Editing, Proofreading & Resume
June 2011 Newsletter
from the desk of
Shelly Rosenberg
www.shellyrosenberg.com
In this Newsletter, I will discuss…
· Writing Standards – standards and information for students writing PhD theses, Masters theses, research papers and for writers required to use formatting standards
· Author tips – some tidbits regarding that manuscript you want to send to an agent or publisher
· Job seekers – resume hints
· Update on worldwide project
Writing Standards
Standards – Many academic and technical institutions require your research paper or thesis to conform to some writing and formatting standards. The most popular of these standards is the APA – American Psychological Association’s standards and format.
I have the latest Publication Manual from the American Psychological Association. However, many universities have their own guidelines that differ slightly from these standards. Please let me know if you are required to use any specific formats or standards so that I can ensure that we follow all the necessary guidelines in your papers.
Author Tips
I read an interesting article by Linnea Sinclair that outlines the pet peeves of publishers who receive manuscripts from authors wanting to be published. Here is a summary of the article. Linnea queried several people and asked each their pet peeves.
The first responded that unnatural dialogue and too many unnecessary characters were the worst aspects of manuscripts read. By unnatural dialogue she meant the way a college professor would talk would be greatly different from a factory worker and that must be conveyed in the story.
The next publisher’s reader/editor stated that too much backstory was a pet peeve. She stated that the writer should tell the story through the actions and the characters instead of specifically writing the background events. This was especially distracting in the introductory chapter of the novel.
The next person stated that the most annoying aspect of writing was poor mechanics such as spelling, grammar, and the general format.
Keep these items in mind when writing your novel, manuscript, or book. If you employ me to edit your manuscript, I will point out if your work exhibits any of these “pet peeves,” and help you to correct them.
Job Seeker Resume Hints
Remember that your resume is your key. Its purpose is to get you an interview. Make it stand out. Make it present you, your abilities and accomplishments in the best possible light. What have you done that stands you apart from most other people who would apply for this job?
Of course, once you get an interview, it is up to you to sell yourself. Make sure that your resume has completely truthful and accurate statements, that it has no grammatical or spelling errors and that it focuses on your strengths.
If you need a completely new resume or you need an update to your current resume, contact me at shelly@shellyrosenberg.com and we will work together to create a dynamic resume for you. Also, ask me about creating a cover letter to accompany your resume.
Worldwide Project Report
I have a world map mounted on the wall in my office and have used “map pins” to mark the locations where my clients live. It is amazing to me that I have worked with clients from 69 countries in the world. Regarding clients in the United States, I have worked with clients from 45 states plus the District of Columbia. I believe that the client the farthest distance from my office, here in Springfield Tennessee, is living in Queensland, Australia. This is an interesting project and I will continue to track client locations and mark my map accordingly.
Contact me at Shelly@ShellyRosenberg.com with your editing, proofreading and resume needs. And, be sure to ask me any questions about the issues raised in this newsletter. If you have requests or suggestions for future articles for my newsletter send them to me.
“My goal is to enhance your text in a way that makes it clear and error free so that it is ready to be read by your professor, your readership, your clients, your future employer, your current employer, your agent or your publisher.”
