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Cloud Computing: What to be Aware of

Posted on by Adam Kovitz

Cloud Computing provides an effective way to access servers, storage, databases and a broad set of application services over the internet. Services are typically offered via a subscription instead of a purchase or lease. While there are terrific benefits to implementing a cloud computing model, consider these caveats as you begin your cloud evaluation process.
Your Internet Bandwidth
Think of your internet connection as a pipe. Instead of carrying water, it’s carrying digital data. If your pipe is too narrow for the large volume of data it needs to carry, the data may not go through fast enough. As you move more of your applications and infrastructure to the cloud, that means that you will transmit and received a greater volume of data over your internet connection. You need to determine the internet bandwidth needed when you move to the cloud. Then, compare that to your current bandwidth. If your current internet bandwidth cannot accommodate your anticipated cloud services implementation, you will need to increase your internet bandwidth.
Don’t Put All of Your Eggs in One Basket
Consider multiple service providers for similar services. That is especially true for data storage. Once you select a cloud service provider to host your primary data and applications, select a different service provider (or an internal solution) to manage your data backups. If you hire one provider for both, and access to that provider goes down or if they go out of business, you have lost all of your applications and data, as well as your backup data. If the application service provider goes out of business and your backup data is with another service provider, it will be easier to recover from that type of service disruption.
Service Level Agreements
Since some of the responsibility to support your applications and infrastructure will move out of your own facility (it will be with your cloud service providers), you may lose some level of control and timing when you need to address urgent situations. A service level agreement (SLA) identifies the types and timing of services you will receive from the service providers, plus any costs. Review and understand the vprovider’s SLA. If the SLA stated in the service provider’s contract does not meet your service and support needs, draft an amendment to the SLA to meet your needs before your engage the service provider.
Security
Understand who will be responsible to manage access to the contracted cloud services. For servers and user access to infrastructure, that is often a network administrator. If you will contract that with the service provider, review the supporting process to ensure that it meets your needs. For example, make sure you know how long the service provider take to add or remove a user account, or add a server or storage. In addition, make sure you understand who is responsible to manage threat deterrents. A cloud service facility may ensure that their server farm environment is protected from viruses and malware. Don’t assume that your contracted implementation on their servers has the same protection by default.
Service Availability
Some cloud service providers may require scheduled down time for maintenance. This is more typical with application service providers than infrastructure service providers. Request the maintenance schedule and notification process from the service providers before you engage with them. Make sure that it meets your required service access time.
Contract Renewal Costs
Limit your contract renewal cost in your current contract. It is likely that at the end of a term contract that the service provider will increase your recurring subscription cost when you need to renew the contract. Place a clause in the contract that limits the increase in a contract renewal to a set percentage for each year of the original agreement. For example, set a 3% limit per year of term. When it will be time to renew your current 3 year contract, you can budget that the new subscription will not exceed 9% of your current cost.
Make sure you know why you’re considering cloud computing before you start shopping around. Define your cloud computing goals. Then, align those goals by creating a service provider model that suits your needs and gives you adequate protection. Doing so will ensure you mitigate any concerns or caveats you may have as you plan a cloud services strategy.

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Work Effectively When Traveling

Posted on by Adam Kovitz
You plan to take time away from work because you want to clear some of the stress in your life, spend time with your friends or family, or to enjoy something or someplace new. However, there are times you need to bring your work with you. You may want to forget about it for a while, but you can’t. Here are several tips to help you work effectively while traveling and still enjoy your time away.
Have the Right Tools with You
You can only work if you have the right tools in front of you. Before you leave your home or office, be sure that all of the files you need are on your laptop or mobile device, and in the Cloud, so you can access them. If you will solely rely on having your files in the Cloud, you will need to be sure that you have access to the internet when you are ready to work. Also, make sure you have all of the programs/apps on your device so that you can perform your work.
Set Up a Schedule
Have a list of tasks you plan to work on while traveling. Then, set time each day that you will dedicate to working which will be separate from your non-work time. If traveling with friends or family, let them know your schedule so that they know when you need to work, and when you will spend time with them.
Seek Out a Dedicated Workplace
Most people don’t work well with interruptions. Therefore, a place devoted to work is important for a busy person. A good workplace can be almost anywhere. It can be a corner in your hotel room, a quite lounge or other common area or simply under a poolside umbrella. While this is easy to do at home, this can be difficult when traveling. The key is to set a time for work, then find a perfect place for that time period.
Don’t Forget Power
Most of your mobile devices don’t have a very long battery life. So, make sure you have a power cord for each them. You can charge while at the airport or when you get to your hotel room. You may end up stuck with a dead device at some point. But, it’s better than not being able to use your devices at all.
Bring Headphones
You may not be able to have a quite work space when you are traveling. Interruptions from family in your hotel or distractions while seated in a plane are likely to occur. Since that can be inefficient for your work efforts, bring headphones so you can listen to music which will drown out the noise.
Working is not about being busy; it’s all about being effective. No matter where you are traveling, you can manage parts of your work life. There are challenges involved in working while traveling. But if you know how to organize your work time and fun time, the results will be very rewarding.

