Maximize Your LinkedIn Profile by Avoiding 10 Overused Words

Looking for a New Year’s resolution that does not require daily effort and discipline? Desire a high-impact resolution that boosts your appearance and awesomeness without losing pounds, spending hundreds of dollars on creams and getting sports injuries?

Well look no further!

Recently, LinkedIn released the 10 most overused buzzwords found on the site’s individual profiles (http://press.linkedin.com/node/1051). Boasting 135 million members worldwide, the largest professional social networking site suggests avoiding these 10 words to make your LinkedIn profile standout, especially for job hunting.

There are other reasons to use this underused but powerful tool for expanding your professional network and pursing business ventures and marketing.

Naturally, I looked at my resume, the basis of my LinkedIn profile, to see if any of these top 10 stale words were there. It turned out I had only one overused word, “effective,” which was found in the word “effectiveness.”

How come I passed the LinkedIn litmus test for profile originality? Because by trying to “show” my background and capabilities instead of “telling” them, I present a professional record as specifically and results-oriented as possible.

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New Year's resolutions aside, it’s always a good time to commit to investing in your LinkedIn Profile.

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Bolstering your profile means challenging yourself in the rich lexicon of language. For those who would rather wash windows, dig trenches or wait in post-Christmas return lines than write, it is difficult to find substitute plug-and-play words. Words with similar meanings can invoke unintended nuance. Some alternatives offer other resume no-no’s such as sounding too pompous or using slang.

As a service, I am presenting a brief list of alternatives, useful and otherwise.

1. Creative. Inventive, imaginative, and original. (My personal favorite: “yeasty,” means “exuberantly creative.” Eeek!)

2. Organizational. Just avoid it. Name the organization first and in second reference use its alternative shorter reference and, for that matter, “its.” Use words like “corporate” sparingly.

3. Effective. I use this word a lot because it lacks an easy alternative. Impact is an overused option with a bang! (And yes, I know I used it to start the blog, but I wanted the bang!) Close cousins are efficient, impressive, impelling, powerful, useful and potent.

4. Extensive experience. Alternatives for “extensive” are comprehensive, encompassing, broad, blanket, all-inclusive, all-encompassing, wide, across-the-board, and diverse.

Alternatives for “experience” include seasoned, go through, live over, background; and been there, done that.

5. Track record. Achievements, accomplishments.

6. Motivated. Driven, intended, actuated, passionate.

7. Innovative. Original, groundbreaking, advanced, forward-looking, modern, newfangled, seminal, germinal, fresh, daring, avant-garde, unconventional.

8. Problem solving. Finding solutions, out-of-the-box thinking, divergent thinking, cerebration.

9. Communication skills. Please specify. Options include, but are not limited to, shouting, pouting, whining, threatening, public speaking, active listening or writing.

10. Dynamic. Active, forceful, changing.

Remember, your LinkedIn profile is not like the resume of old with a limited audience. Anyone at anytime can look you up and check you out.

My resolution is to optimize my LinkedIn profile, a work in progress, just like my new exercise routine. New Year's resolutions aside, it’s always a good time to commit to investing in your LinkedIn Profile. If you need help, get it.

Showcasing your professional prowess is just one click away!



Celebrating Christmas and Avoiding Offense

Last week’s episode of The Office opened with the boss, Andy Bernard, beginning a meeting by inclusively wishing his employees merry and happy to a slew of December holidays.

The grumpy, but lovable Stanley yelled out that he just wanted Christmas, plain and simple. The Office, which intelligently uses comedy to confront social issues and stereotypes head on, once again hit one of the great nerves of American society: the vast majority of Americans want Christmas.

It could be for religious reasons. There’s also tradition, family or the acute desire for a Red Ryder BB gun. (Even at the risk of shooting your eye out!)

We want Christmas. Retailers learned that lesson. More stores are eliminating “Holiday,” returning to the tried-and-true Christmas brand. It’s just good business.

While our society is not as religiously observant as in the past, even those who do not consider themselves to be religious still want tradition. These include songs about the babe in the manager. I live in Washington, D.C., where invoking God and promising prayers is only appropriate after tragedy. And yet, at least two radio stations are devoted to Christmas music 24/7 post Thanksgiving through Christmas Day. The “soft rock” non-religious station plays both religious and secular music. To attract non-religious listeners, the Christian music station does the same thing!

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But in the United States, we are truer to a less considered part of the Christmas story: Controversy.

