What Networking Tools Should I Use LinkedIn, Skype, Plaxo, Facebook

What Networking Tools Should I Use LinkedIn, Skype, Plaxo, Facebook… On the MyLinkedInPowerForum e-mail list there was a question posed by someone that I have a lot of respect for (based on his previous posts, even though weve had no interaction at all :)): I keep hearing about Facebook and many other business networking tools. Im comfortable with these three (LinkedIn, Plaxo, Skype). Should I add one or two others to complement these three. I rather think these three cover the waterfront. I am persuadable and am willing to add others even thought it would mean extra time put towards these other applications. Can you give me arguments on adding (or subtracting) from my list of tools. Thanks. I responded with this: I would add a CRM tool of course, Ive dedicated the last 18 months to this type of thing but as far as I know Plaxo doesnt allow you to do CRM stuff that I need to do to manage my business prospects, clients, and personal relationships. JibberJobber is one alternative, as is Salesforce, ACT, Goldmine, Contact Manager geesh, there are hundreds, and they all have their strengths and weaknesses. And he asked, what is CRM? I think it would be good to break down the landscape here, at least as far as I understand it. Remember that the main goal is to have meaningful, rich relationships. There are different categories of tools and the categories actually complement each other. Im not even going to pretend to be a real reporter or researcher here if you know something I dont write here, please post a comment. Social Networks: There are hundreds tens of thousands of social networks. To keep abreast on all the *cool* news you can follow Mashable.com. I dont follow it much and find it rather confusing. In fact, Ive said over the last year that Im quite social-networked-out. However, I strongly recommend a LinkedIn account and a Facebook account, for different reasons. Aside from that, perhaps you can find another social network were it makes A LOT of sense to have an account elsewhere. Contact Management Synchronization: Im not sure who is in this space other than Plaxo. Remember the company from a few years ago that introduced the idea that we can all spam one another? Well, they are still around. I have a Plaxo account, and have downloaded the Outlook toolbar. Every once in a while I see an e-mail come through from another Plaxo person trying to get my updated information, which I guess is cool (not that I ever got a birthday card out of it). I think the coolest aspect of Plaxo is that it takes this big-picture look at my network and tries to keep it all in synch. Keeping it all in synch thats the goal with Plaxo. I cant really recommend it because I dont use it (I might one day). Bonus: Plaxo just came out with their own social network, further muddying the water. Phone System: In the original question he asks about Skype. I dont consider it to be a networking tool, although, I guess it really is. In addition to Skype, you can add any landline or cell phone. I consider Skype to be a way to, um call people. I should note that other responses to his question say dont forget about Jaxtr.com, which is a voip offering from LinkedIn founder Konstantin Guericke. I have Skype, even using it to get inbound phone calls (its my direct office number, and has voice mail). I cant say dont use the phone to network, there are a lot of options. Skype is my personal favorite, but Ive asked a programmer who is vacationing in Argentina to get a Jaxtr account so I dont have to pay $2+/minute to talk with him. A CRM tool: Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software gives salespeople the ability to track all kinds of data about prospects and customers. Wouldnt it be useful, as a salesperson builds relationships, to know things like spouses name, birthdates, major events (kids going to college, etc.), and stuff like that? This is a tough task, considering salespeople could be building relationships all day long and have to track this kind of information for thousands of people. The idea is that they should manage the data, but still make YOU feel like you are the only thing thats important to them. They use CRM tools to manage information. When they are on the phone with you and you mention that you are taking Friday off to celebrate little Jonnys birthday, they make a note of that. Next year they might bring it up! Sorry for taking the magic out of it but thats how it usually works. I am a strong believer that we need something to manage our professional relationships, espeically in a way that is not dependent on the other person (in other words, with the other systems mentioned above, if my contact disconnects then I lose everything about our relationship!). If its true that networking is how we get promotions or new jobs, why dont we take this more serious? A CRM tool will allow you to do things that the other tools mentioned above wont. You can read an old post here, where I talk about the things that a CRM tool will do. I use JibberJobber as my CRM tool daily and its been a lifesaver. What other categories of tools am I missing here (there are two categories that Im leaving out of this post that I use