There are lots of books on Twitter right now – I was supposed to write one of the earliest but I was in the middle of rewriting I’m on LinkedIn — Now What??? and I wasn’t sure I wanted to write another technical book that would have to be updated every year!  I opted to not do that but instead create hands-on, visual webinar recording that shows you how to use Twitter.

Twitter for Job Seekers (the video) is specifically designed for professionals in a job search.

It is a 1 hour and 24 minues (and one second) video, walking you through what Twitter is, and how to use it in your job search.

It’s based on the idea that you want to find network contacts who can help you in your job search – find people to add to your own personal/professional network, as well as how to communicate with them after you find them.

There is also training on what to do with your own Twitter account. As a professional, what could or should you be tweeting?  (going into personal branding, and how to use Twitter as a Personal Branding tool)

I show you how to get value out of Twitter EVEN IF YOU DON’T HAVE A TWITTER ACCOUNT.  This is essential for many professionals who aren’t excited to jump on this bandwagon, but still want to tap into the power that Twitter.com has created.  There is significant power there – and you can tap into it without even signing up for an account.

I won’t try to convince anyone to get a Twitter account, but I do want you to learn how to use this tool so you can achieve your career management objectives.

To access the recording (as many times as you like) simply do the following:

1. Login to JibberJobber.com.  This is as security measure so this video isn’t shared out inappropriately.  If you don’t have a JibberJobber account, get one on the front page – it takes about 60 seconds.
2. Mouse over the Tools link (from the main menu) and go all the way down to Videos (click on the Videos link).
3. The last tab on Videos is “Premium Videos.” Twitter for Job Search is the last one there.

This $50 investment into your career management is worth it… once you are done you should have your brain wrapped around Twitter as a tool, and know how you are going to incorporate it into your job search strategy.

(if you are already logged into JibberJobber, simply click here)

Sometime during the last year of my employment at my last job I swiped a book from my mom while she was visiting my family.  How To Become A Rainmaker had me 1,000% captivated.  Every chapter is 2 – 5 pages, the book is small (although not a “pamphlet”), and the stuff in there was just amazing.

I’m not a salesperson, and I wasn’t at the time, but reading Jeffrey Fox’s book on becoming a rainmaker, and the strategy and tactics involved, won me over.

As CEO of Me, Inc. I think it’s critical that we understand our role of sales and marketing.  I don’t know of any better training, whether it’s beginner training or advanced training, to help us understand what goes into becoming an effective salesperson.

Salesperson = Communicator

Salesperson = Influencer

There is no reason to not be a more efficient communicator or influencer, I don’t care if you are unemployed, a super-geeky programmer (no offense intended :p), or a work-alone-on-the-moon astronaut.

You need this book.

It is about $14 on Amazon.  Or you might be able to get it at Costco (I’ve seen a bunch of Fox’s books at my Costco).  Or you can check your local library.

I don’t care how you get this book, but get it.  And read it with your “CEO of Me, Inc.” hat on.

Every once in a while I get a harebrained idea to do something new and cool.  I know, I’m nutz.

First it was to start a crazy job search organizational website… JibberJobber.com.

Then it was to write a book that might sell a few copies… I’m on LinkedIn — Now What???

Then it was to actually become a professional speaker (got dragged into that one) … this is what prompted the redesign of JasonAlba.com.

Then it was to develop other informational products like the LinkedIn DVD: LinkedIn for Job Seekers.

Look where all that got me :p

Well, here’s the next one.  This met all of my criteria for doing a new thing (complement the other stuff?  Check.  Fun?  Check.  Rewarding? Check.)  Let me tell you how this all started.

Alison Doyle is the Job Search Expert at About.com.  When she comes to Park City with her man, who is the Ski Expert at About.com, she lets me know so we can hopefully have lunch together.  About a year ago I went to lunch with Mark Newman, CEO of Hirevue (a very cool company) and we were just chatting… no agenda, nothing planned, just chatting.

Somehow we got the idea to start an industry blog/site that talks about the plethora of job search tools (and stuff)… new ones, old ones, etc.  The idea was to create a place where we talk about what there is, what we think of it, how they could improve, and stuff like this.  Something like TechCrunch for the job search world.

