Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

DeafHope plans walkathon for Dec. 4

By Kevin L. Nichols

There are a number of worthy causes and organizations that flourish in Oakland.

Most deal with eradicating social perils that exist for non-disabled people. But imagine suffering from domestic or sexual violence in addition to not having full access to potentially lifesaving services.

DeafHopeis a nonprofit organization that is committed to providing support services for survivors of violence and their children. It provides a 24-hour hotline, advocacy, youth groups and training. A group of deaf women founded the organization to end domestic violence of all kinds.

DeafHope, in conjunction with the Oakland School for the Arts, will be hosting its “Ease on Down the Road” campaign, where more than 500 students will participate in a four-mile fundraising walk around Lake Merritt beginning at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 4. Proceeds from the walkathon will benefit DeafHope.

The following week, all are asked to support the school’s production of “The Wiz”— the first live musical featured at the newly renovated Oakland Fox Theater. “The Wiz”will run on Dec. 10 and 11. Tickets cost $30 for VIP, $20 for general admission and $10 for students and seniors. Group discounts are available. Tickets can be purchased at oakarts.tix.com.

The Oakland School for the Arts performance schedule is available at www.oakarts.org or by calling (510) 873-8808. For more information about DeafHope or to make a tax-deductible donation, visit www.deaf-hope.org.

Kevin L. Nichols is an author and the president/CEO of KLN Publishing, located in San Francisco. For more information, visit www.klnpublishing.com.

Illustration by Dave Cutler

Originally published at http://www.rotary.org/en/MediaAndNews/TheRotarian/Pages/Management0912.aspx

Don’t wait until you need a job

by Elizabeth Blackwell
The Rotarian -- December 2009

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Illustration by Dave Cutler

With the U.S. unemployment rate close to 10 percent and millions of those with jobs worried about the security of their paychecks, who you know can make the difference between landing a new job or remaining unemployed.

Networking is often misunderstood, conjuring up images of superficial, what-can-you-do-for-me conversations between strangers wearing name tags. But done right, it’s effective and satisfying – especially for those who shift their networking strategies to fit the times.

Surveys conducted by outplacement firms and human resources associations have shown that more jobs are found through personal connections than any other method. But it’s not just who you know – it’s who those people know. Groundbreaking research by Stanford University sociology professor Mark Granovetter has emphasized the importance of “weak ties”: Even if those in your immediate circle of friends and family don’t know of any job openings, when they tell their friends and co-workers – people you don’t know directly – about your search, your opportunities expand dramatically.

New technology has made it easier to track down and connect with those weak ties. The leading online business networking site, LinkedIn, allows members to link their profile to those of other members they know. Once a member confirms you as a contact, you can browse through that person’s connections. Link to 10 members, each with 10 contacts, and you have access to more than 100 potential job leads. You can also post professional recommendations and an online version of your résumé.

The economic downturn has had a dramatic effect on LinkedIn’s membership. Until last fall, about one million new members joined each month, says the site’s career expert, Krista Canfield. “Then, in August and September of 2008, we saw a shift in our growth rate – around the time many of the larger layoffs occurred and the media began talking about a recession in earnest. We’re now growing at a rate of one new LinkedIn member every second, or about a million new members every two weeks.”

Kevin Nichols, the moderator of LinkedIn’s Downtown San Francisco Networking Group and president of his own publishing company, says having an online presence shows prospective employers that you’re keeping up with the times. “It used to be that you’d get the heavyweight paper, print out your résumé, put it in the mail, and get a letter two weeks later acknowledging that it had been received,” he says. “Those days are gone. If you’re not willing to present yourself in an electronic way, employers will be concerned that you’re not going to be able to compete.”

Nichols has seen the benefit of online networking firsthand: When he had an idea for a book, he searched through his network for contacts at publishing companies. “Rather than dealing with the person who opens the mail and tosses it, I talked to the CEO,” he says. But it only worked because his intermediaries put in a good word for him. “You still need someone to vouch for you,” he notes.

That is the most critical aspect of networking: Whether it happens via e-mail or in a face-to-face meeting, it only works if there’s a personal connection. And that’s just what many of us find most difficult. “We know we should be doing it, but we’re not sure how to approach people we don’t know or know only slightly,” says communication expert Debra Fine, author of The Fine Art of Small Talk: How to Start a Conversation, Keep It Going, Build Networking Skills – and Leave a Positive Impression .

Fine, a member of the Rotary Club of Denver Southeast, Colo., says many job hunters make the mistake of coming on too strong. “It’s out of line to call someone and ask them to get you into a company,” she says. “It’s a horrible burden to put on them.” Instead, she suggests, phrase your question as a request for information rather than a job: “Who do you know who could help me find out more about this industry?”

Whether you’re networking at a business event or through e-mail exchanges, Fine cautions against “elevator speeches:” trapping your audience with a pushy, self-promoting monologue. “You should be prepared to answer in one sentence what you’re looking for, if asked,” she says. “It’s annoying when someone hands me a business card I didn’t ask for. What do you think I’m going to do with that card when I find it a week later in my pocket? Chances are I’m going to toss it.”

