ETP Jersey Shore Networking Group

Is Finding a Job a Game to You?

2011-05-21T07:55:00.000-04:00

By Thomas E. Kenny

Many of us know that the 7 step job search process from "Win The Race for 21st Century Jobs" requires time and effort but in my experience it's very effective. Some of you may think the process is hard work, that is necessary, but not necessarily fun.

Well I've recently learned of a new beta web site named jobtactoe.com which tries to turn your job search into a fun game. Their slogan is "Putting Play into Finding Work" TM.

I believe the premise of this job search web site is for you to establish and enter your job search goals and get support from your network who is also on this web site toward achieving your goals. It also provides tips along the way and you can obtain points as you complete tasks to compete with others on the site. The pages of this site have a cartoon-ish theme which I guess is suppose to add to the fun.

Although I think the web site leverages some good principles such as, setting and tracking goals, accountability to your network, and trying to have fun. I do wonder who these job seekers are that need a game to motivate them to obtain a job. Sure job seekers are in a race to find a job, but cartoons and peer pressure by competing for unaccountable points doesn't seem to add value to a professional's job search.

I Need a Job

2011-03-06T09:20:00.002-05:00

Our next free job search and career management training session is May 26, 2011 at 6:30PM in Manalapan, NJ - Register now

Career Insurance Makes Unemployment Insurance Look Like Child's Play

2011-02-18T16:13:00.003-05:00

Carl E. Reid, Chief Operations Officer
Empowering Today's Professionals

Contact: Phyllis Shelton
iPower Global Solutions
Public Relations & Event Director
Tel: 201-222-5390 Email: PRevents@Success4U2.net

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Career Insurance Makes Unemployment Insurance Look Like Child's Play

The #1 fear at work isn't loss of a job. The root cause of daily anxiety attacks at work is abrupt loss of all income associated with a job. As they walk each person being laid off to the front door, managers put their arm around people telling them "you are a valued employee". That's a frightening scenario still being played out today. Implementing a career insurance plan, which includes developing alternate sources of income, is crucial to career management survival.

New York, NY February 20, 2011 8:00AM EST—Tune into to YOUR CAREER IS CALLING, broadcast on www.1077TheBronc.com from Rider University.   Chief Savvy Intrapreneur Carl E. Reid, CSI, presents “Alternate Sources of Income and Why You Need Them”

YOUR CAREER IS CALLING radio show co-hosted by Rod Colon, author of Win the Race for 21st Century Jobs and Frank Kovacs, founder of TheBreakfastClubNJ.com will be discussing with guest speaker Carl E. Reid, CSI why the best time to develop part time supplemental income is Now.

When I left my corporate job, some people in my family could not believe it – states Carl E. Reid, Business Career Coach, Chief Savvy Intrapreneur at SAVVY INTRAPRENEUR and Chief Operations Officer at Empowering Today's Professionals. “What about job security, they asked?”…well, what about it? Who says my corporate job would be there long term? If my “day job” were to disappear, what would happen? Not much, really. I would lose a source of income, but I have other sources of income to sustain me and my family”.

Mr. Reid further explains, "This is crucial to survival, as part of a career back up plan. It makes all the difference between making a living and LIVING LIFE". "With current economic conditions students, recent grads, home makers and career professionals need creative strategies for developing alternate sources of income. This definitely provides career insurance, as a part of any career management backup plan. The result can pay continuous dividends, while providing peace of mind for families. This is way better than temporary unemployment insurance."

About SAVVY INTRPRENEUR
Combining proven professional career development techniques with success as an entrepreneur Carl E. Reid founded Savvy Intrapreneur, which teaches "career minded" professionals how to run themselves like a business. He has used his life experience and knowledge gained to assist others in achieving their own desired level of success. Carl E. Reid is active in professional organizations, networking groups and volunteers for non-profit entities. Email: CarlReid@Success4U2.net Web: www.SAVVYINTRAPRENEUR.com Tel: 646-207-2299

About Empowering Today’s Professionals
The mission of ETP is to encourage, train, support, mentor and advise fellow CEOs of ME, Incorporated in all aspects of defined responsibilities to their personal Board of Directors. ETP's proven education programs and methodologies guide each member through "HOW" to specifically land a job and develop self empowering career management goals.   Email: Membership@ETPnetwork.com Tel: 732-367-5580 Chapter Preview: Win the Race for 21st Century Jobs at www.ETPnetwork.com

About TheBreakfastClubNJ.com
Where executives of all disciplines: IT, Finance & Accounting, Communications, Human Resources get together with a common focus to assist each other in pursuing new employment opportunities, tackling the challenges of their current positions, and providing a support network to each other. We have highly qualified and dedicated.   Email: fkovacs@comcast.net Web: www.TheBreakfastClubNJ.com

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Make Your Uniqueness Work For You

2010-11-01T00:46:00.009-04:00

from Rod Colon's blog

Since the right job flows directly out of all the elements of your personality type, you need to spend some time figuring out what makes you tick. By making a conscious effort to discover the “real you,” you learn how to focus your natural strengths and inclinations into a career you can love for a long as you choose to work.

This is where “type” is so helpful. It provides a systematic, effective way to evaluate both your strong points and your probable weaknesses or blind spots. Once you have these figured out, you’ll know how to make sure you are always operating from a position of strength. Read more . . .

Rod Colon on Using LinkedIn for a Job Search

2010-10-10T00:01:00.048-04:00

Video below with Rod Colon, Founder & CEO of Empowering Today's Professionals Network (ETP) speaking to members of the Media Communications Association International, North Jersey Chapter. - Jump start your job search with LinkedIn. Replace the black hole job search methodology with a 7 Steps Job Search system - Learn how to leverage your untapped professional networkLearn how to be proactive in the job search rather than passive - Get inspiration and motivation during these difficult economic times - Discover how to adapt "Social Networking" to your work – and your search for it.

Rod's presentation begins at the 10 minute marker, if you wish to fast forward.

ETP Lamplighter Newsletter October - November 2010

2010-10-05T00:01:00.049-04:00

Our next free job search training and networking session is October 28, 2010 at 6:30PM - Register now

Empowering Today's Professionals
Lamplighter Newsletter www.ETPnetwork.com ISSN: 2154-5804
	Volume 2 Issue 5 October - November 2010 Library of Congress Recognized Periodical Get Adobe Reader to READ FULL NEWSLETTER
Since 2004 Empowering Today's Professionals (ETP) has helped hundreds of people successfully land jobs and business opportunities. It's a known fact Members land jobs quicker, with over 250 people landing safely in 2009 alone. Newsletter Team Adelaida (Aida) Rodriguez, Editor in Chief & Contributing Writer Eric Nilsson, Design Layout Expert & Contributing Writer Barbara (Barb) Daisak, Proofreader & Contributing Writer Inside this Issue READ FULL Lamplighter Vol 2 Issue 5 October-November 2010 Featured Writers Editor's Welcome Message Spotlight on Rod Colón Lamplighter Survey Articles The CEO of ME, Inc. Paradigm by Rod Colon Networking Trumps "Unemployed Need Not Apply" by Carl E. Reid Get Out of Your Own Way—Three suggestions for Overcoming Yourself by Jerrold (Jerry) Clifford Interactive talk-show on 107.7 The Bronc UNDER-EMPLOYED OR OVER-EMPLOYED? By Thomas E. Kenny Feature Columns Chip's Ahoy with Chip Hartman The Alchemist's Arcanum with Eric Nilsson Tech Tip with Barbara Daisak Relax a little with this month's Lamplighter Crossword Puzzle READ FULL Lamplighter Vol 2 Issue 5 October-November 2010 Upcoming Training & Events October 2010 Oct 04 FREE "CEO Corner" Training Call for Members Oct 06 Free Job Search & Career Management School Webinar Oct 15 Lehigh Valley Professionals (LVP) Oct 19 Central New Jersey Networking Group Meeting - Free Oct 25 Webinar: Tweet Your Way to Targeted Jobs Oct 26 Manhattan Networking Group Meeting - Free Oct 28 Charlotte Networking Group - Free Oct 28 Jersey Shore Networking Group - Free Back Issues of ETP Newsletter Lamplighter Vol 2 Issue 4 September-August 2010 Lamplighter Vol 2 Issue 3 June-July 2010 Lamplighter Volume 2 Issue 2 April-May 2010 Lamplighter Volume 2 Issue 1 February-March 2010 Lamplighter Volume 1 Issue 6 December 2009-January 2010 Lamplighter Volume 1 Issue 5 October-November 2009 Lamplighter Volume 1 Issue 4 August-September 2009 Lamplighter Volume 1 Issue 3 June-July 2009 Lamplighter Volume 1 Issue 2 April-May 2009 Lamplighter Volume 1 Issue 1 February-March 2009 About Empowering Today's Professionals The mission of ETP is to encourage, train, support, mentor and advise fellow CEOs of ME, Incorporated in all aspects of defined responsibilities to their personal Board of Directors. ETP's proven education programs and methodologies guide each member through "HOW" to specifically land a job and develop self empowering career management goals. Email: Membership[AT]ETPnetwork[DOT]com Tel: 732-367-5580 Purchase Win the Race for 21st Century Jobs by Rod Colon at www.ETPnetwork.com Win the Race for 21st Century Jobs By Rod Colón

