Recently, I have been witness to a very interesting conversation about whether it is appropriate to call out a company using social media when you are having trouble with their product or service. This tracks back to the conversation being centered around the following situation:
1) The employee is open about who they work for in their social profile
2) The company encourages employees to Tweet about its products and services
3) The organization that was called out is a regular on the speaking circuit about using social media in specific Twitter for customer care.
Luckily, the employee in question is a stellar worker and smart. The individual was professional and appropriate. They did not really flame the brand in question.
It brought me to think of two instances I had reached out for help or with a complaint on Twitter and was surprised someone was listening and solved my problem. For the first time on this blog, I am choosing to tell one of these stories and name names... because I think the brand deserves major brownie points.
Back story:
I love shoes. GOD, I love shoes. I come by it naturally. As a standard procedure, my car knows to stop on the way back from Boston at the DSW store off I-84. It just does it... you know like the horse stops at Cohen's in "The Quiet Man"? On the way back from e2.0 in Boston this summer, I was making an pilgrimage again and buying a couple of unnecessary and well given I wasn't working, not bright purchases. I had asked the clerk if they could honour the $10 loyalty coupon I had sitting at home with my Rewards points. The answer was she was terribly sorry but no. I took it at face value. Bought my additions to my ever growing collection, and drove along home.
Fast forward one week....
I am on the phone doing a telephone interview. Who calls? DSW with a random ROBO call about a sale. Sure, I am great target. I walk into the store with a glazed look on my face every time. However, this is some thing I hate. It interrupts my train of thought. I get email from them... I turn to Twitter with my frustration and...
Tweet the following:
Hello DSW .. I love you but Robo Calls Please Stop. They will make me seek out other stores and Zappos.com DSW. I would have been happier if you spent more $ on linking your membership system to know I had a $10 coupon last week & honoring it per robocall tweet , I work for DSW and would like to resolve. I'll need to get some info, so please DM. thanks
The end result was WONDERFUL. The person from DSW and I chatted about getting my name off the ROBO list and more importantly had a great conversation about their venture into social conversations. We talked about some vendors that might help them. I have to say how delighted I was with the response. Beyond this, a couple of weeks later I received a hand written note from a VP at DSW hoping we had solved the problem. As a result, this brand advocate, me, will always turn to them first when physically possible... another public beg to open a store in Danbury, CT! DSW is my guilty pleasure.
Beyond this... I turned back to my twitter audience with the following tweet:
Just had a gr8t call with DSW after my rant yesterday. Fixing my problem. As you know I love heels!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Sales Social Networking Success Stories
Beyond my own job search, I wanted to comment on a couple of recent successes I have had prospecting using social applications to drive business for my company and self. This is going to be a down and dirty quick list without a ton on detail since I am still prospecting the companies:
Twitter: Have scheduled appointments and spoken with two large household name companies after engaging the appropriate people via Twitter. These contacts were introduced to me only because I either had originally commented on the company (in a good way) or had done a search for people that had the company name in their bio.
Facebook: Because I am a fan of another company on Facebook, I realized they were having a bit of a social PR nightmare on a given day. Rather than reach out with a sales pitch, I sent the contact an "At-ta-Girl" email complimenting her grace under pressure and overall savvy with social marketing. This also resulted in establishing a terrific conversation.
LinkedIn: A colleague of mine noticed a request for help finding an expert agency and consulting with a new product he was managing... they needed specifically information on social strategy. Again, this has resulted in a great first step ... he immediately trusted our company having previously worked with about 3 people now at Neighborhood America.
Only one of these relationships existed prior to Twitter, Facebook, and Linked In. As we speak, I have updated my various statuses about career openings at my company. With in minutes (like under 10), I was notified by two former co workers about candidates and will be sending me resumes.
It works .. if you work it....
ps. I have lost 3 lbs to date...
Twitter: Have scheduled appointments and spoken with two large household name companies after engaging the appropriate people via Twitter. These contacts were introduced to me only because I either had originally commented on the company (in a good way) or had done a search for people that had the company name in their bio.
Facebook: Because I am a fan of another company on Facebook, I realized they were having a bit of a social PR nightmare on a given day. Rather than reach out with a sales pitch, I sent the contact an "At-ta-Girl" email complimenting her grace under pressure and overall savvy with social marketing. This also resulted in establishing a terrific conversation.
LinkedIn: A colleague of mine noticed a request for help finding an expert agency and consulting with a new product he was managing... they needed specifically information on social strategy. Again, this has resulted in a great first step ... he immediately trusted our company having previously worked with about 3 people now at Neighborhood America.
Only one of these relationships existed prior to Twitter, Facebook, and Linked In. As we speak, I have updated my various statuses about career openings at my company. With in minutes (like under 10), I was notified by two former co workers about candidates and will be sending me resumes.
It works .. if you work it....
ps. I have lost 3 lbs to date...
Monday, November 09, 2009
Hello Monday
I wanted to give myself a quick update on my last post. How did I do last week? Well, I did stick to the plan. I have a bottle of water already 1/2 gone on my desk and I haven't had a diet soda or soda since like Tuesday! Fiona and I have been doing a ton of trotting around the neighborhood. Sometimes, it is only a quickie walk at lunch for 30 minutes. The point is we are getting are feet on the street. I tried a fabulous Weight Watcher's recipe on Thursday night that is a huge success. Tonight, I am looking forward to making homemade black bean burgers out of Cooking Light. Dinner out on Saturday night was a home run. I am feeling like I can actually do this maybe. Better yet, as a good friend and family member said last night, "We are also starting WW's this week. I want the bloat out prior to Thanksgiving" I feel like I have gotten the bloat out this past week. The better news is this person is the lead menu planner for Thanksgiving. Perhaps, we can strategize how to lighten up the menu on the 26th!
Thursday, November 05, 2009
YIKES!!!! - A picture is worth 70,000 calories
Some say a picture is worth a thousand words. Well, one taken at the victory celebration for the Mayoral race in my town finally (I hope) did it. I was helping our Mayor pour a ton of champagne for to toast her re-election to her fourth term as well as being elected myself to the Zoning Board of Appeals. The photo which I may add to this post .... I saw yesterday. I was shocked. Heck, I knew I had gained weight. My friend Diane and I had tried to start a little challenge to lose weight and that hadn't kicked my fat a$$ into gear.
However, that picture along with a couple others I have seen recently horrified me. I thought Halloween was OVER!! The funny thing is the last time I made a successful run at changing my habits, weight and health... I started in November. About the same time actually!
What is worse? I want to lose at least 20 pounds. I took the metric approach. 3500 calories equate one pound. 20 x 3500 = 70,000 calories. In order, to do this in 90 days. I need to burn or reduce 777 calories a day.
I am going to do this because I HAVE TO. So, I have joined Weight Watchers online. I am going to eat my own carrot sticks by blogging about the successes and failures. Today, that equaled one Halloween sized milky way bar. My success is already getting in a good walk with Fiona this morning and 1/2 way to my water goal by noon.
I have also printed out the class schedule for the gym I have been paying for and not going to for oh.. a year!
Wish me success. Help me not to cheat. Ask me to go for walk. Congratulate my success. Support my new clothes addiction in 3 months...
However, that picture along with a couple others I have seen recently horrified me. I thought Halloween was OVER!! The funny thing is the last time I made a successful run at changing my habits, weight and health... I started in November. About the same time actually!
What is worse? I want to lose at least 20 pounds. I took the metric approach. 3500 calories equate one pound. 20 x 3500 = 70,000 calories. In order, to do this in 90 days. I need to burn or reduce 777 calories a day.
I am going to do this because I HAVE TO. So, I have joined Weight Watchers online. I am going to eat my own carrot sticks by blogging about the successes and failures. Today, that equaled one Halloween sized milky way bar. My success is already getting in a good walk with Fiona this morning and 1/2 way to my water goal by noon.
I have also printed out the class schedule for the gym I have been paying for and not going to for oh.. a year!
Wish me success. Help me not to cheat. Ask me to go for walk. Congratulate my success. Support my new clothes addiction in 3 months...
Monday, November 02, 2009
Lessons from The Great Pumpkin
Linus: He'll come here because I have the most sincere pumpkin patch and he respects sincerity.
Sally Brown: Do you really think he will come?
Linus: Tonight the Great Pumpkin will rise out of the pumpkin patch. He flies through the air and brings toys to all the children of the world.
Sally Brown: That's a good story.
