Career Acceleration Notes (CAN)

Comcast to buy Plaxo: Will Social Networking become "corporate?"

The Philadelphia Business Journal reported today that Comcast Interactive Media intends to buy Plaxo, the operator of an online address book and social network called Pulse.

What does this mean for those who value the social Web as a tool to:

• share ideas freely;
• build and nurture connections; and,
• experiment with innovative ideas, products, and services?

According to Ben Golub, CEO of Plaxo, here's what Comcast has in-mind:  "Comcast has an exciting vision to bring the social media experience to mainstream consumers...To help users connect with all the people they care about, across all of the devices they use, with all the media they love to consume, create, and share..."

Comcast  Comcast Interactive Media is the Internet business unit of Comcast Corporation  (NASDAQ:CMSCA,CMCSK), the nation's leading provider of cable, entertainment and communications products and services.  Comcast is principally involved in the development, management and operation of broadband cable networks and in the delivery of programming content. Some statistics about the company:

• 24.7 million cable customers
• 14.1 million high-speed Internet customers
• 5.2 million voice customers

Have you looked at your Cable-TV bill lately?  The cost of your Internet Service?  The cost of your land line or cell phone contract?  If yours is like mine, the cost has grown exponentially while the value of the service has remained fairly constant.

Now think about what you pay for social networking tools like Pulse, Facebook, LinkedIn.com, MySpace, etc?  To paraphrase George Orwell's famous line in Animal Farm, it is good and necessary for communications tools to change, but not all communications changes are good or necessary.

What do you think this acquisition will mean for users of the social Web? 

Outside the Generational Box - Strategies for Transition

In my head, I've been re-playing our Mind the Gap:Connecting the Generations presentation in Minneapolis; let's continue the conversation about the 4 generations in the workforce. I'd like to propose a new approach to career transition, one that promotes strategies to understand and transcend generation, and accepts challenges toward achievement of career success in this multi-generational workplace. 

The first strategy:  A-b-C:  Accept but Challenge

• Accept differences - We cannot adopt homogeneous personal qualities or value propositions. It is important to identify and fine-tune the presentation of our brand or unique selling point in conversation, via resume, online, etc.  Accepting differences was one of the contributions of Generation X, e.g. those who now fall roughly between the ages of 30-45. Remember the rock musical, Hair, the first Broadway show that celebrated different thinking about politics, sexuality, and race?
  
• but - As interpersonally aware people, we prefer to use the connecting word, "and." I submit that the word "but" allows all those involved in career transition to engage in a process that may include discomfort and chaos, hopefully leading to equilibrium.  (More on this adaptation of Chaos Theory in another post...)
• Challenge - This is our raison d'etre: the challenge to "be all that we can be" is what makes life exciting.  To achieve our work/life goals and succeed in a work environment in which 4+ generations work side-by-side, we must challenge ourselves to transcend the limitations of our own generational box.  Ellen Sautter, whom I met at the Career Management Alliance Conference, suggested that she is the embodiment of the trans-generation: she is a Traditionalist by birth, who recently co-authored a book that is likely to appeal to all generations, Seven Days to Online Networking.
  

We can Accept differences and search for commonalities, but we must poke ourselves, our clients, and our colleagues to accept the Challenge of a trans-generational workforce - one that takes a "so what" approach to the issue of age. 

So with AbC in mind, here's a challenge for you to chew on; your comments are encouraged:

 

How should we distinguish between personal and professional networking? Is online networking similar to meeting associates and friends at the 9th Hole? Are these online networking tools superficial and self-promotional?

• Is LinkedIn an electronic Roladex? Can it promote real relationships?
  
• Is posting to Facebook superficial or does it promote connectedness? Should "friends" be expected to cleanse their page for evaluation by employers?

Please respond to this blog, or directly to my e-mail address:  Karen@CareerAcceleration.net

Can Facebook grow-up without going to jail?

All things Considered, NPR's afternoon news show, featured this story today, April 7, 2008:

"Police in East Lansing, Mich., used tear gas to disperse thousands of out-of-hand partygoers near the Michigan State University campus at an event promoted as Cedar Fest on Facebook. Police are trying to determine whether the Facebook party organizers can be held accountable."

How does this news jive with the advice of business bloggers like Bob Gourley, who recently suggested that Executives should use LinkedIn and Facebook?

What will this mean for the cohort of professionals who are streaming over to the interactive Facebook from more static networking forums, like LinkedIn.com? 

Are the Facebook "natives" happy about the migration of more professional "immigrants" to the site that has been a place to plan parties, "poke" friends, and check-out fun connections? 

Should Facebook friends feel compelled to clean-up their profiles so recruiters and other professionals can use this tool as yet another way to vet candidates?   Should professionals be like rain, and go away....?

Will law enforcement authorities be able to hold Facebook members liable for the collateral damage and consequences of postings initiated through the social networking site?  Will Facebook's digital fingerprint and YouTube's video record of the event put the kibosh on the partying?  Will Facebook be able to "grow-up" without going to jail?   