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I am an observant Christian, but my favorite rendition of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” is sung by the rock band Bare Naked Ladies. My favorite Christmas movie, A Christmas Story, has absolutely nothing to do with the baby born in a borrowed barn. The family does not even attend church. (The movie was filmed in the Cleveland of my childhood, which is part of the appeal for me.) Other classics, like Miracle on 34^th Street and It’s a Wonderful Life, keep Jesus out of Christmas, but invoke the hope and joy that Christmas is about.

I envy my brother and his family’s Christmas experiences in Europe. In Northern Europe, far fewer people attend church than in the US, but Christmas is celebrated unapologetically. It is all part of celebrating traditions that are the glue of societies. And what is not to love about hope, peace and good will toward men? (And, obviously, that means women and children as well.)

But in the United States, we are truer to a less considered part of the Christmas story: Controversy.

Our Christmas seasons are not complete without it. Let’s face it, Jesus was controversial. Herod wanted him dead before the baby could utter one controversial word. In Washington, D.C., our nation’s epicenter of conviction, knowing how to politely wish someone “Merry Christmas” requires supernatural mindreading to avoid offense. To some, even generic holiday wrapping paper could be offensive if it is not made from recycled material!

My Grandmother Geddes would laugh at all of this. She used comic strips when she ran out of wrapping paper. To her generation, it was the Christmas Stanley wants -- plain and simple.

And they did not fret over all the other holidays. They simply offered this most universal wish which I think still covers the holiday bases:

Season’s Greetings to you and yours!

The Top Five Dumbest Things I Have Seen on Facebook

This blog is not directed to my readers. Instead, it is written for those who are shooting themselves and others in the foot by writing stupid posts on Facebook and other social media.

In a society where the “me” generation has given way to celebrated narcissism, Facebook provides new and exciting opportunities for people to look stupid. An old sage said if you ever write something while you’re angry or upset, you should put it away for a while. That way you’re less likely to share it -- or maybe you’ll tone it down. Well, somewhere along the line, that notion fell out of vogue with the value of personal privacy.

Some people do not understand that anything they write is a form of publishing. Every post is a personal news release that can go viral at any time. For a frightening example, check out the New York Times article at http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/06/nyregion/on-facebook-nypd-officers-malign-west-indian-paradegoers.html?_r=2&scp=2&sq=NYPD+facebook&st=cse)

Thanks to the Internet, just about anyone now can publish anything without the traditional filters of editors and publishers there to protect them. And frankly, I don’t know a good writer who does not appreciate the helpful scrutiny of an effective editor.

What’s more, most employers using social media to make hiring decisions. Social media scores of individuals are even being considered by insurance companies http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/12/12/what-insurers-could-do-with-your-social-media-score/

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Every post is a personal news release that can go viral at any time.

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Here are the five dumbest things I have seen people write on Facebook.

#1. Cursing and Other Inappropriate Comments. Sure, this nonsense is no good for children to see, but I don’t like it either. Using these expressions only makes the writer look ignorant. Remember the birds of a feather concept. For your own reputation, be selective about who you “friend.”

#2. TMI (Too Much Information) Comments. These are the whiny, negative posts about someone the writer knows or even about himself or herself. This includes telling everyone how terrible your life is, or about last weekend’s wild party or how poorly your significant other is treating you. (My advice: If a “friend” verbally abuses you, don’t just unfriend him, cut off the relationship!)

#3. Sharing Your Religious, Ideological or Political Beliefs. Thanks to social media and the Internet, the line between the personal and professional is blurring. Don’t risk offending a future employer who happens to see your post. If you can, stay neutral. If not, be ironic.

#4. Geo-Tagging (Or Telling the World Where You Are or Are Not) Oh sure, we know not to set out the welcome mat for burglars by announcing we are out of town. But really, should you tweet your location and tip off your smart teenager or her friends that no adults are home after school?

#5. Posting Too Much Personal Information. Please do not post your phone number, home address or your birth year.  This information is already too easy to find. This also applies to relationship status, especially “it’s complicated.” It’s negative and confusing.

Do share this post and stop the madness!

Where is Workers' Compensation for Pro Football Head Injuries?

Last week Claims Advisor magazine published my article, More Buck for the Bang. It looks at the financial remedies for long-term effects of head injuries suffered by porfessional football players. (http://claimsadvisor.com/articles/more-buck-for-the-bang/)

During my research and interviews, it was hard to get one simple question answered. If workers’ compensation is the no-fault exclusive remedy for work-related injuries and occupational illnesses, why the class action suits?

My article is the only attempt I know of that tries to make sense of this.

