Personal Branding Goal Subject Matter Expert or Thought Leader

Personal Branding Goal Subject Matter Expert or Thought Leader When I talk about personal branding I suggest that a goal is to become a recognized subject matter expert and/or thought leader in your space. One question I got a lot when I spoke to the MBA orientation audience at Pepperdine was what do I blog about? I was really thrilled to get this question because most audiences are overwhelmed with the idea of getting a nice LinkedIn profile, and then maybe rethinking their Facebook strategy, and perhaps exploring Twitter. I talk about a number of useful tools, as part of my Comprehensive Social Marketing Strategy, and say that I think the blog is the anchor of your strategy. The blog is so very important and useful. So when the Pepperdine MBA candidates asked what to blog about, and we explored that, I was elated as I thought yes! They get it! Tomorrow and Thursday Im going to share two awesome examples, case studies if you will, on how to develop yourself as a subject matter expert, or case study. On Friday Ill share an idea of how to do it all wrong If you want instructional webinar training on how to use these tools, check out the best price page here. Personal Branding Goal Subject Matter Expert or Thought Leader When I talk about personal branding I suggest that a goal is to become a recognized subject matter expert and/or thought leader in your space. One question I got a lot when I spoke to the MBA orientation audience at Pepperdine was what do I blog about? I was really thrilled to get this question because most audiences are overwhelmed with the idea of getting a nice LinkedIn profile, and then maybe rethinking their Facebook strategy, and perhaps exploring Twitter. I talk about a number of useful tools, as part of my Comprehensive Social Marketing Strategy, and say that I think the blog is the anchor of your strategy. The blog is so very important and useful. So when the Pepperdine MBA candidates asked what to blog about, and we explored that, I was elated as I thought yes! They get it! Tomorrow and Thursday Im going to share two awesome examples, case studies if you will, on how to develop yourself as a subject matter expert, or case study. On Friday Ill share an idea of how to do it all wrong If you want instructional webinar training on how to use these tools, check out the best price page here.

6 Super Smooth Job Hunting Tips - James Bond Style

6 Super Smooth Job Hunting Tips - James Bond Style When youre still in a job, but plotting your exit, a level of discretion is required to ensure that  your boss doesnt twig that youre looking to jump ship. From applying for jobs on the sly, to sneaking out of the office to attend interviews, you could say that your job search is somewhat of a secret mission. Now where could we possibly seek some inspiration from there? Theres a little known MI6 agent who goes by the name of BondJames Bond in fact.so I guess we could start there. Here are 6 super smooth job hunting tips 007 style that will ensure your job hunt remains top secret! 1.  Stay below  the radar Ok, subtlety isnt always Bonds strong suit. Nor is taking other peoples advice for that matter. So for this point, I want you to get in the mindset of a special agent who goes a little more by the book! Maybe M? If you are currently in employment, youre most likely keeping your job search under wraps for the time being. You wouldnt march into your bosss office and start scattering around your recently updated resume and a selection of cover letters, would you? So why should posting them on a job board be any different?  When you share  your resume on a job board, you are essentially advertising the fact that you are looking for a new job and therefore you have just as much chance of your boss coming across it as another potential employer! A lot of employers will actually check job boards from time to time to suss  out whether any of their staff appear in their searches; so be sensible! 2) Know your enemies Be careful who you tell about your job search. Even if you think you can trust someone, its probably best to refrain from discussing it with colleagues, as you never know when they could let it slip! Its a dog-eat-dog world after all and even somebody who youve struck up a friendship with could break their loyalty if it could benefit their career in some way. If you want to contact people within your network to scope opportunities thats fine, just make sure you tell them to keep mum about it, so they dont blow your cover! 3) Dont use your work email or computer Need I say more? Lots of companies have access to their employees email accounts and computers.  Some may even actively monitor who their staff are in contact with and what they are doing whilst at work. So if you use your work email to apply for a new job, you may as well be sending it directly to your current employer. Instead, make sure that you have created a separate (professional) email address and use this for all communication to do with your job hunt. 4) Plan your escape Its common in your job search that you will be invited for an interview on short notice, so youve got to be able to come up with an excuse to escape from work for a bit without setting off alarm bells in your bosses mind. If you come out with one of the generic excuses like a doctors appointment or a family emergency its likely that your boss may become suspicious; however, the more creative you are the less likely it is that they will  question it. 5) Use all the latest tools and gadgets available to you No, Im not talking exploding pens or facial recognition gadgets. Think more along the lines of mobile apps and social media. Just because youre wary of revealing your job hunt, doesnt mean that you should avoid social media altogether. Though you should steer clear of posting your resume or being too obvious about connecting with recruiters, etc.; you can still use online networks to keep an eye open for current job vacancies, get involved in industry-related discussions and direct message people about opportunities. 6) Turn on the charm Theres no doubt that Bond knows how to charm people and it is a powerful tool for persuasion. A large  factor in your job search is coming across as likable in your interview, as people want to hire people that they feel they can get along with and will fit in with the team. Turn the charm on and Im sure youll land a job in no time.