Jersey Shore Networking Group History

2010-10-02T01:28:00.008-04:00

Our next free job search training and networking session is October 28, 2010 at 6:30PM - Register now

Thomas E. Kenny, Jersey Networking Group Founder

Empowering Today's Professionals (ETP) was founded by CEO, Rod Colon. After graduating from ETP's job search and career management educational training programs, in 2008 Tom Kenny pioneered the Jersey Shore Networking Group (JSNG) located in Tom's River. As a result of his outstanding accomplishment in developing the JSNG, Tom was awarded the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award by the ETP executive committee in 2009.

Following the adage "each one teach one", ETP members Michele Battista and Peter Hansen took Tom Kenny's lead and started another Jersey Shore Networking Group in Manalapan, NJ. This expansion was also necessary, as the economy has greatly impacted the job market for many people in the Jersey Shore area. In addition to being a JSNG leader, Michele also takes photos at the training sessions. Click here to see more photos on Facebook of JSNG career management training sessions in action.

With the aggressive expansion of meeting attendees to monthly career management and job search training sessions, Tom, Michele and Peter were inducted into the membership Who's Who Hall of Fame by the ETP executive committee in 2010. "JSNG has truly been an effective, action oriented leadership team in contributing to their "community at large" states Carl E. Reid, Chief Operations Officer of Empowering Today's Professionals.

Sunday Radio Show from Rider University 107.7 The Bronc

2010-08-24T10:01:00.002-04:00

YOUR CAREER IS CALLING Sunday Radio Show w/Rod Colon and Frank Kovacs Broadcast from Rider University Radio Station in New Jersey
Date: 19 September 2010, Sunday 08:00 AM

Make Your Career Your Business. Tune Into 107.7 The Bronc Sunday, September 19, 2010 at 8:00 AM EST, For Your Career Is Calling

Listen Live Online!

September 19, 2010 8:00AM EST

Your Weekly Appointment For Career Choices, Decisions And Success. Rider University Alum and founder of the TheBreakfastClubNJ, Frank Kovacs And CEO Of The Empowering Today's Professionals (ETP) Rod Colon, Are Your Hosts For Sixty Minutes Of Career Coaching, Taking Your Calls, On Networking Etiquette, The Interview And More To Help Land Your Dream Job.

It’s The Only Radio Program, Designed To Help Empower Career Professionals And Students Reach Your Career Goals. Your Career Is Calling, Debuts Sunday, September Nineteenth At 8:00EST A-M Only On 107.7 The Bronc And 107.7 The Bronc Dot Com.

More information and online registration: YOUR CAREER IS CALLING Sunday Radio Show w/Rod Colon and Frank Kovacs

Do you know your member benefits?

Have an awesome day!!
ETP Member Services - Running the Business of "ME"
Have a question? Membership[AT]etpnetwork.com
ETP Network communities: Team Meetings | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube
Keep up with ETP Network happenings! | Dial In for WEEKLY Job Search Q & A Call

Our Next Meeting is June 24, 2010 at 6:30PM

2010-06-01T11:42:00.000-04:00

Host / Speaker: TBA
Location: Ocean County Library Toms River Branch - Toms River, NJ
Time: 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM EST - REGISTER NOW - Get directions

Testimonials from previous attendees . . .

"Yesterday was the first meeting that I have attended, and I must commend you (and the rest of the group) on a very enjoyable and worthwhile meeting. Having others to support you (and to interact with at a professional level), whether you are "in between assignments" (as I like to call it), or "currently working at", is wonderful since it gives the individuals a new perspective on alternatives possibly available to them , by hearing what others are going through in their lives." - Shevi Batsheva Ph.D., Industrial / Organizational Psychology.

"Thanks very much for arranging everything. You did a fantastic job." - Michael Procopio, Web Services Developer.

"What a powerful group, and a great first meeting for me at JSNG. Thank you Rod and Tom for caring and giving so much energy and enthusiasm -- it is contagious.
To everyone: If you all have not read through Tom's LinkedIn FAQs, you probably should. Although I have been in LinkedIn for 3 or 4 years, mostly as a passive user, I have been using LinkedIn heavily the past two weeks since my position was eliminated. It is pretty intuitive, yet can be complex. For example, do you all know that you can simply ask your network a question? I did not until reading Tom's FAQs. ...
In my first meeting with ETP, I learned how to suggest ways I can help others while giving my introduction. I will have a more interesting intro for the group in October." - Bob Zimel, OD and Learning Executive.

Best Way to Get LinkedIn Recommendations

2009-10-15T22:57:00.001-04:00

Similar to a reference letter, a LinkedIn recommendation is a powerful marketing tool. Each recommendation provides you with a silent sales person telling the world about your skills, business savvy or other qualities you possess, which enhance your marketability. Hiring managers, decision makers and potential clients relish recommendations regarding a person they may be interested in hiring.

Many people scramble around LinkedIn asking associates for recommendations. The results are usually disappointing. So don't be surprised, if you do not receive as many recommendations as you expect by merely sending a invitation for one. People always do things for their reasons, never for your reasons.

Recognize a recommendation as a valuable commodity, people are cautious in providing. To get someone to willingly give you a recommendation, give him/her a reason. The best way to get a LinkedIn recommendation is to give a recommendation first. Then let LinkedIn do the selling for you. When a person receives a recommendation notification from LinkedIn, a prompt is also presented for that person to reciprocate with a recommendation.

This no different than in person networking. Power networkers are givers who receive the most dividends in being able to make withdrawals from the good will bank.

Leveraging Advocates in Your Job Search

2009-04-18T12:00:00.001-04:00

by Thomas E. Kenny.

You have followed the advice of career experts and have "dug the well before you're thirsty." Preparing for your next job search by continually building and strengthening the relationships of your professional network. However, now that you are in a job search, you may be wondering how to leverage that network!

Asking your network for job leads is not a best practice of professional networking. Instead you need to find and determine jobs that you are a match for and then find advocates to assist you.

There are two categories of advocates that will help you land your next position. Group A advocates are the stake holders in the candidacy and hiring process. Thus Group A will consist of recruiters, HR professionals and hiring mangers. While Group B advocates are your cheerleaders and advisers. This is important because your questions, interactions and relationship will differ between those two groups of advocates.

