TPN :: The Connections Show

Connections #030 - Scalability, Responsiveness & Transparency

Stan Relihan — Sat, 03 May 2008 03:41:21 +0000

George Hu is a graduate from Harvard University and the Stanford Graduate School of Business. His current role is Executive Vice President, Marketing, Applications & Education at Salesforce.com, located in San Francisco. The company was founded in 1999 by former Oracle executive (and one of my direct LinkedIn connections) Marc Benioff - who revolutionized the traditional software market by launching the (then) new, Web-driven concept of ‘Software as a Service’.

[display_podcast]

In this episode, George discusses how the company deals with important issues such as Platform Scalability, Responsiveness to Customer needs & requests - and how it provides Transparency in the way it achieves this.

Web Links:
Salesforce.com - Main company site
Ideas.Salesforce.com - Suggest, view & vote for features & enhancements
Trust.Salesforce.com - Monitor site performance
AppExchange - Application Exchange
Force.com - Developer tools & resources

Thank you

Stan Relihan

Expert Executive Search: www.expertsearch.com.au

Connections #024 - Using Social Networks for Marketing & Promotion

Stan Relihan — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 07:12:26 +0000

Rob McNealy Rob McNealy is a LinkedIn user, based in Denver Colarado and the host of “Startup Story Radio” – a combination Radio & Podcast show, with the focus on inspiring & motivating people to become successful entrepreneurs.
[display_podcast]

In this Interview, Rob & I discuss many of the different Web 2.0 and Social Networking sites and applications currently available on the Internet – their attributes, pitfalls & benefits - and how they can be utilized more effectively as Marketing Tools.

Web Links:

Startup Story Radio (Rob’s Podcast)

Thank you

Stan Relihan

Expert Executive Search: www.expertsearch.com.au

Connections #023 - Oracle and Enterprise 2.0

Stan Relihan — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 09:19:37 +0000

Doug Hughes is Vice President, Customer Services for Australia & New Zealand at Oracle Corporation. Doug was the Keynote Speaker on the subject of ‘Sales Performance & Improvement‘ at a recent Networking Event, organized by myself and my colleagues at Expert Executive Search - in conjunction with our business associates from Oracle, Hewlett Packard & Ernst & Young Revenue Growth Services.

In addition to delivering a presentation on how Enterprise is using Web 2.0 tools & applications to achieve significant improvements in the Sales process, the event itself took Business Networking to a new level - with 3 Fortune 500 companies collaborating to present a message of mutual interest, to a gathering of over 100 members of the ICT and Business community. This included representatives from a number of organizations, including Unisys, Intel, Accenture, CSC and range of smaller companies.

[display_podcast]

In this interview, Doug provides a recap of his presentation, outlining how Oracle is embracing some of the new concepts embodied by Web 2.0 companies such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Digg & Spock.

There’s also a very useful discussion on the impact that deployment of these Disruptive Technologies is having - flattening Corporate Heirarchies, enabling Collaboration and transforming Work Environments in the Enterprise.

This Episode is essential listening for Corporate Managers, CIO’s , CTO’s - and any business professionals interested in gaining productivity benefit from technology.

RESOURCES:

Sales Performance & Improvement with Enterprise 2.0 (SLIDE SHOW)
PICTURES of the Business Networking Event (SLIDE SHOW)

Thank you

Stan Relihan

Expert Executive Search: www.expertsearch.com.au

Connections #022 - Running a Network of Virtual Assistants

Stan Relihan — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 14:00:56 +0000

Kathie Thomas is an Author, Blogger, Public Speaker and founder of the Virtual Assistant Industry in Australia.

She operates a thriving network of over 200 Virtual Assistants in more than 16 countries around the world - helping and empowering hundereds of women to establish successful businesses working from home.

[display_podcast]

As a result of this activity, she was recently nominated for the prestigous ‘Australian of the Year’ award. She’s also written a very successful book, “Worth More Than Rubies - The Value of a Work At Home Mum“.