Linus: You don't believe the story of the Great Pumpkin? I thought little girls always believed everything that was told to them. I thought little girls were innocent and trusting.
Sally Brown: Welcome to the 20th century!
Last week, I was pulled away from my computer at exactly 7:55 PM by my husband because "The Great Pumpkin" was going to be on TV. The King of the DVR was insisting nothing could be more important than my 30++ time watching this classic. You see, the Lord of Brannydoon is a raging Charlie Brown fan. We had Linus and Lucy music playing during the cocktail hour at our wedding reception.
As usual, life's most typical moments now are viewed with different eyes. This quote above is one of the stand outs, for three different reasons.
1) Sincerity - I thought about this for my customers and the difference is success with a social strategy and campaigns. When you are approaching building a marketing program to engage your customers, member, prospects, etc. Another word to evoke in your head is I need to be sincere with my audience. I need to care about them. Listening is going to be a key way to be successful as well as being sincere or human in my communications. Plainly, the Great Pumpkin will never come to a Pumpkin Patch that shows hypocrisy. Don't let your social communication be hypocritical!
2) Little Girls are trusting and innocent - The next day I traveled back to New England College to speak to a group of female students about "Women in Careers". We talked about the gender difference that still exists in the workplace. Some of the good things and some of the realities that are just a function of our gender. I can tell you these ladies are headed for real success. There were about 30 people there to hear the session. About half of them were underclasswomen. I congratulate them on being proactive to ensure the education they are paying for is going to lead to a path of success. They are trusting in themselves to make a difference.
3) Welcome to the 21st Century - The more things change the more the stay the same. The lessons from 1966 are very applicable today. Be sincere in your interactions and good things will come. Believe in yourself and your beliefs. Don't underestimate women and their convictions...
Even Linus learns a lesson!
Linus: [to Charlie Brown after Sally just ripped him a new one] You've heard of the fury of a woman scorned, haven't you?
Charlie Brown: Yeah, I guess I have.
Linus: Well, that's nothing compared to the fury of a woman who has been cheated out of trick-or-treats.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Hollerback Marketing does not work in the Social Marketing realm
Many traditional marketers, public relation experts, and advertising professi
onals simply need to go back to school. They may be experts in the way to push marketing, create attention grabbing ad campaigns, branding and traditional messaging. They may have a knack with developing a catchy commercial. However, I am amazed daily about the household name brands failing to understand how to deploy a savvy social media/marketing/networking campaign. Here are a couple of basic ideas I formulated on my walk this morning:
1) It isn’t about you or your brand. It is about your customer and what is in it for them. Without them, your brand doesn’t exist. Customers own your brand, sorry you don’t.
2) You won’t be able to realize “what’s in it for them” unless you are willing to LISTEN. In the words of Dr. Frazier Crane, “I’m Listening”. This is called “Pull” marketing.
3) Stop trying to figure out what you are going to “Push” at people. In the social realm, pushers are no better than drug dealers. The good people recognize you for what you are… a bad person not playing by the rules of the society and they steer clear.
Brands need to understand opening up a channel of communication will change and affect the entire company. With social marketing, you are engaging the customer. Yup, that is the new buzz word… everyone wants to “engage” their customers. It is important to remember a lesson from real life. When two people get “engaged”, there is a promise to honor and to commit to one another. Engagements impact people’s lives. This will impact your organization. Sometimes, it will shake the roof. By listening to an audience, there will be a lot of noise. However, think of the good that can come from embracing great ideas for new services, processes, and products. If you are worried about what your customers are actually going to say about your brand and organization, you have bigger problems. This may be the prime time to ask your prime audience for help.
What lead me to write this? Last night, I did some primary research for a former colleague of mine interested in how social networking might positively impact the staffing offices she manages. I would consider this person an action taker. She is smart and looks for ways to improve her team and the overall enterprise. I looked at four major staffing companies. I did the same process with each of them.
1) How was social networking being used on companies primary website? Did they have multi-media? Did they have either RSS feeds or Follow me sections. … and heavens did they have a place for their customers (temps and hiring managers) to hang out and engage (there is that word again) the company.
2) Three of them did have the” follow me”. I then explored both Twitter and Facebook usage.
3) Only one was actually listening and responding to people on Twitter and “engaging” in the conversation. Two were following no one and they hadn’t posted content on their Facebook fan pages in at least 45 days.
Basically, these staffing giants which are really just the type of companies which should just “get” it down to their bones are failing at the basics of social marketing. What is a staffing company? It is a company that through its’ relationships connects workers/professionals with hiring companies based on both soft and hard skills. The social web is simply an extension and additional tool. I was stunned. I guess you know who I am calling today. In the end, it comes down to building out a business plan for your social strategy.
Plan, think, engage, listen, and be able to act on ideas, problems, and embrace your audience.
Now, take the megaphone away from your mouth and put it to an ear.
onals simply need to go back to school. They may be experts in the way to push marketing, create attention grabbing ad campaigns, branding and traditional messaging. They may have a knack with developing a catchy commercial. However, I am amazed daily about the household name brands failing to understand how to deploy a savvy social media/marketing/networking campaign. Here are a couple of basic ideas I formulated on my walk this morning:1) It isn’t about you or your brand. It is about your customer and what is in it for them. Without them, your brand doesn’t exist. Customers own your brand, sorry you don’t.
2) You won’t be able to realize “what’s in it for them” unless you are willing to LISTEN. In the words of Dr. Frazier Crane, “I’m Listening”. This is called “Pull” marketing.
3) Stop trying to figure out what you are going to “Push” at people. In the social realm, pushers are no better than drug dealers. The good people recognize you for what you are… a bad person not playing by the rules of the society and they steer clear.
Brands need to understand opening up a channel of communication will change and affect the entire company. With social marketing, you are engaging the customer. Yup, that is the new buzz word… everyone wants to “engage” their customers. It is important to remember a lesson from real life. When two people get “engaged”, there is a promise to honor and to commit to one another. Engagements impact people’s lives. This will impact your organization. Sometimes, it will shake the roof. By listening to an audience, there will be a lot of noise. However, think of the good that can come from embracing great ideas for new services, processes, and products. If you are worried about what your customers are actually going to say about your brand and organization, you have bigger problems. This may be the prime time to ask your prime audience for help.
What lead me to write this? Last night, I did some primary research for a former colleague of mine interested in how social networking might positively impact the staffing offices she manages. I would consider this person an action taker. She is smart and looks for ways to improve her team and the overall enterprise. I looked at four major staffing companies. I did the same process with each of them.
1) How was social networking being used on companies primary website? Did they have multi-media? Did they have either RSS feeds or Follow me sections. … and heavens did they have a place for their customers (temps and hiring managers) to hang out and engage (there is that word again) the company.
2) Three of them did have the” follow me”. I then explored both Twitter and Facebook usage.
3) Only one was actually listening and responding to people on Twitter and “engaging” in the conversation. Two were following no one and they hadn’t posted content on their Facebook fan pages in at least 45 days.
Basically, these staffing giants which are really just the type of companies which should just “get” it down to their bones are failing at the basics of social marketing. What is a staffing company? It is a company that through its’ relationships connects workers/professionals with hiring companies based on both soft and hard skills. The social web is simply an extension and additional tool. I was stunned. I guess you know who I am calling today. In the end, it comes down to building out a business plan for your social strategy.
Plan, think, engage, listen, and be able to act on ideas, problems, and embrace your audience.
Now, take the megaphone away from your mouth and put it to an ear.
Monday, August 03, 2009
Are you really a Social Networking Expert?
Last week, my good friend and former co worker Derek Showerman, wrote a blog post about the amount of people out there claiming to be a Social Networking Expert or Guru. He said it made him feel “uncomfortable” I have to say when I first read the piece I was highly offended. This comes from having given him a #followfriday shout out the same day referring to him as a dreaded, “Social Networking Guru” I used Guru because it has less letters that expert. When I tweet #followfriday recommendations, I try give some context on why I think people should decide to follow them. After a couple of unsatisfactory DM's back and forth, we went old school actually spoke on the phone. We had a stellar conversation on why he feels the term is overused.
