Linked In Overview.. What it is and What it does for Business Professionals..

LinkedIn Is a Social Network for Business Professionals with upwards of 8 million registered professionals globally representing 130 Industries. LinkedIn members can create a profile summary of professional accomplishments and search millions of people profiles to find former peers, references, and colleagues or use social networking to create new professional business contacts.

Better than a business card, and with a always connected shelf life.. Business cards become null when the information changes, a well connected Linked In Professional knows that because relationships are key, a current profile is fundamental to effective professional relationships.

PROFILE: It all starts with your profile. Liz Ryan, Founder of WorldWIT and renowned Industry Expert has written the perfect article on the guidelines for a good profile.

Example of a Personal Profile: Dawn Mular’s Personal Profile

What can you do with profiles once you have them? Please be accurate, inviting, and factual. When you are, others are invited to contact you. You can also invite others you know to join your network you can contact others. A collection of one individuals profiles becomes their network. Based upon text search users of LinkedIn can use the Search function to locate connections. Name Search, Advanced Search , Reference Search, or a Network Search of your Trusted Connections is available when your profile is complete.

Additional solutions are available to power users of Linked In such as the LinkedIn Browser Tool Bar extends your LinkedIn network capabilities to locate employees, clients, business partners, jobs or service providers that are recommended from members of your network.

Now that you have a PROFILE, the next step is to CREATE OR EXTEND your network. When it comes to rules for managing your network, the key is to do what works for you. There are many approaches to who you allow into your network. Time and experience will allow you to decide best what will work for you. It is my recommendation to learn the foundations of creating your network, before trying to extend it to people you might not know as well.

PROFILE AND NETWORKING RESOURCES:

Liz Ryan has written 10 tips for Building Business using LinkedIn.

Rick Upton has prepared an excellent Getting Started with Linked In Guide.

After you have learned the basics of how to search for jobs, people, possibility, and connections, you have applied the principles of networking and building business communications, you might wish to extend your knowledge and resource base. Here is where the LinkedIn Groups community may become a place of interest.

WHAT ARE LINKED IN GROUPS? LinkedIn for Groups is a convenient way to link together group members using Linked In, and it allows the orgaqnization to extend their brand such that the group logo and roster allows networking value between members. Dave Taylor is an expert businss blogger who’s work has helped many to understand this notion of social networking. His approach to explaining the Secret of LinkedIn Groups is great.

Example of a Linked In Group: LinkedIn HFCN: Business and Career Network. Request invitation: LI_HFCN_invitation once approved the HFCN Logo will appear in your profile in the lower right corner and you can view the other members who have shared their profiles.

Rick Upton shared a natural way of including LinkedIn Groups and the benefits of associating with groups in a LinkedIn Groups blog.

Paid Linked In Groups are listed here in Linked In for Groups . A good many LinkedIn Groups exist on Linked In, using Yahoo Groups as it’s networking vehicle for web space collaboration, messaging, etc.

Examples of some Linked In Yahoo Groups: http://hfcareernetwork.com/HFCNYahooGroupsMetaDir.html

Good News about Career Seekers in Market Now..

The news seems to be very favorable for career seekers now. Be aware of the steps you can take to trade struggle, fear, and stress for career satisfaction. The seeds of opportunity you plan now could result in your ideal opportunity before the new year. Yes during the holidays is still not only a good time to seek work, but right now the market is hot!

JobSeekers with the HFCN toolbar get RSS notification of new eNews job updates! eCandidates HFCN Group has been announced– we have vacancy for about 58 more job seekers who want the benefit of networking support, career marketing, etc.

Register or check open jobs on HFCN database. Make sure to register as a New Candidate with your resume to get first consideration as great jobs are raised.. Its YOUR competitive advantage.

That we have great jobs coming in is only part of the good news we are seeing. Overall the inudstry has some positive opportunity markers!

Worldwide Skilled Worker Shortage is Driving Wage Inflation

LinkedIn is still proving a favorite and that news is also good for the Linked In Friends of ours looking to hire, identify great talent or find great jobs.

