Social Media is eating my brain…and I love it

I recently created a Google profile page for Hewitt Associates (http://www.google.com/profiles/Hewittassociates2009) as a way to align our corporate website with our social branding/media strategy links. Now we have a single platform with feeds to our Twitter links, Facebook Fan Site, Career Module, Global Location Map, YouTube videos, Linkedin Community Groups, Crowd Sourcing initiatives, Webcast/Podcast links and the answer to the universe. Of course we are not giving out the answer to the universe that easily. This must be earned through trust, loyalty and commitment. Translated, you must be a fan. Did anyone catch the shameless plug from the opening paragraph? I think I hid that quite well.

That is what we call a subtle yet slightly shameless plug. A completely shameless plug would be to ask you to follow Hewitt Career Opportunities on Twitter @hewittcareers or get text updates by texting Hewcareers to 77950 or join the Hewitt Fan Site on Facebook or get information on Hewitt’s Diversity programs by texting HewDiversity to 77950. That is just plain shameless and lacks professionalism and tact. Ultimately, just as effective.

If that thrust into the black hole of Web 2.0 didn’t send your head spinning, well this is just the beginning.

Interesting enough the term “Web 2.0” was coined ten years ago in a 1999 article entitled “Fragmented Future” by Darcy DiNucci where she stated:

“The Web we know now, which loads into a browser window in essentially static screenfuls, is only an embryo of the Web to come. The first glimmerings of Web 2.0 are beginning to appear, and we are just starting to see how that embryo that might develop the Web, will be understood not as screenfuls of text and graphics but as a transport mechanism, the ether through which interactivity happens. It will appear on your computer screen, on your TV set, your car dashboard, your cell phone, hand-held game machines and maybe even your microwave”

Perhaps a modern Notradamus or pre-modern Hal 2000.

To quote Carol Anne Freeling (Heather O’Rourke) in Poltergeist, “They’re Here” and they are not going away.

Social Media is a part of corporate infrastructure. Some have realized that and taken action accordingly, some are hesitant to take the plunge, while others believe it is a passing fad that will soon fall on its face. Is it innovative or just a more efficient way of communications and business operations? That is a burning question that we deal with on a daily basis.

If you are proud of something why not shout it out to the world. Now, we can take that phrase in a literal sense. I am proud of where I work, who I work with and how my part plays into the success of this organization. Why shouldn’t we share this and take advantage of the tools and technology at our disposal. Web 2.0 is fun, sexy, creative, engaging, addictive and a way to be a gamer in the non-gaming world.

Global expansion is not a new view on business operations. Jack Welsh, former CEO of General Electric coined the term “boundryless”. He believed that a successful professional is a global professional. General Electric developed a three year global Human Resource rotational program that allows a graduate associate to participate in a program that includes rotations through two or three business units and one global rotation. This program was developed almost twenty years ago. As products and services become more global in development, production, sales, and implementation, the web has become an invaluable tool for implementation, innovative change and evolution.

I have a journal. For those Gen-Y and Gen-Z and Gen-Waiting for 2012 to come and swallow the earth readers, that is an old school blog. It is a pen and paper version of thoughts and ideas encompassed with a personality and bit of flare. For many years, this has been my personal salvation. My escape from reality to a very personal side of my being. That being said, I have a blog as well (http://sonnisabyss.blogspot.com/) I am proud to say I have two dedicated readers that live vicariously through my well chosen anecdotes. Being willing to change does not mean you must give up your entire sense of value.

We are on the brink where there is a fine line between being great and being unemployed. Be visible, be unique, be creative, be bold, continuously improve, stay informed, continue evolving, train and re-train, get published, get noticed, stand above the rest, be a part of a community, make strong network connections, develop a new idea, embrace change, redefine yourself or develop a personal brand.