I agree with him in some respects. Those of us that have been in the community and social networking world since prior to the term Web 2.0 went mainstream are now inundated with people coming into the industry. Many think simply being on Twitter and Facebook qualify them to do a social networking strategy for a Fortune 1000 company. Think again! This is why I still affirm Derek is an experienced social networking professional and consultant. I have seen him in action with huge deployments. He gets it and is patient explaining how to proceed to ensure success. I am lucky to have him and many others like this I have worked in the industry. Perhaps, the social networking industry can learn from legal, real estate, and sales professionals:
➢ Corporate Attorney vs. Ambulance Chaser
➢ Real Estate Broker vs. Happy Housewife with a Real Estate License
➢ Consultative Sales Professional vs. Used Car Sales Dude
Beyond this, if you consider yourself a social guru, are you practicing what you preach? Actually networking! I have been very impressed with my own network reaching out to forward job postings and sending out recommendations for positions. If you are simply paying attention to your own brand are you really networking? Are you joining the conversation or simply sitting on the sidelines? How are you sharing your expertise with your friends that aren’t gurus with their job searches? When was the last time you forwarded a job posting to a friend in need? Social Networking is just that NETWORKING! It is sharing information to advance business or personal relationships. I am interested in hearing about your successes. Here are three of mine:
➢ Recruiter sent out an email blast on a job posting. I received it from the recruiter and from three different former colleagues.
➢ Found a company online that needs a Sales Manager. I checked LinkedIn and discovered the Hiring manager was a second degree connection. I asked for an introduction. The result was an offer for a phone interview.
➢ Have a recruiter (my former business partner with Randstad) trying to get my resume in front of a hiring manager. Another former colleague is doing some consulting work for them and also has provided a recommendation.
Okay, maybe only one of these used a Web 2.0 application. However, social networking is networking first and using web tools second. Regardless, if any of these cases result in offers, they have all helped to provide me a chance at three great opportunities. My mother told me a long time ago to be very careful of my business relationships and to treat people well as I progressed in my career. I have always been very proactive to help someone with a resume re-write, provide references, and pass along job openings as I heard of them. I completely believe that kindness showed is returned in spades. Thank you to everyone that has been supportive in my networking efforts. You continue to be a huge support. I will never forget how people in my network have been there for me.
Please comment and share your experiences:
I agree with him in some respects. Those of us that have been in the community and social networking world since prior to the term Web 2.0 went mainstream are now inundated with people coming into the industry. Many think simply being on Twitter and Facebook qualify them to do a social networking strategy for a Fortune 1000 company. Think again! This is why I still affirm Derek is an experienced social networking professional and consultant. I have seen him in action with huge deployments. He gets it and is patient explaining how to proceed to ensure success. I am lucky to have him and many others like this I have worked in the industry. Perhaps, the social networking industry can learn from legal, real estate, and sales professionals:
➢ Corporate Attorney vs. Ambulance Chaser
➢ Real Estate Broker vs. Happy Housewife with a Real Estate License
➢ Consultative Sales Professional vs. Used Car Sales Dude
Beyond this, if you consider yourself a social guru, are you practicing what you preach? Actually networking! I have been very impressed with my own network reaching out to forward job postings and sending out recommendations for positions. If you are simply paying attention to your own brand are you really networking? Are you joining the conversation or simply sitting on the sidelines? How are you sharing your expertise with your friends that aren’t gurus with their job searches? When was the last time you forwarded a job posting to a friend in need? Social Networking is just that NETWORKING! It is sharing information to advance business or personal relationships. I am interested in hearing about your successes. Here are three of mine:
➢ Recruiter sent out an email blast on a job posting. I received it from the recruiter and from three different former colleagues.
➢ Found a company online that needs a Sales Manager. I checked LinkedIn and discovered the Hiring manager was a second degree connection. I asked for an introduction. The result was an offer for a phone interview.
➢ Have a recruiter (my former business partner with Randstad) trying to get my resume in front of a hiring manager. Another former colleague is doing some consulting work for them and also has provided a recommendation.
Okay, maybe only one of these used a Web 2.0 application. However, social networking is networking first and using web tools second. Regardless, if any of these cases result in offers, they have all helped to provide me a chance at three great opportunities. My mother told me a long time ago to be very careful of my business relationships and to treat people well as I progressed in my career. I have always been very proactive to help someone with a resume re-write, provide references, and pass along job openings as I heard of them. I completely believe that kindness showed is returned in spades. Thank you to everyone that has been supportive in my networking efforts. You continue to be a huge support. I will never forget how people in my network have been there for me.
Please comment and share your experiences:
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Giving a Java Jump to your Motivation
Although my job has changed from proactively selling a product or service for a company back to selling people (me, myself and I), I have found many of the techniques which make me a successful sales professional have helped me to stay motivated in my career search. Everyone has down times and days. The call or email letting you know you were second choice at a position you were dying to get. The day you have to put your dog to sleep. Finding out yet another position has been put on hold. These have all happened in the past month. Yet, I need to stay motivated. Here are some of the tricks I use:
1) Daily goals: If you read this blog, you know my annual effort to establish and revisit goals for my professional and personal life. Most of those have gone firmly out the window this year. However, I am having success with the daily goals. Don't make your list too long but have a variety on there. Here are some of mine for today.
2) Have a Feel Good Play List: I have created a couple of play lists in iTunes that have music that make me feel great. I love Irish bar music for example. How can you be not motivated by a good jig like the Irish Rover? Another feel good selection for me is the soundtrack from Cocktail. The Hippy Hippy Shake, Kokomo, etc... love it.
3) Get some exercise: I like to go in the morning for a quick walk. Others might hit the gym or go for a bike ride... or simply dance to that play list like a fool in your living room.
4) Have a Work buddy: For the past five years, I have loved working from home. One of my key things I do when I feel like I can't possibly leave one more voicemail message is call my work buddy. We worked together ten years ago. We both have separate careers now but both work from a home environment. We use each other to motivate ourselves to make one more call or to read an email for tone etc. After five minutes on the phone with her, I am built up to attack the prospect mountain yet again!
5) Breathe and dial: Some of my best success has come after a huge rejection. I will say it is important to breathe first and put it behind you. Then make the next call or send the next email. Remember sales and job hunting is really about the numbers. If only 5% are buying or hiring in this economy, you may need to hear ninety-five rejections prior to the first yes.
6) Have a focal point: I have a picture in my office I took from the middle of the lake my Grandparents had a camp on in New Hampshire. I know every inch of the shore. The picture somehow centers me. For you, this might be a picture of your kids, pets or spouse.
7) Create a Motivational folder: Mine contains motivational quotes that were under the glass on my grandfather's desk (It is actually the same folder he had in his desk. Looking at the writing on it in his hand makes me smile and motivates me without opening it) , recommendations, emails from bosses that were complimentary, reviews, notes from friends and pictures of stuff I want.
8) Use your CRM System: This is something I am lost with out currently. I firmly believe that inputs equal outputs. I have always set up my CRM system to help me achieve my daily, weekly, monthly contact goals. I suggest talking to the most successful person that is in your profession and ask about their daily or weekly activity. For example, my VP when I started at DCI said that to be successful I needed to make 100 outbound attempts a week or 20 a day. Email didn't count back then. It worked. Today, I still use it as a measuring stick for throttling up or down my sales activity. A wise fisherman once told me the fish typically don't dump into the boat without being reeled in first.
9) Use a Notebook: Okay... huh... you just said to lean on your CRM System. Yes, I did. However, I also use a notebook to jot down notes from a meeting or call. Write down information when prospecting. It is sometimes helpful to flip back through to see someone you might have over looked, brainstorming new ideas, or just remembering past successful calls and meetings.
10) I am leaving this one blank... As I would like to learn from you. Please let me know what the tenth thing should be in your opinion.
1) Daily goals: If you read this blog, you know my annual effort to establish and revisit goals for my professional and personal life. Most of those have gone firmly out the window this year. However, I am having success with the daily goals. Don't make your list too long but have a variety on there. Here are some of mine for today.
- Take Fiona for a Walk (done)
- Send Thank you notes for sympathy gift & yesterday's phone interview (done)
- Review job postings on Linked In (done - nothing interesting errr)
- Send out a tweet promoting myself and my skills (done and thank you to @mwalsh for the RT)
- Write a blog post (completing)
2) Have a Feel Good Play List: I have created a couple of play lists in iTunes that have music that make me feel great. I love Irish bar music for example. How can you be not motivated by a good jig like the Irish Rover? Another feel good selection for me is the soundtrack from Cocktail. The Hippy Hippy Shake, Kokomo, etc... love it.