Once you have identified a position that you are interested in and are sure that you are a great match for, you need to identify your Group A advocates before you submit your value proposition (targeted cover letter and resume).

The number one best source for finding Group A advocates is LinkedIn. When performing a search for these advocates the following are useful keywords: Sourcing, Talent, HR, Human Resources, Recruiter.

However, if you don't find advocates on LinkedIn there are many other sources to search such as the company's web site, Manta, and other social networking sites. Also don't forget your offline network which may consist of family, friends, neighbors and acquaintances who may have connections at the target company.

It's also important to find Group B advocates at the target company since these people can help you understand the best way to position your skills, talents and experience. Each corporation has a different culture and processes, thus business intelligence on the most effective way to navigate the system of gate keepers is valuable information. I've known qualified candidates that were great matches for positions, but they missed out on opportunities, because they didn't present their skills in the proper manner for the target company. You need to speak their language and after all isn't that what a targeted resume is about!?

Once you've identified both Group A and B advocates for a position you'll be armed with the information and support system to most effectively get through the hiring process.

In conclusion, no matter what the out come of the process, remember that your advocates have exerted time and effort in assisting you, so be sure to thank them appropriately!

ETP Network's LinkedIn In-House Experts

2009-03-22T12:06:00.001-04:00

Click here to download ETP Network toolbar

With over 36 million members and much media exposure, you would think by now most people would know how www.LinkedIn.com works.

Recently, I sent a LinkedIn invitation to someone I met. They wrote me back in being excited about joining my network on LinkedIn. Then the person said "what is LinkedIn and what do I do next"? The reality is the power of LinkedIn facilitating social network connections for a job search or closing business deals is a foreign thought to many people. For people who know about LinkedIn, getting started is still a daunting challenge. Using all of LinkedIn's powerful features does take some dedication in time, mixed with a little patience.

Lucky for ETP Network members, we have 2 in-house LinkedIn gurus to minimize the learning curve. Platinum member Tom Kenny has published LinkedIn "How To's" on his website and the Jersey Shore Networking blog. Jason Alba, the author of "I'm on LinkedIn Now What???" and CEO of Jibber Jobber, is also an ETP Network Platinum member.

The ETP Network toolbar, powered by Counduit, makes it easy to quickly access these LinkedIn knowledge resources provided by Tom and Jason.

From the "Tools" pull down menu in the toolbar select . . .

Job Search Resources

ETP Member LinkedIn Experts

Thomas E. Kenny

LinkedIn FAQs & Using LinkedIn to Market Your Personal Brand

Communications: Before, During and After a Transition

2009-03-07T12:00:00.001-05:00

by Thomas E. Kenny

Although valuable communications with your professional network should be ongoing, a career transition (change of job) provides valuable opportunities for communication!

Communications going into transition.

Announce any unplanned job search via the status message of various online social networking sites such as: LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. This is less intrusive and impersonal than broadcasting the same canned email to all your network contacts. If you have a warm trusted relationship with your social networking contacts, they will notice and respond to your change of status.

Many professionals broadcast one message to all their soon to be former colleagues. However, that doesn't help build relationships. Instead compose individual goodbye emails to those you'll no longer be working with. Assure the tone of the message is positive and thank them specifically for their unique assistance and collaboration. If appropriate offer contact information, otherwise consider just including your LinkedIn URL at the bottom of the email message. If they are interested in keeping in touch, they'll have what they need to reconnect with you via LinkedIn.

Communications during transition.

Don't just communicate with hiring managers and recruiters during your job search. Be sure to keep in touch with your professional network via in person meetings, phone, email and social networks. However, focus on REAP questions rather then questions such as: "Do you know of any X type jobs available?" Save your job listing questions for recruiters and Indeed.com.

Communications when in a new position.

Be sure to send an email message to your network when you've landed at a new position. A broadcast message to your entire network regarding your new position has great value. It is a great way to ping your entire network with good news. It let's them know where you are since not everybody reads the LinkedIn network updates. Be sure to thank your network which reaffirms the power of networking. Although thank all that assisted individually with a custom message. This email broadcast also helps to promote your brand to your network via your email signature, and you'll also find out who you really have a strong relationship with via who replies with congratulations!

It's a small world so if you are returning to a company you've worked at before be sure to send email to former associates to announce that you are back and would like to reconnect over coffee or lunch! If this is a new company for you, look through the corporate directory and org charts. You may be surprised to find names of people you may know as well as be on the lookout for familiar faces!

It is a very busy time during a job search as well as starting a new position. However, you don't want to miss opportunities to keep in touch with and expand your professional network!

REAP Benefits from Your Network!

2009-02-28T17:10:00.002-05:00

by Thomas E. Kenny.

REAP is a concept I learned thanks to Jason Alba's JibberJobber Career Management radio show.

Many people get into networking and think it's just a matter of collecting names and contact info for reference later on. Or if you are in a job search adding to the list of people you can nag or beg for a job.

However, that's not what quality networking is about! To me professional networking is about a fair exchange of information and assistance by both parties.

When I heard about REAP I realized this is some thing I've been doing but didn't have a catchy acronym to share with others so here it is!

So how do you REAP benefits from your network? It's all a matter of asking the following questions.

1 - What books, blogs, magazines and podcasts should I be Reading (or listening) to, to advance my career or job search?
2 - What Events such as job fairs, trade shows, conferences and professional association meetings, should I be attending?
3 - What Activities should I be performing to be more successful?
4 - What People should I get to know to achieve my goals?

So the next time you connect with somebody while you are in a job search. Don't ask them if they know of any good jobs for you. Instead ask for REAP actions and return the favor by advising those in your network what REAP actions they may want to consider!

LinkedIn Applications

2009-02-21T15:50:00.001-05:00

by Thomas E. Kenny.

The LinkedIn (add-on) applications feature was added on October 28th, 2008. Although LinkedIn applications have been available for a while many may not be aware of them. There are currently 10 applications and I have grouped them into 5 categories below.

In-person networking:

My Travel - provides a way to let your network know your travel plans. Using this feature may help you determine when and where you can meet in person.

Sharing opinions and interests:

Reading List - permits you to share what books you've read, found interesting and recommend.
Polls - you can poll your network with a multiple choice question. To see poll results you need to answer the poll however individual responses to the poll are not displayed. Thus your answers are not known to any one.
Company Buzz - allows you to see what people are saying about a company on twitter.

Sharing Blogs:

Blog Link - permits you to attach your blog to your LinkedIn profile to enhance your personal online brand.
WordPress - same as Blog Link however, only if you are using WordPress for your blog.

Sharing presentations:

Google Presentation - allows you to associate presentations and portfolios to your LinkedIn profile to enhance your personal branding.
SlideShare Presentations - same as Google Presentation however sharing the presentations that you have on SlideShare.

Collaboration:

Huddle Workspaces - offers file sharing and editing services from Huddle to groups of individuals you estblish of your LinkedIn connections. You can establish different groups for different collaborative projects.
Box.net Files - is much like Huddle Workspaces but this application developed by a different service provider known as Box.net.

To add an application to your LinkedIn account, visit http://www.linkedin.com/static?key=application_directory, click on the icon of the application you want to add and then click the blue "Add application" button.

Before adding any of these applications to your LinkedIn profile, you need to consider how it will impact your personal branding! Since one of the first things that recruiters and hiring managers do regarding a candidate is to check their LinkedIn profile.

Although not a separate "application", don't forget about LinkedIn's Answers feature which is very useful for both learning a new topic as well as demonstrating your subject matter expertise. If you are interested in learning more about LinkedIn Answers please review the article titled "LinkedIn Questions and Answers."

