Kevin D. Turner

TNT Brand Strategist LLC 

Driving the Go-To-Market strategy, ensuring exceptional customer experience and coaching clients in strategically defining and promoting their personal and organizational brand with an emphasis on digital dominance, social media, social currency, social selling, and marketing expertise on LinkedIn. 
► Consults with C-Level and Industry Leader clients on focusing the power of branding, social selling and social media marketing to boost careers, further goals, exponentially grow their business, build a personal brand that resonates and maximize their career objectives/transitioning efforts.
► Develops personalized social media plans for Executives to include authentic message development aligned with the right Keywords, Vision, and Signal to Noise Ratio that establishes their Brand, Optimizes their Rankings and Strengthens their Relevance with a focus on LinkedIn & Twitter.
► Provides Public Speaker Presentation Services on Branding to Land, Brand Marketing, Social Media Marketing, Social Selling, LinkedIn Profiles, Resume Writing, Beating the ATS and Digital Networking.
► Retained as an Executive Career Coach of Social Media and Digital Branding including LinkedIn and Twitter for Graduating eMBA Students of Baylor University Hankamer School of Business since 2015 and the Baylor Law School Masters Program since 2019.
► Earned LinkedIn ProFinder's Expert Pro and Top 10 status in Personal Branding, Strategic Brand Marketing, Social Media Marketing, Resume writing, and LinkedIn Profile optimization.

TNT Brand Strategist, LLC is a privately-held, Woman Owned Small Business Consultancy focused on helping clients define their Brand Strategy (Personal and Organizational), supported by a network of experts including Executive Coaches, Career Transition Specialists, Job Search Coaches, Human Resources, Recruiters, Resume and LinkedIn Profile Writers, Trainers, & Brand Strategists.

Managing Partner

Independent LinkedIn & Career Podcast Guest & Event Speaker

Podcaster

Hope you enjoy checking out some of my favorite LIVE & Podcast Guest Appearances talking about LinkedIn, Social Selling, Personal Branding, Brand To Land, & Career Strategy.

Public Speaker

TurneRRounD

Oversaw the consulting engagements, sales pipeline, customer satisfaction and operations.
► Drove Internet sales and social media presence for luxury brands Lexus, Cadillac and Sewell as a retained Consultant from 2012 to 2017, training 50+ sales consultants while achieving Top Sales, Profitability and Customer Satisfaction status, contributing $63.4M+ in sales, record setting Internet close ratios of 35%+, 100's of positive Google and Yelp Reviews, and gaining a strong working knowledge of automotive industry and dealership operations.
► Taught multiple six-week courses of the Dale Carnegie "Win Friends and Influence People" to 60+ sales, service and management employees, reporting to the VP of Training in support of the talent management and development goals of Sewell.
► Analyzed and strategically turned around the National Private Duty Association (NPDA) trade association, as its Interim Executive Director, by focusing on revenue performance, operational structure, board dynamics and advocacy planning while delivering a cloud-based community platform that grew membership by 15% and revenues by 30% to support profitable operations.
► Raised the Uganda Children’s Charity Foundation brand exposure, support and funding as the Interim Development Officer for this incredible non-profit, education and awareness organization and orphanage.
► Engaged for Public Speaking and corporate training events as a industry expert in Sales, Strategic Brand Marketing, Social Media and Social Selling with a strategic and tactical focus on Personal and Organizational Branding, LinkedIn and Twitter.

TurneRRounD Consulting is a privately-held consultancy focused on helping clients identify and implement performance improvement measures in branding, sales, marketing, operations, process improvements, ROI, growth tactics, leadership development, training, business development, and revenue generation.

