Praise Others Project (December 11th) - Jason Alba

Day ten on the "Praise Others Project" brings us to Jason Alba of Jibber Jobber. Jason is an active blogger, but has also created a great toolset for the job searcher.

JibberJobber was designed by Jason Alba during his first real job search beginning January 2006. After having a successful career in IT and business strategy, Jason found himself in the job market, which was supposedly a "job seeker's market."

Jason quickly found that a job seeker's market does not mean the job search will be easy or short. Frustrated by the lack of real tools for job seekers, he decided to move forward on a tool that allowed a job seeker to manage and organize a job search.

As the months passed, and as Jason learned the importance of networking, he incorporated a major networking piece into JibberJobber. This has shifted its focus from a tool just to be used during one job search into a tool to be used to manage job transitions during your entire career.

I met Jason when he volunteered to host "The Networking Carnival" in November 2007. He not only accepted a submissions, but he actively went out an solicited some of his favorite business bloggers (including Seth Godin, the grand-daddy of cult-like bloggers) to give him posts on "networking tips for job hunters". I was impressed by Jason's tenacity and his real empathy for those who are looking for work.

Jason is really helping people with his JibberJobber website. Good Job!

Have A Great Day.

thom

If you are Jason Alba, CLICK HERE!

Praise Others Project (December 10th) - Chris, Anne and Lisa

Today I am going off the business oriented topic and I am going to praise some important folks who helped shape my life. Peers can be a big influence as one grows up, and I had a wonderful group of friends in my youth.

I am going to highlight three bloggers who are not folks who I know from their books and blogs, but rather they are my friends from high school. I grew up in Arcadia, California (a suburb of Los Angeles) and was lucky to have had some really amazing friends around me. Of course I did not appreciate them at the time.

After high school I had lost touch with most of my high school pals (a main group of about 9 people) and we did not reconnect until our twenty-year reunion. Time took everyone in many different directions. Some of the group are married with kids, others are not. Some are democrats, others are republicans,...while still others are independent or green. But all of them are wonderful, caring, people who I am proud to have back in my life. Those who live in Southern California see each other regularly, the rest of us are in often touch by email. Anytime someone has a milestone in their life we now share it with each other.

I would like to honor all the kids I grew up with who touched my life in today's "Praise Others Project" entry. I am who I am today because of so many people who came into my life when I was young: Tim, Deron, Kelly, Kathleen, Anne, Kris, Tim & Todd, Dave, Eric, Lisa, Mike, Kim, Marti, Jill, Debbie, Ginger, Melinda, Tom, Chris, Lisa, Adam, Julie, Paula, Philip, Bryan...(and anyone else I might have left out).

Three of my high school chums write blogs (that I know about). They are not "business" blogs (like most that are being highlighted in the "Praise Others Project"), but rather very interesting personal observations of the world. I have come to admire their journeys in life by being an observer.

I have known them all since at least seventh grade (actually I have known Anne since 1st or 2nd grade)

Chris is a pastor in the Pacific Northwest.

Anne is a writer and has the cool job of working in an independent bookstore.

Lisa (who calls herself Lucy in her blog, yet I don't know why) is an up and coming executive in the entertainment industry.

Each make the world a better place. Check out their blogs and enjoy their stories.

Have A Great Day.

thom

Praise Others Project (December 9th) - Jill Konrath

Jill Konrath is the author of Selling To Big Companies. The book is a wonderful read for sales professionals who are finding it more difficult to get into see prospects. Major changes that have occurred in the corporate world over the past decade, and Jill Konrath highlights how this has effected the world of B2B sales.

As a sales executive, I know that getting a C-Level executive (whom I do not know through my networking efforts) to return a call is more difficult than learning to juggle raw eggs. "Sellers must transform themselves into business improvement specialists", says Konrath, who provides the road map.

She is also a successful speaker, trainer and business consultant who works directly with companies to share her experiences with sales teams around the country. I have had the honor to talk with her on the phone a few times, and she is genuinely interested in helping others succeed more tomorrow than yesterday.

