Career Focus Blog

Take a look at this article by Reid Hoffman, the founder of LinkedIn. Although the first photo shows him with a table full of electronic devices,  real networking, Hoffman claims, is personal and about cultivating genuine relationships.

Hoffman describes six principle for fostering a strong and honest network:

1. The best network is wide and (selectively) deep.

2. Give helpful help.

3. Set up an “interesting people” fund.

4. Work within three degrees of separation.

5. Recognize the diversity of weak ties.

6. Strengthen your alliances.

If you take Hoffman’s advice, you’ll strengthen your network naturally and with dignity. No beggar mentality involved!

Given the tight economy and flattening of organizational hierarchies, moving over could be the new “up.” Take a look at this brief article from the Oct. 17 2011 issue of Fortune magazine for some timely advice.

I ran across the post “Don’t Try to Dodge the Recession with Grad School” by Penelope Trunk, a prolific and provocative blogger.

Though it was originally posted a couple of years ago, the points she makes will make you think twice about a post-bachelor’s degree as a fall-back move. Too many people think that an additional degree by itself will somehow make them more employable.

If you’re considering additional education, consider pursuing it with a specific purpose in mind and without debt.

Just today I came across this Money Magazine article, “How to Age-Proof Your Career.” Published  just over a year ago, the advice remains true today.

If you’re worried that your age/experience may be an obstacle in your search, you’ll find some useful advice in this article. Whether you like or are willing to do what the author recommends is another issue. In any case, it’s worth considering.

I write this on June 29, 2011. We’re half-way through 2011.

July 1–the 2nd half of 2011 begins. This is a good time to ask ourselves some questions, to take stock, and to adjust or make new plans, let go of what’s not working, to enlist help for where we’re stuck, and to acknowledge progress however big or small, fast or slow.

If you’re currently employed, what’s going well in your work? What are you learning? What are you contributing?

If you’re looking for a new gig (whether or not you’re working), are you satisfied with your search results? Do you have the technical and moral support you’d like? How are you helping others?

Consider these questions, then make  modifications or upgrades in your strategies, connections, and/or support. Then, at the end of the year, you’ll be able to look back and know that you made the best of your time and efforts.

Whether you’re a natural goal setter, a goal-setting “wannabe,” someone who hasn’t a clue about goals, or someone who lives in the moment….

Consider attending the GoalMasters event offered on Saturday morning, June 4 [it's been postponed until fall]. You’ll have the opportunity to reflect on and set some goals, and you’ll learn how to put important pieces in place to achieve your goals.

The price is right ($15), the location good, and the content’s worthwhile! Plus I and my co-presenters Charlie Scarlett and Dan Hummert are committed to helping your define and pursue your best future!

Even better, you’ll meet other interesting people: enjoy the interaction, make connections, and have a good time.

While cleaning up my email inbox, I found a message from a friend with a link to this article, Most Unusual Job Search Tactics that Have Worked. Perhaps you’ll find some inspiration for yourself!

For a fresh take on New Year’s resolutions, take a look at “Five Tips for (Finally) Getting Your New Year’s Resolution Right” by Chip Heath and Dan Heath.

The Heaths’ tips reflect the framework for change described in their book, Switch: How to Change Things When Change is Hard, by Chip Heath and Dan Heath. Their book–dealing with change of any sort (from personal to organizational–is a compelling read, full of interesting and practical recommendations for changing things when change is hard.

November 13 was World Kindness Day. Although the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation encourages acts of kindness year-round, it highlights the movement one week annually. I’ve come up with a career “spin” on it—“Random Acts of Career Kindness.” Below are some suggestions for acts of kindness in the career domain, especially in this Thanksgiving season.

1.      Recall the people who have had a positive impact on your career, e.g., a teacher who encouraged you to pursue a dream, a fun and reliable colleague, or an all-star mentor. Thank them in person, by phone, letter, or email. Be specific and direct.

2.      Take flowers or food to work “just because.”

3.      Speak a word of appreciation or encouragement to a young colleague or a new employee.

4.      Donate to a scholarship fund in the name of a special work friend.

5.      Think of some favorite people you know through their work roles—dental hygienist, flight attendant, nurse, janitor, accountant, childcare worker, teacher. Then write a note complimenting them to their boss.

6.      Come up with your own ideas…

Besides the good feelings you’ll generate for yourself and your recipient(s), these acts build goodwill more generally. You can take such action, if you wish, to express your thanks and appreciation in this holiday season.

If you’ve ever attempted freelance work, seriously considered your own side business,  or even daydreamed about on-your-own-terms work, take a look at the free content on www.earn1k.com.

Whether or not you sign up for Ramit Sethi’s formal “earn1k” course, you’ll find the free content thought-provoking, real-world oriented, and well-researched and practiced. Even inspirational.

Sethi is a young (30-ish) Stanford grad whose material is worth a look.