Vice President Of Business Development

American Heart Association | American Stroke Association

Led the world’s largest health organization global reach strategy and a diverse cross-functional team, of 20 staff and 2300+ volunteers with a $15.6M P&L to turnaround a mission critical and failing division, the International Emergency Cardiovascular Care, establishing the global infrastructure and delivering $5M+ in profits. Directed global strategies for market analysis, HR planning, lean process development, product development (operations, printing, distribution, sales, marketing), product licensing, branding, volunteer management, training, business development, legal, international finance and exchange risk management. Served on the AHA Board's International Working Group, Global Strategies Committee, Corporate Management Group & Leadership Team.
► Grew markets from 40 to 140 countries, Training Centers from 70 to 300+, and trained 2M+ people outside of the US in First Aid & CPR
► Created the strategic plan, presented and earned Board of Directors approval and awarded a budget increase of $1M to establish the first remote employees and registered branch offices in Belgium, Hong Kong & the UAE
► Envisioned CPRverify, earned Board and Volunteer Leadership approval and led the technical  development of this global Cloud student and certificate verification database allowing for the first time copyright infringement and piracy control, direct contact with millions of students, and establishing a training center ratings system
► Developed strategic solutions in eLearning & simulation products with consideration for international data management & VAT/tax reconciliation
► Served as the Interim Global Director Product Development & GM for foreign branches
► Designed and launched AHA’s first smartphone app – Pocket First Aid and CPR – iPhone & Google Android, featured in The Wall Street Journal.
► Honored AHA Diversity Champion, 09 and Top Heart Walker (fundraiser) 10 & 11.

Director Of International Development

Thomas Nelson, Inc., part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing

Turned around on of the the world's largest Christian and Family Values books and media publisher's failing fundraising division by developing the strategy, team, and tactics to achieve profitable revenue growth and reduce expenses within 10 months as required by InterMedia Partners for acquisition. Collaborated with the executive team, publishing, sales, and marketing to assess customer needs and product viability. Forecasted, budgeted, and assumed full $10M P&L responsibility to maximize EBITDA. Participated in Industry Events and Association of Fund Raising Distributors and Suppliers as a Public Speaker.
► Led a team of 65, which included Operations, Marketing, Support, Telesales, and 45 remote Regional Managers responsible for account management, sales, and business development.
► Slashed expenses by more than 35% while delivering higher margin sales revenue growth than prior years.
► Facilitated sales growth, forecasting predictability, and pipeline visibility by introducing a repeatable sales methodology, prospecting strategy, and customer service processes.
► Boosted customer satisfaction and reduced refunds by 60% by designing technology-based solutions for communicating with end customers, saving $354K.
► Established, trained, and mentored a 10 member telesales call center.
► Developed and launched a sales website that achieved top search engine rankings and supported a complementary platform for two-tier affiliate selling. 
► Implemented Sales Force (SFDC) an enterprise SaaS CRM solution, to support the remote sales team, create a centralized customer database, and increase accountability.
► Created Social Media Marketing plans for customers and served as the organization expert in LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.

Vice President Sales Marketing

American Teachers Inc.

Refocused the business strategy to turn the company around, capitalizing on existing resources and market needs while actively positioning for sustainable revenue growth. Held full P&L responsibility. Represented the company to the public, financial community, government agencies, and shareholders. Defined long- and short-range objectives.
► Aligned privately held company and board processes with Sarbanes-Oxley, including upgrading disclosure, bolstering corporate governance, expanding accountability, and increasing oversight and auditor independence.
► Secured $700K+ in investment funding, while negotiating $250K+ in previously incurred debt with stock trades, by working with legal counsel to prepare a Regulation D offering and establishing a broker sales program.
► Launched the exclusive Accredited Retirement Planners program, a marketing and sales services group that allows site sponsorship at 16,000+ school district levels along with additional services and product revenue streams.
► Forged strategic sales alliances with retirement and insurance marketing companies to provide benefits to educators and deliver product marketing revenue streams back to the company.
► Addressed the needs of the target market by updating a nonfunctional web site into a sponsor supported SaaS, software as a solution, platform for education, curriculum development and communication tools.
► Fueled 250% growth in unique site visitors through cost-effective exposure programs and social media marketing.
► Lead organization in social media expertise including LinkedIn and Twitter.

American Teachers was a niche telesales and marketing company facilitating sponsorship inclusion into the education market by providing a SaaS platform (software as a solution) for education, curriculum development and communication tools supported by sponsors.

Chief Executive Officer

Stone Holdings, Inc.