In this interview, Kathie describes how she uses a variety of Internet tools and applications to build, administer and market her business.

http://www.vadirectory.net

Podcast: Using LinkedIn as a Business Tool

Thank you

Stan Relihan

Expert Executive Search: www.expertsearch.com.au

Connections #021 - Spock - The People Search Engine

Stan Relihan — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 08:00:34 +0000

Jay Bhatti is a very intelligent & highly-articulate 34-year old Wharton Business School MBA graduate and Entrepreneur. Based in San Francisco, Jay is co-founder of Spock.com, a People Search Engine, which launched in Public Beta in August 2007.

For those that are curious, S.P.O.C.K. is an acronym for ‘Single Point of Contact by Keyword’ - and represents a new concept in Search - devoted exclusively to finding, indexing & profiling PEOPLE on the Internet, rather than just documents.

[display_podcast]

One of the uniquely attractive aspects of Spock is that it combines Machine Search with Human Interaction to add, update & validate content, in a Wiki-like fashion. Good behavior is rewarded and bad behavior is penalized through an innovative concept: ‘Spock Power’. This is an element I predict will catch on and end up being widely adopted by Web 2.0 sites, Social Networks and other applications on the Internet.

Thank you

Stan Relihan

Expert Executive Search: www.expertsearch.com.au

Connections #020 - 10,000 Contacts - Now What?

Stan Relihan — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 06:25:12 +0000

Steven Burda is a young Entrepreneur & Senior Financial Analyst with a Fortune 500 company. He’s also one of the Top 50 most-connected LinkedIn’s users, according to TopLinked.com.

As a 26-year old who has yet to realize any significant commercial benefit from his 10,000+ connections, Steven is a classic case of being ‘All Dressed Up - Nowhere to Go.’ However, he is bright, good-natured & helpful to others in his network (and obviously very popular).

[display_podcast]

What prompted me to invite Steven to appear on the show was the fact that he seems very adept at using the LinkedIn Question & Answers forum to raise his profile, with thought-provoking questions, such as ‘Why Network: Business AND Pleasure?’ - which elicited over 200 responses.

While Steven has yet to find a focus & productive outlet for his networking enthusiasm, he does have the advantage over his peers (most of all who are still on Facebook) in having made the transition to the professional environment of LinkedIn (and established a significant presence thereon) - something that will no doubt serve him well as his career develops in coming years.

Join us as we discuss a number of issues related to the Open Networker philosophy, acceptable codes of networking behaviour & and what it takes to reach the elite status of being a Top 50 LinkedIn ‘Super-Connector’.

Thank you

Stan Relihan

Expert Executive Search: www.expertsearch.com.au

Connections #019 - I’m on LinkedIn - Now What?

Stan Relihan — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 03:51:50 +0000

Jason Alba is Chief Executive Officer of JibberJobber.com – a leading Job Search Management Tool. He’s also the author of a book on how to use LinkedIn more effectively, entitled ‘I’m on LinkedIn – Now What?’

Jason is a smart guy - with an easy conversational style and a ready chuckle.

[display_podcast]
Join us for a good-natured, informative & entertaining session - as we discuss everything from Managing Your Career & Funny Resumé Mistakes to Avoid - to general tips on getting the most out of your Social Networking activities.

BOOKS:
I’m on LinkedIn - Now What?
I’m on Facebook - Now What?

WEB LINKS:
JibberJobber.com - An Online Job Search Management Tool
I’m on LinkedIn - Now What? (the blog behind the book)
I’m on Facebook - Now What? (the blog behind the book)
Funny Resumé Mistakes

Thank you

Stan Relihan

Expert Executive Search: www.expertsearch.com.au

Connections #018 - Improving Performance & Profitability

Stan Relihan — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 01:21:57 +0000

Ross Dawson is a highly-intelligent, articulate & insightful Strategy Consultant, Author, Keynote Speaker and leading authority on Web 2.0, Social Networking and their applications in the business environment.

