean counties of New Jersey. Thus you can attend which ever meeting location is most convenient for you, but of course you are welcome to attend both if they wish.

More details will follow in the weeks to come. But for now please reserve the following dates on your calendar if you are interested in attending future meetings of the Jersey Shore Networking Group.

The September meeting will be on Thursday the 25th in Manalapan, NJ.

The October meeting will be on Tuesday the 21st in Toms River, NJ.

The November meeting will be in Monmouth county NJ but the date and location have not been planned yet.

The December meeting will be on the Tuesday the 16th in Toms River, NJ.

The Jersey Shore Networking Group is a local chapter of the Empowering Today's Professionals Network. Each of the planned meetings listed above are free and open to the public. The purpose of our meetings is to offer career management educational and professional networking opportunities for attendees. These meetings will be from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM with a social gathering for extended networking afterwards at a nearby food and beverage establishment.

If you wish to receive invitations to our meetings, please send email to JerseyShoreNetworkingGroup@gmail.com and include the following:
1. Your first and last name.
2. Your E-mail address.
3. Town of your residence.
4. ETP Network member status: Yes, No or don't know.

Beware of LinkedIn's "I Don't Know"

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas E. Kenny) — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 13:43:00 +0000

LinkedIn wants to assure they keep the spammers out of their system. Thus they put in place many safe guards. One of them being the "I Don't Know" you button in response to receiving an invite. It only takes 5 people to click this button to get your account locked. To get your account unlocked you'll need to click the link at the button of a LinkedIn page for Customer Service and submit a question to plead your case. Realize that once you are this situation you are at LinkedIn's mercy and it will take a while, probably days, to get a response.

Once you do get unlocked you're going to need to be extremely careful as they may not unlock you a second time. Once unlocked, you may even want to withdraw old invitations to reduce the risk of getting locked out of LinkedIn a second time.

When you wish to establish a connection on LinkedIn. It would be best to contact the person outside of LinkedIn (in person, telephone, email) and ask if they are open to receiving a LinkedIn invite. However, if you've lost touch and don't have any way of contacting the person outside of LinkedIn you should customized the text of the invitation. Realize that you may remember the person better then they remember you. Thus it is best to send a personalized message reminding the person how you know each other. You certainly shouldn't write a book, but you should mention not only the company, school or organization, but also some details to help refresh their memory. For example, I once worked on many different projects in a company with over 100K employees. Somebody saying they know me from that company might not help me recall them!

Another best practice is to never use the default canned invite message. Doing such seems to indicate an impersonal attempt to establish a connection, that might not to develop into a warm trusted relationship. Considering that you did not take the time to personalized your invitation.

LinkedIn makes it easy to import your E-mail address book from many different sources. Once LinkedIn has your address book you can broadcast invites to all or a selection of the imported list. This is how people often get their accounts locked, because they don't realize the number of people they have in their address book that are just acquaintances that will likely press the "I Don't Know" you button. Although this is import feature may be a quick and easy way to build your network on LinkedIn it is very dangerous due to the risk of getting your account locked, but in addition you're blasting a generic impersonal message to everybody as well.

It may be time consuming, but connecting with one individual at a time in a personalized custom manner is always a best practice of professional networking. The investment in time is well worth the rewards you'll receive in the future, from your warm trusted network.

You may also wish to review a blog post on this topic by my friend Jason Alba at "I Don't Know You (OUCH!)".

Our September meeting was a great success!

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas E. Kenny) — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 19:37:00 +0000

Last Thursday evening the Jersey Shore Networking Group met in Manalpan NJ. It was a great networking event with excellent sharing of valuable information!

Below is the schedule of upcoming JSNG meetings which are free and open to the public. They will be conducted from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM on,

Tuesday October 21st in Toms River,
Thursday November 20th in Manalapan, and
Tuesday December 16th in Toms River.

Meeting dates for 2009 have yet to be established yet.

