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The Best Benefits of Being a Solopreneur

solopreneur tips

A business owner who runs and works his or her own business is a powerful person, indeed. Solopreneurs are becoming more and more popular across the country. Individuals are jumping at the chance to claim the associated benefits for themselves.

So what’s so great about being a Solopreneur? Plenty!

Here are Just a Few of the Benefits:

Work as much as you want. Some careers don’t offer enough room for workaholics to grow. When you’re behind the wheel of your own business, you expend all that energy and enthusiasm for the good of your brand.

Keep all the profits. Once taxes are out of the way, you won’t have to share your money with anyone else. You’ll have no employee payroll, no greedy investors – just big opportunities for financial success.

Be in charge of all the hiring. Whether you need a seasonal contractor or temporary guidance from an advisor, you get to make all the decisions for yourself. You can be as selective as you like – without having to consult a committee.

Be able to run at maximum efficiency. When you’re the only one on your team, you’ll never have to guess whether your employees are performing up to par. Solopreneurs can experiment with automation and outsourcing to create the most streamlined business model possible.

benefits of a solopreneurFeel more fulfilled. Few things in life are as exciting as carving out a place in the world for your business. The risks and rewards are so much greater than the regular corporate grind. Solopreneurs have the opportunity to experience hard-earned success in a way most of us never will.

Be able to change at the drop of a hat. Solopreneurs can switch the course of the entire company with only themselves to consider. They can remodel the business and pivot with an agility that’s truly unbelievable.

Have a company that’s 100 percent yours. Making decisions can be overwhelming. For solopreneurs, it’s exhilarating. When you travel the business road alone, you’ll be able to decide every single detail.

Have whatever schedule you like. If you’re a night owl or early bird, you can work when you want to work. When you craft every detail of your company, you can choose how long to work to fit your life best.

Being a solopreneur is a challenge unlike any other, but the rewards can far exceed your expectations.

Additional Resources:

https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/251738
https://addicted2success.com/success-advice/9-exciting-advantages-of-being-a-solopreneur/

 

so-you-want-to-be-a-solopreneur-3

December Installment of Culinary Connections

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You are Cordially Invited to Attend the December Installment of Culinary Connections!

Join us December 1st as Culinary Connections celebrates the holidays. Culinary Connections is an exclusive networking event for professionals from all walks of business who are passionate about making the right connections over great wine and food. Take your networking skills to the next level and join us for a night full of connections, opportunities and fun.

No special skills required: just a love of great people, great wine and great food in a beautiful four star setting.

The Wine Cellar at The Highlawn Pavilion

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Join Chef Pascal as he creates some fabulous holiday fare. Then leave with the recipes so you can duplicate the same great dishes for your holiday entertaining!

The Wine Cellar, located on the lower level of Highlawn, is the perfect choice for those seeking a truly unique dining experience in the most private of settings. Built directly on top of “Eagle Rock” (the rock is the eastern wall of the room), there is nothing quite like it.

There is no finer place to celebrate the holidays. Highlawn Pavilion’s acclaimed cuisine, diverse wine program, sophisticated service, and incomparable ambiance set the stage for an unmistakably unique culinary adventure.

EVENT DETAILS:

Small Plates Dining, Hors d’oeuvres & Networking at The Wine Cellar at Highlawn Pavilion

WHEN: Thursday, December 1, 2016• 6:30-8:30pm
WHERE: The Wine Cellar, Highlawn Pavilion, Eagle Rock Reservation, West Orange, NJ 07052, www.highlawn.com.
DIRECTIONS: If using Google Maps Navigation, please use this address: 1 Crest Drive, West Orange, NJ 07052. If using traditional GPS, please use this address: 381 Eagle Rock Ave.,West Orange, NJ 07052.
COST: $99.00 per ticket

Due to the nature of this very special event, attendance will be capped at 40 attendees.

PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS NOW!


