Social media has been more of a reliable resource for finding prospects, jobs, new talent, and partners than ever before. One of the most popular social networking sites in the year of 2020 is LinkedIn: a social networking site when it comes to online “business networking.” Did you know that LinkedIn has actually been around longer than Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, and Instagram? But it is more relevant now than ever. 

You are probably wondering to yourself, “is it important to have a LinkedIn profile?” The answer is, yes. Why? According to Topresume.com, “LinkedIn hosts more than 500 million professional profiles, which means nearly an unlimited supply of network connections and job opportunities. From seeking a new job to maintaining your personal brand, LinkedIn is an important part of being a full-fledged professional in any industry these days.” Your profile gives you the ability to showcase your expertise, connections, skills and achievements.

Learn how to build a professional and better LinkedIn profile with the few tips below.

Profile Picture: The quality of your LinkedIn profile picture is very important. Your picture is a key element of your LinkedIn presence. According to Lydia Abbot, the Blog Editor and Contest Marketer at LinkedIn, research showed that just having a picture makes your profile (14) fourteen times more likely to be viewed by others. 

Get someone such as a friend or family member to take your photo – do not take a selfie. Make your pose simple, put the focus on your face, look friendly and stick to your office wardrobe (there’s no need to dress up unnecessarily). Standard office clothes will do. The only exception to this rule is for casual work environments), and do not over edit your picture. Try to avoid small, low-resolution images and your ideal size is 400 x 400 pixels. For more tips to have a better LinkedIn profile picture, click here. 

Write an Interesting Headline and Summary: LinkedIn data shows that you only have (5) five to (10) ten seconds to impress a potential employer online and one of the very first things they see is your headline. Your headline should answer the question, “Why should I stop and click on this profile?” Have a specific header such as highlight your unique value proposition. The more detailed your headline is, the better. 

Think of your summary as a cover letter - as it is supposed to give people a better sense of who you are. Show off your personality, keep it short by removing superlatives and write in an active voice, and have a pitch: elaborate on your passions, skills and unique story. Click herefor more tips to making a better LinkedIn profile summary.

Customizing Your URL: Your LinkedIn profile URL is important because it enhances your personal brand, control how you appear when people search for you online, use the URL on your resume and on personal business cards. Click here for directions of how to change your public profile URL.

These tips will help you make a better profile. It will wow your future connections and grow your influence on LinkedIn. What are your tips to making a LinkedIn profile desirable and interesting? Write your tips or advice below to help other readers with their profile.

Also, do not forget to download the LinkedIn Mobile App on your electronic device or devices.

By Becky Kane—Doist via Fast Company

Becky Kane writes, "According to his LinkedIn profile, Rick Galan has been the head of digital marketing at Qualtrics — an experience research and analytics software company headquartered in Utah and Seattle — for the last three years and seven months. On paper, he certainly looked successful. Yet here he was with a to-do list so out of control that he had decided to just give up and start fresh."

READ MORE HERE

A question was submitted to NYCPA:

As applied to Regulation D Private Placements there are Jurisdictional NASAA Legends.  What book or website  would I need to find out the Legend requirements for Israel, UK, and Europe? I'm aware that there is a more "general" foreign legend. Would that be more appropriate? where would I find one? I will be applying them to a "clear sky" continual offering for 100mm. For disclosure purposes- the issuer exemption is being utilized. As for forms when attracting foreign investors with or without using a "portal" what forms are required and to whom do I submit them. Is it possible that my questions and more that I may not be aware that I have are answerable in one or more horn or nutshell books?
If you can help, please respond to Bermanmoorellc@aol.com.

Thank you!

Are you afraid to post on LinkedIn? I have broken down for you how I went from a lurker to a full-time poster (am I an hashtag #influencer yet?) Each stage is typically 3-6 weeks (depending on your level of social media fear).

