10 tips to build your network

10 tips to build your network

Posted using ShareThis

I found this great blog entry by Michael Specht about 10 ways to build your network. If someone mentioned the word social networking 10 years ago you would probably think of a room full of sales people passing business cards out. Things have certainly changed.

With the advent of Web 2.0 technologies we are now able to expand our networks exponentially and tailor them to the purpose we need (whether it is fact finding, looking for jobs, looking for candidates, research, personal, etc....).

With networking these days, I find the best way to effectively network is to reach out to both your online and real life communities. So yes - being on LinkedIn, Facebook, etc... is a good way to network but there are still relationships that will be formed and developed only by meeting someone face to face. I think by combining the two and not just relying on your online or real network it will give you the best chance for success.

Employee Retention - Some Thoughts

I came across an article by Rosalie Marshall from the itnews.com.au website earlier today, the link to the article is: Companies Urged to Address Staff Turnover

It was interesting to note that the survey of 71 IT organisations found that those with stronger education and training programmes have lower than average turnover rates, and that staff prefer good training to increased pay.

"IT managers often worry that investments in training will be reaped by other organisations when IT workers shop their new skills around," said John Longwell, director of research for Computer Economics.

"But this study indicates that investing in training is actually the best way to retain employees."

The factors commonly perceived as influencing staff turnover are:

-Education and training opportunities
-Flexible schedules
-Work environment
-Social environment
-Pay
-Insurance benefits
-Employee recognition programmes
-Paid time off
-Retirement programmes
-Telecommuting opportunities

"While offering competitive salaries and benefit packages may be important for recruitment, providing quality-of-life incentives and enhancing working environments are more important for retention," Longwell concluded.

In my role where I am talking to candidates on a daily basis about why they are looking to change jobs, I often find that people change companies because they are looking for new challenges, or looking to develop their career, etc.... When I ask people why are they looking to move the answer is hardly ever "because of lack of pay or benefits".

I enjoy telling people about what it is like to work here at Oracle because I do believe we have some great people and a great culture that makes it enjoyable to be here. I may be a bit biased I know, but I do think we are one of the more progressive companies when it comes to looking after our employees.

Social Networking: The Art of conversation

I have written a few entries on the increased use of Social Networks in the IT and the Recruitment Industry. It seems there are new sites created weekly and the lines can get blurred between which sites provide what services.

The image below from Brian Solis' Blog
I think gives a nice summary of the some of the sites out there and what forum they provide for sharing information, ideas and conversations.

I use many of the sites listed below for different reasons whether its for research, finding great candidates, telling people about Oracle, etc....

I do think there are so many sites available you could spend more hours than there are in a day on them, so you need to work out what message you are trying to broadcast and what audience you are trying to reach to make sites like these really add value to your business.

Oracle wins National Australia Bank Work

Earlier this week we had a great sales win in Melbourne which has been in the local press and IT news.

The link is to an article in from Computerworld.com.au and is:Oracle Wins NAB Work

This is going to be a great opportunity to partner with the NAB and help them put together the technical solutions they are looking for to achieve their business goals. From what I have heard and read about it sounds like it will be an exciting project to be involved with.

We had some great new projects last year that we won and it good to see that we are continuing to lead the way locally in the IT market.

Oracle Acquisition Strategy Continues

It appears Oracle's Acquisition Strategy continues....

Oracle announced that is has agreed to acquire Global Knowledge Software.

The link to the Oracle Website outlining the details is: Oracle Buys Global Knowledge Software

Oracle's acquisition strategy has seen us acquire 40+ companies in approximately 4 years. The strategy has paid off quite well and we have been able to extend our range of services, solutions and support to our new and existing customers.

From an Employee perspective this has been an exciting time to work at Oracle. With all the new Business Groups we are forming it has created more and more opportunities to move into new roles and try work with new technology or in new industries.

It is always great to welcome our new colleagues into Oracle and I look forward to meeting any GKS employees and hopefully will get the chance to work together soon.