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Is Facebook a curse or a blessing for job seekers?

noreply@MyPath.com — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 12:34:21 GMT

There’s a lot of negativity associated with Facebook and their new feature called “Places”. This feature essentially allows you to broadcast your whereabouts to friends, family and yes in some cases strangers. I am here to suggest an alternative point of view that these tools offer a tremendous competitive advantage in a job search and you should consider jumping in with caution.

I want to start by being straight forward by confirming some of these risks. Time magazine published an article which presented multiple scenarios where criminals leverage these technologies to commit horrible crimes. So yes, there are bad people out there and you have to ensure you are careful where you broadcast.

Now that we have that out of the way, let’s explore the possibilities of this new breed of technology called location-based services. It’s essential to note that these technologies should never act as a proxy to networking in person. Most companies openly admit that the most effective and efficient way to get a job is through a referral. These tools should augment and accelerate your current networking activities, as they have done for me.

Advantages:

Know the real-time location of trusted contacts

This is exciting because it enables you to expand the “tried and true” job search tactic of networking. For example, you can checked-in at a sporting event and discover a former trusted colleague is also there and make plans for lunch. Or, you may see you are two degrees from a potential hiring manager at this same event and ask to be introduced.

Learn about hiring events

Technologies such as Foursquare and others enable you to see job hiring events as they are happening. You can also see which of your trusted personal and business contacts are at the same event and accelerate networking. Now you are more informed.

Your dream job finds you

Geoff Peterson points out in one of his blogs how these tools enable recruiters to improve networking and to receive alerts when they are near "hard to find" candidates. During a phone conversation, Peterson stated that it is possible today to hold your smart phone up to a company’s building, and identify which jobs are open and what recruiters are saying about them.

Networking is an essential skill for anyone and these tools give you an edge. Given the shortening average tenure of employees, do you want to leave it to chance? I know I don’t.

For further reading:

· “Location-Based Services Will Transform Recruiting”

· “Location Based Services: 5 Myths Debunked”

· “Location Based Service & Job-Searching on the Go”

· “Mashable - Facebook Launches its Location Features”

· “Please Rob Me: The Dangers of Online Over sharing”

· “The Good and Bad about Foursquare, GoWalla”

· “Are Location-Based Services All Hype?”

What’s an MBA or Certification Really Worth To You (and Your Company)?

noreply@MyPath.com — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 12:30:09 GMT

Should you invest your time and money in getting an MBA? Or is it smarter to spend that time gaining work experience? What do companies really think about MBAs? Find the answers to these questions and more below in this week’s #careerchat transcript. With us was our guest expert Anna Oakes (@aoakes), Lead Organization Development Consultant and Recruiting Manager for Manpower.

Each Tuesday at 12:00 pm CT, Becky Benishek (@MyPath_MP) and Amanda Gulralski (@bizMebizgal), Gen Y career expert and publisher and cofounder of bizMe.biz online magazine, host an hour-long Career Chat on Twitter (#careerchat). Joining us were Jill Perlberg and Mark Jelfs from the MyPath team. You can learn about upcoming topics and submit your questions by following @MyPath_MP and @bizMebizgal.

Next week Tuesday, Sept 7, we’ll discuss vacation time. How do you ensure that your time away is truly unplugged? How do you get back on track when you return? Follow #careerchat on Twitter!

August 31, 2010: MBAs and Professional Certifications

Takeaways from the chat:

An MBA is like a marathon: There’s no guarantee you’ll finish or even win.
Know your goals before starting an MBA or cert program.
Pick a school with a network of people who can get you where you want to go.
Experience can do more than a certification if you work hard and get good references.

(With thanks to @davecarhart, @KyleMcShane, @aoakes, @SaleStart, @ASQ_Trish and @WomensAlly.)

Resources:

From Jill_Perlberg: Are MBAs Worth The Investment?
From ASQ_Trish: Check out ASQ Certifications
Are Experience and Skills Overrated?
Bad Job Scene for Less-Educated in America
You got the degree. So where's the job?
Learning Curves on the Career Path

Special thanks… To our top participants: @Kblennon, @aoakes, @ASQ_Trish, @KyleMcShane, @SaleStart and @CaSuPe15.

Transcript:

What are the key considerations when deciding to go back to school for MBAs vs. working?

CaSuPe15: If you can afford it and if it will enhance your career options/benefits later down the road
bizMebizgal: A huge consideration is your career path, knowing if a MBA is going to help or hurt you.
cometbranding: Make sure your goals are set on what you want to accomplish after receiving your MBA.
Jill_Perlberg: A key consideration for me is work life balance. If you work a ton of hours it may be hard to fit going to school
ASQ_Trish: What about the cost?
SaleStart: consider whether 2 go get MBA on ur own or 2 hire on w/ company that is willing 2 make that investment in you
bizMebizgal: I don't have an MBA but thinking of going for a professional cert instead. I've been out of school for 6 years
- ASQ_Trish: I think either shows that you still want to learn & grow - always a good thing
- SaleStart: What certificate to get depends on what ur goal is. If it's 2 advance w/ current company ask mgr what would b best.
Jill_Perlberg: And don't expect to be paid for the job you're already doing just because you have an MBA
CaSuPe15: It's probably good to find out if your current company offers tuition reimbursement for part time classes
davecarhart: Also, learn about what companies have tuition reimbursement. Many will help pay for MBAs for high potentials
- Jill_Perlberg: Agree! Some companies will pay for the entire degree--just make sure you read the payback clause, etc.
davecarhart: I did a lot of talking to people in the types of positions I wanted to be in after 3-10 years and learned about their path
KyleMcShane: If u do decide to get ur MBA, make sure u have enough time to fully take advantage of all of the resources not just the classes
ASQ_Trish: We have a new program at ASQ that your certification will give you credits towards your BS or BA degree at RIT
- bizMebizgal: Wow that is interesting. I might have to look into that.
- - ASQ_Trish: You do have to be an ASQ member...but hey - it's credits
  - - bizMebizgal: Good to know! I am confused on what certificate to get.
    - - ASQ_Trish: management is transferable - also a CQIA...but very basic - not as many credits
bizMebizgal: You have to be confident what you are going back to school for before you jump in. Jill_Perlberg: I'm actually considering it now. My main considerations: money, time, and do I really need it.
aoakes: That's why research is important - pick the program that will work best for you.
Kblennon: I am in a fast track program at QU and some grad classes counted as undergrad as well towards my BA n PR
Jill_Perlberg: In some cases your experience is better than any schooling--depending on what you want to do.
- aoakes: Agreed - put the extra effort of an MBA into maximizing your time/exposure at work. Seek out unique projects.
- davecarhart: Yes!
aoakes: I am not a night person, so I chose a weekend program so I could best focus on the courses.
KyleMcShane: I think everyone should be always working towards building their skills & qualifications. Better yourself every day!
Kblennon: agree..I'm constantly trying to broaden my horizons
- bizMebizgal: Great insight, challenging yourself to a great way to also get ahead.
- KyleMcShane: yes. if you want your personal brand to become the best it can be, you have to put effort forth every day!
KyleMcShane: You need to have a burning desire to improve urself & increase ur abilities. Don't go a day without doing this
- bizMebizgal: right on!!

