The Panhandler's Secret
The ingenuity of a panhandler in coming up with a win-win situation struck me.
Most of what I've been reading lately advocates providing value before ever asking for anything. Everyone who has been blessed by interacting with me will want to return the favour at some point. And many times; that's not the point - it's not give to get. It's just give. Period. Because I've already been given everything.
Doesn't this just make sense? Isn't this part of what we learned in kindergarden? or maybe Sunday school?
Think win-win. Or - no deal.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Monday, March 2, 2009
More ways to use Linkedin for job searches
In Reverse Headhunting with LinkedIn, Rob Pitingolo gives some good insight into the use of Linkedin for job searching.
Keep in mind, it's not necessarily the person you connect to who will link you to a job - it may be one of the people that person connects you to.
Keep in mind, it's not necessarily the person you connect to who will link you to a job - it may be one of the people that person connects you to.
We're all in the same boat
This article; How Do You Network When Your Network's All Laid Off? is getting dangerously close to describing my network. There's some really good advice about how to present the fact that you're "looking".
I'm finding that most people are very open to connecting on linkedin. I don't think anyone feels their network is big enough or diverse enough any more. Linkedin does have some very good search capabilities as well, if you're attempting to do business or gain employment in a particular field or geographic location.
I'm finding that most people are very open to connecting on linkedin. I don't think anyone feels their network is big enough or diverse enough any more. Linkedin does have some very good search capabilities as well, if you're attempting to do business or gain employment in a particular field or geographic location.
Not quite far enough
This article from Kevin Eikenberry advocates being intentional about TV viewing.
What if it went one step further? How about an "over the top", "you gotta be kidding", "there's no way that's going to happen" kind of idea?
Here it is.
Unplug.
Disconnect your antenna or cable.
Think about it.
How would your life be different? What would you do instead of watching TV?
Now just in case you're thinking; I bet Rick watches TV. You're right; I do. Our TV is connected to a DVD player and a VCR. Cable; no. Antenna; no. So when we do watch TV, what we watch is intentional. We actually have an antenna on the roof, and when we moved in three years ago I asked my daughter if she wanted me to connect it. Her answer; "No, I'd just waste time watching TV".
How's my life different? Well; I do spend a lot of time behind a computer. In the last few years I've learned a lot about the automotive industry, Linux, marketing, ministry, etc. I've kept up with pictures from friends and family in Facebook.
But the most noticeable part for me is how I look at advertising. For the most part, it's difficult for advertisers to reach me. I don't even listen to broadcast radio. What I've seen over the last few years is that advertisers are getting louder and more outrageous as they seek to get our attention.
Keep in mind this point; the purpose of TV and radio is to deliver advertising. All the programming is created to ensure that you're there to receive the advertising. That's the bottom line.
What if it went one step further? How about an "over the top", "you gotta be kidding", "there's no way that's going to happen" kind of idea?
Here it is.
Unplug.
Disconnect your antenna or cable.
Think about it.
How would your life be different? What would you do instead of watching TV?
Now just in case you're thinking; I bet Rick watches TV. You're right; I do. Our TV is connected to a DVD player and a VCR. Cable; no. Antenna; no. So when we do watch TV, what we watch is intentional. We actually have an antenna on the roof, and when we moved in three years ago I asked my daughter if she wanted me to connect it. Her answer; "No, I'd just waste time watching TV".
How's my life different? Well; I do spend a lot of time behind a computer. In the last few years I've learned a lot about the automotive industry, Linux, marketing, ministry, etc. I've kept up with pictures from friends and family in Facebook.
But the most noticeable part for me is how I look at advertising. For the most part, it's difficult for advertisers to reach me. I don't even listen to broadcast radio. What I've seen over the last few years is that advertisers are getting louder and more outrageous as they seek to get our attention.
Keep in mind this point; the purpose of TV and radio is to deliver advertising. All the programming is created to ensure that you're there to receive the advertising. That's the bottom line.
30 seconds
That's all the time my resume has in the hands of a hiring manager before a decision is made; keep - or toss.
Check out this posting from Liz Lynch and the mp3 file of the tele-seminar.
Some of the suggestions may help to get my resume in the right pile.
Ideally, my resume is in someone's hands because they asked for it. That's one of the reasons I'm pushing so hard right now to build my network on linkedin (www.linkedin.com)
When I look at my career, and the job interviews along the way - I'm reminded that it's been quite a long time since I've had an interview with a stranger based on a job advertisement that resulted in a job offer and placement. The last time (and only time since graduating university) it has happened for me is May of 1986. Almost 23 years ago! Every other job change/career move has been the result of leveraging a personal recommendation.
If you see a good suggestion online, please leave a comment here or email me at; rick dot vangameren at gmail dot com
I wish you the best in your job search!
Check out this posting from Liz Lynch and the mp3 file of the tele-seminar.
Some of the suggestions may help to get my resume in the right pile.
Ideally, my resume is in someone's hands because they asked for it. That's one of the reasons I'm pushing so hard right now to build my network on linkedin (www.linkedin.com)
When I look at my career, and the job interviews along the way - I'm reminded that it's been quite a long time since I've had an interview with a stranger based on a job advertisement that resulted in a job offer and placement. The last time (and only time since graduating university) it has happened for me is May of 1986. Almost 23 years ago! Every other job change/career move has been the result of leveraging a personal recommendation.
If you see a good suggestion online, please leave a comment here or email me at; rick dot vangameren at gmail dot com
I wish you the best in your job search!
Friday, February 27, 2009
Security Updates
Even though 8.10 is the latest supported release of Ubuntu, it's been around for a while (October 2008) so there's a pretty big set of updates right away. I pulled the 200 updates down (it's pretty "automatic") and installed them. If I was running a fleet of computers on Ubuntu, I'd want to pull it once and use that download set for all the computers. Loading the updates on removable media is one of the ways I'm going to try.
I'm also following (trying to) hyperlink recommendations for accessibility from Glenda Hyatt.
I'm also following (trying to) hyperlink recommendations for accessibility from Glenda Hyatt.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
The switch to Ubuntu
I've been disrespecting Microsoft for years now (mostly, I'm against monopolies). It seems it's time for me to hitch my wagon to some flavor of Linux. I'm starting with Ubuntu 8.10. I've tested it many times on a few different computers. Today I have committed to limiting my computer use at home to Linux.
If I land some Notes/Domino consulting work, I'll have to sort out what I'm going to do for Domino Designer.
The 8.10 install is very straightforward. "Out of the box" it has everything I need for home use.
I'm going to research small business costs for Microsoft licensing, and see about helping businesses and individuals make the same switch to Linux.
If I land some Notes/Domino consulting work, I'll have to sort out what I'm going to do for Domino Designer.
The 8.10 install is very straightforward. "Out of the box" it has everything I need for home use.
I'm going to research small business costs for Microsoft licensing, and see about helping businesses and individuals make the same switch to Linux.
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