In one of the most informative & stimulating conversations I’ve had the privilege of being of being involved in, Ross examines some of the themes that have arisen in recent discussions - such as Collaboration in the Workplace & Corporate Mash-Ups.
[display_podcast]
Ross discusses in fascinating detail how leading corporations are using Social & Business Networking tools to improve their performance – and more importantly, how these applications can be used to create real competitive differentiation & profitability.

For any Corporate Manager, Technology Enthusiast or Social Entrepreneur interested in the impact of these elements on society over the next 5-10 years – this is NOT an Episode to miss!

DOWNLOADS & RESOURCES:
Web 2.0 Framework
Future of Media Report 2007

WEB SITES:
Future Exploration Network
Advanced Human Technologies
‘Trends in the Living Networks’ (blog)
RossDawson.com

Thank you

Stan Relihan

Expert Executive Search: www.expertsearch.com.au

Connections #017 - Networlding - the Science of Networking

Stan Relihan — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 02:30:34 +0000

This week’s guest is Melissa Giovagnoli, an Online Marketing Visionary, Public Speaker & Networking Coach, as well as the author of a number of books, including the best-seller: ‘Networlding: Building Relationships and Opportunities for Success’ - and was recently named by a leading business publication as ‘The Best Networker in Chicago’.

[display_podcast]

In this interview, Melissa shares her thoughts behind ‘Networlding’ - the science of codifying the esoteric and intangible concept of networking into readily-understood and easily-implemented principles that can be employed to create benefits for corporations and individuals alike.

In addition to her activities in the business world, Melissa is also involved in a movement for empowering the next generation of business leaders - through her E-learning initiative.

www.networlding.com
www.networldingelearning.com

Thank you

Stan Relihan

Expert Executive Search: www.expertsearch.com.au

Connections #016 - Using PodCasts & Mash-Ups as Corporate Tools

Stan Relihan — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 05:24:04 +0000

In our first Episode for 2008, we talk with Steven Lubetkin, a Public Relations consultant from Philadelphia - and a leading producer of PodCasts, Mash-ups & other Web 2.0 solutions for the Corporate sector.

Steven also tells a very interesting anecdote that illustrates the Mash-Up concept in action, involving Twitter & Flickr.

[display_podcast]

You can find out more about Steve (including samples of the work that he does) at the following sites:

www.lubetkin.net
www.professionalpodcasts.com

Thank you

Stan Relihan

Expert Executive Search: www.expertsearch.com.au

Connections #015 - King of the Yahoo! Groups

Stan Relihan — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 07:44:21 +0000

Vincent Wright is a prominent Blogger, Recruiter & Career Coach, a leading ‘Social Network Catalyst’ - and the ‘King of the Yahoo! Groups’

Creator of more than 200 networking discussion groups, including MyLinkedInPowerForum (MLPF) - one of the largest groups dedicated to users of LinkedIn, Vincent has also embraced other networking platforms, such as Facebook & Ning .

[display_podcast]

This week, Vincent shares with us some of his valuable insights on How to Network More Effectively, including ‘Nettiquette’ (how to behave in different networking environments) - and the importance of ensuring your profile is free of spelling errors.

Whether you’re a veteran or a ‘newbie’ - this is essential listening for anyone wanting to maximize the success of their networking efforts.

Some of Vincent’s many sites include:

MyLinkedinPowerForum.com (Yahoo)
MyLinkedinPowerForum.net (Facebook)
MyLinkedinPowerForum.org (Ning)
www.DirectoryOf LinkedinGroups.com
www.DirectoryOfLinkedinModerators.com
www.LinkedinBusinessDiscussionIndex.com

Thank you

Stan Relihan

Expert Executive Search: www.expertsearch.com.au

Connections #014 - Secrets of Networking Revealed

Stan Relihan — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 05:03:33 +0000

Shaun Gisbourne is a Telemarketing Specialist in Leicester, UK - and by his own admission, unlike some of my previous guests, is NOT a LinkedIn ‘Power User’.

