sherku: tiger lillies

Orange welcoming torches
Or fierce "don't you dare
Stray from this road" warnings


Additional sherku can be found on quiet poet

job search notes: LinkedIn - Create a complete profile in minutes

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Create a complete profile in minutes

via LinkedIn Learning Center » Weekly Updates Feed by rchen on 6/26/09

Building your profile can be hard work, so why not let us do it for you? With four clicks you can upload your resume, and then pick and choose which parts of your resume you want to keep. We won't make any changes to your profile until you're ready.

Upload your resume and build your profile in minutes! »

Things you can do from here:

• Subscribe to LinkedIn Learning Center » Weekly Updates Feed using Google Reader
• Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites

Fawn moment

Fawn moment, originally uploaded by shersteve.

The telephoto lens came in handy to get a good view of these two fawns nestled in the underbrush.

job search notes: key to success - people with passion

The What's Next in Tech event held Thursday evening at the Boston University School of Management opened with a networking reception followed by two panel discussions.

The panel discussions were moderated by Scott Kirsner, Innovation Economy columnist for the Boston Globe.

Venture Capital Panelists

• Bijan Sabet, General Partner, Spark Capital
• Neil Sequiera, Managing Director, General Catalyst Partners
• Michael Greeley, General Partner, Flybridge Capital Partners

These were very respectable folks. They have money and are trying to put it to good use. They were asked, "What do they look for in a company?"

It was interesting to hear that the consensus answer was not the business plan (so they have Excel and perhaps thought about expenses, so what!) or the product (if they have a prototype, I definitely want to see and play with it) but the people. The people that comprise the start up team is all critical. I think it was Neil who said that the where a funded start-up failed it was due to an flaw in the team that was not revealed during the discovery or in the operations in time to correct it.

So hold that thought, people matter.

We move on to the second panel of entrepreneurs, rather successful folks who in some cases were long-brewing overnight sensations. Yes, they had the patience and persistence to stick it out, change their direction as necessary along the way, and ultimately be successful.

Entrepreneur Panelists

• Mike Dornbrook, COO, Harmonix Music Systems (makers of "Rock Band")
• Helen Greiner, co-founder of iRobot Corp. and founder of The Droid Works
• Ellen Rubin, Founder & VP/Product of CloudSwitch
• Brian Halligan, social media expert and CEO of HubSpot
• Tim Healy, CEO of EnerNOC

One of the several questions asked got around to the important topic of jobs. All have positions open. All are actively looking, so what are they looking for in the people that they would hire?

4 of the 5 specifically stated in the first words of their answer, passion. The fifth got to passion along the way. Depending upon the stage of the start-up, they may be looking for specific skill sets or they may be looking for a jack-of-all-trades type person but in either case, passion was the most significant factor.

On the venture side, it was the people.
On the entrepreneur side, it was the passion.

How do we translate that to our job search?
Should we spend less time on our resume and more time out in the social world connecting with people?

If your skill and passion can be presented in words on a page successfully, I would say go for it.
Otherwise, it seems like getting face to face with someone to share your passion and skill set would be the best thing to do.

Thoughts?

job search notes: LinkedIn Poll

Which do you think is the best choice?

1. My-Next-Career-Camp
2. Career Camp
3. Next Step Camp
4. Better Career Camps
5. Keep it as "LaidOff Camp"

If you have a LinkedIn account you can respond to this poll online at LinkedIn here.

Or leave a comment with your answer here.

job search notes: noncompete agreement

If you are in MA, a senior executive, and with a noncompete agreement, this recent decision would be worth knowing about:

A recent decision and its subsequent modification, both authored by a highly regarded judge in the Business Litigation Session (BLS) of the Massachusetts Superior Court, may signal the direction in which the court will be heading regarding noncompete agreements in Massachusetts.

The case is EMC Corp. v. Donatelli. Issued on May 4 and modified on May 21, it is the latest noncompete decision out of the business court, and sends a clear message to the tech community that the court will neither hesitate to enforce reasonable noncompete agreements, nor necessarily enforce such agreements to the full extent written.

