What To Bring To Networking Events and Conferences

What To Bring To Networking Events and Conferences 100 The items you need to get the most out of your next event. I go to a lot of local events, at least 1-2 per week, and it isn't rare for me to attend 3-4 per week. It used to be that on the morning of an event, or the night before, I'd prepare a bag of goodies to get maximum benefit. Now, I just keep an event bag stocked so that I can quickly throw in a few things and go. Bookmark this article as a checklist to reuse in the future. What I always bring to events Here's what must be in my backpack or it will be sorely missed:eval Name badge Most events, especially paid events, will give out badges with your name on it but bringing my own assures that it will have the right information, with the right spelling and that it will work with whatever I'm wearing.eval My favorite is actually a simple plastic badge that I received at an event a few years ago. It has a shoelace that you comfortably wear around your neck, and the plastic card has a white sticker with my name and Twitter handle. The only improvement is to put a similar sticker on the back of the plastic so that you don't have to constantly check whether the right side is facing front. Business cards Always bring more than you think you'll need, and store them in a small case that will keep them fresh like the day they were printed. When I open the case to hand out a card, I replace it with the card I received, tucked beneath the rest of my other business cards. Pen Take notes, scribble the event name on a business card handed out or received, or just to help out someone who needs one, which is a great conversation starter. Smartphone Aside from the obvious reasons for having one, I use my phone to take notes which are automatically uploaded to my Google (Drive) account, and to participate in the conference tweet stream (using #hashtags) if there is one. Extra smartphone battery and/or charger + cable What good is your smartphone if the battery is (almost) dead? Make it a non-issue. Dictaphone My secret weapon. I use it mainly to record speakers â€" especially if I'm one of them â€" but not only. What happens all too often at informal talks is that I end up being the only person who recorded the event at all, and everyone â€" speaker(s) and audience â€" really appreciate it when I then post the audio for download after the event. Only use a digital dictaphone so you can easily backup the recordings to your computer. Mine is a basically a glorified, battery-powered USB memory stick with high-end audio recording functionality. Lapel microphone At events where I'm speaking, the lapel microphone gives me the best audio quality when plugged into my dictaphone. At events where I'm networking, I may hide the lapel microphone inside my collar to record my conversations FOR PRIVATE USE ONLY so that I can more easily take notes later. Or, I may sometimes just use the lapel microphone as a small wired microphone that I'll hold up to someone I'm talking to. Breath mints or gum Most events have some kind of food served whether there's a buffet or just cookies and coffee. Whatever the menu, regardless of whether you have halitosis or not, an occasional mint or minty gum will make conversation more pleasant for everyone. Medication As a chronic asthma and allergy sufferer, I need to come prepared or I may suffer a lot! Anyone traveling to events may be prone to headaches so some sort of aspirin or anti-inflammatory is handy too. I have a collapsible plastic cup with a cover that â€" if initially dry â€" can double as a pillbox. Tissues And as a chronic allergy sufferer, I'm guaranteed to need a tissue at some point. Wallet An obvious one, but I'd be hard-pressed to get to an event without it. In-ear headphones Not so much for the event itself, more for the commute to and from. Although if you do need to listen to some recorded audio e.g. from the dictaphone you brought with you, this will be the only way to do it discreetly in a large, noisy room. What I might also bring to events Depending on the event in question, its length and where it is, here are some optional things that I might also bring along or that you might need instead. Event entry ticket A must for most conferences, less so for most networking events. But if your ticket needs to be printed in advance, don't wait until the last minute. Hand sanitizer No paranoia here, but if you get sick easily or if you are sick already, you might want to keep some hand sanitizer close by so that no one catches anything needlessly. Toiletries or cosmetics Not an issue for most men â€" although I'll sometimes pack anti-perspirant â€" but critical for most women. Always be prepared. Hand moisturizer Because no one likes sandpaper handshakes. Use a local product in case anyone asks why your hands are so smooth. HD camera Take great pictures to post online after the event, letting people tag each other while thinking of you in the process. Also, for short evening events or seminars, consider recording video of all speakers â€" including yourself â€" for your own purposes or in case no one else does so, which often happens at less formal meetups. Plus, you might just be the backup camera if the main one proves not to be up to the task. That's happened to me a number of times and the event organizers were extremely appreciative. Camera travel tripod Look to have a small tripod that can attach your camera to non-conventional places (e.g. fixtures, heating pipes, you name it) so you can get the best angle. The tripod for my old Flip Ultra HD has 3 legs that can grab onto a pole. Tablet Great for showing off your work portfolio whether that means demoing software that you're working on, or showing video of something you helped create. External keyboard Typically a Bluetooth keyboard, super handy for taking notes or social media sharing on your smartphone or tablet when you don't feel like lugging a full laptop. Laptop Sometimes though, an external keyboard + smartphone/tablet is no substitute for the real thing. If you do bring a laptop regularly, you'll probably also want a protective case, mouse and power pack. Powerbar One of my networking secrets. I can't count the number of times someone else has struck up a conversation with me because I had a powerbar plugged into the only visible outlet in the area. Extra batteries Because you might need them for all the other event-critical electronics you're shlepping along, such as for the dictaphone. Water and/or food Most events will have some food and drinks, so you probably won't need to bring your own. However, I've been to events where they've run out of food, or ran out before I was able to break away from networking, or the food was something I couldn't eat for dietary restrictions or other reasons. In which case I was sure glad to have something with me, even if it was just a piece of fruit. Question of the article Is there anything NOT on my list that is a must for your event pack? Tell us in the comments. A version of this article originally appeared on the Personal Branding Blog.