Tickets



With Special Thanks to Our Sponsors:

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Here’s What People Are Saying:

“Thank you for having me last Wednesday! I really enjoyed the culinary portion of the event as well as the networking.”
– Richard Sodeke, Media Sales Associate at Felix

“What a lovely evening last night.  I loved that we were standing in the kitchen  watching the handsome chef with his adorable French accent, cooking delicious food that we could eat immediately.  How often does one get that opportunity to see behind the scenes, other than on television where it sometimes seems scripted?  The event was beautiful, the location  was stunning, and the camaraderie in the room – priceless!”
– Eileen Berman, eileenbergman.com

“Great event last night, truly.  Thank you! When I hit the road and sat in the driving rain and traffic coming from Newark, I thought about how nice it would be to go home! Boy am I glad that I made the commitment to you (and to me) to come because I would have missed a wonderful time meeting great folks.”
– Lori Chapin, Attorney, Sedgwick, LLP

“Thank you for a great event! I adored your friends and clients.”
– Denise Gaffney, Area Development Manager, Etcetera; Regional VP, National Association of Professional Women

“The Restaurant Serenade installment of Culinary Connections was excellent – great food and wine as well as great new faces to share it with. I look forward to the next Culinary Connections event in April and joining the Course Connections group in the spring.”
– Marty Eide, Attorney, Markel Corporation

A Delicious Start to Culinary Connections

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The Power of Great Connections

First let me thank our Culinary Connections sponsors: Christal McElroy of EisnerAmper who was represented by Bret Boivin, (a GREAT new addition to our community); Karolina Dehnhard, Budd Larner; and Vince Egan, Benjamin Edwards. Our sponsors understand the power of making the right connections over great food, wine and conversation!

And many thanks to our wonderful team at The Park Avenue Club: Nicole Marucci, our event manager; Chef Arnold Kruck, who needs no introduction; and Greg Smith, PAC’s Executive Director. A perfect experience is their mission, and they never disappoint. Please feel free to contact me if you are thinking of having your next event here, and I will gladly make the introduction!

A special thanks goes to our photographer, Mahvash Saba of MahvashSabaPhoto.com. Mahvash is a Kodak International Award winner and does all of our events and headshots. She can do yours too! Her clients include organizations such as Leading Women Entrepreneurs and B.I.G, and her ability to capture the essence of a person or an event is remarkable. Hope you will have her photograph your next headshot, family portrait or event!

Great Friends & New Connectors!

And thanks to all of YOU who joined last Wednesday’s Culinary Connections! I have heard from many of our connectors that a lot of great connections were made! And we had some new connectors join us: Bret Boivin of EisnerAmper, Martha Samuel of Carlisle Collection, Maribeth Eckert of Amari Event Planning, Virginia Liberato of Restoration Hardware and Tricia Ott, CAP. Happy also to see Andrea Noyes of The Noyes Insurance Agency, Marj Manning of Morgan Stanley, Lori Chapin of Sedgwick LLP, Tami Pichardo of Elite Rhythms Entertainment, and Rich Robitaille, Berkeley College, all Connections returnees! What an amazing group of professionals and world-class networkers!

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Connectors at October’s Culinary Connections at The Park Avenue Club

Save the Date

Don’t forget to Save the Date for our next Culinary Connections event scheduled for Thursday, December 1st at The Wine Cellar at Highlawn Pavilion, where we will celebrate the holidays! This will be a sold out event, as I already have 10 spots filled. We will cap at 40 so please be sure to respond early to avoid disappointment.

We are always looking for sponsors for upcoming events. Please let me know if you are interested in sponsoring one or all of our upcoming Culinary Connections events!
A great way to get your name out there. Please contact me or call for more info!

Thank you again everyone. You are an awesome group and I am thrilled that you came. And please don’t forget to send me details on any great connections you have made!

Susan Ascher

 

 

 

HERE’S WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT CULINARY CONNECTIONS:

“Thanks for another great evening. I have been to all five of your Culinary Connections and what I love is how each one has its own personality based upon the venue and the folks who attend. At each event, I have made new connections that I know will be lasting ones; yet, at the same time, I reconnect with people that I am so grateful to see again. Last night’s intimate setting allowed me to connect with most of the room and still have meaningful conversations with those that I was looking forward to seeing again.”

CULINARY CONNECTIONS SPONSORS:

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Next Installment of The Mastermind for Masterminds

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— INTRODUCTORY SESSION —

Do You Feel Stuck and Need Inspiration for Your Career or Business?