Her website and her blog are full of useful information, and I recommend you subscribe to her newsletter. Jill is the real deal, and I appreciate what I have learned from her and look forward to developing a better friendship over time.

Have A Great Day.

thom

Personal Manifesto

Ever since Seth Godin linked to his short manifesto on Hugh Macleod's The Gaping Void Blog, bloggers around the world are posting their own short (500 words or less) manifestos. Here is mine.

Thom Singer’s Life Manifesto in less than 500 words:

People are good! While it is true that there are a lot of bad eggs in the world, I believe the good in humans outweighs the negative. Everyone I have had the honor to really know has brought something useful into my life. Too many people put up walls and do not share the glimpses of their souls with those around them. Yet, when they open up their true personality, the whole universe is illuminated.

Life is precious… enjoy it! My father is 92-years-old and still very active. He knows that at anytime he could complete his journey on earth, thus every day he plans an activity. Embrace everyday and do something fun.

Love someone! The institution of marriage is not easy. Living with another person requires sacrifice, patience, and some hurt feelings. However, if you remember that the other person is not just there to please you all the time, then you can also find amazing passion, joy and peace. Yet selfishness from either partner can steam roll the whole relationship flat. It is a delicate balance.

Children are teachers! Whether or not you become a parent you should spend some time with kids. Their youthful exuberance is contagious. Children see the world through fresh eyes. Just being around them makes you hopeful about the future. Teaching them makes you learn more about any subject.

Find a real friend/Be a real friend! Countless people will pass through our lives, but a real friend is more precious than gold. This is a person who loves you unconditionally and will listen to your stories, even when they have heard them before. Friendship is hard to define, but you know it when you see it. It is a give and take relationship and there are times when it is not always an even exchange. A friendship is like a garden in that you must cultivate and care for it differently in each season, but to ignore it will cause it to wither.

People do business with people they know and like! Regardless of your profession, treat everyone you encounter with respect. While having a great product or service is important, human beings make decisions with their hearts. Nobody likes to give their money to an asshole, and will actively search out alternatives if they do not like you.

Thanksgiving! Regardless of your religious or spiritual beliefs you need to be thankful to some higher power. To do less is very arrogant. Amazing opportunities exist in life and we all need to acknowledge that the humanity is bigger than just the individual. Give thanks for the experience that is life.

Have A Great Day.

thom

Praise Others Project (December 8th) - Hugh Macleod

Hugh Macleod's blog, The Gapingvoid, is one of my happiest new discoveries. In addition to his entrepreneurial/new economy views of business and marketing...he draws unique business card sized cartoons with each post. His posts make me think and his sketches make me laugh.

Hugh lives in England and is involved with a variety of different business ventures, including Stormhoek Winery. I love the licensing terms for use of his cartoons: basically if you are using them for good and not evil (not out to make a profit from his art), he welcomes people to download and reprint the cartoons for free. For payment he just asks that you try Stormhoek wine (and then only if you want to try it). How cool is that! It just seems right.

I also like the fact that such a widely read blogger still takes comments on his blog and responds to them. Additionally he recently started accepting 500 word "manifestos" on a variety of topics from his readers and posting them on his site. It is amazing reading to see how random people from around the planet think through their own "mini-manifesto".

I praise Hugh for his success, his art, and his approachability.

Have A Great Day.

thom

One Man's Job Hunting Journey

At my Toastmaster's club meeting today Steve Crisler delivered a great talk spelling out his "Seven Tips For Finding A Job". Steve had been an engineering manager with T-Mobile until earlier this year when they moved the office where he worked from Austin to Dallas. Steve and his family wanted to stay in the beautiful city of Austin, and for the first time in his life he found himself without employment.