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Monthly Meeting

Posted on by Adrienne Roman

Marty Latman

The Breakfast Club NJ Presents : “In-Transition – Now What do I do?”Presented by Marty Latman

Saturday April 9th at 8:00am ET

Synopsis:

Saturday April 9th at 8:00am

Please share this with other groups you may be in. Join us on Meetup.com at: http://www.meetup.com/The-Breakfast-Club-NJ/ to RSVP for the meeting.

RSVP
Presentation: “In-Transition – Now What do I do?”

Being in-transition for a short or long period of time can be a very stressful. You can get depressed, angry and confused. You can lose your self-confidence. What can you do to change this situation? How do you get back into the “game”? How do you change this negative situation into a positive experience?

Please join Marty Latman on April 9, 2016 as he discusses a topic all people in-transition struggle with as he presents “In-Transition – Now What do I do?” Attendees at all levels will learn about the obstacles they need to overcome during this period to succeed, the methods they need to use to change their situation and ways to make being in-transition a productive, meaningful and positive time in their lives.

Bio

Called by some people as the Best Networker they know, Marty is the Chairman of the Bergen Chapter of Financial Executive Network Group (FENG), which he created in March 2002 with 29 members. Membership within this chapter has now grown to over 5,100 members. Since its inception, FENG-Bergen Chapter has successfully helped more than 1,650 of its members find gainful employment. He is also the chairman of NJ Strategic Executive Networking Group (NJSENG), a FEI Board member, and a member of over 20 other career networking groups. He is also a facilitator at Careers-in-Transition (“CIT”); one of New Jersey’s most successful networking groups.

Marty has been a guest speaker to many networking groups where he has discussed various career development topics including networking, interviewing techniques and advance career planning strategies. He has made presentations to the Financial Executive International (FEI), Financial Planning Association of NJ (FPANJ), Media Communication Association – International (MCA-I), Career Networking Group (CNG), Careers In Transition (CIT), Neighbors-Helping-Neighbors, Phi Beta Kappa and many NJ Professional Services Groups (PSG).

Possessing a skill set that combines finance, business development, operations and administration management, information technology, logistics and manufacturing, Marty has been successful in organizing start-up companies, turning around organizations, and setting strategic company direction. He has worked in both public and private industry. He is President of Latman Advisory LLC, an organization that helps organizations reach a higher level, provides individuals with career advancement advice and helps companies find individuals who help them enhance performance.

About the Meeting:

Networking begins at 7:30 am, meeting starts promptly at 8:00 am.

There is a $10 fee at the door to cover the cost of the room.

Be sure to tell your friends and bring them along. Be a part of our growing network of Job Seekers, Hiring Managers, Recruiters, Career Coaches, and people who want to be able to help themselves and each other.

Event Location:

Days Hotel Conference Center

195 Rt. 18 South, East Brunswick, NJ 08816

732-828-6900

Meeting Format:

7:30 to 8:00 – Registration & Open Networking

8:00 to 8:15 – Welcome and housekeeping

8:15 to 9:15 – Presentation by the guest speaker – Limited to 60 minutes

9:15 to 10:15 – Elevator Pitch – 30 Seconds about yourself, who you are, what you are looking for, target companies (3-4), how we can help you, how you can help others. Follow the rule of the Three B’s of Public Speaking: Be informative; Be brief; Be seated.