every hour)? What specific tools do you use? What Networking Tools Should I Use LinkedIn, Skype, Plaxo, Facebook… On the MyLinkedInPowerForum e-mail list there was a question posed by someone that I have a lot of respect for (based on his previous posts, even though weve had no interaction at all :)): I keep hearing about Facebook and many other business networking tools. Im comfortable with these three (LinkedIn, Plaxo, Skype). Should I add one or two others to complement these three. I rather think these three cover the waterfront. I am persuadable and am willing to add others even thought it would mean extra time put towards these other applications. Can you give me arguments on adding (or subtracting) from my list of tools. Thanks. I responded with this: I would add a CRM tool of course, Ive dedicated the last 18 months to this type of thing but as far as I know Plaxo doesnt allow you to do CRM stuff that I need to do to manage my business prospects, clients, and personal relationships. JibberJobber is one alternative, as is Salesforce, ACT, Goldmine, Contact Manager geesh, there are hundreds, and they all have their strengths and weaknesses. And he asked, what is CRM? I think it would be good to break down the landscape here, at least as far as I understand it. Remember that the main goal is to have meaningful, rich relationships. There are different categories of tools and the categories actually complement each other. Im not even going to pretend to be a real reporter or researcher here if you know something I dont write here, please post a comment. Social Networks: There are hundreds tens of thousands of social networks. To keep abreast on all the *cool* news you can follow Mashable.com. I dont follow it much and find it rather confusing. In fact, Ive said over the last year that Im quite social-networked-out. However, I strongly recommend a LinkedIn account and a Facebook account, for different reasons. Aside from that, perhaps you can find another social network were it makes A LOT of sense to have an account elsewhere. Contact Management Synchronization: Im not sure who is in this space other than Plaxo. Remember the company from a few years ago that introduced the idea that we can all spam one another? Well, they are still around. I have a Plaxo account, and have downloaded the Outlook toolbar. Every once in a while I see an e-mail come through from another Plaxo person trying to get my updated information, which I guess is cool (not that I ever got a birthday card out of it). I think the coolest aspect of Plaxo is that it takes this big-picture look at my network and tries to keep it all in synch. Keeping it all in synch thats the goal with Plaxo. I cant really recommend it because I dont use it (I might one day). Bonus: Plaxo just came out with their own social network, further muddying the water. Phone System: In the original question he asks about Skype. I dont consider it to be a networking tool, although, I guess it really is. In addition to Skype, you can add any landline or cell phone. I consider Skype to be a way to, um call people. I should note that other responses to his question say dont forget about Jaxtr.com, which is a voip offering from LinkedIn founder Konstantin Guericke. I have Skype, even using it to get inbound phone calls (its my direct office number, and has voice mail). I cant say dont use the phone to network, there are a lot of options. Skype is my personal favorite, but Ive asked a programmer who is vacationing in Argentina to get a Jaxtr account so I dont have to pay $2+/minute to talk with him. A CRM tool: Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software gives salespeople the ability to track all kinds of data about prospects and customers. Wouldnt it be useful, as a salesperson builds relationships, to know things like spouses name, birthdates, major events (kids going to college, etc.), and stuff like that? This is a tough task, considering salespeople could be building relationships all day long and have to track this kind of information for thousands of people. The idea is that they should manage the data, but still make YOU feel like you are the only thing thats important to them. They use CRM tools to manage information. When they are on the phone with you and you mention that you are taking Friday off to celebrate little Jonnys birthday, they make a note of that. Next year they might bring it up! Sorry for taking the magic out of it but thats how it usually works. I am a strong believer that we need something to manage our professional relationships, espeically in a way that is not dependent on the other person (in other words, with the other systems mentioned above, if my contact disconnects then I lose everything about our relationship!). If its true that networking is how we get promotions or new jobs, why dont we take this more serious? A CRM tool will allow you to do things that the other tools mentioned above wont. You can read an old post here, where I talk about the things that a CRM tool will do. I use JibberJobber as my CRM tool daily and its been a lifesaver. What other categories of tools am I missing here (there are two categories that Im leaving out of this post that I use every hour)? What specific