Recruiting and Retaining Top Talent Remains Biggest HR Challenge

Recruiting and Retaining Top Talent Remains Biggest HR Challenge In an environment plagued by skills shortages, finding and retaining talent remains the biggest HR challenge:   half (51%) of HR managers say they struggle to find people with the right skills to do the job, according to a new survey by AXELOS, custodian of some of the world’s most sought-after certifications. Adding to the pressure is an awareness that hiring the wrong external candidate now costs in the region of £17,000* ( £16,843, to be precise), according to the 500 HR managers questioned by AXELOS. That sum covers recruitment fees, advertising, assessment of applications, interviews, induction, and training (onboarding), and the first three months of salary ( £7810); it also factors in such negatives as poor work outputs, loss of productivity, disruption to projects and then the cost of putting things right by recruiting someone new ( £9033). To address the skills gap and prepare their workforce for the digital economy, 41% of businesses now favor training and up-skilling existing employees for new roles, while a similar proportion (41%) say they will recruit entry-level candidates who will receive training once they are in place. But one-fifth (21%) of businesses say they find it difficult to find the budget to train and up-skill existing employees to meet their needs, and 22% say that it is a struggle to get employees to participate in continued professional development (CPD).     Bearing these challenges in mind, 42% of businesses say that promotions for existing employees with relevant skills will be conditional upon no need for further training, while just over a third (36%) of businesses will continue to recruit talent externally. While these measures might seem expedient, AXELOS warns that organizations that fail to invest in training and CPD for their staff could be damaging their employee brands and even their human capital. This assertion is supported by a separate survey of 1,000 employees, also conducted by AXELOS: over half (55%) of respondents say they would prefer to remain with their current employer, but only if new career and training opportunities are on offer. Fortunately, digital badges for qualifications and CPD provide some new hope when it comes to both recruitment and retention. In fact, their growing adoption is bringing multiple benefits on both sides of the employer/employee equation. By engaging in CPD and adopting digital badging for new certifications, employees are demonstrating a commitment to growth and development that will favor their internal mobility.   At the same time, digital badges can showcase an individual to existing and potential employers, emphasizing the credibility and currency of their professional qualifications.   55% of employees will take a more favorable view of businesses offering CPD and digital badges, saying that they are more likely to remain loyal to an employer that invests in CPD; if it comes to finding a new job, they are likely to see an organization offering CPD as more attractive. For the employer, digital badges represent a proven and effective way for HR departments, hiring managers and recruiters to ensure that candidates have up-to-date skills that are relevant to the job in question.   At the same time, digital badges enhance employee satisfaction, since they demonstrate the employer’s commitment to investing in improving the skills of its workforce and encouraging loyalty among its employees. 30% of HR managers agree that digital badges motivate employees to participate in CPD. Amrit Saroya, AXELOS’ Head of Professional Development, says: “Recruitment is just one way for employers to invest in strengthening their workforce. Businesses should also take account of the quantifiable benefits of investing in the continued personal development of their employees: it constitutes a way of increasing both productivity and retention. They should also more explicitly consider the real costs associated with hiring someone who is not right for the job, and also of failing to invest in CPD. If, as our research has indicated, only four in ten employers continue to invest the training and CPD, the majority of businesses will continue to face daunting challenges in recruiting and retaining top talent. This can even prove damaging to existing teams and the employee brand. There is, of course, no single answer to this whole issue, but digital badges are increasingly proving a valuable asset for both employers and employees. They are user-friendly and encourage recognition and transparency.   ITIL and PRINCE2 are among the most sought-after professional certifications in the UK, and AXELOS is a keen advocate of digital badging: our practitioners really can see their qualification as a ‘badge of honour’ and employers gain rapid reassurance that they are making a sound investment when investing in CPD through the qualifications we offer.” The average cost to the employer of hiring and replacing new recruits. Sector Recruitment cost Replacement cost Total cost IT Telecoms £11,847 £13,835 £25,682 Finance Accounting £10,217 £12,170 £22,387 Legal £13,207 £15,036 £28,243 Manufacturing £9,350 £11,414 £20,764 Construction £7,431 £10,429 £17,860 Retail £7,384 £7,412 £14,796 Media, Marketing PR £7,807 £10,288 £18,095 Region Recruitment cost Replacement cost Total cost North £7,186 £9,071 £16,257 Midlands £7,994 £10,307 £18,301 East £9,305 £10,311 £19,616 London £9,101 £11,085 £20,186 South £8,319 £10,090 £18,409 Wales £6,646 £8,466 £15,112 Scotland £6,441 £10,155 £16,596 About the author: AXELOS is responsible for developing, enhancing and promoting a number of best practice methodologies used globally by professionals working primarily in project, program and portfolio management, IT service management and cyber resilience. The methodologies, including ITIL ®, PRINCE2 ®, PRINCE2 Agile ® MSP ® and the new collection of cyber resilience best practice products, RESILIA ®, are adopted in more than 150 countries to improve employees’ skills, knowledge, and competence in order to make both individuals and organizations work more effectively.