Read the full article by Russell Beck at MassHighTech here

Yes, maple blight is in full force

Yes maple blight is in full force again this year here in Franklin MA, originally uploaded by shersteve.

again this year here in Franklin MA

test 2 - ShareThis

trying to add ShareThis to the post template, rather than adding it to each individual posting manually

Happy Father's Day

special wishes to all the fathers on this day:






Thanks to Erik Kastner for Spell with Flickr

Lucky day - Wells Thompson visits Franklin

Strolling along the sidewalk downtown Franklin at the Strawberry Festival on Friday, I caught sight of a young man passing me that looked awfully familiar. Taking a chance, I called out: "Wells, Wells Thompson?". He stopped and turned. It was!

New England Revolution midfielder Wells Thompson had stopped by the Strawberry Festival. I introduced myself. He was going to the bank ATM to get some money and comeback for strawberry shortcake. I asked if I could get his picture when he came back and he said yes. I caught up with him in the line for strawberry shortcake and he graciously consented to the photo.



Wells and friend Dustin Hinkley liked the strawberry shortcake!

BTW - when talking soccer, he said we might see the new guy (Edgaras Jankauskas) starting soon. The last I had heard he was still on tryout and no decision had been made. I hope Wells info is true, Edgaras would provide the big forward that we haven't seen on the Rev's pitch in a long time and sorely need.

Additional photos from yesterday's Strawberry Festival can be found on Franklin Matters.

Social Media Breakfast - SMB14 recap

The 14th in the series of Social Media Breakfasts was held in Watertown at Communispace's facility in the refurbished Arsenal complex. Bob Collins facilitated the presentations and discussion on "Social Media Overload - Making sense of it all". Sponsored by Communispace and PeopleBrowser.

If you were looking to find "the" silver bullet, there isn't one, yet. In the web of what is occurring within social media, there is hope.

Joe Cascio said, “The nature of a communication medium is that it tends towards a standard.”



We don't have 50-plus phones in our homes to communicate.

Michael Durwin teased us with gathr.me, a product/service in development with plans for public beta later this year (November-ish) and possible launch in time for next year's SXSW Conference. He modified a line from an old Peter Lynch marketing campaing for Fidelity Investments:

"Know where you are and why you are there"



to help explain what gathr.me will do for us. The service will enable us to manage our profile across any service that requires a profile; social media sites, banking sites, etc. You can view the brief video he showed here. It is worth clicking through to see!

Marta Kagan, yes, she of the Twitter Bio that proclaims "Managing Director, US for Espresso (integrated marketing agency) http://BrandInfiltration.com. Also a Bonafide Marketing Genius. Also very humble."



She of the excellent Slideshare on social media. Marta presented another visually pleasing and effective presentation:

Social Media Overload - Making Sense of it All #SMB14

View more OpenOffice presentations from Marta Kagan.

Michael Troiano, provided an overview of the new tool, VoxTrot, from Crimson Hexagon. I liked the story behind the name for Crimson Hexagon. The name derives from a short story by Jorge Luis Borges that speculates about a room containing an index to all the books ever printed, the name of the room was "Crimson Hexagon".



He was able to provide additional details during the group Q&A. From the Crimson Hexagon blog, I find this video interview with Jason Falls and Mike that sums up the tol capabilities very well and quickly (just over 4 minutes).



Plenty of food for thought from this Social Media Breakfast. Keep your ears and eyes open for the next one. Who knows, one of these days we will find the silver bullet to managing the social media overload.

job search notes: Christine's view on your business card

The Reluctant Networker's Guide to Business Cards
by Christine Kane

No one in history resisted business cards more than me.

I didn't see the need for them. After all, I have CD's. I have a website. Isn't that enough?

Maybe you have your own good reasons for not needing or wanting to have a business card. But hear me out!

As I'm invited to more big events each year, I'm realizing something:

A business card makes you findable. It's one more avenue for connection and outreach.