Shelly Rosenberg
Shelly@ShellyRosenberg.com
Sunday, June 05, 2011
Wednesday, April 06, 2011
April 2011 Newsletter
Editing, Proofreading & Resume April 2011 Newsletter from the desk of Shelly Rosenberg www.shellyrosenberg.com Spring is Here! Here in Tennessee we are seeing early spring blooms giving us shades of lavender and white blossoms, pale greens emerging on the trees and fields and some sunny days after a cold and wet winter. This time of the year is always rejuvenating giving rise to new ideas and inspiration. In this issue of my newsletter I will be covering the following topics: Chapters, Paragraphs and Sentences Resume vs. CV Chapters, Paragraphs and Sentences Chapters Whether you are writing a novel, a biography, a non-fiction self-help book, or a technical user’s manual, you should pay attention to how you break your book up into sections. These sections are generally called chapters. Chapters should separate your ideas or story into logical sections. When writing a novel, people often ask how to break up their story into chapters. Here are some guidelines to help you. 1. Use the chapters to separate scenes. When the action goes to a different place or different time, begin a new chapter. 2. Keep in mind that your reader wants a logical stopping place. I often read just before going to sleep at night. I usually stop reading when I get to a new chapter. If you make your chapters very long, you might be depriving your readers (and me) of needed sleep! 3. An average novel is about 65,000 words. A rule of thumb for a novel of this length is to divide it into between 16 to 20 chapters. 4. You should build anticipation and interest into each chapter so that the reader is inspired to read the next section. When writing non-fiction books, break your book into logical sections. If it is an instruction book, separate the sections or chapters so that each one covers a distinct process or situation. For instance, if you write a book on travel, you might have a chapter for each of the following areas: 1. Transportation – air travel, taxis, busses 2. Hotels 3. Restaurants 4. Sights to see – available guided tours, walking tours, museums 5. Culture – customs and dealing with people you encounter 6. Language – perhaps a list of often used expressions I think you get the idea. Paragraphs A paragraph should include all the information about a specific topic, idea or sub-topic. Here are some paragraph guidelines. 1. A paragraph should introduce a new idea; this new idea should be stated in the first sentence. 2. The next sentence should elaborate on the idea and give appropriate details. 3. The following sentences should support the idea and the details. 4. Finally, the last sentence should wrap up and summarize the idea. 5. In a novel, this procedure would be slightly different but the concept is the same. The paragraph should include a new situation, or new discussion. 6. When using dialogue in a novel, you must begin a new paragraph with each person speaking. 7. Generally, aside from dialogue, there should never be a one-sentence paragraph. Sentences A sentence should be one complete thought. One of the biggest errors I see in sentences is that they are too long. By the time, I get to the end of the sentence I have lost the meaning of what the writer is trying to say. This is often because the writer is trying to cram too much into the one sentence. When in doubt, break the sentence up into smaller sentences so that your reader can follow what you are trying to convey. Resume vs. CV What is a CV? How does it differ from a resume? A CV (curriculum vitae) is a document that provides a potential employer with an overview of a person’s life and qualifications regarding his/her employment. That sounds exactly the same as a resume, right? Generally, a CV is a longer version of a resume. The information is the same in each but the CV often has more detail and elaboration. European and Asian companies are more inclined to ask for a CV from a prospective employee. Government employers often request a CV or longer version of a resume. Finally, educational institutions request a CV when people are applying for jobs in universities or colleges. These CVs will include a detailed list of published papers and a list of courses taught. Final Comments I look forward to working with you on any of your editing, proofreading or resume needs. I hope these suggestions are useful to you. Please keep me informed of any topics you would like me to include in my next newsletter. Happy spring to you all. “My goal is to enhance your text in a way that makes it clear and error free so that it is ready to be read by your professor, your readership, your clients, your future employer, your current employer, your agent or your publisher.” Shelly Rosenberg Shelly@ShellyRosenberg.com
Sunday, March 06, 2011
March 2011 Newsletter from Shelly Rosenberg
Editing, Proofreading & Resume
March 2011 Newsletter
from the desk of
Shelly Rosenberg
www.shellyrosenberg.com
Taxes & Housekeeping
Wait, I hear you saying, this is an editing, proofreading and resume newsletter, why is there talk about taxes and housekeeping? There are two issues that have come to mind and I would like to share them with you as they relate to resumes and to “housekeeping” of your files:
Resumes and Income Taxes
Housekeeping for Your files
Resumes and Income Taxes
It is tax season in the United States. We file our income tax returns by the middle of April each year so the time between the first week of February, when most companies have sent us tax information for the previous year, and the second week of April we consider as Tax Season.
We can reduce our tax bill by showing deductions for products or services we have received in our work or in our lives in general. There and numerous and detailed guidelines to help us but the tax structure is so complex that a large majority of people employ a tax consultant or Certified Public Accountant to help us prepare our tax returns. But, we need to inform that professional of all the expenses we have incurred.
I have become aware that the cost of resume preparation, in many cases, is tax deductible. There are many rules and restrictions regarding this but it is worth looking into. You might be able to deduct the fee you paid me to create or edit your resume. You might be able to deduct the cost of printing or copying your resume to send to potential employers. You might be able to deduct the postage cost and transportation associated with your job seeking endeavors.
In the US, check with a tax professional when you are seeking a job to determine if your job seeking activities can be deducted for income tax purposes.
I have no idea how this might apply to people not in the US, but it is worth contacting a professional to see if you qualify to deduct these services when preparing your income tax returns.