Instead, Shaun represents a typical ‘Connections’ listener - who was invited to appear as a Guest for the show as a result of writing to me with some very interesting & intriguing questions, which I thought merited discussion.
[display_podcast]

In this Episode, Shaun & I discuss some of the fundamental attibutes and benefits of Online Social Networking - and how the ordinary, everyday user can applying these to their own lives, to gain real business benefit.

I am sure that ALL listeners (whether you are a ‘big connector’, or just starting out) will find this to be a valuable and useful conversation.

Thank you

Stan Relihan

Expert Executive Search: www.expertsearch.com.au

Connections #013 - It’s all about Collaboration

Stan Relihan — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 00:44:26 +0000

Jeff Sheard is the Channels Director for Cisco Systems in Sydney, Australia.

In this Episode, Jeff discusses how Cisco is using new Web 2.0 applications & other tools, such as Facebook, Second Life and Immersive Telepresence as tools for Online Collaboration - and the productivity benefits & cost savings they deliver.

This includes saving $200 Million p.a. in travel expenditure - not to mention the reduction in Corporate Carbon Footprint.

[display_podcast]

Thank you

Stan Relihan

Expert Executive Search: www.expertsearch.com.au

Connections #012 - Secrets of Successful Selling

Stan Relihan — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 02:24:37 +0000

Craig Elias is a highly-successful sales professional and the creator of Trigger-Based Selling™ - a sales training program that teaches users to identify & capitalize on the key ‘Trigger’ events that influence How, Why and When people are most receptive to making buying decisions.

In 2003, Craig was the winner of the ‘Billion Dollar Idea Pitch Contest’ conducted by prominent Venture Capitalist, Tim Draper - & collecting a $1Million prize!

Craig has subsequently coached & mentored a number of other companies and individuals to the finals of this event as well.

[display_podcast]
In this Episode, Craig shares some of his breakthrough secrets and insights - as well as practical advice on using LinkedIn more productively, to achieve successful sales outcomes.

Craig has also generously made some of these available in an e-Book, which is available as a Free Download to ‘Connections’ listeners.

Thank you

Stan Relihan

Expert Executive Search: www.expertsearch.com.au

Connections #011 - Organizing Events

Stan Relihan — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 22:54:22 +0000

Mike O’Neil is widely recognized at THE leading organizer of ‘LinkedIn Live’ and other Face-to-Face Networking Events - with a Business Network of over 7,500 members in the Denver, Colorado area.
[display_podcast]
In this Episode, Mike shares his experiences on the benefits that can arise when online relationships are taken to the next level - as people get together in a real-world environment, to explore mutual businsess opportunities.

Thank you

Stan Relihan

Expert Executive Search: www.expertsearch.com.au

Connections #010 - Pure Networking

Stan Relihan — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 23:23:10 +0000

One of the themes that has emerged from conversations with my guests over the past few weeks has been about how Social Networks offer marketers the opportunity of engaging with consumers in a way that is not intrusive, but relevant - sometimes even welcome.

[display_podcast]

Ian Lyons is Business Development Director at pureprofile - a permission-based marketing company that has built their own network of 300,000 Australian subscribers, each of which has supplied comprehensive information about themselves and ’opted-in’ to receive marketing messages that appeal to their interests & lifestyle.

Last week, on Wednesday 6th November, pureprofile hosted a very successful Networking Event, with guests from our combined network of Sydney contacts. (SEE PICTURES OF THE EVENT)

In this Episode, Ian discusses emerging trends in the marketplace, as smart clients begin to realise the power of communicating with consumers on their own terms. The result is an increasingly meaningful, One-to-One relationship between marketer & consumer - and an interesting social phenomenon to observe in evolution.

