Brazen Careerist

The Horrible, Horrible Truth Hidden In ‘Twilight’

aweitsman — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:45:06 +0000

So the eagerly anticipated new movie about abstinence vampires and the women who love them comes out today. And I’ll admit, I’m not a fan.

I tried reading the books (well, the first one, anyway). I couldn’t get past the first 100 pages. I tried watching the first movie, and wound up leaving the room after the first hour*. I wanted to understand this trend; I really did. But I’m just not in the demographic that enjoys this sort of thing.

Maybe my problem lies in the central conceit of the story’s romance between the two characters, which has been elaborated on many times, most notably in this review, this analysis and on a couple of lists (as number one and number six). But it basically boils down to this: pretty people can get away with anything.

The female lead falls in love with the male lead, who is constantly referred to as an “Adonis,” and forgives his trespasses of being a creepy vampire (more details in the links from the last paragraph) because of her love for him and his sexy, sexy sparkling vampire body.

But then again, being attractive can get you in anywhere.

A study from Rice University determined that pretty people appear more trustworthy to others. A survey from London Guildhall University indicates that those seen as attractive earn more money. The APA released a paper that shows physical appearance is a key determinant in success. And these standards are global. So if you’re more likely to get a job, a raise, a promotion, the attention of your boss and so on because of your physical characteristics, how can you turn this to your advantage?

One of the points made in many of these papers is that confidence from recognizing one’s own attractiveness is a vital component of the resulting success. Similarly, beauty is subjective. So if you project confidence and look your best (through personal grooming and appropriate attire), you can achieve more success at work, regardless of your personal feelings about your own attractiveness.

We’ve been told our whole lives that beauty is something inside, to never judge a book by its cover, to not blindly follow someone because they are attractive. But then again, the story is that the ugly duckling turned into a beautiful swan, not that the beautiful cygnet (baby swan) became an ugly duck. And before you start blaming society, consider that many of these predispositions towards attractiveness come from evolutionary (re: genetic) imperatives. Really! It’s in those links!

Whether you’re on Team Edward, Team Jacob or Team Why Am I Here, you will deal with shallow assessments of physical attractiveness. And though being judged on beauty is an unfortunate fact of life, that doesn’t mean that you can’t use it to your advantage.

* Movie theaters will refund your ticket if you leave the movie if you walk out in the first 45-60 minutes. Since most movies are around 90 minutes (based on an average I made up), this is ample time for one to make a fair assessment of the film. I apply the 45-60 minute rule when I’m watching something I rented.

http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/canhasjob/~3/XF0jvEGlBwM/

I’m An Addict…Of Coffee

joshjallen — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:45:05 +0000

I believe in starting my day out by taking the time to brew fresh coffee. It is the pause before the storm. I love the sound my coffee machine makes as it brews. It reminds me of the way my grandparents coffee percolator used to sound every morning when I would visit them growing up. (Percolators make terrible coffee by the way, they just sound cool) I look forward to the smell of coffee brewing. There is nothing like coming into the kitchen in the morning and smelling the coffee, it smells like…victory. Pouring the first cup and taking the first sip is what it’s all about. Pouring the second cup is just never as exciting as the first. (Is anything ever as exciting the second time?) The flavor of coffee is bitter. Some might say it is an acquired taste. I am not going to disagree with this, but I have to say that I have acquired the taste and it is way up there on my list of great flavors. It all depends on the beans that you purchase. If you’re making coffee with Yuban, than you get what you deserve. If you’re drinking Starbucks Christmas Blend than you know what good coffee is. Last and not least I love the caffeine effect. Without caffeine, coffee is just not the same. (Decaf) I have friends who say “I don’t like being addicted to anything, I don’t like being dependent on something to start my day”. I agree. I would not want to be addicted to alcohol and have to drink a shot of whiskey to start my day. I would certainly not want to do a line of coke to start my day. I am glad I do not have to trot out into the cold to light up my first cigarette every morning. I am very happy to drink my first cup of coffee every morning. I am not ashamed to admit that I have to start my day with caffeine. How much coffee do I drink you ask? It depends. If a friend is over and we are talking and drinking coffee then consuming a whole pot is not unusual. If I am heading out to work, I just fill up a mug and hit the road. I typically have coffee in the morning and then mid morning and then the afternoon. Last call is at 3:30PM. I never drink caffeine past 4PM because I hate tossing and turning in bed and thinking about the next day and that first cup…

http://www.powerogre.com/2009/11/20/im-an-addict-of-coffee/

Jared Allen And Mullets. Oh yeah, And Marketing.

jackieadkins3 — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:45:03 +0000

If you’re new to Analogous Friday, welcome to the your awesomeland. This is a little doo-dad I do every week (on a Friday, no duh) where I share with you a wicked video that I’ve come across for your entertainment. Then, after said entertainment, I’ll make some asinine analogy for how it relates to marketing and business. Then, in the comments, you continue the analogousness and come up with your own. So, those are the rules, kiddos, let’s get ready to rumble!

