My New Favorite LinkedIn Feature.

I've just added another reason why I love LinkedIn: Status Updates.

Not many people are using this feature, which is why it is so eye-catching. Unlike Facebook or Twtiter, there is no clutter to jump through. Your update 'pops.' Best yet, it bumps you to the top of the updates when people login to their home page.

Be ahead of the curve and start using your LinkedIn Status Update to your advantage. Looking for work? Be specific about companies you are targeting or job titles you are going after. Want to direct more traffic to your blog or website? Teasers in the update get me every time. Pretty cool.

Unemployed But Still Employable. 3 Quick & Easy Strategies for Success.

If you've been unemployed for any amount of time, I know you've had well-meaning friends and peers tell you to 'stay positive.' Easier said than done, right? Here are 3 quick, easy and practical strategies I've found that have helped me stay focused as I've been launching my business this past year. :
1. Fuel Up. Fill up your tank (and your schedule) with activities that energize you. That positive energy will be obvious when you connect with others. One person told me that Mondays were her 'hard days' so she designated Monday mornings for art and creativity. By the afternoon, when she picked up the phone to network, she was so full of confidence and optimism that it came through on her calls.
2. Fire Up. Schedule working sessions with one or two peers at the local coffeehouse or bookstore. Working on your job search side-by-side with others creates a nice vibe. You aren't alone. You can bounce ideas off someone (just don't spend too much time chatting) and that intangible co-worker connection does wonders for your outlook on life. Humans are not meant to be alone. I think that's an old adage or scripture or something. But, it is true.
3. Fix Up. Okay this is meant to be easy and small. Find one thing that you have control over and give it a tweak or, heck, an all-out makeover. I'm not talking anything too serious. And I'm talking just one thing. It could anything from your physical appearance (remember, just one thing), your style/wardrobe, your online image (update a LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter account) to your outgoing voicemail message, resume or portfolio. Focusing on and updating one thing can boost your confidence, self-esteem and sense of accomplishment.
Now go get 'em.

Before Your Start Your Own Business, Read This.

It's in all the headlines. The economy is lagging. Layoffs continue. Times like these are ripe for the creation of new start ups. Personally, I love it. Small business is the hallmark of the depression, when many of today's Fortune 100 were created. If you have been entertaining this idea even a little, I'm excited to share Guy Kawasaki's interview with Pamela Slim blogger and author of the new book Escape from Cubicle Nation The interview gives a great check list to think through before moving ahead with a new business. As for the book, well, it's on order. I've previewed the first chapter and it looks smart. I'll post a review once I'm done.