Part of the problem is that the workers’ compensation system still struggles with addressing cumulative trauma and soft tissue injuries -- especially those that do not seem to show adverse effects until years later.

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Employers of dangerous occupations are criticized by unions for treating workers as collateral damage, but is our society doing the same with its athletes?

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In the 1990s, many states put limitations on occupational disease claims. On a practical level, comp costs would have been insane if any worker could come back to an employer -- even decades later -- and ask for medical and cash compensation. On the other hand, employers have risk exposure in cases like these because the workers’ compensation’s no-fault reach is limited.

The blame game taking place on who is really responsible for players’ injuries and the long-term ramifications is exhausting. Going there still makes my head spin.

It’s been said that television violence desensitizes us to the real thing. Some of my favorite childhood cartoons have been white washed or removed to discourage childhood violence. Yet every week, millions of fans of all ages will watch players get hurt for real.

Employers of dangerous occupations are criticized by unions for treating workers as collateral damage, but is our society doing the same with its athletes?

I hope you will give it a read.

Thanks!

Annmarie

P.S. If you need a writer to help you publish everything from news articles to web text, please contact me.

Suggesting an Actuary Appreciation Day

While writing an article for the Academy of Actuaries the other day, I saw the wind whip the leaves around outside and it reminded me of my marching band days in high school. As a freshman clarinetist, I was the unexpected recipient of a hug on “Hug a Band Member Day.”

My thoughts turned back to actuaries. I smiled at the idea of a “Hug an Actuary Day.” But since even a handshake can be sometimes considered sexual harassment these days, I propose there at least be an Actuary Appreciation Day.

In fact, I’m making today my personal Actuary Appreciation Day. I want to express my appreciation for the actuaries who have supported me professionally and personally. Really, how can you not be blessed by a profession that attracts such intelligent and highly-principled people?

The actuarial mind is a mystery. Having enjoyed the opportunity to work as a layperson with actuaries, or “translator” as I affectionately call myself, I can honestly say that the profession that drives forward by looking in the rearview mirror is full of the most forward-thinking possibilities. (See my article on the future of the actuarial profession at http://www.contingenciesonline.com/contingenciesonline/20110708?pg=5#pg31.

To the general public and even the business community, the actuary is misunderstood. The best actuarial minds are not as linear as their mathematics and statistical backgrounds imply. Their brilliance is not to be found in number crunching or ranges of probability.

Actuaries possess that rare combination of right- and left-brain qualities that allow them to see possibilities from other angles (or should I say, “Triangles?”) They are creative. They see new worlds of risk and reward, finding paradigms in statistics that anticipate new ways to consider future events and how to cover for them.

Before naming my favorite actuaries, I should be clear that I do not see the profession through a rose-colored rearview mirror: I have known a thankfully small few who do respect numbers more than human beings. But they pale in significance to the stars of the profession.

I have worked with several wonderful actuaries. Twenty years ago, Paul Whittaker, then the actuarial director of the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, first explained actuarial concepts so I could “translate” them into everyday English.

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They see new worlds of risk and reward, finding paradigms in statistics that anticipate new ways to consider future events and how to cover for them.

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Later, as the lead reporter for BNA’s Workers’ Compensation Report, I often quoted actuarial maverick Richard Hofmann, who risked his reputation and business to encourage the public availability of workers’ compensation data. Rich moved my career even closer to actuaries when he asked me to work for him part-time, just minutes after I quit my full-time reporting job to be a stay-at-home mom.

Rich later introduced me to Claus Metzner, who in turn introduced me to Steve Lehmann. Claus and Steve, who are among the field’s best gentlemen, encouraged my creativity and supported my career growth. I thoroughly enjoyed the years I worked with Steve, who is the former president of the Casualty Actuary Society and the American Academy of Actuaries and now serves the profession as the general secretary of the International Association of Actuaries.

Finally, I tip my hat to Barry Llewellyn of the National Council on  Compensation Insurance, Inc. Professionally I had known him for years, but when I was working with him on a project, my nearly-four-year-old daughter was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes. His support touched my heart.

These are just a few of the actuaries who have made a lasting impression on me.

So whether your premiums go up or down, I say, thank an actuary!

Business Lessons from Making Thanksgiving Dinner

Since it is Thanksgiving, I want to express my appreciation to my clients and those who support my career. There are many reasons for being thankful.

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. It is a great excuse to make a huge dinner of comfort food and then enjoy it for the weekend. Add in friends and family and what is not to love?