3) Get some exercise: I like to go in the morning for a quick walk. Others might hit the gym or go for a bike ride... or simply dance to that play list like a fool in your living room.
4) Have a Work buddy: For the past five years, I have loved working from home. One of my key things I do when I feel like I can't possibly leave one more voicemail message is call my work buddy. We worked together ten years ago. We both have separate careers now but both work from a home environment. We use each other to motivate ourselves to make one more call or to read an email for tone etc. After five minutes on the phone with her, I am built up to attack the prospect mountain yet again!
5) Breathe and dial: Some of my best success has come after a huge rejection. I will say it is important to breathe first and put it behind you. Then make the next call or send the next email. Remember sales and job hunting is really about the numbers. If only 5% are buying or hiring in this economy, you may need to hear ninety-five rejections prior to the first yes.
6) Have a focal point: I have a picture in my office I took from the middle of the lake my Grandparents had a camp on in New Hampshire. I know every inch of the shore. The picture somehow centers me. For you, this might be a picture of your kids, pets or spouse.
7) Create a Motivational folder: Mine contains motivational quotes that were under the glass on my grandfather's desk (It is actually the same folder he had in his desk. Looking at the writing on it in his hand makes me smile and motivates me without opening it) , recommendations, emails from bosses that were complimentary, reviews, notes from friends and pictures of stuff I want.
8) Use your CRM System: This is something I am lost with out currently. I firmly believe that inputs equal outputs. I have always set up my CRM system to help me achieve my daily, weekly, monthly contact goals. I suggest talking to the most successful person that is in your profession and ask about their daily or weekly activity. For example, my VP when I started at DCI said that to be successful I needed to make 100 outbound attempts a week or 20 a day. Email didn't count back then. It worked. Today, I still use it as a measuring stick for throttling up or down my sales activity. A wise fisherman once told me the fish typically don't dump into the boat without being reeled in first.
9) Use a Notebook: Okay... huh... you just said to lean on your CRM System. Yes, I did. However, I also use a notebook to jot down notes from a meeting or call. Write down information when prospecting. It is sometimes helpful to flip back through to see someone you might have over looked, brainstorming new ideas, or just remembering past successful calls and meetings.
10) I am leaving this one blank... As I would like to learn from you. Please let me know what the tenth thing should be in your opinion.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Twitter and the TdF
@LeviLeipheimer Stg 9 finished, uneventful for the most part. Congrats to Fedrigo, they were strong! On our way to the airport now. Flying to Limoges 4 rest
My husband is an avid or maybe RABID road cyclist and racer. For the past ten years, I have been spending the month of July watching the Tour de France. The first couple of years it was half hour coverage on one of the sports channels. Now, it completely takes over the Versus Channel for the month. I have tried very hard not to check cycling news or to flip on the TV at lunch to check out coverage.
Some years I have done better than others. This year, it is almost impossible to not know what is going to happen. I have mastered the TV thing. We DVR the live coverage with Phil & Paul that airs in the morning to watch at night. I have even discovered that if we turn the flat screen we can see it through the window on the deck to be able to enjoy the July weather, dinner, and the coverage.
I am failing with knowing the actual cyclists reporting the results on Twitter. I follow most of the leading cyclists. As I have said before, they get social media. However, I flicked into Twitter this morning while doing research for my interview tomorrow. I was looking up the company, person I am speaking with, and others. There was the tweet above from Levi. Arrgghh!
I am frustrated with myself for looking. Would I trade having the professional cycling community from being so active in social media? Heck NO! I think it is wonderful. No one can provide coverage than the cyclists themselves. They add a good measure of photos, blogs, and video blogs to their tweets. Beyond this, the cyclists are responding the twittersphere on posts that are completely off base. This weekend Lance Armstrong responded to a tweet suggesting there was a conspiracy between Nike CEO, the Astana Director de Sportif Johan Bruyneel to snub Alberto Contador for Lance. The Texan responded,
@BigMiggy Don't think so, mig. @johanbruyneel has the utmost integrity. He's the TEAM director not MY director. (about 23 hours ago from UberTwitter in reply to BigMiggy)
I am also impressed how LiveStrong has been able to capitalize on the tool as well. People are adding the yellow wrist band to their photos. It is getting the word out. I have even dug out my Livestrong band from my jewelry box.
Twitter in reality has given a new dimension to this year's tour. I continue to be impressed with how the cyclists are branding themselves, their teams, and the charities they support. Okay.. now time to get that walk in today with Fiona. She is antsy to get going....
Link to the Lance's video blog on www.Livestrong.com http://tinyurl.com/nmcn9o
My husband is an avid or maybe RABID road cyclist and racer. For the past ten years, I have been spending the month of July watching the Tour de France. The first couple of years it was half hour coverage on one of the sports channels. Now, it completely takes over the Versus Channel for the month. I have tried very hard not to check cycling news or to flip on the TV at lunch to check out coverage.
Some years I have done better than others. This year, it is almost impossible to not know what is going to happen. I have mastered the TV thing. We DVR the live coverage with Phil & Paul that airs in the morning to watch at night. I have even discovered that if we turn the flat screen we can see it through the window on the deck to be able to enjoy the July weather, dinner, and the coverage.
I am failing with knowing the actual cyclists reporting the results on Twitter. I follow most of the leading cyclists. As I have said before, they get social media. However, I flicked into Twitter this morning while doing research for my interview tomorrow. I was looking up the company, person I am speaking with, and others. There was the tweet above from Levi. Arrgghh!
I am frustrated with myself for looking. Would I trade having the professional cycling community from being so active in social media? Heck NO! I think it is wonderful. No one can provide coverage than the cyclists themselves. They add a good measure of photos, blogs, and video blogs to their tweets. Beyond this, the cyclists are responding the twittersphere on posts that are completely off base. This weekend Lance Armstrong responded to a tweet suggesting there was a conspiracy between Nike CEO, the Astana Director de Sportif Johan Bruyneel to snub Alberto Contador for Lance. The Texan responded,
@BigMiggy Don't think so, mig. @johanbruyneel has the utmost integrity. He's the TEAM director not MY director. (about 23 hours ago from UberTwitter in reply to BigMiggy)
I am also impressed how LiveStrong has been able to capitalize on the tool as well. People are adding the yellow wrist band to their photos. It is getting the word out. I have even dug out my Livestrong band from my jewelry box.
Twitter in reality has given a new dimension to this year's tour. I continue to be impressed with how the cyclists are branding themselves, their teams, and the charities they support. Okay.. now time to get that walk in today with Fiona. She is antsy to get going....
Link to the Lance's video blog on www.Livestrong.com http://tinyurl.com/nmcn9o
Thursday, July 09, 2009
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam
Seamus Brannigan, 2002 - July 8, 2009
Seamus Brannigan, our spunky little
Seamus was well trained puppy. It was apparent he knew all the standard commands and had been trained to hunt. However, given his separation anxiety and absolute terror at the sound of thunder, this was never fully explored.
We would say he would be missed by many but that isn’t the case given how protective of his mommy. Frankly, he wouldn’t really care. The only people he truly loved were his parents. They are grief stricken by his loss. Seamus loved to go everywhere with them and specifically his mom. Whether that was in the car or for a beloved walk in the country, he just wanted to go. This was especially hard over the past months with the cancer. We were concerned about taxing him too much with the longer walks his sister Fiona needed. Finally, as it had become apparent the cancer was winning we gave in and allowed him to be free again. Seamus enjoyed a long walk the day before his passing in the summer sun. He had a thing for bees and would stand forever watching them and trying to catch them. He was actually quite good at it.
Seamus served as a constant security guard for the home office. He was always by his mother’s side during long conference calls and working on proposals. She will greatly miss the shadow she has had for the past six years. Seamus was never from within sight of her if he could help it. He also had a unique ability to understand the human language. We swear he understood every word even though he could tune us out when a squirrel chase was on hand.
Seamus is survived by his father and namesake James Brannigan and his mother Pauline Brannigan, his canine Golden sister, Fiona, and feline sister HRH the Duchess of Brannydoon. Predeceasing Seamus was his sister, Annie in 2007.