Upcoming JSNG meetings

2009-02-17T08:54:00.001-05:00

by Thomas E. Kenny.

ETP Network's Jersey Shore Networking Group typically meets on the fourth Thursday of each month. On even numbered months we meet in Toms River, NJ. While on odd numbered months we meet in Manalapan, NJ.

Our meetings offer career management and job search educational programs as well as networking opportunities for professionals interested in building a warm trusted network.

The following are the details of our up coming meetings:

Registration closed since this event is sold out to maximum capacity!
The February meeting is on the 26th in Toms River where Rod Colon will be speaking on "The 7 Steps of the Job Search",

The March meeting is on 26th in Manalapan with Keith Bogen discussing "The Value of Networking" where he'll share his experiences and value of being a network leader,

Please note the a date change to the fifth Thursday of April when we'll be meeting on the 30th in Toms River with Kate Moore covering "Quick Tips on Getting the Job YOU want."

If you wish to be added to the invitation list please send email to JerseyShoreNetworkingGroup@gmail.com

Pink Slip Parties = Job Fair + Networking

2009-02-13T18:57:00.001-05:00

by Thomas E. Kenny.

Have you heard about Pink Slip Parties? It seems the mass media has latched on to this catchy phrase and it's spreading like wild fire.

Pink slip parties are basically a new form of Job Fair integrated with a networking event. Rather then being at a hotel or conference center, pink slip parties are held at more relaxed venue such as a bar or restaurant.

Recruiters and hiring managers may decide to have a booth or mingle among the job seekers. One of the novelties of these events is the use of glow in the dark bracelets who's color indicates your status and purpose for being there. However, it's not only about the job search, since job seekers and sponsors may also donate toward a charity, at the event.

About 400 people attended a recent Wall Street Pink Slip Party. The New York Post published a video about a the Wall Street Pink Slip Parties last year. Also these parties are not exclusively a NYC affair as there have been pink slip parties in other cities such as Philadelphia and there is talk about organizing them in London and Tokyo.

I thank, executive recruiter Daniel Arbeeny who is an ETP Network Platinum member for sharing his time and experience about these events.

How to find your LinkedIn profile URL

2009-02-07T13:58:00.001-05:00

by Thomas E. Kenny.

Prior to meetings of the Jersey Shore Networking Group, the registered attendees are provided with a list of attendees planning to attend. This practice comes from the Conference Commando chapter of Keith Ferrazzi's book "Never Eat Alone." Since you are investing time and money in attending an event it is wise to maximize your effectiveness by planning which professionals you want to connect with most at the event.

To formulate this list, I search LinkedIn for the profiles of new members and some times have difficulty finding their profile. I may not have found their profile either due to a variation in their name or due to them having a very common name. Thus I'll ask them for their LinkedIn profile web address (aka URL) and often they are unsure how to find it.

It's very simple to find your LinkedIn profile URL. First login into your LinkedIn account and then click on the "Edit My Profile" link, which is on the left side of the page. You'll find your LinkedIn profile URL to the right of "Public Profile."

If you find that the address has a cryptic string of numbers and letters, you may want to click the "Edit" link to create a vanity URL. It's best to use some combination of your first and last name for your vanity profile name. Also by setting your public profile URL, you'll more easily be found on Google, which enhances your personal brand!

Finally, it's a good idea, whether you are in a job search or not, to add your LinkedIn URL to your E-mail signature. Doing such is a subtle way of informing the people that you are corresponding with, that you are on LinkedIn. If they're on LinkedIn, they'll have what they need to easily connect with you or if they are unaware of the value of LinkedIn, they may ask you about it!

How I created my HTML E-mail signature

2009-01-29T10:43:00.001-05:00

by Thomas E. Kenny

I started composing my HTML E-mail signature via LinkedIn. At the bottom of the LinkedIn screen click on “Overview” which is to the right of Tools. Then click the “Try it now” to the right of E-mail signatures. I selected the "Plastic Curve - Cool" layout. However, you can click “view gallery” to see other styles to select the one you like best. Enter the information in the various text boxes. Once you click outside of an updated text box the example will reflect what the signature will look like. Then click on "Click here for instructions" toward the bottom of the page and select the E-mail client you are using for instructions.

Since LinkedIn didn't set up my signature exactly the way I wanted it. Thus I used a free WYSIWYG HTML editor by the name of Kompozer which permitted me to customize the signature further.

The issue of how to get an HTML signature into GMail is a separate topic which requires the use of the Firefox browser and an add-on program.

One last thing worth noting. If you want to assure the signature appears exactly as intended such as the appearance of your paper business card an image file can be used. HOWEVER, none of the text would be searchable and besides not everybody automatically displays images on read E-mail. So I think using an HTML signature is the best of both worlds to add some visual image components to the signature but still have text searchable.

What is ETP Network?

2008-12-29T10:25:00.001-05:00

If you've ever wanted a bird's eye view of the ETP Network, your eagle has landed. Now you can answer the question friends and associates ask; What is ETP Network?

Brand new and hot off the press, the ETP Network introduces its newest publication, "The ETP Network: An Organizational Overview" designed, written, and compiled by Editor-in-Chief Chip Hartman and his creative team.

Quick, grab your copy right now through the ETP Network toolbar > CEO Tools > What is ETP Network?

Think of the Organizational Overview as the ETP Network's elevator speech, condensing all of the most important information about the organization into one easy-to-read online document, designed for ease of use with just one topic per page.

If you're new to the ETP Network, here is your guidebook, your road map, your orientation package, and your pocket reference all rolled into one.

So get to know the ETP Network from the ground up. Download your copy of "The ETP Network: An Organizational Overview" today. It's available at an ETPNetwork.com web site near you.

Share a copy with everyone in your network - Do it Now, before you forget!!

Value of trusted connections on LinkedIn

2008-10-16T08:20:00.001-04:00

by Thomas E. Kenny

The ETP Network has free weekly teleconference calls to help professionals improve their job search and career management skills. For details please view http://www.etpnetwork.com/

On last night's call during the Q&A segment Rod Colon discussed the importance of advocates during your job search and how to utilize LinkedIn relating to introductions to potential advocates. If you missed the call, a recording is available to CEO members of the ETP Network.

Rod has often discussed the importance of having a warm trusted network. This morning I was really pleased to find that the experts at LinkedIn agree with this ETP principal.

There is a very good NetworkWorld article titled "LinkedIn tips: How many connections is too many?" which is available at http://www.networkworld.com/news/2008/101508-linkedin-tips-how-many-connections.html

The article contains three points as to why a trusted network is important:
1 - linking with any and every body may devalue your endorsement value during introductions,
2 - who you connect to may contribute or devalue your professional credibility,
3 - when in a job search your warm trusted connections are the individuals that you can truly depend on for assistance.

Do you have multiple accounts in LinkedIn?

2008-10-09T23:58:00.000-04:00

Have you searched for your name on LinkedIn to assure you don't have multiple profiles?

I've found that about 1% of my first degree connections have duplicate LinkedIn profiles. It is very easy for this to happen when you are new to LinkedIn and have not added all your valid email addresses to your first account.

Below is a link to an excellent blog post regarding how to eliminate multiple LinkedIn accounts:
http://www.coherentsalesconsulting.com/blog/do-you-have-multiple-accounts-in-linkedin/

JSNG October meeting will be in Toms River

2008-10-08T13:32:00.000-04:00

You are cordially invited to the October meeting of ETP's Jersey Shore Networking Group!

This free event is open to both ETP Network (www.etpnetwork.com) members and non-members.

Date: Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Time: 7:00-8:30PM

Location: Toms River, NJ

Our meetings offer face to face networking opportunities with like minded business professionals. The networking principals of our group is for each professional to develop warm trusted relationships which will be of mutual benefit as a result of ongoing reciprocity.