Below is just a sample of the unsolicited testimonials we've received!

Yesterday was the first meeting that I have attended, and I must commend you (and the rest of the group) on a very enjoyable and worthwhile meeting. Having others to support you (and to interact with at a professional level), whether you are "in between assignments" (as I like to call it), or "currently working at", is wonderful since it gives the individuals a new perspective on alternatives possibly available to them , by hearing what others are going through in their lives.
Stated by Batsheva Salberg Ph.D., Industrial/Organizational Psychology.

Thanks very much for arranging everything. You did a fantastic job.
Stated by Michael Procopio, Web Services Developer.

What a powerful group, and a great first meeting for me at JSNG. Thank you Rod and Tom for caring and giving so much energy and enthusiasm -- it is contagious.

To everyone: If you all have not read through Tom's LinkedIn FAQs, you probably should. Although I have been in LinkedIn for 3 or 4 years, mostly as a passive user, I have been using LinkedIn heavily the past two weeks since my position was eliminated. It is pretty intuitive, yet can be complex. For example, do you all know that you can simply ask your network a question? I did not until reading Tom's FAQs. ...

In my first meeting with ETP, I learned how to suggest ways I can help others while giving my introduction. I will have a more interesting intro for the group in October.

Stated by Bob Zimel, OD and Learning Executive.

Invitations will be sent in a week or two for our next meeting in Toms River. If you have not received invitations in the past but wish to receive them for future meetings. Please send a request to be added to the invitation list via E-mail to JerseyShoreNetworkingGroup@gmail.com

JSNG October meeting will be in Toms River

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas E. Kenny) — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 17:32:00 +0000

You are cordially invited to the October meeting of ETP's Jersey Shore Networking Group!

This free event is open to both ETP Network (www.etpnetwork.com) members and non-members.

Date: Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Time: 7:00-8:30PM

Location: Toms River, NJ

Our meetings offer face to face networking opportunities with like minded business professionals. The networking principals of our group is for each professional to develop warm trusted relationships which will be of mutual benefit as a result of ongoing reciprocity.

Rod Colon the founder and CEO of the ETP Network and the leadership has based many of our principals from Keith Ferrazzi's book "Never Eat Alone", as well as, other classic works and our own experiences.

Although we are not a business leads network and no selling is permitted. Such results may occur for those that are willing to invest in long term relationships via this group.

There will be a brief educational presentation and a round table discussion on how the group may help each attendee. There will also be an opportunity for extended social networking at a near by coffee shop after 8:30 PM for those interested.

To receive an invation for this event from eVite.com please send email to JerseyShoreNetworkingGroup@gmail.com requesting an invitation. We manage the RSVPs via eVite.com to assure we do not overflow maximum capacity of our meeting room.

Space is limited so please request and invite and RSVP by Friday October 17th to avoid disappointment! Please note that all of our past meetings had been reserved to capacity. So if you wish to attend please respond now before it is too late.

If you have any questions please contact us via E-mail at JerseyShoreNetworkingGroup@gmail.com

Do you have multiple accounts in LinkedIn?

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas E. Kenny) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 03:58:00 +0000

Have you searched for your name on LinkedIn to assure you don't have multiple profiles?

I've found that about 1% of my first degree connections have duplicate LinkedIn profiles. It is very easy for this to happen when you are new to LinkedIn and have not added all your valid email addresses to your first account.

Below is a link to an excellent blog post regarding how to eliminate multiple LinkedIn accounts:
http://www.coherentsalesconsulting.com/blog/do-you-have-multiple-accounts-in-linkedin/

Value of trusted connections on LinkedIn

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas E. Kenny) — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:20:00 +0000

by Thomas E. Kenny

The ETP Network has free weekly teleconference calls to help professionals improve their job search and career management skills. For details please view http://www.etpnetwork.com/

On last night's call during the Q&A segment Rod Colon discussed the importance of advocates during your job search and how to utilize LinkedIn relating to introductions to potential advocates. If you missed the call, a recording is available to CEO members of the ETP Network.

