Content in Context (audio)

reflecting on the recent events; rain, Memorial Day weekend, and Town Council budget process


For more about content in context follow this link
http://steves2cents.blogspot.com/2009/08/job-search-notes-feedback-letter.html

dogwood blooming in the backyard

Things go bump

Even when snow falls, whitening all around us, there can be bumps.



How do you deal with bumps in the road?

Do you keep your head?

Today is Dr Seuss's birthday. Celebrate all that goodness in the rhyme!

From the archive, I did a series of posts on the lessons of Dr Seuss for the job searcher. You can find them all here  http://steves2cents.blogspot.com/2010/03/job-search-notes-dr-seuss-series.html

Share your job search story

If you want to do more to explore social media tools, there is an opportunity to blog!

In the session on "Exploring Social Media Tools", the discussion was lively and wide ranging. Blogs provide an opportunity to position yourself with content creation. Twitter provides a link for Google with only 140 characters. LinkedIn is for professional networking. Facebook is used more for family and friends. Google+ is the new kid on the block with opportunities to make an impact. This is a quick summary that does not do full justice to the discussion. It does provide an indication of the give and take. Most in the room participated in one or more of the tools mentioned.

This site serves a dual purpose. One it provides a publication vehicle for my 'job search notes'. Two, it provides a central base point for the Job Search Jam Session events.

To further your own exploration of social media, if you want to do a guest post on your job search efforts, to share a tip or two on what you have found, this is one place you can do so. You can dip your toe into the water and see if you like it. The site is already established, you won't have to worry about setting it up or anything related to getting started. You can focus on creating the post.

Your point of view is just as important as the next person's. Being ready and able to state your case is one of the key factors for long term success.



Send me an email expressing your interest and we can take it from there. If the guest post works well for you, you can consider becoming a regular contributor here, or going off and establishing your own site. Either way, I'll be able to provide support and help.

So do you want to share your story?


This was originally posted to the Job Search Jam Sessions website

Another successful event

Many were not sure what they were getting into. What is an unconference? How come the schedule is not complete? How will we know what there is?

Those who came and were willing to let things happen found out how good it was. They ended up with choices of good sessions to participate in. If they had a tough choice, and wanted a session repeated, in many cases it was.

We started the day with about 9 sessions already filled in on the board with others ready to go depending upon the wants and needs of the group. At the end of the Job Search Jam Sessions 3, this is what the schedule board looked like. We had provided 22 sessions over the course of the five time slots providing choices for each time slot and repeating many of the sessions.




(Yes, the sticky notes didn't want to stay on the shiny white board and even with masking tape, they had trouble staying in place.)

How many people came? 49 people participated, 31 of the 35 who pre-registered showed up along with 18 walk-ins.

A great big thank you to the other organizers and speakers who made this event possible.

Driving Traffic - sessions notes from Community Camp

 Driving traffic to a website

questions
how to use social bookmarking sites
website referenced with LinkedIn

local search and the professional directors are the places to be
engage with the positive reviews, do damage control for the negative reviews

http://www.thumbtack.com/

http://www.hotfrog.com/

http://www.yelp.com/

http://www.merchantcircle.com/corporate/

http://www.brownbook.net/

Youtube links are highly rated, consider using video, create a channel
http://www.youtube.com/

if you don’t have time to do this full time, how much of this is a one time setup and then let it go with minimum maintenance

a lot goes into setting it up, local search can take care of itself once set up

https://foursquare.com/

http://hootsuite.com/ up to five accounts for free, can assign team members to accounts

posterous
https://posterous.com/

http://nutshellmail.com/

Google Alerts
http://www.google.com/alerts/

Radian6 is not for the local personal blog, company

BatchBlue
http://batchblue.com/

Go to where your audience is, comment on their blog, they'll find you and come to your page

Franklin Rotary Club - I'm on LinkedIn, Now what?

I had the honor and pleasure of presenting to the Franklin Rotary Club on Thursday evening. I decided to use my LinkedIn tips and tricks slide deck. I reworked (mostly shortened) my job search notes to focus on the business person who would have the same question: I'm on LinkedIn, now what?

I'm on Linkedin - Now what? 4/21/11

View more presentations from Franklin Matters

The Franklin Rotary Club website can be found here

They do have a small group on LinkedIn

Quick link recap

In case you aren't aware of where I also write and share, here are some recent links:

My job search notes
http://jobsearchjamsessions.blogspot.com/2011/03/stick-out-huge-hand-and-pull-someone.htm

My running in the St Pat's 5K
http://passionaterunner.blogspot.com/2011/03/st-pats-5k.html

A sherku inspired by the 5K
http://quietpoet.blogspot.com/2011/03/sherku-st-pats-5k.html

and plenty of info about what's happening in Franklin, MA can be found here
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/

Enjoy!