So, let's say 25 of the 35 people you give your card to toss it out. But what if those other 10 people keep it and remember you? Maybe they decide to subscribe to your blog, or call you about your web design. Remember, it takes multiple avenues to create business connections and income streams.

And yes, that's true even if you're an artist with a website.

So, if you are a reluctant networker like me, here are ten simple tips for basic business card networking...

1 - Listen first

Always remember that the human is more important than the card. Listen when someone speaks to you. Be present to the conversation before reaching into your pocket or purse to shove your card at someone.

2 - Write notes on the back

When you're at a conference collecting lots of cards, you might soon forget the amazing connection you had with someone at lunch. Even if it seems like you could never forget her fabulous taste in clothing or her sparkly eyes, take a second to write on the back of her business card: "Cool jacket, funny laugh. Talked about our dogs. Her dog's name: Charlie." Write it in your own language. Make it brief. Believe me, this works.

3 - Your radiant face

Some people can't stand the idea of using their own photo on their card. It can seem vain.

However, photos work. Photos help you remember the person! Women, especially, remember faces and expressions and will appreciate the extra touch!

4 - One-sided cards

Some cards suffer from TMI Syndrome. Too Much Information! This actually works against you for 2 reasons:

1. Most people don't read all that tiny writing. That's what websites are for - all that extra stuff.

2. When there's writing all over the front and back, there's no room for notes!

5 - Offer a Freebie on the back

If you do choose to put text on the back of your card, try offering a link to a freebie - like a download of your eBook.

6 - Don't get your card made at the nail salon

Is it me? Or do some business cards seem to have a layer of acrylic on them that would make a Jersey manicurist stand up and cheer?

There's just no way to write any notes on these cards! At one point, I found myself carving a note in one of these high gloss cards with the tang on my fork. These cards are often lovely, yes. They're just not practical.

7 - Be discerning

Some people hand out their card like it's Halloween candy. But think about it. Not everyone connects with what you do! It diminishes your authenticity when you randomly hand your card to everyone. Sometimes it's good to ask permission. "Can we exchange cards? I'd like to contact you next week about that."

8 - Keep your card updated

Handing people your card while saying, "Oh wait! That's my old phone number!" Or crossing out an email address. Or writing in a new website address.

This'll make you look like...well, let's be honest...a musician!

9 - Their Card does not equal Your New Subscriber

When someone gives you their card, they're saying, "Let's connect."

They're not saying, "Oh please put me on your mailing list that you send out to your fans, readers and family!"

Honor their trust. Many musicians have put me on their list just because we performed together once. Even if I liked their music, I always felt a little slimed. Don't assume that anyone wants to be on your newsletter list. Always ask first.

10 - Start a database.

If you make a connection, keep that person in a special database. Even if you don't have your own business yet, you never know when you'll want to connect again, or if you have some exciting news to share. ("Hey everyone, I wrote my first book!")

Some of these people will become your cheering section, or even your fans! If you do start a monthly eZine, you can ask people if they want to subscribe. But in the meantime, just begin collecting the names of people you meet. Don't forget to type in the notes you made!

---

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE?

Please do! Just be sure to include this complete blurb with it:

Performer, songwriter, and creativity consultant Christine Kane publishes her 'LiveCreative' weekly ezine with more than 4,000 subscribers. If you want to be the artist of your life and create authentic and lasting success, you can sign up for a FRE*E subscription to LiveCreative at www.christinekane.com.

WANT TO SEE HUNDREDS MORE ARTICLES LIKE THIS ONE?
See Christine's blog - Be Creative. Be Conscious. Be Courageous - at ChristineKane.com/blog.

