Open discussions

This discussion page is open to the public.  Ask questions about 40Plus or add any comment.

33 Responses to “Open discussions”

  1. John Deupree Says:
    January 7, 2008 at 11:45 pm | Reply

    I hope this blog takes off. It is an easy way for currently active members and formerly active members to share information, questions, and initiate discussions. I am a new member and value interaction with others as the highest priority for my participation in 40 Plus. I run other blogs and know that they rise and fall on the basis of critical mass. Please check this out at least twice a week.

    John Deupree

  2. 40plusdc Says:
    January 8, 2008 at 12:26 am | Reply

    Thanks John. We appreciate the support you’ve provided to get this off the ground.

  3. Dorine Andrews Says:
    January 9, 2008 at 9:35 pm | Reply

    It’s good to see you have started this blog. I left 40Plus almost six years ago after I earned my doctorate at 52. Now, after four years of teaching and two more years as a principal change management consultant, I’m semi-retired writing a novel of my six month sailing adventure twenty years ago. I miss the interaction of working with others and will be back on the job seen soon. Also, back to the east coast soon. Right now, my husband and I are in Memphis — to see what how I’m surviving or not, check out my blog http://memphisdiary.blogspot.com.

  4. Nancy Bulger Says:
    January 10, 2008 at 4:05 am | Reply

    I saw this new blog site in the making. It’s a feat that will bring us all together and get to know each other and be helpful to each other as well. Congratulations to all who put it together. I will be watching daily and hope to contribute!

  5. Dave Says:
    January 30, 2008 at 1:51 pm | Reply

    Have there been 100 comments yet?

  6. 40plusdc Says:
    January 30, 2008 at 3:58 pm | Reply

    No Dave, not yet. Your comment put us at about 22. But you did make a visit that put us over the 1,000 mark for total visits — a good start for the first month.

  7. Andy Says:
    March 10, 2008 at 10:43 pm | Reply

    I placed a bit of information on the Wikipedia about 40Plus. You can find it by going to wikipedia.com and entering 40plus in the box at the left or just click on this link http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/40Plus

    It is important that a few people edit the piece so that the people who work monitor wikipedia see that it is an organization of national interest. It is also important to cite as much of what is written in the wiki as possible or the whole entry could be removed.

    So please log on and help edit the 40Plus entry, keeping in mind that it needs to appear unbiased and meet the following other standards of notability:

    Organizations are usually notable if the scope of activities are national or international in scale and information can be verified by sources that are reliable and independent of the organization. In other words, they satisfy the primary criterion above. Other criteria are:

    * Individual chapters of national and international organizations are usually not notable enough to warrant a separate article unless sufficient notability is established through reliable sources. However, chapter information may be included in list articles as long as only verifiable information is included.
    * Organizations whose activities are local in scope are usually not notable unless verifiable information from reliable independent sources can be found.
    * The organization’s longevity, size of membership, or major achievements, or other factors specific to the organization may be considered. This list is not exhaustive and not conclusive.
    o Even though the parent organization may be notable, individual chapters of national and international organizations may not be notable enough to warrant a separate article.
    o Local chapter articles should start as a section of the parent organization article. If the parent article grows to the point where it may be split to a new article, and notability can be demonstrated using the general notability guideline, then it can be split. This should occur as a top down process.

  8. Rebecca Cusic Says:
    April 5, 2008 at 7:28 am | Reply

    I will not be able to attend this Monday’s event (April 7,2008) but want/need to as I’ve re-entered the job market one month ago. What are some ways I might be able to learn from the highlights/major points from that event? Is there a summary posted somewhere, is it video-taped, etc.? There was a similar question raised at last Monday’s presentation – how can those who miss an event, not miss out at least on some of the basic information shared?

    Being there can never be replaced of course, and I would be most pleased to meet up with anyone who attended. socializing and networkingbut one of the main reasons I joined 40plus (second time). Thanks!

  9. 40plusdc Says:
    April 5, 2008 at 3:14 pm | Reply

    Videotape copies of most of the Monday morning speakers are available for members to view in the office. This Monday we’ll be discussing resumes, developing success bites, and networking (all core themes in the 40Plus training). Sometimes a speaker will give us permission to upload their handouts on this blog, and we do so when possible.

    Let us know if you have a specific question, and we’ll do our best to answer it.

    Come by any Monday morning; you’re always welcome.

  10. Bob Guldin Says:
    May 15, 2008 at 4:03 pm | Reply

    40Plus is now a member agency of United Way of the National Capital Area.
    We got our notice May 7 that United Way has accepted our application. So if anyone is donating or thinking of donating to United Way, you can send part or all of your money to 40Plus by including our “agency designation code,” which is 9349.

    BTW, we used to be a member agency for several years, but because of inaction our membership lapsed for a while. But we’re back!

    Bob Guldin

  11. FribiaTailurl Says:
    November 8, 2008 at 6:24 pm | Reply

    Interesting place :) Like it.

