The b5media Business Channel bloggers came together to colloborate on the question of experience - Does it really matter? Check out their thoughts on the question - “Does Experience Matter?:

Susan Gunelius from Brandcurve, shares a montage of Mac vs. PC commercials demonstrating relationship and experiential branding at work. Experience counts for a lot when it comes to brand loyalty and word-of-mouth marketing. Mac customers have great experiences with the brand and they become loyal, vocal brand advocates.

At Slacker Manager, Phil and David tackle the question head on by going to their readers for feedback. Who would you hire? Someone with Great Experience or Great Attitude? Click over and share your thoughts? Who would you rather hire?

Miki Saxon at Leadership Turn, notes that most managers look first for direct experience when interviewing, but is that a good thing? Experience in general has enormous value, but by holding out for direct or exact experience you can shoot yourself in the foot.

At One Vote Matters, Thursday Bram highlights Charlie Gibson’s interview with Sarah Palin. Her obvious lack of familiarity with the Bush Doctrine is enough to make Thursday Bram sure that Sarah Palin isn’t ready to be vice president. Worse, if John McCain is elected, she’ll be only one step away from the presidency. Can the U.S. afford another president who’s approach to foreign policy is overly simplistic?

Here at Interview Chatter, I ask the question, Managers does experience matter when hiring and Which candidate should we hire? Whether we are attempting to fill the job for President or ordinary jobs, I am curious about whether experience matters. What do you think?

When it comes to tax-exempt businesses, like churches, Kelly Erb at Taxgirl reminds us that sometimes it’s best to keep quiet - especially at election time.

At Daily Blender, Jennifer Heigl questions whether “other experience” is enough when it comes to running a restaurant. Maybe some jobs are a bit tougher than you think…

When it comes to new jobs, Jean Murray, at Small Business Boomers, shares 5 Ways to Use Your Experience in a New Career. Check it out!

Don’t get too hung up on experience, though. At Home Biz Notes, Mary Emma Allen asks, Is Experience Necessary for a Home Business? Mary Emma mentions the fact that if you don’t have a great deal of experience when starting a home business, at least arm yourself with all the knowledge you can.

Miranda Marquit echoes this statement at Yielding Wealth: Does Experience Matter When Managing Your Finances? According to Miranda, you don’t need professional experience, and you do not have to be good at math. But you do need to be willing to learn, and willing to show some discipline.

At Behind the Buzz, Rachel Clarke lists her pet website design peeves that impact on the customer experience. She asks, “Does Experience Matter?” according to Rachel, “yes” - for a brand or company, the experience that a potential or existing customer has when they hit your website or interact with your distributed content or any of your marketers does matter.

I trust you will find the various perspectives on the question of whether experience matters, will help you as you pursue your personal and professional goals. Feel free to tleave a comment with your thoughts about experience - Does it really matter?

Tags: Does Experience Really Matter, Interview Chatter, Brandcurve, Does Mtter When Managing Your Financies?, Daily Blende, Yielding Your Wealth

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Here is another installment of our my series Around the Business Channel here at b5media. Tonight I am featuring Contract Worker, written by Rico Mossesgeld. Contract Worker will show you why Freelancing isn’t just another “F-word”. In this challenging economy if you are looking for an opportunity to make money while you are in the midst of a job search, Freelancing my be an option to consider.

Take a moment to visit Contract Worker and leave a comment. Here are a few posts for you to review:

Why the Freelance Writing Market May Be Bigger Than You Think

So Just How Important IS the First Impression?

The Right Way to Look for More Freelance Work

Graduation season is upon us again and like many speeches articulate, graduation is not an ending, it’s a beginning. A new beginning for young and old who find themselves in the employment line after turning the tassel. The Business Channel bloggers have come together for theme day - New Beginnings in a Challenging Economy.