2009 Massachusetts Poetry Festival Expanding

Dear Poets & Lovers of Poetry,    The 2009 Massachusetts Poetry Festival is growing, spreading, positively exploding... We are thrilled to announce that there will be simultaneous kick-off events Thursday, October 15th, in Boston, Lowell, Salem, Worcester, Amherst, and the Berkshires. Then on Friday and Saturday, the Festival returns to the classic red-brick mills, galleries, museums, National Park sites, churches, restaurants, cafes, and cobblestone streets of downtown Lowell.   Applications are now open for small presses wanting to participate in the Festival's Small Press Fair on October 17. Click here to go to our website for documents     Afaa Michael Weaver will be participating in the 2009 Poetry Festival  Anne Waldman founder, with Allen Ginsberg, of the Jack Kerouac School of Writing at Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado,will be participating in the 2009 Poetry Festival Friday, Oct. 16, over 200 high school poets will be reading and participating in events at Lowell High School;  there will be an intercollegiate poetry showcase with student poets from 14 colleges and universities, and a special MPF edition of the Urban Village Arts Series on Friday evening.   On Saturday, Oct. 17, the packed schedule will include a small press fair, readings by regional poetry groups, a Favorite Poem Project session, writing workshops, and a late night poetry slam with notable participants from Massachusetts and New York -- and much more.   Just a few of the poets appearing for the Festival this year include: Afaa M. Weaver James Tate Dara Wier Louise Gluck  Ann Waldman Jericho Brown XJ Kennedy and the Light Brigade Robert Pinsky Lloyd Schwartz And many more!   Louise Gluck , former U.S. Poet Laureate is participating in the 2009 Poetry Festival    Robert Pinsky is participating in this years  Festival  On Sunday, Oct. 18, Harvard University will host a poetry and jazz program with Robert Pinsky and musicians. To keep up with the events being scheduled regularly check in at www.masspoetry.org   The Festival is expanding. The Festival is growing          --- despite the financial hard times.   Because all of us believe, especially in these hard times, that people need poetry more than ever. But to do all this we also need you to participate  !   Please donate to the Poetry Festival. We need 100 people to step up and donate $50 dollars or whatever you can to make sure we can keep expanding the Massachusetts Poetry Festival. We need to rely on lots of small donations from individuals who want to support poetry. We need you.     Click here to make your tax deductible donation now.   Stay tuned for more announcements shortly.   Thank you.   §¨© Michael Ansara  For the Festival Planning Committee       You can watch videos of some of the readings from the 2008 Festival by clicking here. Massachusetts Poetry Festival http://masspoetry.org/ Office of Cultural Affairs & Special Events 375 Merrimack Street, Lowell, MA 01852

powered by

floor washing break: banana bread

floor washing break: fully domestic today banana bread just came out of the oven, originally uploaded by shersteve.

I was fully domestic on Friday. Just before washing the floor, I put together my newly modified banana bread recipe. During one of the breaks, it was time to come out of the oven. It tastes as good as it looks.

The most recent modification to the recipe already posted here is to add one 6 oz container of low fat yogurt to the ingredients and bake for 70 minutes (not 60 as previously noted). You can add the yogurt in alternating with the flour and banana, or add it just at the end (before either the nuts or chocolate chips).

I have experimented with plain vanilla, strawberry banana, regular strawberry and found them all worthy additions. The addition is not enough to change the flavor base. The key is that the yogurt helps the banana bread remain moist.

chairs. arranged for sale?

chairs. arranged for sale?, originally uploaded by shersteve.

Actually, we are getting ready for an end-of-school-year party Thursday evening. This is temporary placement until they get spread around the day of.

Meantime, the arrangement looked like a interesting photo op.

The secret to a clean ceramic tile floor

The secret to a clean ceramic tile floor: cover up the chip marks!, originally uploaded by shersteve.

Getting up real close to the floor on Friday, I found out why Dolores was complaining about the floor. It has chip marks. Something dropped on the floor and chipped the ceramic tile. The beige coloring has been replace by a dark mark. So even after washing the floor, you stand there and see all these marks on the floor. Such that you want to bend over and pick up the piece of dirt or whatever it could be.

One solution is to find a color match with some enamel paint. A little dab here, a little dab there. Now when you look at the floor, it does truly look clean and just washed.

I had done this treatment to a few chips on the floor some time ago. I guess I could have done it sooner. However, there is no time like the present to do what needs to be done.

Do you have a secret to share on making a job well done really noticeable?