Today’s video features Jared Allen of the Minnesota Vikings, but you don’t even have to be a sports fan to enjoy this video, which emphasizes the magnificence of the mullet.

So, not only is Jared Allen a straight-up beast on the football field, but he’s also good for some laughs. You know what else he’s good for? Lessons on life, business, and marketing…

BUSINESS UP FRONT PARRTY IN THE BACK

Yes, sometimes you have to buckle down and take care of biznus, but you don’t want to be a loser who is always dead serious and strikes fear into anyone who thinks about sneaking in a laugh. Yes, your work life will probably bleed into your personal life, but don’t prevent your personality and personal interests from becoming a big part of your professional life either. If you can loosen up a little and turn on your “Parrty in the back” side at the right times, this will go a long way in helping you to ENJOY your job. Just remember, a mullet doesn’t start in one place and stop in another. It’s made with the combination of business up front and party in the back and they can’t be separated. So, act like you’re a mullet.

INNOVATORS AREN’T FOLLOWERS

Jared (yea, first name basis) points out that the people in the 80s who first rocked the mullet didn’t do it because it was “cool” or because someone else was. They did it because they were “badass.” They were true innovators and created a legendary hairstyle. So, your business isn’t going to make it big by doing things because they think it’ll make them cool, just like Company X. They’re going to make it big by doing something awesome, which, because it is awesome, it will most definitely make them cool.

WHERE’S YOUR HEART-SHAPED CHEST HAIR?

Jared Allen is a super intimidating person on the outside. He has hairy legs, a hairy face, rocks a mullet, and will break you into. However, under all of this “Paul Bunyon” manliness, he has a softer side (both in reference to his heart shaped chest hair, which I’m sure is very soft, as well as in reference to his personality). As a business professional, sometimes we have to exert our power because that’s just what it takes to get the job done. But be careful not to develop a hunger to exert it anytime. You’ll lose friends pretty quickly and develop a reputation for a power-hungry monster. Showing customers, coworkers, or clients how much you care about them in a genuine manner every now and then can go a long way in developing close relationships with them.

There’s your analogosuness for this week! What else did Jared teach you in his video?

For an extra dose of Analogous Friday, check out what we learned about marketing last week from Drunk Ewok’s on the Today Show.

http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheCurbsideMarketer/~3/sNAsJzZAfvg/

Gen Y, I’ll Be Your Mentor

Tim Ferro — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:45:03 +0000

As an older member of Gen Y, I know that I have a wealth of knowledge to impart to my younger generational brethren. I help out as a “coach” to potential new hires at my company where I talk to them about the firm or give interview advice. On a larger scale for the past 4 years I have been guest lecturing at Penn State University where I always try to give real world honest advice. I talk about being a professional, dealing with office politics, minding one’s personal appearance and online brand, and most relevant to seniors… how to get a job in today’s market. The last few lectures I was able to give a plug to Brazen Careerist, both the book and website. I listed the book on my Top 5 list to read and the website in my Top 5 to join to aid in their job search. Beyond my excellent experience with Brazen, I have a ton of experience and I am more than happy to share that with anyone who wants to listen and chat. I would love to, one day, be paid to lecture at colleges but for now I am available pro bono. I have an idea for a business called “Cup of Coffee Consulting” where my advice and time are free for the duration of one cup of coffee. How does this sound as a starting point? What advice do you have for me? Who wants to be my first client?

Announcing the Winners of the Brazen Careerist Brand Rock Stars Contest!

Ryan Paugh — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:22:02 +0000

Congratulations, Krista Reaves (@kristamarie1)! You just won a Garmin GPS!

Here is Krista’s prize-winning tweet:

Congratulations to our runners ups, too. Each Brazen Careerist member listed below will be receiving a $25 iTunes gift card:

I had a lot of fun with this contest! One of the coolest parts was that some of the brands we were talking about jumped into the conversation. Which tells me that there are more brands out there that are starting to “get it.”

