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Year: 2010

6 ways to network on LinkedIn

What’s the best way to get a job right now? Networking. To reap the benefits of your network, you’ll first want to make sure it’s as strongly woven as a trapeze net. Start by effectively deploying LinkedIn. Susan Colantuono, CEO of Leading Women, says she uses LinkedIn in six ways to nurture her network:

Prevent groupthink

Include people on your work team who like to punch holes in other people’s ideas. These “alternate thinkers” will keep the group from reaching a point at which everyone wants so much to agree that they stop challenging others’ assumptions.

The serial comma

One of the most common reader questions we receive is about the serial comma—that is, the comma that comes before the “and” when you’re listing a series of things. The question is, “Should I use it or not use it?” The answer is, it’s up to you. The serial comma is used by some publications and dismissed by others, which makes it a matter of style.

Score easy points

Send a thank-you note to the boss after attending a seminar or special training. It shows that you appreciate the organization’s investment in your future.

Ask 5 questions before every meeting

Communications strategist Miri McDonald thinks unproductive meetings should be banned. And when a meeting is needed, it should be both productive and fun. She believes in thinking through every aspect of a meeting in advance—everything from the relationships between attendees to which open-ended questions will get a conversation going.

Bypass automated phone menus

“To continue in English, press 1 … To access your account, press 2 … Press 3,4,5,6 …” Want to reach a live customer-service rep faster? Check out the “cheat sheet” at //gethuman.com/us/.

Adding value, no matter where you sit

How do admins bring value to their roles? We asked administrative assistant Eileen Behr, who recently won the 2010 OfficeTeam Administrative Excellence Award. Here’s how she brings a “value-added” focus to her job:

Draft agenda before calling

List what you need to cover in a phone conversation before you pick up the receiver; you’ll spend less time on chitchat and never forget a point. One study found that calls based on a written agenda last seven minutes, compared with 12 minutes for those without.

Stay fit on the road

Help a traveling boss or co-worker stay fit with online travel guide at www.athleticmindedtraveler.com. It uncovers the best places for healthy-minded people to stay, work out and eat.