Steve's speech shared the useful tips below:

1. Organize you job search as a project. Have action items and faithfully stay focused on completing the tasks.

2. Clarify your objectives. Know what you want and do not want in a new job.

3. Research your opportunities. There are many resources both online and offline to help you.

4. Prepare your documents and your stories. Your resume, reference list, and personal marketing plan must all be ready. Additionally, know in advance how you will answer common interview questions.

5. Network, network, network!!! This is the most important step. Over 65% of all jobs are filled through networking.

6. Interview smart. The hiring manager has a set of needs, sell yourself to fill those needs.

7. Chose the right offer. Evaluate your opportunities in regards to the objectives in step #2.

Steve followed these tips and undertook his job search with gusto. His quest lead him to a new position with Nokia as a solutions consultant. He also knows that he can never stop networking.

Have a great day.

thom

Praise Others Project (December 7th) - Scott Ingram

I could not imagine "The Praise Others Project" without including my friend, Scott Ingram of NetworkInAustin.com. I met Scott eighteen months ago and have come to know him well. I find him to be a very loyal friend whose business advice I seek often.

Scott's goal with NetworkInAustin.com is to facilitate the relationship building process that is the core to business success. He believes that productive networking is one of the best, most cost-effective marketing programs a small business can develop, and has the potential to create powerful word of mouth awareness on a shoe-string budget. He offers tips, tools and tricks on how to network for all who visit his site or read his blog.

Scott and I co-presented four programs for the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce in 2006 on the topics relating to "better networking skills", and will be doing four more in 2007 (the next one is January 11th). He has been great to work with in creating the course materials. Our speaking styles are different, but we play off each other in a witty manner (thanks to Scott's wit!), and the programs have been well received.

I am honored to get to praise Scott for all he has done for me and for countless others in and around Austin, Texas. Thanks, Scott!!!

Have A Great Day.

thom

If you are Scott Ingram, CLICK HERE!

Praise Others Project (December 6th) - AJ Jacobs

A.J. Jacobs is the author of the funniest book I have ever read. Most of the folks highlighted in "The Praise Others Project" will be business authors and bloggers, but this guy's book, The Know It All, made me laugh out loud, repetitively, on an airplane (causing me to annoy those around me the whole flight).

Life is short, we all need to laugh more often!!! Thus I need to praise my favorite humor writer. I also need to request that everyone I know read his book, as it will put you in a good mood...and I like it when my friends are happy.

Turns out that A.J. also writes a very amusing blog, although he has not updated it much since July, 2006. The writing style that I enjoyed in The Know It All comes through. On one post he mentions that he is a "self-googler" - which is exciting because it means he will find this post.

A.J. is the author I would most like to meet over dinner and drinks in some random restaurant. I imagine that he and his wife are delightful conversationalists. Sure, there are authors who are more famous or from whom I could gain important knowledge, but he just seems like the type of person that everyone would like to have as their friend.

Have A Great Day.

thom

Thom in Spanish

I traced a link back to my blog that came from the Google Translate product. Someone in Panama was reading my blog and had it translated into Spanish. I do not read Spanish, but it was very cool to see.

Click Here to see my latest post en Espanol.

thom

Success Takes Risks

To reach your goals takes risk. In order to attempt to meet a big goal you leave yourself open challenges, pitfalls, ridicule, struggles, rejection, exhaustion, failure, confusion, self-doubt and all sorts of other negatives. However, without taking the risk, you would never reach the prize of attaining whatever you dream.

I am a bit risk averse. I do not have that "go for it at all cost" gene that so many entrepreneurs seem to possess. And yet, I must have some of it, because everyday I get out of bed and strive to accomplish more with my life than I have done in the past. I am amazed at those I know who do not desire more than their current lot in life.

Success is subjective, and what I am trying to achieve may seem like useless fodder to others. However, it is joyful to have goals. My friend Chad Goldwasser is already one of the top real estate agents in the United States (heck, in the world), but he is constantly setting stretch goals for his company....and meeting them! I had breakfast with him today and our conversation centered on the risk and rewards of going for your dreams. He so clearly sees the direction that he is going, and he has structured his life in such a way that risk is not a problem, success is the only option.

