It’s still happening, I am sitting in front of a prospect or even a current client and I hear that statement: “I don’t have time for social media.”
I have struggled with the answer to that question for some time. I have struggled with whether or not I should even have that conversation. To better arm myself, I spent some time researching – talking to the experts; searching online and reading a great deal on the topic on Twitter and other locations in the hopes of finding something – something enlightening – some revelation that will speak to those nay-sayers and move them to understanding.
The following list is not by any stretch exhaustive – but it does contain those nuggets that I have found most useful:
If you still think Twitter is a social media tool mainly used to discuss the details of your latest meal, think again. The Global Language Monitor selected Twitter as “Word of the Year,” above Obama and H1N1, to name a few. It has evolved into a sophisticated resource to network, manage your career, and find a new job using 140 characters or less. Before you sign up, here are a few pointers to guide you along.
Some do’s:
Browse Twitter and read several streams to get a feel for what the community is like. Then decide what you want to accomplish – networking, job seeking, research, fun?
Choose a professional screen name, whether it’s your first and last name, or one that captures your brand (like me for example: @Resume_Writer).
Shoot for a 70%-30% business-personal tweet ratio, particularly when you are new. Remember, potential managers and customers will be reading your stream, so "think before you tweet.”
Engage in interesting conversations, and offer advice to promote your expertise.
Tweet with regularity and make sure your comments demonstrate your skills and interests. Try to set aside 15 minutes per day to establish a consistent presence.
Read more...
With all the focus on layoffs and unemployment rates, it is sometimes hard to remember that the majority of Americans are still employed. Implement the advice below to give yourself the best shot at keeping your job, and not being on the top of your manager’s downsizing list if your company restructures.
Should You Always Participate in Conversations About You?
Recently I was perusing my LinkedIn Groups for interesting conversations – I cheat, I automatically click on “most comments” letting other’s level of interest influence which ones I’ll actually read.
I came across one that asked a simple question about which Social Media Aggregator(s) might be the best. The first comment back to this individual was one sentence, "Personally I like Hootsuite as it encompasses several of the big social sites.” No analysis, no extensive list of features and benefits, no concrete evidence – just a personal opinion.
That set the tone.
Many comments followed, 91 to be exact, with additional information on other aggregators but a resounding, overall love-fest for the free professional Twitter client from Invoke Media Inc. of Vancouver, British Columbia.
Do you know which fork to use during a formal sit-down dinner? Do you know how to properly compose emails?
If you answered "no" to these questions, then you need to brush up on your business etiquette. The first impression is everything when you meet people. As technology takes over the business climate, professional etiquette has become sloppy and almost a thing of the past. Stop bad manners in their tracks by following these top 4 professional etiquette rules.
Over the years, I’ve noticed the subject of ‘strategy’ appears to raise more questions than answers with accounts. It’s not the ‘need’ for strategy; everyone agrees a sound strategy is invaluable and key to a company’s success.
The question becomes, “Why do some companies and businesses seem to develop, follow and execute an effective business strategy while other seemingly similar companies fail?”
While strategy itself can be defined in many ways, poor execution tends to revolve around three areas: Lack of leadership commitment; Poor internal communication; Absence of an organizational monitoring process.
It’s still happening, I am sitting in front of a prospect or even a current client and I hear that statement: “I don’t have time for social media.” 
If you still think Twitter is a social media tool mainly used to discuss the details of your latest meal, think again. The Global Language Monitor selected Twitter as “Word of the Year,” above Obama and H1N1, to name a few. It has evolved into a sophisticated resource to network, manage your career, and find a new job using 140 characters or less. Before you sign up, here are a few pointers to guide you along.
Should You Always Participate in Conversations About You?
By: 
Over the years, I’ve noticed the subject of ‘strategy’ appears to raise more questions than answers with accounts. It’s not the ‘need’ for strategy; everyone agrees a sound strategy is invaluable and key to a company’s success.