tools do you use? What Networking Tools Should I Use LinkedIn, Skype, Plaxo, Facebook… On the MyLinkedInPowerForum e-mail list there was a question posed by someone that I have a lot of respect for (based on his previous posts, even though weve had no interaction at all :)): I keep hearing about Facebook and many other business networking tools. Im comfortable with these three (LinkedIn, Plaxo, Skype). Should I add one or two others to complement these three. I rather think these three cover the waterfront. I am persuadable and am willing to add others even thought it would mean extra time put towards these other applications. Can you give me arguments on adding (or subtracting) from my list of tools. Thanks. I responded with this: I would add a CRM tool of course, Ive dedicated the last 18 months to this type of thing but as far as I know Plaxo doesnt allow you to do CRM stuff that I need to do to manage my business prospects, clients, and personal relationships. JibberJobber is one alternative, as is Salesforce, ACT, Goldmine, Contact Manager geesh, there are hundreds, and they all have their strengths and weaknesses. And he asked, what is CRM? I think it would be good to break down the landscape here, at least as far as I understand it. Remember that the main goal is to have meaningful, rich relationships. There are different categories of tools and the categories actually complement each other. Im not even going to pretend to be a real reporter or researcher here if you know something I dont write here, please post a comment. Social Networks: There are hundreds tens of thousands of social networks. To keep abreast on all the *cool* news you can follow Mashable.com. I dont follow it much and find it rather confusing. In fact, Ive said over the last year that Im quite social-networked-out. However, I strongly recommend a LinkedIn account and a Facebook account, for different reasons. Aside from that, perhaps you can find another social network were it makes A LOT of sense to have an account elsewhere. Contact Management Synchronization: Im not sure who is in this space other than Plaxo. Remember the company from a few years ago that introduced the idea that we can all spam one another? Well, they are still around. I have a Plaxo account, and have downloaded the Outlook toolbar. Every once in a while I see an e-mail come through from another Plaxo person trying to get my updated information, which I guess is cool (not that I ever got a birthday card out of it). I think the coolest aspect of Plaxo is that it takes this big-picture look at my network and tries to keep it all in synch. Keeping it all in synch thats the goal with Plaxo. I cant really recommend it because I dont use it (I might one day). Bonus: Plaxo just came out with their own social network, further muddying the water. Phone System: In the original question he asks about Skype. I dont consider it to be a networking tool, although, I guess it really is. In addition to Skype, you can add any landline or cell phone. I consider Skype to be a way to, um call people. I should note that other responses to his question say dont forget about Jaxtr.com, which is a voip offering from LinkedIn founder Konstantin Guericke. I have Skype, even using it to get inbound phone calls (its my direct office number, and has voice mail). I cant say dont use the phone to network, there are a lot of options. Skype is my personal favorite, but Ive asked a programmer who is vacationing in Argentina to get a Jaxtr account so I dont have to pay $2+/minute to talk with him. A CRM tool: Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software gives salespeople the ability to track all kinds of data about prospects and customers. Wouldnt it be useful, as a salesperson builds relationships, to know things like spouses name, birthdates, major events (kids going to college, etc.), and stuff like that? This is a tough task, considering salespeople could be building relationships all day long and have to track this kind of information for thousands of people. The idea is that they should manage the data, but still make YOU feel like you are the only thing thats important to them. They use CRM tools to manage information. When they are on the phone with you and you mention that you are taking Friday off to celebrate little Jonnys birthday, they make a note of that. Next year they might bring it up! Sorry for taking the magic out of it but thats how it usually works. I am a strong believer that we need something to manage our professional relationships, espeically in a way that is not dependent on the other person (in other words, with the other systems mentioned above, if my contact disconnects then I lose everything about our relationship!). If its true that networking is how we get promotions or new jobs, why dont we take this more serious? A CRM tool will allow you to do things that the other tools mentioned above wont. You can read an old post here, where I talk about the things that a CRM tool will do. I use JibberJobber as my CRM tool daily and its been a lifesaver. What other categories of tools am I missing here (there are two categories that Im leaving out of this post that I use every hour)? What specific tools do you use?