Housekeeping for Your Files
Within the past week, I have received two requests from clients asking if I had copies of their edited work, work that I had done in the past year or two. In one case, the client had inadvertently deleted the final draft of her novel. She was devastated. In the other case, the client had a computer failure that caused him to lose a large number of files. He was distraught when his resume was among the lost files.
Fortunately, I was able to help in both cases. I keep copies of all the work I do for clients, unless for some reason they ask me to not keep a copy of the files. As you know, these files are all confidential and are never shared with anyone else.
Here are some ideas of housekeeping for your files:
· Do a periodic backup of your important files. You can use read/write discs as your backup medium. Or, better yet, get an external drive, which gives you more storage space. My external drive is made by Maxtor. It has a built-in backup procedure, which allows you to determine which libraries and files to back up. It will backup any files that have been added or modified since the last backup. I do this weekly.
· Keep copies of your modified files. For instance, if you have created two or more versions of your resume – one of technical jobs and one for management jobs (for instance) – keep a copy of each. And, if you make minor modifications targeting a specific job, keep each of these modified versions. Make sure to give a descriptive name to each file so that it is easily identifiable.
· Set up an organized folder system. Group like files in a single folder but create different folders for different purposes. For instance, if you are job seeking, set up a folder for each job for which you are applying. In the folder, keep a copy of the resume that you sent to apply for the job. Keep a copy of all letters, cover letters, thank you letters, etc. that you have sent to the company. Also, keep a document with a running account of all the activities concerning that job including when you sent the resume, when you called the company, when and where you had an interview, etc.
Final Comments
I hope these suggestions are useful to you. Please keep me informed of any topics you would like me to include in my next newsletter. Happy spring to you all.
“My goal is to enhance your text in a way that makes it clear and error free so that it is ready to be read by your professor, your readership, your clients, your future employer, your current employer, your agent or your publisher.”
Shelly Rosenberg
Shelly@ShellyRosenberg.com
March 2011 Newsletter
from the desk of
Shelly Rosenberg
www.shellyrosenberg.com
Taxes & Housekeeping
Wait, I hear you saying, this is an editing, proofreading and resume newsletter, why is there talk about taxes and housekeeping? There are two issues that have come to mind and I would like to share them with you as they relate to resumes and to “housekeeping” of your files:
Resumes and Income Taxes
Housekeeping for Your files
Resumes and Income Taxes
It is tax season in the United States. We file our income tax returns by the middle of April each year so the time between the first week of February, when most companies have sent us tax information for the previous year, and the second week of April we consider as Tax Season.
We can reduce our tax bill by showing deductions for products or services we have received in our work or in our lives in general. There and numerous and detailed guidelines to help us but the tax structure is so complex that a large majority of people employ a tax consultant or Certified Public Accountant to help us prepare our tax returns. But, we need to inform that professional of all the expenses we have incurred.
I have become aware that the cost of resume preparation, in many cases, is tax deductible. There are many rules and restrictions regarding this but it is worth looking into. You might be able to deduct the fee you paid me to create or edit your resume. You might be able to deduct the cost of printing or copying your resume to send to potential employers. You might be able to deduct the postage cost and transportation associated with your job seeking endeavors.
In the US, check with a tax professional when you are seeking a job to determine if your job seeking activities can be deducted for income tax purposes.
I have no idea how this might apply to people not in the US, but it is worth contacting a professional to see if you qualify to deduct these services when preparing your income tax returns.
Housekeeping for Your Files
Within the past week, I have received two requests from clients asking if I had copies of their edited work, work that I had done in the past year or two. In one case, the client had inadvertently deleted the final draft of her novel. She was devastated. In the other case, the client had a computer failure that caused him to lose a large number of files. He was distraught when his resume was among the lost files.
Fortunately, I was able to help in both cases. I keep copies of all the work I do for clients, unless for some reason they ask me to not keep a copy of the files. As you know, these files are all confidential and are never shared with anyone else.
Here are some ideas of housekeeping for your files:
· Do a periodic backup of your important files. You can use read/write discs as your backup medium. Or, better yet, get an external drive, which gives you more storage space. My external drive is made by Maxtor. It has a built-in backup procedure, which allows you to determine which libraries and files to back up. It will backup any files that have been added or modified since the last backup. I do this weekly.
