Believe it or not, there is an application on the iPhone for coaching. Jason Alba, noted author and social networking rock star, brought iPocketCoach by Tony Deblauwe to my attention. At first, I was skeptical. How can an iPhone app that costs $0.99 teach someone how to coach another individual?

iPhone Can Do It All

Of course, I had to check out iPocketCoach for myself. A few clicks and $0.99 later, I am faced with a screen with 8 different options to choose from as seen in the app’s screen shot here. Interestingly enough, iPocketCoach is a good reference point to get started or as a quick guide to help someone out in a pinch.

Just In Time Learning Has A New Meaning

After playing with iPocketCoach a little more, I came to the conclusion that this one app is a true game changer for “just in time” or informal learning. How cool is it that I have a quick reference guide to leadership and coaching at my fingertips? Think of the implications this has on the training profession! Think about:

• How supplemental training materials are designed and delivered
• Quick reference guides are delivered electronically to a mobile device
• Learning happens instantaneously at the learner’s whim
• Updates are easy to get to with devices like the iPhone

iPocketCoach Is A Must Have

As an unsolicited endorsement for iPocketCoach, I believe it is a must have for any person in a leadership role (iPhone is a must too!). This is the only the beginning in a world where we have the information we want, when we want it and where ever we want it. That’s the beauty of mobility! Here’s why this app is so great:

• Simple reference guide for just about any topic under the talent management umbrella
• Fantastic supplement for leadership training and development
• Pragmatic examples that can be used immediately in the real world
• It only costs $0.99

I recently saw a question on LinkedIn that I had to share. It is the question that has plagued HR professionals and hiring managers every time they post an opportunity!

The Question

This is the question that has sparked a rather long discussion on LinkedIn: Hire employees with the skills or behaviors? There is some debate on whether you hire the person because the right attitude for the company and you can train them to do the work. Or, hire those who already have the skills and orient them on the company culture. What do you do? And, would your answer change based on the level of the person being hired?

My Response

What a thought provoking question! This is a dilemma that continually plagues hiring managers. From a talent management perspective, I’d hire who ever will get the job done. This requires both skill and behavior.

First, is the corporate culture clearly defined? If not, it should be. Even from department to department, the culture will change. Make sure the the attributes you are looking for are worked into the job description. Remember, attributes can’t be taught! This will attract the right talent and make the hiring manager/HR person’s life easier from the get go.

Second, are the job responsibilities clearly defined? Make sure the opportunity is written for the right level of talent the company needs. Writing a job description for a VP is obviously different than writing one for middle management or early career level.

Third, is the initial selection process mapped out? Being able to sift through the hundreds (if not thousands of resumes) piling in for an opportunity. Look for the ones that go out of their way to reach the decision maker. These are the hungry ones who want the job. Plus, it shows their networking skills and resourcefulness.

Fourth, who will interview the candidates? Having the right questions asked by the right people is crucial in determining fit, skill and behavior wise. HR recruiters can normally handle the initial screening which will weed out the best talent. Interviewing with the team, individually or together, others they will work with and the department head is a targeted approach to zeroing in on the right person. Don’t forget to compare notes!

Your Thoughts

Hiring for skills or attributes will always ignite debate. I am interested to get more opinions! Post your thought or join the discussion on LinkedIn.

Isn’t it funny how email is considered traditional nowadays? I remember when I got my first corporate email address working at American Express. I thought I had arrived! Just ten short years later, I can create my own corporate email addresses in a matter of clicks.

Armed with 7 email addresses, personal and business, I find myself checking them less and less. They get filled up with spam pretty quickly or newsletters I’ve signed up for that I peruse every now and again. Email used to be a way to keep in touch with others vs. calling them or writing letters. Yes, writing letters! Remember that?

Web 2.0 technology has truly replaced traditional email as a way to keep in touch with others. Connecting has been redefined! Smart phones make it easier to connect since we can access our social networks on the go. Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn are our new best friends, just to name a few. In fact, I could fill a book with how many stories I hear or have experienced first hand about how people have connected with high school friends or long lost family using social networking. Reconnecting has become efficient.

So the new communication model looks glaringly different that it did ten years ago. The options are endless! Here’s some very unscientific results from an informal poll of professionals and what percentage they use different tools to communicate.

% of Time Using Communication Tool

I happened across this video on the Huffington Post. There are some staggering facts about technology and how we have evolved as humans.

What does it all mean? Learn how to master technology for your purposes or get left out in the cold!

As fate may have it, there is now a way to identify those who are addicted to social networking. I scored 71% on this survey tool. Given that social networking strategies, consulting and training is a part of my business offerings, it’s no surprise I’m addicted!

Take the quiz and let’s see how addicted you are to social networking. Make sure to share your score in the comments!

71%

This quiz was provided by – Search & Social – Media Experts

The Web 2.0 world can be a scary place. So how do you navigate it? You’ve come to the right place. Connecting Redefined, Jenna Papakalos’ favorite creative outlet, offers speaking and training events to help you out!

Jenna is the founder of JRMP Enterprises, Inc., which provides strategic consulting, training and implementation of social networking, media and learning technologies. Jenna has keynoted on the importance of social networking at institutions such as DeVry, Kaplan, Focus International, Crowned Grace, Central Florida Employment Council and many others.