10:15 until you choose to leave – Open Networking, follow up with people you are interested in meeting following their elevator pitch, exchange business cards, peruse the library, arrange follow up meetings, etc.

The Breakfast Club NJ – 10 Points for Good Member Citizenship

1) Attend meetings regularly to keep group strong and help pay back to others (meeting logistics on our website www.thebreakfastclubnj.com)

2) Keep anti-virus on your machine up to date and run scan regularly

3) Review messages and if request for assistance please help whenever possible

4) Once you have received your invitation and joined our linked in group, connect to other members directly(questions see Gerry Peyton -gpeyton@ptd.net)

5) Join groups Facebook group, Google +, and connect to other members directly (questions see Adrienne Roman – adrienne1204@optonline.net)

6) Join groups twitter account (questions see George Pace – keeppace@gmail.com)

7) If you run across someone in transition invite them to join our group and sponsor them through process (details on our website www.thebreakfastclubnj.com)

8) Sunday mornings listen to our radio show, “Your Career Is Calling”, at 8am ET either on radio at 107.7 or via internet 24/7 live or on demand at www.1077thebronc.com (as this is a call in show your calls help make it successful)

9) If you are in transition put your elevator pitch in writing to group, ask for help with job search issues or connecting to people at target companies, regularly post job opportunities (from email you joined the group – send email to thebreakfastclubnj@yahoogroups.com)

10) Help fellow members whenever possible

  1. Attend meetings regularly to keep group strong and help pay back to others (meeting logistics on our website www.thebreakfastclubnj.com)
  2. Keep anti-virus on your machine up to date and run scan regularly
  3. Review messages and if request for assistance please help whenever possible
  4. Once you have received your invitation and joined our linked in group, connect to other members directly(questions see Gerry Peyton -gpeyton@ptd.net)
  5. Join groups Facebook group and connect to other members directly (questions see Adrienne Roman – adrienne1204@optonline.net)
  6. Join groups twitter account (questions see George Pace – keeppace@gmail.com)
  7. If you run across someone in transition invite them to join our group and sponsor them through process (details on our website www.thebreakfastclubnj.com)
  8. Sunday mornings listen to our radio show, “Your Career Is Calling”, at 8am ET either on radio at 107.7 or via internet 24/7 live or on demand at www.1077thebronc.com (as this is a call in show your calls help make it successful)
  9. If you are in transition put your elevator pitch in writing to group, ask for help with job search issues or connecting to people at target companies, regularly post job opportunities (from email you joined the group – send email to thebreakfastclubnj@yahoogroups.com)
  10. Help fellow members whenever possible

We look forward to seeing everyone let’s make this a great meeting for our members that are in transition and welcome those that have landed

Saturday April 9th at 8:00am

Please share this with other groups you may be in. Join us on Meetup.com at: http://www.meetup.com/The-Breakfast-Club-NJ/ to RSVP for the meeting.

RSVP

About the Meeting:

Networking begins at 7:30 am, meeting starts promptly at 8:00 am.

There is a $10 fee at the door to cover the cost of the room.

Be sure to tell your friends and bring them along. Be a part of our growing network of Job Seekers, Hiring Managers, Recruiters, Career Coaches, and people who want to be able to help themselves and each other.

Event Location:

Days Hotel Conference Center

195 Rt. 18 South, East Brunswick, NJ 08816

732-828-6900

Meeting Format:

7:30 to 8:00 – Registration & Open Networking

8:00 to 8:15 – Welcome and housekeeping

8:15 to 9:15 – Presentation by the guest speaker – Limited to 60 minutes

9:15 to 10:15 – Elevator Pitch – 30 Seconds about yourself, who you are, what you are looking for, target companies (3-4), how we can help you, how you can help others. Follow the rule of the Three B’s of Public Speaking: Be informative; Be brief; Be seated.

10:15 until you choose to leave – Open Networking, follow up with people you are interested in meeting following their elevator pitch, exchange business cards, peruse the library, arrange follow up meetings, etc.