Conducted market research and risk analysis on investment opportunities while compiling and interpreting results for board review and determination of this $600M venture capital firm. Reported directly to the Venture Capital CEO, Harry Carneal. Incubated technology and security companies while establishing a strong contact database. Acted as the Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing and one of the founders for  the VC's pinnacle investment startup: Privacy Council, Inc.
Developed and implemented the Sales and Marketing plan to launch this privacy and data management venture into an unproven business arena. Prepared the business plan and funding proposals. Designed and distributed all promotional material and product offerings. Obtained extensive media coverage for the organization and for the Chief Privacy Officer training program. Served as Interim Chief Privacy Officer.  
► Created and managed the most comprehensive multilingual Internet portal on privacy featured in The Wall Street Journal’s “Watching the Web” section on May 25, 2000.
► Presented the world’s first university-based Chief Privacy Officer training program in conjunction with Harvard, George Washington, Southern Methodist, and Cambridge Universities.
► Developed the Privacy Library, the first comprehensive, Internet based database of 700+ privacy laws.
► Privacy Law, COPPA, ECPA, FCRA, HIPAA, VPPA, SOX, EU Safe Harbor

Stone Holdings, Inc. is a $600M venture capital fund specializing in the information, financial services, technology sales and Internet industries.

Sony

Advanced to the position of National Sales Marketing Manager – Sony Digital Telecommunication Company 9/1997, starting as intern in Japan and then earning multiple promotions for superior performance in sales, marketing and training. Highlights of achievements at SONY include:
► Propelled sales revenue from $10M to $120M in less than 18 months with PrimeCo/Verizon.
► Recognized for many accolades including the Sony National Top Performer Award for Accessory Sales, two Sony Special Contribution Awards and a Creative Event Award. Built and motivated the Wireless division’s #1 Sales team.
► Produced $180M+ in CDMA wireless sales and spearheaded product launches in 11 major markets for Sprint.
► Increased consumer market share for Sony 8mm video projects from 0 to 60% in less than three years through implementation of grass roots regional marketing programs.
► Created two national promotional programs:  Project Educ“8” and Sony Frequent Seller.  
► Chosen to present the Consultative Selling lecture at Sony’s National Sales Convention and to serve as the Video Product authority & Training Expert at Sony’s national events.

As National Sales Manager for Sony Digital Telecommunication Company, the business sector of Sony responsible for the development, production and distribution of wireless products, Kevin D Turner directed the sales of wireless products to PrimeCo, Texas, Louisiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Hawaii. Supervised three Account Managers, with full-line regional profit and loss accountability. Served as an active founding member of the Sales Compensation and Product Planning committees.
► Increased sales from $10M to $120M in less than 18 months.
► Trained, coached and mentored PrimeCo telesales call center staff and trainers in CDMA technology and sales techniques.
► Recognized for building and motivating the #1 Sales Team in the Wireless Division.

National Sales Marketing Manager

Brand to Land: Eliminating Personal Blanding™ with the Sharpest Tools & Strategies for Your Professional Success. Branding ╽ LinkedIn Profile Optimization ╿ Trainer ╽ Career Coach ╿ Speaker ╽ ⛨ Verified Profile

To pivot, you must first prove it, and then build it into your brand! I know this to be true, as I have successfully pulled off five evolutions in my career. Transitioning from Fortune 50 Sales & Marketing Management to Venture Capital, to Public & Private Turnarounds, Leading a Non-Profit 50 internationally, and finally proving it to myself by turning a side gig into a 14+ year successful business.

Welcome to my profile; I'm Kevin D. Turner, Managing Partner of TNT Brand Strategist, a technology and business-focused Organizational and Personal Brand Builder with deep expertise in Visioneering, Communications, Culture Building, and creating Disruptive Advantages. My passion for talent development and cultivating high-performance teams globally while profitably managing, branding, and growing organizations, has contributed to my career success. 

 🔘 Optimized 5K+ LinkedIn Profiles & Trained 15K+ People on Best Practices since 2005
 🔘 Achieved LinkedIn 5 Star Rating & 200+ Written Recommendations 
 🔘 Developed & Led Teams of 65+ Sales & Marketing Professionals
 🔘 Marketed & Sold $550M+ Domestically & into 140 Countries 
 🔘 Created, Hired & Managed 4 Domestic & Foreign Offices 
 🔘 Lived in the US, Switzerland, Germany & Japan
 🔘 Established International HR & Payroll 
 🔘 CrowdSourced & FundRaised $25.3M
 🔘 Managed Full P&L of $352M

With a Philosophy forged in Customers First, Triple Bottom Line (3PL) "People, Planet & Profit" coupled with a keen Business Acumen and a Personal Resolve to Change the World, I have held Sales, Marketing, and Branding leadership roles with SONY, Stone VC, Thomas Nelson, TurneRRounD, American Teachers, American Heart Association, & TNT Brand Strategist.