SaleStart: in our experience, most companies value solid experience. For most MBA is nice to have but not necessity
davecarhart: Know yourself and your goals before starting an MBA
davecarhart: It depends on what you are trying to go into. Some roles/companies/etc don't do heavy recruitment of MBAs
- KyleMcShane: yes, you need to have an end goal in mind and make sure that all of your actions help get you to that goal
davecarhart: Regarding cost, go for the loans. The payback is there on the back end

ASQ_Trish: I know - but I also have 2 in college
- davecarhart: Very different story then... I admit that I sometimes forget about those with children. Will company support?
- - ASQ_Trish: they will after the fact...might be worth it though

CaSuPe15: Could an MBA hurt you?

bizMebizgal: It depends, if you are looking for sales and never did sales before an MBA is going to price you out of an entry level.
WriterChanelle: That is so often the problem with getting extra education. You become overqualified based on knowledge but not exp
Kblennon: How quickly you can finish it/how long you will be out of the working world
- Jill_Perlberg: I agree. Going to school part time may be the only option, and that could take a million years
WriterChanelle: I've seen many differing opinions on the worth of an MBA. Some say it ruins a career
bizMebizgal: MBAs are great if you know your path and have done the research to know if it will benefit
- Kblennon: I feel like that is becoming increasingly harder to come by these days :\
aoakes: An MBA won't hurt you, but it could cause an employer to question what your career path is if it's different from the job.
- WriterChanelle: That's when some would consider leaving it off the resume
- Jill_Perlberg: thinking...what do they really want to be when they grow up
- CaSuPe15: Never thought about that
- - aoakes: It makes employers think what your real motive is. Will they be happy with the job I'm giving them or leave in a yr?
  - WriterChanelle: I think I've been burned by that. Answering that I really want to be a screenwriter interviewing for office job

Jelfster: I'd love to do an MBA but cannot afford it - neither in a financial or temporal sense.

WriterChanelle: LOl...if you found a company that paid for it, would you do it?
Jill_Perlberg: Financial concerns are big for me-- 40-50k is huge investment &some companies just can't help out as much as we'd hope
- ASQ_Trish: no kidding. And how far is it really going to get you? What's the true ROI?
aoakes: Do your research on companies that offer tuition reimbursement. If you can wait out the repayment agreement-do it
MyPath_MP: If you don't have the $$ or resources for an #MBA, try a certification program. Or even free webinars online.
MyPath_MP: Of course @Jelfster that doesn't solve the temporal problems...

WriterChanelle: Can you list webinars on a resume? That's the pickle I'm in. No $ for extra education

SaleStart: wouldn't recommend listing webinars
bizMebizgal: If they are credible and have a following. Do the research on them.
aoakes: I would be selective to only list webinars that show very specific interest/experience directly related to the job
Jill_Perlberg: I would, but only if they tie to your area of work & R legit.Create ur own learning portfolio-great initiative
MyPath_MP: Even webinars can make up a kind of portfolio to showcase skills you're learning.

When you are picking a school what should you consider?

KyleMcShane:Pick a school that has a network of people that are willing to help u get where u want to be. The people r the best resource
Kblennon: going along with what @KyleMcShane said:take advantage of student organizations, events, speakers, networking opportunities etc.
- aoakes: Just don't overcommit to too many activities - chose a select few and do them well or hold leadership positions.
- aoakes: Ask people who have received their MBA's what their perception is. And when networking, ask ppl what they've heard
aoakes: Your classmates and people will be a great support. However, if the school's rep is negative, it won't get you far.
Jill_Perlberg: When picking a school, look at class times, attendance requirements, and school rank/reputation.
- aoakes: Agreed - start with your balance first, what program suits your schedule. Then go by reputation.
WomensAlly: choose the institution that meets both your personal and professional needs.
Jill_Perlberg: You don't want a degree from a degree mill
- NicoleElise: the phrase "degree mill" irritates me. online masters programs have their place -- people that need to work ect.
- NicoleElise: as long as you know what you're getting into, and what exact education you're getting, its valuable.
- - aoakes: But, if a school will give a degree to anyone who will pay tuition, it loses credibility
  - Jill_Perlberg: We're not saying that all online programs degree mills, just some universities aren't as reputable as others.

bizMebizgal: What is everyone's take on getting MBAs online?

Kblennon: price, quality of classes, connections they have, school reputation, class sizes, online classes available..
- KyleMcShane: yes these are all things people forget about or r too lazy to take advantage of. You’re paying lots of $. Get involved!
jim_horrell: I investigated taking a class at a local technical college then found out it looks like they don't offer it anymore.
- MyPath_MP: Oh, that's a shame! Maybe if enough interest is shown, they'll bring it back?
- - jim_horrell: Maybe the college decided other technology is more important. I guess colleges can't offer everything.
  - - MyPath_MP: That is very true. Hope you can find what you're looking for in another nearby college.
Kblennon: online classes can be great if the professor knows how to run it and get ppl involved
- MyPath_MP: Agreed. You'll still have "team" assignments and people's emails/phone #s to connect.
Jill_Perlberg: Alumni connections. Where are the alumni and how well do they support the school.
SaleStart: cost, reputation, location, & resources
Kblennon: I personally like "real" classes because I do better learning in a classroom setting
- CaSuPe15: same
- streetmapp: And harder to slack off

- MyPath_MP: I think I would too, but online seems so convenient in some ways.
- - Kblennon: oh it's extremely convenient
  - Kblennon: probably because that's what I grew up doing and online classes are relatively new to me
SaleStart: also check out the connections they have with businesses in the region.
bizMebizgal: I think reputation has a lot to do with picking your school. Make sure it has a similar reputation like your undergrad school
KyleMcShane: rep is import-but the kid who went to Harvard & networked w/ no1 is going to be behind the pro netwkr at a 2nd tier
Jill_Perlberg: I'm actually considering an online program through UWW-traditional state school that took their progr. online for working folks

- KyleMcShane: Yes Syracuse University has done that in some programs for working professionals as well
- sarahklein_PHR: #uww has really created a good online mba one of the top business schools in the midwest
- - Jill_Perlberg: Thanks. Great school for undergrad too.
  - - sarahklein_PHR: @SarahHofmann don't forget too has I did the organizational communications program, great experience at uww!
WomensAlly: #MBA promote working in teams. a combination of on/off would be best. all online cannot replicate the team interaction|conflict
- aoakes: However, there are a lot of jobs out there these days where you work with an entirely virtual team. So online exp=+
bizMebizgal: no matter what knowing people and experience are going to take the furthest. Education is great.
- KyleMcShane: I agree!
aoakes: Online or not, it's all in how you articulate what you put into it and what you got out of it.
- Kblennon: agree. you will get more out of it based on the amount of effort you put into it
sarahklein_PHR: my learning team from university of phoenix added great diversity to my experience
bizMebizgal: Online does get away from the face to face interaction and building those relationships with classmates, professors etc
KyleMcShane: being able to work virtually is a very important skill & will become more valuable in future yrs as jobs become virtual

- MyPath_MP: So you see the trend going that way too?
- aoakes: Just be able to articulate what skills/competencies you have that make you good at virtual work/schooling.
SaleStart: online classes r widely accepted as =ly credible as "real life" courses, but check reputation 1st. some do it better than others
Jill_Perlberg: Also look at credit transferability--you may want to go finish it somewhere
- SaleStart: absolutely! Good point

Jill_Perlberg: What about schools that are for-profit? Do they have the same clout that trad. schools do?

sarahklein_PHR: @Jill_Perlberg for profit don't ask for donations for years after graduation they tend to be more business oriented vs academic

Jill_Perlberg: For anyone who's been through it, how bad is the GMAT?