Thank you

Stan Relihan

Expert Executive Search: www.expertsearch.com.au

Connections #008 - The Management Consultant View

Stan Relihan — Sun, 28 Oct 2007 22:36:19 +0000

Rob Kingma is a Senior Manager with Ernst & Young Revenue Growth Services in Sydney, Australia.
[display_podcast]
As sponsor of Australia’s first face-to-face Networking Event for LinkedIn users, Rob talks about the subsequent business benefits arising from this - as well as strategies for businesses and individuals to use using social networks as a Business Tool. (SEE PICTURES OF THE EVENT)

Thank you

Stan Relihan

Expert Executive Search: www.expertsearch.com.au

Connections #005 - Finding a Job (twice)

Stan Relihan — Sun, 07 Oct 2007 23:17:04 +0000

This week’s guest is Rajesh Thiharie - one of Australia’s more connected LinkedIn users - and a real life ‘Success Story’ in using social networks to business benefit.

[display_podcast]

What is interesting about Rajesh and the experiences he recounts is the fact that 2 of the last 3 jobs Rajesh has had have come about as a direct result of using his LinkedIn Network.

For anyone that wants to know how they can use LinkedIn to similar benefit, listening to this Episode is a MUST!

Thank you

Stan Relihan

Expert Executive Search: www.expertsearch.com.au

Connections #004 - Talking with the Queen of Q & A

Stan Relihan — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 01:16:08 +0000

My guest this week is Sheliah Etheridge - one of LinkedIn’s most active users.

Regular users of LinkedIn will recognise Sheilah as the #1 ‘Answers Expert’ on LinkedIn’s very popular Q & A forum.
[display_podcast]
In this episode, Sheilah discusses her motivations and the rewards she receives from selflessly sharing her expertise with other LinkedIn users.

Thank you

Stan Relihan

Expert Executive Search: www.expertsearch.com.au

Connections #003 - A Taste of LinkedIntelligence

Stan Relihan — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 00:05:46 +0000

This week’s guest is Scott Allen - Executive Editor, LinkedIn Series at “Happy About” and Co-author of “The Virtual Handshake: Opening Doors and Closing Deals Online”.

Scott is also a prominent Blogger, Corporate Speaker Trainer - and author of LinkedIntelligence.com - a very useful & insightful web site on how to use LinkedIn effectively.

[display_podcast]

This is a fascinating and stimulating interview with an intelligent & thoughtful communicator, who has many useful thoughts, perspectives & bits of advice that would benefit any & all LinkedIn users.

Scott has generously made his book “The Virtual Handshake” available as a Free Download for ‘Connections’ listeners.

Thank you

Stan Relihan

Expert Executive Search: www.expertsearch.com.au

Connections #002 - Conversation with a LION

Stan Relihan — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 23:04:58 +0000

This week’s guest is Christian Mayaud - a successful Venture Capitalist whose amazing Rolodex formed part of the initial nucleus of LinkedIn users.

He is also founder of the LinkedIn LIONs and one of LinkedIn’s most highly-connected users.
[display_podcast]
In this interview, you can listen to Christian’s insights on the early days of LinkedIn, High Performance Networking and the Future of Networking.

Thank you

Stan Relihan

Expert Executive Search: www.expertsearch.com.au

Connections #001 - It all started with a Challenge …

Stan Relihan — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 00:29:16 +0000

A few months ago, I was interviewed on Cameron Reilly’s ‘G’Day World’ show, here on the Podcast Network, on the subject of ‘Using LinkedIn as a Business Tool’.

Many listeners found the show to be very helpful to them in communicating the benefits of LinkedIn to their friends & colleagues - and it has since been picked up and re-posted on a number of other blogs and web sites.

In the interview, Cameron (a ‘LinkedIn skeptic’) set me a challenge that was a test for both my own Network and the power of Social Networking in general.

Now, as a result of successfully meeting this challenge, I’m hosting my OWN weekly show (starting with this Episode) - on how people are using Social Networking and other Web 2.0 tools & applications to gain a business benefit.
[display_podcast]

In this episode, I turn the tables and interview Cameron - and finish off by setting him a challenge…

Thank you

Stan Relihan

Expert Executive Search: www.expertsearch.com.au