Raise of hands….Who has not heard someone say or personally used one of these catch phrases to define their current professional status? Believe it or not, they all ring true. We as professionals are a part of an unprecedented time in the midst of an expanding population boom. Numbers are growing incrementally yet opportunities are shrinking. The avenues of communication are growing and the voices coming from all directions but the ability to stand out is becoming slimmer. Do we cope? Do we dive? Do we maintain the status quo?

There is no right or wrong answer. The business world and its integration into the social framework will continue to evolve. Traditional relationships will remain a vital part of our being but the growing number of virtual contacts and interface will grow. Mobile media and technology are allowing us to interface in real time twenty four hours a day and make critical decisions and implementations faster than Speed Racer ever could have imagined.
Times will continue to change. There will be growing pains and there will be wonder.

I am embracing wonder. This week at the National Black MBA Conference in New Orleans, Hewitt will be introducing its Diversity SMS application and conducting a conference wide giveaway utilizing only the mobile technology. Last month, Twitter was used to promote career opportunities, key news feeds and align with Talent Acquisition professionals instantaneously, A Benefits and Health & Welfare Community site sponsored by Hewitt in four months has become the second largest Employee Benefits Interactive Community Site on Linkedin. A new Facebook fan site is being launched with expectations to grow the community globally and become an integral tool for clients, associates, vendors, alumni and candidates. January saw the launch of an Alumni Network Site that has grown to 3800 former associates offering news, featured alumni, career opportunities, and shared successes. A series of podcast and webcast interviews with industry leaders has been introduced. Virtual web interviews are being piloted as we speak for remote candidates. Associate speakers are being streamlined live through the internet for all associates and colleagues to view. These are just a tip of some of the initiatives that are leading us forward with the assistance of Social Media.

I believe in the future. I believe we have only tapped into a small portion of the potential these tools have to offer. To say I am excited about the possibilities would be a gross understatement.

I have often been asked by fellow colleagues that are in a career transition, “What can I do now?” Often I find myself telling them “Stay Focused and Get Noticed”. We all have talents and skills that make us stand apart. Utilize those talents and the web tools and create a personal brand that will help you stand out.

I was asked today why I use the title “Talent Acquisition” and not recruiter or sourcer? We don’t hire individuals or just meet headcount numbers. We are acquiring, training and harnessing a specific and unique set of skills to help build on the strength and success of our organization. The key to any company success is the talent. That talent must have the right skills, correct fit into the culture; have a desire to grow and a feeling of empowerment. We play a role in all in all stages.

http://www.twitter.com/markalex222

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Throughout my illustrious professional career I am proud to say that every company that I have ever supported is still actively a part of the business infrastructure including the mom and pop liquor store and movie theater that jetted me into the world of work for pay. Included in this mix are AT&T, Comcast Cable, United Defense, Darden Restaurents, Thomson Reuters and Hewitt Associates. Though times have changed, things have remained the same. Of course I am going to explain in further detail.

At Comcast we recorded a weekly phone message with all of our openings. You couldn’t screw up the 15 page script or you had to start all over again. I remember that was the first time I realized I hated my voice. Computers…we had two for the entire recruitment team. We had an annual anti-union meeting for all associates including signs and more file cabinets than staff.

Yet months prior I worked for Financial Royalty. The immortal and gold plated Goldman Sachs, the crown prince of Wall Street. Associates had suits that had their own insurance policies, limos would take you home after 8 PM to anywhere in the tri-state area, the trading floor made or broke fortunes and respect was not a term thrown around when you hit the 85th floor and stood in awe over the Mahagony table, 300 prominent partners, and monitors for every world market streaming live. Of course as I stood in awe, I got a hand shake and a very candid discussion from John Corzine. Enough said.

Venture to the Midwest and the hussle and bussle of money, deadlines and cut throat competition is disguided by hoe downs, tractors, touchy feeling team culture and just a more relaxed way of conducting business.

Now I work from home, in a virtual office, drinking my virtual coffee and admiring the virtual art on my virtual wall in front of my virtual computer.

We are evolving but have things changed. Our goals in Human Resources are to providing a conflict free setting open to free thought and creative ideas. We want to ensure the safety, security and wellness of our associates.