TNT Brand Strategist – Devoted to Your Success
High Touch, Confidential, Never Outsourced, & Tech Aware
LinkedIn Service Provider ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Top Rated Pro 

 🔘 Top Recommended LinkedIn Profile, Resume, Bio, & Business Page Optimization 
 🔘 Organizational Branding, Personal Branding & Brand Strategy Development 
 🔘 Leadership, Career, Interview & Executive Development Coaching 
 🔘 Corporate LinkedIn & Social Selling Training & Public Speaking
 🔘 Career & Corporate Transition Services 

Kevin D. Turner, Managing Partner & Brand Strategist, TNT Brand Strategist, LLC
📱 +1-214-724-9111      ✉ Kevin @ TNT Brand Strategist .com     @MrKevinDTurner

#TNTBrandStrategist #KeepRockingLinkedIn & #NEWLinkedInFeature

As we head into Thanksgiving week, I can’t help but feel thankful for this community, the people who show up, share their light, and remind us all that visibility is more powerful when it’s shared.

Together we have built the Own Your Spotlight Summit which isn’t just an event. It’s a reflection of everything I’m grateful for this season:

🙏🏼 My Co-Hosts who graciously pour their expertise into others: Melissa Cohen, WENDY SHORE, & Donnie Boivin
🙏🏼  Our Raleigh, NC Guest Speakers & Panelist who lead with generosity: Stacy Eleczko🔅, Larry Long Jr 🎤, Brian Ondrako, and ANNABEL PICKENS
🙏🏼  The Sponsors who make the magic possible: David Williams (RTP Photo & Video), William Bissett (Portus Wealth Advisors), and Transfer Co. Food Hall
🙏🏼 All the [in]credible people who attend, share, collaborate, uplift, support and make things happen

Together, we’re creating a space where ideas become collaborations and visibility becomes opportunity.

This Thanksgiving let’s give thanks for the people who lift us higher and the rooms that make us braver.

We hope to see you in Raleigh to turn Gratitude into Growth on Dec 8.

Please reserve your seat before the room fills: https://lnkd.in/epPmvN8N

Until then, Be Grateful, Go Grand, Never Bland, Brand to Land &
#KeepRockingLinkedIn!
Kevin @ TNT Brand Strategist LLC
On a Mission to Eliminate Organizational & Personal Blanding™

#OwnYourSpotlight #LearningAndDevelopment #GratefulForGrowth #Networking #RaleighEvents

Kevin D. Turner 

Brand to Land: Eliminating Personal Blanding™ with the Sharpest Tools & Strategies for Your Professional Success. Executive Personal Branding & Transition Services: 7K+ LinkedIn™ Profiles, 4K+ Resumes & 25K+Trained

Are You [in] or [in]visible? 
Will you let these 3 AI's decide your Discoverability or will you Train them as your competitive advantage here on [in]?

For years, being discovered on [in] was a blend of PEO (Profile Engine Optimization: Key-Wording in Context), MVF (Market Value Filters), Skills Assig

Open article: The 'Llama Brew View' Radically Changes How You’ll Get Discovered on LinkedIn & What to Do About It! by Kevin D. Turner • 6 min read

The 'Llama Brew View' Radically Changes How You’ll Get Discovered on LinkedIn & What to Do About It!

It is nothing short of [in]credible;

a platform that could bring together a group of amazing presenters and audience, many who [in]RL may have never crossed paths. 

The sharing, uplifting, collaboration, stepping out of our comfort zones and a smattering of snow made this event a unforgettable. Thank you to all who collaborated and participated to make this event successful and hope your travels home were safe. 

One local collaborator went the extra mile, or should I say miles, to make sure things went smoothly and all felt welcomed. Of the many things she did, she scouted/coordinated with the facility ahead of time, chased sponsors, picked the early arrival team up at the airport, invited them into her house for an amazing home cooked dinner by her master chef husband with desert by her son, and even lent us her car to get around. 
Thank You, Stacy Eleczko🔅, You ROCK!

Thank you to our Sponsors Transfer Co. Food Hall, Portus Wealth Advisors & RTP Photo & Video.

