Social Networking for Career

Have you heard: Facebook is now the third largest country?...With a recent survey of human resources professionals revealing that 70% have decided not to move forward on a candidate because of what they saw on the internet/social media, it is more important than ever to 1) Have a Personal Brand and 2) Conduct a Social Media Audit. I coach people (including "C" level executives) on their Personal/Digital Brand. Some of the more popular Social Networking sites include LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Blogger, but there are other sites like ZoomInfo and WSJ Digital Community among others.

One word of wisdom is that it is important to define Who You Are. Be unique, be you, but also stay positive. What is meaningful to you? What are you an expert in? The internet is a great way for you to share with many others what's important to you, including activities, affiliations, charitable interests.

I find Twitter is an interesting way to get your ideas out to thought leaders and connect with CEOs, executives, companies and even authors. More and more world & business leaders are using it to share their "Brand" and to help others. I also like reading the morning headlines of about 25+ magazines/newspapers on it at once. Some people call Twitter the new CNN for breaking news (I have even heard about breaking job openings for candidates on it). It is also possible to link Twitter to your LinkedIn profile to share your tweets with that network. Beyond this there are Applications to help you manage your Social Networking posts/tracking. If you would like to discuss further, please email me for a coaching session.

Conscious Capitalism & The Pursuit of Happiness...

One of my first mentors in New York was a former President of a television network. He gave me several pieces of advice which I have never forgotten: one was human nature is pretty consistent - you can learn about people by understanding human nature. The other piece of advice was if you have an important question you need answered, don't call one person and wait around for an answer...put out calls to three different people - and at least one will get back to you shortly.

This was a man who knew how to make things happen...he also suggested looking up any person you plan to meet with in Who's Who or similar resource before you meet them to be able to share a more interesting conversation (nowadays you can "google" or "bing" the name).

I have had the privilege of working with many interesting people in my lifetime, including extraordinary leaders and rising stars. I have been surrounded by people with ambition. But what I admire most is a person who has not only ambition, but also takes time to share their wisdom with others. Instead of just finding a job, look for people to share and learn from. It will make your career and life more successful!

How do you define Success?... To me, success is not just measured in dollars. Have you heard about "Conscious Capitalism?" I first heard the term a couple of years ago. John Mackey, the CEO of Whole Foods, is passionate about it (see web site below). So is Deepak Chopra. Perhaps the highest form of capitalism is not just about making money - but doing it in a way that also improves the lives of others...The point is success is not just measured in dollars - it can also measured in 'sense'.... Check out a video from the recent conference on Conscious Capitalism...sharing the power of purpose and the principle of interdependence.

http://www.consciouscapitalism.com/

In closing, I was asked to co-chair the 20th Reunion for my Business School this year (Kellogg) and plan to work with my committee to put together a panel of speakers to discuss this topic. How can YOU help others - did you know THAT is the key to happiness according to the latest brain research - finding something you are good at that also makes others happy....So if America was founded on the values of Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness - maybe that is also what the solution to the global economy is all about?....

Stay tuned & best wishes until next time,
Sandra.