Resume Partnerships: All-Day Coverage

I'm working on a new special report (tentatively titled: "Developing Subcontracting and Referral Relationships") and was reminded of a cool concept I first heard about a few years ago:

A few years ago, I was at a resume writing conference with a pair of resume writers who lived on opposite ends of the U.S. They operated a joint website and shared projects so they could answer the phones from 7 a.m. Eastern time to 7 p.m. Pacific time (which was really 10 p.m. Eastern). The one on the East Coast worked from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Eastern time and the one on the West Coast worked from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Pacific.


These two writers would have been competitors if they lived in the same town, but by working together, they served more clients and offered more responsive service than a solopreneur could.


I think that's a neat idea.

What's even cooler would be using a service like Grasshopper with it -- so you could seamlessly transfer calls to whichever resume writer was on duty. (Grasshopper was recommended to me by a client and I signed up as an affiliate because I think it's a great way for resume writers to manage incoming calls and information.)

Best of Today: 9/24/10

Doug McIsaac Blog Post on “Finding Your Writing Voice”

Includes a link to Paul Meyer’s article “How to Communicate Authentically in Print or How to Find Your Voice” – worth a read!

On Twitter? Follow the NRWA Conference

Catch the sessions from today’s International Freelancers Day

– free training!

Interesting: “Don’t Fold Your Resume” site by Southworth 

Quote of the Day:

Via Doug McIsaac: “No matter how fast we click from place to place, it will never replace face to face.” –– Joel Bauer

Best of Today: 9/22/10

Sorry. I took yesterday off from blogging. It was my birthday.

Jim’s Marketing Blog, Via Julie Walraven – “5 Ways to Get More From What You Already Have”

  --  Read the comments for even more great ideas

@DawnBugni is quoted in this USA Today article. “Job Seekers Find Success With Social Media”

Personal Branding 101 Blog “The Lady Gaga Rule of Social Networking”

Jessica Holbrook Hernandez on the Career Rocketeer Blog: “Are You Making a Tough Job Market Worse?”

– Quantity does NOT equal quality.

From Tim’s Strategy: “5 Career Networking Types: Which Are You?”

- Tim is quickly becoming one of my favorite career bloggers.

Quote of the Day

Via @InterviewAngel: “The trouble with not having a goal is that you can spend your life running up and down the field and never scoring.” – Bill Copeland

An Argument in Favor of Client Interviews (over Questionnaires)

Industry giant Wendy Enelow wrote a fabulous article in the Summer 2009 issue of Resume Writers' Digest in response to the 2008 Resume Writers' Digest Industry Survey. She was particularly disappointed that the survey found that questionnaires are increasing in popularity as a way to collect information from resume clients.

This was her response to this subject:

For those of you who know me or have read some of my other articles, you know that I am a staunch supporter of doing client interviews to collect the information you need. Although questionnaires can give you some basic factual data, they can never replace the one-on-one interview (done in person, on the phone, or via e-mail).

The interactivity of the interview is what makes it so special and so valuable. A client's answer to question #1 impacts what I ask as question #2, his answer to question #2 impacts how I formulate question #3, and so the process goes on. I learn so much more about my clients through interviews -- things that I remember that are reflected in the tone, style, and presentation of the client's resume.

Clients always ask me, "How did you know that?" My answer is straightforward...I listen hard and I listen well (and I write it all down)!

In turn, I believe that the quality and richness of each resume I write is stronger and more powerful than if I had worked from a questionnaire only. Note that a combination of questionnaire plus interview is great, if that works best for you.

Wendy goes on to say that prospective clients find the interview method to be easier than filling out a lengthy questionnaire, and the easier it is for them to work with you, the more likely they will become clients.

Best of Today: 9/20/10

“Facebook Job-Hunting App BranchOut Raises $6 Million from Accel and Super Angels”

Thanks to Mike Ramer for bringing this web resource to my attention – Ragan Communications publishes a daily newsletter for HR executives/managers – find the top headlines on HR Communicator

From the Resume Chicks Blog (written by Rosa Elizabeth Vargas): Dancing Before Writing Leads to Masterful Resumes

Resume Bear Blog Post: 20 Best Pieces of Advice from 20 Top Executives (from 2/1/09):   

--   I’m a sucker for good business advice

Build a Better Blog – Denise Wakeman: “Contests and Causes Drive Blog Traffic”

The EEOC on Video Resumes (compliance):

-       Found after seeing this article circulating on Facebook: “Create a Visual Slideshow Resume to Avoid the Slush Pile”

Helping Clients Research Prospective Employers

Considering that ReferenceUSA.com has its roots in my hometown, Omaha (Nebraska), I'm stunned that it took a link to a YouTube video on Hannah Morgan's CareerSherpa Twitter newspaper page to remind me that this service (often available through your local library for free) is a great way for clients to identify prospective employers.

