Sunday, January 25, 2009
TaxSmarty
I recently completed an internet marketing project for my client TaxSmarty, a tax preparation company. They offer features such as "Ask a Tax Professional", which is included with a premium tax return. They also have a program called "Audit Shield" ®, which is an extended warranty program for tax returns. You can see a short demonstration of their system on their web site.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
On being a LION hunter
I've become a LION hunter.
Those of you who are acquainted with the outstanding social networking site LinkedIn may know that a LION is a LinkedIn Open Networker. According to MyLinkWiki, the term is used to "describe someone that is receptive to receiving 'Invitations to Connect' from people they don't know."
LIONs will often connect to anyone who invites them to connect, but according to MyLinkWiki, "by becoming a LinkedIn Lion, you ARE NOT agreeing to CONNECT to everyone, or even anyone, who requests to connect to you. You are only agreeing to RECEIVE LinkedIn Connection Requests from other LinkedIn Lions. That's it. No other obligation." However, in my experience, LIONs have been willing to connect to almost anyone.
I am eager to expand my LinkedIn network (and my Facebook network for that matter), but for some reason, I'm not psychologically ready to become a LION. Instead, I've become a LION hunter--I track down LIONS and then fire off a connection request.
I searched Google a few minutes ago for the terms: LinkedIn "LION hunter", and reviewed the summaries of each of the 72 results. None of them seemed to use the phrase LION hunter in this manner. Did I coin a phrase?
I see myself becoming a LION one day, but for know, I'm content to be a LION hunter. Time to go on safari.
Those of you who are acquainted with the outstanding social networking site LinkedIn may know that a LION is a LinkedIn Open Networker. According to MyLinkWiki, the term is used to "describe someone that is receptive to receiving 'Invitations to Connect' from people they don't know."
LIONs will often connect to anyone who invites them to connect, but according to MyLinkWiki, "by becoming a LinkedIn Lion, you ARE NOT agreeing to CONNECT to everyone, or even anyone, who requests to connect to you. You are only agreeing to RECEIVE LinkedIn Connection Requests from other LinkedIn Lions. That's it. No other obligation." However, in my experience, LIONs have been willing to connect to almost anyone.
I am eager to expand my LinkedIn network (and my Facebook network for that matter), but for some reason, I'm not psychologically ready to become a LION. Instead, I've become a LION hunter--I track down LIONS and then fire off a connection request.
I searched Google a few minutes ago for the terms: LinkedIn "LION hunter", and reviewed the summaries of each of the 72 results. None of them seemed to use the phrase LION hunter in this manner. Did I coin a phrase?
I see myself becoming a LION one day, but for know, I'm content to be a LION hunter. Time to go on safari.
Monday, May 19, 2008
A browser for analytics?
According to this article on Computerworld, Kirix Corp. last month released what company president Nate Williams called the first "data browser."
Kirix Strata "is designed for people who need to create ad hoc reports from myriad data sources". It has its own scripting language as well.
Watch this video, and tell me what you think.
Kirix Strata "is designed for people who need to create ad hoc reports from myriad data sources". It has its own scripting language as well.
Watch this video, and tell me what you think.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Working with recruiters (part 7, conclusion)
In summary, remember that good recruiters belong in your career planning network. Network with your friends and colleagues to find good recruiters, and if you're seeking a position in the United States or Canada, remember to contact the Better Business Bureau for information about the search firm(s) in question.
Recruiters can be an effective part of your job search, but you should continue an active search on your own. You own your job search. Be honest and professional with recruiters, and expect the same from them. If your relationship with a recruiter is unproductive, gracefully exit. After all, it's your career.
Recruiters can be an effective part of your job search, but you should continue an active search on your own. You own your job search. Be honest and professional with recruiters, and expect the same from them. If your relationship with a recruiter is unproductive, gracefully exit. After all, it's your career.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Preparing for your Performance Review (part 1)
In this series of posts, I will discuss preparing for the standard performance review. I define this as a performance review in which one employee is being reviewed by one or more reviewers, often including one's manager, but not necessarily.
These posts will be geared toward the party being reviewed, rather than the reviewer. I will not be considering 360 degree and related reviews.
A performance review can be referred to by different terms, including review, performance evaluation, performance appraisal, annual review, annual evaluation, annual appraisal, salary review, etc.
Performance reviews are important for various reasons, some more obvious, some less so. Most obviously, they may impact your salary, although there are employers that give you the same salary increase whether you have a good or bad review. One of my previous employers had that policy. The result was employee performance that was mediocre at best.
Also, performance reviews constitute feedback regarding how your performance is perceived by your primary customers. Do you have a future your current department? Are your accomplishments underrated? Is your reviewer so off-track that you question his/her management skills, or even his/her grip on reality? Performance reviews can help you answer these questions.
These posts will be geared toward the party being reviewed, rather than the reviewer. I will not be considering 360 degree and related reviews.
A performance review can be referred to by different terms, including review, performance evaluation, performance appraisal, annual review, annual evaluation, annual appraisal, salary review, etc.
Performance reviews are important for various reasons, some more obvious, some less so. Most obviously, they may impact your salary, although there are employers that give you the same salary increase whether you have a good or bad review. One of my previous employers had that policy. The result was employee performance that was mediocre at best.
Also, performance reviews constitute feedback regarding how your performance is perceived by your primary customers. Do you have a future your current department? Are your accomplishments underrated? Is your reviewer so off-track that you question his/her management skills, or even his/her grip on reality? Performance reviews can help you answer these questions.
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