Since my mind is on turkey dinner and business at the same time, I thought it would be fun to share business lessons that can be gleaned from preparing thanksgiving dinner.

1) Look at the big picture and plan accordingly. Thanksgiving dinner requires a lot of thought to have all the dishes ready at the same time. It’s a killer to make thanksgiving dinner in one day, so stagger the work. For projects, start backwards with the desired goals and make a schedule.

2) Know Your Audience. Just like it is important to know the preferences of guests, make sure you know those of your customers.

3) Turkey, like great content, should not be wasted but re-purposed. When investing in a large editorial project, thought piece or a series of brochures and web text, think of other vehicles to feed content. In the same way, instead of trying to eat a bunch of turkey in a couple days, cube some and freeze in one cup portions for future meals. I have used cubed turkey for burritos, stews and any dish that calls for chicken. Don’t forget to have some onion, carrot and celery available to boil the carcass to make a freezable soup base.

The same is true for repurposing content. Don’t throw away the editorial content that ends up on the cutting room floor because it might be useable for future projects. Another tip: brine the turkey overnight for moistness and better flavor.

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Making thanksgiving dinner is a creative process just like making business plans, marketing plans and value propositions.

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4) Know where it is worth it to cut corners. Why serve a can of cranberry sauce when you can easily make it by boiling cranberries, water and sugar and even add your own special touch of orange zest? It does not take long and the results are worth it.

5) Know where to cut corners. Making homemade pie crust is a pain. When I am making the dinner, I buy pre-made refrigerated crust for pie.

6) Be flexible. Some customers want material online and others in print. Some of my crowd wants sweet potatoes with marshmallows and others, candied walnuts. My dish will have half of each.

7) Don’t be afraid to try something new. This year, I am making shredded brussels sprouts and red swiss chard. It’s healthy and has that holiday look of green and red. In the same way, challenge yourself to try something new, like initiating or optimizing your social media opportunities.

8) Be smart with stuffing or it can turn deadly. Chances are less so when you’ve done your homework. And, yes, you can still stuff a turkey without worries of semolina poisoning. Make your stuffing of choice the night before so it will be stuffed in the turkey at refridgerator temperature.

9) Get by with a little help from your friends. Accept dishes from guests, but make sure they are not essential to the meal in case plans fall through.

10) Have fun and enjoy! Making thanksgiving dinner is a creative process just like making business plans, marketing plans and value propositions. Make sure everyone has a seat at the table and brainstorm away!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Why I Never Miss Election Day

The following is an editorial I wrote during my freshman year at Ohio University when I was a staff writer for The Post, Ohio University’s independent student newspaper. I wrote this during the Cold War, just before President Ronald Reagan challenged Mikhail Gorbachev, the last leader of the Soviet Union, to tear down the Berlin Wall.

I hope you enjoy this and that it encourages you to vote.--Annmarie

Headline: Maybe Next Year

By Annmarie L. Geddes, Staff Writer

I wanted to vote.

Really, I did.

Ever since I was old enough to know the difference between a Democrat and a Republican, daddy would peer up at me as he cut his steak and say, “It’s your American right. It’s what sets us apart from the communists.”

Wonderful.

So here I am, 18; legally old enough to vote. I registered. I was psyched. I studied the issues, decided on my candidates, and walked into Nelson Commons. I was ready.

I proudly proclaimed my name, expecting verification.

I didn’t get it.

“What’s your name again?” “Annmarie Geddes,” I told her. I could not believe this was happening to me. “I don’t see your name Miss Geddes,” she said.

I stood there as three people went through files and register cards. But no dice. She smiled and asked me to come back.

Well, I wanted to vote, so I came back.

They remembered me this time. “Would it make you feel any better if I told you you’re not the only one?” some guy asked me.

“No,” I told him, “I want to vote.”

“Well, if you are not registered, you can’t.”

“But I did register.” I said.

“Where?”

“In front of Bentley (Hall), on the way to my political science class.”

There was silence. The lady appeared apologetic, “I’ll call the board of elections and see what we can do. I am sorry, but that’s all we can do.” I walked away disappointed.

See, I know the importance of voting. Not because of the “See how your vote counts, Andrew (Johnson) missed impeachment by one vote” propaganda. But back home, I worked in city government. I have even helped with campaigning. I should have had the right to vote because I took time investigating the issues.

So now I am supposed to wait for a letter from the board of elections. But the election is over. I suppose they will let me vote twice next year.

Maybe that’s not so bad because that way I can vote on both sides. And my voice won’t count.

Just like this year.