This video explains how the selection process works:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EW6NmgZIB90&feature=player_embedded

Many libraries limit the number of records that can be downloaded each day (my local library limits it to 25 per day), but that's plenty for a job seeker to work on a day (if not a week!)

Give your clients a heads-up about this ...

Marketing Your Services in a Down Market: Specialization and Pricing

From the July/August 2008 issue of Resume Writers' Digest:

Last in a series of posts on Marketing Your Resume Writing Services in a Down Market.

One way to ensure your relevance in a downturn is to be a specialist. For example, the federal government is always hiring -- but these jobs require a federal resume. Now is the time to acquire the skills and certification required to serve these clients effectively. Identifying under-served niches and obtaining specialized training or experience will serve you well in a difficult economic market.

It will also enable you to protect your prices at a time when you may need to reduce your regular rates to attract "general" clients. Being a specialist in any area will allow you to continue to charge "premium" prices to clients in that industry.

And don't forget to target your base of existing clients during a downturn. Repeat clients are already "sold" on the value of the services you offer, and can offer a steady stream of income while you work to develop new clients.

Remember: No matter what technique you decide to use, don't wait until you need the business to start marketing. Even if things are going well, it can change in an instant.

As marketing expert Robert Middleton notes, "Many self-employed people think that the success of their business is completely dependent upon outside circumstances -- industry trends, the time of year, or the economy as a whole. But be honest with yourself and ask if you are doing the above activities on a regular basis or not. If you're not, it's no mystery why the phone isn't ringing off the hook!"

Want the whole article? Buy the issue here.

Best of Today: 9/17/10

John O’Connor Career Pro Talk Blog: Why Companies Should Hire “Older” Workers

From the Careerealism Blog – a post by Rosa Vargas: “The Resume as Part of Your Social Media Campaign”

Jessica Holbrook Hernandez on the Great Resumes Fast blog: “Using LinkedIn to Follow Potential Employers”

-- This post isn’t from today (it’s from July 21), but it has some good advice for your clients, so it’s worth including in the Best of Today.

Tim’s Strategy blog post: “11 Ways to Personalize a LinkedIn Invite”

– Speaking of LinkedIn … and here’s a great way to write a blog post (or an actual article) – put out the word to your colleagues about a common question or concern, and aggregate the responses!

Barb Poole’s Hire Imaging Blog Post: “Resume Readiness: The Whys and Hows for Updating”

– I love reading blog posts from resume writers reminding job seekers about International Update Your Resume Month

Guest Blog Post: E-mail Newsletters: Still Relevant?

As social media and blogging have grown more and more popular, there’s been some talk about the demise of the “lowly” email newsletter, or e-zine. Once a staple of business owners using the Internet to market and promote their businesses, it seems that lately the thinking is that they’re not so important anymore. Or, even worse, not as effective.

If you’re not familiar, an e-zine can be as simple as a plain text email with a couple of helpful tips for your readers—to a HTML version with pictures, an article, listings of your upcoming events and more.While it’s true that there is more “stuff” clamoring for our attention in our inboxes than ever before—and blogs and social media seem to be the more of-the-moment methods to reach out to potential customers—I still believe that an e-zine is a key marketing tool. In fact, it’s the perfect vehicle for continuing the relationship you’ve begun with people on social media sites or your blog.

Here are a few reasons why:

1) Keeps you top of mind

As much as we would like to think that our prospects or our audience are always thinking of us (wouldn’t THAT be nice?), it’s unfortunately not the case. Just as a company wouldn’t run a TV commercial just once, repetition is necessary to remind people of you, your offerings and your expertise.

2) Intimacy

No, not that kind. An e-zine gives you a great opportunity to create a feeling of “intimacy” between yourself and your readers by sharing a bit about what is going on with you outside of your business. (Think about what you’ve been up to lately—got anything to share about your recent vacation, your pets, a great book you’ve just finished?) Often people do this in a section at the beginning of their e-zine under a heading such as “A Note From” or something similar. This helps strengthen the relationship with your subscribers by giving them a glimpse into who you are.

3) Expert status

The more consistently you share information, tips and articles on the subject or niche you are most knowledgeable in, the more credibility you gain in the eyes of your readers. Perceived expertise leads to trust which leads to sales.