Rod has often discussed the importance of having a warm trusted network. This morning I was really pleased to find that the experts at LinkedIn agree with this ETP principal.

There is a very good NetworkWorld article titled "LinkedIn tips: How many connections is too many?" which is available at http://www.networkworld.com/news/2008/101508-linkedin-tips-how-many-connections.html

The article contains three points as to why a trusted network is important:
1 - linking with any and every body may devalue your endorsement value during introductions,
2 - who you connect to may contribute or devalue your professional credibility,
3 - when in a job search your warm trusted connections are the individuals that you can truly depend on for assistance.

Manhattan Networking Group Workshop: CEO of ME, Inc. Networking and Training

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas E. Kenny) — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 21:22:00 +0000

CEO of ME, Inc. Members $15 - click here to Register NOW.

ETP Associate Members & Guests $25 - click here to Register NOW .

Empowering Today's Professionals (ETP) Network
&
Manhattan Networking Group Presents.

CEO of ME, Inc. Networking and Training Workshop.

Host: Michael Canfora.

Moderator: Rod Colon.
Date: November 6, 2008 * 6:00PM to 9:00PM.
Location: SLC Conference Center, 352 7th Avenue (30th St); 16th FL; NYC 10001.

If you are looking for a position, or eager to keep your career alive and well by continually staying abreast of what's happening, this is the meeting for you!

What you will gain from participation at this meeting:

1 Increased exposure to other ETP professionals.

2 New and helpful knowledge.

3 Leads and suggestions to help you focus on your job-search efforts into laser-like effectiveness.

4 Learn tips to enhance your presentation style so others will remember and refer to you as a business "solution."

Exchange information about career opportunities and have fun doing it! You will be most effective at networking if you are prepared with the following:

1) Your "30-second introduction" and how you are a "solution" to someone's problems.

a. How you can help me.

b. How I can help you.

c. 3 specific targets you are interested in getting more information about and contacts that you bring to the group.

2) Business Cards.

3) One Page Networking Biographical Profile - Suggested Format:

A. Personal Contact Information (Name, Address, Phone/Fax/Email).

B. Professional Profile (1-2 sentences).

C. Key Skills, Areas of Expertise (Bulleted points).

D. Summary of Experience/Credentials (Names of companies/positions/dates; Education/Professional Certificates or Licenses).

E. Job Search Objectives (Titles, roles; types of companies, industries; company size; desired location(s), if important).

F. Targets/Needed Information/Contacts (Specific companies, industries, individuals; types of companies; job search strategy feedback, etc.).

Networking is to your career as breathing is to living: you won't make it without either!

Limited Time Free Coaching Offer Expires December 31, 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Carl E. Reid) — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 13:55:00 +0000

With access to proven tools that achieve results, more ETP Network "CEO" members are landing jobs quicker.
Don't allow December 31, 2008 to come and go!! *Start the New Year off right as a "CEO" Member in 2009 *

Rod Colon has graciously offered to provide a limited time offer that expires at midnight December 31, 2008. Associate ETP members who upgrade to "CEO" membership will receive a 1/2 hour of job search coaching from Rod.

Click here to Register Now as a "CEO" Member ($59.95/year)
That's less than 17 cents a day

Click here to read testimonials of "CEO" members who landed safely

Review "CEO" Membership Full Benefits Package

"CEO" Membership Makes a Great Holiday Gift for Someone you Care About

There are a total of 18 "CEO" benefits
Let's see what the total value is for some of the "CEO" Membership benefits

Coaching session with Rod - $75 value

Smart Radar subscription - $60/year

Document Reference Tool Library - $20/year

Conference Call Recording Audio Library - $20/year

Video Training Library - $20/year

TOTAL VALUE: $195.00

$195 does not include the value of ETP Leaders placing their income producing businesses on hold to share their time and knowledge every week on the conference call.