The Breakfast Club NJ – 10 Points for Good Member Citizenship

1) Attend meetings regularly to keep group strong and help pay back to others (meeting logistics on our website www.thebreakfastclubnj.com)

2) Keep anti-virus on your machine up to date and run scan regularly

3) Review messages and if request for assistance please help whenever possible

4) Once you have received your invitation and joined our linked in group, connect to other members directly(questions see Gerry Peyton -gpeyton@ptd.net)

5) Join groups Facebook group, Google +, and connect to other members directly (questions see Adrienne Roman – adrienne1204@optonline.net)

6) Join groups twitter account (questions see George Pace – keeppace@gmail.com)

7) If you run across someone in transition invite them to join our group and sponsor them through process (details on our website www.thebreakfastclubnj.com)

8) Sunday mornings listen to our radio show, “Your Career Is Calling”, at 8am ET either on radio at 107.7 or via internet 24/7 live or on demand at www.1077thebronc.com (as this is a call in show your calls help make it successful)

9) If you are in transition put your elevator pitch in writing to group, ask for help with job search issues or connecting to people at target companies, regularly post job opportunities (from email you joined the group – send email to thebreakfastclubnj@yahoogroups.com)

10) Help fellow members whenever possible

  1. Attend meetings regularly to keep group strong and help pay back to others (meeting logistics on our website www.thebreakfastclubnj.com)
  2. Keep anti-virus on your machine up to date and run scan regularly
  3. Review messages and if request for assistance please help whenever possible
  4. Once you have received your invitation and joined our linked in group, connect to other members directly(questions see Gerry Peyton -gpeyton@ptd.net)
  5. Join groups Facebook group and connect to other members directly (questions see Adrienne Roman – adrienne1204@optonline.net)
  6. Join groups twitter account (questions see George Pace – keeppace@gmail.com)
  7. If you run across someone in transition invite them to join our group and sponsor them through process (details on our website www.thebreakfastclubnj.com)
  8. Sunday mornings listen to our radio show, “Your Career Is Calling”, at 8am ET either on radio at 107.7 or via internet 24/7 live or on demand at www.1077thebronc.com (as this is a call in show your calls help make it successful)
  9. If you are in transition put your elevator pitch in writing to group, ask for help with job search issues or connecting to people at target companies, regularly post job opportunities (from email you joined the group – send email to thebreakfastclubnj@yahoogroups.com)
  10. Help fellow members whenever possible

RSVP

We look forward to seeing everyone let’s make this a great meeting for our members that are in transition and welcome those that have landed

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In a project team, who is the “Number One?”

Posted on by Adam Kovitz
“Number one” is a reference to Star Trek Next Generation’s Captain Jean-Luc Picard’s name for Commander Will Riker. Riker was always Captain Picard’s “Number one” when he needed to get something done. So, in a project, whom does the Project Manager (PM) rely on as their “Number one” to interface with the client when he or she is not available? Is it the Business Analyst (BA), or is it the Technical Analyst (TA) or the Systems Engineer (SE)?
I will use my fall back answer that you, the reader, should be used to by now: It all depends. It depends not only on the type of project the PM is managing, but also the fit of the individual being considered.

Is the project a “technical” project?

What do I mean by a technical project? A technical project is an upgrade of an existing product that is for technical reasons and does not enhance the product. For example, most of us know that Microsoft is discontinuing support for Internet Explorer versions older than version 11. If a product has to be upgraded so the user interface (UI) can be compatible with IE 11 but does not change the UI, then this is a purely technical project. If that is the case, the technical resource, be it the TA or SE, would be my first consideration. Why? Because most likely the client project team would be staffed mainly with technical resources. If the PM has to take some time away from the project, the client will most likely interact with the technical resource on the project and that resource can update the PM when he/she returns. There may be a business user on the client team, but I have found that when the project is technical in nature, that business user usually interacts most with the client technical team.

Is the project a “product” project?

Product projects are most often a pure implementation or a product upgrade. In this case, the main resources on the client project team will be business users. Yes, there will be technical resources, but they will not be the main resource. In this case, when the PM is unavailable, the most likely Number one would be the BA. The BA should be establishing a relationship with the business users from the beginning of the project, so being the Number one will not be a stretch for the BA, or for the client for that matter. Particularly in the beginning of the project, after the PM establishes the project protocols (contact list, status report, etc); the BA should be the main focus. He or she should be the most familiar with the product and the phases of the project and what needs to be accomplished with the PM away. The BA can also bring a more “personal” touch to the status meeting or any interaction with the client.