Are You In Search of a Strong Peer Network of Trusted Colleagues?

If you answered YES, then we have the perfect solution – THE MASTERMIND FOR MASTERMINDS – a private meeting among dedicated business professionals looking to exchange honest feedback, help refine new ideas and concepts, and share insights and potential leads.

Event Details:

park avenue clubWHEN: Monday, November 14, 2016, 8:30-11:30 am

WHERE: The Park Avenue Club, 184 Park Avenue, Florham Park, NJ 07932

COST: ** Introductory Price ** $59.00 p/person; includes Breakfast

 

Reserve Your Spot Today!


Choose Tickets



Why Should You Attend?

  • You want to tap into the experience and skills of others!
  • You are “stuck” and need a new perspective which can come from brainstorming with the group!
  • You need to increase confidence in your decisions!
  • You need to validate that you are taking the right actions to achieve your goals!
  • You need or want to find an instant and valuable support network!
  • You want to find a sense of shared endeavor with others in the same position you find yourself in!
  • You need to find new ways to jump-start your business!
  • You want to boost to your everyday positive mental attitude!

Who Should Attend?

  • success-concept_gys2awwuSales Consultants
  • Realtors
  • Accountants
  • Lawyers
  • Small business owners
  • Consultants
  • Fund Raisers
  • YOU
  • And anyone responsible for driving their business!

And MOST IMPORTANTLY, WHAT will you take away from The Mastermind for Masterminds?

  • New connections with a supportive team of Mastermind partners
  • Relationships with like-minded professionals who want to MEET or EXCEED their goals
  • New ideas for REAL CHANGE to get you where you need to be
  • Elevating your passion for life and work to overcome the fears that are holding you back

The Mastermind for Masterminds isn’t creating just another business network, we’re building a community of professionals dedicated to helping one another overcome obstacles and achieve greater success.

Join Us Today!

Join Our Private Mastermind Group Meeting

mastermind-for-masterminds

Are You In Search of a Strong Peer Network of Trusted Colleagues?

Do You Feel Stuck and Need Inspiration for Your Career or Business?

If you answered YES, then we have the perfect solution – THE MASTERMIND FOR MASTERMINDS – a private meeting among dedicated business professionals looking to exchange honest feedback, help refine new ideas and concepts, and share insights and potential leads.

Event Details:

WHEN: Monday, October 17, 2016, 8:30-11:30 am

WHERE: The Park Avenue Club, 184 Park Avenue, Florham Park, NJ 07932

COST: $59.00 p/person; includes Breakfast

Reserve Your Spot Today!


Choose Tickets



Why Should You Attend?

  • You want to tap into the experience and skills of others!
  • You are “stuck” and need a new perspective which can come from brainstorming with the group!
  • You need to increase confidence in your decisions!
  • You need to validate that you are taking the right actions to achieve your goals!
  • You need or want to find an instant and valuable support network!
  • You want to find a sense of shared endeavor with others in the same position you find yourself in!
  • You need to find new ways to jump-start your business!
  • You want to boost to your everyday positive mental attitude!

Who Should Attend?

  • Sales Consultants
  • Realtors
  • Accountants
  • Lawyers
  • Small business owners
  • Consultants
  • Fund Raisers
  • YOU
  • And anyone responsible for driving their business!

And MOST IMPORTANTLY, WHAT will you take away from The Mastermind for Masterminds?

  • New connections with a supportive team of Mastermind partners
  • Relationships with like-minded professionals who want to MEET or EXCEED their goals
  • New ideas for REAL CHANGE to get you where you need to be
  • Elevating your passion for life and work to overcome the fears that are holding you back

The Mastermind for Masterminds isn’t creating just another business network, we’re building a community of professionals dedicated to helping one another overcome obstacles and achieve greater success.

Join Us Today!

 

Culinary Connections is Back!

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You are Cordially Invited to Attend the First in Our Four-Part Series of Culinary Connections!

Culinary Connections is an exclusive networking event for professionals from all walks of business who are passionate about making the right connections over great wine and food. Take your networking skills to the next level and join us for a night full of connections, opportunities and fun.