Rod Colon the founder and CEO of the ETP Network and the leadership has based many of our principals from Keith Ferrazzi's book "Never Eat Alone", as well as, other classic works and our own experiences.

Although we are not a business leads network and no selling is permitted. Such results may occur for those that are willing to invest in long term relationships via this group.

There will be a brief educational presentation and a round table discussion on how the group may help each attendee. There will also be an opportunity for extended social networking at a near by coffee shop after 8:30 PM for those interested.

To receive an invation for this event from eVite.com please send email to JerseyShoreNetworkingGroup@gmail.com requesting an invitation. We manage the RSVPs via eVite.com to assure we do not overflow maximum capacity of our meeting room.

Space is limited so please request and invite and RSVP by Friday October 17th to avoid disappointment! Please note that all of our past meetings had been reserved to capacity. So if you wish to attend please respond now before it is too late.

If you have any questions please contact us via E-mail at JerseyShoreNetworkingGroup@gmail.com

Our September meeting was a great success!

2008-09-28T15:37:00.000-04:00

Last Thursday evening the Jersey Shore Networking Group met in Manalpan NJ. It was a great networking event with excellent sharing of valuable information!

Below is the schedule of upcoming JSNG meetings which are free and open to the public. They will be conducted from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM on,

Tuesday October 21st in Toms River,
Thursday November 20th in Manalapan, and
Tuesday December 16th in Toms River.

Meeting dates for 2009 have yet to be established yet.

Below is just a sample of the unsolicited testimonials we've received!

Yesterday was the first meeting that I have attended, and I must commend you (and the rest of the group) on a very enjoyable and worthwhile meeting. Having others to support you (and to interact with at a professional level), whether you are "in between assignments" (as I like to call it), or "currently working at", is wonderful since it gives the individuals a new perspective on alternatives possibly available to them , by hearing what others are going through in their lives.
Stated by Batsheva Salberg Ph.D., Industrial/Organizational Psychology.

Thanks very much for arranging everything. You did a fantastic job.
Stated by Michael Procopio, Web Services Developer.

What a powerful group, and a great first meeting for me at JSNG. Thank you Rod and Tom for caring and giving so much energy and enthusiasm -- it is contagious.

To everyone: If you all have not read through Tom's LinkedIn FAQs, you probably should. Although I have been in LinkedIn for 3 or 4 years, mostly as a passive user, I have been using LinkedIn heavily the past two weeks since my position was eliminated. It is pretty intuitive, yet can be complex. For example, do you all know that you can simply ask your network a question? I did not until reading Tom's FAQs. ...

In my first meeting with ETP, I learned how to suggest ways I can help others while giving my introduction. I will have a more interesting intro for the group in October.

Stated by Bob Zimel, OD and Learning Executive.

Invitations will be sent in a week or two for our next meeting in Toms River. If you have not received invitations in the past but wish to receive them for future meetings. Please send a request to be added to the invitation list via E-mail to JerseyShoreNetworkingGroup@gmail.com

Beware of LinkedIn's "I Don't Know"

2008-09-19T09:43:00.000-04:00

LinkedIn wants to assure they keep the spammers out of their system. Thus they put in place many safe guards. One of them being the "I Don't Know" you button in response to receiving an invite. It only takes 5 people to click this button to get your account locked. To get your account unlocked you'll need to click the link at the button of a LinkedIn page for Customer Service and submit a question to plead your case. Realize that once you are this situation you are at LinkedIn's mercy and it will take a while, probably days, to get a response.

Once you do get unlocked you're going to need to be extremely careful as they may not unlock you a second time. Once unlocked, you may even want to withdraw old invitations to reduce the risk of getting locked out of LinkedIn a second time.

When you wish to establish a connection on LinkedIn. It would be best to contact the person outside of LinkedIn (in person, telephone, email) and ask if they are open to receiving a LinkedIn invite. However, if you've lost touch and don't have any way of contacting the person outside of LinkedIn you should customized the text of the invitation. Realize that you may remember the person better then they remember you. Thus it is best to send a personalized message reminding the person how you know each other. You certainly shouldn't write a book, but you should mention not only the company, school or organization, but also some details to help refresh their memory. For example, I once worked on many different projects in a company with over 100K employees. Somebody saying they know me from that company might not help me recall them!

Another best practice is to never use the default canned invite message. Doing such seems to indicate an impersonal attempt to establish a connection, that might not to develop into a warm trusted relationship. Considering that you did not take the time to personalized your invitation.

LinkedIn makes it easy to import your E-mail address book from many different sources. Once LinkedIn has your address book you can broadcast invites to all or a selection of the imported list. This is how people often get their accounts locked, because they don't realize the number of people they have in their address book that are just acquaintances that will likely press the "I Don't Know" you button. Although this is import feature may be a quick and easy way to build your network on LinkedIn it is very dangerous due to the risk of getting your account locked, but in addition you're blasting a generic impersonal message to everybody as well.

It may be time consuming, but connecting with one individual at a time in a personalized custom manner is always a best practice of professional networking. The investment in time is well worth the rewards you'll receive in the future, from your warm trusted network.

You may also wish to review a blog post on this topic by my friend Jason Alba at "I Don't Know You (OUCH!)".

Upcoming JSNG meetings

2008-08-15T12:00:00.000-04:00

Since many professionals are on vacation during August we won't be meeting this month. However, starting next month we'll plan to meet on a monthly basis and will alternate locations between the Monmouth and Ocean counties of New Jersey. Thus you can attend which ever meeting location is most convenient for you, but of course you are welcome to attend both if they wish.

More details will follow in the weeks to come. But for now please reserve the following dates on your calendar if you are interested in attending future meetings of the Jersey Shore Networking Group.

The September meeting will be on Thursday the 25th in Manalapan, NJ.

The October meeting will be on Tuesday the 21st in Toms River, NJ.

The November meeting will be in Monmouth county NJ but the date and location have not been planned yet.

The December meeting will be on the Tuesday the 16th in Toms River, NJ.

The Jersey Shore Networking Group is a local chapter of the Empowering Today's Professionals Network. Each of the planned meetings listed above are free and open to the public. The purpose of our meetings is to offer career management educational and professional networking opportunities for attendees. These meetings will be from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM with a social gathering for extended networking afterwards at a nearby food and beverage establishment.

If you wish to receive invitations to our meetings, please send email to JerseyShoreNetworkingGroup@gmail.com and include the following:
1. Your first and last name.
2. Your E-mail address.
3. Town of your residence.
4. ETP Network member status: Yes, No or don't know.

Free voice activated cell phone services!

2008-08-14T16:31:00.000-04:00

By Thomas E. Kenny

Even if you are not a road warrior, many professionals have busy on the go lifestyles. To help support that fast paced lifestyle, almost all of us have cell phones. Below I describe three free services for your cell phone, which can help make you more efficient and knowledgeable while on the go.

Does your cell phone plan charge you for every call you make to directory assistance? If so, consider using 800-466-4411. It is a toll free call that will provide you with free automated telephone directory assistance, thanks to Google.

Have you ever had a question when you were not in front of your computer, that you know you could answer via a Google search? A few weekends back, a friend was telling me that his doctor advised him to take potassium supplements. Being interested in a natural solution my friend stated, “I wonder how many milligrams of potassium are in the average banana?” I said, well I don’t know but we could ask CHA CHA. I then dialed 800-224-2242, and asked that question to their automated system. A couple of minutes later, I received a text message with the answer. My friend was truly amazed!