Records Resurgence! The Vinyl is Making a Comeback!

Records Resurgence! The Vinyl is Making a Comeback! There is a revolution happening as we speak and it is the resurgence of the sheer quality and pleasure one gets from listening to vinyl records! We all appreciate the ease and convenience of digitally streamed music.   There is no doubt that this technology has transformed the way we listen to music and our ability to access unlimited genres, artists and eras of music, whether old or new.   However, that old favourite, the record player, is back and the enthusiasm surrounding it is rapidly gaining momentum. You really can’t go past the particular pleasure of picking out a vinyl record, admiring the cover design and then, as you slip it out of the cover, feeling the weight of your favourite album in your hands. Then, placing the stylus carefully onto the start of the album, hearing the crackle of static announcing the beginning of the track; well it all makes for a truly engaging experience.   Watching a record spin mesmerizingly on the turntable provides the listener with what can only be described as really quite a sensuous experience. No finger prints on the tracks though please! In fact, this immensely satisfying way of appreciating music was almost a bygone experience.   Well, I am happy to say that the record player is back and it’s packing quite a punch for music lovers everywhere! Where There Are Vinyl Records There are Record Players Stores such as Rockit have an amazing collection of record players in every style you can wish for; from traditional to sleek or funky and everything in between.   And here are some things to consider when you are shopping for the perfect fit for you and your vinyl collection.   If you want an all-in-one entertainment system, then you might choose a console style system, which incorporates built-in speakers and radio capability.   They are a great no-nonsense option for a vinyl novice! However, if you’re the type to invest a little more in a truly quality listening experience, you might want to take a look a stand-alone setup with a separate set of premium speakers for your turntable. This type of arrangement can provide you with absolutely the purest sound in listening quality!   A set of external speakers will also provide you with some flexibility about where these are placed in your room to maximise the sound quality.   There are so many options on the market you are sure to find a wonderful system that will suit your budget and provide you with endless hours of enjoyment.   So find a system you love and drag those old vinyl records out, dust off the covers and get ready for hours of great entertainment!