A few other tips for your e-zine:

Frequency: How often you send it depends on how often you can commit to doing so, (how’s that for an answer ? ) but I recommend at a minimum twice a month and ideally, once a week. Remember, you want to stay top of mind above all else.

Subject line: Another important part of your e-zine is your subject line. Obviously you want as many people to open your e-zine as possible, so have some fun with this. Think of what would stir up curiosity in your reader—and don’t be afraid to be a little provocative or a teensy bit controversial once in a while.

When to send: A common question is “what day is best to send it out?” There is no set answer to this, except to say that I have heard several different opinions on the matter. Tuesday through Thursday is often said to be the best time—however, I know others who send theirs out on Sunday and have a very good open rate as well. You may want to play around and test a couple of different days and see what your results are. No matter what day you choose, know that an open rate of 25% and above is considered good. Your email marketing service will be able to supply those stats.

If you’ve been hesitant about putting together your e-zine because you think you don’t have enough content or you don’t have a fancy-looking template, remember, simple is fine. Start with one tip. The sooner you make the commitment to communicate with your list on a regular basis, the sooner you can reap the benefits of that strengthened relationship.

No more excuses, ok?

Christine Gallagher, The Online Marketing and Social Media Success Coach, is founder of Communicate Value, where she is dedicated to teaching small business owners and professionals how to conquer the overwhelming aspects of online and social media marketing to increase business and maximize profits. To get your free 5-Part E-Course and receive her weekly marketing & success articles on leveraging technology, building relationships and boosting your profits, visit http://communicatevalue.com.

Marketing in a Down Market: Small-Space Advertising

From the July/August 2008 issue of Resume Writers' Digest:

Fifth in a series of posts on Marketing Your Resume Writing Services in a Down Market.

The Yellow Pages are still a vital source of business for many resume writers, even as more ad budget are being spent online. If your business targets a local clientele, if you are a generalist, and if you work with a wide variety of candidates (from entry-level to executives), the Yellow Pages can be a valuable source of new business.

But while it can be important to have a presence in the Yellow Pages, few resume writers are buying the large ads they once did. Instead, they maximize their space by using the Yellow Pages to drive prospects to their websites.

Remember, however, that not all prospects will have computer access, so you can't omit essential details by driving them solely to your website. Others will want to make a decision based on the ads they see, and not use the Yellow Pages as a stepping-stone to looking online.

Don't forget a strong headline, a benefit ("interviews guaranteed"), your credentials, and a call to action (including a phone number as well as a website address).

As resume writer Jackie Connelly, CDF, advised in a May/June 2001 article, "Know your market!" In Long Island, NY, where she operates Prestige Resume Services, most of her potential clients are blue-collar workers. So keep the size of your ad in mind. "When they see a large ad," she notes, "they feel the service will be more expensive for them."

Your print advertising opportunities aren't limited to the Yellow Pages, however. You can use small space advertisements in free community newspapers, theatre programs, school newsletters, career-oriented newspapers, daily or weekly news publications, neighborhood association newsletters. church bulletins, city magazines, and university and campus newspapers.

Salome Randall Tripi outlined her approach in the same 2001 article on small space advertising. She advertised in her local church bulletin, reaching 400-500 prospects each week.

"For 52 weeks, we spent $435 and gained $3,925 in new business as a result," she notes.

The key to effective print advertising is tracking your response. If you're not achieving at least a 3:1 return on your investment, you'd be wise to use your ad dollars elsewhere.

Addendum to article: If you do work with a local client base, one great thing you can do is register your business on Google Places. Not only will it help your organic search results, but you can measure your traffic and offer time-limited coupons and special offers.

Last part of the series: Specialization and Pricing

Want the whole article? Buy the issue here.

Best of Today: 9/16/10

Julie Walraven Blog Post: "Where Did I Put That Resume?"

From Keppie Careers: Target Your Pitch:

http://www.keppiecareers.com/2010/09/16/target-your-pitch/

(via Dawn Bugni and Jacqui Barrett-Poindexter)

“Constant Contact to Help E-mail Marketers Track Social Behaviors”

I think this will be part of all e-newsletter services in the near future

Why You Have a Facebook Page But No Friends

QUOTE OF THE DAY:

@GayleHoward: #Jobseekers. The first step in any job search is having a clear goal. If you can’t describe what you’re looking for, then you’re not ready.

I’d argue any resume writer who doesn’t have a clear client goal isn’t ready to write either.