Click here to Register Now as a "CEO" Member ($59.95/year)

What is ETP Network?

noreply@blogger.com (Carl E. Reid) — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 15:25:00 +0000

If you've ever wanted a bird's eye view of the ETP Network, your eagle has landed. Now you can answer the question friends and associates ask; What is ETP Network?

Brand new and hot off the press, the ETP Network introduces its newest publication, "The ETP Network: An Organizational Overview" designed, written, and compiled by Editor-in-Chief Chip Hartman and his creative team.

Quick, grab your copy right now through the ETP Network toolbar > CEO Tools > What is ETP Network?

Think of the Organizational Overview as the ETP Network's elevator speech, condensing all of the most important information about the organization into one easy-to-read online document, designed for ease of use with just one topic per page.

If you're new to the ETP Network, here is your guidebook, your road map, your orientation package, and your pocket reference all rolled into one.

So get to know the ETP Network from the ground up. Download your copy of "The ETP Network: An Organizational Overview" today. It's available at an ETPNetwork.com web site near you.

Share a copy with everyone in your network - Do it Now, before you forget!!

Networking and Career Management Workshop in Manhattan - January 8, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Carl E. Reid) — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 13:27:00 +0000

Click Here to Register Now

Empowering Today’s Professionals (ETP)

Network & Manhattan Networking Group

Presents

CEO of ME, Inc.

Networking and Career Management Workshop

Host: Michael Canfora

Workshop Leader: Rod Colon

Location: SLC Conference Center;

352 7th Avenue (30th St)-16th FL

New York, NY 10001

Date/Time: Thursday January 8, 2009 6:00PM EST

Admission Cost: $15 for CEO Members online registration

$25 for Associate Members & Guests online registration
$35 at the door for everyone

Click Here to Register Now

If you are looking for a position, or eager to keep your career alive and well by continually staying abreast of what's happening, this is the meeting for you!

What you will gain from participation at this meeting:

v Increased exposure to other ETP professionals

v New and helpful knowledge

v Leads and suggestions to help you focus on your job-search efforts into laser-like effectiveness

v Learn tips to enhance your presentation style so others will remember and refer to you as a business "solution."

Exchange information about career opportunities and have fun doing it! You will be most effective at networking if you are prepared with the following:

1) Your "30-second introduction" and how you are a "solution" to someone's problems.

a. How you can help me

b. How I can help you

c. 3 specific targets you are interested in getting more information about and contacts that you bring to the group.

2) Business Cards

3) One Page Networking Biographical Profile - Suggested Format:

A. Personal Contact Information (Name, Address, Phone/Fax/Email)

B. Professional Profile (1-2 sentences)

C. Key Skills, Areas of Expertise (Bulleted points)

D. Summary of Experience/Credentials (Names of companies/positions/dates; Education/Professional Certificates or Licenses)

E. Job Search Objectives (Titles, roles; types of companies, industries; company size; desired location(s), if important)

F. Targets/Needed Information/Contacts (Specific companies, industries, individuals; types of companies; job search strategy feedback, etc.).

Click Here to Register Now

Networking is to your career as breathing is to living: you won't make it without either!

How I created my HTML E-mail signature

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas E. Kenny) — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 15:43:00 +0000

by Thomas E. Kenny

I started composing my HTML E-mail signature via LinkedIn. At the bottom of the LinkedIn screen click on “Overview” which is to the right of Tools. Then click the “Try it now” to the right of E-mail signatures. I selected the "Plastic Curve - Cool" layout. However, you can click “view gallery” to see other styles to select the one you like best. Enter the information in the various text boxes. Once you click outside of an updated text box the example will reflect what the signature will look like. Then click on "Click here for instructions" toward the bottom of the page and select the E-mail client you are using for instructions.

Since LinkedIn didn't set up my signature exactly the way I wanted it. Thus I used a free WYSIWYG HTML editor by the name of Kompozer which permitted me to customize the signature further.