WomensAlly: GMAT is torture,as you would expect. Some programs (incl hi-end) will admit u with company endorsement (no GMAT)
- Jill_Perlberg: Great to know on the co. reference. I'll definitely look into that.

bizMebizgal: What is your opinion on certificates vs. MBAs?

aoakes: Same question = know your motivation for the cert or MBA...where is it going to get you, why do you need it?
bizMebizgal: I am starting to do a lot of corporate training and really don't have anything to back it up.
- MyPath_MP: So you're missing the actual cert that says BizMeBizGal Has Mgmt Training?
- - bizMebizgal: exactly! I am not sure if I need it or if my experience can carry me through.
aoakes: References and hard work will go a long way. Work your network and you shouldn't need an official certificate.
- bizMebizgal: That is how I am doing it right now, it is working but I need it to work harder!! haha
- - aoakes: Patience and persisitence. Then when you reach your next plateau, you'll know it's time for something new - MBA?
genblu: Resources on career changing after 60? ROI on further training.
Jill_Perlberg: Depends on where you want to go and what skills you're missing. Experience might be the way to go.
Jill_Perlberg: For some, getting an MBA is a personal goal vs. needed for career growth. I commend those folks!
ASQ_Trish: For a QA professional and some others - Engineer, Oper - an ASQ Cert could be much more helpful than an MBA.

What do companies think about #MBA or prof certs?

KyleMcShane: If it can be executed efficiently, it will save companies tons of overhead $ and I know they want to do that
davecarhart: Have to run--meeting for a career work group with 1st year MBA students. Talk to everyone later!
SaleStart: w/ belt tightening is harder 2 find companies willing 2 pay 4 advance schooling but they're still out there
aoakes: There are few roles that I can think of that ask for specific certs. Many higher level roles do like to see the MBA
Jill_Perlberg: Depends on the position. For engineers or IT profs, certificates might be more applicable--Mktg exec--MBA....
KyleMcShane: Yes. And the experience of working in a virtual team in a college class would definitely build your virtual competencies
Kblennon: since I am getting my MBA I'm very interested in response
- Jill_Perlberg: what are you focusing on? What do you want to be when you grow up?
- - Kblennon: traditional track for my masters in biz admin. and not sure haha. one of the reasons why I am still in school
  - Kblennon: I got my BA in PR but didn't feel prepared for the biz world whatsoever, so I just stayed in school
  - - bizMebizgal: Are you currently working while going to school?
    - - Kblennon: twice a week yes
      - bizMebizgal: are you working for a PR agency?
        Kblennon: marketing communications firm
        bizMebizgal: Great, so you still are gaining the experience!
SaleStart: schooling doesn't necessarily prepare u 4 business world just have to jump in & do it nothing beats solid experience
sarahklein_PHR: i'm so glad i got mine, great connections and learning and i do certificates too, i love continuing education
SaleStart: many companies paying for advance schooling 4 employees not blanket policy anymore~selective based on individual
ASQ_Trish: many that post on ASQs job board, specifically ask for our certifications - like Quality Engineer

Jill_Perlberg: Do you need an MBA to move into a Director or VP role or can you show the same qualification with experience?

ASQ_Trish: not at a lot of companies. I know several who only have a BS but have worked for years at the company
- ASQ_Trish: I think they should have a MBA though
aoakes: You don't need the MBA, but it can help IN COMBO with experience. It shows diligence and relevance in todays biz
SaleStart: as noted earlier, most companies see certs & MBAs as nice 2 have, not absolutely necessary. Strong exp can still win out
- KyleMcShane: yes budgets are being tightened and tuition is becoming more expensive. companies need to be selective
- - SaleStart: absolutely makes sense that they have to be more selective.
- MyPath_MP: That's good to know. What about companies that _think_ they need that MBA for the job? Can you talk them out of it?
- - aoakes: If they say in the posting they want a MBA, you may not even make it past the screening to be able to sell yourself.
  - SaleStart: we have been able to do that for our candidates. you just have to be able to sell your experience.
jim_horrell: I know a guy who made it to a VP role without an MBA. I think it just depends on the company's expectations.
SaleStart: can differentiate u from competition, but if comparing MBA w/ no exp vs indiv w/ strong exp., most likely exp will win
WomensAlly: Depends on the companies. Larger organizations that I've been associated with unofficially require #MBA for execs.
- bizMebizgal: I love that word "unofficially" lol

Jill_Perlberg: Many people went straight to MBA from undergrad & will all grad soon, for those who worked but no MBA, who's at the adv?

sarahklein_PHR: i'm glad i had some experience going into my MBA program, i took 3 years inbetween
Kblennon: this is what I did, but am working twice a week on the side so I guess I get best of both worlds so to say?
aoakes: I believe that ppl who have worked will still be at the advantage as their skills/experience are fresh.
ASQ_Trish: a lot of companies are only paying for more classes IF you stay with them
- KyleMcShane: Yes, I would not blame them. No reason to spend $ educating an ex-employee
- SaleStart: absolutely don't want 2 make that investment then have u jump ship. Makes sense 4 company
CaSuPe15: I got my BS in Marketing/International Mgmgt, working now to gain experience and find out if I want an MBA
- MyPath_MP: Good choice there. #MBA is a lot to invest in without being sure!
- bizMebizgal: That truly is the best way to do it. Chances are your path will change as you get to know the industry.
- - CaSuPe15: That's what I'm anticipating will happen!

- bizMebizgal: It will believe me, I am just starting to figure it out and I am 28!
Jill_Perlberg: The reason I'm looking now at MBA is because I think I have work experiences to apply to the learning we'll get.
KyleMcShane: I am currently getting my masters, but feel like I got the education of an MBA by starting @dreamfetcher
- MyPath_MP: I've seen @dreamfetcher, very very nice!
- - KyleMcShane: thank you. we are getting ready for a site relaunch hopefully by the end of september

Kblennon: I knew nothing of the biz world though and felt very unprepared,now I'm gaining more confidence and knowledge eachday
- KyleMcShane: keep working while in school. show future employees that u r a go getter. make them wonder how u balanced all the work
- - Kblennon: that's what I have been doing my whole life..balancing 39034902 things :-P
  - - CaSuPe15: I think that's what every ambitious student has been doing! it's competitive out there! I know I did that!
    - KyleMcShane: haha. well your hard work will not be overlooked. keep grinding!
    - SaleStart: great keep up the good work. Always good 2 get real biz experience under ur belt 2 show on resume
SarahHofmann: the working have adv for five years, after the MBA has adv. The combo gives you an adv, not one or the other.
- Jill_Perlberg: agree.. getting the degree and then doing nothing with it at work is a waste
ASQ_Trish: I think one thing about getting your MBA - it the time. We're a society of 'now'- I don't want to wait 3-4 years

- aoakes: Either way, when you're done it'll be fresh and you may have a better idea on how you want to use it?
WomensAlly: I worked FT, MBA at night. While I had experience, the MBA opened different doors and changed the discussion. Right thing 4 me.
aoakes: Many MBA programs won't let you in without the biz experience, as they believe it takes that to make it through
streetmapp: for me prof certs are big. the IT field changes so fast so the best way in my eyes to keep learning is with certs
- MyPath_MP: Excellent point about certs, depending on the industry.
- SaleStart: in IT certs r big but b selective on which u get. They change so often & some better than others depending on path
- - streetmapp: definitely. right now the one i have is because of the path my job wants me to go on. some are even worthless to some
CaSuPe15: I felt prepared for the biz world through past work/internships, school was great for terminology/basic know-how
- bizMebizgal: and of course you read bizMe.biz!