Thanks again to everyone who participated. I’m hoping we can do something like this again next month. So if you enjoyed being a part of this contest, let us know in the comments section below.

Have a great weekend and a Happy Thanksgiving!

Ryan Paugh, Director of Community

Is One-Way Communication Enough In The 21st Century?

annelie — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:00:05 +0000

Once I heard about a man who was considered an excellent communicator. He always returned letters and phone calls, and remembered to get in touch with people he had not talked to in a while. Quite impressive to accomplish that reputation without the techniques we have today. Most people did not know the keys behind his skills; discipline and continuity. Every Tuesday leaving work and spending a few hours with his family, he went to his study and did all his correspondence in one night. Sure, this might seem a bit strict and impersonal, but no one knew, they just admired him for always getting in touch.

How good are we really at communicating today? What do you do and how well do you do it? Could you become better at emailing old associates, contacting them more often? What opportunities did you lose because you did not follow-up?

We have social media, email, cell phones, instant messages, and the more traditional tools as well, but how much to we really use them. When your wall on Facebook is constantly filled with information about what your friends are up to, and will blogs you get the details as well, in other words one-way communication. So, do you really email them and call them to ask them another time what you already know or do you spare your conversations for the people you meet everyday instead? Does this mean that even though technique is making communication easier, we actually drift further away from our associates?

Time is money, but lost opportunity is also an expense. In the end, how many lost contact can you afford, or will people still consider you a contact just because you are connected on facebook?

How many letters have you send this year? I often read in marketing books that sending a letter to a person is a great way to market because it is much unexpected today. I would love to get a letter from a company instead of an advertisement, but I do not have one yet. This goes for personal situations as well, I would love to get a letter once in a while instead of a mail. Because it feels like someone actually took the time to contact me. When I moved to D.C. a few relatives and I started sending letters and pictures to each other by mail instead of the more usual email, and every time I got one it made my day. That little action that show that someone thought a little bit extra on me means so much. So why are we not doing that more often?

Maybe letters are not the way you communicate. But the issue seem to be the same with email and text messages. People do not take the time to communicate as much nowadays, and the new excuses keep coming.

Will people stop caring about nurturing relationships because they will accept that no one has the time? Or can you become a real winner in the situation by actually making an effort to communicate? And is that even possible if the person you are trying to contact with has chosen the first?

Personally, I will continue to make an effort to communicate, and if it comes to it, I will put correspondence on the agenda.

What do you think?

http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AnnelieNaes/~3/vrfMS856Kng/

Criteria for Evaluating Law School

jdickins — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:00:04 +0000

Law school.

Divorce and suicide factory. Gateway to where I want to be in 5 minutes or 5 years. A chance to do good. An open door. A long, painful slog.

A place to close your mind to the world and study. $300,000 in loans I will spend 10 years paying off.

A chance to shine, to be among crazily-geeky policy wonks and fellow intellectuals. An elitist club for preppy frat boys only looking to make 100k after 3L.

A terrifyingly hierarchical, obsessively graded 3 years.

A place to get joyously lost in the law, to delve into my core beliefs about justice, to find my true intellectual home.

—

Every time I talk to law students, I swing between these beliefs like an overly enthusiastic metronome. So many lawyers I hear about hate their careers, and are fundamentally unhappy with the work they do. Of the lawyers I know, including my awesome uncle Pete, most of them are doing good and tangibly helping people. They are roughly as happy as my friends who are working in Computer Science, and tend to get the chance to act on their core beliefs more often than your average programmer.

When I think of the days I watched lawyers at Human Rights USA call up clients, help them prepare to fight to stay in the United States I can see myself doing that for years at a time. When we casually discussed the relationship between the UN Convention on Human Rights with US law, that was fun then and can only get more fun the more I know about it.

When I watched the lawyers at Human Rights USA struggle to influence and huge, and sometimes intractable legal system, I could see myself burning out on it. When my fellow interns, all of whom were law students, talked about the predatory, aggressive law student and lawyers, constantly looking for a 1-up in the fight to make Law Review or Partner, I could see a community of people I never want to associate.

The daily work of a lawyer involves a pile of paperwork (bleh), research (fun!), stilted writing (ugg) suffused with ethical arguments (yay!).

—

I keep on hoping my choice for a career will seem simple and clear. I went to a panel yesterday, which I helped put on, where current law school applicants talked about their experiences. So many of them saw this as their obvious career choice.

