Have You Defined Your 2010 Social Media Strategy?

Have you defined your 2010 Social Media Strategy? Whether you are a job seeker, career changer, career builder or aspiring entrepreneur, it's important that you consider which social media outlets will best help you create a buzz about you and your brand this year. The good news is there are resources to help you!

Tune in on Sunday evening (1/24/2010 at 5 PM EST) to hear my pals from "down under" - Career Success Radio hosts Keith Keller and Annemarie Cross as they discuss how to select YOUR best social media platform (i.e. LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter etc.) and how to leverage your social media platform in YOUR job search, career management or business development.

Guest experts include: Daulton West Jr., Melissa Martin and Coach Colette Ellis.

In addition to sharing how these platforms differ, I'll also be offering tips on how to create YOUR best 140-character pitch to share with the Twitterverse! You may recall this discussion from last February - well, you'll be able to build on those ideas to include the new developments and Twitter companion sites that have been created since then (e.g., TweetMyJobs.com).

If you are able to listen in live, the Career Success Radio phone lines and chat room will be open. Ring in via (914) 338 0714 and get expert career advice. You can also listen to the show recording HERE on the blog via the widget below.

If you have a job-search or career related question, tweet us in advance: @Coach_Colette or @careerradio. One question will be selected to be answered live on air the show. And, the Career Success Expert Panel will answer questions in the online forum.

NEW Podcast: Are You Too Proud (or Shy) to Brag?

I'm proud to share with you a podcast in which I was interviewed by Stacey Shipman for her Back to Your Senses show.

In this podcast, I share practical answers to frequently asked questions about self-promotion:

• What is your WOW! Factor? How/when can you share it?
• Why is it important for both business owners and career professionals to create a buzz about your accomplishments?
• What are effective ways to self-promote without appearing “pushy” or “arrogant”?

This last point is particularly relevant given our current situation - I'd argue that now is NOT the time for you to be bashful about highlighting how you can add value to a prospective employer or new client. While self-promotion can sometimes be a challenge, I provide simple steps you can take TODAY to start promoting not only yourself but your values as well.

And, I've renewed my 140-character pitch challenge to all of my listeners and readers. Whether you are a job seeker or business owner, tips in this podcast will help you network and promote yourself to success!

After you listen to the podcast, please share your comments and feedback. You can tweet me on Twitter or share your 140-character pitch here on the blog.

How Do You Keep Your Brand On the Grid?

What are you doing to keep your brand - personal or professional - on people's radar? Given that we're all being bombarded with messages from so many sources, how do you keep people in your network informed (but not overwhelmed) about your goals?

I'd invite you to listen, download and share my latest podcast called: How to Stay on the Grid: Networking 2.0. This is a discussion with Adrian Miller, President & Founder of Adrian Miller Sales Training.

In this podcast, we discuss the new rules of the game of networking 2.0 - which is about more than just using various social media tools, like Twitter or Facebook. Adrian and I talk about the difference between linear and circular networking, and explain which approach can be more effective in helping you to become a true connector. And, when you listen, you'll find out why being a connector is a crucial component to your personal and professional success.

So, take a listen and get some concrete tips on how to take your networking skills to the next level. You may also want to read an interesting article on Identifying Your Networking Strengths and Weaknesses by Ivan Miser.

After you have listened to the podcast and read the article, share your networking success stories - tweet me or post them in the comments.

What's Your 140-Character Pitch?

What ARE you doing to promote your personal or professional brand - in 140 characters or less? I'm sure you've gotten quite prolific at texting or tweeting your latest commuting adventure, weekend escapade, famous person sighting, etc. in 140 characters or less.

But, can you use Twitter and/or other microblogging sites to create a buzz about what you're REALLY doing -- or perhaps seeking -- in your life?

The idea for this post hit me this morning around 7:15 AM [long story]; so I decided to Google careers in 140 characters. And, I discovered some interesting things. I came across a tweeter called The Media is Hiring, who "helps media employees who have been laid off find new work 140 characters at a time."

I also found a story about a woman named Chelsea Winkel who apparently found her job via connections she made on Twitter. Of course, when you read the story, you'll see that it took a bit more than just creating a Twitter account. Her Problem Solved blog and website both explain how she can add value in her industry. But, the connection with her new employer was sparked via Twitter.

Seems like Chelsea took Stephen Baker's advice from his Business Week Blogspotting blog, when he challenged us last May to write 140 character resumes for ourselves and famous people.

In essence, we're all now challenged to come up with 140-character pitches (instead of 30-second elevator speeches). As you know, I aim to practice what I preach, walk the talk, etc. So, I've come up with my (initial) 140-character pitch: "Coach Colette helps business leaders leverage their power, passion and relationships to achieve meaningful results in 140-characters or less."

What do you think? Tweet me your 140-character pitch at Coach_Colette.