I do not think that most people today are living their dreams (Chad is an exception, he is living his dreams). I believe this is because they get stopped by their fears. The risks they let paralyze them are not even legitimate risks, but instead simply trepidation of the unknown.

Here are a few tips to get from fear to success:

1. Examine your goals and life dreams. Can you articulate them? Do you know what success looks like? That is the first step.

2. What is stopping you from making those goals into reality? Are your road blocks real or just in your mind?

3. Is there a path to success that you can take that will lessen the risk? Can someone else help you get over the pitfalls?

4. Do you really want to live your dream? Is their a passion inside you to make it your reality?

5. Accept that risk is part of achievement. No pain, no gain.

6. Go for it. This is the hardest part.

I know it is not easy. I feel this pain of taking the steps necessary to achieve my life dream. But damn it, I am going to figure it out!

Have A Great Day.

thom

Praise Others Project (December 5th) - Darren Rowse

Darren Rowse is a 34-year-old Austrailan and is the guy behind Problogger.net and other money making blogs. The gentleman earns a six figure income as a "full-time blogger".

I want to praise Darren in the "Praise Others Project" not because he has found a way to make a living in this crazy and complicated blogosphere, but because of the effort he puts into Problogger.net, making it a wonderful library of information. It is an unequaled treasure chest for anyone who writes a blog.

I have improved in my own journey in this bloggy media because of Darren, his insights and the thousands of contributing ideas from bloggers from around the globe.

Thank you, Darren. While I do not earn any money from my blog, I have improved it because of Problogger.net.

Have A Great Day.

thom

Praise Others Project (December 4th) - Dr. Charles A. Garfield

Many years ago I purchased a book at a used bookstore called Peak Performers: The New Heroes of American Business by Dr. Charles A. Garfield. The book was written in 1986 and was already a decade old when I discovered this gem. Even twenty years after publication the book is still an inspiration to achieve more in all aspects of life.

Garfield has written two other books the topic of success, is a professor of psychology at UCSF, and is accomplished professional speaker. This book is one that touched me so deeply that I was inspired to write my own books. Thanks Dr. Garfield! I am happy to have the chance to include you as part of the "Praise Others Project".

If you are looking for a great book to read on success......track down a copy of Peak Performers.

thom

The Networking Carnival - Third Edition

It is time for the December "Networking Carnival". Some interesting stuff sent in by bloggers.

Enjoy!

The Virtual Handshake Blog on "Online Negativity and How to Deal With it"

Reasoned Audacity Blog on "7 Tips for Mass Marketing"

MabelandHarry Blog on "How to Build Your Personal Brand"

Trusted Advisor Associates Blog on "Returning Calls"

David Maister on "How to Get into the Flow of Better Work"

Home Biz Wiz Blog on "How to Write a Professional Bio"

Trusted Advisors Associates Blog on "Charles Handy vs. Web 2.0"

Instigator Blog on "Can Blogging Make Someone Seem Inaccessible?"

The Engaging Brand Blog on "Social Networking"

Good Vibes for Good Lives Blog on "Fear is the Mind Killer"

Next month's January Networking Carnival will be hosted by Andrew Flusche at The LegalAndrew Blog. Andrews chimes in and says "A new year has begun. Instead of doing the typical New Year's resolution, let's focus on something a bit different. Let's help out the people who are new to networking. Provide your best tip to help networking newbies start the year right." This will be fun. Send you Networking Carnival Posts to aflusche@gmail.com

Have A Great Day.

Thom

Side note, thank you to the other bloggers who sent submissions that were not posted in this months Networking Carnival, but the subject has to relate to "networking"! Please note that next month Andrew will ONLY be posting links to submissions that involve tips for networking in the new year! Thanks.

Praise Others Project (December 3rd) - Barbara Walters Price

The "Praise Others Project" is now onto day three. The purpose of this series in the month of December is to praise other bloggers and authors whom have made an impact on me in some way (aka, to say "thank you") and to do so in a public way. While most of this blog is dedicated to my book, my opinions about networking, marketing, sales, PR, business development and other topics that I choose to rant about...."The Praise Others Project" is about others.

