Note - some of you reading this post may have also received it via an email/letter:
Staying on top of one's "personal publicity" and social networking strategy has become a very necessary tool to ensuring success in today's job market. Web 2.0 (or Personal PR as I like to call it) is becoming a mainstay in our society and it's NOT just for the kids anymore (as in MySpace or YouTube) and with that said, I also need to emphasize the fact that more and MORE executive search professionals (agencies as well as in-house corporate recruiters) are now being trained to use the power of the Internet and web based searches to hunt down great talent over using old fashioned tools like job boards or resume services! That being said, the more you have out there about yourself (with regard to your successes and experiences in your career and or business) the more chances you will have to be seen and contacted. I have met a lot of clients via my own social networking -- even though I admit that I am more involved with client Web 2.0 projects it's hard to stay on top of my own (so my 2008 resolution is be a better example)! The biggest issues I see these days (with getting exceptional executive talent more visible to the world) are:
1. Many executives don't like to write about themselves enough to produce compelling personal publicity pieces or produce social media or run the right kind of publicity campaign to garner personal press and visibility for introductions and live opportunities.
2. Most executives, even if they could do all of the afore mentioned, just DO NOT HAVE THE TIME to devote to the task producing their personal PR and the know-how on how to get it set up and organized (there is a lot to do).
3. Most executives are afraid of social networking (afraid people will "find them" or find too much information) or think it is unnecessary. My thought there is, if the way you are doing things now is not working for you, then perhaps you should think out-side-of-the-traditional (1990's)-box and do something different. Most people can find anything they want about anyone today online, and so you need to be very careful about how you present and package your personal publicity effort to ensure that only the right people are finding you.
Building a sound WEB 2.0 presence (something we can help people accomplish!) is a springboard to building strong Personal PR. Coupled with some good social media tools (example: www.blogtalkradio.com/executiveprofiles is my newest social media vehicle for my clients) and a strong networking program (whether it's via a professional group or via our direct publicity and talent management service), there is no reason why you cannot find the visibility and contacts you need to get you to your goal.
@LauriePR 
@LPBPR 
lpb-evolution