Lessons from floor washing

These pictures were Twittered on Friday as I took breaks in my floor washing. The breaks were brief respites. You should celebrate success periodically. Celebrating small successes helps to renew the energy to tackle the next phase of work, whether it is floor washing or whatever.

Preparation: it helps to remove the major items that can be moved to clear the floor



Execution: now down to the hard part



Alternatives: I'd rather do windows than floors, easier to stretch my legs



Completion: Can't forget to do the entry hallway, it is really all the same flooring



Next up, the secret to really making the floor look so clean there is no question on what was done.

job search notes: go friendwork!

I hate the term “networking!” It sounds artificial and a bit calculating.

Networking better describes IT systems rather than trying to explain the magic of flesh and blood human beings who connect and help each other in much more meaningful ways.

I’d rather think of it instead as a FriendWork.

What makes life worthwhile is really our family and friends. They also have a huge impact in our careers since research shows that we get jobs primarily through people we know.

Sue Connolly has a good posting on FriendWork. You can read the remainder of this here.

I have written previously about making a warm call instead of a cold call. Sue's advice is along the same lines. If the folks are your friends, it will be easy to make the connection. The better the friend, the better the connection.

Have you kept in touch with your friends?

job search notes: a system that doesn't fail

It's been said that the best new ideas are the best old ideas.

In other words, there's no need to reinvent the wheel in your job search if others before you have found ways to succeed.

What if I told you there was a success “system,” invented by Benjamin Franklin in the 1730s that helped create millionaires in the 1930s when unemployment stood at 25%?

Do you think it might help you find a job faster today with unemployment at less than 9%?

Now, I'll admit that seeing Ben's name really caught my attention. I believe in Ben. He is one of the inspirations behind my tri-corner hat. His response to my current home town (named for him) was a superb piece of diplomacy. His method should be given consideration.

You can continue to read Kevin Donlin's write up on this system that doesn't fail here.

Collapse of Distinction - Scott McKain

Take some of Tom Peters thought, a healthy dose of Seth Godin, sprinkle in some of Dan Pink, add the twist of Scott McKain's good story telling and you have a compelling case to find what it is that makes you You.

How can you be distinct to succeed in the marketplace? You need to be clear, creative and compelling.

Was I influenced by his reference to one of my blogs as a source of further information? No. Well, maybe a little to read the book but that is as far as it went. The recommendation was earned by the well crafted presentation.

The Book: Collapse of Distinction by Scott McKain

----

I have posted several quotes from Scott 's book. You should be able to find them here. You need not go beyond June 2, 2009 to find them all.

Scott also wrote a sherku although he may not have realized it at the time. You can find that on quiet poet.

3 Word Goal - status check

June 2009. Midpoint for the year at hand. Time for a mid-summer night's dream. Time for reflection on what has happened thus far.

Each month we stop and look back over the month with Rapid Fire Learning. This opportunity is a more powerful view, five plus months worth of actions and achievements to review. Are we still going this way?

I started the year with 3 goal words: Basic, Leverage, Return. You have permission to click through and read that posting before continuing. I'll wait.

You can read the reminder of this mid-year self-review on the Joyful Jubilant Learning blog as my contribution for this month.

job search notes: Start Living Big

I just finished reading The Think Big Manifesto by Michael Port yesterday and find Christine's weekly newsletter in the email this morning with "living big" in the headline. Coincidence? Not, if you think big. Then it is all part of the plan!

------------

Shine Bright! How to Stop Playing Small and Start Living Big
by Christine Kane

This past weekend at the Unstoppable Power of Intention Retreat, there was a collective intention among the women in the circle:

To live bigger. To shine brighter. To step into her power.

In other words...

Time to let go of past limitations. Time to quit worrying about the opinions of others. Time to stop playing small.

So, I invite you to join with these women (and me!) in this bigness!

It's the halfway point of the year. This is the perfect time to re-ignite, re-inspire, and re-invigorate your visions and dreams. Here are five steps to stop playing small and start living BIG.

1 - Mind your Mind

Your thoughts are things. They can be powerful tools, or devastating weapons.