10 Tips to Hiring When Youre an Entrepreneur

10 Tips to Hiring When Youre an Entrepreneur As an entrepreneur you may be unsure about where to start when it comes to expanding your team and welcoming another person into your  business. Hiring new staff to join your staff can be risky at such an early stage in your companys life, so you need to be sure that the person is right for the job. The hiring process can also be very pricey; however there are a few ways that you can cut costs. Here are 10 steps that entrepreneurs can follow when hiring a new employee, courtesy of Nudj. 1) Decide what you are looking for Before you start your search, outline what your problem is and then identify what skills or requirements you need to solve it. 2)  Ask for referrals Do you know anyone who may know someone suitable for the job? If so get in touch and ask them for a referral. 86% of talent would accept a role through a friend, in comparison to only 45% who would trust a recruiter. 3) Respond to candidates You should always respond to people as quickly as possible, providing feedback to your friend and the applicant. 4) Offer a referral bonus If you offer an incentive for making referrals, people may feel more inclined to do so. This can be monetary or something more creative. 5) Try social media Social media can be a great tool for sourcing the right person for the role. You can use it to advertise the position or to reach out to potential employees. 6) Job boards If youre still struggling to find the right person, you could list the job on a specialist job board as it will target professionals in the industry. 7) Use a recruiter Recruiters are well practised at seeking out candidates, so if youre still struggling to find someone, they may be able to help. 8) Use an APS If youve got applications flooding in, manage them by using an APS (application tracking system). 9) Hold interviews Once you have identified suitable candidates, be sure to arrange an interview quickly. Provide them with timely feedback after your meeting. 10)  Welcome the new employee Help the new member of staff to settle in my introducing them to the team, showing them around and providing them with necessary training. [Top Image Credit: Shutterstock]