- CaSuPe15: Of course!
Jill_Perlberg: Certs: If you want to dip toes into continuing ed, certifications might be a good option without the huge pricetag.
- aoakes: Certs are big for IT, for sure!
- - ASQ_Trish: Quality folks too
- Jill_Perlberg: And having a co pay for a cert or a IT class may be easier than funding an MBA--and you apply it to work immediately
- sarahklein_PHR: UWM Cont education has a great variety including Spanish, Chinese, Adobe, Project management, PHR and more!
- - aoakes: Project Mgmt is a great one, as it's applicable in a lot of careers
  - - Jill_Perlberg: MyPath has PMP and PMI cert. books in our knowledge center for free!
    - SaleStart: project mgt is huge. good choice to get. Lots of demand still out there for that
buzzandrea: I don't have an MBA, but I also don't feel as if I am lacking anything; found other ways to stay current within my industry.
- aoakes: Perfect - either way...be relevant!
buzzandrea: I also think it's worth mentioning that the MBA itself isn't the "golden ticket." What you do with it is important.
- Kblennon: very true!
- WomensAlly: u are right. MBA is like practicing 4 marathon. Doesn't guarantee you'll qualify, finish or even win.

bizMebizgal: What about for entrepreneurs? If you run your own company, it becomes more about what others think.

KyleMcShane: If u own your own company, I think the connections would be the most important. u gain most biz experience by doing
- ASQ_Trish: true
- aoakes: Unless you know someone who can help sell you

ASQ_Trish: Can your personality, work experience and self taught skills get you as far?

buzzandrea: Yes they can. They've always worked for me.
bizMebizgal: I totally think so
Jill_Perlberg: In many cases yes. But if you are working on nuclear power, you may need to prove through cert U know what UR doing
KyleMcShane: educate urself by reading, listening & being active. want to learn about SM-do it. want to learn about finance-listen to experts
bizMebizgal: You need to be able to apply what you learned and your MBA into real life situations. otherwise a waste.
Jill_Perlberg: Sites like Bright Talk have webinar channels based on categories like IT, Finance, etc. Great place to start.
KyleMcShane: Yes there are so many free resources that u can take advantage of from your home. these wont put you in debt lol
aoakes: Find out what people you admire are reading from LinkedIn booklists. Copy it!
Kblennon: start projects with the skills you already have to add to your experience/portfolio

CaSuPe15: What happens if you think an MBA is worth it but halfway thru you realize it's not? Do you quit or stick it out?

aoakes: If your personal or career goals have changed, you should take time off to reassess. If it's the program, give feedbk
ASQ_Trish: depends - how much have you invested? how close are you to finishing? It's not going to be a bad thing to have
- CaSuPe15: Right now nothing - just graduated undergrad but thinking about what if it happens down the road
Jill_Perlberg: look at how your skills transfer. A diff. program might be what you need. Key consideration for eval. up front
bizMebizgal: having work experience before u enter should help w/ that. U have a better understanding of how to apply & importance

Jelfster: If job ads specify an MBA requirement, are there ways round this to still get the job?

ASQ_Trish: IF you can get into the interview...
sarahfracek: Great discussion on MBA degrees/certificates and their importance today on . Thanks @bizMebizgal. @CUWisconsin - check it out!
Jill_Perlberg: in similar fashion, if it prefers a green belt or black belt Six Sigma, do you really need it?
- ASQ_Trish: yes
aoakes: You probably won't get through the auto screen ?'s online or w/recruiter. Network internally to help make connections

SaleStart: yes, working w/ recruiter can help
- aoakes: You may need to go deeper than the recruiter - they are trained to screen out based on hiring mgr requirements
- - SaleStart: yes but if already have relationship w/ recruiter they can pitch ur experience 4 position
  - SaleStart: 3rd party recruiter can get u in the door w/ hiring mgr if ur experience is strong enough we've been able 2 do it

Jill_Perlberg: Join a prof. association for networking & 2 see what types of certs/degree the members have--they are your competition
- MyPath_MP: I can think of @ASQ for one!
- - ASQ_Trish: ASQ offers many different certs - from engineering to Six Sigma BB
ASQ_Trish: Most asking for Six sigma experience want that because it shows you have worked through a project & saved $$

aoakes: Do a search on LinkedIn to see who does the job you want - do they have their MBA? Certs?
aoakes: Anything that can show you dedicated time/resources will be helpful - but like everything else, it's how you sell it
ASQ_Trish: Certifications do show that you know what you're doing in a very specific area

Jill_Perlberg: So, did we help anyone make any decisions or give you the right things to consider?

Kblennon: well my decision is made b/c i'm already in :-P but very interesting convo!
- aoakes: Best of luck in your program!
- - Kblennon: thank you very much!
sarahfracek: Great info on MBA. I'm holding out for a company that will reimburse! Til then, real-world exper will have to do!
- MyPath_MP: Get the experience while you can!
- - sarahfracek: I agree. But those three letters after your name can really boost your pay sometimes. Tempting...
jim_horrell: I learned something new. Interesting and thought-provoking conversations.

Jill_Perlberg: Anyone interested in running an group on MyPath centered on MBAs? DM me or @MyPath_MP!

Other chats:

7/13/10 All About Interviewing

7/20/10 Job Searching While Employed

7/27/10 Negotiating Your Pay Package

8/3/10 Flirting With Office Romance

8/10/10 Generational Differences in the Workplace

8/17/10 Intern Chat

8/24/10 Personal Branding and Social Media

Too Much Stress on your Plate??

noreply@MyPath.com — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 15:28:58 GMT

Stress can be lethal if not brought under control. It can affect your health, well-being, relationships and employment.

Many people miss the signs when there's too much on their plate. However, there are a number of indicators and symptoms you should recognize so that you may remain calmer and more focused at completing the task-at-hand while increasing your performance and productivity. Be aware of high stress, anxiety, frustration, irritability, depression, or inflexibility. Notice when you become impatient with others and respond rudely. If you find yourself making an increasing number of foolish mistakes or bad decisions, pause and shift your energy so that you alleviate negative consequences.

Recognize what you can and cannot control in your life. Let go of what you absolutely have no control over and concentrate on what you can control or at least influence or negotiate. You can regain control in many situations by simply:

· Rethinking the ‘shoulds’, ‘musts’, and ‘coulds’

· Acknowledging your reality and current situation

· Accepting your abilities and limitations. Leveraging/maximizing your strengths.

· Having a positive can-do attitude

· Minimizing stressors

Some stress cannot be totally eliminated and is actually effective to helping you be at the top of your game. However,many different behaviors and attitudes help better cope with stress. My personal favorites include exercising, smiling/laughing, taking things in stride/going with the flow, breathing through difficulties (too help slow things down and stay in the moment while consciously choosing how I want to respond rather than just reacting), planning ahead and creating contingencies in case things go as unanticipated.