Online Identity & Social Networking Tools: Nonprofit Group Hug

The Collaborative of the Suburban Chamber of Commerce has scheduled an additional session to concentrate on the power of LinkedIn.com. The initial session was well-attended and well-received. Thanks to feedback of participants and the effort of Management Consultant, Sandi Philips, the nonprofit "group's hug" will result in a follow-up session to be held on Wednesday, April 2 from 8-10am.

The agenda for the initial session included Online Identity and Social Networking for Nonprofits.  The most effective social networking tool for businesses and nonprofits, LinkedIn.com, was too large a topic to start last week; LinkedIn will dominate the discussion when we meet again at the Upper Moreland Library, Willow Grove, PA.

The first session allowed participants to share their existing knowledge and request more information re:

• Risks of Social Networking - personal and professional
• Choosing the proper tool
• Sharing information
• Preserving authenticity

These issues, and additional resources targeted to meet the strategic planning needs of nonprofits, will be covered in the next session.  Those who participated in and/or registered for the first meeting will receive new handouts via e-mail. Those who cannot attend are encourage to refer to the LinkedIn Blog  or blog with author Jason Alba (see my sidebar). Visitors may click on this link to purchase useful books on Relationship Marketing, including Jason's Facebook and LinkedIn books, directly from the publisher.

Participants who wish to share comments or ask specific questions are encouraged to do so on this blog. Those interested in attending Wednesday's program should pre-register by phoning: 215.947.4427 or via e-mail to: Karen@CareerAcceleration.net or KevinWinters@comcast.net (mention The Collaborative.) There are six seats left; please reserve early for this FREE program.

FREE: LinkedIn.com & Social Networking Seminar

Join us for a FREE interactive program to learn about the benefits of social networking for nonprofit organizations and staff.  This program is sponsored by The Collaborative, an affiliate of the Suburban Chamber of Commerce, located in Eastern Montgomery County, PA.    

The mission of The Collaborative is to develop and nurture partnerships between businesses and non-profit organizations. The program will be held at the Upper Moreland Free Library so that participants may bring their laptop computers and participate in the session via wireless Internet access. Everyone who attends and wants to join a social network will receive an invitation from the speakers. 

Our presenters are:
Karen Katz, M.Ed., CCM, of Career Acceleration Network, (CAN) LLC; and
Kevin Winters, MBA, Founder/Principal Consultant, All Seasons Web Solutions

The agenda will include: · What is "Social Networking?"
· Who engages in this type of networking?
· What are the principal forums for "Social Networking?"
· Who benefits from this type of networking?
· Why has this form of networking become popular?
· For whom is this networking effective?

After the presentation, a demonstration will follow to take participants through the LinkedIn.com site, and
· Show sample profiles
· Explain settings, preferences
· Discuss online and offline behavior, etiquette, and consequences

This event will be held Wednesday, March 26, 2008 from 8 to 10 AM at the The Upper Moreland Free Library,109 Park Avenue, Willow Grove, PA

Collaborative Roundtables are free and open to interested parties. To RSVP (requested, not required) call the Suburban Chamber at 215-657-2227. 

Is it necessary to run a campaign to achieve career change?

My two favorite indoor "sports" are careers and politics; a recent book written by Chris Matthews makes some interesting observations about the intersection of these endeavors.

Life's A Campaign: What Politics Has Taught Me About Friendship, Rivalry, Reputation, and Success is the latest book written by this journalist and TV pundit;  it is already 2 days overdue at the library, so I need to share some thoughts with you now...

Matthews, (who later pledges to work on his listening skills!), suggests that:

    "The whole trick of life is therefore to (a) find people who like you on first meeting, (b) put effort into winning over those people you can, and (c) recognize those whom, to use Donald Trump's phrase, you need to 'work around.'  This is what politicians call campaigning.  It's something you'll find you have to do in life even if you never run in a single election."

What about it - do successful candidates employ similar strategies when seeking career change or transition?  Are we correct to refer to the job search process as a campaign? 

• Clearly, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama are candidates for the same job?  Have you ever competed with a "friendly foe" for the same job?  What happened to the relationship after the position was filled?  While it is not likely that the outcome of such a contest will result in a "win-win," must the outcome produce a winner and a loser?
  
• How are the voters and/or the press doing in fulfilling the role of "hiring managers?"
  
• What role will the Super Delegates play?  Are they the Senior Management team or CEO?

What can career changers and job seekers learn from the experience of these political candidates?

Network locally; Think globally...

I have so many ideas and articles saved ...so little time to organize them into a post.  So today will be the first Monday that I will look through the weekly Business Calendar published by the Philadelphia Inquirer and share upcoming events that may be of interest to local readers.  Those in other cities should be able to find comparable listings in print and online editions of their local newspapers:

Business Calendar - Philadelphia Inquirer

Philadelphia Direct Marketing Association will hold its next monthly lunch at Maggiano's Little Italy Restaurant, 205 Mall Blvd., King of Prussia; 610-642-2616 or www.the-pdma.org. Cost is $45 for PDMA members, $60 for nonmembers. 11:30 a.m-2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb 27