But how do you make connections you need? To join the insiders network on creating positive opportunity, meeting master networkers or business talent, consider joining the LinkedIn Helping Friends on LinkedIn Groups, and LI_HFCN on Yahoo Groups.

With the combination of these two LinkedIn HFCN Networks you will have access to professionals with a common interest in profitable business opportunity and networking. LinkedIn Groups allows the HFCN logo to be displayed in our community connections profiles, uniting career professionals in win win networks. Like to develop a working relationship or find reference material as to how others are gaining such favorable results? Check out our Yahoo Groups Message Boards and Community Links Libraries– set up to facilitate networking topics our memebers care about.

Attracting Readiness for Successful Career Inspiration

What have you done for you lately? Does your attitude, outlook, and standard readiness reflect someone ready for the changes you aspire?

Get ready for success,this article discusses some hot topics that will help you to create your most creative you. Self help articles abound, self help action is what creates results.

1. When opportunity comes knocking, can it find you?

In business, ITIL calls this activity, Configuration Management– essentially it works on the value of standardizing people, process and accountability so when opportunity Comes Knocking, it can find you.

Preparedness for opportunity means that all the attributes and tools representing you are prepared and on ready to bring the opportunities you desire. It is clear that you are ready to receive that information by whatever means it presents itself.

How to extend Configuration Management for your Personal Image?
a. Create an introduction logic to establish,control,maintain image.
b. Reference and reuse those things that point to that standard identity.
c. Create your system to maintain relationships! People matter, strategize staying in touch.

Here we will delve into the “logic” of introduction, sharing some of the tools others recommend to accomplete these 3 aims of managing your personal image so that success can find you when it comes calling, by whatever means.

Introduction Utilities: (Who am I, How do I want to be reached?)
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Social Utilities such as Facebook, Plaxo LinkedIn, Yahoo 360, and Ryze all allow you to create profiles that can be used to introduce you to the world. In observing other people I admire who represent themselves with flair and ease, they use these tools to represent their brand very well.

Or sometimes people will create a personal introduction page on their personal website that simply includes who they are, what they offer, and the type of opportunity they wish to attract. Pick what works best for you and cross reference it consistently in your email signature files, your blogs, etc.

I admired one of the ladies from my LinkedIn Power Women’s forum who introduced this notion by example to me. She had created a LinkedIn Signature for her profile and made sure her profile had good examples of who she was and what she offered, to attract referrals that were complementary to her offering.

Heres how to do it in LinkedIn:
1. Create a easy to remember URL of your Portfolio. (mine is http://linkedin.com/in/dmular)

2. Then Promote your profile to this URL in your signature files, blogs, Yahoo Mail, and stationary.
(For Example:
View Dawn Mular’s profile

Referencing this information over and over, is easy to consider in your Social Network Profiles, Emails, Blogs, and websites.

I liked LinkedIn because it lets me meet lots of new business associates. I like FaceBook for it’s personal “face” potential. Here is how I used my facebook badge, and I think it makes a nice signature file to “introduce you to others”. LinkedIn is very portable to any service, and as portable as a URL, email or physical address, it can be used everywhere.

Facebook is very portable and it’s signature utility can be used anywhere as well, use attracts others who also use it.. However I appreciate Facebook most for it’s ability to extend a personal face to my blogs, websites, and signatures.

I like Ryze’s introduction page for a more personal introduction of yourself, your interests, and your connections. Ryze’s portal is really only practical to others who use it. However I have made some amazing connections on Ryze, and attracted some knowledge that entirely changed my business model for the Helping Friends Career Network. So practical was this advise that I changed my free account to a monthly subscription and now host a Helping Friends Winning Career Strategies group.

Creating a system and keeping it current is a Challenge. Some use ACT, Palm Pilot, and other systems to do this. Whether manual or through a CRM system, we know relationships matter, and aspire to keep an open channel to ideas of interest.

Change is fast, dybnamic, and keeping it all together is a challenge.