Last but not least. Do you find you make to do lists, to help you keep track of tasks you need to remember? Well you might want to consider using Jott.com. Once you establish an account with your cell phone number, you can dial 866-568-8123. Their automated system will ask you who you want to Jott, state “myself” and then the message you want to Jott. It will transcribe your message and send it to you via a text message. You can configure your account to also send your Jott message to your E-mail account, that way you don’t have to log into Jott to retrieve your messages. If there is a transcription error you can always listen to the recorded audio, to recall what you wanted to remember. However, Jott has many other features such as:
1. Send your transcribed text message to a group of individuals.
2. Have it read your favorite blogs to you.
3. If you use Gmail you can have Jott read new E-mail messages to you if you are willing to setup some advance tricks.

Well there you have it, three great free services for the busy professional. If you wish to see an online video demo of these services, you may want to view
this link.

HTML signatures from a Gmail account

2008-08-01T11:02:00.000-04:00

At last week's meeting of the Jersey Shore Networking Group I discussed the importance of Email signatures as a form of electronic business card. Thus you can imagine my surprise when my HTML signature was no longer being appended!

This was due to functionality being removed from the Firefox browser add-on known as "Better Gmail2". This feature was removed in version 0.5.3.2 of that add-on and was placed in a new add-on known as the "Blank Canvas Gmail Signatures" add-on.

There are two ways that you can assure your Emails from Gmail will contain your HTML signature.

Either continue to use versions 0.4 through 0.5.2 inclusive of the "Better Gmail2" add-on. Meaning you will need to assure that you never upgrade to the latest version or you can perform the following steps.

1 - Upgrade your Firefox browser to version 3. The new version of Firefox has some very nice improvements. However, note that not all add-ons support Firefox version 3. Thus if you use any other add-ons besides "Better Gmail2" you'll need to carefully consider this option.
2 - Update the "Better Gmail2" add-on. This is accomplished within Firefox via clicking on Tools, Add-ons and Find Updates.
3 - Download and install the "Blank Canvas Gmail Signatures" add-on.
4 - Click the Gmail's Compose Mail link, click the Edit Signature button, paste your HTML signature and click the Save Signature button.
5 - Enter your email address and some text in the subject line and click the Send button to test that your emails contain your Email signature.

If your instance of Firefox has already updated Better Gmail2 to version 0.5.3.2 and you do not wish to upgrade to Firefox version 3. You may click here to download the 0.5.2 version of the "Better Gmail2" add-on.

The first meeting of the Jersey Shore Network Group was a great success!

2008-07-25T11:39:00.000-04:00

This past Tuesday, the Jersey Shore Networking Group had its first meeting at the Toms River branch of the Ocean County library.

18 people attended and there were many accolades regarding how valuable in person networking is. It was deemed so valuable by individuals from 3 separate states (NJ, NY and PA) that they traveled 90 minutes or more to attend. They stated it was worth the trip and would attend again!

Thomas E. Kenny and Rod Colon presented educational material regarding career management best practices. Participation was excellent, with many attendees contributing their insights and experiences to the discussions.

After our formal meeting, most of us visited a local coffee shop for additional social networking, where we all got to know each other much better.

The library is an excellent Ocean county venue. Thus we will be planning future meetings at the same location. However, we are also searching for Monmouth county venues and ETP members to assist facilitating meetings in Monmouth county as well.

If you are interested in being on the invitation list or volunteering for future meetings please send email to JerseyShoreNetworkingGroup@gmail.com

For those that missed the meeting, below are the slides that Tom Kenny presented on the topic of Career Management at the meeting.

Career Management Presentation at Jersey Shore Networking Group

view presentation (tags: career networking branding)

You can now search for groups on LinkedIn

2008-07-11T09:09:00.000-04:00

By Thomas E. Kenny

Until today joining LinkedIn groups has been a hit and miss endeavor. To determine what groups you wanted to join, you either had to view what groups your connections have joined or seek out one of the few web sites that attempted to list LinkedIn groups. In addition to those methods, Google was also performing a beta trial for searching LinkedIn groups.

Today LinkedIn has released a feature to be able to search within the title and description of all 90,000 groups that exist on LinkedIn.

Per LinkedIn's blog on the subject the following features exist.

1. The Groups Directory is accessible from the left navigation as well as the search drop down in the upper right part of the page.

2. Search results return groups that match, based on either the group name or a keyword in the group description.

3. Search results are sorted by group size, with the larger groups appearing at the top.

4. Groups may be filtered by category, including alumni, corporate, conference, networking, non-profit, professional, or other.

5. If you choose not to list your group in the Groups Directory, we have a setting for group managers on the Edit Group Info page.

6. To prevent abuse of the system, users may have up to 10 pending group requests at a time.

Have you ever wondered which LinkedIn group was the first? It was for fans of the podcast called "The Java Posse". This happens to be my favorite podcast. Apparently one of the developers at LinkedIn who originally developed the group feature on LinkedIn is a fan of the podcast.

Enjoy the new feature and be aware that you can only have up to 10 simultaneous pending requests to join groups.

July 22nd Meeting of the Jersey Shore Networking Group in Toms River, NJ

2008-07-07T20:07:00.000-04:00

You are cordially invited to the first meeting of ETP's Jersey Shore Networking Group!

This free event is open to both ETP members and non-members and will take place on Tuesday July 22^nd 2008 from 7:00 to 8:30 PM. We will be meeting in the Home Town Dairy Conference Room of the Toms River branch of the Ocean County Library at 101 Washington St., Toms River, NJ 08753. Click here for directions and more information regarding the library.

There will be an educational presentation and then a round table discussion on how the group may help each attendee. There will also be an opportunity for extended social networking at a near by coffee shop after 8:30 PM for those interested.

Space is limited so please RSVP to Tom Kenny JerseyShoreNetworkingGroup@gmail.com by July 16th to avoid disappointment!

If you are not local to Toms River but are within a reasonable driving distance from Toms River, why not avoid the commuter rush hour traffic on the Garden State Parkway and plan a day trip to visit the Jersey Shore. Maybe you, your family and friends (aka Board of Directors) would enjoy a day at the beach or some other attraction at the Jersey Shore.

For additional information on attractions please visit:
http://www.co.ocean.nj.us/TourismMain.aspx
http://www.oceancountytourism.com/

There are a few things to do in or around the library for your day trip party members that do not wish to attend the event.

· Huddy Park is two blocks away and is adjacent to the Toms River

· The Java Joint is the local coffee shop that is 2 blocks away

· The library has free public Wi-Fi Internet access for anybody that brings their laptop

· Due to recent renovations the library is a nice modern setting and has some very nice reading rooms as well as various rotating displays of interesting collections.

I'm sure the library will be a great venue for our group considering their tag line is "Ocean County Library - Connecting People... Building Community"

If you have any questions please contact me via E-mail at JerseyShoreNetworkingGroup@gmail.com

Most Job Seekers Don't Know About LinkedIn!

2008-07-03T16:28:00.000-04:00

by Thomas E. Kenny

Jason Alba has a great blog post which has inspired me to blog on the same topic.

With over 24 million professionals on LinkedIn and all the Internet buzz it gets it's hard to believe that 51% of job seekers surveyed on JobDig's website never heard of LinkedIn!

So what does this mean?

Not all job seekers are savvy Internet users? However, if they found JobDig's web site why not LinkedIn?
Are to many people concerned about Internet security and having an online presence?
Have most job seekers not gone through the mind shift necessary for owning their career? Meaning they are still posting a resume to a job board (aka black hole) and wondering why there are so little responses other then scams. Rather then networking their way into their idle next position.

On the flip side 25% did say they use LinkedIn all the time.

I believe the moral of the story is that as you build networking relationships don't assume they know what you know. Share information about what tools and groups you have found to be of value. For example, LinkedIn, the ETP Network, etc.

Although the benefit to yourself of helping others to be more successful in their careers isn't foreseeable. The investment you make in your network will pay great dividends in your future!