Other effective behaviors for coping with stress so that you can increase your productivity and contentment include:

· Defining your limits (having realistic standards and limits)

· Slowing down (stop hurrying)

· Learning to deal with anger

· Using meditation/yoga

· Avoiding catastrophic thinking

· Listening to calming music

· Using imagery or daydreaming

· Knowing your natural rhythm of when you’reat your best.

· Scheduling your day so that you have structure

· Paying attention to noise levels and minimizing

· Using pent up energy wisely

· Taking time for yourself

· Getting off adrenaline/avoiding procrastination

· Regrouping after stressful periods

· Eliminating worry (87% of what we worry about never occurs or is out of our control anyway)

· Learning to say “no”

Reduce your stress and improve your productivity! For more stress tips, subscribe to my free bi-weekly e-newsletter at www.theprioritypro.com.

Tell Me A Story - Behavioral Interview Prep Strategies

noreply@MyPath.com — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 12:47:25 GMT

Behavioral interviewing as a strategy is built on the simple idea that any interviewer who wants to find out if a you’ll do a good job for them tomorrow had better find out if you did a good job for somebody else yesterday. In short, the assumption – and it’s a good one – is that the best predictor of the future is the past. Behavioral interviewing, then, is all about story – telling. So the trick is to tell stories – good ones.

What stories to tell? Start with the assumption that companies using behavioral interviewing have already decided what skills the successful candidate will bring to the job. Sometimes they come right out and call them “skills”, but sometimes they’ll confuse you a bit by calling them “competencies”. Not to worry. By any label, they’re going to ask you questions that fall under some broad and general categories, like:

Communication
Interpersonal skills
Planning and organization
Critical thinking skills
Team building
The ability to influence / motivate others

A few ideas to help you focus in on telling the right stories include:

Simply ask the HR person who schedules the interview some questions: Will this be a behavioral interview? If so, can they share the competencies that have been associated with the position? Better yet, ask if you might be able to review a copy of the job description. In any case, express that you are committed to doing the best job you can to prepare for the interview. Just being interested and engaged at this level should let you pick up a few points early.

Use Monster or CareerBuilder to pull 10 – 20 job postings that are similar to the one you’ll be interviewing for. Note the similarities, key words, and shared characteristics of these listings. As you identify the common trends, it may help you focus on stories from your own background that align with them.

Do your own job analysis. If you were hiring for this position, what would you be looking for? What are the necessary skills to do this job? What would make a successful candidate? An unsuccessful candidate? What is the most difficult part of this job?

With this info in hand, identify six to eight examples from your work / life history where you demonstrated behaviors and skills that line up specifically with the job. Include stories that are totally positive from start to finish, and don’t forget the ones that started out negatively and then came out great. But be very sure that you’re ready for at least one or two stories that totally blew up on you. They’ll ask a few of those for sure. Learning from hardship is recognized as a top predictor of leadership these days, so don’t be afraid to talk about where you were when you learned one or two of those valuable life lessons via failure. Specifically, questions about running projects, working in a team environment with others, and those that illustrate your strengths and weaknesses in a work setting are to be expected.

In short, telling stories – any stories - is the key to behavioral interviewing. But it’s telling the right stories that’s key to getting the offer.

Let’s Kill the Hour-Long Meeting (Part 1): Why Its Time Has Come

noreply@MyPath.com — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 22:16:43 GMT

A friend of mine told me recently that she attended six hour long meetings in one day. Six. That’s almost her entire workday. Those are six full hours - or more, if you add prep time - of her specialized, competent self sitting in meetings. It would’ve been okay if those hours were completely productive, but does that happen all the time?

Here’s how bad meetings usually go: Someone calls for a meeting. When you do arrive, you sit there and wonder “What’s the point?” So you end up being distracted or wishing you were somewhere else. Soon, everyone realizes that the topics discussed could have been easily tackled via email or some other medium. True, not all meetings are like this, but there’s enough inefficient meetings in the world for it to be a familiar story.

Some people are so frustrated with “bad meetings” that they express it through copywriting that appeals to that frustration, humorous coffee mugs, and comic strips. There are even online applications like Meet or Die (intended for fun) and MeetingMiser (intended for business use) which calculate how much money is spent on your meetings.

But it’s not just money that’s wasted. As 37signals founder Jason Fried points out in a blog post, meetings can waste more time than you think. Here’s how he explains it:

“If you’re going to schedule a meeting that lasts one hour and invite 10 people to attend then it’s a ten-hour meeting, not a one-hour meeting. You are trading 10 hours of productivity for one hour of meeting time. And it’s probably more like 15 hours since there are mental switching costs associated with stopping what you’re doing, going somewhere else to do something else, and then resuming what you were doing before.”

What on earth goes on in these hour-long meetings that can’t be done in more efficient ways? One of the most common meeting activities is brainstorming. But if you do look up business and psychological research on brainstorming, you’d find that most - if not all - of them demonstrate how ineffective it really is. According to this research paper by Adrian Furnham of University College London, face-to-face brainstorming don’t work for the following reasons (quoted from the paper):

Social loafing: the group context enables individuals to make less effort.
Evaluation apprehension: fear of suggesting ideas which might make one look foolish.
Production blocking: any one group member can suggest an idea at any moment.

(Source: Furnham, Adrian. "The Brainstorming Myth". Business Strategy Review 2000: 21-28. )

If meeting for group brainstorming isn’t such a good idea, why else would you meet? One of the reasons is to give/receive updates or status reports. Another reason is to reach a consensus on an important issue. Still, these could be done via memos, emails, and other means of communication that don’t require participants to drop their “real work” and sit in a conference room for an hour or more.

Perhaps one of the few valid reasons for an hour-long meeting is to create rapport and have enough face time with colleagues that are normally working a cubicle, a floor, or even a city away from you. But let’s be honest - doing this doesn’t have to take place during office hours. It certainly doesn’t have to take a full hour either.

Maybe hour-long meetings are fine once in a while, but to have them too often (and for the wrong reasons) may negatively affect productivity and morale.

The good news is that I believe there’s a better way. Come back to Thinking Outside the Cube tomorrow to read about some alternatives to the hour-long meeting.

How often do you participate in inefficient meetings? What suggestions do you have to make these meetings better?

How to Stop Being A Control Freak

noreply@MyPath.com — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 00:25:37 GMT

Nice article. I have had a couple of those. both were insecure and they make up for it by being impolite. Hard situation.

What Kind of Swimmer are You?

noreply@MyPath.com — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 23:35:20 GMT

The wave pool at a water park is like the course of a career. The water is smooth sailing, the sun is shining, and everything is great with the universe. And then, BOOM! The warning signal goes off, the swimmers begin to scream, and the big waves come racing toward them. I find that these swimmers can be easily divided into three distinct categories.

The first type of swimmer is the one who was caught off guard. He is not prepared for the oncoming wave nor has a plan of action to ride out the next one.

The next type of swimmer disappears under the giant swells. This swimmer may have been unprepared for the initial wave, but has a plan of action ready for the next surge.

The final type of swimmer is the one who confidently sails by you on a raft, riding the crest of a wave with a BIG smile on their face. He or she is relaxed and ready to go!