It's not always easy or quick to clean up years of negativity. AND the truth is you are the only one who can begin to do just that. If you're constantly berating yourself, doubting yourself, obsessing about the opinions of others, then set your intention to turn that around.

Listen to upbeat audiobooks in your car. Post affirmations in spots where you'll see them throughout the day. Start a gratitude journal.

Remind yourself: "Energy flows where attention goes," and place your attention on gratitude, love, and joy. Be relentless! You can't afford the luxury of a negative thought!

2 - Take Action

Long ago, when I was trying to get confident enough to do my first open-mic night, I chickened out three different times, walking out of the venues without performing. I was waiting for self-esteem to appear.

It never appeared. But finally, with a shaky voice, I did my first open-mic night anyway. What I discovered was this:

Self-esteem shows up BECAUSE you take action. Not before!

Here's a mantra for you: "Create! Don't wait!"

What one action-step can you take toward your dream today?

3 - Radiate Success

Do you whine and complain to anyone who will listen? Do you tell your sad story to get people to feel sorry for you and give you a break? Do you see yourself as a victim who can't CREATE outcomes, so you try to manipulate outcomes?

Living big means that you radiate success.

Stop posting to Facebook or Twitter about how miserable you are. Don't share how bad things are at the office with your clients. Refrain from whining to the gallery visitor about how the economy is terrible for artists! (Save that stuff for your coach if you need to get it out of your system.)

Remember this: Like attracts like. When you radiate success, then success is drawn to you. In the Uplevel Your Life Mastery Program, there's an exercise to help you BECOME success in an instant. It creates huge outcomes! (Just read the testimonial today!)

4 - Regularly Exit your Comfort Zone

"If you do what you've always done, you'll get what you've always got!"

This is one of my favorite expressions. Cuz it's true!

I've worked with hundreds of people as a mentor, a coach, a leader of retreats. The ones who write me emails about how their lives have changed are always the ones who are willing to exit their comfort zones. They try new things. They let themselves get scared. They say yes to new opportunities. They take time to go within and ask themselves what they want next and how they can create it. (Rather than staying on auto-pilot.)

People who live big have one thing in common: They learn to get comfortable being uncomfortable!

5 - Surround Yourself with Support

I hired my first coach nine years ago. I paid him more per month than my mortgage at the time! I've since been a part of many coaching groups and masterminds - continuing to invest in this model of massive support. I swear by it!

That's because we need to surround ourselves with encouraging believers who see through our limiting beliefs to the huge powerful souls that we are. Many people work and socialize in toxic environments. If this is you, then you might need to step out of your comfort zone and actively seek out positive people who want to create and attract their dreams. Find those who want to live big like you!

One way to start surrounding yourself with support is to jump in and register for my free teleseminar: 5 Action Steps to Take your Life to the Next Level This Summer. It's tonight! You can register by clicking this link:

www.christinekane.com/freecall.html

---

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE?

Please do! Just be sure to include this complete blurb with it:

Performer, songwriter, and creativity consultant Christine Kane publishes her 'LiveCreative' weekly ezine with more than 4,000 subscribers. If you want to be the artist of your life and create authentic and lasting success, you can sign up for a FRE*E subscription to LiveCreative at www.christinekane.com.

WANT TO SEE HUNDREDS MORE ARTICLES LIKE THIS ONE?
See Christine's blog - Be Creative. Be Conscious. Be Courageous - at ChristineKane.com/blog.

Military honors for Jean H Joyal

I originally posted these on Jerry's Story but in case you are interested you can view these:

• slide show - military honors for Jean H Joyal
• Military Honors for Jean H Joyal
• Patriot Guard Rider's bikes lined up

splashing some cold water

from the Time series on Twitter:

It is important to remember that millions of Americans do not have credit cards and many do not have bank accounts. Using Twitter as a way to transfer money would makes local businesses into simple versions of banks.

It is also important to stop and think about this.

How likely is it, that someone without a bank account or a credit card is going to have and use an iPhone or other portable device to enable this transaction?

Hmm?

