Wednesday, March 25, 2009

LinkedIn; Really In or Really Not?

A few months ago I opened an account with LinkedIn. I had never heard of it before that day, in fact I only found it because my friend had mentioned it.


And now, today, I realize that I should probably delete the account or actually use it. I logged on, delved into my curiosity and did a few searches to see what I thought about it. In my journey of discovery I decided that this site could be extremely useful to me. On the site, I'm given the opportunity to basically post my resume for anyone to see it. People and companies can search for me (or anyone with a few key characteristics) and I can look at companies, job openings and specific people. Why didn't anyone think of this before?


There are a few drawbacks to it; In order for a member to see all of the search results, or give more than a handful of requests, one has to pay for it (oh man!). For a site that I'm just getting my feet wet with, I don't think I really want to pay for it-I do have a budget!

And I think this is also a good time to point out the social media aspect of it; I think it could go too far. The site is for connecting on a business level. There are no walls to post on, I can't upload a gazillion pictures or create a crazy background on my page. In fact, the information that I can include on my page is limited to essentially what my resume has on it and a few paragraphs about myself. Even though there is a section for you to post your presentations and the projects you are currently working on, it isn't a place for you to write about how terrible you think politics are, or how you're completely stressed out about work and just want to spend the day at home.

I know, right now you are thinking that I have no idea what I'm talking about, but trust me. This blog, when discussing topics such as LinkedIn and how to make a boring day interesting, is social media. But when I blog about how I have no time to blog and I'm doing nothing but making excuses and apologies, is not social media. That is more like a way for me to discuss my personal thoughts and ideas. Don't confuse the two. Blogger.com is for social media, livejournal.com is for personal thoughts and ideas, just for a comparison example.

So let's look back at LinkedIn with social media. Is networking comparable to social media? They are close, but not one-in-the-same. A network allows people to connect and share resources and information, while social media is the act and ability through technology of creating the content of information that allows people to interact with it. I know, you're confused. So let's go over this again in short-hand.

Social Media; the act and ability through technology to create content.
Networking; Allowing people to connect and share resources and information.
LinkedIn: A site that allows people to connect and share information.

This doesn't mean that through networking you are able to find a blog and therefore share social media with a connection on LinkedIn. Don't get me wrong, the two can go together like pie and ice cream, but they are completely separate (like pie is different from ice cream).

In the end, LinkedIn is useful, but not for pouring your heart out or trying to tell a large number of people why you think LinkedIn is useful.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Money, recital and more working...

My 'nonexistence' on my blog has a reason-for those that have read it, I apologize. As usual, I have been too busy for my own good. But change is coming quickly, well, not quickly enough.

In 6 weeks my life will seem to be less busy, I hope. I have a lot of events and ideas being planned right now, and once May comes most, if not all, of these ideas will have unfolded.

First: My first student recital. Since I've never done this before I'm doing everything from scratch, except for the teaching portion. But I've managed to keep my budget low! My accompanist is only $20/student, which brings the total under $100. I decided to create my own invites, flyers and programs for the production. However, I splurged on the invites and had them printed on super awesome paper! I don't know if this will make a drastic difference, but what the heck, why not? That means I will have to be creative when it comes to the program. The flyers will not be an issue, they're flyers. They can be cheap! The only other purchase I should have to make for this event is the beverage for the reception. My students are going to be asked to bring cookies, brownies and cupcakes. What? I can't bake that much AND host a recital! It is happening at a retirement home, so the audience is pretty much already provided, and family will be there of course!

After the recital has passed, I will post about what I could have done better and changes I'll make for next year!

Second: I have *another* job. :) My cash flow is not where I would like it so I searched for a month or more for another job. And I found it! It is very part-time, every other weekend. I will be babysitting two adorable little kids and the family's two dogs. I'm very excited about this, especially since bedtime is early so I can do other things, like working on some blog articles, or reading..You know, a little work, a little relaxing :).

Third: I've been crunching numbers on my budget. I'm determined to be able to save $600/month in order to buy an awesome car next summer. With this new job, that will be possible. In order to live more comfortably, I am trying to get 2-4 students for the summer as well, I think this might be more of a challenge!

In other news...

I'm going to my Alma Mater's Jazz Fest next month! Go JAZZ!
My grandparents have their 50th Wedding Anniversary next month!
AND!! I'm planning my first trip to Vegas. That will take place in June.

Easter is also coming up quick, but not as quick as Spring which officially starts TOMORROW!!

I've already worn a skirt this year and my white, pasty legs have already recieved comments about how awesome they look (must be from all the running I did this winter).

So-so news:
I tried to play my clarinet, and ended up playing a little too much. I stressed my arms. This was two weeks ago, and they are still a little sore and tight. So I've been avoiding typing. Then last week I pulled some muscles in my shoulder and that has been tremendously annoying and painful.



Now do you get why I haven't been posting...