The Ability Project » social media

Don’t Listen To Us #2: Grace Boyle

Barb — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 17:00:09 +0000

Last time we brought to you our first “listen to them instead,” which was Rebecca Thorman of Modite.com. This week we are showcasing another person: Grace Boyle of Lijit.

Named by numerous websites as one of the top Gen-Y reads, Grace Boyle’s down-to-earth “Small Hands, Big Ideas” uncovers everything from social media to worklife to the need of finding balance in her busy life. With topics that everyone can find himself relating to and understanding, there is something for each person that comes across Small Hands, Big Ideas. And to add spice to this tasty find, guest bloggers (including her dad!) offer their own insight from time to time, as well as the Friday linky love, which shows off the week’s great finds. And with such an earnest and lovely personality, Grace is a must-follow.

Look to Grace for:

Anecdotal advice from this Gen-Y’er
Thoughts on work and social media
Musings on interesting workplace articles
Advice on balancing that new career and personal life
Opinions from those that she respects and admires
Ways to convince you that Colorado isn’t such a boring place to live

Unemployment Slowing You Down?

Eric Barron — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 18:06:15 +0000

Back in March, TAP asked Adrienne Waldo, a Generation Y talent, to speak about utilizing social media at our Job Search Bootcamp. The full-day workshop was highlighted by Adrienne’s great social media session. Which equipped the audience with some great tools to land a job in today’s challenging economic climate.

This article in AdAge is a must read. The positive advice about finding employment can also be applied to advancing your career.

Don’t Let Unemployment Slow You Down: 7 Tips for Keeping Up Your Momentum in a Difficult Job Market. http://adage.com/gennext/post?article_id=138785

Thank you Adrienne for your “shout out” and mention of The Ability Project. For more from this talented young professional visit her blog: http://askamillennial.blogspot.com/

The Low Down on Informational Interviews

Rachel — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 14:24:42 +0000

Having just moved from Southern Florida to New York City, I am setting up several informational interviews to further understand social media and new marketing techniques. Whether you have a job or are searching, informational interviews are a key to success.

Yesterday, I read an informative article in The Examiner written by James Sanford. My learnings were as follows:

1) Do not present a resume or ask for a job in an informational interview. The purpose of your meeting should be to learn a company culture and network in your industry.

2) Arrive to the meeting prepared with thoughtful questions.

3) The informational interview is a relaxed setting to practice your answers to future interview questions (i.e. “tell me about yourself”). You should not feel as if you are in an interview or selling a product; however, this is an excellent opportunity to practice your personal brand story or pitch.

4) Follow-up is critical. Thank each contact for his/her time, information, advice. Thank-you letters should be sent via email; a hard copy should be sent through snail mail.

5) Each manager and/or executive should be updated on any progress in your career.

6) Keep good records of connections made, including dates and follow-up tasks. I personally keep a well organized, ongoing list in an excel file.

As a Generation Y, it is often difficult to know who to contact and what exchange is appropriate. I am signing up for alumni events, industry related associations and specific Meetup.com affairs.

Other personal habits I have acquired while networking are to 1) confirm meeting time and place the day before, 2) follow up with unique, outstanding stationary, 3) get a business card, and 4) remember to small talk. Small talk is an art; often when I am taking myself too seriously, I forget to ask my mentor personal details. Taking note of these personal details on the back of his/her business card is a great technique. Then when I follow up, I can ask about family, vacation, home, etc. Every little detail counts when creating lasting relationships.