What your Social Media Pages Say About You

What your Social Media Pages Say About You Going on a date? Im sure youve looked up your date. One thing you have to remember though, is he is probably is on his laptop looking you up too.  Now that a lot of relationships start online, it makes sense to look a  potential date up on the internet. The first thing youll find for most people are their social media pages.  What we get up to on the internet says a lot about us; from the pictures we post to the innocent little statuses we think no one sees. Too Many App Manipulated Selfies I wont even talk like Im one to steer away from selfies, but ladies, calm down with the cosmetic apps! If you upload pictures with no eye bags, higher cheekbones, wider  smile, gleaming facial skin, and  larger eyeballs (this one I really dont understand) and then you pile on 5 different filters, your date will either refuse to acknowledge you or  think that you are a complete fraud. Keep it natural, if not occasional. Lots of Intimate Pictures of You with the Opposite Sex These might be harmless photos of you with your friends but to a potential date it could look like youre a real player. Its fine to have your Facebook full of photos of you and your friends but perhaps intersperse those photos with family shots, quiet nights in and holiday snaps. A Private Profile If your social profiles are private then it could look like youve got something to hide. A private profile can be good for all sorts of reasons; to stop your boss seeing what youre up to, to hide from possessive ex-partners or perhaps to create an air of mystery. This can be frustrating for a potential date who has looked you up but it can also tell them that perhaps theres more to you than they already know. Are you a party animal? Into something really odd? Or are you dating more than one person? Control what you want to divulge and what you want him to dig up. Whats the fun in having nothing to talk about? Associating with Unsavoury  Types Your social profiles might look lovely but what about your friends? Who you associate with can build a real picture of the kind of person you are. Keep an eye on what other people post on your timeline on Facebook. An in joke between you and a mate could look really bad to a potential date. (Pranks can go very wrong, too.) So make sure you control what goes on your wall! Too Many Pictures of Pets A lot of posts, pictures and links relating to cats â€" your cats in particular â€" can be a real turn off. If you simply like cats, thats fine and you may bond with your date even more if they love cats too. However, if your whole life seems to revolve around your pets then it could say to your date that you dont have much of a life. Photos of You and Your Ex Theres no need to get rid of these photos if you dont want to. Exes are a part of our history, theres no point erasing them. However, if these photos are all over your social media, taken in a fairly recent timeframe, and perhaps even your profile picture, it wont be too curious if your date assumes that  youre still hung up on your ex. Needy, Whining Status Updates If youre always talking about your bad day, the people you hate and other ‘woe-is-me’ situations then you could come across as needy and high maintenance, which is never, NEVER, sexy. Theres self-worth and self-important. The world does not have to cater to you. If youre having a bad day, think twice before you type. Self-righteous  theological or political arguments The internet is no place for these as you can never get across what you really mean in the written word. Theres nothing wrong with a strong opinion, or encouraging an exchange, but your words can be twisted online. This could tell your potential date that youre unnecessarily argumentative and may force your views on them. If you are to post an opinion on anything, do so with respect for others opinions, not in a matter of factly, Im right, youre wrong manner. Save the debate for the right occasion and avenue. Any more Social Media faux pas girls need to avoid? Share it with us in the comments below or tweet us @mscareergirl.