Of course, we are not going to be, or compete with, TechCrunch. But we thought there was an opportunity to fill a gap.  We were SO EXCITED!

And then we all went back to our day jobs and got busy :p

Until recently… we finally pulled it together and decided to make it happen.  This week we came up with the name Job Search Talk, bought the domain, set up the blog, and started moving forward.

We’re jazzed, and hope to be able to provide value to people in the job search space (HR, job seekers, recruiters, software developers, etc.) – but we don’t want to (or, can’t) write all of it!  So, if you have any opinions on what is out there, or what should be out there, let us know – we’d love to have experts (whether you are a job seeker with expertise as a product user or a career coach or a software vendor) help us put up information and opinions about what is available… !

Cool, huh?  Crazy but cool.

I got an email from one of my users recently…. while JibberJobber will help with some of this (he’s a Premium user on JibberJobber), he’s looking for something that is more intense, specifically for planning.  Here’s his question:

Can you recommend the best PLANNING resources you’ve come across? I’m finding I’m a little scatter brained at the moment in planning what I need to do and could use the help.

I use Todo on my iPhone, which is a great app, and it syncs flawlessly with Toodledo, so some way to take JibberJobber with me would be great.

I don’t really have a “planning” system that I use, outside of my Outlook Calendar (soon to be integrated with JibberJobber… oh and I’m not even going to preannounce JibberJobber on the iPhone or Blackberry (oops, did I just preannounce that??).

Do you have any suggestions?

I was on Michael Port’s Monday Teleconference a while back when we talked about LinkedIn or Facebook (can’t remember)… I had never heard of Michael Port before but was amazed at the number of emails I got from my friends congratulating me for being on his show.  He was a much bigger marketing celebrity than I ever guessed!

Michael is a really interesting person with a very loyal following… I’ve been watching him since then, trying to learn how he has created such a loyal following.  One of these days I’ll report on what I’ve learned from the master himself… for now, I want to share info on his latest book, which I have.  I haven’t finished it yet, so I’m going to copy and paste a message from Michael to you:

Hey, Michael here, calling on all you big thinkers. I’m talking about the biggest, brightest, forward-thinking, still dreaming, hard core intellectual thinking, down-to-earth realistic-being and even the most unconfessed, self-professed and secretive big thinkers (and, that pretty much covers everyone).

The think big revolution is in full swing. There’s no stopping it. Thousands of revolutionaries are coming together to collaborate, cooperate and combine forces to yes…  think bigger about who they are and what they offer the world.

The Think Big Manifesto

Thinking big is like a secret handshake, only there’s nothing secret about it. There’s no tips, tricks or mystery code to decipher.

Thinking big is about one person at a time experiencing his or her own personal empowerment against an existing, deficient (small thinking) system. It’s about being fully self-expressed in the face of all the forces that conspire to pacify your drive, your hunger to be the most you can be.

Be a part of history. Bring your big thoughts forward. Get your manifesto and road map to navigate these revolutionary times. The Think Big Manifesto is not just my manifesto, it’s our manifesto. It is the manifesto of everyone who is, who will and wants to think big.

Get your copy of The Think Big Manifesto.

Am I recommending this book?  I know some people won’t need it, because they are already big thinkers.  But too many people need to expand how they think (I think).  Just reading the first few pages of this book inspired me to think big, and now I think about how big (or little) I think daily.

Get the book.  Think big.  Change the world.

I have been a subscriber to Randy Cassingham’s This is True newsletter for years.  A couple of years ago I did the premium upgrade for about $22 a year so I could get more stories each week.  But the free version is plenty fine.

I have thought about recommending it for a while, but every once in a while there is something that is offensive to some group of people.  Randy basically finds crazy stories from the news, writes a small paragraph about them, and ends with his own tagline.  Nothing he has written has been offensive to me (yet) but the reality of how funny/crazy/weird our world is just keeps me coming back each week.

It’s been part of my sanity check.

In a recent edition he included a note someone wrote to him, which I wanted to share here:

[name] in South Carolina upgraded this weekend too, and attached a
note to me: “Randy, I just got laid off yesterday (Friday the 13th!)
and couldn’t think of a better way to make a clean break than to
finally become a paid subscriber. I’ve been a free subscriber for years
and benefitted from the laughs and groans each story brings. This is an
investment in my own faith in things working out for good for
reasonable people since you so frequently show the results of
unreasonable (and unreasoning) people. Thanks for providing this
service for all these years.” You’re most welcome, [name] , and best of
luck finding a new and *better* position soon.