• Lurk for awhile (it's ok, this is a necessary prerequisite.) 
• Like a few posts per day. 
• Begin to comment. (Keep it real. Just make believe you are talking/conversating.) 
• Become a regular liker/commentator. 
• Begin to post with a goal of once a week. 
• Accidentally post twice a week (because you found yourself with more things to say and it wasn't so scary!) 
• Post daily. 
• Surprise yourself and post more than once a day! 
• Disclaimer: It's ok to take a break if you have to.
•  Also: Message people regularly to say hello! 
• Connect with at least 10 ppl per day. 
• Connect with those that like and comment on you posts.

10 truly helpful Windows 10 tools you might not know about

Enthusiast-friendly power tools lurk in every corner of Windows 10. Let's shine a light on some of the more obscure ones.

By Brad Chacos

Senior Editor, PCWorld

So you’ve mastered Windows 10 keyboard shortcuts and Snap open windows like a boss. Now what?

Windows 10 offers many other power tools for enthusiasts—if you know where to find them. Some are older, yet still obscure. Others are relatively new, added during the twice-annual major upgrades Microsoft’s been pushing out since Windows 10 launched nearly four long years ago. But all 10 of these little-used tricks and tools can help hardened PC users save time or eliminate headaches.

If you’re looking for a guide to even more of the operating system’s darker corners after reading this, be sure to check out our roundup of the best Windows 10 tips and tweaks. Most everyone will learn a little something! Microsoft’s been aggressive about rolling out new features for Windows 10, but not necessarily about promoting them. Speaking of which…

1. Timeline

Microsoft rolled out Windows 10’s Timeline feature as part of the April 2018 Update, and it’s awesome. It’s basically like a browser history for your desktop programs, showing files you’ve opened previously in chronological order. Selecting one opens the file once again. Paired with the “Pick up where you left off” in modern Microsoft Office apps, you can be knee-deep in that project from two weeks ago in no time. Better yet, Timeline’s tied to your Microsoft account rather than an individual PC. If you store your files in the cloud, you can pick up where you left off no matter which device you happen to use.

READ MORE HERE: https://www.pcworld.com/article/3387950/10-truly-helpful-windows-10-tools-you-might-not-know-about.html

How Can Paralegals Survive and Thrive in New Wokr Situations?

Whether you’re new to the profession or you have years of experience as a paralegal, you may find yourself working in an unfamiliar practice area. You may be ‘learning by fire’ and not feeling confident about how you’re getting the job done. You may not have enough contact with your supervising attorney or feel like you’re bothering him/her with constant questions. Even if you’re not working in a new practice area, there are always new rules and procedures that you need to figure out.

Here are twelve tips that will help you survive these situations and thrive in your career:

Just like the cable company, adopt the habit of ‘bundling.’ Try saving all the questions you need to ask the attorney and present them all at once. It’s tough to flag down a busy person and they don’t like frequent interruptions that take them away from their work. If you can schedule one or two fifteen minute meetings (say, first thing in the morning and perhaps immediately after lunch), you may find a more willing listener.

Does your state have guidelines for the utilization of paralegals? If so, be sure you have a copy and then discuss the guidelines with your employer. Tell him/her that you really like your job and you like working for him/her but you feel there are some areas where you feel uncomfortable and could he/she help you with those. If your employer doesn’t know that you need this help, he or she can’t provide what you need. (Remember that the American Bar Association offers Guidelines for the Utilization of Paralegal Services and so does the National Association of Legal Assistants.)

Be sure you are getting the supervision that is required for nonlawyer staff. Remember that the attorney is to review your work before it leaves the office and that nonlawyers cannot sign pleadings or correspondence that offers legal advice.

Familiarize yourself with the court rules for your state and your local jurisdiction. Know where to find requirements and time frames for any filings you’ll be doing. It’s your responsibility to know this for calendaring and for planning when work needs to be done.

Are there similar older or closed files you can follow? They would give you great ideas for a procedure that’s been followed in the past, documents that have been drafted, and correspondence that’s been sent. Be sure to ask the attorney if there is another file you can follow or another client with similar issues.