Which type of swimmer are you when it comes to your career? Do you hear the warning signal indicating that rough water could be ahead? Do you have a raft? By that I mean, is your resume up to date, your job skills up to speed and your network in place?

Like a lifeguard, a career coach can be standing nearby, ready, willing and able to swim beside you and assist you through the choppy waters of the career wave pool. By engaging a professional coach, you will have someone ready and able to hand you a raft and help you glide over the tops of the waves!

As a nationally Credentialed Career Manager, Coach Kevin Tucker has been partnering with individuals like you for the last 25 years. Through the military, as a minister, a human resources executive, and finally as a career and life transition coach; he has continually been able to help motivated individuals find their calling in life! Check out more at www.CCubedCareer.com.

Overcoming the "E" Word

noreply@MyPath.com — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 17:34:55 GMT

Lots of people are buzzing about the recent New York Times Magazine cover story, “What is it About 20-Somethings?” The article focuses on the fact that today’s 20-somethings are “delaying adulthood” by moving back in with their parents, marrying later and hopping from career to career.

The article speculates about whether these shifts are happening because of the current economy, a fundamental change in the definition of adulthood or -- as many of the article’s more negative commenters believe -- the “entitled” nature of the Millennial generation.

Personally, I believe that 20-somethings are simply reflecting the reality of our current times. But I have seen evidence that many Millennials aren’t aware of the way they are perceived, particularly in the workplace. I frequently hear recruiters and employers complain that today’s young people have a sense of entitlement -- a belief that they deserve jobs, high salaries and advanced responsibilities even when they don’t have much experience.

Whether you personally feel this way or not, it’s important to understand that this perception of 20-somethings is out there. In many companies, the older generations are still in charge, so when you're looking for a job or wanting to advance in your career, you’ll have a better chance of success if you avoid the “entitled” label. Here are some tips for overcoming the “e” word:

1. Show appreciation for responsibility and opportunity.

One of the biggest grievances I hear from managers is that Gen Y employees expect to be given high-level, exciting work on day one of a job. Never forget that you are being paid to work! And your bosses probably “paid their dues” for a long time to get where they are. Many of them expect you to pay your dues too, even though technology and business move much faster these days.

The best way to receive the kind of work you want is to do a great job with every assignment you’re given. Then, when you do receive increased responsibility or a cool project, be sure to say thank you to the person who assigned it. Gratitude is remembered and rewarded.

2. Follow protocol.

While you may want to share your suggestions directly with the CEO of your company, it’s probably more appropriate for you to share those thoughts with your direct boss first. This type of hierarchical reporting structure may change someday when Gen Ys are in the corner office, but for now, it’s reality. If you’re not sure whether it’s okay to reach out to someone at a higher level, ask your boss or colleagues first.

3. Focus on what you can do for your employer, not the other way around.

In cover letters, email messages, conversations with recruiters, salary negotiations, etc., make sure you frame your value in terms of what you can offer, not what you need. Recruiters roll their eyes at cover letters that begin with, “I would like to find a position in which I can learn.” Likewise, negotiations fail when you ask for more money because, “I need it.” You’ll have a better chance of getting what you want when you focus your argument on how it will benefit the company in terms of increased sales, more productivity or lower costs. Always ask yourself, “What’s in it for them?”

As I read through the above list, it strikes me that avoiding the entitlement label is really about using your common sense and best manners. What do you think? Please share in the comments!

Take Time to Nurture Yourself

noreply@MyPath.com — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 19:11:04 GMT

Have you taken the time to nurture yourself lately? Are you ready to break through the dormancy of winter and start growing again? Whether you're the worker bee or the head enchilada, you need to renew and refresh yourself so that you continue to be productive and be able to give of yourself to others. It's difficult to pull energy from within when you are drained! Can you even remember the last time you did something specifically for you to energize yourself spiritually, physically, and intellectually?

Nurturing yourself spiritually can happen many ways. You can participate in your faith's activities or services; spend time daily reflecting, meditating, or praying. Reading or studying books or other materials can help to renew your spirit. Giving back to your community by volunteering does wonders for the soul also! Find a great cause and help!

Physical activity, some welcome it some dread it. Be that as it may, it's a great way to relieve stress and clear your mind. Go for a walk, go to the gym, or do something with your kids. You'll be amazed at your increased energy level!

When's the last time that you read a book or attended a seminar or workshop that stimulated you intellectually? Do you have a hobby or have you thought about getting one? Does your career field have continuing education requirements, or maybe you're thinking of updating your skills. Check out classes at the rec center or local college.

Employers, what have you done recently to renew your employees? Just as taking care of yourself is important, nurturing and encouraging those who work for you is equally important. When you invest in your employees, it is money well spent and you will realize a great return on your investment. Little things like a team build, a John Maxwell Leadership study, or even a department pot luck will go a long way in refreshing the work environment!

As a nationally Credentialed Career Manager, Coach Kevin Tucker has been partnering with individuals like you for the last 25 years. Through the military, as a minister, a human resources executive, and finally as a career and life transition coach; he has continually been able to help motivated individuals find their calling in life! Check out more at www.CCubedCareer.com.

Personal Branding and Social Media: Managing You, Inc Online & Off

noreply@MyPath.com — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 17:00:28 GMT

How do you make sure your online presence tells the right story? Is personal branding the same as social branding? How do you select and maintain the right social media platforms and tools for you? Find the answers to these questions and more below in this week’s #careerchat transcript.

Each Tuesday at 12:00 pm CT, Becky Benishek (@MyPath_MP) and Amanda Gulralski (@bizMebizgal), Gen Y career expert and publisher and cofounder of bizMe.biz online magazine, host an hour-long Career Chat on Twitter (#careerchat). Joining us were Jill Perlberg, Mark Jelfs and Lesley Weiss from the MyPath team. You can learn about upcoming topics and submit your questions by following @MyPath_MP and @bizMebizgal.

Next week Tuesday, August 31, we’ll discuss MBAs and professional certifications. Hiring expert Anna Oakes, Lead Organization Development Consultant and Recruiting Manager for Manpower, will weigh in on the value of an MBA and how companies are viewing professional certifications. Investing in your career is important! Make sure you’re making the right choices.

Takeaways from the chat:

lauragainor: Personal branding is an important step in determining what voice you will have within social media.
WriterChanelle: Your personal brand is how you would like to define yourself. The social brand is how you work to define the personal brand.
LesleyMWeiss: Easy to get in trouble if you think there's a separation between social and personal branding--it's all you!
WomensAlly: It is also important to know how to accept failure as part of building your personal brand.
MyPath_MP: I think if you’re good at something, it comes through w/o you having to say “Look at me!!” Show it, don’t say it.
Jill_Perlberg: Ask your spouse or significant other how they explain what you do to others...It's an eye opener.
MidwestPhoto: Be authentic, be professional. Period. That's how you keep a good rep.
Kblennon: Online rep: Before I do anything I ask myself "Do I want this connected to my name". Things on the internet last forever.
PaigeHolden: Listen to the people around you so that you can really engage in meaningful conversations.
3D_EXHIBITS: Everyone can always evolve & it's important to stay consistent, yet relevant.

Resources:
From George_Krautzel:

From lauragainor:

#Careerchat on personal branding

From suegresham:

Hands-on experience with your personal brand & social media: Register now for Milwaukee JobCamp4!