Today I am praising blogger Barbara Walters Price from the "BW Price Marketing U Blog". Barbara is the SVP of Marketing at Mercer Capital Management. She is the mother of two young daughters and writes a very informative blog on a variety of interesting marketing topics.

While I do not know Barbara personally, she has become one of my true "blog friends" over the past year. She is always supportive of what other bloggers do, and is always one to praise the efforts of others she encounters around the blogosphere. Too many bloggers are so focused on positioning themselves as an "expert", that they do not ever highlight any idea that is not their own. Barabara IS an expert (so she does not need to spend the time trying to prove it to the world). Her expertise shines though and she is so open about what she still has to learn.

Click here to read her blog. While she does not post often enough, you will find some useful things in what she writes.

Have A Great Day.

thom

Praise Others Project (December 2nd) - Stephen R. Covey

The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People is one book that everyone should have to read. MANDATORY, no choice! It was a life changing read for me when I was 25-years-old (wow, that was 15 years ago, YIKES), and one of only four books I have ever read twice!

I do not know Dr. Covey. I have never met him in person. I have never seen him speak live before an audience. But I feel that he had a huge influence on my life.

I could not imagine praising books and authors that I admire without including this classic. When I do public speaking about networking, business development and success I always ask the audience if they have read The Seven Habits. A bunch of hands always leap into the air, but never as many as one would think in a professional setting. After my presentation people will ask me if Covey's book is as good as they have heard. "Yes!, it is".

Thank you to Steven R. Covey for his important work that has touched so many people around the world. I hope someday our paths will cross and I can meet Dr. Covey, as I would like to say "thank you" in person.

Have A Great Day.

thom

Praise Others Project (December 1st) - Steve Harper

I met Steve Harper eighteen months ago when he released his book, The Ripple Effect. Steve lives Austin, Texas (where I live), and since we were both about to complete books on the topic of "networking", we were introduced by a mutual friend. How we had never met before was surprising, as we both knew many of the same people in Austin and beyond.

Steve is more than just the author of a great book, he his a successful entrepreneur, blogger, business consultant, devoted family-man, friend, coach, speaker/trainer, coffee house stalker, and all around good guy.

He has a post on his blog this week that is right in line with the theme of "The Praise Others Project", where he talks about being happy for others success, rather than feeling that their victory diminishes your own. He shares an analogy about if one person has more pie it is not taking away from your own pie. He is right about that. My father always taught "be happy with the good things you have in your life and not so concerned with other people's stuff".

Steve is more than just a slice of pie....he is the whole dessert tray!!! You should read his blog and his book...and if you live in Austin, Texas - you should attend one of his "8 Minute Ripple Seminars".

Have A Great Day.

thom

Tune in everyday in December for The Praise Others Project.

If you are Steve Harper, CLICK HERE!

Friday Parade - Online Networking in the Web 2.0 World

I had the opportunity yesterday to meet with Hoover's, Inc interim president, Paul Pellman, and learn more about Hoover's new online social networking tool, Hoover's Connect. The new product is a joint venture between Hoover's and Visible Path (Visible Path Founder and CEO, Antony Brydon was there too, via conference call) and is the next generation of social networking tools (think Web 2.0)

While MySpace, Facebook, LinkedIn, ecademy, Ryze, Friendster and others have been the first movers in this space, to often they are seen as just a connect the dots parlor game (think "The Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon"). Many members of these online communities dilute the services by making huge numbers of "contacts" with people whom they do not really have a personal relationship. Collecting contacts for many is the prize, rather than creating a business development tool.

In the real world a "relationship" is not just a digital link to a stranger. A true contact is some whom you know well and who will happily introduce you to people they know. A "friend" is someone you have come to know well.