But as I keep growing and exploring, I know that I can foment justice in a socially conscious start-up, getting grants for a non-profit, writing for a magazine, working in the international giving department of a major tech company, working for the United States State Department, teaching as a Professor–or yes, being a lawyer.

I know I can find work I love and that fits my passions, with or without law school. The question I am face with, which anyone who is introspective and applying to law school is faced with is: is this the best use of my talents?

Given the people I know I like to work with, the kind of work I like to do, and the impact I want to make in this world, is law the only place I can find my true home? No. The best place?

That’s a question I am still working on.

Inspirational Quote:

You see, I’d recently committed to a non-negotiable understanding with myself. I’d committed to “The End of Suffering.” I’d finally managed to exile the voices in my head that told me my personal happiness was only as good as my outward success, rooted in things that were often outside my control. I’d seen the insanity of that equation and decided to take responsibility for my own happiness. And I mean all of it.

http://feelingelephants.wordpress.com/2009/11/19/criteria-for-evaluating-law-sch...

Am I Qualified?

Holly Grande — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:00:03 +0000

An Australian news source recently reported on gender and job requirements. According to Australian Dell executive Joe Kremer, women are more likely to pass on applying for a job because they don't think they meet all the requirements, while their male colleagues will apply even if they only meet two or three.

This is not exactly a new phenomenon. In fact, it's something my professors and peers at BU often talked about during class. Men are more likely to overestimate their abilities than women.

But is that necessarily a bad thing?

During the my job hunt over the past few months, I've started to notice a pattern in my own application process. I'm not a modest person, and I am proud of my accomplishments, but I was throwing out applications because I thought I didn't meet all the requirements. I would read through the position, thinking to myself, "Wow, I would be great at this! I already have some great ideas I'd love to implement!" As I scrolled down to the qualifications, however, my confidence would start to wane. "Three years? I only have one. A certificate in design? I only have my Web sites..."

Ultimately, I would put aside that application and start in on the next one, accepting defeat before the race even began.

But that's not me--I don't give up so easily. I am confident, driven and a little stubborn, so why doesn't my job hunt reflect this? After all, the worst that can happen is that I receive a polite but succinct e-mail from HR stating that I am not qualified for the position. Is that so bad that I won't even give myself a chance?

I am smart and talented, and I know digital PR. From now on, I am going to let HR decide if I am qualified, and I am going to stop worrying about meeting all the requirements. I am good enough, but my future employer can't know that unless I apply first.

Photo by Indigo Fish.

http://hollygrande.blogspot.com/2009/11/am-i-qualified.html

De-Compartmentalizing Your Life and the Extinction of Boundaries

Jonathan Mead — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:00:02 +0000

It could easily be said that my entire life’s purpose is to live in complete congruence.

I would say that that that is your life purpose as well — and perhaps everyone’s — if we take the idea far enough.

So first, let’s talk about what this even means. Because if you’re like me, the word “congruent” probably reminds you of 6th grade geometry and not much else. It actually has another meaning, though, and that is alignment.

When you’re living in complete congruence, complete alignment, no part of you is conflicting with any other part of you. There is no disagreement. No disturbance. No fakeness.

For a long time, I lived my life highly compartmentalized. I was one person when I was with my friends, a different person at work, and yet another person with family or my wife. It’s this kind of fragmentation that chokes your spirit.

Let me be straight: we are all multi-faceted beings. We’re not the same person in every situation all the time. We’re not binary, single-function amoebas. We manifest and express ourselves differently according to what is appropriate to the events surrounding us.

That is natural. That is perfectly fine.

What is not natural, and what is not fine, is changing who you are; manipulating yourself in order to fit some kind of mold of what is or isn’t appropriate.

That’s the way I used to live. Slow suffocation.

The really interesting thing is, this is the way people are expected to live; compartmentalizing each part of their life where relation from one area of their life to another is virtually unrecognizable. For a long time, I didn’t realize that this was what I was doing. I could be five different people in one given day, and none of them was me. They all contained fragments of me, hidden beneath my attempts to be something I was not, in order to gain the acceptance of others.

I was a slightly different (and more fake) person around family then I was with friends. I was a different person with my friends than I was with my wife. I was a different person alone, than I was with any of those other people. But most of all, where I felt most suffocated was the dichotomy between who I was everywhere else and the person I was at work.

No resemblance. Total deception.