Which person is the best fit?

Regardless of the type of project, the fit of the individual is more important than the role they play. Even in a purely technical project, a BA may be involved on your project team. If that person has the technical where-with-all and can easily interact with technical resources on the client team, then the BA may be the logical choice for Number one. Conversely, if the PM is going to be away at the inception of the product project and must interact mostly with the technical resources from the client team, then maybe the technical resource would be better suited to lead the project in his or her absence.
However, this leads to a decision the PM must make regarding fit. If the PM is more comfortable with the BA being the Number one in the PM’s absence, then the PM must go with their gut and choose the BA. Also, if the BA is more comfortable with the technical resource because of the relationship with the client, the PM should choose the technical resource on his team. In either case, the PM should know that he/she is not indispensable and must pick a member on the project team to lead the project in their absence. This choice becomes easier once the PM, like Captain Picard, provides guidance to the BA or technical resource on their team on how the PM wants the interaction to occur and who best to fit the role of Number one.

I am open to discussion at any time on these blogs or anything else related to project management you would like to explore. If you would like to comment about this blog, please do so by posting on this blog or by responding in an email at Benny A. Recine. You may inspire a blog article. I look forward to your comments.

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Applying for Jobs Is Ineffective

Posted on by Adam Kovitz

Many people are looking desperately for suitable jobs, but ask yourself whether you’re just working hard at it or smart at it. Applying for Jobs Is Ineffective.  Many get so disappointed by the entire process that they give up entirely. Please don’t! Via this article, I want to revive your interest by attempting to logically […]

The post Applying for Jobs Is Ineffective appeared first on Landing Expert Career Coaching.

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Why Job Seekers Need a Personal Website

Posted on by Adam Kovitz

If you’re trying to land a new job this year and you want to take your personal brand to the next level and go beyond your resume or LinkedIn profile, a personal website could be your secret weapon. Since few people actually have one, a personal website can be the differentiating factor for the hiring manager when deciding on the company’s next new hire.
Your resume is a key marketing tool when conducting a job search. However, it does have limitations. Your resume cannot tell the entire story about you or the depth of your professionalism and experience. It has limited reach since it is only seen by those you give it to. In contrast, a website is available to anyone looking for someone like you. It is more robust than your resume since you can organize lots of your information on several pages. In addition, it’s easy to update your professional content to remain current, which becomes instantly available to anyone.
Why have a Personal Website
  1. It will get you noticed – In a Domain.Me survey of 600 professionals who have their own websites, 84% of respondents reported receiving tangible career benefits from their personal website. In addition, 70% reported believing that recruiters, employers reviewed their online presence prior to an interview. This demonstrates that employers and hiring managers are increasingly using the internet to find, and more importantly, vet, prospective candidates.
  2. It is more than a resume – A website is interactive, evolving and dynamic. You can post testimonials, work samples and add more depth to your professional history than a resume. And your website’s design and tone of voice help to convey your personal brand, and show how you will be a fit in the hiring organization.
  3. You will stand out – According to a study by Workfolio, a professional visibility company, 56 percent of hiring managers are more impressed by a personal website than any other branding tool you could use. Yet, only 7 percent of job seekers have websites. Set yourself apart from the pack by promoting yourself with your website.
  4. Having an online presence is the wave of the future – By having your own website, you demonstrate that you understand and participate in the growing social media trends. Additionally, you’ll learn a few new skills along the way.
How to get Started

  1. Look for a service provider – There are cost-effective website service organizations that offer tools for creating and hosting your website. Examples are Godaddy, Google, WordPress, Wix and others. Many of these services have drop-and-drag interfaces and word processor like content editors. With a little patience and practice, you will be able to create your new site.
  2. Start planning your website – Search online for personal websites of other professionals in your field or industry. See what they are posting. Ask people in your professional network for their input.
  3. Get assistance – If you are new to website design, take advantage of learning resources. The service providers typically offer webinars and have a strong knowledge base. Look for free and economical classes at local libraries and adult education programs. You can also seek the advice and assistance from a web designer. 

Your professional website will give you creative freedom to express your personality and demonstrate your expertise in ways that are not possible through your resume. It gives hiring manages and recruiters more information to help decide if they want to bring you in for an interview. Having an informative, well designed website also sends a message that you are professionally progressive and take your career seriously.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about creating your own professional website.