Marketing in a Down Market: Expand Your Network

From the July/August 2008 issue of Resume Writers' Digest:

Fourth in a series on Marketing Your Resume Writing Services in a Down Market

Resume writers tell their clients to network, but don't always follow their own advice. Yet there are more opportunities for business-to-business networking than ever before.

Traditional methods include professional associations (especially if you specialize in a niche, making contacts with these associations as well as contacts in academic programs turning out new graduates, is vital), plus business leads groups, alumni groups, and Chambers of Commerce.

Your return on your investment here will depend on the time you are willing to commit. Participating in organizational activities, writing for their publication and website, and volunteering to chair committees (membership recruitment and event planning are two in particular), can pay dividends.

Another growing area is using online social networking sites to cultivate referrals and build your credibility. Having a profile on LinkedIn or Facebook is quickly becoming essential. If you currently don't have a profile, create one!

Next up: Small-Space Advertising.

Best of Today: 9/15/10

Via Quintessential Resumes & Cover Letters Tips Blog: Surprisingly Few Surveyed Employers Use Keyword-Searchable Resume Databases

"PR in Your Pajamas: How to Write a 3-Paragraph Media Pitch"

Are You Prepared for Blogging’s Dark Side?

- For resume writers that are building their brand online -- you might not think you're a minor local celebrity (or minor global celebrity), but you should be prepared!

"You Already Know Everyone You Need to Know"

-       Great interview with Bob Beaudine (I just read his book, and it’s fabulous!)

My List Building Bank Tip is Online!

A few days ago, I mentioned that I had been selected by VerticalResponse as one of their winners in their List Building Bank contest.

I was just notified that my tip is now online! You can read it here.

I highly recommend VerticalResponse for your client newsletters and promotional e-mails. It's what I use for Resume Writers' Digest. Use my affiliate link here and try it for free! (Or click on the ad below.)

100 Free Emails from VerticalResponse

Marketing in a Down Market: Speak and Grow Rich

From the July/August 2008 issue of Resume Writers' Digest

This is the third installment in a series on Marketing Your Resume Writing Services in a Down Market. Here is the second blog post in the series.

"Speak and Grow Rich!" -- That's the title of a popular book by Dottie and Lilly Walters. But it's also a technique advocated by small business marketing expert Robert Middleton in his "Tips for Surviving a Business Slowdown" column in the July/August 2001 issue.

Middleton writes, "There are many, many organizations looking for speakers, but they won't give you a call if they don't know you exist. Put together a package outlining your talk and contact every business organization you can find. Send your materials and follow up."

What groups are a good fit for a resume writer looking for new business? Any professional organization, for one. Other possibilities are job search networking groups, school and church organizations, and even neighborhood associations.

The Walters outline three keys for success in speaking.

1. Target your market(s)
2. Pick topics that will help solve problems in this market(s)
3. Create title(s) for your topics that will grab the attention of your audience and buyers immediately

Remember, though, that the goal of your talk is to generate business for yourself. So don't give away the store! Many resume writers make the mistake of talking about resumes in free talks like these -- when they should be talking about jobs!

If the service you're selling is resume services (as opposed to career coaching or interview coaching), don't focus on how to create a resume as part of your talk. Instead, focus on the outcome of having a great resume -- generating interviews and getting the job! As part of your talk, you'll showcase some examples of great resumes for the target market you're working with, and even provide a few tips along the way.

But instead of talking about "Resumes for Accounting Careers," you could do a talk about "Networking to Your Next Job in Accounting," or "How to Make the Numbers Work: Salary Negotiation Strategies for Accounting Professions." Or even "Interview Tactics for Accountants: Get the Job and Get Paid What You're Worth!"

What materials do you need to market yourself as a speaker? It's pretty simple, actually. You can create a one-page handout that includes the following:

• The title of your presentation
• A brief description of the talk (2-3 sentences) and a list of the key "outcomes" attendees can expect
• A line or two about your key qualifications on this particular subject 9you will also want to create a standard "bio" with your full affiliations, work experience, and credentials, but you don't need to send that along with your initial materials)
• Your contact information
• Your photo (optional)
• Other groups you've spoken to and testimonials, if you have them

Next, you'll want to assemble your list of prospective groups. You can Google "Professional Associations and (Your City)" or find a Directory of Associations at your public library or at Marketing Source (You can purchase a 30-day subscription and get up to 200 records a day -- currently just $6.50 a day.)

Among those listed in my state are: Nebraska Association of Nurse Anesthetists, Nebraska Broadcasters Association, Nebraska Council of School Administrators, Nebraska Society of Independent Accountants, and the Nebraska Nurses Association.