But as I said earlier, this type of deceitfulness is totally accepted in our society. No, not just accepted. It’s expected.

It took me a while to realize that even though a lot of people choose to live this way, I didn’t have to.

Once I realized that I didn’t have to make that choice, I started to open up the airwaves and release the restriction I had placed on myself.

Then I asked one life-changing question:

What would it be like to live in complete congruence? What would it feel like to have total alignment of purpose, with no separation, no partitions, and no dissonance?

(Okay, so that’s two questions. Sue me.)

That’s when I realized that my ultimate goal in life is to live from that place of total, authentic action. Using no limits as a way of limitation.

I want there to be no discernible difference between when I am working and when I am playing. No division between my purpose and my life path.

When everything is completely integrated, when your heart, mind, and body are acting as one vehicle, your life starts to become something very beautiful. Your expression is natural, unique, and right. Your creativity flows. Your heart is opened.

And you no longer seek anything outside of yourself. You are internally validated.

Life becomes effortless when you are not trying to become anything. Your existence becomes one of expressing and expanding the awesomeness of what already is.

Your desires, your dreams, your purpose, and your contribution to the world becomes one and the same. This is what it means to live with the extinction of boundaries. This is what it means to be completely and radically congruent.

http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/IlluminatedMind/~3/v5O0ySByrVQ/

You’re good enough, smart enough, and doggonit, you have no idea

margienewman — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:32:41 +0000

I’m employed at a place where the facts determine every action and reaction; however, I’ve no data to defend my absolute belief that confidence in yourself and your purpose in the Universe will make you more successful in the workplace.

Confident people speak up, ask questions, aren’t afraid to take smart risks, can usually admit when they are wrong, and most importantly, can build the self-esteem of workplace colleagues without sacrificing their own. They are not perfect. But folks who can see both the forest AND the trees do tend to be better managers of people and team players. They even eat healthier.

Unfortunately, way to many folks seem to be lacking basic self-confidence, which is so often a catalyst for optimism and inherent understanding of how good/courageous/smart/important/talented you are. Not cockiness; just a healthy dose of “I like me.”

I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately because of the flood of feedback regarding my latest Her Nashville column, “Spread Your News.” Readers seem to be thankful for the gentle reminder that they’re real contributors deserving of recognition. Well, of course you are, folks. And it pains me that you don’t know it.

I’ve written before about the importance of surrounding yourself with positive people. A sincere pep-talk from a colleague/friend doesn’t mean you won’t have bad days or moments of despair — it’s that these challenges won’t break your spirit because, with help, you’ll keep them in perspective. It’s how people defeat Cancer, find valuable lessons in tragedy, and eventually, peace out of grief.

Training your mind to focus on the positive takes discipline, the humility to act on advice from other people, and the willingness to accept well-deserved praise. This cannot be done in a vacuum, nor in a negative and abusive environment.

Start today. Take inventory of the company you keep. If they aren’t building you up, encouraging you to shine, offering constructive criticism, and celebrating your wins – no matter how small – you’ll need to balance out your dance card with folks who do. Your mind, body, spirit and career path will be ever so grateful.

http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FlackrabbitPrFlack/Writer/Geek/~3/aEjT487jrrM/

Personal Branding Interview: How Mark Cummata Got a Job Through Twitter

tcohen_1 — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:00:05 +0000

To continue with our series on job seekers getting jobs through social media, I would like to introduce you to Mark Cummuta. I found Mark via Twitter and found out subsequently that he received his latest job offer because of Twitter. Coincidence? I think not!

What’s your background and how did you first get started with Social Media?

I’ve been in IT product development and international business process improvement for almost 25 (twenty-five) years. I’ve been using Social Media for almost 10 years. Back in 2000-2003 I helped create the underlying technology for systems like Skype, WebEx & GoToMeeting when I was CTO & VP of R&D for a company called I-DEP. [After Microsoft, Real Media and Apple all told us it would be impossible.] We created video chat, chat rooms, private chat within group chats, whiteboarding, file sharing and more. So I’ve been a long-time believer in Social Media and Social Networking, especially as a means to improve business efficiencies, collaboration and communications.

When you first heard about Twitter, what were you initial thoughts about the service?

When I first heard of Twitter I thought it was just another IM (instant messaging) service.

When was the first time you actually used Twitter and why?

