And I'm proud to be an American,
where at least I know I'm free.
And I won't forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.

Memorial Day

Monday, May 28, 2012

Formerly known as Decoration Day, it originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the fallen Union soldiers of the Civil War. By the 20th century Memorial Day had been extended to honor all Americans who have died in all wars.

Professional Life

-Dennis Topo, Business Consultant at Allison Lawn & Landscape Services

Being recognized in your field can make you more valuable in your current job and more marketable if you decide to change jobs. The tips below can help you gain that visibility and exposure. The first four are aimed primarily at the employee of a company, while the rest apply either to the employee or to the independent consultant.

As a business consultant here at Allison Lawn & Landscape Service, I continually sharpen my skills in all of these items. You never know when the next door will open.

1. Develop your elevator talk - The elevator talk is the 15- to 30-second talk you would give to a senior executive while both of you are in an elevator. It's your chance to impress that person, so make the most of it
2. Talk to bosses during office social events - During an office social event (for example, the holiday or Christmas party), it's generally easier to approach your boss and his or her boss to say hello. At those times, it's important to have your elevator talk prepared.
3. Introduce yourself when in another location of your company - Your job may take you to another part of the country, where you might be working with another part of your company - for example, with a different branch office. In that case, make an effort to introduce yourself to the head of that office. 
4. Volunteer for company events - United Way drive... company picnic...holiday party. All of these events need company employees to run them. They take time, but helping with them can bring you recognition, especially if you're working side by side with upper-level people who one day could be your boss.
5. Speak to outside groups - Speaking to groups can give you credibility and increase your professional contacts. It also builds your own knowledge of your topic, because in researching and creating your talk, you inevitably will learn more about it.
6. Write for professional publications - Nothing beats seeing one's name in print, with a byline following the title. The same approach applies to writing as with speaking to groups: Pick a topic you know well and which would appeal to the readers of a publication.
7. Serve as a source for news media - Reporters like to quote authorities when writing a story. If they quote you in print or on the air, your reputation is enhanced. Once you identify a reporter, introduce yourself by phone or e-mail. 
8. Mentor or advise a student group or club - I've done it and it is rewarding, advising a student group or a group such as a chapter of the Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP), is another way of gaining exposure and contacts.
9. Moderate a panel discussion - Even if you aren't able to give a presentation at a conference, you still might be able to participate by moderating a panel discussion. The responsibilities will vary depending on the conference and the conference organizer. 
10. Serve as board member or officer of a professional association - It's pretty easy to serve in either of these capacities because generally, no one wants to do it. 

 Source:    TechRepublic (Article Link)

On a side note, Google yourself in "  '' marks and see what comes up - you may be surprised.

Kids Corner