Prepare a brief cover letter outlining your interest in speaking to their group (for free) on the topic you've developed and include your one-page flier.

Next topic: Expand Your Network

Career Management Alliance Seeking Conference Speakers

From Liz Sumner, Executive Director of Career Management Alliance:

Speaker Proposal Deadline is September 24th

I'm accepting proposals for 2011 conference presentations. You can download a copy of the Speaker Guidelines at http://bit.ly/dmR2sc.

But hurry. The deadline to submit your proposal is Friday, September 24th. Email me if you have any questions.

Best of Today: 9/14/10

Here are my "favorite" articles from today --

The Seven Deadly Sins of Social Media

Via CareerPro Resumes: How Recruiters Screen Your Resume (by Perry Newman)

The Facebookification of Twitter

Interesting article from US News & World Report, via @AvidCareerist (retweeting @ErinKennedyCPRW and @JobHuntOrg! “Beware the Interviewer in a Soft Chair”

The Real Power of Networking is in the Second Degree? – via Kristen Jacoway – “How to Find a New Job with LinkedIn”

– Great video explaining the process!

63 Lessons Learned from 2 Years as an Entrepreneur

QUOTE OF THE DAY:

@GayleHoward: Careers are linked to your life stages. Work situations perfect for one period of your life may be completely wrong for the next.

Marketing in a Down Market: Write! Publish! Perish! (Part II)

From the July/August 2008 issue of Resume Writers' Digest:

One of the most effective ways to land new business is to write about what you do. In 2001, the emphasis was on print newsletters. This is still an effective marketing tactic, but today's emphasis is online. Publishing a monthly e-newsletter is one thing, but weekly posts to your blog or contributing articles to websites and e-zines can be equally effective.

Writing articles can be used to keep in touch with clients and referral sources, to showcase your expertise, and even subtly promote your services to current and prospective clients.

In 2008, many people have adopted a "green theme" -- and it's applicable here too. You can also "recycle" what you've written, using the articles in your media kit, as handouts when you deliver workshops, and including them with other information you provide to prospective clients (either in person or online).

The key in writing articles is to inform, not sell. You want to establish a long-term relationship with current and potential clients. Your recipients will appreciate the information, and you'll be building credibility at the same time.

What should you write about?

You can provide career-related tips or strategies; introduce new services; provide professional advice (a "Q-and-A" format is particularly effective); and offer inspirational quotes.

Don't get too ambitious. In an article on client newsletters in the July/August 2001 issue of Resume Writers' Digest. Tracy Bumpus, CPRW, JCTC, of RezAMAZE.com, talked about the content of her monthly opt-in electronic newsletter targeted to high-tech professionals and engineers.

"I usually have one primary job search or career-related article that I write myself," she noted.

Her newsletter also features "Humor Byte" and "Nuggets from the Net," a compilation of relevant information culled from various tech sites.

You can also write for professional association newsletters or provide articles for their websites. Consider trading articles with professionals in other industries, such as accountants, attorneys, real estate agents, and even mental health therapists (especially those that provide career testing and coaching, if you don't).

Whether using a print or electronic format, keep your articles short, simple, informative, and helpful. If you're producing an online newsletter, remember that consistency in publishing is critical.

"Getting my name out there plays a significant role in referral rates, marketing standing, and branding," Bumpus adds. "If I only distributed it every six months, I'd be wasting my time."

Next in the series: "SPEAK AND GROW RICH!"

If you'd like to purchase this issue of the newsletter, the cost is $3. Order here.

Best of Today: 9/13/10

Here's my finds -- from this weekend and today:

Alison Doyle – Job Postings Reach Record Levels

MediaBistro Article: So What Do You Do, Seth Godin, Author and Marketing Guru?

- I didn't know Seth had sworn off traditional publishing. Interesting.

Kathy Hansen – Quintessential Resumes & Cover Letters – “Only About Half of Resumes List Core Competencies” 

Doug McIsaac -- Ways to Get Traffic to Your Website

------------------------------------


BONUS, courtesy of DavidGraziano: Online alarm clock (set it to remind you of appointments & phone consultations!):

QUOTE OF THE DAY:

@MikeRamer: “Whatever you are, be a good one.” Abraham Lincoln

Excerpt: Effectively Marketing Your Resume Writing Services in a Down Market

From the July/August 2008 issue of Resume Writers' Digest:

Resume writing is a truly recession-proof industry. In a good economy, job seekers look for "greener pastures," trading in old jobs for new. In a bad economy, worried job seekers update their resumes to prepare for layoffs.