Plaxo is great as a “change control” vehicle for automatically keeping your valued contacts in sync. So far I have not upgraded beyond the free service, but I see during my trials of technology that I really like Plaxo’s functionality.

More compelling now that I have my Palm Treo Phone, because Plaxo seems to be working on a new Plaxo Mobile Address book. Plaxo is a great aid to getting and keeping in touch– accessing calendar and contacts from a handy web based utility. It’s email functionity lets you click a button to add any new contacts to your Plaxo book. When you change addresses, add a phone, add an email or change something, Plaxo automatically communicates.

Plaxo automatically tracks HOW up to date your address book is, and prompts you when manual updates are needed. Best of all, Plaxo lets you create a Business and Personal contact cards.

Got other tools you have found useful in attracting and then maintaining your online presence, so people know who you are, what you offer, and why they have been waiting to contact or initiate a business relationship? Keeping the PDAs, Address Books, home, work, and personal systems in sync can be a challenge, but it is one of the best ways to present your readiness for new and successful career inspiration!

Career Search: Invigorate your Ideal Career. Starting now!

I finally got the phone I have wanted for years! After making the first phone call, it stopped working. I read the manual, no answer. I could not call tech support on that handy speed dial, because the phone would not stay powered on. I waited for 20 minutes at the store of purchase, thinking of all the potential scenarios… I did not consider that phones, much like life, much like other experiences, respond to fairly simple solutions.

On a PC, when my computer gets hung and will not respond to any more system commands, CONTROL> ALT> DELETE twice and the computer restarts, this often results in the problem being solved.

Technology has advanced. My Palm Treo Phone is my beloved palm pilot, my phone book, and cell phone all in one system.. MUCH more advanced, now all I needed to do was learn how to use the technology that worked the first time. The Solution? My phone issue was solved in less than 2 minutes by a set of simple rules. Take out the battery, reinstall, and power back on.. Problem Solved.

What does this have to do with an invigorate career search? Everything! You know the technology, you know the tools, you know the process.. For as much as technology has advanced, the rules for an ideal career search are still very very simple.

TIPS that Allow your ideal career to take root.
Get in the practice of attracting results that expand your definition of success.
Act in the belief that this career is a work in process and your ideal job is waiting for you.

Many people do not know what they want because they do not know what is available. Or they define what SHOULD be available based upon the worst case scenario, resulting in the system failure.. Soon, although you keep giving your system clear action, instructions and directions for finding a job, you have contracted a virus that is attaching to each positive intent and creating a limitation.

Equal to Control>Alt> Delete or soft reboot is this powerful set of instructions to get rid of the limitations and start acting on your ideal career. STOP, clear your mind, and reset a positive intention on your value, ideal career, desire, and attributes. Beginning without this vision, how will you choose between a settle for compromise and your career satisfaction.

FACTS TO COUNTERACT A NEGATIVE DIET OF LIMITATIONS:

1. You have probably a greater history of accomplishment than unemployment. Sell your strengths– to do that effectively , you must know them and be prepared to present them. Believe that the right solution exists. Enlist help in reminding you of how to allow positive opportunities to overwhelm your perceived limitations.

2. Even in the worst economy, where many have lost jobs, people are always finding jobs that put their skills and talents to use. Why? Because people who are decision makers towards responding to deliver their personal best regardless of circumstance, will find success regardless of statistics. Besides you do not need any of the thousands of jobs that were outsourced, you only need one job that needs you! Believe that thousands are allowing and experiencing new ideal career offers every day. Enlist help in reminding you of how to make a believable case for what is available to those willing to allow the ideal career to present itself.

Belief is a powerful reality creator — if you believe the market is difficult, your skills are waning, you are too old, too young, too whatever, you are absolutely correct. However opportunities ALWAYS exist for those who know their talents, know the market, and are in the process of making their personal historic success.

Allowing Success to Manifest Case Studies:
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Fearless Women of Influence (Arianna Huffington).
Too Young/ Too Limited? Youngest Executive at company then 7 years and 3 “C” Level Executive Jobs…
Too Old or Under Educated?? MFA Possible Dreams Creates Career for Carol Eacret Simmons

RESOURCES:
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Feel Free to Prosper November 20 Teleconference— Register now.

