Evernote

I really enjoyed learning new tech tools throughout this semester. Utilizing the handbook will help me further my abilities to use and implement them into my everyday life. There are some that I won't really need or use. But one that I wish I would have found a long time ago was Evernote. I like it because you can add pictures to your notes, and keep them organized that way. I have had a difficult time in being and keeping organized. With this, I can organize and keep track of those things that I would like to keep track of. Its somewhat ironic, I have my goals of becoming organized laid out in my Evernote profile..

Countdown . . . 3, 2, Fun!

As the semester course comes to a close, I have realized I have learned a lot within the past six weeks. Some of my classmates have referenced the information coming at us like "drinking from a fire hose". However, I would take it a step further, and say the information we have been given is like drinking from a fire hose while standing in a giant fish bowl. I say this, because I know I haven't been able to take in all the information I received within this short course. My "fish bowl" is the initiative I took in saving all materials and referenced work, so that I can go back and reflect and soak up more of what has been given to me throughout this course.

I was surprised at needing to start a LinkedIn, Twitter, and a blog! A blog?? I've never blogged before and at first I was quite intimidated to do so. I thought that this was only for those great writers who somehow had the magical power of mind-capture, and through that, sucked them into reading whatever they had to say on a daily basis. LinkedIn surprised me with areas I hadn't previously explored, such as the job boards or groups. While I still am not too involved in the groups, I would like to increase my appearances there. And finally, Twitter. I was surprised to learn and re-learn the importance of Twitter. Most significantly, the ability to take in a lot of varied information and articles by following different individuals that post on Workplace Training and Development.

I plan on continuing a blog, and following more individuals blogs. I have found them to be interesting, and it gives a different perspective on materials I am interested in. I have found that blog posts are sometimes more entertaining to read compared to a regular article published in a magazine. I feel the writer has more of a free voice, and I relate to that style at a higher level. I will also utilize more technology into my daily routines. I have found that I am a technological addict. Using different tools that will help me learn more, quicker has got my full attention.

In posting this blog, I will never forget how intimidated I was by starting a blog, but have found that it really isn't that difficult or scary. This has led me to remember that with whatever difficult task I am asked to do, or I sign myself up for, it may be uneasy at first, but as I work through it, I will have gained experiences and new connections I wouldn't have had, if I didn't pursue that specific project. This course has been a lot of fun for me, and I look forward to using those tools and skills learned throughout the course, in my future learning and developing.

The Crazy Concept of Connecting

I'm not talking about your Aunt Sally that lives in your grandmothers basement. Although a connection, I don't wish to talk about your crazy connection with her, but the concept of having connections.

Utilizing a Professional Learning Network (PLN) to it's maximum potential may be easier than you think. There are so many technological sites, apps, and streamable media that thinking of connecting personally, with a person, in person is, well, crazy!

I had the great opportunity to speak with a former professor within this past week. I was seeking advice on where to go once the time came for me to graduate. I told him about the course I am taking now, and how it is involving utilizing social media to make great connections. He agreed that it is a wonderful place to be, and there is a lot of information that can be learned if I take the time for it. I can learn about companies, individuals, the company culture, ratings and reviews from current and past employees. Among other things, there really is a lot to learn about different companies that I would like to potentially like to work for.

Back to the concept of crazy. It is crazy to me that we rely so heavily on social media to make all of our connections, and expect them to grow just from that. Through this phone call I remembered something; it isn't difficult to pick up the phone and call someone. Seeking advice from someone over the phone isn't relied on too heavily these days. We sometimes look more towards the Tweets and SlideShare's for advice than we do from our own friends and mentors.

I'd like to challenge you to apply a crazy concept to your life. First, let your crazy Aunt Sally know you are thinking of her. If you don't have a "crazy Aunt Sally" or "crazy Uncle John" well, let's just say someone should be calling you letting you know they have on their mind! -- In all seriousness, apply this crazy concept of connecting with someone this week that you haven't but have been meaning to for quite some time. Reach out to your connections and show them you care. Caring for, and being there for someone this week, could have the most tremendous impact on you and your connection. Reach out. It's really not that crazy.