The issue of how to get an HTML signature into GMail is a separate topic which requires the use of the Firefox browser and an add-on program.

One last thing worth noting. If you want to assure the signature appears exactly as intended such as the appearance of your paper business card an image file can be used. HOWEVER, none of the text would be searchable and besides not everybody automatically displays images on read E-mail. So I think using an HTML signature is the best of both worlds to add some visual image components to the signature but still have text searchable.

How to find your LinkedIn profile URL

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas E. Kenny) — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 18:58:00 +0000

by Thomas E. Kenny.

Prior to meetings of the Jersey Shore Networking Group, the registered attendees are provided with a list of attendees planning to attend. This practice comes from the Conference Commando chapter of Keith Ferrazzi's book "Never Eat Alone." Since you are investing time and money in attending an event it is wise to maximize your effectiveness by planning which professionals you want to connect with most at the event.

To formulate this list, I search LinkedIn for the profiles of new members and some times have difficulty finding their profile. I may not have found their profile either due to a variation in their name or due to them having a very common name. Thus I'll ask them for their LinkedIn profile web address (aka URL) and often they are unsure how to find it.

It's very simple to find your LinkedIn profile URL. First login into your LinkedIn account and then click on the "Edit My Profile" link, which is on the left side of the page. You'll find your LinkedIn profile URL to the right of "Public Profile."

If you find that the address has a cryptic string of numbers and letters, you may want to click the "Edit" link to create a vanity URL. It's best to use some combination of your first and last name for your vanity profile name. Also by setting your public profile URL, you'll more easily be found on Google, which enhances your personal brand!

Finally, it's a good idea, whether you are in a job search or not, to add your LinkedIn URL to your E-mail signature. Doing such is a subtle way of informing the people that you are corresponding with, that you are on LinkedIn. If they're on LinkedIn, they'll have what they need to easily connect with you or if they are unaware of the value of LinkedIn, they may ask you about it!

Pink Slip Parties = Job Fair + Networking

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas E. Kenny) — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 23:57:00 +0000

by Thomas E. Kenny.

Have you heard about Pink Slip Parties? It seems the mass media has latched on to this catchy phrase and it's spreading like wild fire.

Pink slip parties are basically a new form of Job Fair integrated with a networking event. Rather then being at a hotel or conference center, pink slip parties are held at more relaxed venue such as a bar or restaurant.

Recruiters and hiring managers may decide to have a booth or mingle among the job seekers. One of the novelties of these events is the use of glow in the dark bracelets who's color indicates your status and purpose for being there. However, it's not only about the job search, since job seekers and sponsors may also donate toward a charity, at the event.

About 400 people attended a recent Wall Street Pink Slip Party. The New York Post published a video about a the Wall Street Pink Slip Parties last year. Also these parties are not exclusively a NYC affair as there have been pink slip parties in other cities such as Philadelphia and there is talk about organizing them in London and Tokyo.

I thank, executive recruiter Daniel Arbeeny who is an ETP Network Platinum member for sharing his time and experience about these events.

Upcoming JSNG meetings

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas E. Kenny) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 13:54:00 +0000

by Thomas E. Kenny.

ETP Network's Jersey Shore Networking Group typically meets on the fourth Thursday of each month. On even numbered months we meet in Toms River, NJ. While on odd numbered months we meet in Manalapan, NJ.

Our meetings offer career management and job search educational programs as well as networking opportunities for professionals interested in building a warm trusted network.

The following are the details of our up coming meetings:

Registration closed since this event is sold out to maximum capacity!
The February meeting is on the 26th in Toms River where Rod Colon will be speaking on "The 7 Steps of the Job Search",

The March meeting is on 26th in Manalapan with Keith Bogen discussing "The Value of Networking" where he'll share his experiences and value of being a network leader,

Please note the a date change to the fifth Thursday of April when we'll be meeting on the 30th in Toms River with Kate Moore covering "Quick Tips on Getting the Job YOU want."