How you market and price your services during a downtown or recession may different, however. Clients who would be willing to pay for "the works" (resume, cover letter, interview coaching), when times are good may be reluctant when times are tough. But in a competitive hiring environment, "pulling out all the stops" may just be what is required to set the jobseeker apart from the crowd.

However, instead of selling a complete package upfront, all at once, you may sell it in stages -- first the resume and cover letter, then the interview and job search coaching, and finally, salary negotiation coaching -- perhaps paid weekly or via installments on a credit card.

In a tough economy, the job search also takes longer, and your clients may need more reassurance along the way. Consider starting a monthly e-mail newsletter, geared towards helping clients with their job search as much as drumming up new business.

To provide guidance on time-tested strategies that work in a challenging economy, I turned to the Resume Writers' Digest archives -- to issues from 2001 and 2002, when resume writers faced similar economic struggles. I also incorporated in new tips, particularly in regard to online and electronic marketing techniques, since technology has changed quite a bit over the past 6-7 years.

First up is "WRITE! PUBLISH! PROFIT!"

Best of Today: 9/10/10

Jim Connolly – Jim’s Marketing Blog via Julie Walraven – “Two Ways to Grow Your Blog: Independent or Associated”

- I’ve never see this articulated anywhere else, although I’ve seen associated blogs before.

Great Roundup of Twitter-related job search resources, assembled by Deb Dib and maintained by Job-Hunt.org.

Kevin Donlin Article on “Three Guerrilla Job Search Tactics”

-Love tactic #2 – I’m going to use this with my clients

Thanks to Billie Sucher for a reminder about an “oldie but a goodie” – The Riley Guide job search resource: 

Quote of the Day:

@Dave_Carpenter: Don’t die with your book still in you.

I Won a Book from Vertical Response!

I had to share the news with you guys!

Last week, I submitted a tip to the VerticalResponse List Building Bank Giveaway. I was one of 10 tips selected to be featured, and I won a book -- "The Referral Engine" by John Jantsch!

As those of you who received the Resume Writers' Digest newsletter know, I use VerticalResponse to manage my RWD mailing list. I like it because I can purchase email credits and use them whenever I want, instead of paying a flat fee per month. If I don't send an email in a particular month, I don't pay anything! When I want to send an email, I just buy some credits (and they have a tiered payment program, where the more credits you buy, the less you pay. I usually pay $.015 per email credit (or $15 per 1000 credits), and since my list is about 800 names, I can do a mailing for about $12. They also have a "standard" option -- as little as $10/month for unlimited e-mailing.

They have great templates, marketing support, and blogs/articles/webinars to help you get the most out of your online marketing efforts. And they track your email campaigns (opens, clicks, bounces, unsubscribes)...

Give it a try -- here's my affiliate link to sign up for an account -- you'll get a 30-day risk free trial.
They also offer survey subscriptions and postcard mailings.

As you can tell, I love VerticalResponse! Give them a try ... and I'll be sure to put up a link to my list-building tip when it gets published.

Best of Today: 9/9/2010

This was an easier task today. I just kept track of cool & interesting stuff as I came across it. (Oh, and just so you know,  I looked through about 10x as many articles as I posted links ... I'm trying to "edit" the volume of stuff for you guys.)

Today's question is: Do you want me to provide some commentary with the articles? Like a sentence or two on what it's about, and why I thought it was cool/interesting? Let me know. Comment below.

Jason Alba blog post on I’m On Linked In – Now What? "Who Owns Your LinkedIn Profile" 

Michael Lunsford blog post (via Julie Walraven): "The Best Success Story I’ve Ever Heard: Burn That Star Wars T-Shirt"

Denise Wakeman (The Blog Squad), article on Biz Tips Blog: "Keyword Research Can Help Your Content Get Found by Your Ideal Client"

"Hire Me: Your Employment Prospects for 2010 (Results of Manpower Survey)"

Great example of an online “Resources” guide for clients – courtesy of Donna Svei, AvidCareerist: 

Avid Careerist Blog Post: "How to Use Google Alerts in Your Job Search"

Love Wendy’s Humor – Wendy Terwelp Blog Post (Rock Your Career) – “I Don’t Kiss on the First Date – LinkedIn Tips”

Resume Confidential (Karen Siwak) Blog Post – "A Conversation with David Graziano– Social Recruiting Strategist"

Bonus content from me --

Quote of the Day (QOTD):

Via @TheJobQuest RT @steviepuckett: Your job security no longer lies in having a job. It lies in knowing how to work the job market.