No special skills required: just a love of great people, great wine and great food in a beautiful four star setting.

Park Avenue Club

park avenue clubThe Park Avenue Club’s incredible team of professionals are completely dedicated to elegantly extending all of the comforts and desires one would need or want in any of its private dining rooms.

The Park Avenue Club’s Executive Chef, Arnold Kruck, and his talented team take creative food concepts and turn them into exquisite gastronomical masterpieces.

The Club’s Food & Beverage Manager and on-staff Sommelier work creatively together to continuously bring the best in the way of wine, imaginative cocktails and service.

EVENT DETAILS:

Small Plates Dining & Networking at The Park Avenue Club

WHEN: Wednesday, October 26, 2016 • 6:30-8:30pm
WHERE: Park Avenue Club, 184 Park Ave, Florham Park, NJ 07932, www.parkavenueclub.com
COST: $99.00 per ticket

Due to the nature of this very special event, attendance will be capped at 40 attendees.


Tickets



culinary-connections-cuisine

With Special Thanks to Our Sponsors:

course-connections-sponsors-9-27-16

Here’s What People Are Saying:

“Thank you for having me last Wednesday! I really enjoyed the culinary portion of the event as well as the networking.”
– Richard Sodeke, Media Sales Associate at Felix

“What a lovely evening last night.  I loved that we were standing in the kitchen  watching the handsome chef with his adorable French accent, cooking delicious food that we could eat immediately.  How often does one get that opportunity to see behind the scenes, other than on television where it sometimes seems scripted?  The event was beautiful, the location  was stunning, and the camaraderie in the room – priceless!”
– Eileen Berman, eileenbergman.com

“Great event last night, truly.  Thank you! When I hit the road and sat in the driving rain and traffic coming from Newark, I thought about how nice it would be to go home! Boy am I glad that I made the commitment to you (and to me) to come because I would have missed a wonderful time meeting great folks.”
– Lori Chapin, Attorney, Sedgwick, LLP

“Thank you for a great event! I adored your friends and clients.”
– Denise Gaffney, Area Development Manager, Etcetera; Regional VP, National Association of Professional Women

“The Restaurant Serenade installment of Culinary Connections was excellent – great food and wine as well as great new faces to share it with. I look forward to the next Culinary Connections event in April and joining the Course Connections group in the spring.”
– Marty Eide, Attorney, Markel Corporation

World-Class Networkers at Course Connections

course-connections

Many Great Connections Were Made at September’s Course Connections!

First let me thank our Course Connections sponsors, Christal McElroy of EisnerAmper, Karolina Dehnhard, Budd Larner, and Vince Egan, Benjamin Edwards who understand the power of making the right connections on the golf course!

And many thanks to our wonderful pro, Joe Haggerty. Joe is a great pro, and feel free to contact him if you want to continue with private lessons with him!

GREAT FRIENDS & NEW ASSOCIATES

And thanks to all of YOU for joining last Thursday’s Course Connections! I have heard from many of you that a lot of great connections were made!

And we had quite a few new connectors join us: Gary Shor, AEPG Wealth Strategies, Rebecca Golembiski, Ameriprise Financial, Andrea Noyes, Noyes Insurance Agency, Gerry Jacob, Investors Bank, Tracy Tyler, Strategies for Success, Jean Oursler, The Business Growth Company, Rosanne DeTorres, DeTorres and DeGeorge Family Law and Sharon Kornstein, Image Design Consulting.

What an amazing group of professionals and world-class networkers!

PHOTOS FROM COURSE CONNECTIONS:

SAVE THE DATES

Finally, please Save the Dates  for the first two of four Culinary Connections events. Wednesday October 26th  we will be at the private, very elegant Park Avenue Club in Florham Park, where Chef Arnold will celebrate autumn with small plates, and Thursday December 1st we are in The Wine Cellar at Highlawn Pavilion where we will celebrate the holidays!

We are always looking for sponsors for upcoming events. Please let me know if you are interested in sponsoring one or all of our upcoming Culinary Connections events! A great way to get your name out there. Please email or call me for more info!

Thank you again everyone. You are an awesome group and I am thrilled that you came. And please don’t forget to send me details on any great connections you have made at Course Connections this summer!