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Being Fired Is Like a Divorce . . .

Posted on by Adam Kovitz

Being fired is like a divorce and based on today’s statistics, that doesn’t sound good. So many articles cover the fact that 50% of all marriages in America end in divorce. Interestingly enough, other articles say 50% of all hires are bad hires. Might there be a correlation between the two? I think there is. […]

The post Being Fired Is Like a Divorce . . . appeared first on Landing Expert Career Coaching.

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Are PMOs maximizing their return on investment?

Posted on by Adam Kovitz
I have been contemplating how the Project Management practice, especially in a Project/Program Management Office (PMO), is progressing in the 21stCentury. I hear about organizations investing a good amount of capital and resources in building a PMO, then disbanding it to the product or program manager to project manage their work, only to then re-invest in a PMO at a later date.
I do not believe that project managers (PM) have a gap in knowledge in how to work in a PMO or a Professional Service Organization (PSO).  But I do believe that the management of projects has become more complex and that PMs need to be more involved in the initiation phase of the project when the scope is being discussed and agreed upon.  I don’t believe that PMs have lost the methodology that Waterfall or even Agile offers them. Rather, I believe that more PMs and PMOs are facing more challenges because of changing platforms, for example cloud, and the delivery of those platforms because of lack of insight regarding scope. There are additional challenges when resources whocan actually do the work on the project have become scarce andwhen budget constraints are no longer reasonable.  Even project scope has become more nebulous.
With these challenges, is it any wonder that PMOs continue to have a high failure rate across the board? I also see more burnout among PMs. Is it any wonder that senior management has increasinglybecome disenchanted with PMOs? I can tell you that I do not wonder about this anymore. What are the main challenges and what do I suggest? Let’s have that discussion.
The PMO has lost its vision
There has been a disturbing move to commoditize our practice. In this I mean that the PMO is not clear on what its role is in accepting a project and identifying scope. Also, it seems that more and more organizations are moving to do more with less. That means individuals who are managing projects are either first time PMs, or the PM on the project is given a project with no clear scope and little support when it comes to resources. PMOs must have in their charter that a PM is assigned to a project in the initiation phase. And, if they don’t, they must establish that immediately. Also, for seasoned PMs, I see another road bump: the prospect of working with little resource help and working with other less experienced PMs, especially in this ever-confusing new paradigm.
PMs have to become more vocal
PMs are not innocent bystanders in this dilemma. PMs must become more vocal after they receive a project and have a review of the scope as soon as they have their initial meeting with the project team. PMs must also communicate the risks in the project to senior management. Also, PMs have to add to their ever increasing workload the prospect of having to work on more complex projects and new platforms. This includes becoming familiar with new service level agreements (SLAs) and new partners who bring new platform experience that PMs have to come up to speed with. These are only some of the risks that must be communicated.
My answer
As a PM, I am as troubled by these challenges as other PMs and senior management are. I do believe there are several ways a PMO can help begin improving itself:
  1.  Conduct an audit in the SWOT (Strength, Weakness, Opportunities, and Threats) method. I believe that PMOs have strengths and opportunities they are not capitalizing on. I also believe that the weaknesses and threats are growing.
  2. Ensure that the methodologies in place are being followed by all PMs. That goes for all sizes of projects. Yes, some small projects may not need a change order or a full-blown communication plan, but that does not preclude PMs from delivering a project schedule, status report, and risk and issues log at the very least.
  3. Conduct a survey among senior management to receive their input and advice on how to improve the PMO. As stakeholders, they have a vested interest in improving the PMO.
  4. Conduct a survey among the PMs to find out what is right and wrong in the practice. Emphasize the right and make plans to eliminate the wrong.
  5. If lessons learned are not being conducted with clients, begin them and use that feedback to improve the PMO.
I understand that PMOs may be blind to possible solutions and may need an objective third party to identify them. I believe I can provide objective advice to PMOs to help guide them back to “green.”I want to continue to promote and advance the PMO entity because I believe in it. If you have taken the steps that I have described above and they have not worked or if you believe you need a guide on the steps above, please contact me at Benny A. Recine.