What to Look For in Best Resume Writing Services

What to Look For in Best Resume Writing ServicesAny experienced Chicago resume writer will tell you that the best resume writing services cannot simply be found on a directory listing of 'Chicago resume writing services.' Most of these are strictly limited to writers for one or two large corporations, and they have little to no experience of freelance work.Good resumes are rarely produced from those services. They do not focus on the kind of content needed for a good resume. What a better place to look for the best resume service is the many freelance resume writing jobs available online.Finding a freelance resume service requires some research to locate those companies and individuals who have written and published quality work. Some writers are more effective at certain areas of resume writing than others. One must use a service that takes advantage of their ability to convey a message effectively.What makes a Chicago resume stand out from the rest is the call to action. This means a call to action to get the reader to take an action - usually purchasing a product or service, hiring a freelancer or referring a client. If a prospective employee or customer reads only one resume that is going to be an excellent candidate for a job he or she wants, it should be a well-written, highly marketed resume.Every company has a variety of methods of marketing that includes television commercials, print ads, online and offline media and other forms of advertising. While some companies might think this is boring, it is important for a resume writer to keep his or her writing up to date and relevant. The information on a resume must be current information needs to be researched, and this is a constant factor in finding the best Chicago resume services.A better way to find the best resume service is to look for the best resume writing jobs on the internet. A good company should be one that offers to provide an employer with back-up writing services in case the first services are unsuccessful. This is a simple service that gives the business owner confidence in the success of the resume. The business owner can then focus on creating the quality work, and this is what will get the new job.Anytime a person is starting a full time job, he or she needs a quality resume. The quality of resume writing service will influence the resume and a company that can produce the best written resume in Chicago is a very positive influence. Finding a quality job will be a factor in future employment, and a good quality resume is the key to success.Finding the best resume service for your job search should be a simple matter to find the best company that can write the resume you need. A good resume with creative content that will stand out from the crowd can be had for the price of a cup of coffee.

Ready to work for Uncle Sam Government Careers and How to Land Them

Ready to work for Uncle Sam Government Careers and How to Land Them Interested in one of the 48000 job openings with Uncle Sam and almost 26000 employment opportunities for students?Tune in today for my special Where the Government Jobs Are segment on Making a Living with Maggie at 4pm EST/1pm PST on Martha Stewart Living Radio SIRIUS 112/XM 157. My guest will be Stewart Liff, author of Managing Your Government Career. According to Stewart who began his government career in 1974, you need to put together a solid package of information to land a government job from detailed work history, to education transcripts, to salary information. Its this information that the hiring manager will use to decide which government level you fit into and if you have the necessary experience.Also most challenging for people not used to applying for government careers are the additional questions you need to answer as part of the application. Supplemental Qualification Statements (SQS) can contain over 100 detailed questions about your skills and experience.It may take patience to apply for a government job but once you land one, you can make a difference. As evidenced by my guest later today Stewart Liff winner of the Presidents Rank Award for Meritorious Service. Join me today and learn more about how you can make a great living working for Uncle Sam!Have you applied for a government job or been in a government career? What tips have worked for you in landing a job and building a fulfilling career within federal, state or local government? What are the pros and cons of this path? Share your advice!

How to Use Twitter to Find a Job - CareerEnlightenment.com

Twitter â€" a gateway to effective networkingThats right, youve probably heard that Twitter is an excellent place to hang out and show yourself as a professional, building a strong personal brand and differentiating yourself from other candidates. They usually tell you what to do â€" share engaging industry news or spot-on observations â€" but maybe its time you learned what can ruin your networking attempts.Heres what to avoid and make more friends in the process:Joining a conversation with an off-topic remark â€" it seems plain, but youd be surprised how many users do it. Whether theyre being promotional or want to impress, their off-topic tweets arent received warmly.Incessantly asking someone to DM you â€" yes, direct messages seem like the holy grail of Twitter networking, but the truth is that you can forge connections in the public as well. It seems that users sometimes forget themselves in the web and act in a more straightforward manner than they would in live situations. Wo uldnt you be put off if a stranger asked you to a private room for a quick chat?Favoriting or retweeting everything shared by one user â€" thats just downright creepy, especially when coming from someone who you dont know. Just do yourself a favor and be moderate â€" one retweet/fav per day is more than enough.Assuming that you know someone just because you two interacted on Twitter â€" even if you had a nice conversation, it doesnt entitle you to claim that you know this person and treat them as part of your network. Thats something you should double check before you promise to introduce someone else to them â€" maybe youre not their professional connection yet?When networking on Twitter, remember that your goal is to take that connection offline or at least off the public network.An insiders view into companiesTheres nothing more interesting to see than employees of a company tweeting away about their jobs. You can not only learn their attitude towards the employer, but also see w hat kind of company culture prevails in the organization. Youll learn first-hand about new directions, products or developments.Going in for an interview equipped with such knowledge will help you to impress the recruiters. Investigating the interviewer, youll be able to find some common ground (professional or personal) which you can use as a differentiator during the interview.Taking a few small steps at a time, youll might slowly grow into using Twitter as a primary element in your job hunting strategy. The above are the simplest and most effective techniques to help you take advantage of Twitter as a job search tool in no time.