Make the court staff your new best friends. They are usually happy to help with the procedure and they may have checklists and forms you can use. Be sure to treat them with respect and be lavish with your thanks.

Create your own procedures manual. This should include forms, checklists, contact lists, and helpful Web sites. The more systems you can put in place, the smoother your transition into this new practice area will be.

Seek out continuing education opportunities, especially in the new practice area. You should consider certification and advanced certification. There are also a number of online courses (remember that The Paralegal Mentor offers a few that might work) that should be convenient for you to attend.

Take an active role in paralegal forums. Two good ones are provided by Paralegal Gateway and by Legal Assistant Today. NALA also provides a good forum for members. The paralegals who post on those venues are very generous with their expertise and advice. They will generally share forms and their knowledge of procedure.

Join local, state and national professional associations. After you’ve joined, become an involved member: go to meetings, run for office, join in discussions and educational events. This will provide chances for networking with other paralegals who do the same work you do. Professional newsletters and journals offer lots of articles that may help you with your situation.

Find a mentor. Ask someone who has experience in the practice area to help you learn the ropes. Again, most paralegals are incredibly generous with their time and their expertise.

Use social media as a resource. Establish accounts on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter, provide a professional profile and dive in. Be sure to join whatever groups work for you, too. This is a great way to ask questions, locate resources and learn about educational opportunities. Just remember that whatever you post on these sites can be viewed by everyone so keep everything you do on a professional level.

Your challenge: When you catch yourself saying, “Holy Moly…what do I do now?” take a step back, analyze the situation, and decide which of the above tips will work for you. You will probably find more than one. Then, step by step, learn all about the new practice area or the new procedure. Before you know it, you’ll be offering tips and advice to other paralegals.

Vicki Voisin, “The Paralegal Mentor”, delivers simple strategies for paralegals and other professionals to create success and satisfaction by achieving goals and determining the direction they will take their careers. Vicki spotlights resources, organizational tips, ethics issues, and other areas of continuing education to help paralegals and others reach their full potential. She publishes a bi-weekly ezine titled Strategies for Paralegals Seeking Excellence. More information is available at www.paralegalmentor.com

5 Tips for Incorporating Mindfulness into Your Legal Practice

Mindfulness practices have known therapeutic benefits that I’ve seen firsthand as a lawyer and practicing yoga instructor.

By Jennifer Cormano | March 08, 2019 at 05:07 PM

Jennifer Cormano is an associate in Nixon Peabody’s Los Angeles office (Photo: Courtesy Photo)

When I talk with lawyers about having a daily practice of mindfulness, meditation or yoga, there’s often resistance to add yet another activity to their already hectic schedules. But these practices have known therapeutic benefits that I’ve seen firsthand as a lawyer and practicing yoga instructor. Studies show that meditation leads to growth in areas of the brain important for learning, memory, emotional regulation, perspective taking and compassion. Simply put, it’s worth the time.

Here are some ways you can incorporate these activities into your daily life:

Start small. Pick a short meditation you’ll be able to complete regularly. There are many types of meditation but, at its core, meditation is the act of concentrating your mind on one point of focus. Value the quality of the time and the number of days you practice rather than the amount of time you spend practicing on any one given day. A great starting point is a focused breathing meditation. Start by sitting or lying down. If you are sitting, be sure your feet are flat on the ground with your legs uncrossed. Your hands can be in a comfortable position with your arms unfolded. Close your eyes and take a deep breath in while slowly counting to three. The goal is to time your breath so that you have inhaled as much as possible as you reach the number three. Then exhale while counting to three. Again, the goal is to have exhaled as much as possible as you reach the number three. Repeat this for as many breaths as you’d like. If your mind wanders at any time, gently bring your focus back and start where you left off. Another option is a body scan meditation. You can hear a session I led with the Live & Law in LA podcast.