I believe that I can help improve the return on investment in PMOs by focusing on specific project deliverables that may not be evident to management or PMs. So, let’s have the discussion on how I can help you make your PMO life better. Contact me and we can begin our journey to advance your PMO so that it is the place for a PM and for senior management to go to for project implementation.

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Google Blogger: For Websites?

Posted on by Adam Kovitz

Blogger is Google’s free web tool for creating blog sites. That’s the traditional intent of the product. While it is a great tool for blogging, Blogger is also a terrific tool to create very cost effective and fairly robust professional websites. Such websites are a great cost effective solution for any business, organization and job seeker to promote their brand and develop their initial internet presence.
I built my own company website and blog site using Google Blogger, and by following these blog design tips. However, I did so not to save money. As a full service consultant with my own Princeton Technology Advisors, LLC information technology consulting practice, I could have built my website in one of many robust platforms. I offer many other website development platforms to my prospective clients, in addition to Blogger. In this case, I chose to build my website using Blogger to demonstrate to my prospective small-business and non-profit clients just what can be accomplished when their need to manage their investment budget is a top priority.
Developing a full and robust website in Blogger can be as satisfying as it is economical. The product has many themes and templates built in, and offers the ability to edit and customize the format and content via a simple dashboard and page editor. You can add additional functionality by integrating other Google tools (e.g. Google Drive, Calendar, etc.), as well as incorporating free and low cost 3rd-party plug-ins. In addition, Google has no required website charges for hosting and publishing on the Blogger platform.

Anyone comfortable using computers and having a little technology experience can learn to create and manage their Blogger website with relatively little effort. However, given that most professionals are quite busy with developing their business and brand, it may make very good sense to contract with someone well versed in Blogger (or any web development tool) to help with those efforts for several reasons:

  • Most professionals are quite busy starting their business and growing their brand. They put much of their time in what they know best. If Blogger (or any website platform) is new to you, you may be able to more quickly publish your website when you engage someone with the needed skills to quickly complete the work on your behalf.
  • Soliciting the advice of others can give you objective opinions as to design and style. Also, you may find that others you consult will have an expertise you have not yet achieved.
  • The Blogger dashboard and page editor support many standard and intermediate formatting, including adding links, uploading images and font formatting. Among the shortcomings of the standard page editor are that the default number of font sizes, colors and types are limited, and some layout features such as tables are not supported. However, those can all be accomplished by coding HTML, the language that internet browsers interpret, directly within the page.
If you have not yet published a website, and have put off doing so because of a potentially large upfront cost, consider creating your new website with Google Blogger. You will be pleasantly surprised with the ability of this tool to help you gain and grow your social media and internet presence. Should you have any questions about how to get started, please feel free to contact us at Princeton Technology Advisors, LLC.

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Posted in Member Contributions Tagged with: ,

Monthly Meeting

Posted on by Adrienne Roman

John_Hadley_9729

The Breakfast Club NJ Presents : “Common Traps That Trip Up Job Seekers”Presented by John Hadley

Saturday March 12th at 8:00am ET

Synopsis:

Saturday March 12th at 8:00am

Please share this with other groups you may be in. Join us on Meetup.com at: http://www.meetup.com/The-Breakfast-Club-NJ/ to RSVP for the meeting.

RSVP

Presentation: “Common Traps That Trip Up Job Seekers”

Are you frustrated by your job search, and not even sure what’s going wrong?

John Hadley (www.JHACareers.com) has coached 100’s of job seekers, and along the way has seen all sorts of traps that trip up candidates, often without them even being aware they’ve done anything wrong.

Join us on Saturday, March 12, as John Hadley shares strategies and techniques he teaches his 1-on-1 coaching clients to make sure they don’t get snared by these traps! After all, if you don’t even know you’ve done something wrong, how can you ever hope to fix the problem?

John Hadley teaches job seekers who are frustrated with their search strategies and skills to tap into the ‘hidden’ job market and land the job and pay they deserve. He also works with professionals struggling to gain new opportunities at work. His free Career Tips email newsletter is read each month by 9,500 subscribers; check it out at www.JHACareers.com/Newsletter.htm.

Bio

John Hadley helps job seekers who are frustrated with their search. He also works with professionals struggling to achieve the visibility that leads to new opportunities at work.