If you wish to be added to the invitation list please send email to JerseyShoreNetworkingGroup@gmail.com

LinkedIn Applications

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas E. Kenny) — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 20:50:00 +0000

by Thomas E. Kenny.

The LinkedIn (add-on) applications feature was added on October 28th, 2008. Although LinkedIn applications have been available for a while many may not be aware of them. There are currently 10 applications and I have grouped them into 5 categories below.

In-person networking:

My Travel - provides a way to let your network know your travel plans. Using this feature may help you determine when and where you can meet in person.

Sharing opinions and interests:

Reading List - permits you to share what books you've read, found interesting and recommend.
Polls - you can poll your network with a multiple choice question. To see poll results you need to answer the poll however individual responses to the poll are not displayed. Thus your answers are not known to any one.
Company Buzz - allows you to see what people are saying about a company on twitter.

Sharing Blogs:

Blog Link - permits you to attach your blog to your LinkedIn profile to enhance your personal online brand.
WordPress - same as Blog Link however, only if you are using WordPress for your blog.

Sharing presentations:

Google Presentation - allows you to associate presentations and portfolios to your LinkedIn profile to enhance your personal branding.
SlideShare Presentations - same as Google Presentation however sharing the presentations that you have on SlideShare.

Collaboration:

Huddle Workspaces - offers file sharing and editing services from Huddle to groups of individuals you estblish of your LinkedIn connections. You can establish different groups for different collaborative projects.
Box.net Files - is much like Huddle Workspaces but this application developed by a different service provider known as Box.net.

To add an application to your LinkedIn account, visit http://www.linkedin.com/static?key=application_directory, click on the icon of the application you want to add and then click the blue "Add application" button.

Before adding any of these applications to your LinkedIn profile, you need to consider how it will impact your personal branding! Since one of the first things that recruiters and hiring managers do regarding a candidate is to check their LinkedIn profile.

Although not a separate "application", don't forget about LinkedIn's Answers feature which is very useful for both learning a new topic as well as demonstrating your subject matter expertise. If you are interested in learning more about LinkedIn Answers please review the article titled "LinkedIn Questions and Answers."

REAP Benefits from Your Network!

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas E. Kenny) — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 22:10:00 +0000

by Thomas E. Kenny.

REAP is a concept I learned thanks to Jason Alba's JibberJobber Career Management radio show.

Many people get into networking and think it's just a matter of collecting names and contact info for reference later on. Or if you are in a job search adding to the list of people you can nag or beg for a job.

However, that's not what quality networking is about! To me professional networking is about a fair exchange of information and assistance by both parties.

When I heard about REAP I realized this is some thing I've been doing but didn't have a catchy acronym to share with others so here it is!

So how do you REAP benefits from your network? It's all a matter of asking the following questions.

1 - What books, blogs, magazines and podcasts should I be Reading (or listening) to, to advance my career or job search?
2 - What Events such as job fairs, trade shows, conferences and professional association meetings, should I be attending?
3 - What Activities should I be performing to be more successful?
4 - What People should I get to know to achieve my goals?

So the next time you connect with somebody while you are in a job search. Don't ask them if they know of any good jobs for you. Instead ask for REAP actions and return the favor by advising those in your network what REAP actions they may want to consider!

Communications: Before, During and After a Transition

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas E. Kenny) — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 17:00:00 +0000

by Thomas E. Kenny

Although valuable communications with your professional network should be ongoing, a career transition (change of job) provides valuable opportunities for communication!

Communications going into transition.

Announce any unplanned job search via the status message of various online social networking sites such as: LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. This is less intrusive and impersonal than broadcasting the same canned email to all your network contacts. If you have a warm trusted relationship with your social networking contacts, they will notice and respond to your change of status.