The Personal Branding Weekly and Daily LinkedIn Importance - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

The Personal Branding Weekly and Daily LinkedIn Importance - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career PERSONAL Branding Weekly This week we were challenged to live our life more curiously; what happens when there’s a huge disconnect between words and actions and the importance of criticism without being a   ‘door mat’. In fact, if you missed any of them this week â€" they’re right here: Are You A Catalyst?  by Deborah Shane Resume Personal Branding Best Practices Part 3 Consistency by Phil Rosenberg Personal Branding Interview: Adam Gilbert by Dan Schawbel The Bain of Obamas Brand by Nance Rosen How Non-Communicators Can Showcase Communication Skills by Heather Huhman 5 Sales Techniques to Get Hired by Elinor Stutz A Single Incident Can Undermine Decades of Brand Loyalty by Roger Parker The Best Way to Lead is to Follow by Aaron McDaniel Are YOU Laboring in Stable Misery? by Skip Freeman Promotional Gifts as Part of the Nurturing Campaign by Bill Connolly How to Avoid Twitter Spam by Jacob Share Personal Branding and Gaffes: Lessons From a Political Consultant by Manoush Zomorodi Live Curiously Ask the Question by Jeff Shuey Tell the Truth with the Weakness Interview Question by Erik Deckers Actions Speak Louder Than Words by Michael Spinale Appreciating Criticism Doesnt Make You a Doormat! Embrace It by Beth Kuhel Tailor Your Personal Brand to HR and Hiring Managers by Rebecca Rapple Stop Selling Yourself. Start Playing it Cool by Pete Leibman This next week we’ll go into great depth about   Personal Branding Heroes; How to look credible even when you don’t have all that much experience; and the prospect of how you manage having two personal brands. We look forward to your comments! This week’s tip:   Daily LinkedIn Importance Lately, LinkedIn has outpaced the growth of Facebook in Indonesia, proving to everyone that the site means business. Out of all the social media networking sites out there, LinkedIn really is the only one where business people can connect with one another, make business connections and build their network. Get to know your LinkedIn friends If you are sending connection requests, make sure to introduce yourself in a personal, more human, and always professional manner. After making the connection with a new person on LinkedIn, do a little research: 1. How are you connected? 2.Who are you both connected to? 3. What groups are you both connected to? 4. Any common frames of reference that you share? 5 And review history, company history so you really can understand the value of your connection. Share Your Content Share interesting facts about yourself or share your business expertise and provide valuable, helpful information to your connections to make yourself approachable. However, it is important that the things you share are still appropriate and professional, as you still want to sustain a professional reputation. Share an interesting article you read online, a business related YouTube video, or photos regarding business, do not be afraid to share it with your contacts. The more you interact with your contacts, the better your relationships will grow as business contacts. Interact with contacts One of the best and most useful aspects of this popular social networking business site would have to be its ability to foster and participate in QA sessions that are currently happening on LinkedIn. This allows you to connect with each other and get to know one another ‘s thoughts, through pattern and resources. Have a great profile Last, but not the least; create a great profile, write it in third party so that it can easily be found via search, and have a professional photo for your profile image. Your profile is obviously the place where you can show to potential contacts what you do and who you are. To do: 1. Decide on your LinkedIn strategy and the level of involvement in LinkedIn on a daily basis that will help you reach your desired goals. 2. Work your strategy steps into your plan in ways that make your goal inevitable. Author: Maria Elena Duron, is managing editor of the Personal Branding Blog, CEO (chief engagement officer) of  buzz2bucks.com  â€"  a word of mouth marketing firm. She helps create conversation, connection, credibility, community and commerce around your brand. Maria Duron is co-founder   and moderator of  #brandchat   a weekly Twitter chat focused on every aspect of branding that is recognized by Mashable as one the 15 Essential Twitter Chats for Social Media Marketers.

