I'm on Facebook. Are You? Are Your Clients?

Well, I bit the bullet this week and joined Facebook. Once upon a time, I created a MySpace page (but never used it), and twice I've joined LinkedIn (resulting in two inactive profiles that only highlight my ongoing "identity crisis" caused by having a 15-year professional career in my maiden name, and my attempt for the past four years to "marry" my maiden name with my established personal brand developed with my often-mispronounced "old" name).

But I'm REALLY liking Facebook so far. Unfortunately, it's quite addictive too.

I was inspired to write this post by an e-mail from Jobsearch.about.com talking about online reputation management. The article noted, "There has been a significant increase in Facebook users over 25, with ComScore reporting an 181% increase in users in the 25-34 year old demographic and a 98% increase from those 35 years and older."

I'm not sure which demographic I appear in now, since I joined Facebook last week (just before I turned 35 on Sunday). In any case, I'm trying to persuade my husband to set up a profile (I've got several of my immediate family members in my network already, and almost all of his!). [By the way, he created my avatar, which I'm using as my current profile picture, above.]

I'll write in the future about online reputation management ideas (Wendy Terwelp has a great new program, Rock Your Network Online! that I'm excited to share more about soon), but I just wanted to show off my new profile picture.

Live Training Opportunity in San Diego

EXPAND YOUR BRAND
A Crash Course in Adding New Services and Greater Value to Your Clients

... and Bigger Deposits to Your Bank Account

Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Preconference Seminar ~ 8:00-4:30pm
Town & Country Resort
San Diego, California

in association with the National Resume Writers Association
Registration: $225 (NRWA member) or $275 (nonmembers)

Looking for new profit centers for your careers business? What would your life look like if you were to increase your sales 10%, 20%, or even 50% in the next few months?

As part of a pre-conference program for the National Resume Writers' Association, Susan Britton Whitcomb will be teaching a live, one-day seminar on how to deliver add-on services that are critical to the success of your client's job search ... and help grow your skills, services, and success!

She'll cover:

* How to apply a blended coaching/consulting strategy to any phase of the job search ... without having to become an expert in each area!

* Secrets for presenting these services to prospective clients so that you can close each sale with confidence and professionalism.

* Templates for various career services that you can implement the day you leave the seminar!

* How to implement the "40 Ideas to Expand Your Brand and Build Your Bank Account"

Details here.

Registration here.

So You Want to Be a Subcontract Resume Writer

Although Diana LeGere and I first published the "Making Money as a Resume Subcontractor" report in October of last year, I've been working constantly to update it with new listings (it now features more than 25 separate individuals or firms that hire subcontract resume writers).

Earlier this week, I added a new listing from a resume writer who had an immediate need for writers, so I told her I'd help spread the word. I sent out an e-mail to the previous buyers of the MMRS report plus culled a list of about 200 CPRWs from my database of more than 3800 resume writers and career coaches. I also sent the information in my e-mail yesterday with a reminder about the availability of the July/August issue of Resume Writers' Digest.

Although I mentioned in my e-mail to non-purchasers that this was for a colleague, I was amazed that some of the responses I received were directed towards me as the "hiring manager." Another contacted the resume writer, asking for general information, although I had included all of this information in the e-mail I sent to [him/her].

Such little things can make the difference for individuals looking to hire subcontractors -- as they can for our clients, who don't pay attention to the details. If the job posting says "No phone calls" and the client calls anyway ... they're not seen as "persistent" -- they're seen as "non-compliant." And they're out of the running.

In the "Making Money as a Resume Subcontractor" report, I've gone to great lengths to outline exactly what the hiring resume writers or firms are looking for from prospective contractors. Follow their instructions exactly -- although you should feel free to also include your own resume and cover letter/letter of introduction (samples of which are provided in the MMRS report).

On the other hand, I did see some excellent "statement of qualifications" e-mails from the individuals who approached me (thinking I was the one looking for subcontractors). I hope they take the time to follow-up with the colleague who actually is looking to hire.

Halfway Through International Update Your Resume Month

September is International Update Your Resume Month, as designated by Career Directors International. The postcard above is an example of some of the marketing materials designed by CDI to help resume writers spread the word about the importance of keeping your resume up-to-date. You can order the postcards on the CDI website (click on "Marketplace/Join").

Whether you're a member of CDI or not, now is the time to remind your clients that NOW is a great time to update their resume. Send a postcard, drop them an e-mail, write a news release .... spread the word!