  12. joel811 Says:
    November 12, 2008 at 12:34 pm | Reply

    We are gald you liked it. Come back often.

  13. Alan Burke Says:
    November 12, 2008 at 1:12 pm | Reply

    On Monday I gave information about where to find Federal job information that was confusing. The normal job search site is USAJOBS; however, you can find much good information about Federal jobs on the USA.gov site although you have to drill down a bit . . .

    Click on Jobs and Education,
    FWIW, I like to use the one of these older forms, OF-612 to help me prepare my application. I don’t submit the form because they expect a Federal resume, and much of the information is now submitted online. However, the OF-612 is useful to learn what information they are looking for, and prepare your responses. I use my PSRs as opposed to paragraph format, and I attained a job that way. I also like to submit as a separate attachment a table. On one side under Your Requirements, I list the KSAs, and on the other side My qualifications with my PSRs.
    Keep in mind that you don’t have to cut and past your resume. You can submit it as an attachment.

  14. Alan Burke Says:
    November 12, 2008 at 1:16 pm | Reply

    Correction:

    I left out the address, and one of the drill down steps.
    Click on Government Jobs
    Click on Jobs and Education,

    Address: http://www.usa.gov/Citizen/Topics/Work_for_the_Government.shtml

  15. 40plusdc Says:
    November 12, 2008 at 1:28 pm | Reply

    Thanks for the info Alan. I’ve added the URL to our blogroll list under Gov’t Jobs Info and changed the name of the other to Gov’t Jobs Application

  16. Dennis R. Cherne Says:
    January 25, 2009 at 1:40 pm | Reply

    Great Job on Blog and website. We are trying to get the Wisconsin 40 plus reengergized. I have the current information written below. The board and exective directors have recently been changed. Our group has been around since the mid 1970’s

    Dennis R. Cherne
    President 40Plus South eastern Wisconsin

    40+ of Southeastern Wisconsin
    Milwaukee, WI 53223

    414-840-0792

    http://www.40pluswi.org

    e-mail: 40pluswi@gmail.com

    Dennis R. Cherne

    President 40 Plus

  17. 40plusdc Says:
    February 7, 2009 at 7:44 am | Reply

    Thanks for checking in Dennis. Sorry I didn’t get this posted sooner. For some reason, your note was dumped in the spam folder. Best of luck with 40Plus in Wisconsin.

    • Dennis R. Cherne Says:
      April 23, 2009 at 10:45 pm | Reply

      Unemployment in the mid-west continues at a pace faster than most people have ever seen.
      40plus Wi is developing teams of volunteers that are struggling to help the large numbers. This current business change is non-discriminatory. One area we struggle with is; helping people use technology to increase their network size. Contrary to popular belief we have found many young people (under 40) with very little technology skills.

      What are other groups seeing?

      Dennis

  18. 40plusdc Says:
    April 24, 2009 at 4:46 am | Reply

    In the past year, we’ve made an aggressive move to embrace web 2.0 technology and share that knowledge with our membership. In addition to the blog, we’ve set up an affinity group on LinkedIn, which I invite you and any of your members to join. And, we are now posting on Twitter. You can check it out by signing on as a follower. What we’ve learned is that online social marketing is an indispensible networking tool today for job seekers. But it takes patience and persistence to learn how to use it well.

    Good luck.

  19. Socrates & Cassandra Says:
    May 20, 2009 at 3:50 pm | Reply

    Hi:

    I prepared two PowerPoint presentations dealing with age discrimination.

    While I hope to present them at a 40plusDC event, I would be glad to send them to anyone who asks.

    Ethan

    Ethansb@maxlaw.us

  20. Ann Finch Says:
    June 11, 2009 at 7:25 am | Reply

    Great group, great site, great blog! Looking forward to my second meeting on Monday!
    Is there a 40plusDC group on LinkedIn?

  21. dvheffernan Says:
    June 11, 2009 at 7:59 am | Reply

    Hi Ann,

    Thanks for the kind words. There is indeed a 40Plus affinity group on LinkedIn, which all interested parties are welcome to join.

  22. Dick Davies Says:
    June 30, 2009 at 2:11 pm | Reply

    Web 2.0 in Three Paragraphs

    Kent Hammer, CEO of HammerConsulting.net, a hot sales improvement outfit, asked for a short (3 paragraph) piece on how Sales Professionals can best use Web 2.0 without having it consuming all their waking hours for the current issue of “The Hammer Letter.”

    LinkedIn (free version) is your personal website. Trick it out with photo, customized url, and any websites and collateral you want prospects to know. Break the default “resume” format to something that is interesting for your prospects (They really don’t want to start with your “title and company.” They want what you can do for them!). Change the “what are you up to?” box every week so all your links get a weekly email that shows what you are doing for others.