A Cart in Front of a Horse

I sometimes feel like I am trying to put a cart in front of a horse. I know it should be placed behind the horse, but occasionally I want the results faster than this silly horse can trot it's feet. My experiences with LinkedIn and job searching (combined with finishing school) are my cart and horse. My "horse" is my time needed to put into schooling, studying, and preparing for a new position out of college. I wish it would start moving itself along faster, but I also understand that at a certain speed, we will make it where our destination is anyway.

In speaking with a former professor a few days ago, he shared with me some valuable insights. I told him I was getting a little frustrated with not being able to find a new position within my academic field. (I have been looking for several months now, with no solid leads.) He then told me that it is because I am not finished with school that I haven't been able to find that beginning "dream job". He advised me that once I finish, I shouldn't have a problem finding anything. I work full-time and go to school full-time as well. "Not a lot of people can do that. Not a lot of people are as hard-working as you" he said. This made me feel good. Even though I have been feeling let-down by my job searches through LinkedIn, Twitter, Indeed.com, and others, it just might not be the right timing.

So I would like to ask you, my readers; what did you do when positioning yourself for the job market as you were sneaking up on the finish line? Did you put your cart in front of your horse, or did you let the horse travel the path and arrived at your destination?

Putting the "link" in LinkedIn

LinkedIn has been a nice tool for me to use this far in my professional work life. The way I have use it, is through connecting with companies I'd like to possibly work for in the future. By leaning different things about companies, like ethics, workplace environments, ect. I have found that it is a nice thing to use that way. Something else I have done, is used LinkedIn to apply for jobs. When I apply for different positions, I also like to look up a recruiting manager, or some other HR rep, and glean information from them.
The most helpful way I have used LinkedIn thus far is seeking out different mentors of sorts. I add people with titles I'd like to one day have, and ask them how they got to where they are now. This has been great, and many people are willing to assist, if you just ask. So, readers, if you haven't done so, and are looking to gain advice from real people who are ready and willing to assist, ask your connections how they got to their ranking, and seek advice they have for an upcoming or seasoned professional.

Stop. Just Think About It.

  About ten years ago, I was introduced to "As A Man Thinketh" by James Allen. At that time, I was undereducated and didn't have the desire to learn or even really spend the time to think. What I mean is, I didn't care about self-improvement, and I hated reading above all. Today, I had the opportunity to go back and read this wonderful book. I read this because of some struggles I am experiencing in my life, and being able to maintain a positive attitude has been one of them.
  As I sat and read the advice Allen gives on your own thoughts and how they play out in your current circumstances, I was amazed. He says, "circumstance does not make the man, it reveals him to himself." He went on to talk about how we are currently in the situation and status of our own lives, and it is directly correlated with our own thoughts we feed our minds.
  Since reading this again, I am going to really try to incorporate positive thoughts into my everyday life, and see where it will take me. I know that having a positive outlook on life, circumstances, difficulties, and other situations we will be put in in the future, the thoughts will prepare our future actions in those situations. I hope to remember when faced with a difficult situation to just stop, and really think about it. Is being negative going to assist me in any aspect of my future? Are mean thoughts towards others going to help me grow relationships? No. Now it's time I focus more on my thought processes and watch the outcomes from here.

Tweedle Dee and Twitter Dum

  Yes, Twitter Dum. At least that's how I feel. I feel inadequate and less effective on how I can make a larger Twitter presence, but also how to use this social media tool effectively. Learning new social media tools can be a long, drawn out learning process. Especially one like Twitter, because there are multiple sections or tricks you can use to become effective in what you'd like to portray.
  With my personal Twitter account, @justinjaxn, I like to share inspirational leadership and management quotes and advice. My reasoning is this; I find it difficult to sit down and read more than a few paragraphs at a time, and would like to share some important information very quickly. However I wonder, in doing so, am I just bothering people? Or are they something that people like myself can enjoy and think about it through the day?
  Through following many different kinds of people and companies, I have been able to find relevant information for positions or companies. These are ones I wish to know more about, and how the culture is in a company, or what kind of people work for these companies. Twitter has been an interesting experience for me, and I wish to learn more how to more effectively use this tool, rather than sharing quotes or articles and hoping they will reach someone, somewhere.