Be on the lookout for the following bogus Facebook message from Facebook Security (not the real Facebook Security). It is a phishing attempt to gain access to Facebook user accounts:

The Facebook message looks something like this and is quoted in red!:

"Your account is reported to have violated a policy that is considered disruptive or insulting Facebook users. Until we http://www.facebook.com/security…

Today's mission: Think Win-Win

Beginning any new adventure can be scary and challenging at times. However, if we don't try new things, we stop living, laughing, and loving things that this wonderful world the Grand Over-all Designer created for all to enjoy. As I sit my new desk and writing my new computer, looking at all the stuff on the wall. I can't stop thinking how lucky I am to have this opportunity to do something I love to do. As I tear up from the joy, the overwhelming…

Millions of people are making their To Do lists, setting goals, saying prayers, and creating inspirations for the coming year. Some time during the year they forget their lists.  When December comes around, they search for last years list and plan for the next year. What it was they were focused upon?…

I hope each of…

Forbes Magazine ranked Spokane tied for the worst city in the USA for projected Job Growth in 2012. http://www.forbes.com/sites/susanadams/2011/12/13/where-the-jobs-will-and-wont-be-in-2012/

To make matters worse they used an ugly picture of our town…

My younger brother has recently embarked on a quest to purchase his first car, prompting me to proffer some advice on optimizing on the negotiations.  It is a subject which I hope will be of interest and benefit to those of you who read my periodic ramblings. 

BATNA

Bat-what?  In the academic study of negotiation, this term represents your best alternative to a negotiated agreement.  Many of you probably had a good understanding of concept before it had an…

We all will agree that Facebook has become a great and useful tool for any business. We also can see that so many of the small businesses in Spokane, who would largely benefit from social media, refuse to embrace the concept of at least Facebook. While these small businesses remain idle on the sidelines, Facebook has been hard at work to make the time and efforts of their users worthwhile and easy to fill with relevant content. When anyone makes the transition, the hard work has been made…

A friend recently received a call from a large tobacco company. The product she would would be leading is fantastic. The kind of work being offered is even more fantastic.

But at its core, the business represents something which is against her personal ethics. Is she being inappropriately biased, debating whether to accept the job?

This might seem one of those rare occasions…

This year for Christmas I bought myself an Inversion table. Not that I have Bat Medicine, but I have dreamed of hanging upside down for years now. The thought of my spine gently stretching is, well, you know. 

If I didn’t have a Kindle though, I would have bought myself…

The LaunchPad Live Weekly Program will be taking a break for the Holiday’s and will return in early January 2012.…

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/45727845/ns/today-style/

As we think about New Year's Resolutions, it seems to me in order to end the year with the desires we chart at the beginning of the year, we need to change our beliefs. Valerie Lipstein, a Results Specialist, Certified Coach and Consultant has agreed to share with us about changing Beliefs!…

We are pleased to offer a free professional video résumé production with an added value of a free professional profile picture taken by Kent Henderson Photography. Here is how to claim your free production:

• You must be a member of LaunchPad INW
• Login to Facebook on Wednesday, December 21st and like our profile on following to…

One of the best pieces of advice I've ever learned about the job search is to promote myself the way that I would promote a business.  While many people swing to the extreme one way or the other in doing so, either understating their qualifications or burying their interviewer in bombast, it is imperative to find a spot somewhere in the middle, a place where each person involved can feel comfortable.

At one point, I would never have thought to include my experiences running a fan club…

I generally gravitate towards red wine.  My favorite is Cabernet Sauvignon, especially with broiled and grilled beef.  I’m also a huge fan of Zinfandel washing down rich chocolates.  I make my own ganache chocolate truffles and like nothing better than chasing the chocolate with  a tight, dry zin.  If I’m enjoying a prime rib roast or a really perfect rib eye, I’ll usually go with a nice, black merlot.  I’m also a big fan of red blends.  For a long time, I cooked our Christmas dinner.  The…

"I don't need to advertise.  I rely on word-of-mouth.  My customers tell their friends."   

And with these words, the business owner dismisses another advertising salesperson.  

The fact is, personal referrals and recommendations are powerful. We find them especially helpful when considering the purchase of a product or service from a new or unfamiliar source.

Successful online retailers from Amazon to WalMart…

It really is a rare occasion when I am at a loss for words. (Just ask my husband), but I am gong to be quite brief here as words escape me right now on how to say what my heart is feeling.

We, as a company are very grateful for the relationships we have made with some very wonderful people through the connections forged by our membership with Launchpad. I, as an individual have made some true friends and treasure the smiles and tears I have shared with some of you....all business…

As the Job Seeker Luncheon approaches this Friday and us job seekers, freelancers, and others gather to talk about the local job market and how we can gain an employment edge, we must not forget that our resumes are still an important piece of the hiring puzzle that should not be overlooked. 

We've all heard that 80-90 percent of the jobs out there are in the "hidden" job market of networking…

After creating a profile on LaunchPad join one or more communities to begin building relationships and credibility in your field.…