    The number of links are your power. When I saw that the real father of the Internet, Vint Cerf, has over 500 links, it was time to take action! The purpose of links is not showing off. They are very useful. Here’s an example: Recently, when the CEO of a federal contractor wanted to team with a software company that does neither online nor federal, he was repeatedly told the company had no interest. It took me three minutes to find the person in the company with the LinkedIn page that said “New Markets, New Products” and put the company in play. Our contact was a friend of a friend I had never met, but he was thrilled to get on our team.

    Groups – For outbound credibility, I join groups that interest me and make a point of either starting or commenting on two discussions a week. I offer something useful to others and am amazed at the stream of people who check me out and identify themselves as wanting to buy something. This post is an example.

  23. dvheffernan Says:
    July 20, 2009 at 7:07 am | Reply

    Thanks for the post Dick. This is great info for all job seekers and LinkedIn users.

  24. Dick Davies Says:
    July 21, 2009 at 5:34 pm | Reply

    Planphoria Introduces Boost Tools at CMTH Technology Showcase August 11

    Planphoria has been selected to present our Planphoria Boost Suite at the Emerging Technology Showcase, presented by The Capital Management Technology Hub, August 11, 6:30 pm at Brio Tuscan Grill, Tysons Corner Mall, Northern Virginia.

    Planphoria Boost Suite is automated management tools that simplify and improve core business processes by leveraging Web 2.0 technology. Boost Tools are already producing breakthroughs for customers, allowing them to automate core processes including sales management, proposal development, project management, earned value management, and CMMI implementation.

    The Capital Management Technology Hub Emerging Technology Showcase features brief presentations from four emerging technology companies and a chance to meet with the principals of each company. Coordinates are: August 11, 6:30 pm, at Brio Tuscan Grill, Tysons Corner Mall. The event is free, pay for your own drinks and meal.

    Space is limited, so you must reserve to attend. Please email Dov Gorman at gormand@cox.net with the names and affiliations of your party.

    We appreciate your supporting us at this event.

    See what’s new!

    See you there!

  25. dvheffernan Says:
    July 29, 2009 at 10:16 am | Reply

    For those who may be wondering, Dick has been a Monday morning presenter at 40Plus. The event looks like a good networking opportunity for anyone interested in emerging technologies.

  26. Dick Davies Says:
    August 11, 2009 at 1:01 pm | Reply

    Three Ways You Can Craft Better “Thank You” Letters

    “Thank you” to Kent Hammer http://www.hammerconsulting.net for requesting this post for his most recent “Hammer Letter,” short posts showcasing positive ideas.

    Many of the “Thank You” letters I get are a waste of time, occasionally an embarrassment. That’s sad, because executed correctly, a “Thank You” letter can have relationship-changing impact.

    Three ways to increase the value to the recipient:

    Best is if you can send something that was requested in the meeting.

    Next best is to confirm something requested that you will be providing, including when you expect to ship.

    Third is to forward some information from a third party that will interest the receiver.

    As an example, I was in a meeting yesterday when my client said their biggest need was teaching the troops to sell up in their own organization. Today, I saw a wonderful post from Seth Godin on
    “Best new way to make an internal sale” – http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2009/07/best-new-way-to-make-an-internal-sale.html

    I forwarded it, mentioning their interest, and established I was both a maven and listening to the them.

    Comments?

  27. Dick Davies Says:
    August 20, 2009 at 9:32 am | Reply

    New Leadership Blog, “Through The Browser”

    Set up a new blog yesterday for some of my favorite leadership posts, including:

    “Moments of Truth – New Strategies for Today’s Customer Driven Economy,”

    “Quotes from Dune – Frank Herbert on Leadership”

    “Word Pictures – Phrases That Lit The Bulb!”

    Now collecting your comments!

    Visit Through The Browser and comment at http://throughthebrowser.blogspot.com

    Subscribe by RSS.

    Thank you,

  28. Dick Davies Says:
    October 8, 2009 at 1:35 pm | Reply

    Web Video In Three Stories

    Video is a most compelling tool for communicating on the web. Here are three stories that molded my understanding of video.

    First Story
    Twenty years ago I bought a video camera and and small playback television to videotape participants in a sales class. The first time we did it, they learned more watching themselves than they had ever learned through feedback. And there was nothing for the teacher to do, since they were getting better instruction, that they liked and understood, and changing their behavior faster without me. That hurt for a minute…

    http://throughthebrowser.blogspot.com/2009/10/web-video-in-three-stories.html

  29. Dick Davies Says:
    October 16, 2009 at 12:54 pm | Reply

    Please Welcome http://www.DickDavies.com

    If you’ve ever thought of setting up a free Google Apps website using Web 2.0 tools, read this! http://throughthebrowser.blogspot.com/2009/10/please-welcome-wwwdickdaviescom.html

  30. Kevin Kelley Says:
    October 23, 2009 at 9:56 am | Reply

    This is to recommend the following 10/20 Wall Street Journal article for several search “jump start” strategies:

    http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704500604574483430441125284.html

    Hope it helps you!

  31. joel811 Says:
    November 11, 2009 at 7:43 pm | Reply

    Right on, the Journal is a great source of career ideas.

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