Giving back

Good morning, time to review #the5

The Winners of The Now Revolution Blogger Program http://bit.ly/dMg2LY me: now here's a listing to subscribe to and read! #the5

75 bloggers won a couple of copies of the new book "Now Revolution" with the commitment to do a review and give away at least one copy. The listing of bloggers involved is one good way to find some good reading and people you might like to know. Oh, and yes, the book itself is going to be good too! That's a bonus.

How Networked Nonprofits Visualize Their Networks http://bit.ly/hfzEom me: good ideas on how to leverage your network #the5 @kanter

I started playing with my LinkedIn network and the new visualization tool they just revealed. Beth Kanter goes further and shows how a non-profit can build a visualization of their own network with simple sticky notes. This may be something the Franklin Food Pantry should do in the near future.

Evil Plans http://bit.ly/f7ivZI @CC_Chapman recommending @gapingvoid who has a book, a must read on both counts! #the5

I read Hugh before I met CC but both events occurred some time ago. To have them together is a good thing. Can't wait to read Hugh's book.

Your Places http://bit.ly/gxTaGe me: @chrisbrogan shares about your place and how to make it better! #the5

What is you place? How do you make it better? I always try to learn something everyday and Chris is usually a big part of that learning experience. What are you doing to make your place better?

Job Search Jam Sessions: First Scholarship to PodCamp WesternMA http://t.co/rp2xzRK three remain - will one be yours? #pcwm #the5

PodCamp WesternMA is coming up this Saturday. I plan on being there to work the Welcome/Registration Desk and participate in the track for those job seeking. There are three free tickets still available if you are looking for work and can get to Westfield, MA. The rest of the process is easy. Follow the link above!

So how do we summarize today? You need to know who you are, where your network is (who it is), be bold about your planning and give back. Giving back helps to make those around you better!

job search notes: subscription reminder

I still find some subscribers to the Job Search Notes series I was publishing here. If you have noticed that I haven't published anything in a while, that is partly true. I haven't posted anything here as part of that series. The series is being continued on the Job Search Jam Sessions website.

You get all the goodness of what I find and can share about the job search by clicking through to the Job Search Jam Sessions website. You have the same two options to subscribe via email or via RSS Feed Reader.

For example, in November I have already created the following to share:

• Pattern recognition
• Recovery - a step at at time!
• Finding your target companies
• Filtering your LinkedIn updates
• What is your ROI?
• how to deal with "I think you are overqualified"
• "Sometimes, we just need someone to cut us a break...
• Who is in your network?
• Hopkinton Networkers Group (HNG) - Friday, Nov 5
• Escape the abyss
• Just pick one and start!
• Inside #the5 Tuesday
• "work on focus, clear goals and a well-matched tar...

Stay informed with all I can share by subscribing. If you find something good that you would like to share here, please leave a comment or send me an email.

Together we are more powerful! Remember the lessons of the geese!

job search notes: yes, we are moving!

Those who listened to the podcast last week, heard that the job search notes series I have been posting here will be moving.

Where to?
Not far - just a click away at the Job Search Jam Session site
http://jobsearchjamsessions.blogspot.com/

I have updated the links here in the far right column so that you can subscribe to the notes via RSS or email.

I will continue to share what I learn as regularly as I can (at least once a day).

If you have questions or suggestions for me to address, please let me know. I really do want the information to be something that you can use.

So if you have subscribed to the Job Search Notes series, you can update your RSS Reader with the new feed or update your email preferences to un-subscribe. If you have any issues on how that is done, let me know (include the email address you have subscribed with and I can help).

job search notes: Monday's insights

First off, and not part of the five today but very important, the Fiancial Report of the Job Search Jam Sessions 2 was just calculated and is available for your review. Any questions, feel free to ask me.

The financial report for the Job Search Jam Sessions 2 held on Oct 1 is available - thanks to the 62 participants! http://t.co/uXdgr3G

Social media stats can be very interesting. For many folks, it is purely a numbers game - i.e. the more the better. I prefer quality over quantity and this article gets into the business questions that the numbers should answer.

Rebel! Refuse Report Requests. Only Answer Business Questions, FTW. http://bit.ly/bhDTwh #the5

A recent exploit by hackers who compromised a South Jersey town also used 'money mules' to process the proceeds. I understand the need for work but if the job sounds too good to be true, it likely is.

Hackers Steal $600,000 from Brigantine, NJ http://bit.ly/ds2jKf if the job sounds to good to be true, it likely is - #the5

The debate around education is always interesting and while I haven't read this posting yet, I do want to make it to get to.