I look forward to seeing you soon!

Susan Ascher

 

 

 

HERE’S WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT COURSE CONNECTIONS:

“Such a beautiful evening! Susan is the perfect host. I can see why she is such a successful life and work coach!!”

“Thank you so much Susan Ascher. Course Connections was so fabulous! I loved the golf lesson and golfing and meeting so many wonderful, accomplished people for the networking cocktail party afterwards. You are amazing at bringing people together.”

“I am so glad I attended this wonderful event. Not only did I get to play golf but I got to meet some amazing and accomplished people. I can’t wait for the next one!”

COURSE CONNECTIONS SPONSORS:

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Making Great Connections at July’s Course Connections

Golf EventJuly’s COURSE CONNECTIONS Was A Great Networking Success!!

CLICK HERE for full details on September’s COURSE CONNECTIONS.

A special thank you to our sponsors, Karolina Dehnhard of Budd Larner, Vince Egan of Benjamin F. Edwards and Joan D’Uva and Christal McElroy of EisnerAmper for making this wonderful event another success! Your sponsorship helps others learn the value of COURSE CONNECTIONS!!!!

Thanks to the following people who joined us:

Karolina Dehnhard, www.buddlarner.com
Christal McElroy, www.eisneramper.com
Joan D’Uva, www.eisneramper.com
Vince Egan, www.benjaminfedwards.com
Robin Wilkins Toombs, www.bootup.us
Dr. Richard Robitaille, www.berkeleycollege.edu
Tami Pichardo, www.berkeleycollege.edu
Adam Toombs, www.worldwidejetcharter.com
Krystal Barker, www.goldmansachs.com
Donna Fillweber, www.nerium.com
Donna Miller, www.c3workplace.com
Mahvash Saba    [email protected]

NEW FRIENDS & ASSOCIATES

20160721_210253From the feedback I have received so far, a lot of great connections were made! And we had two new connectors join us, Krystal Barker of Goldman Sachs and Donna Miller of C3Workplace! Thanks for joining in Krystal and Donna!

We are always looking for sponsors for upcoming events. Please let me know if you are interested in sponsoring our final COURSE CONNECTIONS of the season on September 22nd, or one of our upcoming highly-acclaimed CULINARY CONNECTIONS events, which are now being scheduled!

Our next COURSE CONNECTIONS is scheduled for THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22ND! CLICK HERE for full details.

View a Collection of Past Images:

Photo credit:  Saba Fine Art Photography

I look forward to seeing you in September!

Susan Ascher

HERE’S WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT COURSE CONNECTIONS:

“Such a beautiful evening! Susan is the perfect host. I can see why she is such a successful life and work coach!!”

“Thank you so much Susan Ascher. Course Connections was so fabulous! I loved the golf lesson and golfing and meeting so many wonderful, accomplished people for the networking cocktail party afterwards. You are amazing at bringing people together.”

“I am so glad I attended this wonderful event. Not only did I get to play golf but I got to meet some amazing and accomplished people. I can’t wait for the next one!”

COURSE CONNECTIONS SPONSORS:

course connections sponsor logos

5 Ways to Stay Relevant in the Modern Business World

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In this day and age, change is the only certainty.

Whether you’ve been in your career for the last 20 years or you’re just starting out, you simply can’t take a passive approach anymore. If you’re not building your personal brand and adding value to your organization, you’re at risk.

Instead of growing increasingly concerned with the unfairness of the modern job market, I highly suggest embracing it. The modern business world is an exciting place that’s built on opportunity and not complacency. For those willing to put themselves out there, jobs can offer a great deal of reward. If you’re concerned about relevancy, use these tips to stay competitive:

  1. Spend 5-10 hours a week learning something new. Everyone needs to embrace the idea that learning is perpetual. If you don’t keep learning, you’ll quickly fall behind. You don’t have to take on a major undertaking like learning a new language or earning a new degree. Find something that will help your career over the short term. Take a short course on technology or sign up for an advanced training seminar.
  1. Network, network, network. Who you know is incredibly important. Many people cringe when they hear the word “network” because they think it means selling yourself in an uncomfortable professional environment. That’s only one form of networking. Volunteer somewhere or talk to people in stores. You can network wherever you spend time, and you may discover your next career opportunity in doing so. Try joining a public speaking group or another leader-guided activity to get your feet wet and learn a new skill at the same time.
  1. Look at strategic business goals from your perspective. Today, businesses are breaking down departmental barriers in favor of collaboration and constant innovation. Your role gives you a unique perspective. How does what you do add value to customers or clients? What do you do that adds to the bottom line, directly or indirectly? If you’re adding value, you’re indispensable. Continually look for ways to contribute to the bottom line.
  1. change-948005_1280Dress the part. Appearances do matter. If you dress in trends from the past or fail to take grooming seriously, colleagues and clients will form snap judgments about you. However, if you have a particular style, own it. Confidence often matters more than dressing on point. Stand up straight, speak clearly, and show your enthusiasm (even if you’re bored to tears).
  1. Stay current. Regardless of your age, business is always about the present and future. Remove preconceived notions about how you think things should be, and maintain an awareness for current trends and interests. You may not understand Instagram, but it’s a relevant business tool today. You want to come across as someone who knows how to succeed, not someone hanging on to an old way of life.

Technology plays a major role in today’s workplace, as do philosophies of collaboration and flexibility. If you understand the factors changing the business world, you can easily adjust your approach to match them.

You have complete control over your relevancy in today’s business world, and the only truly wrong approach is to remain disengaged.

Additional Resources:

 

LOOKING FOR MORE ON STAYING RELEVANT IN THE MODERN TECH AGE?

CLICK HERE FOR MY BOOK – Dude, Seriously, Get Your ASK in Gear! Lead, ASK, Succeed.

Netiquette 101: Your Guide to Online Etiquette

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Everyone needs to understand the basic rules of online communication for professionals

Even if you don’t engage online for work, anything you say or do in the court of online media can be held against you. If you want fair treatment from others and to build your personal brand, you need to understand netiquette.

Communication

Online, communication is currency in many ways. The way you write, post, and express yourself can either give you leverage or take it away. Remember these communication rules:

  •  Never send a generic message for a social media request or an email. Readers can spot “template” communication a mile away, and it diminishes your credibility as a professional.
  • Don’t get too personal. Many people use the internet as their own personal soapbox. Unless your political and religious viewpoints and your snarky attitude are fundamentally part of your brand, don’t post them. Keep your personal life and opinions offline.
  • Double check for clarity and tone. Online, we can’t place the same inflections we do in verbal communication. Always read over your words for grammar, spelling, understandability, and tone.
  •  Respond. Any forum that encourages back and forth communication deserves your regular attention. If someone comments on your blog, a social media post, or an email, take the time to send some form of communication back—even if it’s just an acknowledgement.
  • Avoid engaging in public arguments. If you disagree with someone, take the conversation to a more private setting. Some people enjoy arguing online, but they’ll only make you look bad as a professional. Respect what people have to say in open forums—even if you don’t agree with it.

Posting and Sharing Content

If you post online content, use these guidelines:

  • share-1039041_640Cater your content to the space. The way we communicate on Twitter isn’t the same way we communicate in emails. Make sure your content matches the vibe of the domain. Follow all the rules of third party sites.
  • Give credit where credit is due. If you quote someone, or repost their work, make sure you have the right to do so. Doing so is a common courtesy, but it will also protect you from copyright infringement. Not all content online is free to use as you please.
  • Protect your work. If you post an original piece, take steps to reduce the risk of plagiarism. All original content is protected under copyright law, even if the content doesn’t have the © symbol. To reduce the risks, register your website with the DMCA and post a copyright notice on your pages.
  • Tag others carefully. Social media gives users the power to tag others in pictures, videos, and posts. The content you tag will make a statement about the person you tag. To stay on the safe side, always ask someone before you upload or post a picture of him or her online.

The internet enhances communication in many ways, but it can also backfire on people. To protect your personal brand and your professional life, consider how a boss, colleague, or client might perceive the material.

Additional resources:

 

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT COMMUNICATING IN THE DIGITAL AGE?

CLICK HERE FOR MY BOOK: Dude, Seriously, It’s Not All About You!