Combination Resume Example For Career Changers And Recent Graduates

Combination Resume Example For Career Changers And Recent Graduates Combination Resume Example For Career Changers And Recent Graduates Most resume formats fall into one of two categories. There are functional resumes that emphasize your skills. These are ideal for inexperienced applicants who have developed skills through their education, but have less on the job experience. There are also chronological resumes â€" the standard choice for experienced candidates who prefer to emphasize the work they have done, and the positions they have held. Sometimes forgotten, is the third resume type â€" the combination resume. This format emphasizes skills, experience, and accomplishments without following the timeline of a chronological resume.There are many people who can benefit from using a combination resume. However, it is especially useful for people who are seeking a career change, or who have recently graduated from college or university. This is because these folks tend to have:At least some work experienceHard and soft skillsRelevant educationAt the same time, because they are entering fields that are new to them, they need to find a way to balance the best elements of functional and chronological resumes. Thus, the combination resume is perfect for them.If the combination resume seems like a good fit for you, keep reading. Here are some tips for writing one, plus a combination resume example.Create a Skills Section, Then Integrate Those Skills Into Your Work ExperienceStart with a resume outline and make a list of relevant skills that you already have. Next, you’ll want to back up these by your work experience. For example, you may list graphic design as one of your core skills. Later in your resume, you can show that you have used that skill in the real world designing logos for small business owners.Focus on Transferable SkillsWhether you are a new graduate or seeking a career change, you have probably developed some skills that can help make you more productive in your new job. Most soft skills fall into this category. However, depending on the job you are pursuing, you may have hard s kills that are transferable as well. For example, there are several careers where having advanced MS Excel skills is considered to be a real selling point.Use The Job Listing as a GuideYour resume should emphasize the skills and experience that best matches the needs of the company. That’s why you should use the job listing itself to help you determine which skills and experience should receive the most attention.Don’t Forget The ExtrasA combination resume format allows you to include relevant awards, volunteer work, research, and other experience that you may not normally fit in a more standard one-page resume. Don’t hesitate to add this information if it makes you appear to be a more well-rounded candidate.Check Out a Sample Combination ResumeThis resume format is not as familiar as others. You may not have much experience with it. That’s why it’s important to check out examples to see what a combination resume format should look like. Here is one example for you to stud y.Combination Resume Sample (Word version)Download resume example (.docx)Combination Resume Example (Text version) Carla Mahony Tel: (555)555-5555 Email: mahony@email.com 3174 Chardonnay Drive Centralia, WA 98531Creative, self-starting design professional with 4 years experience in website and UX design seeking to enter the field of digital marketing.SkillsDesign Tech Stack: Adobe Studio, Sketch, Adobe Experience Design, Webflow, Shopify, WordPress, HTML5, JavaScript, and Python.Marketing Skills: UX copywriting, social media marketing, content marketing, infographic design.Marketing Tools: Google Analytics,   Buffer, HootSuite, Clout, Curata, BuzzSumo, Ahrefs.Other Relevant Skills: Skype, MS Office, Google Docs, Customer Service, Verbal And Written Communication Skills, Leadership, and Negotiation.Work HistorySmith And Smith Digital Marketing Intern July 2019 PresentDuties: Completed an internship under the VP of the social media marketing team. Created visual content for Instagram , Tumblr, and Facebook. Worked with professional bloggers and content creators to add visual elements to content. Used analytics tools to measure customer engagement. Communicated digital marketing concepts to customers.Crystal Design Group UX Designer/Web Developer May 2015 June 2019Duties: Developed and tested apps, websites, and landing pages for small and medium-sized businesses. Worked directly with clients to gather requirements, modified web products as customer needs changed. Specialized in developing sites for ecommerce stores using Shopify and other platforms.Educational HistoryUniversity of North Texas July 2012 May 2016 BA Graphic Communications And Digital Media Minor: Business Management GPA: 3.65Accomplishments and Awards: Dean’s List, Student Council Representative, Member of Creative Students Association, Recipient of The Graphic Communications Society Gold Standard Plaque, Graphic Design Society of North America scholarship Recipient.Additional Awards And Exper ienceASPCA Volunteer Leader 2016Boys LaCrosse Coach U1 U8Karate InstructorVolunteer Regional Director, Art Across America Initiative for Disadvantaged YouthFinal ThoughtsBy combining your work experience, relevant skills, and education, you can create a resume that will allow hiring managers to picture you as a perfect fit for the position, even though you do not have the optimal work experience.You can further impress the decision-makers by carefully curating your duties and additional education/certifications to prove that you are an enthusiastic, well-rounded professional who’s eager to take on a new career challenge. previous article Cadmium Yellow: Simple, Yet Elegant Resume Template next article Fine Balance â€" A Creative and Professional Resume Template you might also likeA Model Resume Example That Will Get Results