Thank you to Van Lai-DuMone for the donations of your books. 

Now I must ask: Where should Own Your Spotlight go next and who should take the Stage with us?

Your Transition Package May Be Negotiable: 
Here’s How to Use It to Your Advantage

If you’re going through a career transition, here’s something most people don’t know… Your outplacement or transition allowance from your employer is 

Open article: Your Transition Package May Be Negotiable: Here’s How to Use It to Your Advantage by Kevin D. Turner • 2 min read

Your Transition Package May Be Negotiable: Here’s How to Use It to Your Advantage

100M+ Members are now Verified on LinkedIn!

►  Verified since 04-19-2023
►  Posted the 1st Video on Youtube & LinkedIn on how to get Verified in April 2023 https://lnkd.in/e6YycCFv
► Turned off my Premium gold Badge, Oct 2025, so my ⛨ Verified shield follows me around [in] (Do we need a Premium Gold Verified Badge?)

Are you Verified?

Open video: ⚠️ BREAKING NEWS: ✅ Verified LinkedIn Profiles ⚠️   Kevin D. Turner, US Gov ID Verify #Shorts on youtube.com

⚠️ BREAKING NEWS: ✅ Verified LinkedIn Profiles ⚠️   Kevin D. Turner, US Gov ID Verify #Shorts

Hannah Morgan

Career Sherpa.net

I help those new to job search develop successful strategies to help empower job seekers and help you secure a new job faster! 

My focus is helping job seekers with:

► Proactive job search strategies
► Social media strategies for better online visibility
► Interviewing best practices
► Building and nurturing a valuable network

I dish out all kinds of advice on job search, social media trends, personal branding, developing and improving your online presence- you name it. You will find everything you need for a successful job search!

Please follow me here to see regular updates to help you job search smarter! 
And if you want to stay up-to-date, subscribe to my weekly newsletter, Summary Sunday, here http://bit.ly/3lLVdq2

Job Search Strategist

U.S. News & World Report

A regular contributor at US News & World Report which appears on  Money > On Careers  section each Wednesday. You'll find savvy job advice from the brains behind top careers blogs, including mine! The tagline reads: "Find a job, keep it and get ahead!"

You can find it here: http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/outside-voices-careers

Contributing Blogger / On Careers

RochesterWorks

Oversaw logistics related to launch and management for a new program to help professional level job seekers. Career Navigator was offered weekly at multiple locations with classes up to 25 participants. Each class was 5 days and covered topics including self-assessment, networking, resume writing, job search strategies and interviewing. Over 2,500 participants graduated from the program in the years it was delivered.

Program Coordinator, Career Navigator

Coordinated over 30 monthly workshops for job seekers.  Facilitated job search workshops, on and off-site, to clients from all levels and backgrounds.  Identified, coordinated, and promoted guest speakers to address the needs of customers.  

•  Implemented a guest speaker series of workshops to address the needs of job seekers.  These workshops are consistently the best attended workshops offered.

•  Analyzed registration and attendance data used to efficiently schedule monthly workshops.

•  Initiated new workshops for small businesses resulting in increased revenues.

•  Redesigned workshops by updating content and reformatting for consistency which led to ease of facilitation and improved quality to customers.

•  Facilitated workshops at company career center which increased awareness of RochesterWorks! services among the employees.

•  Delivered change management workshops to dislocated Wegmans’ employees that helped enable them to transition on to new job opportunities.

•  Created summary reports used to capture feedback from over 120 employees.  This report supplied client and career center with information used to deliver future workshops.

•  Dynamically presented daily workshops to professional participants resulting in an average satisfaction rating of 4.75 on 5 point scale.

Workshop Facilitator

Lee Hecht Harrison

Career Consultant
Administered quality career management services to displaced employees, at all levels, in the form of notification meetings, delivering seminars and workshops, facilitation of networking groups and one on one consulting.  

•  Initiated “technical mentoring” program for clients to assist one another in technical aspects of job search to foster communication and ease burden on staff. 

•  Facilitated Job Search Work teams to increase morale and minimize time in job search through encouraging networking and sharing of information.

•  Conducted group and one on one meetings with hundreds of dislocated workers to advise them of outplacement services which prepared them for the job search and emotional transition.

Career Consultant

The Sutherland Group

Human Resource Generalist	1997-1999
Selected to manage organizational change through employee relations program within telemarketing company with over 2,000 employees.