Zig Ziglar: Secrets of Closing the Sale

LinkedIn HFCN

Yes, You CAN. Will you?

Yes, You CAN find a solution. You are never given a dream without the equal capability of making it happen.. The question is not can you, the question is WILL you allow the good that you desire, to find you.

In a career search, the best source for opportunity is staying in touch with those who are doing what you aspire to do, sharpening your skills for your next big win, and creating the foundation for your dreams to come true.

So what is it that you dream? What is it that you want?

Now here is where things get interesting, ask yourself this and observe your answers. Are you living in congruence to your dreams? When opportunity comes knocking, is the path to your front door clear, clean and inviting, or does it make one say, “gee” I think I must have the wrong address?

So what can we do to clear our entry for freedom, opportunity, clarity and prosperity? Identify what you want * Get clear on what you want * What are you including or excluding to help you on the path?

TIPS:
1. Words have the power to create powerful realities that support and evidence your beliefs or your dreams. Know what you are feeding yourself, make sure its nourishing not obscuring your path.

2. Exercise your “prosperity” allowance power to create and allow the circumstances you desire to happen. To exercise that you must be able to ask and trust that it is a matter of time before you are celebrating it.. Find gratitude in this day, that which you focus on, multiplies be it positive or negative.

3. Don’t, Cant, Haven’t are words that can help keep you locked in a situation that you do not desire.

4. The past does not dictate the future, it only gives experience– experience that makes the present more interesting, more possible, and more hopeful– if thinking and allowing makes it so.

Here are some Positive and Negative Values.. Think about your choice in the matter, and examples of each.. Whether you think something is good or bad, it is in the thinking of our minds, and judgement, our finger in the wind that creates a belief.. Yes you can make a more refreshing alternative.. Will you?

Positive and Negative Feelings..

Positive Negative
Opportunity Limitations
Joy Sorrow
Can Can Not
Benefit Limitation
Journey Roadblock
Mentoring Confrontation
Loving Angry
Independent Victim
In Control Fear
Optimism Pessimism
Security Threatened

Positive and Negative Verbs and Actions

Positive Negative
Can Can Not (Can’t)
Will Will Not (Won’t)
Consideration Restriction
Abundance Loss
Pro-humanity Anti- anything..

Those looking for jobs, promotions or change, might approach this pragmatically. Put together a resume, networked, put resumes out on all the key job boards, found a few more.. Suddenly they look up and all their activity on the job search has been placed upon activities not supporting your goal.

Yes You CAN find a job that pays more than what you are making now… but will you? What are you willing to do to recognize that dream as a reality?

Yes You CAN find a job in the most oppressive economy.. Why? Because when the news suggests the jobs market is tight, it has caused many to falsely believe this true for all jobs. Fact is you don’t need a hundred thousand jobs, you only need one, and chances are they need you too. How much time will you willfully waste on worry that does not support you or your dreams?

Feel Free to Prosper Workshop gives you immediate tools to start changing your results. Register Now to Receive Lesson One Immediately!

Monday November 20, 2006

6 pm Pacific Time

Jobs Tips:

1. GETTING THE JOB: Makeover your resume and social networking profile to articulate in positive terms, your value. Ask for referrals to help provide input, interviews, or career possibilities.

2. GETTING THE INTERVIEW: STAR interviewers are this falls fashion must!

3. KEEPING THE INSPIRATION: Set aside some time each day to clarify YOUR messaging and define what success is.

Dawn
http://linkedin.com/in/dmular

Feel Free To Prosper Course and Teleconference Discount for HFCN

The Feel Free to Prosper course work is available to HFCN members with a live teleconference for early birds who act prior to 11/13.

Details on the coupon are available here: http://www.merchantcircle.com/coupon/Helping.Friends.LLC.330-666-7975/display/5275

Alternatively details are available at http://feelfreetoprosper.com/hfcn.html

This course work is structured to be immediately applicable…

A story about my results while finishing the powerful lesson one were profound for our home, my work, and the Helping Friends Career Network.