The Science of Breaks

The Science of Breaks With the New Year in hand, most of us have ambitious plans and a huge laundry list of things we want to get done. It might consist of writing, getting more organized at work, or whatever you envision yourself becoming this year. But like many of us, as the year goes on those old habits somehow creep back into our lives. Maybe it’s watching too much TV or spending more time on Facebook. Whatever your vice is it somehow sneaks back into your life. Fortunately, there is hope for fixing this and it all starts with changing the way you build new habits. We all get that burst of energy or excitement when we start something new and we work extremely hard to quickly get that new habit into our lives. We put considerable effort in the beginning. But what we don’t realize is that by overworking ourselves in the beginning we’re setting ourselves up for failure later on. The Reason: Willpower is Not Everything In an experiment done with heavy smokers, researchers broke the individuals into two random groups. One group was told they had “high impulse control“ and the other group was told they had “low impulse control”. In reality both groups had the same level of willpower.  Each group then watched the movie Coffee and Cigarettes and were offered rewards for resisting to smoke. It turns out the group that was told they had high impulse control ended up smoking overwhelmingly more! The reasoning being that they relied more on their own  impulse control and will power, which is often when you’re most vulnerable to fail. So with this knowledge how do we avoid falling into the same trap of running only on willpower? The Solution: Short Sprints Everyone is guilty of being too ambitious at times. Instead of treating a new habit as a marathon we need to start viewing them as an activity we do in short bursts. In order to break old habits it’s important to work in small focused blocks of time. This philosophy is commonly known as the Pomodoro technique and is based on the science of breaks to improve your mental agility and reduce the chance of mental exhaustion. The Tool: GrooveOtter There are plenty of tools out there that help with this process, the one that really sticks to the spirit of the Pomodoro Technique is Grooveotter. Simply put in the time you want to work and the activity you want to get done. From there you can track how many things you’ve gotten done and how well you’ve accomplished those activities. The key piece being the break that follows it allows the mind to recuperate and keeps you fresh. This New Year get started on the right foot and give those new habits a chance.

9 Ways To Stop Being Socially Awkward Weird

9 Ways To Stop Being Socially Awkward Weird Do you detest going to those uptown gatherings? Do you shy away from making eye contact with people? Are nodding your head and laughing out loud your only contributions to conversations? Then, in all probability, you are socially awkward. While it doesn’t come with too many problems, lacking social skills can make your leisure times difficult as you have issues interacting with people. Most people believe that social anxiety lies in the mind. A part of it is true. However, there are many other factors that could cause you to be socially handicapped. Some of them are listed below: Having low self-esteem is one of the primary causes. Bullying, failures or even physical challenges could trigger this. If you are anxious, sensitive or even short-tempered, you could find socializing a bit difficult. If you are a single child or belong to a broken family, a big gathering could leave you clueless. Ethnic, financial, educational, and sexual backgrounds play a role too. Is it necessary for you to do something about your social awkwardness? Yes. But, even before you get to that step, you need to understand where your handicap is stemming from. Based on what is triggering this handicap in you, you could choose a method that takes care of the issue. Another thing you need to examine is what your personality type is. Extroverts do not have issues in mingling with people. It’s more often the introverts and ambiverts who find it difficult to socialize. Once you have a better understanding of who you are and why you are socially awkward, here are some ways by which you can conquer your problems. Be Present If you are socially awkward, chances are high that you will create a parallel world inside your head while others are having fun. While this is a way to help you escape the awkwardness, what it also does is put you in a spot of bother when there are conversations happening around you. When you are not paying attention, you might get caught off guard, which will add to your awkwardness, so it’s best to pay attention to everyone. Try To Chip In To beat social awkwardness, it’s best just to go with the flow. Join conversations, be a part of group activities, and try to break the ice as much as you can. That will help you gel better with people and people will start to notice you as well. Goof-Ups Are Fine If you are scared that you will goof up, heres the thing. Everybody goofs up, but the only thing others do, and you don’t, is handle themselves well. As a socially awkward person, you tend to focus more on the goof-up, while others tend to focus on how to divert attention from what they’ve done. In fact, most people just act like it never happened. So, watch and learn! Don’t Focus On Your Flaws So, you’re overweight. Or you have acne. Does that make you a less talented person? It doesn’t, right? That’s the reason why you should always put your best foot forward and stop focusing on your flaws. Nobody is out there to dig deep into your flaws and conduct a research on it, so chill. Be Prepared If you are image conscious, it’s best for you to work on your confidence before doing anything else. For example, if you think you are overweight, and that is affecting your confidence, you could get started with a weight loss regimen or something. This is not making you change yourself to please others, but will make you feel good about yourself. Choose Your Circle Wisely One reason you could be feeling awkward at certain gatherings is because you share nothing in common with the people around you. It’s best to socialize with like-minded people than hang out with people who are into things you don’t like. In such cases, there is bound to be some awkwardness, unless, of course, you want to try something new. Prep Up Your Body Language You might actually end up announcing to the whole world that you are socially awkward, even without putting it across in as many words. What it means is from the way you walk to the way you stand, your body language reflects the comfort and confidence you have. Slouching, gazing at the floor, and shaking your legs constantly indicate that you have low confidence. Observe The Pros Like mentioned in one of the points, simply watch and learn. If you don’t know how to kickstart a conversation, look at how the pros walk in and get chatting effortlessly. Also, notice their skills when they engage with different groups and talk about different things. From discussions to body language to exits, there’s a lot you can learn simply by observing them. Smile This is one weapon all of us have, and this is something that can set almost everything straight. Be it a goof-up, or the answer you might not know, or being asked to do something uncomfortable, a smile can save you the blushes. So, smile away your social blues. Being socially awkward isn’t as uncommon as you think it is. It’s best to connect with the most relatable face in the crowd and eventually expand your circle than jump into being a social butterfly straightaway. With these tips to aid you, we hope your social life becomes more happening! . Image credits. Main.  Awkward.  