From bizMebizgal:

Tiger Woods vs Personal Branding

From Jill_Perlberg/MyPath_MP:

Special thanks… To our top participants: @Kblennon, @WriterChanelle, @PaigeHolden, @MaggieMistal, @lauragainor and @MidwestPhoto.

Detailed Transcript:

August 24, 2010: Personal Branding & Social Media

Question 1: What does “personal branding” mean to you?

Jill_Perlberg: Means that when someone Googles my name that they get the info I want them to see and my persona online matches who I am.
lauragainor: Personal branding is an important step in determining what voice you will have within social media.
TECMidwest: Your Personal Brand must be focused on letting people know why you are successful at what you do.
MidwestPhoto: as a self-employed photog, "personal branding" is how I distinguish myself from the rest of the market via methods/message.
MyPath_MP: Basically you're "on" all the time and have to be aware that what you do affects the brand of You
bizMebizgal: Your brand is how u 'show up' in the eyes of others. whether you create an intentional brand or not, u have1
Jill_Perlberg: It's your online reputation. It's the opinion a stranger would form based on what they see online
bizMebizgal: It is amazing how many people don't understand the importance of personal branding! So incredibly key in business.
Jelfster: Just like a business, if your brand stinks, no-one will touch it with a barge pole.
Kblennon: personal branding is the universal image I am trying to give myself to stand apart and make myself unique by utilizing SM
Jill_Perlberg: Personal brand is not just for those working in social media industries. It's for everyone!
bizMebizgal: Be in control of your personal brand, don't let others determine what it is for you!
Kblennon: in other words your personal brand is your reputation...how others perceive you

Question 2: Social Branding vs. Personal Branding: What’s the difference? Is there one?

WriterChanelle: There is indeed. Your personal brand is how you would like to define yourself.
WriterChanelle: The social brand is how you work to define the personal brand.
Jill_Perlberg: Social branding is part of personal branding. There is so much more.
bizMebizgal: I believe there is a difference btw personal branding & social branding. they all need to tell the same story.
bizMebizgal: your brand needs to be the same in all settings. If u tell different stories in each, I am left confused on who you are.
Kblennon: no matter where you are leveraging your personal brand you have to "tell the same story"
PaigeHolden: I think personal branding and social branding are one and the same most of the time.
Jelfster: Social branding is a lot easier to do, especially for introverts, but harder to keep in check.
- bizMebizgal I agree because what happens in Vegas stays on twitter!
MyPath_MP: It sounds like social branding is where you express your personal brand. Is this correct, or too simplistic?
lauragainor: social media gives you a loud voice to represent yourself. Videos show your true self.
- bizMebizgal: Do you think video is a good idea?
- - lauragainor: definitely. Videos open up many personal branding opportunities. Great way to represent yourself.
  - MidwestPhoto: re: video: can be good, as long as you understand how a one-way traffic flow might cause unforeseen problems
  - bizMebizgal: I make a couple videos for my site but I always make sure I am represented the way I want to be. Positive!
LesleyMWeiss: Easy to get in trouble if you think there's a separation between social and personal branding--it's all you!
WomensAlly: It is important to know how to communicate your personal & social brand attributes
- WriterChanelle: If you're branding yourself socially, you have a FB page, Twitter account, LinkedIn profile, etc...
- MyPath_MP: I find I pay attention more to the people who are clearly experts yet don't feel comfortable calling themselves experts!
- - WriterChanelle: that word scares me “expert”
  - - MyPath_MP: It's like setting you up for a fall. I've seen people more comfortable with "maven."
  - MidwestPhoto: expertise will come through--in person. Online, you have to guide people to your blog/whatev w/o being braggy.
Jill_Perlberg: Social is you on display on the web. Personal is everything about you: your style, attitude,online rep,conduct @ Happy Hour
- MidwestPhoto: meaning, personal-social--they're all you--no separation between them. What you spout here, you spout there.
- bizMebizgal: exactly! Not like you can say, oh that wasn't me that was my social brand and not my personal brand.
- MyPath_MP: That wasn't me, it was my evil twin!
Jelfster: Bragging in person generally frowned upon, but acceptable, nay encouraged via social media. We all do it. I'm great!
- MyPath_MP: Interesting perspective! That's true, I think we really are encouraged to get "us" across no matter what it takes.
- PaigeHolden: Hahahaha. So, bragging online is tacky? I hate those "I'm so fabulous, don't you wish you were me?" blogs.
- Kblennon: Haha good point. I guess people feel more comfortable "bragging" on social media
- MidwestPhoto they say it isn't bragging if it's true, right? There has to be balance in soc med 'tween "talk about me/others"
- - Jill_Perlberg: Agree--we're all experts and brilliant
- bizMebizgal: I think it is easier because your followers don't really know you. Easy to be whoever you want to be!
- - PaigeHolden: But modesty is far more authentic (hopefully) - and authenticity is what it's all about.
- MyPath_MP: I think if you're good at something, it comes through without you having to say "Look at me!!" Show it, don't say it.
Jill_Perlberg: I think that your personal interactions with people are more impt than what's online. Everyone remembers first impressions!
- Jill_Perlberg: But...make sure what's online tells the right story. You may never get a personal interaction.
- Jill_Perlberg: You're always "on" Never know who ur sittng next to on a plane, bus, rest'rant. When I least expect it-always branding
- bizMebizgal: it is sometimes harder to brand urself via the internet than in person. Huge fan of interactions in person.
- MyPath_MP: People can be way different online than off.
WomensAlly: It is also important to know how to accept failure as part of building your personal brand.
Jill_Perlberg: You are who you are...Don't pretend to be something you aren't. It will bite you in butt, just like lying on your resume.

Question 3: What are your best practices for managing your online AND offline rep?

Kblennon: I think SM is a great first step for your personal brand but then personal interactions solidifies it
PaigeHolden: Listen to the people around you so that you can really engage in meaningful conversations.
sarahklein_PHR Plan ahead, follow through and pay it forward (retweets, etc)
Jill_Perlberg: Ask people how they would describe you to a connection or stranger. Make sure those around you know the right you
- MyPath_MP: THAT is an excellent tactic.
lauragainor: Be genuine and stay true to yourself.
WriterChanelle: Everything can be misinterpreted but *you* control what you put out there to be interpreted
Jill_Perlberg: Google URself! Simple,but true. Then define your goals and what you want to do. Make sure ur online profile tells the story
- WriterChanelle: Google Alerts, RSS feeds
MidwestPhoto: Be authentic, be professional. Period. That's how you keep a good rep.
Kblennon: online rep: before I do anything I ask myself "do I want this connected to my name".things on the internet last forever
- MyPath_MP: Brilliant. Written words last--especially on the internet. And the 2D aspect of most social media is tricky.
- bizMebizgal: I try to never let pple see me w/ bad day. If I don't feel like networking I don't force myself. Always energetic & positive
- Jelfster: Good one. Some people use it to moan, moan, moan. Negativity bad in the virtual world too!
- bizMebizgal: absolutely. I am in control of what people think of me, I don't let imagination take over!! lol.
- MidwestPhoto: that's the challenge of a personal brand--have a "bad day" on your pers time, not biz time cuz people remember
- Kblennon: I hate when all ppl do is utilize SM to vent. once in awhile fine but always?! bad personal brand
- bizMebizgal: I agree and then all I think about you is that you hate the world. Never happy!
- thatwoman_is: Re: Sharing. Be Translucent. Not Transparent.
MaggieMistal: Mostly LinkedIn & Twitter & FB R my professional side but also share travels, fun comments just to show I'm a full person
- Jill_Perlberg: Like it...need to show you are real.