What is the bigest problem for education?

"Scott, I believe the biggest problem in education today is 'Sesame Street'." I immediately responded with a profound, "Huh?"

Calmly my former educator asked me, "Scott, who taught you your ABC's?"

I answered truthfully, "Well, my mother and my grandmother."

"Of course," she said. "However, for the past thirty years, young people have been taught their ABC's by Big Bird, and Pert and Ernie. That means they arrive on the steps of this school for their very first day of formal instruction expecting to be entertained as they are educated."

From the Collapse of Distinction by Scott McKain

I'll grant that this is a problem.

I also think that the current funding method for education is a bigger problem. The property tax restrictions for MA is creating such a problem for education that we may never "fix it". In the mean time, the children coming through the school system are being deprived of the competitive edge they could have with better funding.

Jay Heaps - 300th MLS game

Jay Heaps gets recognition for his 300th MLS game - go Revs!, originally uploaded by shersteve.

Jay Heaps gets recognition for his 300th MLS game at the start of today's game.

He scored in the first half extra time to give the Revs a 1-0 lead. That goal turned out to be the winning goal as the Revs added 3 more in the second half and held the Red Bulls scoreless.

Taylor scored two goals in the second half, the first of the two was his 100th MLS goal.

Matt Reis recorded his 50th shutout also an MLS milestone!

The Revs played a good first half but played even better in the second half. With Twellman up top, and Joseph back in his normal spot, the team was really clicking on the field.

Way to go Revs!

Over 60 flags from the Patriot Guard Riders in Westbrook CT

Over 60 flags from the Patriot Guard Riders in Westbrook CT, originally uploaded by shersteve.

I drove Dad down to Westbrook, CT to participate in the flag ceremony honoring Jean H Joyal. Jean was one of my mother's brothers. He passed away February 24, 2009.

Albert Joyal coordinated this tribute to his brother. The Westbrook Honor Guard performed the flag ceremony, gun salute, and taps with the full military protocol. They were surrounded by over 60 flags from the Patriot Guard Riders.

It was an impressive and moving ceremony.

Additional photos from the event are now posted on Jerry's Story, You can find them with these links:

• slide show - military honors for Jean H Joyal
• Military Honors for Jean H Joyal
• Patriot Guard Rider's bikes lined up

Now this is an economic stimulus plan!

Now this an economic stimulus plan. Talk about a good experience this place was!, originally uploaded by shersteve.

Let's talk about a good experience:
The sign has a good play on words (seafood fresh, prices frozen)

The restaurant provided excellent food and good service in a family comfortable atmosphere.

Lenny & Joe's Fish Tale is a good experience!

www.ljfishtale.com/

There are two locations, the family restaurant is in Westbrook, CT and the drive-in restaurant is in Madison, CT.

job search notes: what is your story?

Customers seek that magical quality of distinction! As we have already discovered, distinction is developed by organizations and professionals that first develop clarity about what they are -- followed by creativity in their approach -- then communicate their story in a compelling manner. It is no coincidence that these organizations that we are tired of hearing about -- Southwest, Starbucks, Apple, and so forth -- are the ones that most frequently tell their stories in a precise and compelling manner. Yet why is it so difficult to find other examples? I suggest the reason is that so few organizations or individuals in business today understand the basics of telling the compelling story.

From the Collapse of Distinction by Scott McKain

Clarity, creativity, communication. The three C's behind telling a compelling story.

What is your story?

If you would like to practice telling your story, I am ready to listen and provide feedback.

If you would like to connect on LinkedIn, please feel free to do so and reference this blog post or other appropriate connection for us.

You can now subscribe to just the "job search notes" if you'd like. You can subscribe via this link.

Digging into the archives

One year ago, June 6, 2008 the dogwood blooms were weighted down with rain

In 2007, I didn't post on the 6th skipping from the 5th to the 7th.

June 6, 2006 was a special day, 06-06-06 and it all started here

June 6, 2005 was a Monday and I posted an update on the books I was reading.

And that is as far back as I go for June as this writing effort began in September of 2004.