My last day of work was a Friday the 13th also :p

If you are interested, you can get the free email newsletter by signing up at ThisIsTrue.com.

Personal Branding has really come a long ways in the last few years!  I remember when William Arruda and Kirsten Dixson wrote “the bible” on personal branding, back when there were really just a handful of personal branding blogs.

Fast forward to today and we have (probably) hundreds of blogs that have some element of personal branding, and the latest book on the subject from Dan Schawbel, who is someone who has completely immersed himself in the power of personal branding.  He’s a pretty dang good networker, to boot (doesn’t it make sense that personal branding and networking go hand-in-hand?).

Dan’s popular blog on personal branding, PersonalBrandingBlog, has evolved into an authoritative resources on personal branding, with a history of interviews from some amazing people, as well as (newer) guest posts from others.  He created the Personal Branding Magazine, and has been interviewed by some great publications.  He has definitely carved out his corner of expertise (combined with savvy SEO, he’ll be around for a long time in this space!).

What should you expect from this book?  Honestly, I don’ t know, since I haven’t seen it.  But based on everything I’ve seen from Dan in the last couple of years, I can only guess this will be a terrific resource for you as you think about, and work on, your personal brand.  Here are some highlights he sent me via email:

• A proven 4-step process for building a powerful brand (discover, create, communicate, maintain).
• Tips on using social media tools for personal empowerment, confidence building, and professional networking in order to attract jobs directly to you, without applying!
• Tested advice on how to create an online and offline presence for career protection and self-promotion.
• Over 40 expert quotes from leaders including Don Tapscott, Guy Kawasaki, Penelope Trunk, and David Kirkpatrick of Fortune Magazine, among others.
• More than 70 research reports, three personal case studies and examples to give you a broader perspective on the topic.

At Amazon it shows the price at $11.53 – go get it – you have nothing to lose!

Since last Monday I’ve been giving presentations on using tools for job search and career management (and even social marketing).

I’m amazed at the percentage of people who are really, really new to this stuff.  A lot of people have known about tools, and even the tactics and strategies, for managing their own career, being CEO of Me, Inc., and proactively creating their own “job security” (which I’ll refer to as “income security“).

But “knowing about” and “implementing” are two different things.  Like when I “knew about” my lawnmower problem, but sat on it for years, and one day I pulled the pliers out and fixed an uber-frustrating issue in just five minutes that made mowing my lawn a much better experience.

Or “knowing about” a problem with the door knob on my front door which frustrated just about everyone who ever touched it.  After years, I finally had that fixed.

Or “knowing about” my intense dislike for my dress shoes, which were either uncomfortable or scuffed to the point of embarrassing (and not professional).  I finally made myself do one of the things I loathe, which is shop for shoes for myself.  I found a brand and style that I’m in love with and doubt I’ll ever (EVER) buy another brand.

The fixes for our little problems are usually quick, easy and affordable.  But for some reason we put them off for years, living with the frustration.  Is it because we like the pain and anguish?

I have no idea.

My coach taught me something simple: I have the answers, I know what should be done, but I was just waiting around for someone to give me permission to do it.  How silly is that?

So today, I give you permission.

I give you permission to get on LinkedIn, and have a career management strategy.  If you want to figure out what a LinkedIn Strategy is, come on over to the LinkedIn blog.

I give you permission to go to a face-to-face networking event this month. I never did because I thought I would be cheating on my company (the very same company that pink-slipped me).

I give you permission to take a few hours and update your resume.

I give you permission to read a networking book that will change your life (The first book I recommend is Never Eat Alone).

I give you permission to _____________________________.  I’m not sure what it is for you, but I bet you know.

Finally, I give you permission to give yourself permission… for all of those little things that need to be resolved.  You are an adult – you don’t need to wait for someone else to come along and say it’s okay to make the necessary change.

Do it.  Be empowered. I give you permission!

Many people “network” into their next job, right?

That’s what we’re told.

And we believe it.  It sounds good.  It feels good.  Everyone says it. It must be true.

