Keeping up with the endless fire hose of data – how do you remain current and relevant online?

As today’s business students prepare for their future careers, new professions are opening up in social media even in the most mainstream businesses.  Companies, eager to create an “online brand presence”, clearly understand the need for educated resources who are comfortable online whether its developing and/or managing social media sites, online communities, blogs, podcasts, video…

Work-arounds – why do we tolerate them?

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I have had two experiences recently that left me scratching my head.  This summer I flew to London on Virgin Atlantic…a nice enough airline – for an airline.  As I was checking in, I was informed my carry-on was too heavy and I needed to remove some of the weight.  The counter person watched me…

New technology and its impact on productivity in the workplace

Feeling overwhelmed by the pace of change these days?  Not surprising.  We’re surrounded by technology that drives our global economy and it is pretty overwhelming as the pace of innovation accelerates.  Add smart phones, netbooks, and iPads which detach us from our desks and keep us permanently connected 24-hours a day, 7-days a week.  Layer…

Building a professional network that works for you

Networking is a necessary part of a professional career today. The data tells us that the majority of people searching for new jobs find the best positions through their network connections. It’s also how we learn about new opportunities, expand our world view, and see new possibilities. Networking is also the best way to get…

Social media, virtual networking and the gender advantages

I spoke with many interesting, smart people last week who are struggling with the whole social media, virtual networking thing. These people are small business owners, consultants, corporate citizens and people in “transition” (the new PC term for professionals currently between jobs). They are men and women, mostly over 40 who are trying to understand…

Social networking, data privacy and learning to live with risk

I read a disturbing article in the New York Times this weekend regarding the use of social networking to exact justice (or revenge?) on individuals. NPR’s On The Media also picked up the story. Dubbed “human-flesh search engines” or “renrou sousuo yinqing”, these tools of vigilante justice are tacitly overlooked, perhaps even encouraged, by the Chinese…

Social media, technology, the future of communication and the new normal

I had a conversation with one of my favorite three-year-olds this Saturday. He called me from his parents’ cell phone to ask me if I wanted to Skype with him to talk about my upcoming visit. He wanted to discuss his plans for my stay. Looks like I’m going to be watching a lot of…

The age we live in: ignoring customers has a business cost that’s getting bigger by the minute

I listen to NPR all the time and one of my favorite shows is Marketplace Money .  These folks are smart, savvy and easy to understand – it’s a great place to catch up on my financial news and hear what’s up in the consumer market.  This weekend, they ran their normal “Getting Personal” segment…