Learn About Resumes in Malaysia

Learn About Resumes in MalaysiaWith all the opportunities to learn about Malaysia, a student of English writing would be an excellent candidate to take up professional writing lessons in Malaysia. Malaysia has the fourth-largest English-speaking population in the world, and this means there is ample work for the student of English. Writing resumes Malaysia can also be performed by a student of English who wants to expand their horizons and understand more about the business environment.Since so many jobs exist in Malaysia, it is impossible for a student of English to find all of them. For example, while taking professional writing classes in Malaysia, students may come across employers that are not familiar with the English language, which they could also use to improve their resume writing skills. Writing resumes in Malaysia has become an important step in a person's career. It's a way to show that a potential employer would want to interview the applicant.So how do students get sta rted when writing resumes in Malaysia? The first step is to go to a local college or university and take classes in resume writing. Students interested in learning about resume writing in Malaysia should start at the local college, where they are attending. It is best to start with low-level courses. For example, if the student is taking their university advanced English course, they could learn how to write a resume from a teacher or tutor.After graduation, the student should make sure they contact their career counselor or contact a career development officer. The latter two individuals have access to a large number of job opportunities that are available to students of English. Students could always choose to apply online to some of these jobs, but most employers prefer to see a portfolio.The Internet is filled with online tools that allow students to create portfolios of their work, as well as learn how to write resumes in Malaysia. Online portfolios often allow students to post sample resumes that showcase their talents and experiences, or showcase a written personal statement. Students can also opt to have their work reviewed by a professional resume writer to improve their resume writing skills.June is National Resume Writing Month, and this time of year is a great time to seek out job opportunities in Malaysia. Summer is often a slow time in Malaysia, so people can go out and enjoy themselves without worrying about jobs. With the economic situation in Malaysia still shaky, many companies will try to hire new employees before they go on leave and take pay cuts to stay in Malaysia.If you are looking for a job in Malaysia, getting a sample resume is a great way to start the process. One example is the First Place University, which offers a free resume writing course for students enrolled in the school. Students who attend this course have a chance to experience the same requirements of professional writing as students from a good college. This includes te sting their skills in different formats and other document types.After completing the course, students can then choose to find work as a professional writer or turn it into a passion. Students interested in working as a professional writer or one that works at a job can find employment online, in advertising agencies, as translators, teachers, and in various positions.

Five Tips for Social Media Job Seekers - CareerAlley

Five Tips for Social Media Job Seekers - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. Just because social media is a young industry with an approach that tends to be more direct and friendly, it doesnt mean you can toss out the formalities when it comes to seeking a position at a reputable social media agency. Those involved in the field know that it is a serious business like any other, but some people looking to move into social media from other areas sometimes think it simply involves playing around on Facebook or Twitter all day. In fact, this is the inherent challenge of the job itself social media professionals must learn how to successfully walk the fine line between business and pleasure. You must carefully balance social and commercial interests while managing the inevitable overlap of your professional and personal life. And this starts from the moment you submit your CV for a position When applying for any job you should be careful to present yourself in your best light, and social media jobs are not an exception to this rule. The following is a list of general considerations, along with a few specifically related to industry standards. Polish your profiles: Before you even start applying, you should conduct an audit of all your social media activities. Do you have an account with every major platform? Are these profiles influential, active, and presentable? Is there anything on any of your pages that would raise red flags or portray you in a negative manner? [easyazon_link asin=1905940114 locale=US new_window=default nofollow=default tag=caree07-20 add_to_cart=default cloaking=default localization=default popups=default]Refine your CV[/easyazon_link]: Include details, concrete information, and specific numbers in your CV to illustrate your experience in an immediate and clear manner. Have a few people proofread the document for typos and errors before sending it out. Work samples and examples: Carefully consider the supporting information you offer alongside your application. Make sure it is strong, recent, and relevant. Impress in your interview: Research the agency, its clients, and its competitors thoroughly before you go in. This can help you identify the companys strengths and challenges so that you can position your skills and talents accordingly. Gather information before responding to a brief: If you are given a specific assignment designed to provide a sample of your work, ask yourself a few questions before you get started. What qualities does the agency want to see in your sample? How do their team members usually approach similar assignments? What specific information about the company or its clients can be incorporated? Make sure whatever you send it in is line with their style and messaging. Overall, it is all about tailoring your approach without losing the unique attributes that differentiate you from others. As a creative type in a business environment, you must learn to harness your imagination and cultivate your outlook to fuel professional success. more Social Networks in your job search Cassie OShea is the editorial manager at Punch Communications, an integrated PR, social media, and SEO agency in the East Midlands. For more information about job openings and working at Punch, please call 01858 411 600 or visit www.punchcomms.com. This is a Guest post. We are always eager to hear from our readers. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or suggestions regarding CareerAlley content. Good luck in your search,Joey