Perhaps the most important axiom is that networking is a two-way street. To borrow from John F. Kennedy: Ask not only what a new acquaintance can do for you, ask what you can do for that acquaintance. “It’s about value exchange,” says Myles Golden, president of Golden Career Strategies in Greenville, S.C., and a member of the Rotary Club of Greenville. “Genuine networking is showing a keen interest in someone else’s interests and endeavors. They will pay you back eventually.”

This approach requires a mental shift in how we think of networking. Rather than reaching out to others merely to achieve a specific short-term goal, we should constantly be adding to our circle of acquaintances, seeking out mentors, and sharing advice. Every Rotarian has access to a huge network of fellow members, but many don’t take full advantage of it. Fine, for example, makes a point of sitting with different people at every club meeting. She also drops by Rotary clubs in different cities whenever she takes a business trip.

With more than 5,700 members, Rotary International’s group on LinkedIn offers Rotarians another way to connect with each other. Primarily a place to ask and answer questions about Rotary-related programs and activities, it also features a job board, where members can post open positions or messages relating to their own job searches.

Golden, a past governor of District 7750, credits Rotary’s network with much of his professional success. As a young office-supply salesman, he found mentors in his Rotary club and eventually worked his way up to company president. Ten years ago, he started his own career coaching firm and now calls on his extensive network to help clients. “I just can’t imagine what my career would have been like without Rotary,” he says. “The best relationships I have are with my fellow Rotarians. They are many, and they run deep.”

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Web sites such as Monster and CareerBuilder aren’t the only places to find job listings online. Try these sites to broaden your search:

• Indeed.com . Type in the keywords relevant to your job search, and this site combs through listings on company Web sites and job boards, pulling out the ones most relevant to you.
• Professional associations. Whatever your industry, chances are there’s a career-training and networking organization associated with it. Check the association’s Web site for job listings; discussion forums are also a good way to make contacts in your field.
• Your alma mater. Colleges and universities sponsor a variety of career services for alumni. Check your university’s Web site for job listings or informal networking events.

Power LinkedIn User Interview with Kevin L. Nichols

Originally published at http://joshuawaldman.net/linkedin-tips/power-linkedin-user-inverview-with-kevin-nichols

by Joshua on October 10, 2009

I had a great conversation with Kevin Nichols, a power LinkedIn user the other day. The audio quality didn’t turn out well, but I thought the conversation was valuable enough to publish it anyways.

Download

Just to summarize:

Kevin uses job boards like Craigslist or Indeed.com to find openings, but actually uses LinkedIn to pursue the job. By leveraging his network, he’s able to get referrals rather than cold call opportunities.

Another great piece of advice is that because his name is so common, he always uses his middle initial. Every blog post and profile uses his middle initial. This is how he is able to get high Google rankings.

He describes how he uses twitter for promotion, facebooks for family and friends and Linkedin just for professional networking. With his own company and his pursuit of finding a job, he is open to various and creative ways of finding employment. We are in an unprecedented time, and forward thinkers like Kevin have a lot to share with us.

Interesting San Francisco Attractions

Featuring the Legion of Honor and the Exploratorium

By: Kevin L. Nichols

Lately "stay-cations" have become more popular due to the sagging economy and the rise of gasoline prices. Bay Area families have to weigh the pros and cons a lot more carefully in order to determine what destinations they will frequent with the hope of saving a few pennies. Many will have to reconsider that annual Hawaiian or Orlando vacation this year. Nevertheless, all is not lost because San Francisco happens to still be one of the largest tourist attractions in the world. Here are two reasons why:

The Exploratorium

Founded in 1969, the Exploratorium still represents the best and brightest of California scientists and inventors. It is similar to a "declassified" (low level security clearance required) of a national research and/or weapons laboratory such as Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory or Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in that it has numerous experiments where everyday people can explore. Some of the amazing exhibits on hand can teach people about the intricacies of light in conjunction with the human eye, sound in relation to our ears, and the behavior of liquids, solids, and gases through various hands on and engaging experiments. The learning never stops and it is applicable for all ages. The Exploratorium is reasonable priced and parking is free. This is one location stay-caution that you will not forget.

The Legion of Honor

The Legion of Honor is tucked away in a hidden area of the city near the Golden Gate Bridge. Its approach is mesmerizing with a beautiful overlook of the San Francisco Bay and notable landmarks of the city. It was originally built to commemorate Californian soldiers who died in World War I.

Rodin's Thinker, greets you as you enter the courtyard approaching the entrance. The Legion of Honor is a sophisticated museum which contains various paintings, ancient artifacts, murals, and sculptures. In addition to the mature artwork, it also has featured exhibits as well. I had they pleasure of having a docent lead tour of John Baldessari: A Print Retrospective from the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation. This was a fascinating tour of one of our local artist's collection. Schnitzer signature pictures use black and white photographs of usually random photographs where he infuses colorful objects, including dots, in innocuous places.

