Here’s a link to an article about what kind of salary one could expect to make as a blogger and/or a Web 2.0 consultant. @MarshallK conducted this research in his “ReadWriteWeb” blog last week. The information may be a bit anecdotal, as the survey group was limited, but this kind of information really isn’t showing up anywhere else at this point. If you love writing, this may be the career position for YOU!
Every company these days has a website. They are as necessary as an ad in the Yellow Pages once was. You can learn a lot about a company from its website:
The website is where you would send someone to learn about your company. For many businesses it is also a place clients can go to make purchase, get assistance, and learn more about the products and/or services the company offers. Websites are used for marketing, public relations, customer service, sales and technical support.When is the last time you read your company’s website? If it has been a while, what are you missing? I am frequently surprised by the information that people inside the company DON’ know that can be found on the company website.
Keeping up on your company by reading the website (or the company blog) is a good way to improve your career.
By now you should know that we recommend blogging for job seekers, because blogs will help you increase your ranking on search engines. 80% of all hiring managers have said that they will do a Google search prior to talking to a candidate. They simply want to know what the Internet says about you BEFORE they invest any more time talking to you. If the Internet presents you as an “expert” in your field it is much more likely they will take the time to talk to you. Blogging can help you be seen as an expert in your field — so long as your blogging enhances you “brand”.
Unfortunately blogging is a real commitment. If you aren’t going to commit to blogging at least once a week, then you really shouldn’t start a blog. It will be a waste of time.
We don’t all have the time or commitment level to keep up a blog, however, there ARE ways that you can use blogs to enhance your Internet presence and increase your search engine rankings without making the commitment to write a blog. Here are 5 things we recommend:
Finally, and I’m sure I don’t really have to mention this, be 100% CERTAIN that in every posting you make online extends and enhances your “brand”. Otherwise, your Internet presence may be more confusing that helpful to your potential employer.
I signed up for Twitter this last week and am following a few people. I think it’s a cool resource, but I can’t figure out how to make it something worth while or even revenue producing. I get dozens of emails from people who are “going to the store” or “brushing their teeth” or some other mundane thing? But what about it’s commercial uses? What about its ability to help career changers and job seekers “brand” themselves?
Do any of YOU use Twitter? If so, how are you using it to actually make a difference in your life or in the lives of others?
Have you tried Twitter, but stoppedusing it? Why? What wasn’t working for you?
My “handle” (I’m not sure that’s what they call it, but hey . . . ) is sharrypdx. Go ahead and follow me. I’ll follow you as well, and maybe we’ll figure out how to use this new technology!
Tomorrow is the last day of our 31 day blog challenge. Here’s what think we have accomplished:
Tomorrow is our last day for the 31 Day Blog Challenge. Stay tuned for my “Top 10 Resources for Portland Job Searchers.”
