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Business Networking/LinkedIn Dilemma

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Expert: - 4/12/2011


Question
I have a main career, as well as a career that I'm building on the side, in effort to eventually leave my main career in due time.

Right now, I have my resume for both careers combined into one profile.  The problem is, that mixing them both in one causes conflicts when prospective employers see my other interest/career.  

How do you recommend I go about separating both profiles?  My name is very rare, so if I split the profiles into two separate ones, people will likely view either of them knowing I'm the same person.

Also, I have over 500 connections and 5 or 6 recommendations that I'd hate for one of my careers to lose connection with, however if that's what I have to do, I'm fine with that...  I guess.

What do you recommend?

Answer
Al,

Sorry it took me so long to get back to you. It has been busy around here lately.

It sounds like your ultimate goal is to "leave your main career in due time". I was in a similiar situation a couple of years ago.

What I did was I removed the name of my curent and past employer and added the name of my business. However, I was certain to participant in groups that were of benefit to my, then, current employer.

In doing so, I was able to start building the relationship needed to make the full-time transition. If the boss where to ask about it, I could easily reply "this profile is for my after-hour activities. That is why I don't have ANY of my past or current employment listed. However, as you can tell from my group interests, working in this industry is my passion."

Therefore, what I would suggest that you do is build your profile focusing on your goal, however, if I were you I would join groups that related to what you are currently doing for a living, plus group related to your ultimate goal.

I hope this helps. I'll be praying for you.  

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Rob Rohena

Expertise

The heart of business networking rests in ones ability to listen and engage their target audience. This is the reason that cellular devices and web 2.0 platforms have bursted unto the scene creating a social media revolution, which has further lead to the convergence of mobile and web to create "Social Mobility". Rob Rohena is a thought leader of interactive digital marketing. He is capable of addressing solutions for your marketing challenges. Ask him your question today, request a blog entry on a specific topic, or simply inquiry about his speaking availability.

Experience

Since 2000, Rob Rohena has served as Founder & CEO of DIR Incorporated. He is the author of Harvard Business Thoughts: Social Media, published by Simply Media, he has been interviewed and written about B2B Internet Marketing for several industry publications, he has taught online marketing courses at the collegiate level, he conducts quarterly marketing workshops across the United States via webinar, and Rob is a successful and engaging speaker. He also served as the Marketing Director for Anco Products Inc. where he worked for 2005 to 2010. Rob served this country between 2006-2009 in the U.S. Navy where he worked the S-1 division onboard the U.S.S. Dwight D. Eisenhower, CVN-69.

Organizations
American Marketing Association - Member National Society of Hispanic MBA - Member Elkhart Chamber of Commerce - Member Diversity Business Network - Chairman Social Media Club Michiana - Advisor Michiana Leaders in Business - Member Public Relations Association - Member

Publications
Michiana Art News - Volume 1, Issue 23 - December 2, 2011, Art Marketer's Corner: Why are Mobile Advertisers saying 'Social What'? Leading Business Magazine, Greater Elkhart Chamber - August 2011, page 14: What Google+ Means To Your Social Media Strategy http://www.simplymedia.com/customer/product.php?productid=999620&cat=0&page=1 http://www.marketingrulebreaker.blogspot.com http://www.insulationoutlook.com/articles/article.cfm?id=IO091002 http://www.insulation.org/articles/article.cfm?id=IO100104 http://www.insulation.org/articles/article.cfm?id=IO100205 http://www.insulation.org/articles/article.cfm?id=IO100303 http://www.DIRIncorporated.com/feed

Education/Credentials
Associates of Arts, General Business Studies -Indiana University Bachelors of Science, Labor Studies - Indiana University Masters of Business Administration - Wisconsin University Whitewater (In progress)

Awards and Honors
2012 - Named by St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce to Michiana 40 Under Forty Class of 2012 2011 - Guest Educated and Speaker: REBARCamp SB - "PR-I-SM", and LeadGen With Craigslist" 2011 - Authored Harvard Business Thoughts: Social Media, Published by Simply Media 2011 - Workshop Facilitator at Elkhart Chamber of Commerce - "Online Marketing for Non-Profits" 2010 - Indiana Social Media Summit: Best Campaign Nominee 2010 - Workshop Facilitator at Elkhart Chamber of Commerce - "Advanced Social Media for Business" 2010 - Guest Speaker at Disney's Swan Lake Resort for the NIA 55th Annual Convention 2009 - Launched a campaign for an online product, that today is sold in hardware store chains. 2008 - Started the "Marketing Rule Breaker Blog" 2007 - Opened "DIR Incorporated" Indiana Branch, embraced Web 2.0 on a whole new level. 2006 - Opened "DIR Incorporated" Ohio Branch 2005 - "Data & Information Researchers" incorporates and becomes "DIR Incorporated" 2005 - Sold first product of eBay. 2004 - Sold first product online. 2003 - First recognized the potential of the internet. 2000 - Started Data & Information Researchers; a online grant and marketing research company.

Past/Present Clients
4T Door Systems, Eco Surface Solutions, UHi Worldwide, At Home Realty Group, RJ Reese Insurance, Advanced Engine, American SunSpace Additions, MyCounselorMatch.com, Mario's Food Inc, Nappannee Missionary Church, Elkhart Chamber of Commerce, South Bend Clutch, Spencer Inc, Schley Buildings, Hoerstman Construction, JDF Performance Horses

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