How do successful job seekers manage their days and use time wisely to produce the best results, get the best return, and land the jobs they want? No doubt about it, finding a new job is a job in itself. And while everyone has a personal action plan for landing that next job, there are some activities that every job-searching day should include.

Build a daily/weekly calendar. Include repeat events, such as classes, networking activities, and meetings. As you move along, add daily job- searching actions, such as phone calls, time on the internet, etc. Why should you do this? It gives you the confidence that you are accomplishing something that will lead you further down the road to a new job.

Use the phone. There’s nothing like personal contact. Use the phone often and productively. First, do research that finds target companies needing your skills. Contact people in your network to suggest the best person in that company to contact. Then, make that call. The best times to reach executives are early in the morning and late in the day. Once you’ve connected, tell the executive or hiring manager of your value, how you can make or save them money, achieve a goal, or make them or their department look good.

Use the internet sparingly, but productively. It’s easy to spend endless hours on the internet looking for jobs, doing research, or connecting with people who might lead you to your new job. But it’s important to make your time count. Ask yourself, “Who do I know that can help me get in the door?” Establish a LinkedIn account and connect with all those who might be able to help you to not only find the door, but give you a push past everyone else.

Attend group networking meetings. Lots of networking groups are springing up and it’s wise to attend meetings of as many as possible—at first. Then focus on the ones that are the best fit for you and that reap the best results. (If you find a great group, this is your chance to give back and invite someone else to join you).

Set one-on-one networking meetings. Put lots of these appointments on your calendar. Meet with old and new friends alike for coffee or lunch. You’re not asking them for a job, but for their assistance in helping you search out new opportunities.

Follow up. Following up after a meeting, phone call, or e-mail contact is critical. Successful follow-up comes in many forms: a simple “thank you”, “it was nice chatting with you today”, “we should have coffee again soon” or “here’s some information I thought you’d like.” Keep in mind - following up is about being remembered.

There isn’t just one way or the right way to successfully job searching. Just remember to be out, be seen, give and get business cards, and stay in touch. Along this journey, also try to be creative, have fun, and make some new friends.

Lynn Lipton is a San Fernando Valley-based senior/executive- level recruiter, job counselor, and a member of the Professional Networking Team. She can be reached at http://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnlipton

All of us are impacted by the economy. Even those who don’t appear to be struggling are usually the most likely to be in a ridiculous amount of debt. We’ve all become accustomed to living with excess and now find ourselves learning to live with less and think before we spend.

After having been unemployed for several months, I have a few easy, practical, cost-saving tips that may ease your trip along the path of frugalities. As well, my friends and networking colleagues who are also in-transition have learned to trim back and manage finances more diligently during these tough times. Here’s what we recommend:

1. Wash your own vehicles: It’s great exercise. Or better yet, make it a family affair and have the kids do it.
2. Don’t eat at the movies: Eat at home before or after you go. Even though the theaters frown on it, bring your own soda, bottled water, and snacks with you. And matinees are cheaper than evening shows.

3. Dining out - DON’T! You can’t do it right now. Instead, treat your family once a week to some healthy fast food like a Subway sandwiches. Learn to cook, bake, and eat at home. Have picnics in the park with your friends and family. No sit-down restaurants unless you are employed.

4. Housekeepers - bye-bye: Now is NOT the time to pay someone else to clean your home. Clean up your own mess - it’s great exercise!

5. Bring your own shopping bags to the grocery store: Some stores offer points or discounts on future purchases. Besides, we should all be a little greener.

6. No over-the-top birthday parties or presents: Go green and recycle gently-used items from home. Re-gifting is OK, really it is. Give the gift of your time - babysitting, dog walking, house-sitting. Gift receivers know you’re unemployed and should appreciate the gesture and not the amount you spend.

7. No-frills exercise: Gyms are great. They’re shiny, attractive people go there, and it’s nice to belong. But at $40 or more a month, are juice bars and dumbbells really worth it? Instead, you can walk, cycle, run, swim, or climb. And doing it with a friend can be good for you mentally and emotionally!

8. Water conservation: It’s the perfect time conserve water and save money too. Take shorter showers. Keep a 5-minute timer on the sink. Your garden does not need all that water! Don’t let the water run while teeth-brushing or shaving. Fill the dishwasher completely and do full loads of laundry.

9. Coupons & shopping: NEVER, NEVER go shopping unless you have a specific list and coupons. If you don’t have a coupon for it or if it’s not on sale, don’t buy it. There are sites online where you can download and print coupons. Look on the back of your receipts where you’ll often find surveys that, if you take the time to complete, could qualify you for a 10 - 20 percent discount on your next purchase.

10. No impulse buying: And don’t shop when you’re hungry. Impulse purchases can break the bank!

Now that you’ve become acquainted with your local Dollar Store and realize how imperative a strong-willed budget is to the economic well-being of your family, you are on your way to a much happier and balanced home.

Tom Smith is a San Fernando Valley-based event planning professional, Group Leader of the Professional Networking Team, and Principal of The Tom Smith Group

My friends and family love me. And God knows I love them, too. But after having been unemployed for 16 months, I’m going to take a stab at helping you help me during these angst-ridden times.

My networking colleagues and I realize that you have nothing but the best of intentions when you attempt to empathize or otherwise positively react to our uncomfortable and unwelcome occupational circumstances. However, as we navigate the primordial ooze that is the land of the jobless, here are some tips, from those of us who have been out there in the trenches, on how to support and communicate with us using tactfulness, grace and understanding. Let’s start with a list of dos:

• Let us pay the tip! Even though we’re broke, we need to feel like we’re not a charity case. This will help us retain a modicum of pride and dignity.

• Help us network. But first, make sure you have a clear idea of what we do, what we’re looking for, and where we’re looking. Most of us will be happy to send you our resumes or better yet, our career marketing plan. That way, when you send us job postings, they’ll be more on target..

• Ask us. Let us be honest with you. Sometimes, we won’t want to talk; in fact, we’ll want to cry. You help if you let us talk, be silent or even—yes—cry.

• Empathize, empathize, empathize! A hug or smile, an outing to see the latest comedy blockbuster, or simply an inspiring greeting card, are all very much appreciated and lift us up more than you know.

• Help us get some exercise. Walk, play tennis, throw a Frisbee; anything to help keep the computer weight off and prevent us from going completely nutty.

From those of us in the jobless trenches, here is a list of things to say and, more importantly, what NOT to say to us during these Xanex-crunching times.

It’s OK to say or ask:
• How are you doing?
• You’re in my thoughts and prayers every day.
• Can I take you to lunch?
• How about those Lakers!

Please DON’T say things like:
• You haven’t found anything yet?!
• How long has it been!?
• You really should take anything you can get.
• You really need to be working before your money runs out.
• At least you can enjoy this time off.
• You’ll wish you’d had more once you go back to work.

Here’s the bottom line. Most of us who are unemployed spend the majority of our time these days either searching or waiting. It’s hard; we want to work and it’s taking longer than most of us had hoped to find jobs, good or otherwise. By being sensitive, patient, aware, and communicating, you have the power to be a positive influence on this daunting journey. Thanks for walking beside us and holding our hands along the way.

Lauren Godfrey is a Thousand Oaks-based communications specialist and a member of the Professional Networking Team and the Vocare Networking Support Group. She can be reached at lgodfrey@MOVECommunications.biz.