Jean at Small Business Boomer refers us to Barbara Kingsolver who writes about Your Money or Your Life. In this challenging economy, Barabara recommends, “The very least you can do in your life is to figure out what you hope for. The most you can do is live inside that hope, running down its hallways, touching the walls on both sides.” Read more>>>

Coming out of college and entering the job market is a challenge. And if you attempt to jump in without Preparation, Preparation and more Preparation, you will probably find yourself frustrated quickly. Visit Bob at Project Management 411. He went to some personal experts for advise for you in this challenging economy.

Money, Money, MONEY, - Miranda over at Yielding Wealth shares some great tips for you to have new beginnings in your financial life. Read more>>>

Employment is a huge issue to consider in the challenging economy. Mary Emma from Home Biz Notes has an excellent post on Starting a Business in a Challenging Economy. Read more>>>

If starting a home business is an option, you must know that the internet is a critical tool for your success. Shai at Just Make Money Online has some comments from readers who have some Tips for Graduates.

Putting Your Business on the Road to Profitability should spark your interest. Ren has 8 tips over at Accounting Solver that help you with that new home business or your money making efforts online.

Susan at Brandcurve poses the question, “How can you promote your brand when your marketing budget is shrinking?” Then she shares 10 Ways to Build Your Brand in a Weakened Economy.

Miki over at Leadership Turn thinks that even in a slowdown companies need a few good people - Leadership and Hiring Millennials, so what’s the most important factor to look for–especially when hiring Millennials?

As finale for our theme day, I invite you to take a look at the various posts we have written this month on Social Networking. I am convinced that all job seekers, including new graduates, must grasp the concept, and/or skill of Social Networking. With new beginnings come new skills, and challenges. Social Networking may be one for you to consider as you embark on your next journey. My latest post for you to consider, How much time should you invest in Social Networking? I submit to you, that what you invest, the number of hours, will net a significant network for you that will be useful in a challenging economy. Make it a great day!

Image Credit: Wikipedia Commons

The Great Blog Off begins in 3 Days!

To celebrate the summer solstice (occurring this year on June 20, the first time since 1975 that it hasn’t occurred on June 21), Interview Chatter and the Business Channel, together with the Entertainment Channel, are participating in The Great Blog Off.

The Great Blog Off is an opportunity to do something good. The Business Channel will be supporting Accion International as our charity for the Great Blog Off. The mission of Accion is:

To give people the tools they need to work their way out of poverty. By providing microloans, business training and other financial services to poor men and women who start their own businesses, Accion’s partner lending organizations help people work their own way up the economic ladder, with dignity and pride. With just a little capital, people can grow their own businesses. They can earn enough to afford basics like running water, better food and schooling for their children.

Accion helps small businesses all over the world to become established through small, manageable loans and business advice. This concept of microlending is fabulous and their payback record is impressive.

Charity Navigator gives Accion their highest rating for, among other things, having a low administrative expenses to donations ratio.

So, how can you help?

1. Donate. We have partnered with Accion so that you can go directly to their site to make a donation. No amount is too small - every dollar makes a difference! And remember, donations to Accion are tax deductible (you totally knew I was going to bring that up, right?).

2. Spread the Word. Tell your friends. Link to Interview Chatter or other sites on the Business Channel and let folks know about The Great Blog Off! Tweet about it on twitter (follow me at twitter.com/mcdarling). Whatever you can do to get the word out is much appreciated!

3. Guest Post. I have a lot of posting to do on the day of the Great Blog Off. If you’re interested in offering a post to help, that would be great. You can send me an email (check out the link in the side bar) if you need more information.

4. Stop By and Leave Comment. I’d love to have your virtual support on the day of the The Great Blog Off. Come on over and chat for awhile!

Here is another installment in my series Around the Business Channel. Accounting Solver is our blog focused on cash and accounting matters. I know cash is near and dear to your heart as an employee, employer or job seeker. Accounting Solver is a blog for non-math majors, accounting for non-accountants, and a resource for all who need assistance in understanding words like accounts payable, accounts receivables, balance sheets, subprime, assets, revenue, cash flow, and the list goes on. And by the way, if you are interested in Solving the World’s Problems, that is another great reason to visit Accounting Solver. Ren Garcia, is writing a series of post on Solving the World’s Problems. Here are some links to get you started. Make sure you visit and leave a comment.