We know that Seamus was the best dog he could be. We adored him for it and will miss him forever. Donations can be made in his memory to the
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam - May He Rest in Peace
Gra, Dilseacht, Cairdeas (Love Loyalty Friendship)
You were mine from birth no matter what your journey
Puppy protection and love never ever has ceased
My shadow has taken a different form
Consuming my thoughts and life decisions
You showed me the absolution of love
Constant in your guard and friendship
Souls connected heart to heart
One without the strength to carry on
We must part today and you go beyond
I love you like you were part of me
My boy, my Seamus, mi mac…be at peace
I pray we will be together again in time, Slán agus beannacht leat
By Pauline Brannigan
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Top Ten Things to do when getting a Dog
I hear from many friends when they are considering adding a four legged child to their homes or after they have started the wonderful journey. I was thinking when I was out for a walk with my two (Seamus is into his 7th month with lymphoma and is still kicking the cancer!)
I thought I would put a list together of recommendations.
1. Do your initial research. Look into the breed, size and characteristics that work for you AND your family and living situation. Are they good with children? How much shedding? Are they typically easy to train? Do you want to run/hike or put them in your purse? If you travel a lot with your pet, you may want to keep the dog under 50 or 25 pounds. Are you going to adopt (this is still a cost) or get a puppy from a breeder. RESEARCH THE BREEDER.
2. Determine where the dog is going to be when you are not able to watch it. I advocate crate training. You may want two crates. One for the bedroom and one for the main living area. I could put more but this link is excellent: http://www.inch.com/~dogs/cratetraining.html
3. Equipment suggested beyond the crate: Collar, standard leash, expandable leash with pack for holding treats/poop bags, bells for the door for potty training, brush for the breed (there are a difference), bowls, food (get the same type the foster family or breeder is using and then switch off), crate (I recommend getting one the size you are going to need when the dog is an adult), toys that are durable (kongs, rope toys, hardened bones), a pet gate for the back of an SUV.
4. Find a trainer. I have done both puppy group classes and private lessons. There are points to both. In the long run, I recommend a combination of both. Socializing a puppy with other dogs of all sizes is important as well as with children. However, I don't recommend sending the dog away for training. Part of who is being trained is YOU. Whatever method you choose, the most important thing is doing the homework. Work with your dog in 10-20 minute periods every day. I can recommend both Tom Dwyer in Brookline, NH or Christine Hillard in New Milford, CT.
5. Get to know your vet. Ask for recommendations from your friends that truly care for their animals. Beyond this, know where the closest ER is for your dog and do a dry run. There are no ambulances for dogs. You may have to drive there in the dead of night with one eye on an ailing pet and one on the road.
6. Pet Insurance. I HIGHLY recommend this. You have no idea what your blessed addition will develop or get into. Believe me. My rescue... developed positive heartworm, has eaten human medication requiring hospitalization, and now cancer. He has cost me thousands in care that would have been covered if I had invested in this earlier. This is especially important for puppies. I personally have had a great experience with ASPCA pet insurance. The important thing to talk to the insurance people about is existing conditions or prior conditions.
7. Walking your dog. As a small puppy you can't walk them too far. You want to be careful about their development. However, I think that walking your dog as often as possible is a key thing to having an awesome dog. They are exercised, socialized, and mentally stimulated. Beyond this, it is an excellent bonding experience.
8. Tags and ID. Check with your local community about licenses. Get a personalized tag for their collar. Pet's name, contact info. (cell number so if you are traveling), and the word REWARD. I also advocate chipping your dog. At least, you have a chance of getting your dog back if they wind up in a shelter. (Many will kill within a week.. especially in the South)
9. Food and Treats. Okay, I am a snob. Do me a favor. Read the package. Shopping for your dog food in supermarkets is like feeding at McDonalds every day. Don't do it. I am a fan of the Old Mother Hubbard brands and Canidade food lines. The food should be made in the USA and the fewer ingredients the better. The same is true with treats. The best treat is ice. They chew it and no calories. I am also a fan of putting peanut butter in the kongs and freezing them. Carrots and beans are also a great treat.
10. Figure out what you are going to do when you need to be separated from your dog. This is true if you go to work every day and for vacations. It is important to find someone to switch off with for pet sitting, a doggie day care, or a pet walking service. Great resources may be neighbors, teenagers, or others in your puppy class.
Finally have FUN! Being a parent to my dogs both living and over the rainbow bridge has been the most rewarding experience! They really add so much to our lives. I saw a bumper sticker yesterday " Who Rescued Who?" I smiled.
List of My Favorite Pet Resources:
Pet Insurance -www.ASPCApetinsurance.com
Training - www.gentlepersuasions.com
Grooming - www.amuddypaw.com
Pet Containment / Fencing - www.caninefence.com
Food & Treats -www.oldmotherhubbard.com
Food & Treats -http://www.canidae.com/dogs/all_life_stages/dry.html
German Short Hair Pointers & Training -www.2manydogs.net
Collars & Leashes - http://www.upcountryinc.com/
Fiona's breeder - www.k9goldens.com/
Brittany Rescue - www.americanbrittanyrescue.com
Brittany Rescue - www.nebrittanyrescue.org/
Monday, July 06, 2009
Motivation
Quietly, I have determined to use the time I am facing unemployment to make some changes in my life that hopefully can be part of my future career whatever that my be moving forward. Some of this is a seesaw I do on a regular basis fighting to keep weight and fitness in line. I am rarely motivated by exercise more by profit and french fries.
My understanding is that it takes a full month of an activity to make it a habit. So I am going to list a couple of goals outside of my job search I am going to try to get in during the week:
1) A walk with the dogs. Only to be replaced by another physical activity. It must be at least twenty minutes
2) Drink 2 liters of water a day (oops I haven't started this yet today!)
3) Write 3 blog posts a week. (Sorry gang you are going to have to read along with me)
With that, I hope to knock a few pounds off and be a bit more attentive to the blog than I have been the last couple of months.
My understanding is that it takes a full month of an activity to make it a habit. So I am going to list a couple of goals outside of my job search I am going to try to get in during the week:
1) A walk with the dogs. Only to be replaced by another physical activity. It must be at least twenty minutes
2) Drink 2 liters of water a day (oops I haven't started this yet today!)
3) Write 3 blog posts a week. (Sorry gang you are going to have to read along with me)
With that, I hope to knock a few pounds off and be a bit more attentive to the blog than I have been the last couple of months.
Friday, July 03, 2009
Nest Egg
I was taught to save from as long as I can remember by my Grandpa and other family members. If I made a quarter I had to put at least ten cents in the piggy bank. I can remember my first passbook savings account Mr. D'Amato opened for me. He was our bank president and more importantly my best friend, Dottie's dad. I loved loved loved putting money into the bank. I especially enjoyed this thing called "interest". Maybe that is why I am partly at sales? I listened to my grandfather a lot. He was pretty much one of the key people in my circle until I went to school. He was a killer insurance salesman. Grandpa retired comfortable and early with a built in job after retirement... playmate to his granddaughter that lived next door in the colonial duplex my family has lived in since 1908.
I am especially grateful for these lessons now that I am entering into my third month of unemployment. My husband and I have always saved money. Until the last move back to Connecticut, we have owned homes that either of us could support in case of a job loss or illness. I have thrown 15% into my 401k as much as possible since I was eligible. He has done the same thing. Yah, we took a beating with everyone else but at least I had something to get beat up over. Half is still better than nothing!
While I have always been good about saving for retirement, he has always been very protective of a nest egg. The emergency money fund is under his control. He demanded that it was to be kept in a simple savings account like the one I had when I was six years old. Thank God I let him!
Beyond this, last year I began to think it might not be a bad idea to have a little slush fund that wasn't in the hands of the broker off supposedly growth into a fortune. I did this. It has made the pain of an 80% drop in income at least a bit easier to get through. I threw in my commission checks, expense checks and a couple hundred here and there. It has made an incredible difference. We have cut back on everything . However, we can still do some things because we had been careful when we didn't appear to need to be. Have my husband and I made financial mistakes? Absolutely! We have too much car debt and even though I love my home the price of it that is now close to under water I wish we had something smaller and cheaper from time to time.
Everyone is going to splurge on something. (Shoes, shoes, shoes) It is critical to learn from those of us that are making up the 10% of the population that is seeking work. Nest eggs are can save you. I encourage everyone to make sure they have one. Make sure you have the cash on hand to survive financial in case you find yourself in the wonderful club I know belong to on the unemployment line.
It is important to ask people that are on unemployment in your state what they are taking home. Look at that and your monthly bills. What will you need to be able to pull from savings to off set the gap?
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
My Road....My Journey
Given my last employer's need to cut heads to survive this economic time, I have been forced onto the unemployment queque. It is a strange position for me to be in given I have pretty much been steadily employed since I was 14 except my freshman year of college.
