LinkedIn, Networking . . .. and Coffee

The weather is too nice to think about making updates on job sites. I was heading downtown to get some coffee and sit on a sunny terrrace, but when I checked my e-mail, I found messages about my LinkedIn contacts.

LinkedIn - Five of your connections have changed jobs in the past year.

Me - One of those people still works in my building! She changed?

LinkedIn – People you may know. Real estate brokers.

Me – Really? My profile is replete with key words on the South of France, tango, proposal writing, technical reports. Peiresc and Galileo (17th-century France). Science and censorship. Charles Kuralt. James Weldon Johnson. Media framing of Florida. Travel and exploration. Real estate brokers?

LinkedIn – Your profile has been viewed by five people in 15 days.

LinkedIn – Improve your profile by getting recommendations.

Me – There must be a better way . . . .

In a 2005 article in the Chronicle of Higher Education, “Coffee in 2002, a Job in 2004,” authors Susan Basalla May and Risa Nystrom McDonell talked about the value of networking in the job search. Not virtually or for a quick fix but, in their words as a “long-term effort” with “deferred and indirect benefits.”

Here are some points made by the authors--the job information seeker and the dream job holder:

- Networking offers an effective way to learn about a field without the pressure of applying for a job.

- Once you identify people for those networking interviews, do your background research so your meeting is focused and productive for both parties. Be a good listener. Learn about trade-offs that come with career change.

The dream job holder was impressed with the job seeker’s interest and knowledge and most of all, that she was seeking information and did not expect a job. The job seeker was professional in dress and demeanor.

It’s always difficult to take that first step and make a contact. But what’s the worst thing that could happen?

In the meantime, you might want to checkout local coffee shops for that first meeting. I’m on my way to Maude’s right now. . . .

BTW, here’s the link to the article--http://chronicle.com/article/Coffee-in-2002-a-Job-Offer-in/45086

P.S. I would love to hear your networking tips.

That Feeling of Personal Wealth . . . .

even in a Recession . . .

Collect eclectic things like a dragon mailbox or a magic lantern.







The job situation continues to be discouraging. But this is a good time to catch up with friends and cultivate relationships, which leave everyone with that positive afterglow.


Our pets love us unconditionally. You can see it in their eyes!

Take time to connect with nature. . . . January in Gainesville with the return of the sandhill cranes, which for me have always been messengers of hope. Jane Goodall described their migrations as providing "hope even in darkness." That reassurance that comes with their return each year. http://www.janegoodall.org/sandhill-cranes

Keep a bottle of champagne or sparkling wine in the frig for those spontaneous moments.

Cater to your whims, and DREAM! The magic lantern may help.

Bring on that Positive Attitude ;-)

I was just reading an article today about positive attitudes. These days we can no longer complain--we need to consider ourselves fortunate if we have jobs, good health (and even better, if we have health insurance). . . .

Most employers won't complain either. They have a pool of highly qualified applicants for positions that have attracted only the dregs in the past!

Some people still complain, but others are replacing complaints with smiley face emoticons.

I'll leave the major changes or complaints to those in the "know" and will outline only those few minor changes that will enable me to perfect that positive attitude--

If cosmetic companies kept my favorite colors. . . .

If sidewalks went where people walk. . .

If shoe designers made comfortable, stylish heels. . . . The black and gold tango shoes can be worn for hours or days, but the red street shoes need more breaking in.

If the news media carried a positive story on a daily basis (but avoided platitudes).

Sure, things could be better for us all, but for now it's ;-) and not ;- (


What changes would you like to see?

Slow Start to 2012. . . .

We're more than a week into the New Year, but instead of looking ahead, I have been thinking about all those things I planned to do in my free time--like getting the car checked, taking a short trip out of town to see my daughter in Miami and attend a milonga.

In lieu of the movie, perhaps Tintin chocolates (Antibes)


About those movies I planned to see--Hugo, the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and Tintin. . . .Well, I've read the books (admittedly, not the same thing, but Hugo is 533 pages of narrative and illustration). I think it was the 2-hour-40-minute playing time for the Dragon Tattoo that made me balk. And, as my son pointed out, the fact that Milou, the white terrier, is called Snowy in the American version of Tintin. . . .

While on break, I didn't keep up with television news or political advertising, both of which distract from the real issues (e.g., the need for national health care, protection of natural resources, quality education for all). I planned to make an Epiphany, or Kings', cake for Jan. 6. But the puff pastry requires hours of preparation. I still have about 365 days to figure this out for next year.

I did amp up activities and plan a 3-mile noon walk around Lake Alice as part of daily activities. It's a nice break from my day job.

Although I'm off to a slow start, I still have a good 350-plus of days in which to make those resolutions!

How is your New Year shaping up?

A New Beginning - It's 2012!

Ahhhh! Veuve Clicquot--this size is for a big celebration! Maybe next year. . .

It’s that time of year—I start feeling nostalgic. I don’t think it’s an end-of-year phenomenon but rather an end of holidays, which enabled me to reconnect with friends and family, avoid a schedule and assess accomplishments and resolutions or things lost and found.

Lost - objects
With a past lifestyle of numerous moves, I have lost or misplaced many things I cherished. I really miss crystal chandeliers, which give the impression of luxury and provide endless plays of light.


Found - A Place!
The Crystal is my favorite café. It has taken me a long time to find a place I consider my own.

- A rental apartment in an old part of town where I’ve wanted to live for the last 20 years
- A renewed love of trail biking & dance
- A growing interest in cooking (in the last month)
- Members of the family, former students and old friends. Exciting times ahead.

Wish I had done
- Traveled to see family and friends when instincts told me I should
- Been happy with what I have done even though it was much less than planned

Memorable occasions
- My son's engagement
- My kids as partners in life's major undertakings
- My long-term projects (my "other" life) are nearing completion


Ah Ha experiences
- Savoring moments with special people
- Realizing how nice people really are
- Finding shared passions
- Enjoying Isabel Allende’s books and quotes. Here is one for us all this coming year--“You are the storyteller of your own life, and you can create your legend or not.”

Best of all, I'm looking forward to a new year! HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE! "And off we go," as my friend HE says!