Technology may expand, cultures vary, paces differ but overall we still maintain the same ideals and beliefs that we had as we began our careers.

New York Observer in their inaugural issue of Observer Playground asked prominent New York City mothers what apps they use for their modern high tech mommy lifestyle. Author Jill Kargman, has the New York Times (www.nytimes.com) and Christies Auction House (www.christies.com) saved on her mobile partner. Kelly Killoren, co-start of The Real Housewives of New York City has ibowl (Bowling App), imoodphone, imaps and ishoptheworld in her Iphone. Designer Cynthia Rowley lives and dies with Surf Reports (an app that tells the range of waves all around the world) as her family are avid surfers. The value of technology does not have to diminish the value of the passions we have grown to love in our lives.

In the midst all of the hussle and bussle of innovation, recession, optimism and deep depression is Katie Visco (www.paveyourlane.com). This twenty-three year old on March 29, 2009 began a jog. A little different than our normal daily routine. Now 2000 miles in, Katie is trying to become the youngest female to ever run across the United States. Her goals are very simple:

Inspire, Empower, Make History, Fundraise/Promote

Inspire – People to find and follow their passions
Empower – Individuals to connect to what gives them life and pave their own lane to pursue it, while making a positive impact on the world
Make History – To become the youngest female to ever run across the United States and complete her personal dream
Fundraise/Promote – Girls on the Run, a worthy charity that empowers young girls through running.

During her journey Katie has had joiners, families that have offered their homes and meals, school and companies giving donations to help her cause and children and adults becoming inspired by her story.

By December this journey that began in Boston will end in San Diego a long way from home but a lifetime of memories.

Whether you are gainfully employed, unemployed, raising a family or losing faith in a life we have grown so comfortable with, don’t forget your dreams. I published a collection of poetry and photography last year and through its grass roots efforts a number of very talented professionals have sought advice on publishing. For many it was a dream that slipped through the cracks of reality and now as lifestyles change and decisions are re-evaluated, many are starting to wake up to a new reality.

Continue to harness your skills and continue to pursue training and education but take time to do that painting, write that book, go sky diving, see Europe, learn to jet sky, bye a sailboat and let the wind guide you or just lay on a deserted island for a week away from all modern comforts. Dream every day and don’t be afraid to make some of those dreams a reality.

Stay Connected…Build Your Personal Professional Community

Mark A. Leon, Talent Acquisition Specialist – Hewitt Associates

As a Talent Acquisition Specialist, it is critical to develop a strong community of trusted colleagues, friends and associates that can help build your circle of growth.

Each day we pledge to ourselves to Pay it Forward. I will help you and you will will in turn help another.

In the last two days I have help two young professionals find homes and the feeling of graditude is more than I can explain in words.

Whether the goals is to help your organization, a friend, a colleague or someone that cannot help themselves there is personal reward to be found.

I would like to stay connected and help others.

If you would like to join my community please link with me:

http://www.linkedin.com/profile?viewProfile=&key=8218011&locale=en_US&trk=tab_pro

The King is Dead!

By Mark A. Leon
Talent Acquisition Specialist – Hewitt Associates

Monarchy has taken a back seat to the New America.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of Survival

During the seventh inning stretch at Yankee Stadium on July 4th and the traditional singing of Irving Berlin’s tribute to America, a gentleman went to use the rest room. He was stopped by security and escorted out of the stadium for violating the unwritten Patriotism Act of New York. He of course sought legal council for emotional distress and one day later received 10,000 dollars and 12,000 to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). Of course there is a second side of the story citing rude behavior and profanity while in his seat but that is one for the legal gurus to figure out.

We live in a different time when we need to embrace a new principle of loyalty. It is no longer a loyalty to our employer, or our celebrity icons and for many even family. Do we embrace government? That is yet to be determined. What’s left…America; the new America.

With the re-opening of the Statue of Liberty, New York and the United States have made a dramatic statement to say to the world “we are no open for business; bring it on”

Patriotism has replaced iconic symbolism

The internet is the new medium of celebrity status.

