Top 5 Ways to be a Networking Superhero

Today’s post is courtesy of my pal, Phil Gerbyshak:

I am blessed to be able to connect with TONS of people around the world, for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, I don’t know why people want to connect with me, but unless they are trying to sell me a watch, I’ll connect with them.

This week’s newsletter is actually because a new friend asked me about my tips on how SHE could become a networking super hero. I hope these tips are helpful for you – and for her!

1) Be who you are, forget who you are not – If you love pizza, say so, and don’t be afraid of it. If you’re shy, that’s okay, just listen. Whatever/whoever you are, focus on that.

2) Add value FIRST. If you want to connect with someone, share something with them that can add value to their life. Be it an article, a tip, another connection, whatever. Add some value FIRST.

3) Be open to possibilities – You never know who/what can add value to your life. Be open to whatever possibilities might happen, even if they seem less than awesome.

4) Smile always – whatever happens, happens. Smile and roll with it, and respond with a smile.

5) Know your brand – who you are, and what you know, is why people are connecting with you. Understand this, and leverage this. Use it, and have FUN.

Phil can be reached on his blog: http://philgerbyshak.com.

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Want more networking tips? Check out Wendy’s Top 10 here!

And if you want to check out a cool networking group, visit Facebook and check out Rock Your Network®. There’s one for job seekers and rock stars at work as well as one for career colleagues. Enjoy!

White-collar workers hit by recession

Courtesy of JSOnline.com:

The number of unemployed white-collar workers is up 92% in the last 12 months, the steepest climb of any occupational group, according to the latest government data. Unemployment among college graduates is up 90% during the same font. »Read Full Article

Check out our newsroom for FREE career tips. Take action now!

Want more help with the social networking this article talks about? Check out Rock Your Network® Online.

Job Search: Make it Simple

I saw this article in today’s JSOnline and something clicked:

Boys’ invention is worth its salt

November 11, 2008 12:35 a.m. | Why didn’t we think of it? That’s how Ariens Co. engineers reacted when they first saw the snow-thrower accessory invented by sixth-grade students Matt Moran and Sam Hipple. »Read Full Article

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Now that you’ve read the story, think about your own job search. Have you made things too complicated? Here are 5 tips to simplify your search:

1. The Networking Monster: Have you created a networking monster? “Hey, know anyone who’s hiring?” – that’s the monster I’m talking about. Check out our newsroom for tips to tame the monster and make your networking efforts simple, easy, and FUN.

2. The Long Boring Resume: Is your resume filled with complex language, industry jargon, and other non-essentials that make it 5 pages long? Pass it around to your friends. If they ask you to explain things or look confused, it’s too long, too complex, and too boring. Trim the fat. Focus on results. Accomplishments demonstrate your value and the employer’s potential ROI on their investment in hiring you.

3. The Drama Queen — or King: Are you whining about your situation to everyone? Remember attitude is everything. It’s OK to express your opinion and grieve for your job loss, but then turn it around. “I always hire attitude over experience,” said one human resources director. “Skills can always be learned.”

4. The Over-Engineered Process: Are you making the job search process so complex that you’re afraid to start? Are you making excuses? (You can’t start until you’ve completely updated your contact database… You can’t start until you have the perfect interview suit… You can’t start because…) Take action and do one thing for your search now! A baby step is better than no step.

5. The View from the Pigeonhole: Target your career focus and your search, but don’t limit yourself to the methods you use in the process. Networking is the No. 1 way people land new gigs. BUT there are many ways to tap your network – both online and off. Contact companies cold. Talk to recruiters. Post your resume online – and follow up. Snail mail your resume to decision-makers – and follow up. Paste your resume into company website application forms – and follow up.

Now is the time to simplify. Take action. One small step in your job search is one giant step toward YOUR new dream gig!

Let us know your favorite – and simple – job search step. Share your stories with us – and inspire others!

Copyright 2008 * Wendy Terwelp