Solving the World’s Problems:

1. Solving the World’s Problems 1

2. Solving the World’s Problems 2 - The Millennium Campaign

3. Solving the World’s Problems 3 - The Millennium Campaign Report Card

4. Solving the World’s Problems 4 - Philippine Proposal for the Millennium Campaign

Tucson, AZ!! That was the correct answer to my silly game, “Where in the world is Darlene?” Jennifer Fuller from Small Business Boomer won the contest! It was an easy contest, and I finally get to give a way a prize. My favorite book by Ron Fry, 101 Great Answers to the Toughest Interview Questions. Jennifer, thank you for playing with me while I am traveling (yes, I am sitting in the airport waiting for my flight home). I am excited to send you the book. Please send me an email with your mailing address and I will have the book delivered to you.

So, now that you know I am for real, and I really want to give a way fabulous prizes, what will it take to get you to play? I am looking for people who are brave enough to share their story right here at Interview Chatter. I want to give a way two books this time. How do you win a book? Good question, glad you asked!

We are running a contest this month here on the Business Channel, in honor of Take Your Daughter and Son to Work Day. “What do you want to be when you grow up?” It is really that simple. I am looking for 10 or more people to leave a comment this week with their story. If you leave a comment for the Business Channel contest this week, I will do a random drawing for the two books next Sunday and announce the winners on Monday. So, really you get two for the price of one. Your comment this week will automatically enter you into the Business Channel contest and you will also be entered into my book giveaway. Very simple! I know you want to play!

What did you want to be when you grew up? What are you doing today? Was your dream fulfilled? If not, why not? If so, how did you accomplish it? Tell us your story. It doesn’t have to be too long, but if I like it, I may feature you in an upcoming post. Click here to see the full details. Get your friends involved, I know you know someone who has a great story to tell. C’mon, jump in and play!

Image Credit: PicApp

Degree or no degree, that is a question? Do you have an MBA? Are you pursuing and MBA? Should you pursue an MBA? Recently I found a post on BizLevity, one of our newer blogs here at the Business Channel, MBA No Guarantee of Success, Pace University Says. I am not attempting to discredit this survey done by Pace University, but it boggles my mind when I hear things like this. Ok, so many of the successful CEO’s don’t have an MBA. Is that the reason you shouldn’t get one? My life experience has taught me that education opens doors. Without it, you have no guarantee that anyone will answer the door or open the door if you don’t have a piece of paper that says you completed your education. An MBA is a key that opens different doors than your 4 year diploma.

Why bother getting an MBA?

*Because you want one

*Promotional opportunities

*Differentiate you from other equally qualified candidates for jobs you are competing for

*More options available to you, up to and including entrepreneurship

*Executive level positions

*More knowledge

*More money

None of these things are a guarantee that you will be successful. None of these reasons is a silver bullet.

According to an article by Eve Tahmincioglu, MBA Not Always Key to Landing a Plum Job, “A more recent poll conducted by Pace University professors Aron Gottesman and Matthew R. Morey found that out of 488 top companies surveyed only 159 had CEOs with MBAs at the helm.” I don’t understand why this would be the reason to suggest that the MBA is not necessary. An MBA will not guarantee a plum job, or success. You are the key to your success in business, with or without a degree, with or without an MBA. But don’t let naysayers sway you from pursuing an MBA or any other degree if that is what you believe you need to be successful in business.

Do you have an MBA? Why did you pursue it? How did it help you in business or in your current career? Share your story. Your comment will be your entry into the business channel contest this month. Click here for more details about the contest.

Image Credit: PicApp

Well, first to my regular readers, I am on the road, traveling. I am taking a much needed vacation. The beauty of this vacation is that I am spending time with my family, my extended family. We have gathered to celebrate my uncle’s 70th birthday. So, I have driven, flown for hours and finally landed. Actually yesterday was the big travel day. I am in another time zone and last night, I felt like I had been hit by a mack truck!! Not to fear, I am alive and well and plugged back in. So, where in the world is Darlene? Well, I could tell you, but it would be more fun for me, if you guessed. So go for it! Take your best shot! Clues? Here are a few clues:

• I changed times zones
• I am still in the US
• It is warmer here than it is where I live (Have you read my bio?)
• There is no large bodies of water where I am
• The air is drier here than where I live (This should help lots of you)

I will tell you when I get back home. And if by chance someone guesses correctly, I will send you my favorite book by Ron Fry, 101 Great Answers to the Toughest Interview Questions.