My job is to find a position. This has brought about many both mental and physical sojourns over the past 60 Days. They have been countless trips into New York for meetings, interviews, and discussions as well as Boston and Boulder.
I have been close on a couple but have failed to close the deal on my next venture. There is a reason for this beyond my skill as a sales professional and overall corporate value. The ability to keep a positive outlook is key. However, many times I have wanted to climb into bed and pull the covers over me. I have instead pushed on to search one more job board. This has proven to make me a successful sales professional and I know it will pay dividends soon.
Most of the opportunities have come from my network. I am delighted to say social networking has not only supported me in the past but continues to keep me optimistic about the future.
You see, the road ahead may be bumpy, dirty and not the one I would choose to sail down. However, like the picture there has to be light at the end. Every time my life has thrown challenges at me, the journey was worth it. This rough patch has meaning. I will come out of it a better for the experience. If Lance Armstrong wouldn't trade having cancer, I can get through a bit of employment woes. My mantra is livestrong lately!!
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Carbon Foot Print...
The "IN" thing is all about one's impact on the Globe through reducing their carbon foot print. I will be honest, I care more about saving money and stress freeing my life than the actually equation. However, here is a belated look at my impact for Earth Day 2009.
1) I have put not one dirty diaper into the trash. (even my parents used cloth on me) Saving...College tuition $200K and counting...
2) We compost all of our leaves and grass clippings. No real savings here but we don't hire a landscaper... so... I guess that is something.
3) Single stream recycling has made a huge up tick in the amount of trash in the Blue bin vs. the gray. I feel great every time I slap something into this bucket instead of the garbage.
4) I readily bring stuff to Goodwill to recycle clothing and housewares. Huge tax deduction every year.
5) I am using the Library in town. Up to $50 a month in new books.
6) I work from home and use an environmental friendly dry cleaner. No clue on the savings here, but figure $35 a week in coffee and lunches out.
7) I "try" to use the grocery bags. I love them because it means fewer trips back and forth to the car. They are a GREAT IDEA! Plus 5 cent a bag credit
8) We have dropped the temperature in the house during the winter and will increase it this summer. Equated to about 100 gallons less this year with a colder winter.
9) When we bought the house, it was equipped with compact bulbs. We are replacing them as needed but this is a big change.
10) Organizing my errands to make fewer trips with the car. Economical on time and gas.
I am really into the green movement when I can save or spend less GREEN Backs in the effort. The good news is that it is possible. Honestly, I do hope I have purchased my last solely gasoline operated car. There are many hopes for the rebirth of our sick economy. American innovation will hopefully uncover ways to leverage environmental concerns with new products and technology which are must haves for the rest of the world.
1) I have put not one dirty diaper into the trash. (even my parents used cloth on me) Saving...College tuition $200K and counting...
2) We compost all of our leaves and grass clippings. No real savings here but we don't hire a landscaper... so... I guess that is something.
3) Single stream recycling has made a huge up tick in the amount of trash in the Blue bin vs. the gray. I feel great every time I slap something into this bucket instead of the garbage.
4) I readily bring stuff to Goodwill to recycle clothing and housewares. Huge tax deduction every year.
5) I am using the Library in town. Up to $50 a month in new books.
6) I work from home and use an environmental friendly dry cleaner. No clue on the savings here, but figure $35 a week in coffee and lunches out.
7) I "try" to use the grocery bags. I love them because it means fewer trips back and forth to the car. They are a GREAT IDEA! Plus 5 cent a bag credit
8) We have dropped the temperature in the house during the winter and will increase it this summer. Equated to about 100 gallons less this year with a colder winter.
9) When we bought the house, it was equipped with compact bulbs. We are replacing them as needed but this is a big change.
10) Organizing my errands to make fewer trips with the car. Economical on time and gas.
I am really into the green movement when I can save or spend less GREEN Backs in the effort. The good news is that it is possible. Honestly, I do hope I have purchased my last solely gasoline operated car. There are many hopes for the rebirth of our sick economy. American innovation will hopefully uncover ways to leverage environmental concerns with new products and technology which are must haves for the rest of the world.
Monday, May 04, 2009
Why Oprah is bored with Twitter....
After reading the following article/blog (http://tinyurl.com/cbrad6 )regarding Oprah's ho hum experience with Twitter, I check out her stream and who she follows. Oprah is only following 11 people. That is why she is bored. Twitter is something of an acquired taste for many... think of.. many people join and lurk. They follow their co workers, friends, and sports/celebrities. Reading how others are tweeting, Re-Tweeting, and @replying helps to develop an understanding of how to leverage the technology. I can understand why she has fallen off. There was a miscommunication on the purpose of Twitter. It is an exchange of information. If you have 6 figures of followers but only choose to get information from 11, how can you be listening. She has a mouth piece every day at 4PM EST. This is an opportunity for her to listen to a huge audience. Oprah doesn't have to follow everyone. However, choosing two people a day based on their past tweets and profile might be very interesting. Choose two people looking for work and highlight them for example.
How do I use Twitter?
1) I stay in touch with mostly colleagues and friends as they go about their day.
2) It has replaced my Google home page and RSS feeds for all things in my area of focus, social networking, cycling news, and even job postings and recipes.
3) Personalize business relationships making them stronger.
Just my little old opinion. You get out of it what you put into it. If you value your network, it will value you. Oh, I am not one of her vast number of followers... The celebrities I follow are more focused on my specific interests surrounding pro cycling and politics. ... That doesn't say I won't in the future. .. just didn't jump on the bandwagon yet. She needs to provide some value to me at this point. Some of my favorites are Lance Armstrong and Megan McCain. They mix their personal lives into the professional message. They also use it for causes like cancer research and generating some youth into the GOP. She just hasn't found her voice yet... my advice .. DM @lancearmstrong for a lesson.
Interesting in following me? @pbrannigan
How do I use Twitter?
1) I stay in touch with mostly colleagues and friends as they go about their day.
2) It has replaced my Google home page and RSS feeds for all things in my area of focus, social networking, cycling news, and even job postings and recipes.
3) Personalize business relationships making them stronger.
Just my little old opinion. You get out of it what you put into it. If you value your network, it will value you. Oh, I am not one of her vast number of followers... The celebrities I follow are more focused on my specific interests surrounding pro cycling and politics. ... That doesn't say I won't in the future. .. just didn't jump on the bandwagon yet. She needs to provide some value to me at this point. Some of my favorites are Lance Armstrong and Megan McCain. They mix their personal lives into the professional message. They also use it for causes like cancer research and generating some youth into the GOP. She just hasn't found her voice yet... my advice .. DM @lancearmstrong for a lesson.
Interesting in following me? @pbrannigan
Friday, March 27, 2009
A Sussex Cream Tea Tradition
A Sussex Cream Tea Tradition
The Sussex afternoon light drops in the sky
The tea and scones grace the table
Beckoning tired family members to unwind
A man done with the day loosens his tie
The children quietly eat the scones and read fables
The peace surrounds the family traditions that bind
by Pauline Brannigan March 27, 2009
New England College had a campus in Arundel, England when I was an undergraduate. One of the traditions we often had for special occasions on the American campus in Henniker were Sussex cream teas in the afternoon. There has never been a scone that was more tasty than the first one I ever had at an International Student Council reception. One of my colleagues brought in scones today and was harassed because there was no poem to accompany the gift of the food. (A ditty about Cake had been presented earlier) I wrote this to bail him out and to honour the tradition of the Sussex Cream Tea....
Thursday, January 15, 2009
The Difference Between Social Networking & Social Media 101
Understandably, this Web 2.0 World is moving very fast. There is a host of acronyms, applications, and terminology that can’t be found in a dictionary just five to ten years old. It is with that in mind, I have chosen to compose this post. Suddenly, there is a huge gap in whether companies are engaged in Social Media or Social Networking. The forward thinking company is doing both.
Social Media is how companies are managing their brands and persona in the marketplace. Corporations are joining the revolution by evoking a multi channel communication with their clients, consumers, and nay sayers via Web 2.0 technology (Blogs, MySpace, FaceBook, Twitter, White label communities, etc.) They mine the data for product enhancements, new ideas, and support information. We all benefit from this. Companies that engage in this behavior range vastly span the gambit of stogie brands to the hip youth seeking ones you would expect. Some examples are Comcast, Proctor & Gamble, Starbucks, Dell, Tyson Foods, and Grey Goose Vodka.