· Keep copies of your modified files. For instance, if you have created two or more versions of your resume – one of technical jobs and one for management jobs (for instance) – keep a copy of each. And, if you make minor modifications targeting a specific job, keep each of these modified versions. Make sure to give a descriptive name to each file so that it is easily identifiable.
· Set up an organized folder system. Group like files in a single folder but create different folders for different purposes. For instance, if you are job seeking, set up a folder for each job for which you are applying. In the folder, keep a copy of the resume that you sent to apply for the job. Keep a copy of all letters, cover letters, thank you letters, etc. that you have sent to the company. Also, keep a document with a running account of all the activities concerning that job including when you sent the resume, when you called the company, when and where you had an interview, etc.
Final Comments
I hope these suggestions are useful to you. Please keep me informed of any topics you would like me to include in my next newsletter. Happy spring to you all.
“My goal is to enhance your text in a way that makes it clear and error free so that it is ready to be read by your professor, your readership, your clients, your future employer, your current employer, your agent or your publisher.”
Shelly Rosenberg
Shelly@ShellyRosenberg.com
Sunday, February 06, 2011
February 2011 Newsletter from Shelly Rosenberg
Editing, Proofreading & Resume
February 2011 Newsletter
from the desk of
Shelly Rosenberg
www.shellyrosenberg.com
Mid-Winter Greetings
In this issue of my newsletter, I will be discussing the following topics:
Using “Headhunters” (employment agencies) to assist in finding a job
Parallel sentence structure
Employing Headhunters – some information
Generally, headhunters (employment agents) are hired by hiring managers or companies to assist them in finding the right employee for a specific job. These hiring companies pay a large fee, often as much as 25% of the new hire’s annual salary to the headhunter for this service.
A company paying this fee for the headhunter to find a suitable candidate, will not pay for this service for a candidate who is new to the market (just out of college or university) or a candidate who is currently unemployed. So, if you are unemployed and looking for a job or you are a recent graduate or someone with no experience in the field in which you are looking for work, do not consider using a headhunter or employment agency. In these cases, you will need to do your job hunting activities for yourself.
I received this information from Skip Freeman, author of "Headhunter" Hiring Secrets: The Rules of the Hiring Game Have Changed . . . Forever! This book is a wonderful tool specifically written to help a job candidate open doors most people think are closed. Read the book and follow the guidelines. Skip told me that he is currently writing a book especially designed for those just entering the workforce or those entering a new profession or field of work.
Parallel Sentence Structure
Sentence elements that are alike in function should also be alike in construction. This sounds complicated. The best way to explain it is with examples. The following sentences in italics are incorrect. The correct version for each sentence is written in bold text and appears just below the sentence that is in error.
Wrong: A student knows how to do research and getting help with assignments.
Correct: A student knows how to do research and get help with assignments.
Wrong: Elaine’s workout activities include exercising, swimming, and to run a mile.
Correct: Elaine’s workout activities include exercising, swimming, and running a mile.
Wrong: We walked up the stairs, into the classroom and we went to the dining room.
Correct: We walked up the stairs, into the classroom and to the dining room.
Wrong: Michael was intelligent but a shy person.
Correct: Michael was intelligent but shy.
Wrong: She asked him to take out the garbage, rake the leaves, and be listening for the phone to ring.
Correct: She asked him to take out the garbage, rake the leaves, and listen for the phone to ring.
Wrong: Mary studied for the chemistry test by reviewing her notes and she read her chemistry book.
Correct: Mary studied for the chemistry test by reviewing her notes and reading her chemistry book.
Note that sentences must keep the same form throughout. Verb forms must be in agreement. When in doubt, break up long sentences into two or three sentences each with its own construction.
Final Comments
Please let me know what you would like to have included in this newsletter. Best wishes to you all.
“My goal is to enhance your text in a way that makes it clear and error free so that it is ready to be read by your professor, your readership, your clients, your future employer, your current employer, your agent or your publisher.”
Shelly Rosenberg
Shelly@ShellyRosenberg.com
February 2011 Newsletter
from the desk of
Shelly Rosenberg
www.shellyrosenberg.com
Mid-Winter Greetings
In this issue of my newsletter, I will be discussing the following topics:
Using “Headhunters” (employment agencies) to assist in finding a job
Parallel sentence structure
Employing Headhunters – some information
Generally, headhunters (employment agents) are hired by hiring managers or companies to assist them in finding the right employee for a specific job. These hiring companies pay a large fee, often as much as 25% of the new hire’s annual salary to the headhunter for this service.