Jill_Perlberg: For online--you need to identify which sites are the most impt for waht you want to do. Don't be on FB or Twitter just bcuz
thatwoman_is: never be on any site "just because." Go where your community or clients are. Engage and communicate where they feel comf.
- LesleyMWeiss: Online reputation can be affected by more than just photos--comments, who you are friends with, things they say about you
Jill_Perlberg: Have a strategy. If ur in IT, try toolbox.com to showcase your expertise. Sales--LI, find the recipe for you.
- MyPath_MP: Exactly, you have to stay on top of any #sm tool or you won't be helping your brand at all.
- bizMebizgal: All social media sites need to tell the same story of who u r Often times they depict 3 different people Leaves me wondering.
- GeorgeKrautzel: Examples of professionals building reputation through participation http://bit.ly/99h73r http://bit.ly/3rCh45
- Jill_Perlberg: Try Blogging, writing about what ur doing and who u are, gives someone the inside view of you--and you control it
- - WriterChanelle: Blogging has definitely made me focus in on what it is that I do.
  - Kblennon: so true. It's actually on my to do list. Thanks for the advice!
  - WriterChanelle: Having to choose categories, write a bio, a title/tagline all make you think about your personal brand
  - Kblennon: Favor instead of ?: I created my own website to further my personal brand. Would appreciate comments: kblennon.wordpress.com

Jill_Perlberg: Offline--Have an elevator "pitch" about you. If u meet someone new..Know what you are going to say.
- sarahklein_PHR: we will have info on how to write elevator pitches at job camp 4! http://bit.ly/gpzGT #jc4
- MidwestPhoto: heck yes,for the elevator pitch--people's attention shortened (thx Internet) and you need to grab attention fast
- bizMebizgal: Elevator pitch needs to tell a compelling story. I need to understand what it is that you do in 7 secs.
- WriterChanelle: I'm still working on shortening my elevator pitch
- MyPath_MP: Maybe the key is there IS no single word to describe what #sm people do.
- - WriterChanelle: Which makes it so impossible for me to explain to my parents what it is that I do. LOL #sm
Jill_Perlberg: Ask your spouse or sign. other how they explain what you do to others...It's an eye opener.
- WomensAlly: it is important to get feedback from those you know best as you are developing your personal brand introduction
- MyPath_MP: Ha, I'll have to try that!
- MaggieMistal: My hubby is great at describing what I do. He helps me get new clients all the time.
- - MyPath_MP:That's fabulous to hear!
  - bizMebizgal: That is great to have a team member like that on your side.
  - Jill_Perlberg: I asked my hubby the other day. After 8 years 2gether you'd think he'd get it..He's an easy one..Lawyer
  - MaggieMistal: Yes, it is great to have team members who are also family members

Open questions

Do you think boomers are at a disadvantage or advantage?

Jill_Perlberg: Boomers: Wide network (personal) but typically smaller online presence?
Jill_Perlberg: Thinking of my mom, she's knows everyone in town but she's not online much..Not sure if she needs to be though.
- bizMebizgal: I think boomers definitely have the personal brand down, most are working on SM as well. Some get it, some don't
- MyPath_MP: And is there a gen split among tools like Facebook, LinkedIn...?
- bizMebizgal: @thatwoman_is what do you think as a boomer that gets the SM world?
- MaggieMistal: Boomers are at an advantage b/c they should know more people in a position to make decisions and hire them
- - Jill_Perlberg: and have the experience to back it up
WriterChanelle: Actually boomers are at a great advantage. They're the largest online presence. NBC's audience is skewed 40+

Should your personal brand continuously evolve, or should you stick to tried-and-true?

Jill_Perlberg: should evolve as you evolve
Jelfster: it has to evolve, especially with regard to social media as that is a medium that is still evolving itself.
buzzandrea: Continuously evolve; the more you learn about yourself, the more your brand develops - grows, changes, solidifies.
MidwestPhoto: personal brand--always changing in its strategy and tactics (sometimes quickly), but should stick to its values.
PaigeHolden: I think your personal brand evolves as you do. Slowly over time. Not one person on one day and different on another.
3D_EXHIBITS: Our team members are always evolving w/ their personal brand. It's important for a co to take advantage of it.

Do you think a person can evolve into a completely different personal brand?

MidwestPhoto: all people evolve. As your "mission" may change, so will your brand. So, "yes", you can become a different brand.
- MyPath_MP: It would be interesting to see which of yr followers changes with your brand change!
Jill_Perlberg: Evolution. You need to find out what you're going to be when you "grow up" then take the steps to get there.
- MidwestPhoto: right, and as you "grow up", you change--nothing is permanent, as far as personal development goes.
- Jill_Perlberg: Sure True! Well need to "grow" in the right way, professionally, personally...Personal brand is all of that
bizMebizgal: My personal brand has changed a lot since I started my biz. I finally understood how important it really is.
3D_EXHIBITS: Everyone can always evolve & it's important to stay consistent, yet relevant.

PaigeHolden: What do you do when you have many social media forums relevant to your brand. How do you keep up with them all?

MyPath_MP: Excellent Q. Might have to pick the top 3 or 4 that are actually doing something FOR you in return.
Jill_Perlberg: Depending on your work--if everything is local and you're tied into networks, do you need 500 Twitter followers? don't think so
Jill_Perlberg: choose wisely. just because there are 1000s to pick from, you don't have to do them all.
bizMebizgal: I don't let friends post pictures I delete if it conflicts. Must always be aware of what is happening around u.
- Kblennon: there are features on FB that allow you to approve pics before you are officially tagged
- Kblennon: :-P of course easier said than done
- - MyPath_MP: here's a quick how-to on those FB privacy settings! http://bit.ly/bJaUEz
MaggieMistal: I feel it's important to have a presence (at least a "critical mass" following) on any social media you do
- Jill_Perlberg: agree. skeleton profiles don't help. If ur going to be on a network--do it right.
Jill_Perlberg: Also, I tie mine 2gether. My blog has FB,Twitter feeds coming in, LI profile. I can't do more--I'd go crazy
MyPath_MP: Quality over quantity--seems to be true everywhere
bizMebizgal: U will drive urself crazy trying to keep up w/ them. Find the right fit and stick with those.
bizMebizgal: It is much like networking, not every group is going to be a right fit. Shop around and test them out.
thatwoman_is: I love the SoMe community. Yes it's different way of sharing info & connecting but if you r you -- it works just like off line.
MaggieMistal: How do you measure the ROI?
- MyPath_MP: I'd say if you're getting feedback, followers, advancing your brand--those are where you spend time. You?
- MyPath_MP: And it does take time to build that. Guess it comes down to your comfort level, time, value on both sides.
- MaggieMistal: For me results are one-on-one coaching referrals and radio listeners/callers into my @SIRIUSXM show
- Jill_Perlberg: U have to know UR goals--what ur trying to achieve-sales,jobs,friends,then track ROI--if it's not working, try something else.