Attach your practice to something you already do and/or schedule it. The best way to be consistent is to build a short practice around your current activities. For example, doing the above breathing meditation for five breaths before getting out of the car when you arrive at the office and/or before getting out of the car when you arrive home. Another alternative is to turn something you do daily into a mindfulness exercise. Mindfulness is the act of observing one’s physical, mental and emotional states in the current moment without judgment. For example, if I mindfully brush my teeth, I slow down the activity and focus on the feel of the brush on my teeth or the taste of the toothpaste without deciding if I like or dislike it.

Track your progress and commit to being consistent. In order to get the most from your practice, it’s important to be consistent with some form of practice. Studies that focus on changes to the brain in connection with mindfulness, yoga and meditation, all show these benefits take place when the exercises are done consistently. Put time on your calendar or use an app to track your consistency. If client demands or other personal needs come up, that’s okay, but reschedule your practice time in the same day rather than cancelling altogether. If you miss a day or two, it’s okay, just pick it up the next day. This isn’t about being perfect every day—just completing your practice most days.

Grow your practice slowly over time. When you first start out with your new practice, put a reminder in your schedule every week or two to check-in and determine if it’s time to increase your practice time. For example, if you started with five focused breaths before getting out of the car when you arrived at the office, try ten breaths after a week’s time. After another week, try 15. When the number gets too high to count easily, try moving to a timed meditation by setting an alarm for three to five minutes. Then each week increase your time by 15 to 30 seconds until you reach your desired length.

Be forgiving and patient with yourself and your practice. Lawyers are often perfectionistic and whatever we do, we want to be the best. As a result, we can be incredibly critical of our performance. When I first started my daily meditation practice, it felt like I was failing because I found it difficult to get it in every day. My yoga teacher suggested I try changing the time of day I meditated, but, more importantly, that I go easy on myself. Give yourself the same permission to be a beginner and investigate different options. The end goal is to create a consistent practice that works best for you.

Jennifer Cormano is an associate in Nixon Peabody’s Los Angeles office. She represents both nonprofit and for-profit health care providers, including hospitals, physician groups, academic medical centers, surgery centers, accountable care organizations, and other organizations affiliated with the health care industry. Her practice focuses on hospital/physician alignment strategies, corporate governance and formation matters, joint ventures, mergers, acquisitions and other strategic transactions. The information outlined above does not constitute legal advice and is meant solely for educational purposes.

https://www.law.com/therecorder/2019/03/08/5-tips-for-incorporating-mindfulness-into-your-legal-practice/ 

Edit a PDF in Microsoft Word https://bit.ly/2CPAsPN < Want to convert a PDF to Word? No special software needed!

https://support.office.com/en-us/article/edit-a-pdf-b2d1d729-6b79-499a-bcdb-233379c2f63a 

19 SMART Goals for 2019

From

http://blog.healthadvocate.com/2018/12/19-smart-goals-for-2019/ 

Looking to improve your health in 2019? Breaking down your goals into smaller SMART goals can be the difference between aspirations and realizations. SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely. Adopting behaviors in this manner helps to create lasting lifestyle changes!

Think about the goals you have for your health and the positive results you hope to achieve in 2019. Integrate some of the suggested SMART goals below that can help you reach those results.

1. Pack a healthy lunch for work three days each week.
2. Walk for 15 minutes of your lunch break five days each week.
3. Designate two evenings each week to be screen-free time.
4. Aim to go to bed at a time that allows you to sleep for 8 hours five days per week.
5. Add an extra serving of fruits or vegetables every day.
6. Drink a glass of water before each meal, three days a week.
7. Strive to avoid added sugars in foods two days each week.
8. Select 5 days each week to perform at least 30 minutes of exercise.
9. Stay ahead of stress by allocating five minutes every day for a stress-relieving activity such as a brisk walk, quick meditation or deep breathing exercises.
10. Make one new healthy recipe for dinner every week.
11. Aim to get 10,000 steps five days each week.
12. Start your day in a healthy way by eating a nutritious breakfast at least three days a week.
13. Meditate for 10 minutes before work two days a week.
14. Strive to eat a dark leafy green vegetable such as spinach, broccoli, kale, romaine, etc., three days each week.
15. Include two days of resistance or strength building exercises each week.
16. Use a fitness device or app to track your workouts daily.
17. Add one serving of whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa, whole grain bread, oatmeal, etc. three days each week.
18. Select one day a week to eat vegetarian.
19. Choose two days a week to spend one hour doing something you love such as reading, a hobby, journaling, or any other activity you do for personal enjoyment.