Holistic Networking

2008-06-27T16:15:00.000-04:00

by Thomas E. Kenny

As we expand our professional network we are developing warm trusted relationships. Dare I say that we are actually creating friendships? After all in a true warm trusted relationship we are mutually present and available to help each other. Thus in our network there is no us vs. them. All that exist is us!

This weekend I'm participating in a time honored tradition of one of my avocations. Across the US and Canada amateur (ham) radio operators will be sending "CQ Field Day" via wireless communication modes of voice, keyboard and good old Morse code. Ham radio enthusiast have annually set up portable wireless shortwave radio stations "in the field" for 75 years.

The main purpose of field day is to make as many two-way radio contacts as your group can during a continual 24 hour (work through the night) emergency preparedness drill. Even in this day and age of internet and satellite communications, it takes at least a day or more for emergency organizations to mobilize. Essentially ham radio operators are embedded in every community and from all walks of life, ready to provide emergency communications as a service to the community stricken by a disaster. We've helped for months after 9-11 and Hurricane Katrina as well as thousands of other hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, floods and ice storms.

However there is also a softer social side to field day as well. Many clubs around the country will host a BBQ. They may also host a local publicity table which is open to the public to learn more about the vast hobby. If you'd like to know more about ham radio (Morse code is no longer required) please feel free to send me an E-mail.

So what does this have to do with networking? Well I have procured many of my past and I'm sure future employment opportunities thanks to my ham radio friends. Demonstrating that a hobby, charity or community service work is not an isolated network! Since we are all connected via various common interests, never think of your life as being segmented into categories. We don't have a separate work life, home life, and hobby life. We have one life which consists of family, friends, colleagues, network, clients, suppliers, et cetra and they are all connected.

That mindset is how I define “Holistic Networking”.

Live it, share it and keep networking alive!

LinkedIn Questions and Answers

2008-06-26T15:03:00.000-04:00

by Thomas E. Kenny

On the June 25, 2008 ETP Network member conference call I discussed the benefits of using the LinkedIn Answers feature.

An audio recording of the entire conference call is available to ETP members via our browser toolbar and below are the slides that I used to present this topic.

| View | Upload your own

LinkedIn Transition Strategy

2008-06-19T08:20:00.000-04:00

by Thomas E. Kenny

Are you not sure where to start first when you suddenly experience an unexpected employment transition? Well having a great strategy to leverage LinkedIn can make a world of difference. The following check list contains suggestions you should consider or act upon to the make best use of LinkedIn while you are in transition. However these tips are also useful even if you happen to be in between transitions.

1. What is LinkedIn?

It is a free online web site for professionals to find and be found.
Some call it the Facebook for professionals.
The largest professional network and 4th for all social networking sites
(1=MySpace, 2=Facebook, 3=Classmates)
Premium $20 or $50 upgrade useful for high end (recruiters) but most only need a free account.
Over 5 years old
Over 23 million users on LinkedIn (June 2008)
1.2 million new users per month
350% YOY (year over year) growth
Strong growing presence and there is no sign of it slowing down.
Proven networking platform unlike the latest greatest new social networking site with a small user base that begs for your contacts and may be gone tomorrow.
Unlike posting a resume on a job board participation it does not necessarily indicate you are in a job search.
Keep in touch with what is happening within your network
Provides current email addresses for your contacts but unlike Plaxo there is no spam mail.
Extends your network beyond who you know to the friends of your friend's friends.
1st degree = your friend
2nd degree = your friend’s friend
3rd degree = a friend of your friend’s friend

2. Update your LinkedIn Profile

Consider your profile to be a full (not-targeted) online resume.
Is your most recent experience is articulated? Relevant, on brand for your next position?
Consistent with your general purpose resume? Discrepancies can cause a red flag.
Transition employment gap? Abandoning a new consulting practice? Volunteering?
Assure you include complete industry info, associations and society information.
Diversity in terminology will improve search hits by recruiters and hiring mangers:
Profession: PMP, PMI, Project Manager and Project Management
Full corporate name and initials such as Johnson & Johnson and J&J
Names of Universities, professional organizations, etc.

3. Questions and Answers

ExecuNet states 83% of recruiters search for a candidate's online presence.
43% have disqualified candidates due to the candidate’s online presence.
Not finding a positive reinforcing online presence can be a serious disadvantage.
If you don't have your own web site nor blog, demonstrate your expertise via answers.
Answers may help establish connections with networking candidates and opportunities.
Be careful asking questions to not expose a deficiency that can be asked at an interview.

4. Grow your network

Mine email address book(s) and archive to reconnect on LinkedIn but don't be a spammer!
Search your mind for positive professional relationships and search for those individuals.
Search and join corporate alumni groups. Create one if one doesn’t exist.
Groups extend your network (find and be found) without establishing 1st degree connections.
Groups help you to be found by recruiters but it also helps you to find other professionals with the same interest.
My website lists: 3 LinkedIn group directories and Google beta for LinkedIn group searchs.
Face-to-face and online networking events: meet, get to know, connect on LinkedIn.
Avoid premature invitations since it's best to develop a relationship first.
There is no value in a connections numbers game except for recruiters.
Growing your network will help you to find advocates in target companies.
NEVER use the default canned invite messages. Indicates lack of developing a relationship.
Use an RSS feed reader to read network updates. (job status change, new connections)
Export your connections and store a backup (web based email, burn a CD, USB drive)
Better yet consider using a CRM such as JibberJobber.com
During my last transition I almost lost every thing due to a hard drive malfunction!

Conclusion: LinkedIn is the place to find professionals to network with and to be found!

For additional info:

www.thomasekenny.com which contains a link to my 8 page LinkedIn FAQ

Jason Alba has written "the" book on LinkedIn titled "I'm on LinkedIn -- Now What???" which also has a blog associated with it.

Social Networking and Collectible Cars Mingle

2008-06-14T07:22:00.000-04:00

As we know the world is an event, our ETP Network partner organization, Westchester New Rochelle Networking Group, is hosting a business networking social June 17, 2008 at New York City's #1 collectible car dealership TNT Classic Cars. This is a unique venue where people can travel back to yesteryear viewing vintage cars from the 30's, 40's, 50's and 60's, while connecting with like minded career professionals and business owners. Ahhh . . . they don't build cars like that any more.

Although this opportunity to network may be a hike from your neck of the woods, you can still network long distance. Maybe you have family, friends or associates in the New York, New Jersey or Connecticut area. [Re]Connect with them by letting them know about this event. Use the email or phone call about this networking event as an excuse to catch up with someone you haven't spoken to in a while. It doesn't matter, if they go to the event or not. You're just letting someone know you were thinking about them and you care about their success. This simple gesture is a networking home run!!

Click here for details on this networking opportunity.

How To Build Strong Valuable Relationships

2008-05-31T16:19:00.000-04:00

by Thomas E. Kenny

Yesterday I had one of many valuable creative chats with Chip Hartman. One of the topics of our conversation was the importance of building relationships in professional network and knowing how to accomplish such. After our discussion I jotted down an outline from which to write an article for ETP.

Although I could not attend the conference call last night I listened to the recording during my morning commute. Rather then wait until I have a polished and perfected article, I took Chip's enthusiasm as a sign that I should distribute what information I do have now even though it's in a raw form.

Much of this focuses on the use of online internet tools but that should not be a substitute for telephone calls nor face to face meetings when the relationship develops to that stage.

Stage 1. Get to know the person you want to develop a relationship with via their work and their interests.