Social Networking is different. This is entities engaging in connections to provide and share information to be able to perform a task faster, cheaper, and better. They may also be connecting for the purposes of simple social interaction. This still can be seen as building that “circle of influence”. The entities are typically individuals but corporations are increasing particpating.
This is all great. Why do you need to care? How will Social Networking make the HR professional’s life easier? How is it going to change the way you do your job each day and the lives of your clients, your employees? There are many reasons. They may all boil down to the simple need to connect with people that hold information critical to your success. Businesses today are more spread out than ever before. Regardless, if you are a multi national company like IBM or a small 50 person company with a host of remote employees, you can benefit from social networking.
As a Human Resources professional, it may be scary at first glance to embrace the world of Web 2.0. My advice is to take a deep breathe and relax. Many people felt the same way about corporate email and websites in the 1990’s. You are going to have some new challenges with the new web applications. In my opinion, the positives greatly out weigh the challenges.
Here are a couple of examples on how your employees can use the tools and applications to benefit their business. They can use their Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter accounts to announce openings your company has putting that referral program on steroids. They can use the same tools to help announce new products, press releases, marketing events, sales, and more. Guess what, that effort cost your company the fraction of the total cost of the employee’s time and they may have done it off the clock. Think about the difference in cost between a referral bonus vs. a recruiting company or an internet ad post. Which candidate is more valuable typically, the employee referral or the blind resume? Booz Allen has stated referrals are the number one best source for high quality new hires.
Smart employees are already use RSS feeders and a well defined Twitter stream to have a daily access to articles their peers inside and outside your company have seen as great content. This equates to daily motivation for professional development.
Let’s take this one step further. Companies like Dow Chemical, IBM, Deloitte, Eli Lily and more have created private corporate social networks to allow by invite only their employees, retirees, and alumni (former employees) to connect, share knowledge, and have access to pertinent information through their networks. You, as a company, own all the data on who is connected to whom. What are their skills, hobbies, and who do they related to within your company.
How do you use this information? Please consider a mid to senior level accounting job that is open. Today, posting this to an internet job site will flood your inbox with possible candidates. It will cost you time to sift through the applications and respond to the vast follow up calls. This will also spur on the calls from the recruiters wanting to do it for you at a 20-30% fee.
By first going to your corporate social network, a simple query might return John Smith. He left your organization five years ago now has the skills and experience to fill your position. John has indicated on his profile an interest in returning. Bingo! John is your proverbial “low hanging fruit”. You can also post this job to your CSN (Corporate Social Network) to have additional candidates and referrals.
Beyond this, statistics prove these “Boomerang employees” are more valuable than new hires as they understand the corporate culture, have connections within the company, and take less time to train. These Boomerang employees are 50% less expensive to rehire, 40% more productive in their first three months, stay twice as long, and have proven to be top performers. Now, think of an employee that has been kept in touch with in their absence… what will those statistics be? Hmmm… (By the way, I have “boomeranged” twice in my career. Both times, I was promoted and considered a top performer.)
If you are doing the reverse of hiring at this point, corporate social networks can help soften the blow by allowing your former employees to connect with each other and help each other find a new career. This allows you also to stay connected with them. It provides an easy access to the knowledge that they leave with as well. In the long term, you will want to be able to rehire possibly these same people or people from their network. Remember, there have been approximately thirteen recessions since the Great Depression.
The simple point is employees, customers, partners, clients, retirees, and alumni are engaging in conversations, connecting and discussing your company. How long are you going to let the conversation go on without you?
Social Media is how companies are managing their brands and persona in the marketplace. Corporations are joining the revolution by evoking a multi channel communication with their clients, consumers, and nay sayers via Web 2.0 technology (Blogs, MySpace, FaceBook, Twitter, White label communities, etc.) They mine the data for product enhancements, new ideas, and support information. We all benefit from this. Companies that engage in this behavior range vastly span the gambit of stogie brands to the hip youth seeking ones you would expect. Some examples are Comcast, Proctor & Gamble, Starbucks, Dell, Tyson Foods, and Grey Goose Vodka.
Social Networking is different. This is entities engaging in connections to provide and share information to be able to perform a task faster, cheaper, and better. They may also be connecting for the purposes of simple social interaction. This still can be seen as building that “circle of influence”. The entities are typically individuals but corporations are increasing particpating.
This is all great. Why do you need to care? How will Social Networking make the HR professional’s life easier? How is it going to change the way you do your job each day and the lives of your clients, your employees? There are many reasons. They may all boil down to the simple need to connect with people that hold information critical to your success. Businesses today are more spread out than ever before. Regardless, if you are a multi national company like IBM or a small 50 person company with a host of remote employees, you can benefit from social networking.
As a Human Resources professional, it may be scary at first glance to embrace the world of Web 2.0. My advice is to take a deep breathe and relax. Many people felt the same way about corporate email and websites in the 1990’s. You are going to have some new challenges with the new web applications. In my opinion, the positives greatly out weigh the challenges.
Here are a couple of examples on how your employees can use the tools and applications to benefit their business. They can use their Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter accounts to announce openings your company has putting that referral program on steroids. They can use the same tools to help announce new products, press releases, marketing events, sales, and more. Guess what, that effort cost your company the fraction of the total cost of the employee’s time and they may have done it off the clock. Think about the difference in cost between a referral bonus vs. a recruiting company or an internet ad post. Which candidate is more valuable typically, the employee referral or the blind resume? Booz Allen has stated referrals are the number one best source for high quality new hires.
Smart employees are already use RSS feeders and a well defined Twitter stream to have a daily access to articles their peers inside and outside your company have seen as great content. This equates to daily motivation for professional development.
Let’s take this one step further. Companies like Dow Chemical, IBM, Deloitte, Eli Lily and more have created private corporate social networks to allow by invite only their employees, retirees, and alumni (former employees) to connect, share knowledge, and have access to pertinent information through their networks. You, as a company, own all the data on who is connected to whom. What are their skills, hobbies, and who do they related to within your company.
How do you use this information? Please consider a mid to senior level accounting job that is open. Today, posting this to an internet job site will flood your inbox with possible candidates. It will cost you time to sift through the applications and respond to the vast follow up calls. This will also spur on the calls from the recruiters wanting to do it for you at a 20-30% fee.
By first going to your corporate social network, a simple query might return John Smith. He left your organization five years ago now has the skills and experience to fill your position. John has indicated on his profile an interest in returning. Bingo! John is your proverbial “low hanging fruit”. You can also post this job to your CSN (Corporate Social Network) to have additional candidates and referrals.
Beyond this, statistics prove these “Boomerang employees” are more valuable than new hires as they understand the corporate culture, have connections within the company, and take less time to train. These Boomerang employees are 50% less expensive to rehire, 40% more productive in their first three months, stay twice as long, and have proven to be top performers. Now, think of an employee that has been kept in touch with in their absence… what will those statistics be? Hmmm… (By the way, I have “boomeranged” twice in my career. Both times, I was promoted and considered a top performer.)
If you are doing the reverse of hiring at this point, corporate social networks can help soften the blow by allowing your former employees to connect with each other and help each other find a new career. This allows you also to stay connected with them. It provides an easy access to the knowledge that they leave with as well. In the long term, you will want to be able to rehire possibly these same people or people from their network. Remember, there have been approximately thirteen recessions since the Great Depression.
The simple point is employees, customers, partners, clients, retirees, and alumni are engaging in conversations, connecting and discussing your company. How long are you going to let the conversation go on without you?
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Goals are coming together My Wheel of Life
I haven't forgotten about setting goals. I have been thinking about them in the quiet moments of my day for weeks now. I finally have said out loud to two important men in my life, my husband and my boss. I want to write and set goals that I know deep inside myself can and will be achieved this year. In reflection of the 2008 list, I went through the motions of doing it. As a result, they got lip service. The result is I wasn't able to say I achieved my intended result.
Rob Vaughan, my boss at SelectMinds sent each of us a great exercise on giving points to goal or resolution categories called "The Wheel of Life" . They include: Family, Financial, Career, Social, Health, Mental, Spiritual, and Personal / Prestige. These equate to general areas relating back to personal happiness and success. In our discussion on the way into a client appointment yesterday, I found myself saying, "My primary objective is to set goals that are achievable and will encourage me to be a better person both professionally and personally by my own standards at the close of 2009" Here goes a quick sample of the goals I am still tossing around metrics and specifics for myself:
1) Health: I want to strive to be healthier. This means following doctors orders. Getting more physical activity. Eating smart. Taking my vitamins daily. Moisturizing! Finding positive outlets for disappointments and stress. If I am able to fine tune measurable actions to create better habits, this will stir results. I have been off to a great start this year with taking care of some nagging medical issues.