Then WHY isn’t networking into your next job WORKING??

I’ll give you two reasons why networking might not be working in your job search:

1. Networking takes a long time.

Think about planting a tomato. When do you plant the seed?  What do you have to do before you can get the harvest?

It’s a long process of watching hardly any progress.  It takes time, and care.  Sometimes, you have to go out in the evening and cover your poor little tomato plants or else an overnight freeze will make all of your efforts go to waste.

People who plant tomatoes know what they are getting into, and they have a vision of what they’ll get when it’s all done.  They take the time to do what needs to be done.

I think we, as networkers, DON’T know what we are getting into, and our visions are unrealistic because we don’t know what needs to be done.

We want to be “microwave networkers,” where we push a few buttons and 30 seconds later we have what we want… you can’t expect to simply go to ONE network meeting and get your dream job.  You can’t expect to do some searches on LinkedIn and magically get into the CEO’s office.  You can’t expect to shoot off a few emails to meet people and expect to have them gush all over you as the next best hire.

You need to NURTURE RELATIONSHIPS.  This is slow.  And we are impatient. And that is why networking sucks in a job search.  Because it doesn’t necessarily produce overnight results.

2. Networking is misunderstood.

It’s not just about having a slick business card and going to job search meetings.  It definitely is not about arriving late and leaving early (like I did, because I didn’t want to network with losers).

Networking is not about adding a ton of people to your “list.”  Whether it’s adding more people to LinkedIn or JibberJobber, it’s not just about getting more names and phone numbers.

Networking is not about that proverbial “we should do lunch sometime,” … that “sometime” that never happens.

Networking is about nurturing “intimate relationships.”  When I realized this (as I read Never Eat Alone), EVERYTHING changed.  Everything.  It was still a nurturing process, but EVERYTHING changed.  Networking was more fun, and definitely more rewarding.  I focused on helping others, and was able to give, and serve, and get fulfillment as I developed intimated relationships instead of focusing on “is this person going to be able to help me, or am I wasting my time?”

Many people I meet in the job search just don’t get it.  They do not understand what networking is.  It’s like planting a tomato in the wrong soil, or not watering it, or not giving it appropriate sunlight… if you don’t know what you are doing with a tomato plant you probably won’t get tomatoes.

If you don’t know how to nurture intimate relationships you probably won’t find your job through networking.

Both situations will leave you asking “but what did I do wrong?”

I’m sorry that you drank the “networking kool-aid” and thought networking was going to be your quick-fix, and are now very discouraged because you see no results.  Perhaps you understood networking to be something different?

If so, go to your library TODAY and get Never Eat Alone, by Keith Ferrazzi.  This book completely changed my job search.

While you are there, get Some Assembly Required by Thom Singer.  It is a great companion to Never Eat Alone, and has tons of tactical tips and ideas.

Does networking suck for you?  Why?

Last weekend I got an email from a longtime virtual blog buddy that he was going full-time with his social media consulting business.  Here’s the email from Ari:

In response to recent questions about my new venture, I’d like to share with you what I’m doing – and ask for your help.

With my 10 years of experience in digital media, community journalism, and government administration, I merged my skills into consulting. I have a small but growing list of clients who reached out to me after wanting to hear how social media, interactive marketing, and online branding could help them.

If you visit http://ariherzog.com, I list some questions that every CEO should be able to answer and identify with. You can read about the value I offer in social networking, blogging, search engine optimization, online branding, lead generation, and much more.

With the economic downturn, social media is all the more relevant because it’s downright affordable, and in many cases is free. Can you think of a better way to sell your products and services?

If this strikes a chord, I’d enjoy hearing from you — or anyone you can recommend. I’m available for either consulting or speaking opportunities with larger groups.

Scary… to get away from steady paycheck, health insurance, matching 401k, etc.  I wrote about having guts to do it here …. my guts came because I had no other choice, and admire anyone who makes the decision when they already have a job!

If you are looking for help with your social media or social marketing strategy, I encourage you to check out Ari Herzog.  He’s been a frequent commentor on this blog and he and I have corresponded quite a bit over the time we’ve known one another.  He’s a sharp guy!

Finally, if you are looking for guts to do something like this (start your own gig), go follow Pamela Slim, author of Escape From Cubicle Nation.