How to Start and Operate a Small Business presented by the Small Business Assistance Center and Kutztown University's Small Business Development Center co-sponsored by the Chester County Chapter of SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives). Chester County Library, next to Exton Mall, Rt. 100 and Business Rt. 30, at 450 Exton Square Pkwy., Exton; reservations call the SBAC 610-444-1721, www.kutztownsbdc.org or www.sbacnetwork.org. $15 fee. Seating is limited. 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Mar. 4

FREE*  Orientation and Business Assessment Workshop presented by The Women's Business Development Center, 1315 Walnut St., Suite 1124; 215-790-9232 or www.womensbdc.org. Preregistration is required. 6-7:30 p.m.  Monday, March 10

How to Use Success Stories to Win More Business by Gerry Lantz, Stories That Work Inc., presented by Sales and Marketing Executives of Philadelphia. Plymouth Country Club, 846 Sandy St., Plymouth Meeting; 215-396-3310 or www.smeiphiladelphia.org. $25 first-time attendees. 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, Mar. 11

This public networking doesn't take the place of "warm" networking, but it can help to give a stalled career path new energy and connections.  Click here to assess your "Networking Quotient," a quiz developed by one of the emerging personal marketing/social networking guru's, Thom Singer. 

How can professionals and executives network authentically, without giving in to the "brand bandwagon" that it sometimes promoted in a manner that is "over the top."  Your comments and links to articles, books, etc. will be appreciated by this author and community of readers!

Go forth and network... Karen@CAN, LLC

 

Blog Marketing seminar by Jason Alba

If you like reading my posts, consider the benefits of writing your own blog to market yourself.  This is a great way to manage your online identity and establish yourself as a credible expert in your field, whatever it is. 

If you don't like to noodle around and figure it out by yourself, consider attending Jason Alba's "Blog Marketing 201-501," offered on February 26th at 6pm EST.  During the 90 minute webinar, Jason will share his "techniques and tactics."

Jason promises that the presentation is NOT geared toward those who are technically-inclined.  Techno-phobics who like to write and comment on their slice of the world are welcome to join him - cost = $24.95 payable to Jason. Register at:

http://www.jibberjobber.com/blog/ceo-training

 

Manage your search - CAN offers access to a cool tool...

To add value to my packages of services, I have become a partner with Jason Alba, creator of JibberJobber and author of I'm on LinkedIn.com, Now What?.  Created to serve Jason's needs while he was unemployed, JibberJobber is a database and customer relationship management tool that is designed for those who understand that career management is a life-long process. This proprietary career management tool complements the strategic approach that I promote.   A Google-search will lead you to lots of information about the benefits; here are the highlights from my perspective:

• Manage and track important information related to your current job search, e.g.:
  • Target companies/organizations
  • Resumes, Profiles, Bio's
  • Letters and e-mail correspondence
• Organize and track network relationships and contact information, e.g.:
  • Integrate information with Outlook, LinkedIn.com, etc.
  • Create reminders
• Once you've landed where you want to be for now, JibberJobber  can help you to maintain your long-term career health and prepare for the next move...

While I'm still on a learning curve myself, I want to offer this to you now, during this very hectic season when we would all like to concentrate on family and fun.  This tool will help bring some order to the management of your career.  Want to learn from Jason?  Click here to listen to a 9-minute interview (a podcast); also, join Jason's bi-weekly webinar for new users (send me an e-mail for details - Karen@CareerAcceleration.net)

Jason is a great partner for me, and by extension, for all of you as well.  He is always looking to add new features; for example, he's working to find a way to help me send business news to you and keep track of it for use later.  Once you join as a Premium member under the auspices of CAN, I can "look over your shoulder" as you implement the success strategies we've discussed.

I hope you will take advantage of this "holiday gift" from the Career Acceleration Network: sign-into JibberJobber's free 14-day introduction. If you love it, let me know and I'll treat you to your use of this tool for the month of January.  Thereafter, this tool will be wrapped into my subscription plan for previous or existing clients; it will be included in services offered to new clients.

'Tis the Season to light-up your online identity...

Want to shine some light on your career?  Light-up your online identity as a holiday gift to yourself. 

• Give those on your business list of connections an invitation to join your network.
• Offer recommendations to those you can wholeheartedly endorse; ask for recommendation, too.
• Take time to review the profiles of those who are in your network:
  
  • Look at their connections to find people you want to meet;
  • Do your research; ask for off-line introductions

Recruiters and employers are putting your name into "Google." What are they finding?  If the answer is nothing, you should give yourself the gift of online identity. From the Career Management Alliance newsletter, here's some statistics that may interest you:         

LinkedIn:
--#1 business networking site with 15 million active users
--4 million visitors each month and 35,00 new members daily
--Average user is approximately 39 years old
--Maintains an online resume of each user

MySpace.com:
--Reaches 39% of all adults
--110 million active users, 61 million visitors each month and 270,000 new members daily
--66% of MySpace's audience consists of people ages 25+

Facebook:
--Fastest-growing demographic in the 25+ age group with 30 million active users
--17 million visitors each month and 150,000 new members daily
--1% of all time spent on the Internet is on Facebook

This post was inspired by Chanukah, the Festival of Lights.  Hope to see you illuminated online soon.

Posted by Karen P. Katz