2) Family. Fiona needs to complete obedience training. I need to see my family more both my parents and cousins.
3) Spiritual - Last year I forced myself to read Eat, Pray, Love. I was surprised how much it impacted me. I would like to re read it and take notes and develop goals from it. Beyond this, I would like to do a bit of Church shopping. Although, I was brought up in the Congregational Church, it isn't aligned with my current philosophy and I don't agree with many of the edicts coming from the UCC Conference. Time to look around for a new spiritual home. I am thinking Church of England, perhaps or "Catholic light".
4) Social. For the past couple of years, adding new friends in Connecticut has been a goal. I have tried a ton of things. This year, I am going to relax this effort and concentrate on being a good friend to the people in my life already. Especially, those long lost friends from New England College I have connected with through Facebook. They were like family for four years. I am not losing them again.
5) Financial. For me, this one goes hand in hand with professional. First of all, I want to continue to build the savings account outside of my investments and 401K. Second, continue to be prudent about credit cards. Finally, I want to help others get on the path to financial success by assisting people in making smart decisions.
6) Career. I want to really have a successful sales year from a numbers stand point at SelectMinds. It is crucial to have a success here in spite of the economy. Beyond this, I want to be seen as a leader and an expect on Corporate Social Networking. I want to continue to educate myself and others by promoting the SelectMinds brand and my own personal brand in the space. NOTE: One combo goal between financial and career is to feel like I deserve my cleaning service back!
7) Personal or Prestige. This one is really about hobbies and interests. I guess I want to travel some place unique this year outside of Florida and the Cape. I want to check a new experience off my things to do and see before I die list. One thing that is already scheduled is taking a pistol permit class. Yup, I am going to be a gun toting blogger shortly.
8) Mental. Having just found this as a new category I am still formulating ideas. This is about personal growth, i.e. Professional Development courses or other education.. self help type books. My initial thought is this isn't a total priority this year. I will put some "Mental" effort to looking into possible goals.
From this, my next steps are to formalize the actions and steps for my primary and secondary list of objectives this year.
Rob Vaughan, my boss at SelectMinds sent each of us a great exercise on giving points to goal or resolution categories called "The Wheel of Life" . They include: Family, Financial, Career, Social, Health, Mental, Spiritual, and Personal / Prestige. These equate to general areas relating back to personal happiness and success. In our discussion on the way into a client appointment yesterday, I found myself saying, "My primary objective is to set goals that are achievable and will encourage me to be a better person both professionally and personally by my own standards at the close of 2009" Here goes a quick sample of the goals I am still tossing around metrics and specifics for myself:
1) Health: I want to strive to be healthier. This means following doctors orders. Getting more physical activity. Eating smart. Taking my vitamins daily. Moisturizing! Finding positive outlets for disappointments and stress. If I am able to fine tune measurable actions to create better habits, this will stir results. I have been off to a great start this year with taking care of some nagging medical issues.
2) Family. Fiona needs to complete obedience training. I need to see my family more both my parents and cousins.
3) Spiritual - Last year I forced myself to read Eat, Pray, Love. I was surprised how much it impacted me. I would like to re read it and take notes and develop goals from it. Beyond this, I would like to do a bit of Church shopping. Although, I was brought up in the Congregational Church, it isn't aligned with my current philosophy and I don't agree with many of the edicts coming from the UCC Conference. Time to look around for a new spiritual home. I am thinking Church of England, perhaps or "Catholic light".
4) Social. For the past couple of years, adding new friends in Connecticut has been a goal. I have tried a ton of things. This year, I am going to relax this effort and concentrate on being a good friend to the people in my life already. Especially, those long lost friends from New England College I have connected with through Facebook. They were like family for four years. I am not losing them again.
5) Financial. For me, this one goes hand in hand with professional. First of all, I want to continue to build the savings account outside of my investments and 401K. Second, continue to be prudent about credit cards. Finally, I want to help others get on the path to financial success by assisting people in making smart decisions.
6) Career. I want to really have a successful sales year from a numbers stand point at SelectMinds. It is crucial to have a success here in spite of the economy. Beyond this, I want to be seen as a leader and an expect on Corporate Social Networking. I want to continue to educate myself and others by promoting the SelectMinds brand and my own personal brand in the space. NOTE: One combo goal between financial and career is to feel like I deserve my cleaning service back!
7) Personal or Prestige. This one is really about hobbies and interests. I guess I want to travel some place unique this year outside of Florida and the Cape. I want to check a new experience off my things to do and see before I die list. One thing that is already scheduled is taking a pistol permit class. Yup, I am going to be a gun toting blogger shortly.
8) Mental. Having just found this as a new category I am still formulating ideas. This is about personal growth, i.e. Professional Development courses or other education.. self help type books. My initial thought is this isn't a total priority this year. I will put some "Mental" effort to looking into possible goals.
From this, my next steps are to formalize the actions and steps for my primary and secondary list of objectives this year.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Goals Part Deux
I am still greatly struggling with this topic. In my quest to put together goals that fit with ability to complete them, I have done a bit of Internet research on goals and resolutions. The web news is full of items on this.
I have looked at celebrity goals. Brittany is going to try to stop biting her nails. Okay, there is the only thing the pop icon and I may have in common. That would be a good goal. I do bite my nails but do I care enough to make it a priority? After all the big 40 is looming this year... Cameron Diaz wants to "start wearing a bra". Well, I have had that one managed. Otherwise, it would be a necessary goal. After reading this one, I decided I needed other mentors to help form the goals.
I read a couple of articles on About.com on resolution and goal writing. Here is what I got out of my research...
1) Goals should have stretch and growth built into them but unattainable goals are worth the time and effort. In fact, unattainable goals can have negative results.
2) Work to develop a limited number of goals. Don't develop a grocery list of goals. Finish them and move on. There was also a good idea of an "A" list and a "B" list of goals. I would list "not biting my nails" on the B and even C list.
3) In order to be able to check them off, goals need to have measurement. Otherwise, how will you be able to move on to another set or realize that even though you haven't obtained completion you have made efforts to get there. The best example I have of this was my goal to meet and develop friendships outside family and cycling friends locally. I know I have taken steps to do this that have worked prior and tried other avenues. I haven't succeeded ... yet.. However, I have learned to knit! I call that effort and progress.
I am feeling better about actually getting into the nitty gritty of putting together a plan for 2009. I am also encouraged by the clips from Oprah yesterday. She seems to be facing the same challenges I have. The best thing I can say is I haven't given up on goal setting. I still want to improve my performance and hopefully satisfaction with life. Stay tuned ...
I have looked at celebrity goals. Brittany is going to try to stop biting her nails. Okay, there is the only thing the pop icon and I may have in common. That would be a good goal. I do bite my nails but do I care enough to make it a priority? After all the big 40 is looming this year... Cameron Diaz wants to "start wearing a bra". Well, I have had that one managed. Otherwise, it would be a necessary goal. After reading this one, I decided I needed other mentors to help form the goals.
I read a couple of articles on About.com on resolution and goal writing. Here is what I got out of my research...
1) Goals should have stretch and growth built into them but unattainable goals are worth the time and effort. In fact, unattainable goals can have negative results.
2) Work to develop a limited number of goals. Don't develop a grocery list of goals. Finish them and move on. There was also a good idea of an "A" list and a "B" list of goals. I would list "not biting my nails" on the B and even C list.
3) In order to be able to check them off, goals need to have measurement. Otherwise, how will you be able to move on to another set or realize that even though you haven't obtained completion you have made efforts to get there. The best example I have of this was my goal to meet and develop friendships outside family and cycling friends locally. I know I have taken steps to do this that have worked prior and tried other avenues. I haven't succeeded ... yet.. However, I have learned to knit! I call that effort and progress.
I am feeling better about actually getting into the nitty gritty of putting together a plan for 2009. I am also encouraged by the clips from Oprah yesterday. She seems to be facing the same challenges I have. The best thing I can say is I haven't given up on goal setting. I still want to improve my performance and hopefully satisfaction with life. Stay tuned ...
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