A company paying this fee for the headhunter to find a suitable candidate, will not pay for this service for a candidate who is new to the market (just out of college or university) or a candidate who is currently unemployed. So, if you are unemployed and looking for a job or you are a recent graduate or someone with no experience in the field in which you are looking for work, do not consider using a headhunter or employment agency. In these cases, you will need to do your job hunting activities for yourself.
I received this information from Skip Freeman, author of "Headhunter" Hiring Secrets: The Rules of the Hiring Game Have Changed . . . Forever! This book is a wonderful tool specifically written to help a job candidate open doors most people think are closed. Read the book and follow the guidelines. Skip told me that he is currently writing a book especially designed for those just entering the workforce or those entering a new profession or field of work.
Parallel Sentence Structure
Sentence elements that are alike in function should also be alike in construction. This sounds complicated. The best way to explain it is with examples. The following sentences in italics are incorrect. The correct version for each sentence is written in bold text and appears just below the sentence that is in error.
Wrong: A student knows how to do research and getting help with assignments.
Correct: A student knows how to do research and get help with assignments.
Wrong: Elaine’s workout activities include exercising, swimming, and to run a mile.
Correct: Elaine’s workout activities include exercising, swimming, and running a mile.
Wrong: We walked up the stairs, into the classroom and we went to the dining room.
Correct: We walked up the stairs, into the classroom and to the dining room.
Wrong: Michael was intelligent but a shy person.
Correct: Michael was intelligent but shy.
Wrong: She asked him to take out the garbage, rake the leaves, and be listening for the phone to ring.
Correct: She asked him to take out the garbage, rake the leaves, and listen for the phone to ring.
Wrong: Mary studied for the chemistry test by reviewing her notes and she read her chemistry book.
Correct: Mary studied for the chemistry test by reviewing her notes and reading her chemistry book.
Note that sentences must keep the same form throughout. Verb forms must be in agreement. When in doubt, break up long sentences into two or three sentences each with its own construction.
Final Comments
Please let me know what you would like to have included in this newsletter. Best wishes to you all.
“My goal is to enhance your text in a way that makes it clear and error free so that it is ready to be read by your professor, your readership, your clients, your future employer, your current employer, your agent or your publisher.”
Shelly Rosenberg
Shelly@ShellyRosenberg.com
Saturday, January 08, 2011
January 2011 - Happy New Year
Editing, Proofreading & Resume
January 2011 Newsletter
from the desk of
Shelly Rosenberg
www.shellyrosenberg.com
Happy New Year
Happy New Year to you all. Best wishes for a happy, healthy and successful 2011. I would like to start the year off with a discussion about Networking.
Networking is a term that has become very popular in all areas of life especially in business and job seeking endeavors. But, how can networking help you? Networking is also worthwhile for the student, PhD candidate, Master’s degree candidate, author, website designer, technical writer, business executive, ESL (English as a Second Language) writer or student, and entrepreneur.
In this issue of my newsletter, I will be discussing networking−some tips, techniques and advantages.
Networking Events
There are an extraordinary number of events that are designed as strictly networking events. These tend to create high pressure situations and are often less productive than some alternatives.
Look for seminars or workshops that are held for other reasons than solely for networking. These are more low-key learning environments. Seek out seminars or workshops that feature speakers or sessions that address subjects that interest you. They will be attended by others who have similar interests.
Start conversations. Stretch yourself by reaching out to others. I recently heard a suggestion about starting conversations: If you observe someone looking at something (a centerpiece on a table, a clock, a photo, food at a buffet or a painting on a wall) begin a conversation about that item. At least you will have a starting point for your discussion.
Stay with a conversation. The purpose of networking is to make quality contacts. You want to create a productive relationship that might be mutually advantageous. If your conversation is going well, stay with it.
Ask questions – Listen attentively. You will learn much more by listening and asking questions than you will by doing all the talking. This technique also makes the other person feel comfortable and important to you.
Where to sit. If there are people you know at the event, make sure to sit with someone you do not know. If you sit with that friend or acquaintance, you probably will not get up and meet anyone else. And, that would defeat your main purpose of attending the event.