What do you have in your archives (whether online or perhaps a dusty pile)?

job search notes: being distinct

The truth is you don't have the time or energy to create highly distinctive customer experiences for a widely varied assembly of widely diverse customers.

From the Collapse of Distinction by Scott McKain

So how many resumes do you have?

I have one primary resume with a changeable focus. If within the world of Information Technology, I am applying for a project management position, I can highlight my project related accomplishments

If I am applying for a support operations role, I can highlight those aspects of my experience.

The basics are all there. The action word phrases don't change.

The positioning on the cover letter to show how I meet several of their listed requirements will change for each company. At least to the extent that I rarely see two companies asking for the same listing of qualifications for similar positions.

How do you differentiate yourself?

The Ebert Effect

The Ebert Effect: When people, from their perspective, are inundated with indistinguishable choices, they perceive a product, service, approach, or experience with a specific point of differentiation to be superior.

From the Collapse of Distinction by Scott McKain

job search notes: establish distinction

Consider the amalgamation of challenges: the constantly elevating demands of customers, a tightening economy, and more competitors than ever -- that are easier for prospects to access. How could you possibly consider doing business in today's economic and competitive climate without being differentiated? Establishing distinction in your market -- and starting now -- is vital in creating the future you want for your organization in today's hypercompetitive global economy.

From the Collapse of Distinction by Scott McKain

If you would like to connect on LinkedIn, please feel free to do so and reference this blog post or other appropriate connection for us.

You can now subscribe to just the "job search notes" if you'd like. You can subscribe via this link.

"the singularly worst place to be in all of business"

If you cannot find it within yourself to become emotional, committed, engaged, and yes, fervent about differentiation, then you had better be prepared to take your place among that vast throng of the mediocre who are judged by their circumstances solely on the basis of price. It is the singularly worst place to be in all of business. If you aren't willing to create distinction for yourself in your profession -- and for your organization in the marketplace -- then prepare to take your seat in the back, with the substantial swarm of the similar, where tedium reigns supreme.

From the Collapse of Distinction by Scott McKain

Facebook Parody

Would you do this to your real friends?




Why would you consider doing it to your social media friends?

PodCamp Boston - August 8-9, 2009

Mark your calendar:

Podcamp Boston will be held on August 8-9, 2009 at the University of Massachusetts Boston Harborside campus

Beginner, intermediate, or advanced - what’s next is on everyone’s mind, right?

If you’re wondering what’s next in social media, there’s no better place to find out than at PodCamp, regardless of whether you’re just getting started or you’re a veteran practitioner. Unlike other conferences which are just talking head affairs, PodCamp gives you the opportunity to learn, share, and grow your skills at any level, helping your community as it helps you

Podcasting and social media has gone beyond the geek set this year and many of us are engaging with businesses and corporations to educate them. At Podcamp Boston 4 lies the opportunities to teach people and companies about podcasting and social media. Learn from others who have a wealth of knowledge to share.

The peer-to-peer learning available from this event has a great return on investment (ROI). What ever you can put into it, you will get something in return.

job search notes: the best worker is a trust agent

I met Chris Brogan at the first PodCamp Boston and we have met at a number of conferences/events since then. He has collaborated with Julien Smith on a book being published in August called Trust Agents.

"Using the Web to Build Influence, Improve Reputation, and Earn Trust" Chris and Julien gave the following presentation to a recent conference that focused on publishers.

The concept can apply just as easily to one searching for their next work opportunity. Aren't we all trying to improve our reputation and earn trust? View this presentation looking for the parallels to your job search effort.

Trust Agents for Publishers

View more Microsoft Word documents from chrisbrogan.

Do you see ways to change your search effort?

You can follow Chris Brogan on his blog.
You can follow Julien Smith on his blog.
You can pre-order Trust Agents at Amazon.
Down load their free e-book on Trust Economies

You should consider registering for PodCamp Boston 4. Who knows who you'll meet there?

"Still I have a dream"

"Still I have a dream"






Susan Boyle, what a performance! Are YOU ready to perform?