If you love art and would like to be exposed to a variety of masterpieces, you will not be disappointed by visiting the spacious and eclectic Legion of Honor on your next visit to The City.

Copyright 2009 – KLN Publishing, LLC – All rights reserved.

A Day at the DeYoung

By: Kevin L. Nichols

These economic times require us to be more creative in finding worthwhile entertainment than ever before for ourselves and our families. This is why it is important to explore our local gems that we often take for granted as Bay Area residents. Recently, I visited the DeYoung Museum nestled in the gorgeously revamped Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, and I must say that it was a breathtaking experience.

First of all, the lines were not long. The entire museum has been upgraded such that it has a state of the art cafeteria and restroom facilities (which are always nice while visiting with children). Further, most visitors are respectful of the rules, meaning that they speak quietly amongst themselves, the docents are extremely helpful, and the fact sheets placed next to the exhibits are highly informative.

Below, please find some of the magnificent ancient African masks, artifacts, and rugs that I found intriguing:

One piece that I found particularly provocative was Aaron Douglas’s oil on canvas “Aspiration” (created for the Texas Centennial in 1936). Despite knowing many of the purchasers, such as Dr. and Mrs. Coyness Ennix, Jr., Nichole Ennix, and organizations such as the NAACP and the Black Chamber of Commerce, I was deeply moved by what it represented. Essentially the piece articulates Douglas’s conceptualization of the connection between African/Egyptian and African American cultures and their respective historical progressions from slavery to freedom. It is deeply seeded with images of the “lone star” representing Texas, shackles, the North Star that led slaves to freedom, and the ancient pyramids in the distance. It was truly inspiring.

In the near future, I hope to share my thoughts on the King Tutankhamun Exhibit also featured at the DeYoung and I encourage you all to visit the museum to share in this once in a lifetime experience.

Copyright 2009 KLN Publishing, LLC All Rights Reserved.
www.klnpublishing.com

LinkedIn for complicated resumes

* by Marci Alboher, Working the New Economy, on Fri Aug 28, 2009 3:52pm PDT
Creating a LinkedIn profile is pretty straightforward when you have a job with a well-defined title. But I’ve been getting questions lately about how to create a profile on LinkedIn when what you're doing isn’t so tidy. Two scenarios that come up a lot are how to create one of these profiles if you have a slash career (e.g. yoga instructor/caterer), or if you’re unemployed (or, as some say, consulting).

There’s some overlap between the two scenarios because in both cases you are taking what feels like a standard tool and tailoring it to fit your needs. And the good news is that when you spend a little time with it, LinkedIn allows for a lot of customizing.

Here are a few ideas:

Play with your status updates. If you’re looking for opportunities, mention that in your status update so that your connections are reminded of it. The example above, which says "on the prowl for career and/or entrepreneurial endeavors," is a good model.

Use slashes or vertical lines between your different titles. Twanna Hines, a dating advice columnist, uses vertical lines to separate her various identities (including “sexpot,” which may not be an official job title, but gives you a good idea of what she’s about). I’m partial to slashes myself, and recommend keeping it to no more than three or four at any one time.

Be creative with the “Current” section. If you are between positions, consider identifying yourself with a title that reflects your desired position (e.g. “marketing director seeking opportunity in consumer products”). If you’re consulting or available for freelance work, give your consulting business a name and list it as a current position. This is also a great spot to list anything you’re doing on the side -- a column you write for a trade magazine, an officer position in your university alumni organization, significant volunteer work. Feel free to use several lines to describe your current positions.

Don’t forget to include websites. At the bottom of your LinkedIn profile, you can list a few Websites. If you have a side business or an organizational association with a Website, include it there. If you don’t have any websites associated with your work, use that spot to link to any other social networking profiles you want to highlight.

Include relevant keywords. If you have a few things going on in your career, make sure that you’ve sprinkled around relevant terms from your various interests throughout the profile and in the list of specialties at the bottom of the summary so that your profile will come up in searches on the site.

Tweak your summary section often. Use the summary section to tie things together and tell a story about what you’re doing or want to be doing. And get used to tweaking that often. Every six months I seem to shake up the mix of things I’m doing, and I specifically mention that in the summary section of my profile.

Focus on your recommendations. Though it’s nice to collect recommendations all the time, it’s especially helpful to have a few solid ones when you’re looking for new opportunities. If you can identify a few people who you know think highly of you, ask if they’d be comfortable writing one for you. If you want people to think of you for more than one kind of opportunity, make sure that you have recommendations that reflect those various skills. While you’re at it, cruise around the site and leave recommendations for those who’ve made a positive impression you.

One final thought: While these tips are focused specifically on LinkedIn, the ideas behind them apply to any site where you’re creating a profile from a template.

Have any of you devised creative ways to customize your LinkedIn profile or other online profiles?