On most sites my best friend for twenty years (who is Godfather to my daughter) is an equal link to some random person I have never met, but accepted into my "network" on a whim. There is, in real life, a difference between those two contacts, and Hoover's Connect has the intuition to know that difference.

Their software will analyze the types of communications you have with your contacts by looking at emails, meetings and other functions within Outlook. It will not read the actual correspondence (privacy issues are important to these folks!), but it will examine the frequency and types of interactions, thus being able to rank which contacts are most important in your network.

Their tool is "Trusted, Intelligent and Private". They hope this will appeal to more of the business community than the existing services in this space.

While Hoover's Connect does not solve all the problems of social networking (nor will it provide "world peace"), it does address many of the obstacles that have kept business professionals from embracing online social networks as a useful tool to accelerate sales.

I see their biggest challenge as the re-education of business users, who already have developed strong preconceived opinions about the use of such online tools. However, with the younger generation coming up fast (over 70% of college students utilize Facebook or MySpace on a regular basis), the acceptance of online social services will naturally increase in the next few years.

Their product will not go live until early in 2007, but for now you can learn more at their website and sign up to receive information about the pending release. I will be watching Hoover's Connect closely once it is released to the public, and I will report back on my findings!

Have A Great Day.

thom

Praise Others Project

Each day in the month of December I will highlight a blog, blogger, book or author whom I have come to know (personally or through their work) and that I admire.

Life should not always be about "me" and my opinions (even on my own blog). And besides....it is the books and blogs I read, along with the amazing people who have come into my life, that make me who I am. I will use this "POP" series to praise others for the great work they do and how they have touched my life.

My desire is that all of the regular readers of The Some Assembly Required Blog (and those who stumble upon SAR by accident) will click through the links and discover these amazing people and their writings.

Stay tuned!

thom

You Never Know Who You Will Meet

I attended an event called The Toast of the Town this week, hosted by The Young Men's Business League, The Young Women's Alliance, Austin Under Forty, and Catalyst 8 (four charitable organizations that cater to the under 40 crowd, which I have now departed). It was quite the shin-dig and there were some good networking opportunities. I met many cool new folks that I did not know before, and got to catch up with old friends.

The highlight of the conversations was when I met Jonathon Morgan and Amanda Butterfield, who are the co-artistic directors of Yellow Tape Construction Company. This is a very hip performing arts group that is staging some very interesting plays in the Austin area.

From their website:

Yellow Tape Construction Co. is here to further the next generation of a truly great, wholly original, definitively American performance aesthetic. At the intersection of dance, theatre, music and performance art, we are creating a new community of artists and patrons -- laying a foundation of strength and support through innovative arts programming and fearless new work.

They were very fun and cool, and I look forward to learning more about the plays they produce. They apparently bring a digital camera with them everywhere and have a photo blog of the people they meet along their way. I guess I made the cut, as here is my picture with Jonathon from their blog!

Who knows, maybe some avant garde performance art based on networking could be in the future! Some Assembly Required, The Musical. Hey, a kid can dream!!!

Have A Great Day.

thom

Create A Global Microbrand

Hugh Macleod at The Gapingvoid Blog has become my favorite new blogger recently. He draws very funny businesscard size cartoons with each post, but more importantly his views on stuff are very insightful.

He has a post on creating a Global Microbrand that you should read. It focuses mainly on how the internet and blogs have made it easier for people to develop their brand and thus sell more of their product or services. I agree.

I do wonder, however, if what he suggests is not getting harder because of the overpopulation of the blogosphere. He, and the others he sights (ie: Robert Scoble), began carving out their blogging fame long ago when most people had not yet heard of blogs. Now that it seems everyone I meet has started a blog, and thus getting traction is going to be more difficult. I started this blog eighteen months ago and gained a readership quickly. However growing the traffic becomes more of a challenge with each month as more and more blogs pop up around the world. The choices for the blog readers have become overwhelming, and there is no end in sight.

Have A Great Day.

Thom Singer
thom@thomsinger.com
www.thomsinger.com