Profiles and connections are what most of us know best about LinkedIn. But there’s a third feature I recommend paying attention to: LinkedIn Groups. Groups are almost a parallel universe within LinkedIn. They can open doors completely outside the structure of first- and second-degree connections. There are regulars and occasional visitors, valued contributors and people who are largely ignored, people whose post...

The job interview remains the best opportunity to truly sell yourself as a person and a professional to land a new job. There are a number components to the interview that runs the gamut from preparation and body language to questions for the employer and following up. Barry Drexler, the Expert Interview Coach, tackles a number of terms associated with the interview and gives Tim Muma an idea of how each of these impact you...

One of the best ways to learn is to get first-hand accounts from the individuals who have recently lived through the exact scenario you're currently in. With that, Tim Muma is joined by Sarah Kikkert, the communications and social media coordinator for the Wisconsin State Fair. Sarah hasn't been out of college for long, but she took every opportunity to work, learn and network while she was in school. Sarah describes the ke...

I am the master of my fate. I am the captain of my soul. William Ernest Henley Out of the night that covers me, Black as the pit from pole to pole. I thank whatever gods may be For my unconquerable soul. In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced nor cried aloud. Under the bludgeonings of chance My head is bloody, but unbowed. Beyond this place of wrath and tears Looms but the Horror of the shade, A...

It’s hard to put my finger on a specific time that basic civility started to decline. I suppose we could blame the changes in the use of courtesy on many things. Technology replacing the personal touch has been one excuse, but it seems to be more than that. Is it apathy or something else? In general, people appear to be overloaded, overwhelmed and overstimulated. If that is the case, are we really living in an age whe...

How do you react to unexpected challenges? Do you rebound from major setbacks stronger than before? Or do you play the victim, blame others? It's essential to strengthen resilience to adapt and succeed in changing times. How resilient are you? Answer 'yes' or 'no.' 1. I like trying new ways of doing things. 2. I find it challenging to recover emotionally from losses. 3. I adapt quickly to new situations. 4...

A few weeks ago, I ran a reader survey. One of the top concerns I heard from my readers were fears about getting your ideas across clearly and powerfully. Many of you said you struggle with speaking up and communicating well. You said things like… “Clear, straightforward communication of ideas and information is a challenge for me.” “I’m growing into a leadership role and need to le...

I dread the end of the year. There are endless office parties and niceties that, although technically optional, feel mandatory. For example, I am invited to my department’s holiday party, the company-wide holiday party, and another product team’s holiday party. Both my team’s and my product team’s parties require that I bring a $25 grab bag gift. In addition, one coworker is collecting donations of...

Emoji can be useful to make workplace communication friendlier and less abrupt. When used in moderation and in the right context, it can bring people closer together. If you spend any time on social media, you have seen your share of emoji—those little pictures of yellow smiling faces, cups of coffee, and soccer balls. (The older term, “emoticon,” refers to the ones that are done with typographical imag...

In the past 13 years of coaching and training professional women around the globe, I’ve seen firsthand that thousands of women have spent years building careers they thought would make them happy, only to wake up and realize they are very far from where they want to be, without a clue as to what’s in the way. Thousands are expending great amounts of energy hiding the fact that they’re scared, sad and de...