Many professionals broadcast one message to all their soon to be former colleagues. However, that doesn't help build relationships. Instead compose individual goodbye emails to those you'll no longer be working with. Assure the tone of the message is positive and thank them specifically for their unique assistance and collaboration. If appropriate offer contact information, otherwise consider just including your LinkedIn URL at the bottom of the email message. If they are interested in keeping in touch, they'll have what they need to reconnect with you via LinkedIn.

Communications during transition.

Don't just communicate with hiring managers and recruiters during your job search. Be sure to keep in touch with your professional network via in person meetings, phone, email and social networks. However, focus on REAP questions rather then questions such as: "Do you know of any X type jobs available?" Save your job listing questions for recruiters and Indeed.com.

Communications when in a new position.

Be sure to send an email message to your network when you've landed at a new position. A broadcast message to your entire network regarding your new position has great value. It is a great way to ping your entire network with good news. It let's them know where you are since not everybody reads the LinkedIn network updates. Be sure to thank your network which reaffirms the power of networking. Although thank all that assisted individually with a custom message. This email broadcast also helps to promote your brand to your network via your email signature, and you'll also find out who you really have a strong relationship with via who replies with congratulations!

It's a small world so if you are returning to a company you've worked at before be sure to send email to former associates to announce that you are back and would like to reconnect over coffee or lunch! If this is a new company for you, look through the corporate directory and org charts. You may be surprised to find names of people you may know as well as be on the lookout for familiar faces!

It is a very busy time during a job search as well as starting a new position. However, you don't want to miss opportunities to keep in touch with and expand your professional network!

ETP Network's LinkedIn In-House Experts

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas E. Kenny) — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 16:06:00 +0000

Click here to download ETP Network toolbar

With over 36 million members and much media exposure, you would think by now most people would know how www.LinkedIn.com works.

Recently, I sent a LinkedIn invitation to someone I met. They wrote me back in being excited about joining my network on LinkedIn. Then the person said "what is LinkedIn and what do I do next"? The reality is the power of LinkedIn facilitating social network connections for a job search or closing business deals is a foreign thought to many people. For people who know about LinkedIn, getting started is still a daunting challenge. Using all of LinkedIn's powerful features does take some dedication in time, mixed with a little patience.

Lucky for ETP Network members, we have 2 in-house LinkedIn gurus to minimize the learning curve. Platinum member Tom Kenny has published LinkedIn "How To's" on his website and the Jersey Shore Networking blog. Jason Alba, the author of "I'm on LinkedIn Now What???" and CEO of Jibber Jobber, is also an ETP Network Platinum member.

The ETP Network toolbar, powered by Counduit, makes it easy to quickly access these LinkedIn knowledge resources provided by Tom and Jason.

From the "Tools" pull down menu in the toolbar select . . .

Job Search Resources

ETP Member LinkedIn Experts

Thomas E. Kenny

LinkedIn FAQs & Using LinkedIn to Market Your Personal Brand

Week of 4-13-2009 ETP Network Events

noreply@blogger.com (Carl E. Reid) — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 18:45:00 +0000

Networking Career Management training in NJ, Manhattan, webinar, free career coaching, MS Fund Raiser-

April 13: Northern Bergen County Networking Group (NBCNG) Meeting - Free - Register Now

April 14: FREE Webinar for Platinum members: Spend ZERO (0) Time Looking for a Job Using ETP Toolbar w/Smart Radar - Register Now

April 15: Free Career Management Conference Call - Register Now

April 16: Manhattan Networking Group - CEO of ME, Inc. Networking and Training Workshop - Advance Registration Required - Platinum Member $10 - Associates & Guests $20 - At the door $35 - Register Now

April 19: Walk with the Mitzvah Squad and ETP Network Members for Multiple Sclerosis Fund Raiser

Leveraging Advocates in Your Job Search

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas E. Kenny) — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 16:00:00 +0000

by Thomas E. Kenny.

You have followed the advice of career experts and have "dug the well before you're thirsty." Preparing for your next job search by continually building and strengthening the relationships of your professional network. However, now that you are in a job search, you may be wondering how to leverage that network!