Seek out wallflowers. If you see someone standing or sitting alone, approach that person, instead of trying to break into a group of people having a conversation. Introduce yourself to that “wallflower” and begin a conversation. You might be surprised how much that person has to offer.
The buffet trick. If there is a buffet at the event, keep going back to the buffet. Put only three bites of food on your plate; then look for a table with someone (or some people) with whom you have not yet spoken. Introduce yourself, listen, begin a conversation or enter the existing conversation. Participate in the conversation for several minutes and eat your three bites. If you want to leave the conversation and find another, since your plate is empty, it would not look strange for you to excuse yourself, go to the buffet to get three more bites. Then find a new table (conversation).
Notes on cards. If you exchange cards with people, make notes on the back of the card. This way you will remember the person and the discussion for reference later.
Electronic Networking
There are numerous ways to network online. LinkedIn is one of the best sites for meeting people with similar professional interests. Join LinkedIn groups in your area of interest. Participate in discussions within those groups. Share your experiences and expertise.
Networking for the Student, PhD Candidate, Master’s Degree Candidate & ESL Student
Seek out alumni who have just completed the process you are in right now. They have probably experienced the same feelings, frustrations and questions that you are experiencing. They will most likely be eager to share their experiences and offer suggestions about what to avoid as well as what to look for. These people are valuable resources.
Seek out people who are successful in the field you are pursuing. Find successful people who are doing what you are hoping to be doing in a year or five years.
Networking for the Author,
Writer & Technical Writer
Network with people who are successful in the area in which you are working. Look for groups on Yahoo or LinkedIn that share your interests and concerns. Consider finding a “writing buddy” – someone with whom to share writing issues and your manuscripts.
Networking for the Business Executive & Entrepreneur
Use LinkedIn, company websites and groups to find professionals who might act as your mentor. People are flattered to be looked to as experts. They will probably be happy to join you for lunch or to converse via phone or email to discuss their experiences, failures and successes. Reach out to people in the areas in which you have interest or in which you are starting a business.
Even if you are successfully employed and happy with your job and success, networking can keep you and your ideas fresh. Learn from others what is new in the industry. Learn about the upcoming trends. Find the experts in the field. Join their networks.
Networking for the Job Seeker
You can send out hundreds of resumes and cover letters, answer every job posting, put your resume on all the job boards but in many cases you will still not be successful in being invited for an interview. Networking is a way to find people in positions that might be of help to you. These people can direct you to the hiring manager. Or, they might be the hiring manager.
Use LinkedIn. Post your profile there. Join groups and contribute to the conversations. Perhaps a hiring manager will be impressed with your responses. This could put your resume on the top of the heap. I personally know of people who were found by employers on LinkedIn. And, I know of people who reached out to professionals on LinkedIn and after careful and persistent communications, were hired as a result.
Networking – Final Comments
Try a combination of these networking techniques and make networking part of your life. Networking is also a way to build your social circle, add to your friendships, be exposed to new activities and keep you active and involved.
Perhaps the best aspect of networking is that you may have the opportunity to help someone else in his/her endeavor regarding work, finding a job, writing a book, writing a thesis, paper or dissertation or connecting with someone with similar interests.
“My goal is to enhance your text in a way that makes it clear and error free so that it is ready to be read by your professor, your readership, your clients, your future employer, your current employer, your agent or your publisher.”
Shelly Rosenberg
Shelly@ShellyRosenberg.com
January 2011 Newsletter
from the desk of
Shelly Rosenberg
www.shellyrosenberg.com
Happy New Year
Happy New Year to you all. Best wishes for a happy, healthy and successful 2011. I would like to start the year off with a discussion about Networking.
Networking is a term that has become very popular in all areas of life especially in business and job seeking endeavors. But, how can networking help you? Networking is also worthwhile for the student, PhD candidate, Master’s degree candidate, author, website designer, technical writer, business executive, ESL (English as a Second Language) writer or student, and entrepreneur.
In this issue of my newsletter, I will be discussing networking−some tips, techniques and advantages.
Networking Events
There are an extraordinary number of events that are designed as strictly networking events. These tend to create high pressure situations and are often less productive than some alternatives.