I created my first Twitter account in late 2008. For the first several weeks I simply watched, researched and learned. I then decided what voice and subjects I wanted to tweet about. Specifically, I decided I would tweet on CIO/CTO, IT, Six Sigma, BPM, ITIL, SMB, startups, executive job search strategies and US defense topics. I also thought ahead and created Twitter accounts for other aspects of my business.

Now you were able to get a job through Twitter, which is amazing. How did you come upon this job opportunity and how long did it take for you to get hired?

Yes, I landed my job as CIO (Chief Information Officer) for JobAngels through Twitter. I write / blog for CIO Magazine on executive job search strategies from a first person CIO’s perspective, so I frequently tweet about this subject and post my blogs to Twitter, as well. The CMO (Chief Marketing Officer) of JobAngels, Charee Klimek, started following me and commenting/retweeting my tweets. We eventually met in person, and she introduced me to Mark Stelzner the Founder of JobAngels. I think the whole process, from initial introductions between Charee and I, to me starting with JobAngels probably took about 4-6 weeks.

In your current job, do you use Twitter for businesses purposes and has this changed your perspective of Twitter based on your initial reactions to it?

I wear several hats — the CIO of JobAngels, the President of Triumph CIO Group, a writer and blogger for CIO Magazine, and as a leader for several national and regional IT groups and TLA Evening Session. For each of these roles I use Twitter to connect with other leaders in each of these spaces, to communicate with others, and to learn and share knowledge. As I’ve used Twitter more, I’ve realized its potential as another means of not only connecting, communicating and learning, but also for marketing, sales and branding opportunities.

So what is JobAngels? And how has Social Media – especially Twitter – helped you in your role there?

JobAngels is a grassroots non-profit organization dedicated to helping job seekers find meaningful and financially rewarding employment – one person at a time. We do that through our over 24,000 mentors nationwide, and even internationally now. Each of our mentors has agreed to helping at least one person in their goal of finding a new job, primarily by assisting them with things like resume reviews, interviewing tips and practice, networking strategies and assistance, etc. So while we are not a placement, search or temp service, rather what we provide is training in job search skills from both experts and every day people like you and me who want to help.

As for how Social Media and Twitter help me in this role, I am able to connect with and communicate with thousands of JobAngels mentors, job seekers, hiring managers, recruiters and HR specialists. Because of how Twitter is structured, I am able to communicate directly with interested individuals and organizations, with minimal interference and disruption. Across a broader scale, JobAngels has a presence on LinkedIn, FaceBook, and on the internet itself as JobAngels (we hope to have our all new website out very soon), which we use to reach an even wider variety of markets.

Closing Thoughts

As you can see from this story, Mark got his job using social media because of his proactive attitude to get involved and provoke thought. This opened numerous possibilities for him when he started to interact with other professional in his industry and specific niche. While a lot of what Mark touched on may seem daunting, it was a process that took place over time as he had to prove himself to the outside world. I hope that this encourages everyone to start being proactive today and to get more involved! There are job opportunities everywhere, you just have to make sure you are looking in the right places and connecting with the right people.

If you have any questions for Mark about his story to clarify any part of it, please leave a comment below and we can talk!

http://blog.brand-yourself.com/2009/personal-branding-interview-how-mark-cummata...

Your Career And Social Voyeurism

joseph — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:00:04 +0000

When you apply for a job, one of the first things that employers will do is take a look at your resume. Traditionally, this along with a face to face interviews were the steps to getting a job. With the ability to now get information within seconds, traditional steps to getting a job are being substituted by other methods. What it says on paper is no longer enough information for employers. With information becoming easier to gather, employers want to get as much information as they can on possible candidates. Using sites like Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn, employers can now find out when you first started a job, who you know, as well as other information you may not want them to know like where you went last night or that ‘one crazy night’ during college.

Mind If I Stalk You?

Launched in early 2004, Facebook is now the 3rd most visited website according to Compete.com and has not only helped users reconnect with old friends and make new ones, but sparked a new culture that can be described as “social voyeurism.” Another word that I have heard used to describe it is “social network stalking.” While many argue that it is unfair for employers to use your Facebook account as basis for being qualified for a job, what people need to realize is that whatever you put online becomes part of the world wide web. Privacy is a myth. No matter how much privacy you put on your Facebook account, there are ways for employers to get that information. From companies having current employees already in your network to ‘dummy’ accounts that friend potential candidates, for one to believe their Facebook accounts are private is wrong.