Strike a pose and action….Now you too can become the next screaming Britney fan or the dancing hamster.
I decided to take a look at my online popularity by accounting for my top five communities. I am not even going to count Myspace. I managed to get on a lifeboat before the boat sank on that modern day Titanic. Here is my current count of friends, colleagues, fans, jealous chickens, Willy wannabee’s and Clingy Wingies.

386 – Twitter
732 – Linkedin
283 – Twitter
361 – Facebook
229 – Talentbar

For the Mensa math whiz who already figured this out without my assistance, I have 1991 online friends at my disposal. How ironic that with all these friends who has time for a life. While I am managing my work day, I have Lotus email, Sametime instant messaging, Gmail, Yahoo mail, Google IM, Yahoo IM, Facebook IM, Facebook mail, Linkedin Mail, and of course let us not forget the greatest of all communication weapons: text messaging. Often I wake up thinking that today just maybe my head will finally explode. Fortunately for my 1991 friends it has not.

As we watch the level of stress rise trying to maintain a relationship with every site and keeping our visibility head afloat are we stretching ourselves too thin or is this the new dynamic of American society.
As I sit at a stop light and tweet about the blackbird on the car next to me, I get a text saying “what’s up!” While I am replying “not much” I get a beep on my Crackberry. Yeah, new pictures of me tagged on Facebook. At this point the light turns green and I have to look forward to the next light before I can start the process all over again…or do I? A new survey reveals that 1 out of every 4 American drivers text while driving.

Has anyone noticed what is missing from our lives, people? We seek instant gratification with Flickr, Facebook and Myspace but this is two dimensional. We need people contact. I have a plan. It is a simple plan, almost too simple but it is fun and for some of you it can be made into a game.

Find an elderly friend
Find a humanitarian friend that does volunteer work
Find an athletic friend
Find a gay friend
Find a friend that makes you laugh

Think about it. Coach Jim Valvano in his final public speaking event at the ESPY Awards on March 3, 1993 as he was dying of cancer said these pivotal words that have always stuck with me:

“To me, there are three things we all should do every day. We should do this every day of our lives. Number one is laugh. You should laugh every day. Number two is think. You should spend some time in thought. Number three is, you should have your emotions moved to tears, could be happiness or joy. But think about it. If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that’s a full day. That’s a heck of a day. You do that seven days a week, you’re going to have something special.”

At this point I imagine you are wondering what this has to do with recruiting. The answer is everything.
We are the ambassadors of the new America. As an ambassador we have the most important role in the survival and rebirth of this nation. We collectively will be shaping the stabilization and growth of our economy and providing the foundations for families and generations to come.

We will source, select, groom and provide financial security to the talent that will drive us out of this rut and take us to new heights.

This is an exciting time for the sourcing and recruitment community. The importance and magnitude of our social responsibility cannot be determined in just metrics but the connections we make and the lives we mend and shape.

Rise to the throne and take the scepter. You are the new celebrities; the new icons; the new monarchy of America.

On April 28, 2009 Peter Griffith a young boy of 9 experienced extreme episodes of vomiting. After being hospitalized, he was diagnosed with a Medulloblastoma brain tumor. Today he is undergoing radiation treatment and his family and friends are praying for something much bigger than themselves.

This evening while attending an outdoor fund raising event, his best friend, draped out in his soccer uniform and carrying a wicker basket was raising money the help with the medical bills two dollars at a time. With that donation came a baby blue silicon bracelet bearing the words “Superpete”. I don’t know Pete and I barely know his story, but I had a glimpse into the unrelenting dedication of his family and friend through this little boy and the flyer that led me to his website. It is a story of courage and friendship but most importantly the will to smile and laugh. I cannot even pretend to guess how this story will end. An optimist sees a very happy ending and a pessimist just the opposite. Either way, I feel like I did what I can, even just for a moment to show a symbolic gesture of my support.