Asking your network for job leads is not a best practice of professional networking. Instead you need to find and determine jobs that you are a match for and then find advocates to assist you.

There are two categories of advocates that will help you land your next position. Group A advocates are the stake holders in the candidacy and hiring process. Thus Group A will consist of recruiters, HR professionals and hiring mangers. While Group B advocates are your cheerleaders and advisers. This is important because your questions, interactions and relationship will differ between those two groups of advocates.

Once you have identified a position that you are interested in and are sure that you are a great match for, you need to identify your Group A advocates before you submit your value proposition (targeted cover letter and resume).

The number one best source for finding Group A advocates is LinkedIn. When performing a search for these advocates the following are useful keywords: Sourcing, Talent, HR, Human Resources, Recruiter.

However, if you don't find advocates on LinkedIn there are many other sources to search such as the company's web site, Manta, and other social networking sites. Also don't forget your offline network which may consist of family, friends, neighbors and acquaintances who may have connections at the target company.

It's also important to find Group B advocates at the target company since these people can help you understand the best way to position your skills, talents and experience. Each corporation has a different culture and processes, thus business intelligence on the most effective way to navigate the system of gate keepers is valuable information. I've known qualified candidates that were great matches for positions, but they missed out on opportunities, because they didn't present their skills in the proper manner for the target company. You need to speak their language and after all isn't that what a targeted resume is about!?

Once you've identified both Group A and B advocates for a position you'll be armed with the information and support system to most effectively get through the hiring process.

In conclusion, no matter what the out come of the process, remember that your advocates have exerted time and effort in assisting you, so be sure to thank them appropriately!

9 Innings of Networking event

noreply@blogger.com (Thomas E. Kenny) — Thu, 21 May 2009 13:28:00 +0000

ETP Network and Lakewood BlueClaws PRESENTS...

BASEBALL and NETWORKING in one great night!

9 Innings of Networking

Thursday May 28, 2009

Networking from 5:30PM to end of game
Food available from 5:45pm to 7:30pm

West Virginia Power vs. Lakewood BlueClaws
FirstEnergy Ballpark

Networkers will pay an all-inclusive
Send $19.95 check to:
Rod Colon
P.O. Box 1213
Jackson, NJ 08527
Click here for convenient $22.00 online payment
Payments must be received by May 26, 2009
Payment includes:
~ Reserved Picnic Area Ticket ~
~ All-You-Can-Eat Buffet ~
~Raffle Prizes and Giveaways ~
EXCHANGE YOUR BUSINESS CARDS

To purchase tickets or for further information, please contact:
Rod Colon at 732-367-5580 or Rod (at) etpnetwork.com

FirstEnergy Ballpark
2 Stadium Way, Lakewood, NJ 08701
Click here for stadium layout details

Best Way to Get LinkedIn Recommendations

noreply@blogger.com (Carl E. Reid) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 02:57:00 +0000

Similar to a reference letter, a LinkedIn recommendation is a powerful marketing tool. Each recommendation provides you with a silent sales person telling the world about your skills, business savvy or other qualities you possess, which enhance your marketability. Hiring managers, decision makers and potential clients relish recommendations regarding a person they may be interested in hiring.

Many people scramble around LinkedIn asking associates for recommendations. The results are usually disappointing. So don't be surprised, if you do not receive as many recommendations as you expect by merely sending a invitation for one. People always do things for their reasons, never for your reasons.

Recognize a recommendation as a valuable commodity, people are cautious in providing. To get someone to willingly give you a recommendation, give him/her a reason. The best way to get a LinkedIn recommendation is to give a recommendation first. Then let LinkedIn do the selling for you. When a person receives a recommendation notification from LinkedIn, a prompt is also presented for that person to reciprocate with a recommendation.

This no different than in person networking. Power networkers are givers who receive the most dividends in being able to make withdrawals from the good will bank.