Social media stalking by companies is just the tip of the iceberg though. To better understand, it is best to look at the Facebook update feed. For anyone that believes they are not ’stalking’ on Facebook, I reply that you actually might be. Users that update their status typically do so because they have a value based comment that they want to share with their friends. What those users don’t realize, is that they are sharing it with people they may not even know that well. A question that everyone should ask themselves is: Do you really interact with every person on your friends list? Probably not. Just taking a look at my update feed, someone who I haven’t talked to in nearly 4 years just wrote “Drunk Dialing is fun.” There really is no reason for me to keep this person on my friends list, but I do because of the same reason that millions of others do: they want to know what others are up too. Most likely, this person will stay on my friends list till I no longer use Facebook and I will probably not even message/chat with them once. Still, I will know exactly what they are up to all thanks to Facebook.

Quantity Over Quality

As I mentioned earlier, Twitter is also one tool that has begun to become part of the ’social voyeurism’ culture. While stalking on Twitter may not be as prevalent as on Facebook, this can be explained in part due to the ease in using Twitter as a professional networking tool. I would love to say that I know each and every one of the people following my updates, but I would also love to say that I will win the lottery tomorrow. Both are just the product of wishful thinking. Still, although complete strangers are able to follow your updates, their is a growing trend where Twitter users are aiming for quantity rather than quality when it comes to Twitter followers. In a culture where the number of people you know is seen as a big plus, the same goes for Twitter. Although you may not know all the people following you, to an extent it is a reflection of your influence in your social network. While Facebook has the potential to do more bad than good for someone applying for a job, Twitter is the opposite. Twitter’s use as a networking tool for your career can be a huge leveraging tool in your favor.

What Can You Do?

With companies and ’stalkers’ using Facebook and Twitter to learn more about you, there are some important things that you can do to protect your profiles. Something that I have suggested to professionals is that when creating a Facebook or Twitter account, it is important to first decide for what purpose their account will be: personal or professional. If you are going to dedicate your account for your career, then its content should reflect it. Photos of you at a friends bachelor party is an example of what should not be in your professional profile. A good rule of thumb is that if you wouldn’t want your mom to see it, then don’t put it online. If you do decide that you want to create an account for personal use, then you should make sure you protect your content by setting the appropriate privacy settings. It is important to remember though, that no matter how much privacy you set your accounts at, as mentioned before, privacy is a myth. Their will always be ways around the walls you have set in place. Just like how the Great Wall of China is slowly crumbling, so will the walls of privacy.

Making “You” A Priority Doesn’t Make You Selfish

Melissa Henriquez — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:00:01 +0000

Click this link to read my latest blog post over at WeAretheRealDeal.com, or you can read it here, after the jump.

It’s not easy being a woman.

For as amazing as we are at multi-tasking, all too often, we leave ourselves — and our needs — behind.

We feel pulled in so many different directions — juggling family, kids, work, activities — that sometimes we feel completely overwhelmed and end up putting ourselves dead last on the to-do list — that is, if we even make it on the list, at all.

As a result, more and more women today are feeling over-worked, exhausted and, oftentimes, resentful of their spouses/significant others who seem to have it easier.

But it doesn’t have to be this way.

Sure, there are going to be innumerable times when children and husbands or wives and aging parents absolutely must come first … that’s a given.

But even during times where it feels like our lives are perpetually thrown off-balance, neglecting our own well-being often compounds an already challenging situation.

Because ultimately, if feeling happier, healthier, and less stressed makes you a better mom, wife, daughter, employee, leader … isn’t that something we can all strive for?

I know what you’re thinking, and I don’t blame you; “Yea, yea, that sounds nice and all on the screen.”

You’re thinking, real life is messy, fraught with challenges and hurdles — presentations and business travel; PTA meetings and karate lessons; custody battles and bills. And you’re right; it is.

You also might be thinking, OK, but not everyone has a babysitter or spouse or family member who can help give you “me” time at the gym or even a therapeutic lunch date with girlfriends so you can focus on your physical and/or mental well-being.

That’s true, too. For many busy women today, a spare hour in their day to exercise or see friends is a pipe dream.

So knowing this, how can we make ourselves — and our health, our wellness (mental and physical) — a priority, without being viewed as “selfish?” Because isn’t it selfless to take good care of ourselves so we can, in fact, take good care of those we love and care about?

Isn’t it like that whole airplane crash scenario where we’re told to put a mask on ourselves, and then on our under-age seat-mate?