As I write this, my left hand bears the words “Superpete”.

Peter isn’t a victim. He isn’t looking for sympathy. He is looking for the chance to be a little boy with the same dreams and ambitions we all have. The key in any time of adversity is to never stop dreaming. Never stop believing.

“Without leaps of imagination, or dreaming, we lose the excitement of possibilities. Dreaming, after all, is a form of planning.” – Gloria Steinem

One of the biggest mistakes we make as adults is living in the immediate and not looking forward to the next step. We are in a global recession. Families are losing their homes, individuals they jobs and for many; hope.

Some economists predict a recovering is coming sooner than later. Others do not see the turn in the road. Do we know the answers? No. In fact, for the mass majority of global citizens, this is not something we have experienced in our lifetimes.

Generation X was supposed to be the first generation to generate more income than their parents. Finally evolution and intellect are reaping its reward but something happened along the way. Was it greed, mismanagement, selfishness, lack of planning, overpopulation or misguided principles that made us believe the magic kingdom was around the corner? There is no room for blame nor fault; there is only room for solutions.

The greatest potion for a cure is the human will to survive. We will survive and believe it or not we will be stronger. It may take one year, five years or even ten years but we will persevere.
Why am I so sure? The answer is very simple: community.

I am volunteering my services and expertise in a grass roots effort to assist others in resume preparation, interview training and personal brand strategy. It is my way to say thank you to everyone that has given me the opportunity to be where I am today. The great thing about what I am doing is that I am not alone.
Thousands around the world through their words, their professional expertise, their time and their money are helping out those that are in need of support right now.

The recruitment community is using the tools and time they have to keep our community together. All around the country networking events are being planned in cities and towns, people are volunteering with the free time they have, HR professionals are helping other HR professionals find careers and the community of recruiting and sourcing specialists are banding together to stand up to the recession and believe.

I don’t know that any of us when we were seven years old said “I want to be a recruiter when I grow up” but we did dream big. Whether it was a basketball player, actor or astronaut the one common element was that we wanted to be the best at what we did. Being the best isn’t always about talent but will.

Right now, I am seeing the recruitment community show such tremendous will. For all the Pete’s in the world I think we are following our dreams and seeing light through some dark times.

Thank you recruiters, sourcers and all human resources professionals around the world for showing the will to believe and for being the best they can be.

Friendship Without Borders – An Aon Experience

Work defines the characteristics of ethics, morals and performance. It establishes a means of setting a lifestyle and a sense of community. One of the most valuable and hidden assets of the workplace is the development and nurturing of bonds and friendships. This piece is not just about the establishment of bonds but the destruction of borders and the ability to open your eyes to the globalization of friendship.
Aon has established a culture of community and built it into a moral structure that has broken global barriers and provided deep personal connections throughout the world.

Let us begin the journey of how Aon has provided me with a Global Network of support.

Remember those brisk spring mornings with crystallized ice forming on the edge of the green leaves and the site of your breath flowing out of your mouth. The walk to school was a dreadful thought, but coming home to hours of playtime with your friends until the sun set and the darkness loomed with only the echoes of mother’s voices calling in their children to another night of homework and sleep made it worth the effort.

Life was simple then. Your friends lived only a few houses away and you all grew up together. That was my hometown; a town void of crime, pollution, and noise. Life was innocence wrapped in a Cherry Slurpie and Pop Rocks. We flipped baseball cards, built tree houses, played hide and seek and jumped on trampolines.
Then we grew up to a life of responsibility and reflection. Yet we never lost focus on the important things in our lives; our friendships. Today friendships have broken the barriers of tradition. No longer
dictated by similar backgrounds, religious beliefs and close proximity we are living in a time of broadened horizons.

Technology, communication and transportation have brought the planet closer than we ever could have dreamed as children.

Friends are found in the strangest places. We see them in the workplace, on the community softball team, at the diner, in the subway, online, in the neighborhood or across the ocean. Today friends bring a new perspective allowing us to break the barriers of prejudice and ignorance and open our eyes to the one common goal we all possess: personal happiness.