STAR Interviewers are In this season!

Fashion Update News: STAR Interviewers are “IN” this season. Here are some fashion do’s and don’ts to being a STAR.

ACTION STEPS TO BECOMING AN HFCN STAR:
* Register as a NEW CANDIDATE in HFCN Applicant Tracking System.
* Follow the HFCN Networking Tips to set up your profile and join other networks of interest.
* Join the HFCN LinkedIn Network to get tips and access to network and recruiting masters.
* Ask about about our ‘eCandidates‘ program– a premium career service where the only cost of admission presently is to help us to help others. Those providing job leads, and sharing resources are earning a competitive advantage, and eCandidates is our resource offering to help them use their strengths to find the right jobs, faster.

DO:
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1. Prepare and rehearse your ‘lines’ prior to an interview.

2. Show up on time, with an interviewers accessory kit- several resumes, career portfolio, and calendar.

3. Show interest and ask questions, take notes, and set a next steps strategy.

4. Send a Thank You note after the interview as a means to remarket and emphasize your strengths. OR if this is not the right job for you, thanking them for their time and indicating your decision.

DON’T:
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1. Send communications in template form “To Whom it May Concern” or “Dear Recruiter/Hiring Managers”, if you are interested in a job at a company, identify a person that may help you to carry that message.

2. Be unrealistic. Do not Agree to an interview you know is not a fit, or exaggerate your skillset to create a fit. Your career team is a partnership, keeping one another informed and open to ideas is the best way to reach success .

3. No Call- No Show for an agreement.

4. Let your resume’s and social network profiles languish. Always be looking for ways to paint the picture of your skills meeting their present needs! Result oriented resumes stand out. Follow the hiring trends (eNews is regularly sharing who is hiring in what areas, or any jobs board per the HFCN Getting the Job Links Library). What are they looking for that I can make it easier for them to find?

HOW TO BE A STAR INTERVIEWER:
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“Tell me about a time when…” requires some preparation, that done well, will create a memorable STAR Interview. Compare the Job Requirements to your experience, perhaps to your resume, add samples to a career portfolio that help illustrate your key accomplishments and rehearse some examples that position you as the person they want to hire.

In your career history, highlight from the job requirements your experience, and then think through examples of the following to speak to:

S – Situation (Examples of a situation similar to their needs)
T – Task (Summarize high level tasks that comprised the project)
A – Action (Expresss the key milestones and actions towards completion)
R – Result (Review of lessons learned and positive results)

For More Career Resources:
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60 Second Guide to Making a Good Impression
HFCN Career Transformation/iCoach Network and Links Library
LinkedIn Fearless Executive Women’s Strategies (ladies only please).
Telecommuter Professional Resources Network

Dawn
http://linkedin.com/in/dmular

Other Resources:
Success Is …

Is your career path a source of inspiration, or worry? What would it take to create unprecedented possibilities?

You can achieve any career results with a willingness and persistent action to recognize success! Some get so bogged down in the day to day business, that they forget the visualization planning and action necessary.

What would it take to achieve your ideal?
What steps can you take every day to inch you towards that result?

You can create remarkable momentum exploring what succcess looks like and what steps are required to get there, and every day taking a few small steps towards that dream. Simple tips to help you get there?

* Dont go it alone, find a mentor, enlist the help of friends, etc to help you break down the dream.

* Network network network, become genuinely interested in others stories , and you will find answers to some of the challenges or secret fears– the issue is not becoming fearless, it is in “feeling the fear, and doing it anyway”.

* If I already had this success, what would I be doing, feeling and being differently?

* Refine the clarity with which you ask and prepare to receive your ultimate dream.

Other Resources

Read Feel the Fear and DO it Anyway by Dr Susan Jeffers
Yahoo Groups for Helping Friends
Feel Free to Prosper Teleconference Monday, November 20 for limited participants

Dawn
http://linkedin.com/in/dmular