Best of Today: 9/8/2010

I had the idea to do blog posts for each day that are kind of like "Google News" -- they give you a brief summary & a link to some of the best "found" content I came across today.

Here's today's top 5 + 1 bonus:

• Annemarie Cross blog post: Find yourself spying on your competitors? Have you fallen into the competitor comparison trap?
• Melissa Cooley blog post: How to deal with good friends that send you bad job listings.
• Tim's Strategy article: How to promote a conversational job interview.
• Barbara Safani
  
  blog post: Functional Resumes Should Be Renamed Dysfunctional Resumes
• >ResumeBear blog post (good "101" for new resume writers): Optimize Your Resume: Write a Convincing Summary
• BONUS: Blog post by Career Alley: Restarting Your Job Search When All Else Fails – Vol 1

>Let me know what you think about this blog post ... and whether you'd like to see more of this...

Survey: Affiliate Marketing

What if you could add revenue each year to your business with very little work? That's the promise of affiliate marketing. I'm doing a free teleseminar for Maria Hebda's "Career Experts Online" series on the topic on Sept. 22. Will you take 2 minutes and help me by answering a few questions in my survey?


I'll be compiling the survey results this weekend, so *do it now!!!*

Take the survey here. (Nine short questions; average response time is just under 4 minutes, according to QuestionPro, the fabulous online survey software program I use to manage my surveys. And no, QuestionPro does not currently offer an affiliate commission.)


Thanks to those who have already responded to my plea (via e-mail, Facebook, and/or Twitter)  to take the survey.

Legitimate Work-at-Home Opportunities to Recommend to Clients

In researching this issue for a client, I came across some *legitimate* work-at-home opportunities for folks. (Updated 8/17/16)

These include:
Alorica (formerly West)
SYKES (formerly Alpine Access)
Telereach
Enterprise Rent-a-Car 

As with any other job opportunity, remind your clients to investigate the position thoroughly ...

There is also a discussion board for West folks on the Work-at-Home forum.

The blog on Work at Home Moms has a state-by-state listing. Here's Nebraska's.

Xerox has made a serious commitment to allowing about 10% of its workforce to work from home. Check out available positions here.

Also check out Amazon's work-from-home jobs. Some of them are seasonal.

Also, if you are a resume writer who is looking for work at home (subcontract) opportunities, purchase my "Making Money as a Resume Subcontractor" Special Report. It lists several dozen subcontracting opportunities, including qualifications, type of work performed/specialties, turnaround times -- and, for many contracting firms, pay.

What's Next?

There are a couple of natural, built-in times each year for resume writers to re-evaluate themselves. And re-evaluation of yourself and your professional life/business are essential. The first is New Year's. Just as our clients make New Year's resolutions, so should resume writers. You already know how important goal-setting is to your personal and professional development, so I won't harp on it.

The second is the Fourth of July holiday. Coming mid-year, this is an ideal opportunity to you to evaluate your progress thus far ... and to take another look at those New Year's resolutions.

The third is the Labor Day holiday. Summer is ending, and you get that last chance to re-evaluate your progress and chart a plan to meet your goals for the year. That's what I'm doing this weekend, and I came across a great list of questions from branding expert William Arruda in the Reach Personal Branding newsletter. (Sign up for your free subscription on their website.)

Here are the three questions he advises you answer:

• What's my next move for my career?
• Which of my greatest strengths is most differentiating for me, and how can I integrate that strength into everything I do every day?
• What one energy-zapping activity can I stop doing when I return to work?

All great questions -- and ones that I advise that you take just a few moments to consider.

Call For Proposals - CMA Conference 2011 (Las Vegas)

The Career Management Alliance is looking for speakers for their 2011 Conference, Thursday and Friday, April 7th & 8th, 2011 at the Riviera Hotel & Casino - Las Vegas, NV.

Theme: Serving Clients - Solving Challenges
* New Ideas for Challenging Times
* Preparing for Continuous Change
* Focus on Compelling Storytelling

The annual gathering of the Career Management Alliance brings together career
practitioners from all sectors of the industry -- private practice resume writers
and coaches, college and university career counselors, government and military
career specialists, and more. All of us are facing the challenges of today's
economic climate and tomorrow's uncertain outlook.

They are looking for sessions that face these issues squarely and provide tangible
resources and inspiring ideas for everyone who serves the jobseeker of today and
tomorrow. What tools and techniques do we need to navigate the future? What
systems and strategies will lead to success? And how do we tell our stories so
that we stand out from the crowd and get noticed.