How to Write AtS Resume

How to Write AtS ResumeIf you are wondering how to write AtS resume, there are some general guidelines to follow. You should understand that the information in your AtS resume is not for the benefit of the employer. Rather, it is for the benefit of yourself.Do not take your employer's points for granted. Employers want applicants who will make a good impression on them and deliver a professional impression. So if your resume is lacking in professionalism, it will show. For example, professional AtS resume shows that you have carefully written it from the very beginning. While your employer will definitely read the first paragraph, they will not look further into the document unless they find something of interest.Many employees find themselves in a dilemma when they get to the point of writing their AtS resume. In most cases, they feel they cannot submit their own. If you think this is the case, then you should start with the knowledge that your employer has already spent time and mo ney creating a very similar document. It is up to you, as the applicant, to ensure that the resume you are submitting is of a higher quality.Be sure to list your specific skills in relation to the job vacancy that you are applying for. That way, your employers can easily differentiate between you and your competition. That is, what your resume should be aiming for is visibility.Ask for help. Many employers prefer that you have someone to assist you during the creation of your AtS resume. Often, an expert at this task can offer invaluable tips and advice. They will provide you with tips that will help you reach the highest possible level of professionalism.Do not lie. The truth is not always pleasant. So if you find yourself wanting to tell a few tall tales, do not do so. Employers will easily spot and they will be more than happy to cut you loose for lying.Make the most of the questions you may be asked during the interview process. Some employers are really busy and some will make the effort to interview you for just one position. If you ask for the interview to be recorded, or if you answer all questions in the affirmative when they are given to you, your employers will appreciate your honesty.The above information should help you learn how to write AtS resume. Be honest with your resume. Your employer will be much happier to see a well-written one than a poorly written one.

135 Cian McLoughlin - CEO Trinity Perspectives - Jane Jackson Career

135 Cian McLoughlin - CEO Trinity Perspectives - Jane Jackson Career With a sales career spanning almost 20 years, including senior management roles in a number of the world’s largest software companies, Cian McLoughlin is the founder and CEO of Trinity Perspectives.Cian has trained and advised sales professionals from Brisbane to Bangkok, Christchurch to Cape Town and everywhere in between. Author of the Amazon #1 bestseller ‘Rebirth of the Salesman”, a regular sales and marketing commentator in the mainstream media, Cian’s blog was voted as one of the Top 50 Sales Blogs in the world in 2015 and again in 2016.We have a fascinating chat about Cians early career aspirations, to his corporate life and personal and health challenges due to the stressors of the corporate environment and how he has successfully taken control of his career, his business, his health and his life.  I discover what a warm and genuine human being Cian is and his passion for helping businesses succeed while maintaining harmony between his commitments professionally and personally.As CEO of Trinity Perspectives, Cian has build a highly successful business leveraging the success of his book, Rebirth of the Salesman. We discuss how communication, EQ and passion are essential for business growth and his methodology of: Truth Tools Training Transformation is ensuring the success of his corporate clients.When he’s not helping companies improve their sales batting average, Cian is an avid traveler, sportsman and a mediocre cook.Little known fact: Cian had a brief stint as a TV comedy writer there are no bounds to this mans talents!Where to find Cian:Website: www.trinityperspectives.comTwitter: @trinityperspect