As a youth, we struggled so hard to fit in. Was I a jock, a geek, a basket case, or just in a constant state of confusion? For most of us, we found an identity but for some we are still evolving.
What makes a friend a friend? To me, a friend can make me laugh or cry, help me find clarity when confused, find solutions when problems arise and maintain the attributes of reliability, honesty, and support.

I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce you to a few of my friends, Thais, Fritz, Paul, Arjun, Ewa and Agnieszka. We all have one common connection, Aon but what I have learned from each of them is that we all love to live and all have a unique set of talents and skills that brings us a sense of completeness.

My Aon friends don’t live in the same neighborhood, same city, same state or even the same country. Thais lives in Brazil, Fritz the Philippines, Paul resides in Chicago, Arjun is our India representation and Ewa and Agnieszka call home Kraskow, Poland. Nearly 25,000 miles separates us from the ability to sit together for dinner but I can say for certainty that these are six amazing and unique individuals. Whether it is on a professional or personal level, each has shared part of their lives with me.

Thais spends her day developing marketing strategies from our Brazil office but loves her dog and three cats. She is often found walking her dog or spending time on the couch watching movies with them. She has a passion for Romero Britto art (http://www.britto.com/). If you haven’t seen his work, I highly recommend it. With roots in Treviso, Italy she never seizes her craving for pasta and chocolate.

Fritz is an energetic professional that loves to travel. In fact in the next three to five months he is planning excursions to Thailand, Singapore and other Asian nations. He loves photography but admits he isn’t really that good. While on travel you will find him snorkeling or dining at the local restaurants enjoying the delicacies of the area.

Paul can be summed up with the terms ambition and spirituality. He is one of our delivery specialists who is active in Toastmasters leadership and served as the Vice-President of Public Relations for the Hewitt Leadership Institute last year. When he is not in a continuous mode of learning and development you may find Paul riding his motorcycle or horseback riding. He is also involved in jet skiing and fantasy sports. Originally from Belarus, Paul brings a bit of Russian culture to our Midwest corporate headquarters.

Ewa is a very intelligent colleague and friend who possesses an MA in Indology and has a deep understanding of Hindi and Sanskrit. Her dream destination is New Zealand. Let’s wish her luck getting there soon. She loves metal and hard rock and has recently taken up Krav Maga (which combines the martial arts techniques of Maui Thai, Karate and Tae Kwon Do)

Agnieszka along with her beautiful name is an avid fan of photography and travel. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Geography and Tourism. She did her thesis on the National Geographic Society and an expedition organized by the foundation. She is pursuing an MA and studying American Studies as well.
Her favorite places in the world are Krakow (home), Paris and New York City whose streets will don her presence in the autumn.

Arjun is a little more difficult to talk about when we think of hobbies because he is rarely not working.
A true technology geek, Arjun is a spiritual and practical thinker; always looking for innovative ways to enhance current technology and develop new productive solutions. He is an active social volunteer for a non-profit socio-spiritual organization that works internationally to address issues of social concern (www.divyajyoti.org). By giving of himself and his time, Arjun is working diligently to provide handicapped individuals with means of becoming self-sufficient and contributing members of society and providing educational assistance to children that lack the funds and resources for proper education.

He has traveled through many regions of India including the higher Himalayan ranges and the Great Indian Dessert combining religion, spirituality and cultural awareness. He has also been seen in various parts of Western Europe and Hong Kong. When Arjun has a moment of downtime he loves building toy airplanes.

As I stand looking in the mirror, what do I see? To my left Chicago, to my right Poland, below Brazil and over my shoulder the Philippines and India.

My friends at Aon enjoy to travel, capture images in photography, listen to music, love their pets, play with gadgets and love food and family. Sound familiar. Each day I try to devote some time to learn something new that will keep me challenged and engaged. Through these colleagues I have learned to expand my understanding of global culture and explore new ways to continue to pursue happiness.