Search for their LinkedIn profile but don't ask to connect to them yet as the value of the relationship is not yet known.
Search for their Facebook profile but don't ask to be a friend yet.
Search for them on twitter and follow them if permission is not required.
Find out what publications (magazine, e-newsletters, podcasts) they contribute to or publish and of course read them.
Find out what organizations they belong to and consider joining them. Sharing a common interest can provide a common bond in the future.
If possible find out what blogs they read and post comments to.
Google them to find out more ways to reach them. If they are a publicly known individual setup a Google alert so you'll know when they or their company are in the news.

Stage 2. Provide positive valuable feedback on their work to get on their radar screen.

Purchase their product or service and give direct feedback (not only good points but constructive valuable criticisms and ways they can improve/expand).
Read and leave valuable comments on their blog if they have one and on blogs you know that they read.
Recommend their product/service on LinkedIn.
If appropriate (i.e. a book) write a useful and insightful review on Amazon.com and BarnesAndNoble.com

Stage 3. Create a vehicle for an ongoing direct dialog that is of mutual benefit.

Build a relationship with those that connect you to that person if you haven't yet established a direct relationship.
Find a way to continually provide value to them on an ongoing basis to keep the relationship alive. For example, provide endorsements and referals for their product/service.
Once you have a trusted relationship ask to connect with them on Linkedin, Facebook and Plaxo.
Get to know their birthday (if you have not obtained it already via Plaxo) and what holidays they observe so you can contact them on those dates.
Get to know more about them such as if they are a Mother, Father, Veteran or other things you may have in common.
If they require permission to follow them on twitter this may be the time to ask.
Keep an eye on changes to their profiles, Google alerts and such and congratulate them or comment on news regarding them.
As the relationship develops occasional phone calls and face to face meetings should occur.

Stage 4. Leverage your relationship.

Once you have a lasting trusted relationship you may now ask for a favor or assistance regarding a shared interest.
However, of course remember that networking is a two way street. If a favor is asked of you do whatever you can to deliver.
Now your strong relationship will reach out so that friends of friends on both sides benefit as the cycle of networking continues like ripples on a pond.

There is a lot here to consider and each item is not always applicable, but I've tried to cover all bases.

Building mutually valuable relationships requires a serious investment of time. However, I'll let you in on a secret. In committing to such you have an advantage since not everybody is willing to make that investment. Those that don't understand the value of networking and who are looking for quick drive by results won't do such. So be smart and successful by using the above road map to achieve your professional goals via building valuable warm trusted relationships!

I've found the ETP Network to be an excellent educational venue and I'm very happy to share what I've learned. The favor I ask of you is to please supply me with feedback. If you've found some thing that worked for you please share so that we can all learn from our mutual experiences. On the other hand if some thing above does not work for you please let us know so that we can determine alternatives as well.

Finally, I have to thank Chip Hartman for being such a great catalyst and mentor regarding my writings. Some times I don't realize the wealth of useful knowledge I've learned via my professional networking and involvement in the ETP Network. So Chip thanks for reminding me and encouraging me to share with the group.

Old Fashion Social Networking Combats Job Loss

2008-05-21T10:05:00.000-04:00

Contact: Phyllis Shelton
Public Relations Director
1-201-222-5390
PhyllisShelton@Success4U2.net
www.etpnetwork.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Old Fashion Social Networking Combats Job Loss

Dinner, Business Cards and Idea Exchanges Fortify Careers in Times of Uncertainty

Toms River, NJ — May 21, 2008

Recently, members of Empowering Today's Professionals (ETP) Network had an exclusive opportunity to dine with Jason Alba, author of the best-selling books I'm on LinkedIn - Now What? and I’m on Facebook - Now What? Alba is also the CEO and Founder of JibberJobber.com, considered by many networking professionals to be the hottest online contact management system on the Internet.

Hosted by the ETP Network, the dinner was held at Mia's Restaurant, 1214 Route 37 East, Toms River, NJ. Although informal, the atmosphere was decidedly electric as ETP Network members exchanged comments and ideas with Alba, drawing on his extensive experience with social networking, relationship science, and publishing. Dinner attendees included a diverse group of business owners, information technology and human resource professionals.

As part of the of the ETP Network’s mission of teaching members to develop trusted relationships, Rod Colón, CEO and Founder of ETP Network, kicked off a lively discussion by posing the question "Jason, how can we help you?" For those who take networking seriously, this is the kind of question that triggers great conversation and this evening turned out to be no exception. For Alba, it was a unique opportunity to view first-hand the leadership machinery of the ETP Network while providing members with some top-notch ideas for future collaborative projects.

"We hear of think tanks in Washington, DC strategizing the world's issues. This dinner was the first think tank session discussing the future of the CEO of ME, Incorporated with networking leaders, led by master networker Jason Alba", said Colón.

When good, solid, reciprocal networking is on full display, humor is generally not far behind. As participants engaged each other on a variety of topics, business cards made their way onto the table, and Alba’s card brought on the guffaws in grand style. His JibberJobber.com business card caught attendees off-guard when they viewed its reverse side: a pink slip containing the words he uttered to the manager who let him go only a few years earlier: “Thanks for everything. Goodbye.” The implication? You may end up in transition once and awhile, but if you understand and apply sound networking principles, you will not only be in demand again, but may actually find yourself in a better position

Social Networking A Hot Topic

Many networking professionals have begun to associate the name ‘Jason Alba’ with social networking, social networking web sites, and the technology that drives them. As such, Alba is in high demand as a speaker and makes regular contributions to networking communities all over the world in the form of numerous blogs, instructional videos, and what he describes as “CEO Training Webinars.”

"We were inspired by Jason's command of today's relationship-based business tools. He is a man who thinks clearly, organizes impeccably, and listens intently. And I believe he is equally impressed with the ETP Network and its pinpoint focus on keeping individuals accountable for managing all aspects of their career as a business." said Chip Hartman, ETP Network Editor-in-Chief and CEO of MeridiaSystems.com, LLC.

"Jason Alba is the creative guru of practical business networking for the real world. His commentary at our dinner meeting was insightful and provided new ideas that we can use now to enrich our networking experience. I appreciated his success stories about networking tools in the public domain, like LinkedIn, Twitter and JibberJobber. Jason, thanks for a fun and informative evening," said Sam Anson, ETP Network member and Business Developer for Technosphere, Inc. located in Bergenfield, NJ.

"I was very charged up after the meeting. This dinner helped me to see an important principle in action which was the power of asking questions. It not only helped to drive the conversation but was a vehicle to clearly understand how you can help others in the group. This dinner really left me wanting more of this type of event. Maybe it was so great because we had powerhouse people that weren't sitting on the side lines" said Thomas E. Kenny, ETP Network Event Leader and software engineer.

ETP Network member and Human Resources Management Consultant, Keith Bogen, commented "Dinner with Jason Alba and the ETP team was networking nirvana! For me who is relatively recent in the game, so to speak, it was tremendous pleasure and honor to sit among the true gurus of professional networking ... what a tremendous evening - thank you to all!"

Jason Alba summed it up well with "Thanks a ton for the awesome opportunity to meet all of you in person and spend the evening with you."

About Empowering Today's Professionals (ETP) Network www.etpetwork.com

The mission of the ETP Network is to provide each member with an empowered career/business plan that leverages a powerful “trusted network.” ETP Network member services provide members with programs tailored to the professional and their ME, Inc. business. Key to a successful career management program is accomplishing the 5 ETP Goals (Ideal Job/Business, Career Backup Plan, Trusted Personal Network, Multiple Sources of Income, Assume Leadership Roles).

About JibberJobber.com

JibberJobber.com was designed by Jason Alba during his first real job search beginning in January, 2006. After having a successful career in IT and business strategy, Jason found himself in the job market, which was supposedly a "job seeker's market." JibberJobber is a job search tool, a networking tool, but more importantly, a personal relationship manager that allows you to do everything necessary to manage a job search and optimize your network relationships - for the duration of your career!

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