Huffington Post - This Is Not an Education Debatehttp://bit.ly/beIv8Z #the5

Yes, indeed did any one really ask Hemingway what kind of pencils he used? Or Van Gogh the kinds of brushes he used to paint "A Starry Night" ?

Hemingway’s Pencils http://bit.ly/bO1Kxn me: a good question from @chrisbrogan makes it to #the5 today

And last but not least for #the5 today, comes this posting from LinkedIn on a new service offering for recent college graduates. Hmmm.

LinkedIn Career Explorer: Helping College Graduates Find Their Career Path http://bit.ly/a4DyZe me: is there really a career path? #the5

What do you think?


What can you share today?

Busy times

The Job Search Jam Sessions were successful on Friday. At least 60 folks were involved to learn, share and network on topics like LinkedIn, entrepreneurship, networking, interview questions, "selling yourself by the pound" and more. This is what the schedule board looked like: (the post-it notes worked nicely to allow for juggling the sessions from one time slot to another or from one room to another as capacity required).

Saturday morning I spent time with other members of the newly reforming Board of Directors for the Franklin Food Pantry. We were deep into planning and came up with our vision, mission statement and several goals for the next couple of years. More work remains to be done but we are underway. Exciting times! You'll be hearing more about this as the work gets formalized.

While walking and picking up recyclable items today (I ended up with a big bag) I was pondering on the natural cycle of seasons. Growth and renewal. Harvest and hibernation. A sherku appeared.

What are you up to?

job search notes: Lessons from the geese

Online tickets have closed 4 Job Search Jam Sessions, but dodge the rain and u can take 'Lessons from the Geese 'http://bit.ly/b6LIDP

The Geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep their speed. Words of support and inspiration help energize those on the front line, helping them to keep pace in spite of the day-to-day pressures and fatigue. It is important that our honking be encouraging. Otherwise it's just - well .. honking!

I expect there will be honking in Hopkinton today!

job search notes: Beware - fake LinkedIn invites

Brian Krebs reports:

A major new malware spam campaign mimicking invites sent via business networking site LinkedIn.com leverages user trust and a kitchen sink of browser exploits in a bid to install the password-stealing ZeuS Trojan.

The spam campaign began Monday morning, according to security experts at networking giant Cisco Systems, and for a while the fake LinkedIn invitations accounted for as much as 24 percent of all spam. Recipients who click links in the message are taken to a Web page that reads, “Please Waiting, 4 seconds,” and then sent on to Google.com.

Read his full article here

The safe work around?

When you receive the email, delete it. Go to your LinkedIn inbox and if there is one there, process it within LinkedIn

job search notes: Tuesday's insights

Tuesday, already. What have you got planned for today?

Take a few minutes to follow a link or two here.

On working with the different types of recruiters
http://blog.jobfully.com/2010/09/working-with-external-recruiters/

Tips for those leaving school
http://www.positionignition.com/blog/2010/9/27/11-top-tips-for-school-leavers.html

9 ways to avoid having the job search advice mess with your head
http://jobsearchjamsessions.blogspot.com/2010/09/9-ways-job-search-advice-messes-with.html


The Job Search Jam Sessions is coming up Friday. We are up to 37 registrations and the pace seems to have picked up. We have ordered pizza for lunch and will be confirming the number Thursday. If you plan on attending, please register so we have a good headcount for the food.

http://jobsearchjamsessions.blogspot.com/2010/09/9-ways-job-search-advice-messes-with.html

We will have a special international flavor for the opening introduction to the sessions on Friday. Come on down to see and hear for yourself!

job search notes: be distinct

That is one key way to stand out from the crowd. If you have a creative instinct, you can do something like Biale.konie, an art director, you can do something like this.




How is that for distinct?


Will the Job Search Jam Sessions teach you how to juggle? No, but there will likely be something to spark an idea or two at the upcoming Job Search Jam Sessions, October 1.


Thanks to the Position Ignition Career Blog for the pointer to this video
http://www.positionignition.com/blog/2010/9/23/5-funny-job-search-strategies.html


Register here to take part:

job search notes: Unemployment Insurance 101

Should unemployment benefits be extended again?
Some folks say no. This should help to clarify the issue around unemployment.

I know from personal experience that these are not easy times. It took me 9 months to secure my first contract and when that expired, another 8 months to secure my second contract. Is that an improvement? Is the recession really over? If it is, we still have a long way to go.

UI_Benefits-101


With a little luck, we will be able to have a person from one of the MA Career Development Centers take part to show case the services they provide, as well as an unemployment specialist at the upcoming Job Search Jam Sessions, October 1.

