FREE e-Book on How to Really Use Linkedin!!!

Linkedin is a must for professional networking, career development and a pro-active job search. Don't be intimidated by all the elements and features in a Linkedin profile. Start out slow and consistently build a winning profile to promote your brand and professional presence. Check out the FREE e-Book... How to Really Use Linkedin, 2nd Edition, by Jan Vermeiren and Bert Verdonck

Changing Careers

Baltic Publications (UK) publishes a wonderful e-magazine entitled CHANGING CAREERS, The information & opportunities magazine for career changers from all walks of life. You may register for a free account to access the magazine and view/download past and current editions. I hope you find the information beneficial to your career development.

YOU, 2010!

Remember that old definition of insanity: “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results”. Well it’s 2010, and there is no time like the present to push the boundaries of your comfort zone by infusing some creative energy into your daily routine. No need to make lofty New Year’s resolutions just because it seems like the thing to do in January. I’m suggesting that you reflect back upon 2009 or further if necessary and examine your patterns.

Which of your patterns of thought and behavior have resulted in momentum and success and which patterns have knocked the wind out of you and left you feeling disillusioned and defeated? Then delve deeper and ask yourself a few more questions: “What could I accomplish if I were to focus in on the personal strengths I employed to score past achievements?” and “What are the possibilities if I were to engage these strengths in unconventional and creative ways?” For example, if you have been recognized by employers for the quality of your project management skills, what if you were to use these same skills to embark on a part-time entrepreneurial venture or volunteer at a non-profit and offer support to planning or development initiatives?

Here are a few ideas on how you can shake things up a bit and encourage a more creative view of life:

• Put on a smock and attend an art class or maybe grab your wooden spoon and join a cooking class.
• Stroll through aisles at the book store that you normally shy away from and select something new for your nightstand.
• Use a “buddy pass” and join a friend/co-worker for a work-out at their gym.
• Attend a self improvement or motivational workshop.
• “Get outta town!” Escape to the mountains or a beach for a long weekend…and leave your laptop at home.
• Buy a journal and start a “My Amazing Ideas Book”.
• Exercise your mind and grow! Sign up for a university course or certificate program.
• Dust off an old hobby or pursue a new pastime and add some fun to the daily schedule.
• Create a “Vision Board” and post pictures, cartoons, inspirational messages, action statements, etc. that reflect attainable goals.
• Join a new professional association, or reactivate a dormant membership, and attend a breakfast meeting, lunch-n-learn session or networking event.
• Invite a friend to lunch and encourage them to share what’s going on in their life.
• Seek out materials (books, audio programs, assessments, etc.) for exploration and development.
• Take a mid-week “mental health day” and tour a museum, attend a lecture, arrange some informational interviews.

Examine your comfort zone and challenge boundaries that may be contributing to outmoded, stale patterns in your life. Then commit to infusing some new stuff into the weekly routine. The key will be to reflect upon and assess the thought process, skills, energy, level of satisfaction, interests explored, etc. associated with each new activity. 2010 has arrived. What proactive steps can you take to make this your best year yet?

Some suggested resources for you:
Think Outside Your Blocks by Kevin Carroll
How to Get Ideas by Jack Foster

Yes...You Should Have a Linkedin Account!

If you're already using Linkedin, great! Now continue to fine tune your content and expand your network. If you don't have a Linkedin account, create one TODAY! Here are some of the PROS associated with building a presence on Linkedin:

1. The basic account is free and comes with a broad scope of features (widgets) to add interesting content areas to your account.
2. Your Linkedin account can serve as your web resume, so don't pay hundreds, even thousands, of dollars to have a web resume or web portfolio created.
3. You can customize the web link (also known as a vanity URL) for your Linkedin account, such as http://www.linkedin.com/in/johnelong, and then list this URL on your resume, business card, professional networking sites. When you don't have a resume to hand out, you can refer people to your URL.
4. By growing your professional network on Linkedin, you create opportunities for future networking, the exchange of ideas with colleagues, expanding skills and knowledge, informational interviews, collecting the inside scoop on companies of interest, job prospects, etc.
5. A growing number of recruiters and executive search consultants use Linkedin as a candidate prospecting tool. A Linkedin account can put you in front of these recruiters.
6. The SimplyHired metasearch tool is embedded into your Linkedin account. So you can search job postings from multiple job boards with one click.
7. Answer questions from Linkedin users to promote your subject matter expertise, which can improve your credibility within your industry.

The CONS to a Linkedin presence may be that it will take time, effort and creativity to maintain a strong account. And don't confuse Linkedin with social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace - make sure the content on your account supports a professional image.

Create a Linkedin account right now and incorporate it into your ongoing career development strategy!