Of course I don’t mean to imply we should put ourselves and our own needs above all else; that would, indeed, be selfish. But all too often, women forget that we should have a place on our own priority lists; we should be “a” priority, at the very least … not an after-thought when the rest of the day’s tasks are done.

So here are some things to ponder; some ways we can make ourselves — and our health — a priority, without spending any money or taking any time away from those we love who depend on us.

When you wake up, do you hit the alarm for 20 minutes, or do you jump out of bed and squeeze a workout in before your husband and/or kids wake up? Starting the day off with exercise — even if it’s just a 15-minute home DVD or a walk with the dog — sets the tone for the day and gets your morning off to a great start. And since no one else is awake at that time, you won’t feel guilty for taking time for yourself.

Do you plan out your meals, or do you grab whatever you can between meetings? Even taking weight concerns out of the equation, planning out meals is economical. It can also lift the burden of indecision when dining out (you’ll have decided previously what works into your wallet budget and food budget) and it can control impulse buys.

Do you smile at strangers, or glance down when you see someone approaching? It might seem miniscule, but a random act of kindness — however small– can make us happier in the long run. A smile is contagious; give a grin, and it goes a long way. Maybe the person you smile at will hold the door open for someone else, who will pick up someone else’s newspaper for them and give it to someone else who will walk dogs at a local animal shelter …

It’s not always easy to make ourselves a priority, and it might even feel selfish at first … but hopefully, in time, what you will discover is that making yourself a priority will pay dividends in the long run, leading to stronger relationships, friendships, and even a better work ethic.

There’s no harm in trying, right? Give it a whirl; let’s talk on the flip-side. And if you have some tips to share, the comments are open.

How about you? How can you make yourself — and your health — a priority? What tips can you share for ditching the guilt associated with “me time”?

http://talesofadisorderedeater.org/2009/11/19/6420/

3 Observations About Seemingly Unrelated Items

Jason Unger — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:00:00 +0000

I haven't blogged for, what, a few weeks now? That's not a total shocker, per se, since I've always tended to go through peaks and valleys of creativity.

But as my life has started getting into a new routine (did I mention I started a new job? Press release coming soon), I've realized a few things about my priorities.

I don't need to stay as connected to the news as I thought
I've talked about selective ignorance before, but for the past few weeks, I've lived it. I've spent a total of about 5 minutes in my Google Reader over the past 2 weeks. And boy, a lot of stuff happens. And most of it is useless.

How much time are you wasting trying to know everything?

It's way easier to be productive to music than to podcasts

I love podcasts. But I only have a certain amount of time in my day to half-pay attention to them. And that's OK, since my time is probably the most valuable thing I have (after my family).

Rather than trying to listen to what all of my podcasts are talking about, playing music in the background is way more conducive to getting things done.

And, PS, I love Pandora.

There's only so many things you can do at a time
I haven't done jack with Automatic Finances in the past few weeks. I just haven't had the time, and that bothers me. Part of me thinks that it should be merged into this site, but I don't want to be pegged solely as the personal finance guy.

But since I started the new job, am now recording two podcasts a week — Tech Blab and This Week in This Week in Tech (TwiTwit) — and thoroughly enjoy it all, prioritization becomes even more important.

There's only so much lifehacking you can do (I already killed my commute) to make all this happen.

http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/jungerpants/~3/LQxO-rK9Vbo/

Why Controversial Blogging Is Scary

Rachel Esterline — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:00:05 +0000

Yesterday, I asked for people’s opinions on unpaid internships after discovering that some are considered illegal. On my last blog, I wrote about whether or not interns should be required to fetch coffee. I’ve also written about what Gen Y seeks in the workplace and how recruiters use Facebook.

I wanted to start a conversation about these subjects to hear the viewpoints of students and employers. I often recieve great feedback from my peers for starting the conversation, but it’s scary to consider what the repercussions might be for my blogging.

With my name tied to each post I write, I try to be careful about what I write. I don’t write about my personal life, but I do write about things that affect myself and others in the workplace. Some of these subjects might come off wrong to certain people though.

For example, an employer might see me as saying I would never do an unpaid internship or get coffee for the office. This isn’t the case. I’ve done both before and neither were bad experiences.

Controversial posts receive the most traffic and retweets. But, sometimes I wonder what the risk is for posting them.

Has anyone ever suffered negative repercussions for a controversial post? Or, has anyone had a good result from a controversial post?

http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/EsterlinePublicRelationsBlog/~3/mfeA7yIO2Jk/