If you need a trainer or keynote speaker on Web 2.0, here are a few of the topics Jenna has covered:

• Social networking for the job seeker
• Web 2.0 for business
• Social networking for marketing
• Social networking: keeping it clean
• Social networking for the training professional
• LinkedIn Basics and Advanced
• Facebook Basics and Advanced
• Twitter Basics and Advanced
• YouTube, Google and Blogs, Oh My!

Send an email to info@jrmpenterprises.com today to book Jenna or our other fantastic experts for your event or training. Make sure to include:

• Company name
• Point of contact information
• Date, time and venue
• Preferred topic

JRMP Enterprises, Inc.’s main office is located 25 miles due west of beautiful downtown Orlando, FL. We have satellite offices with our Affiliates and Partners located throughout the United States and India.

Our Location
1724 Silhouette Drive
Clermont, FL 34711


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Contact Us
Telephone: 1-877-PUZZLE8 (789-9538)
Fax: (561) 210-7001
eMail: info@jrmpenterprises.com

It is human nature to connect with others. This blog is inspired by this simple truth. It’s purpose is to explore new ways, using technology, on how to network and continue connecting.

About the Authors

Jenna Papakalos, President, JRMP Enterprises, Inc.

Jenna Papakalos, President of JRMP Enterprises, Inc., has over 12 years professional experience, in various capacities in the Information Technology field, which includes a wide range of roles served in design and development of software and Internet applications. She has spearheaded many initiatives for business process improvement and maximum efficiency in product related activities. This is the primary focus of JRMP Enterprises, Inc.

Jenna’s background stems from 7 years in the financial industry, working at Fortune 500 companies such American Express and First Data, where she pioneered technical solutions to solve identified business needs for learning, performance and process improvement. Her product experience includes managing and marketing key flagship products in the learning and performance technologies industry.

As the VP of Marketing for the Central FL Chapter of ASTD (CFC-ASTD), Jenna has been an intricate part of moving the chapter’s marketing strategy and communications forward. She has lead up initiatives such as implementing social networking strategies, market strategy planning and new ways to create awareness of chapter activities in the Central FL community.

Jenna has experience working and consulting for small, mid and large companies, with a unique talent to translate complex concepts into comprehensive strategic plans and executable tactical objectives for overall business success. Having worked in different business and cultural environments, she has been successful in establishing good relations with all internal and external clients.

I had the good fortune of meeting with some very forward thinking educators at DeVry University here in Orlando, FL just this past week. A colleague referred me to the college as they are looking for someone to speak to the students about the importance of social networking in job seeking and establishing professional credentials online. The entire campus is warm, friendly, and welcoming. As I walked in, I was greeted with big posters with my name and company logo on directing me where to go for the initial meeting!

I was so unbelievably impressed by the people I met at DeVry. Many of the students are in their young twenties, even younger. I remember my first professional experience while in college and I recall being intimidated by senior management and employees who were older than I was. The thought of actually networking made my palms sweat! Regardless to say, traditional college did not prepare me all that wonderfully for this aspect of the working world.

Well, DeVry is not your average college! They are setting up mock professional meetings to teach their students on how to network. Now if only I had that in school! There will be a registration, buffet lunch, ten minute opening speech (me), and then role playing with the faculty and professionals in the local area on networking techniques. This definitely goes beyond the books.

So I want to send this blog post out to the educators at DeVry in Orlando, FL that I had the pleasure of meeting. Were you taught how to network? Please feel free to leave a comment with any tips and techniques you may have!

Unless you are living in a cave or under a rock somewhere, you have probably heard about this economic chaos we are in. Not only is the U.S. economy taking a dive, but the rest of the world is feeling our ripple effects.

I am by no means an economic genius, but I do know a series of knee jerk reactions when I see it. People and businesses are reacting out of fear, which only leads to illogical decisions. Personally, I’ve chosen to remain pragmatic instead of panicking. Panicking will not do my business or family any good.

So how do you stay focused and make it happen in troubling times? Here are some tips that people wiser than me have discussed:

- Stay calm. Don’t make major decisions that can have a huge impact on your business, financial, or family matters while you are in a state of heightened emotion. Wait until you can think logically again.
- Watch your expenses. It’s time to sacrifice for many of us. Examine your budget and current expenses. There are ways to cut without losing too much. Look for better cell phone plans. Find a way to do things cheaper.
- Go green. I’ve heard many people who used to call themselves frugal now refer to themselves as green. Do you really need to print that email? Those fluorescent bulbs last quite some time.
- Is everyone joining a conference call from different phones when they are in the same office? Call it team building and stick everyone in the conference room with the speaker phone. You build relationships and save money at the same time. Two birds, one stone.
- Donuts for Friday morning? Lunch for everyone? Here’s a better idea to show appreciation, let them work from home! It saves you on the food and power bills. Your employees get to work from home, which many love and can save them on gas. You build trust, show appreciation, and save some money at the same time.

Thanks to those who have given me these tips in passing conversations! We could all use some way stay focused, batten down the hatches, and stay focused on what we need to accomplish. Please comment on your tips or drop me a note at jenna.papakalos@jrmpenterprises.com.