Take Control of Your Career Destiny in 2009

Take Control of Your Career Destiny in 2009 I just finished reading Malcolm Gladwell’s book  Outliers, The Story of Success.  In this fascinating book, Gladwell links how people spend their time to the success they experience and examines how some of the most famous business icons got to where they are today. He shows how hard work, culture, environment, timing, and luck all contribute to success and gives people food for thought on how to leverage these forces to potentially create a more meaningful destiny for themselves.  And what a great book to read as we close out 2008 and head into 2009! Instead of making the same empty New Year’s resolutions everyone is guilty of making every year on December 31, why not work towards a plan for 2009 that aligns hard work, improved timing, and even some “premeditated” luck to help facilitate your 2009 goals?A sound career management strategy rests on the same principles of success discussed in Gladwells book. Hard work, timing, environment, and luck all factor into career choice s, industry choices, company choices, professional development, transfers, lateral moves, and promotions. So what are you going to do in 2009 to better manage your career destiny? Here are a few things to think about as you navigate your 2009 career course.  Examine Your IndustryIn Outliers, Gladwell discusses the opportunities Bill Gates and Steve Jobs had to learn computer science during the industry’s infancy. This advantage helped propel the success they experienced later on.  What is the current state of your industry? Is it in turmoil, shrinking, or growing? Has the trend been towards, outsourcing, offshoring, or consolidating? If your industry is experiencing extreme volatility, what are the problems of that industry and how can you position yourself as a problem solver to react to these industry issues rather than be the victim of them?  Examine Your Job FunctionGladwell describes how Joe Flom, partner of the mega law firm Skadden, Arps Slate, Meagher, and Flom made a nam e for himself by taking on litigation and “proxy fights” that none of the “white shoe” law firms would touch. He became an expert in these areas years before the Federal regulations were relaxed and these skills were in high demand. Do you have the skills to compete in today’s market or do you need to update or expand those skills? Could your technology skills use a tune-up or do you need a refresher course in a particular area to still be considered a subject matter expert? Is your job function losing value in today’s economy? Can your skills be transferred to another industry or profession or should you be considering a career change?Dust off Your ResumeGladwell writes about The Beatles and their 1964 British Invasion of the American Music scene. Prior to coming to the U.S., The Beatles had spent several years together, perfecting their band and had already performed 1,200 times which is more than many bands perform during their entire career! They already had an impre ssive resume. What if an amazing opportunity presented itself to you tomorrow? Would you be ready to compete for the position? Would your resume be in “marathon shape” complete with compelling stories of your successes and value-add? Perhaps you are as practiced as The Beatles were in 1964do you have a resume to prove it?Build Your NetworkThroughout Gladwells book, he discusses the importance of community and reminds us that no one makes it alone. He gives several examples of people with equal intelligence whose lives turn out very differently and he attributes these differences to the support the person received from their community.  Most people find their next job through people they know. But in many cases, they got to know those people well enough to become top of mind for potential opportunities by cultivating meaningful and authentic relationships over several years. People often complain that networking is a lot of work for a payoff that they can’t immediately cash in on. Effective networking does require planning, consistency, dedication, and persistence but it can have tremendous long-term benefits. Dont undervalue the power of a strong network.All economic indicators suggest that 2009 will be a particularly challenging year. But with challenge comes opportunity. Take charge of your career in 2009 and make a plan to influence your destiny rather than surrender to these challenging times. And best wishes for a happy and prosperous 2009!