If you are looking for work, Hopkinton is a good place to start. After all, 25,000 runner find their way their to start the Boston Marathon. You should consider starting there to help your job search.

Register here to take part:

job search notes: Free Webinar for Job Searchers

My good buddy, Chris Brogan has this new offering you should be aware of:

human business works update
JULY 6th, 2010
Free Webinar for Job Searchers Hi Steve - I'm writing to invite you to a free webinar I'm giving on Thursday September 30th at 7PM ET (and yes, it will be recorded) on the following: ENHANCE YOUR JOB SEARCH WITH SOCIAL PRESENCE. One in every 10 people in the US (on average) is out of work. Several more are "underemployed." With so many people clamoring for jobs, the traditional methods one uses to find work aren't cutting it. Join this free webinar conducted by Chris Brogan (perhaps with special guests) to help you get more out of your job search by enhancing your social presence. It's free to attend, and you're welcome to forward this message to anyone you know who's in the midst of a job search: Click HERE to register. Things are ramping up at Human Business Works. We're just about ready to launch our first learning and mentoring community (for nonprofits), and we've got much more to share with you. This is just something we wanted to share because of the way things are going. I hope to see you at the webinar. --Chris...
Explore our site Home You Communities Articles Newsletter Us Events Our company About Us Contact Us Chris Brogan © Copyright 2010 Human Business Works, LLC.. All Rights Reserved. Unsubscribe 77 South Rd Fremont, NH 03034 view in web browser forward this email

job search notes: kindergarten series - teachable moments

Good morning, time for #the5 - Teachable Mementos http://bit.ly/cg9Hit "exploring the meaning of mementos"

Teachable moments arise all the time. Do you recognize them when they occur? Do you learn from them when they occur?

"the key difference was in their ability to engage" http://bit.ly/dccdUyjoin us in Hopkinton Oct 1 for Job Search Jam Sessions! #the5

 If you are aware of what is going on around you, you will be more likely to recognize a teachable moment. By being aware of what is going on, you are engaged in your environment. By being engaged, you are ready to go with the flow. If you have become distracted, you could tune into a conversation and be surprised at the turn it took.

Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Flickr YouTube Blogging Blah Blah Blah: Knowing Why You Use Social Media is What Counts http://bit.ly/aZCUf4 #the5

Why do you use a hammer? to set a nail. Why a screw driver? The surface is not appropriate for a nail. What tools do you have in your tool kit?

Evolution of video contest marketing at Cisco http://bit.ly/bSCGxG "collaborated to share with us the results" #the5

Becoming an expert, a master is reported to take 10,000 hours. Yes, it is not an overnight process. You just can't say "I am an expert" without putting in the time and effort to really master it.

LinkedIn Tips: A Bundle of Them! http://bit.ly/d9lFnH "a savvy user can already figure out how to do for free"#the5

LinkedIn should be in your job search tool kit. If you are still using it as a single speed bike, there is an opportunity to shift to a multi-speed bike. The 'business-as-usual' environment changed. I hope you have noticed.

What can you share today?

job search notes: kindergarten series - role play and focus

My first full week of work and hence the posting schedule adjusts accordingly, so this is late today. If you have folks in school this week, be kind to them as the week progresses; this is the first five day week of school. The effort and new routine will tax them this week.

Seven Ways to Follow-Up With New People http://bit.ly/bMtEPY"follow-up with those that you connect with" #the5

The devil is in the details and one of the key details is always concerning follow-up! Practice following up. Imagine making the phone call. It will be easier when you actually do make the call!

For 20 Minutes, Let Yourself Be Baggage Free http://bit.ly/9Mb80O"u are pretty much FUBAR until u learn 2 put aside ur baggage"#the5

In all the networking I have done in the past two years, particularly on the job hunt, one of the disturbing finds has been folks who complain about not being able to find work. Listening to them, I can say to myself, well I wonder why? Are you showing your baggage?

Share your 5 Photo Stories on Posterous! http://bit.ly/bisRJ7"simple approach to digital storytelling" me: helps to focus the message #the5

Focus is key to good writing, you need to get to the what's in it for the audience. There are many ways to force the content into focus and the 5 story concept sounds good.

Game mechanics for non-profits http://bit.ly/dpjpx0 "how a non-profit might be able to make use" #the5

Why are games so popular? Easy to use (no manual to read). Satisfaction built into them (success brings rewards). Focused on a single objective (focus again!). So why don't you approach your job hunt like a game?

Marketing Over Coffee Newsletter 6: Return to Sender Edition http://www.bsfurl.com/5g2h/13887 me: a bonus for #the5