Look for seminars or workshops that are held for other reasons than solely for networking. These are more low-key learning environments. Seek out seminars or workshops that feature speakers or sessions that address subjects that interest you. They will be attended by others who have similar interests.
Start conversations. Stretch yourself by reaching out to others. I recently heard a suggestion about starting conversations: If you observe someone looking at something (a centerpiece on a table, a clock, a photo, food at a buffet or a painting on a wall) begin a conversation about that item. At least you will have a starting point for your discussion.
Stay with a conversation. The purpose of networking is to make quality contacts. You want to create a productive relationship that might be mutually advantageous. If your conversation is going well, stay with it.
Ask questions – Listen attentively. You will learn much more by listening and asking questions than you will by doing all the talking. This technique also makes the other person feel comfortable and important to you.
Where to sit. If there are people you know at the event, make sure to sit with someone you do not know. If you sit with that friend or acquaintance, you probably will not get up and meet anyone else. And, that would defeat your main purpose of attending the event.
Seek out wallflowers. If you see someone standing or sitting alone, approach that person, instead of trying to break into a group of people having a conversation. Introduce yourself to that “wallflower” and begin a conversation. You might be surprised how much that person has to offer.
The buffet trick. If there is a buffet at the event, keep going back to the buffet. Put only three bites of food on your plate; then look for a table with someone (or some people) with whom you have not yet spoken. Introduce yourself, listen, begin a conversation or enter the existing conversation. Participate in the conversation for several minutes and eat your three bites. If you want to leave the conversation and find another, since your plate is empty, it would not look strange for you to excuse yourself, go to the buffet to get three more bites. Then find a new table (conversation).
Notes on cards. If you exchange cards with people, make notes on the back of the card. This way you will remember the person and the discussion for reference later.
Electronic Networking
There are numerous ways to network online. LinkedIn is one of the best sites for meeting people with similar professional interests. Join LinkedIn groups in your area of interest. Participate in discussions within those groups. Share your experiences and expertise.
Networking for the Student, PhD Candidate, Master’s Degree Candidate & ESL Student
Seek out alumni who have just completed the process you are in right now. They have probably experienced the same feelings, frustrations and questions that you are experiencing. They will most likely be eager to share their experiences and offer suggestions about what to avoid as well as what to look for. These people are valuable resources.
Seek out people who are successful in the field you are pursuing. Find successful people who are doing what you are hoping to be doing in a year or five years.
Networking for the Author,
Writer & Technical Writer
Network with people who are successful in the area in which you are working. Look for groups on Yahoo or LinkedIn that share your interests and concerns. Consider finding a “writing buddy” – someone with whom to share writing issues and your manuscripts.
Networking for the Business Executive & Entrepreneur
Use LinkedIn, company websites and groups to find professionals who might act as your mentor. People are flattered to be looked to as experts. They will probably be happy to join you for lunch or to converse via phone or email to discuss their experiences, failures and successes. Reach out to people in the areas in which you have interest or in which you are starting a business.
Even if you are successfully employed and happy with your job and success, networking can keep you and your ideas fresh. Learn from others what is new in the industry. Learn about the upcoming trends. Find the experts in the field. Join their networks.
Networking for the Job Seeker
You can send out hundreds of resumes and cover letters, answer every job posting, put your resume on all the job boards but in many cases you will still not be successful in being invited for an interview. Networking is a way to find people in positions that might be of help to you. These people can direct you to the hiring manager. Or, they might be the hiring manager.
Use LinkedIn. Post your profile there. Join groups and contribute to the conversations. Perhaps a hiring manager will be impressed with your responses. This could put your resume on the top of the heap. I personally know of people who were found by employers on LinkedIn. And, I know of people who reached out to professionals on LinkedIn and after careful and persistent communications, were hired as a result.
Networking – Final Comments
Try a combination of these networking techniques and make networking part of your life. Networking is also a way to build your social circle, add to your friendships, be exposed to new activities and keep you active and involved.
Perhaps the best aspect of networking is that you may have the opportunity to help someone else in his/her endeavor regarding work, finding a job, writing a book, writing a thesis, paper or dissertation or connecting with someone with similar interests.
“My goal is to enhance your text in a way that makes it clear and error free so that it is ready to be read by your professor, your readership, your clients, your future employer, your current employer, your agent or your publisher.”
Shelly Rosenberg
Shelly@ShellyRosenberg.com
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