Create your own SMART goals! When setting wellness goals, creating specific goals to achieve over a designated period of time is the best method to successfully achieve lasting lifestyle changes. 

Add Punch to Your LinkedIn Profile Using These Examples as Inspiration

Editor's Note: Enjoy this special encore post which was one of our readers' favorites in 2018. Happy New Year! 

Eating healthy. Cardiovascular activity. Stopping the next episode from auto-playing. We all have our struggles. We know how we should act, but the actions don’t always follow.

Personal branding is an all-too-perfect candidate for this category. We’ve generally accepted that a strong personal brand is important. But carving out (and protecting) time to actively brand ourselves? That’s a whole other matter. The good news is, even if you don’t consider yourself a social media darling, you can create a professional brand that impresses all who view it, and you can do it in just a few minutes a month.

Previously, we wrote about free ways to build your personal brand on LinkedIn. In this post, we illustrate how to optimize your LinkedIn profile using examples from marketers who made us take notice.

The LinkedIn Profile Headline Is Your Digital Salutation

To make it easy for searchers to pick you out from the pack, we recommend writing a profile headline that’s instantly recognizable. There are several "Jason Falls" with LinkedIn profiles. Here, Jason Falls, the marketer, cleverly uses his headline to clearly distinguish himself.

Just how important is it to distinguish yourself? The LinkedIn community is strong at over 546 million users. By making incremental updates to your profile, you can greatly increase your visibility on LinkedIn, and there’s no better place to start than with your headline.

Shoot for a headline that sums up your specialty or approach succinctly and supports the professional brand you’re cultivating. Take time to review and update your profile regularly, because the search for people like you is a never-ending one. A complete, up-to-date, engaging profile tells the professional world you’re open for business. Use the examples below as inspiration for spiffing up your own LinkedIn profile.

Who nailed their LinkedIn profile headline?

Craft A LinkedIn Profile Summary That Supports Your Objectives

If the headline is your salutation, then the summary is your media-enhanced elevator pitch.

What do you really want readers to know about you, if they read nothing more? Professionally speaking, what’s your purpose? Think along these lines when you craft your profile summary.

Your commitment to incremental improvement and professional growth is as impressive as it is inspiring, so don’t hesitate to let others know about it. Your profile summary could be a perfect spot to convey your career goals. You can highlight your skills as well as developing aspirations to leave a reader feeling good about your interest in self-improvement and growth.

When writing your summary, try to strike a conversational tone that invites the reader in. Because you want to get this just right, consider drafting two options you’re happy with, then ask a trusted peer or mentor for their feedback.

Who nailed their LinkedIn profile summary?

Create A Seamless Discovery Experience for the Person Viewing Your Profile

Linkedin makes it easy to show professional proof benefitting your personal brand right from your profile. Rich media including presentations you’ve authored, videos you’ve helped create, web pages you’ve written, campaigns you’ve designed and more can be added to your profile summary, as well as within each section of your work history.

When adding rich media or links to your profile, take a moment to include a title and description to help set the stage for the viewer.

Who enriched their LinkedIn profile with media?

There’s more than one way to create a unique, polished LinkedIn profile. Thirty minutes per week is all you need – no struggle necessary. Hopefully these examples have inspired you to make incremental strides toward your own standout profile.

Subscribe to the LinkedIn Marketing Solutions blog to learn more ways to advance your marketing career.