After graduating from Stanford University, John worked as an actuary in the insurance industry for 20 years, ultimately as Chief Actuary of his company. He then opened a successful systems consulting practice, which generated over $2.5 million in revenues. 13 years ago he started his Career Search Counseling business, and has helped hundreds of clients land the job and pay they deserve.

John is a sought-after writer and speaker, publishing a monthly Career Tips Email newsletter to 9,500 subscribers, each month bringing advice on marketing yourself for a career search, or for accelerating your career. He is currently finishing his first book, “Cruising Through Executive Interviews to Land the 6 Figure Job You Deserve.” You can find a variety of career resources on his website at www.JHACareers.com.

About the Meeting:

Networking begins at 7:30 am, meeting starts promptly at 8:00 am.

There is a $10 fee at the door to cover the cost of the room.

Be sure to tell your friends and bring them along. Be a part of our growing network of Job Seekers, Hiring Managers, Recruiters, Career Coaches, and people who want to be able to help themselves and each other.

Event Location:

Days Hotel Conference Center

195 Rt. 18 South, East Brunswick, NJ 08816

732-828-6900

Meeting Format:

7:30 to 8:00 – Registration & Open Networking

8:00 to 8:15 – Welcome and housekeeping

8:15 to 9:15 – Presentation by the guest speaker – Limited to 60 minutes

9:15 to 10:15 – Elevator Pitch – 30 Seconds about yourself, who you are, what you are looking for, target companies (3-4), how we can help you, how you can help others. Follow the rule of the Three B’s of Public Speaking: Be informative; Be brief; Be seated.

10:15 until you choose to leave – Open Networking, follow up with people you are interested in meeting following their elevator pitch, exchange business cards, peruse the library, arrange follow up meetings, etc.

The Breakfast Club NJ – 10 Points for Good Member Citizenship

1) Attend meetings regularly to keep group strong and help pay back to others (meeting logistics on our website www.thebreakfastclubnj.com)

2) Keep anti-virus on your machine up to date and run scan regularly

3) Review messages and if request for assistance please help whenever possible

4) Once you have received your invitation and joined our linked in group, connect to other members directly(questions see Gerry Peyton -gpeyton@ptd.net)

5) Join groups Facebook group, Google +, and connect to other members directly (questions see Adrienne Roman – adrienne1204@optonline.net)

6) Join groups twitter account (questions see George Pace – keeppace@gmail.com)

7) If you run across someone in transition invite them to join our group and sponsor them through process (details on our website www.thebreakfastclubnj.com)

8) Sunday mornings listen to our radio show, “Your Career Is Calling”, at 8am ET either on radio at 107.7 or via internet 24/7 live or on demand at www.1077thebronc.com (as this is a call in show your calls help make it successful)

9) If you are in transition put your elevator pitch in writing to group, ask for help with job search issues or connecting to people at target companies, regularly post job opportunities (from email you joined the group – send email to thebreakfastclubnj@yahoogroups.com)

10) Help fellow members whenever possible

  1. Attend meetings regularly to keep group strong and help pay back to others (meeting logistics on our website www.thebreakfastclubnj.com)
  2. Keep anti-virus on your machine up to date and run scan regularly
  3. Review messages and if request for assistance please help whenever possible
  4. Once you have received your invitation and joined our linked in group, connect to other members directly(questions see Gerry Peyton -gpeyton@ptd.net)
  5. Join groups Facebook group and connect to other members directly (questions see Adrienne Roman – adrienne1204@optonline.net)
  6. Join groups twitter account (questions see George Pace – keeppace@gmail.com)
  7. If you run across someone in transition invite them to join our group and sponsor them through process (details on our website www.thebreakfastclubnj.com)
  8. Sunday mornings listen to our radio show, “Your Career Is Calling”, at 8am ET either on radio at 107.7 or via internet 24/7 live or on demand at www.1077thebronc.com (as this is a call in show your calls help make it successful)
  9. If you are in transition put your elevator pitch in writing to group, ask for help with job search issues or connecting to people at target companies, regularly post job opportunities (from email you joined the group – send email to thebreakfastclubnj@yahoogroups.com)
  10. Help fellow members whenever possible

RSVP

We look forward to seeing everyone let’s make this a great meeting for our members that are in transition and welcome those that have landed

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