20 Tips for Building Your Brand on Twitter

Since I started using Twitter last year, I've learned a few things (ok, a lot of things). I am grateful for the positive example set by so many professionals I've met through Twitter.Whether you are promoting your business or your credentials as a job seeker, here are 20 Tips for Building Your Brand on Twitter:1. Don't Sell A ThingThis one is important. Using Twitter is about paying it forward not paying it backward to yourself. Don't get me wrong. I applaud every busines owner out that offers products and services of value, and makes a living doing so. You deserve to make money. You

Are You Shovel Ready? A Simple Resolution for 2010

Winter made quite an introduction in Virginia last week. Officially, it was still the Fall season when 16 inches of snow hit most of the Commonwealth. For perspective, that's more than the average amount of snow we receive annually in this part of the country.So there I was driving home Friday night from work in the heavy snowfall. I almost made it home. Made it within one mile to be exact. I lost control of my car and slid into a snow drift. I tried hopelessly to back out (my front wheel drive Pontiac does dig itself deeper into the snow quite successfully, I should add).Thankfully,

5 Reasons Twitter Auto DM Hurts Your Brand

We all receive Auto Direct Messages (DMs) on Twitter. Does anyone out there think these are a good idea?I became so frustrated with Auto Direct Messages (DMs) on Twitter, I turned off the email notification and limited my DM scan to twice a month. The one downside to this is that any legitimate DMs to me gets lost in the spam. At the same time, I commend professionals who recognize my LinkedIn profile on my Twitter page and send me direct messages through LinkedIn or through my website (also listed on my Twitter page).When I googled Twitter Auto DM, I discovered one How To article. The

101 Ways To Find A Job

Have you been laid off, or are you looking for a better job? No matter what the reason for your job search there are plenty of traditional - and not so traditional ways to find a new job. Read on for 101 of the hottest job tips in town.This valuable list is reprinted with permission from the good folks at FindAJobAlready.com. Proofread your resume: Have some trusted friends read over your resume, and give you some feedback on your spelling and grammar, and even the content. Someone else may pick up some mistakes you missed—and an error on your resume can prevent you from getting

7 Tips for Sharing Articles on Twitter

Here are 7 common techniques to help you make an eye-catching tweet for your next blog post or to share a helpful article with others.These techniques are drawn from positive examples set by top social media and personal branding resources such as Mashable and Dan Schawbel. I also considered which article tweets from other career professionals I tend to notice first. And for that matter, when do my tweets most often get re-tweeted?For a more scientific study on re-tweets, I recommend this article by Dan Zarrella.I hope these techniques help spread the word about your articles! 1. It's All

8 Ways to Tweet "Thank You"

When it comes to public expressions of social media gratitude, Twitter is in its own league. It has effectively created the perfect storm for reciprocity where a mutual exchange of favors is not only commonplace, it is required for engagement. You follow me, I follow you. You re-tweet me, I look for a way to thank you.While a simple thank you tweet sends the right message, it says even more if you go above and beyond for someone. Twitter makes it easy.Since professionals who consistently show appreciation for others are very successful (and happy) with life, I recommend the following

Hire the Person on the Most Twitter Lists?

Arguably, the greatest benefit derived from the new Twitter List feature is that it serves to validate contributors on Twitter (and in turn, filter out spammers).Anyone who uses Twitter is unfortunately inundated with Twitter Followers who we suspect are nothing more than MLM (Multi Level Marketing) Teeth Whitening Donald Trump Networkers. And that's not counting the disgusting amount of smut. Spam filters have effectively cleaned up our email inboxes, but a new home has been found for these TwitStars. Perhaps another reason 60% of Twitter users quit after one month?The Direct Message

Enjoy Every Moment of Life

I have been out of work before and I have felt the stress of unemployment. From experience though, I have discovered the most wonderful opportunities because I slowed down. I focused on the relationships I already had and set up meetings with people on their schedule (not mine). I listened carefully and I asked for their advice.Now as an entrepreneur, I am making old mistakes. I hope these next two stories have a positive impact on your day.The other week, I noticed Ruby sitting by herself in the cafeteria. Ruby is the dear old cafeteria cashier who always greets me with the warmest smile.

You've Got One Minute

Your elevator pitch can change your life.You know the cliche: How many times do you get to make a first impression? Well, just one.When seeking employment, your elevator pitch really comes in handy at two key moments:1. When you are networking with a new person...Hi, my name is...2. When you are responding to the predictable interview lead question...So tell me a little bit about yourself.If the person opposite you (with one hand on a beverage and the other hand holdinga plate full of cheese and crackers) seems interested, you then get 30 - 60 seconds more to make your pitch.For professionals participating in the upcoming

Get Hired! Virginia FAQ's

The purpose of this blog post is to provide questions and answers for all participants at the Get Hired! Virginia Event on Tuesday, October 27, 2009.For the story behind the event, please reference this recent article.This important information will be updated regularly so we encourage participants to stay connected. Thanks!Here are the latest event FAQs: Q: What is the purpose of the Get Hired! Virginia - Career Speed Networking Experience?A: To drive out local unemployment and grow the regional economy. And to raise money for a great charity. Q: Is this a job fair?A: No! (and that's a good thing). This event is intentionally

A New Way to Network

We all recognize that to be successful in our careers, we need to network with other professionals at every opportunity.This rule applies not only to job seekers, but also to active professionals and entrepreneurs.Our most valuable relationships are not managed via email, LinkedIn, or Twitter. They are managed in person. And yet, our typical events for networking (career fairs, conferences, and work the room receptions) are well, not a lot of fun. Why? Because this form of networking is stressful and ineffective for a lot of professionals (myself included). How many professionals do we honestly meet at one of these events?

How to Use Twitter to Connect LinkedIn Group Members

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 70 percent of all jobs are found through networking. Dan Schawbel in an article on Mashable noted it is as high as 80 percent.So with LinkedIn membership increasing by one professional every second, how do you expand your network beyond the professionals with whom you have a direct relationship?One opportunity may be to build a network bridge between LinkedIn and Twitter, and capitalize on a key benefit of each. LinkedIn promotes group memberships (e.g. by profession, college alumni, shared interest, or location) but outside of your immediate contacts, you are unlikely to go