The proposal deadline for the April Conference is September 24th, 2010

All proposals must include the following information:

• Suggested title of presentation
• Short description of presentation
• Five to seven "take-away" bullet points illustrating what the attendees will
• take away from your session and possibly implement to better enhance their
• strategies/functions.
• Speaker Biography (both short and long formats saved in a word file)
• Speaker picture (resolution must be 300dpi or better and saved as a TIFF or
• high res JPEG file - Needed after the proposal has been accepted)

Presentation Structure Guideline:
With the attendee in mind, your presentation should be educational, as
"hands-on" as possible and include real-world examples and ideas that will help
attendees to implement new and proven procedures, solve problems, make their
clients successful, grow their businesses, and feel excited and inspired. We are
fortunate to have a strong representation of military transition specialists in
the audience who work with retiring and separating service members and their
spouses. Please include examples that are relevant to them as well as other
client groups.

To maintain high value for attendees, please refrain from promoting yourself,
your company and/or product. (Case studies are acceptable if they are focused on
the work, not the provider.)

Each session runs between 50-60 minutes. Please allow plenty of time for
questions.

Major Topics Include:
--Technology/Trends & Innovations
--Techniques/Tradecraft
--Business-Building/Productivity

Please submit all proposals to:

Liz Sumner
Executive Director
Career Management Alliance
603-924-0900 ext 640
liz@careermanagementalliance.com

Resources for the Resume Writer

I came across some good resources in Susan Friedmann's book, 'Riches in Niches' and thought I'd share them with you!

Media Resources:
How to Give a Good Interview
Media Toolbox
Instant Media Training

Radio Resources:
Radio Locator
Radio-TV Interview Report
Radio Interview Performance Tips
Tips for Being Interviewed on the Radio
Public Relations and Publicity Articles
How to Be a Well-Dressed Guest on TV
Publicity Tips from the Experts (transcripts of expert teleclasses)
PR News & Tips

Marketing & Public Relations Resources:
Marcia Yudkin's Handpicked Resources for Marketing & PR
Marketing Using Tips Booklets
Tradeshow Resources
Book Marketing Articles
Niche Sites to Go
37 Ways to Promote Your Website
Affiliate and Web Marketing
Promoting Your Writing (Book Promotion)

Public Speaking:
Articles on Public Speaking
Tips for Speakers

Networking:
Find Associations
Associations & Societies
National Council of Nonprofits

Writing:
Writer's Weekly
Librarians' Internet Index
Collaborative Writing Software

Blogging and Podcasting:
Executive Blogger's Guide
Marketing Blog

Workshops & Seminars:
Preparing and Delivering a Seminar
What Makes a Good Workshop?

Online Learning:
Using Teleseminars to Boost Business
Selling Informational Products

Exit Strategies:
Exit Strategies for Your Business (Entrepreneur Magazine)
4D's of a Business Exit Strategy

Business Information:
Business Ideas
Resource Information for Entrepreneurs
SCORE Counselors to Small Business
Small Business Resources
High Growth Industries

The Importance of Writing Error-Free Resumes

How many typos does it take before the person reading the resume will put it down and move onto the next resume? One? Two? More than two?

A survey from Accountemps makes it clear. Three out of four (76 percent) of executives interviewed said just one or two typos in a resume would remove applicants from consideration for a job; 40 percent said it takes only one typo to rule candidates out.

The full survey results are in the Summer 2009 issue of Resume Writers' Digest.

Are You Digitally Distinct?

After reading Career Distinction by Kirsten Dixsen and William Arruda, I became interested in digital distinction and online branding. Then, on Kirsten's Facebook page earlier this week, she posted a link to an Online Identity Calculator.

The results of the calculator matched the results of my assessment when reading Career Distinction: I'm digitally distinct!

Digital distinction is a measure of your online profile at any given point in time. As Kirsten and William define it, "The online identity calculator measures the effectiveness of your online identity and places you on our digital scale. Knowing where you stand today will help you determine exactly how much work you have to do and your next steps."

They go on to say that, "Where you fall on the digital scale is based on a combination of volume and relevance. How many results do you get? How many of those webpages actually pertain to you? Do the references to you on the Web communicate a positive, negative or neutral image of you? How consistently do those results communicate what you want to be known for?"

Here are my results:

The majority of results that come up for me are aligned with my personal brand -- primarily my work with Resume Writers' Digest. This is the area of my business that I want to continue to focus on growing, so it's encouraging to me to see how my online brand profile appears.