Let me share one quick story concerning my travels. I met a gentleman while flying on my first leg of my flight. He was very friendly, and we got to talking about what we do. I asked him what he wanted to be when he grows up? And he said he is doing it. He wanted to be in sales and that is what he is doing. It was great to talk to him, to hear his story. My question is what is your story? I am still looking to hear from more of you about your current careers and about what you wanted to do when you were a little kid. Though I am on vacation, I am still thinking about you. Wondering which one of you will have the courage to share your story. I want to feature some of your stories. So, scroll down and leave a comment. What did you want to be when you grow up? Are you doing it? If so, how did you get there? If not, why not? How did you get where you are?

We are doing a contest this month, here at the Business Channel. Click here to get more details.

Image Credit: Picapp

What did you want to be when you grow up? I know this is a familiar question. Either you were asked the question when you were a kid, or you have asked some kid the question. Either way, it’s a great question. So in honor of Take Your Daughter and Son to Work Day coming up on April 24th, I am asking the question. Every comment you leave on my blog this month will be an entry into our Channel wide contest. C’mon, scroll down and share your dreams… What was it for you? A teacher, an astronaut, a football player or a ballerina, maybe a doctor?

Let me also invite you to allow your children to leave the answer to my question this month. They can tell us what they would like to be when they grow up. There is a $25 gift card available to the best comment this month.

In honor of Take Your Daughter and Son To Work Day, coming up on April 24th, we are having a contest Around The Business Channel. In order for our contest to be a success, we need you and your children to join us this month. What’s in it for you? Money, money, money!! Money! (Sorry, I miss The Apprentice already). Actually the winner will be determined by votes. The best comment we receive across the Business Channel will win. The prize: $25 gift card to Barnes and Nobles.

Summary:

From April 1 to April 20, I would like to invite you and your children to share, submit a comment about what you wanted to be when you grow up. It’s that simple. The comments can be from children who comment about what they want to be when they grow up, adults can post about what they want to be when they grow up or adults can post about significant worklife experiences or people that influenced their career choices. I will be writing a series of post this month about various jobs and vocations. You are welcome to leave comments with suggestions on jobs you would like to see me highlight or I can just pull them out of my head. Either way, you will see a variety of jobs, and vocations highlighted throughout the month of April. My intention is to give you a variety of opportunities to leave comments and encourage you submit and entry for the contest!

Lastly, all of my colleagues across the Business Channel will participate in this contest. Feel free to visit some or all of the various blogs. Here are few of our newer blogs and a few of my favorites: Doing Biz Abroad, Yielding Wealth, Successful Blog, Life Dev, Linked Intelligence, Copyblogger, and Biz Chicks Rule.

Contest Rules of Engagement!

Contest Dates: April 1 - April 20

Contest Prize: The winner who submitted the comment will receive a $25 gift card to Barnes and Noble.

1. Comments must be posted between 12:01 am EST on April 1 and
11:59pm EST on April 20.

2. You must include your full name and your email address in the
correct field with your comment. We won’t publish your email address
but we do need contact information for the winning entry. We will respect
your privacy, and we will not send you anything unrelated to your
entry in this contest.

3. You can enter the contest as many times as you’d like, as long as
each comment is unique.

4. By entering the contest, you agree that b5media may post any part
or all of your comment, including your name, as a part of the contest
announcements or promotions, with the exception of your email address.

5. By entering the contest, you agree that all works submitted on
your behalf are original and belong to you or you declare that you
have the right to submit those works. You may not submit ideas that
are not your own or that you do not have permission to submit.

6. All decisions related to finalists are in the sole discretion of
the judge and are final.