How To Remove Your Phone Number From Google

Most people do not realize you can search Google for publicly listed phone numbers and addresses. After entering a phone number, Google search results will return the name, number, street address, city, state and zip code along with a link to map directly to the street location of the searched number.
To remove your number from Google's phone book:

1. Check to see if your number is listed, by searching Google with your phone number.

2. If your number is not listed, the search will return with "Your search did not match any documents."

3. To remove your listing, click on the link that starts with "Phonebook results for…." (above your name) which will bring you to Google's Phone Book site.

4. Click on the bottom link labeled "Request to have your name removed from the list."

5. Fill out the form and submit (removing your phonebook listing will not remove your personal information from other pages on the web or from other reverse phone listing lookup services).

Marsha Marsiglio
239-431-5456
www.thesoftwarecoach.com

The Power of Groups on LinkedIn Part 2

Part 2

What is your ideal market? If you are looking for potential customers on LinkedIn you will need this information. In working with aspiring authors I ask who the target market, niche group or ideal audience may be for the author. Each author is unique but often the answer I receive is "Everyone."

Wrong.

While that may be your ideal target market it is too broad. Narrowing down your market will allow you to understand the groups to target on LinkedIn and how to find these groups. The first way is by searching using keywords. Go to your LinkedIn account. You can search for many items on your profile page. In the upper corner in line with the header you will see the search bar. You will notice a drop down menu. Select "groups" as your choice to search, and then type in the keywords of the client base you would like to reach. You can use any string of three to four key words that specify those in your ideal target group.

Let's say your keyword selection is "women in business" In conducting a keyword search I found many groups. They are listed in rank with the largest members first. The largest group was Women 2.0 with 20,000+ members. If this was my target group I would join them. I would work down the line joining the groups that were of interest to me in order to learn or to get to know people in the group.

If I was selling makeup or beauty products, I might look for groups of professional women. I could also search for "dress for success" or similar types of groups. These women I know would be interested in time saving facial cleansing tips, or other beauty tips.

Remember when you join these groups you are there to observe, first. See what the members are talking about. Take notes and keep an eye on those members that participate often and shine. If you know the answer, go ahead and wet your feet, answer the question. . . briefly. You would not mention immediately that you are a consultant for a particular beauty product. IF someone asks then go ahead and share the information.

You are there to give first. If you are self-serving it will become evident very quickly. No one wants to hear a bill-board ad for your product. They want to know how you can help them, either with a referral or perhaps information that will be useful to their business. By becoming a good resource within your various groups, you will soon find connection offers filling your LinkedIn inbox. You in turn can ask your group members to connect to you as well. This is the power of networking.

Making your Networking Membership work for YOU!

Since business professionals join networking groups at various experience levels, not every individual feels completely comfortable promoting themselves, let alone others.

That's okay. Today we are going to nail that subject with some basic anti-fear, "get out there and make it happen" techniques. First, let's dispel three of the most common networking group "myths."

Networking Group Myths:

1. For every ten individuals that join a networking group fully aware of the committment that is involved, there are always one or two business owners who mistakenly see a networking group as a tool that should run on autopilot...not so.

2. Another myth is the thought that other business owners, who are members, have the time or inclination to look through the list of members and automatically use them for their own needs, as well as referring them without reservation to their personal friends, family, and other businesses...also, not so.

3. The third and final myth. In order to work properly, women's networking groups should be made up of college educated professionals who are well established in the community. Yes...and no.

Networking Group Facts:

Now that we let the air out of those tires, let's parallel the myths with the realistic balance involved in a productive and thriving professional women's networking group.

1. Networking groups don't run on autopilot. Professional networking membership groups are set up in an effort to provide the ideal atmosphere for business professionals to dive right in and start mingling with full confidence in the fact that the other businesses are not only legitimate, but also interested in the networking and referral plan of action. Basically, a networking group does the legwork for its members, providing events, monthly meeting locations, business education, inviting and recruiting others, etc.

2. Want referrals? Be memorable. Other members have thoughts and desires very simular to your own. You are probably not going to remember another member who is not outgoing or proactive; neither are they. In order to make the most of your membership, you will have to take a deep breath, fight your fears, and get out there and network! Attend the events and meetings, have a positive attitude, and take your place in the community. No one ever gets a free ride. There is a certain amount of dedication and work that goes into every relationship you develop.

3. Networking groups should be made up of a balanced blend of both college educated professionals as well as the energetic self-starter who took a chance and made an entrepreneurial idea work for them. Everyone has their own circle or scope of influence and no one should be disconnected. As a matter of fact, the business owner who is in the sales or service industry is probably more likely to have a casual chat with their clients which are conducive to the whole referral process.

Now that we've busted through all of the possible misconceptions and realigned our thinking, let's make the decision to make a dedicated effort to networking in 2010. Whether you are a Lee or Collier county work from home mom, an established attorney, vice president of one of our local banking establishments, or a sales rep, one thing is certain in today's economy...We all need each other.

Joining a local women's networking group is a big step in the right direction. Empowered Network, an area driven professional women's group, can fulfill several purposes. Professional SW Florida women can connect for positive mentoring experiences, roundtable support and idea groups, as well as offering referrals for their new business connections. In an ideal world, this is what is supposed to occur in a netorking group. So let's make this Empowered Network work for us!