Highlights from Career Masteryâ„¢ Kickstart 2018

Highlights from Career Masteryâ„¢ Kickstart 2018 Career Masteryâ„¢ Kickstart 2018 started this week and it’s been amazing! This is my annual online Summit where I gather world-class experts to help you get your year off to a great start and take your career to the next level. Over 7,000 high achievers have registered for this free event and we’ve had an awesome first week. It’s been a delight to see participants praise the experts, share their biggest takeaways from the Tips and Interviews, and engage with each other. And participants are already getting results. They’re taking the Tips, strategies and insights and using them to advance their careers and make an impact. I love it when a plan comes together! It’s not too late to join this free virtual Summit. Here are some highlights so far from Career Masteryâ„¢ Kickstart 2018: Dorie Clark â€" How to be Entrepreneurial at Work Dorie’s Tip focused on the small adjustments to your thinking that can give you a big competitive advantage at work. Essential in a world where we’re all expected to innovate. Carla Harris â€" How to Find Great Mentors and Sponsors As Carla says, “You will not ascend in any organization without a sponsor”. Her Tip sets out the three criteria for a strong sponsor and an action plan for identifying yours. Michael Bungay Stanier â€" How to Give the Very Best Advice as a Leader Michael talked about the essential skill of giving good advice when it comes to being a great manager and leader, and provides a script for doing this well. Use it in your personal life, too. Erica Seldin â€" How to Make Better Decisions That Result in Action Striving for 100% alignment with any group is almost impossible. Erica’s tip helps teams move forward beyond “analysis paralysis” and start to get things done. Join us at Career Masteryâ„¢ Kickstart 2018 Chester Elton â€" What the Best Leaders Do that Others Don’t Chester’s Tip focused on a simple set of actions you can take every day to be a great leader who delivers great results. And this is one you will want to try at home too! Ron Friedman â€" How to Disconnect from Work Ron shared advice that helps high achievers become even more productive and deliver better performance. This can make you a hero at home while also a bigger star at work! Michelle Gielan â€" How to Shift a Conversation from Negative to Positive in Second Michelle’s Tip challenges the widely-held belief that we can’t change other people. Her Power Lead technique transforms conversations in a way that’s beneficial to you and others. Christine Carter â€" How to Say No Gracefully Christine provided three tips that work when it feels really hard to say “no”. This helps you avoid saying “yes” and feeling resentment later, and learn to say “no” without being abrupt. Join us at Career Masteryâ„¢ Kickstart 2018 Jeremy Snape â€" How to Set Goals Like an Olympic Athlete to Achieve Greater Success Jeremy provided four steps to make your goals for the year totally doable. You’ll feel inspired as you get done everything you want to do, and set yourself up for a great year. Michael Port â€" How to Get People to Say ‘Yes’ to Your Ideas Michael shared the 3 questions that drive whether someone says yes or no. This improves the odds of getting to “yes” without risking embarrassment when you make a proposal. David Burkus â€" How to Unlock the Value of Your Network David’s Tip focused on the value of connecting with people across the organization, and debunks the myth that heading up the corporate ladder as fast as possible is the best route to success. So, relax and stop worrying if your career isn’t going in a straight line to the top! Sarah Santacroce â€" How to Nail the 1 Sentence That Makes or Breaks Your LinkedIn Profile Sarah taught us the three questions that guide you to a highly effective LinkedIn headline. Rest assured that you’ll be well represented on LinkedIn and stand out from the crowd. More Actionable Career Advice to Come It’s been an incredible week. My guest experts have shared such great insights to start the year strong and make this an amazing year for you. Although you may have missed the speakers this week (each day’s sessions are ‘on air’ and only available for 48 hours) there are still many more speakers to come over the next few days that you won’t want to miss. So, if you haven’t already, sign up now to catch the remaining Tips and Interviews. Join me at Career Masteryâ„¢ Kickstart 2018 and let’s get your year off to a great start!