•  Developed and implemented process and guidelines for new corporate program which increased employee satisfaction by 6%, increased timely performance reviews by 35% and provided exit interview data for 65% of separated employees.

•  Managed recruitment efforts for staffing of new program resulting in hiring over 15 people within an extremely short time frame to meet customer expectations for launch of program.

Additional Roles Included:

Sales Support Supervisor				

Client Services Manager				

Lead Generation Supervisor				

Market Research Supervisor

Human Resources Generalist

Showing job seekers ways to proactively uncover new opportunities and get discovered! Job Search Strategist, Speaker & Trainer 🏆 LinkedIn Top Voice in Job Search and Careers.

Do you have a plan you are following to find a new job? Without the right to-do list it can take a long time to secure a new job. 

I help job seekers understand how to look for work more effectively and land a job faster. 

What I do is equip people who are serious about managing their careers with the strategies and tools to market themselves during job search (and forever). It's about creating a reputation of excellence and connecting with people you need to know in person or virtually! 

In today’s world, it’s too easy to get overlooked when you just apply for jobs online. I want you to get the attention you deserve. But it isn’t easy. It requires consistent effort and stepping outside of your comfort zone. 

Develop a plan to find your next job faster!

RESOURCES I OFFER:

Do you get my Sunday Career Essentials newsletter? It's curated content by experts in the job search, recruiting and careers fields you need to know! Subscribe here https://career-essentials.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Do you know about my Motivation Monday Job Search Accountability Group? It's a small group of job seekers that meet for 6 weeks to push through the process, find support, collaboration and accountability. Learn more here: https://careersherpa.net/need-help/motivation-monday-job-search-accountability-group/

Interested in learning more about my services? See this page: https://careersherpa.net/products-services/

Career Sherpa.net serves as the umbrella for all the things I love doing: training (virtually and in person), speaking, and writing. Visit my website to get the latest on job search trends and tips to improve your online visibility ⇨ 
https://careersherpa.net

 ► Speaker/Trainer ◄ 
Delivering presentations and workshops is my passion.  I love educating and the personal satisfaction that comes from seeing the "a-ha" moments of participants. 


 ► Author/Blogger ◄ 
I’ve been recognized at one of LinkedIn's Top Voices in Job Search and Career in 2019. I've also been featured in USA Today, Money Magazine, Huffington Post, Aol Jobs, LifeHacker, The Muse,  Business Insider and many other media outlets. 

I've written two books: "The Infographic Resume" and co-authored “Social Networking for Business Success: How To Turn Your Ideas Into Income”.

In case you haven't seen the message yet... 

Between now and New Year's is a great time to build relationships (that can lead to a new job)!

While it may not feel like that's progress, many companies will be building a pipeline of potential talent and you can only get in that queue if you are building contacts and connections. (Real, genuine relationships, not just connect here and hope.)

So here is your December challenge:

Reconnect with past colleagues
Touch base with clients, customers, vendors, and suppliers
Remind everyone you know of exactly what you are looking for
Re-announce your job search on LinkedIn
Attend at least one holiday event

You've got this!

Get your weekly issue of Career Essentials to land your new job faster!
https://lnkd.in/epP33pJi

Holiday Job Search Is About Building Relationships

Most people do not remember that you are still looking for a job. 

Sad but true. 

So don't feel yucky reminding everyone. 

In fact, why not make a post about it here. 
Plus, then you can share it on other social media accounts AND as an email. (3 opportunities to get everyone on the same page)

Here's what your post will cover

✨ Positive opening
✨ Target roles
✨ Target companies/industries
✨ Key skills
✨ Value you deliver
✨ Call To Action (CTA)
✨ Image

Be specific! 

(I promise, it's better than saying "I'm open to anything.")


✔ DO:
Always stay positive and professional
Be specific about your goals
Highlight your unique value propositions
Provide clear contact information
Use a conversational yet professional tone

❌ DON’T:
Use generic, templated language
Come across as unfocused or open to anything
Neglect proofreading
Overshare personal challenges

Want more job search tips? Get my free weekly newsletter - Career Essentials. 
https://lnkd.in/epP33pJi

“If you don't know where you are going,
you'll end up someplace else.”

- Yogi Berra

Job seekers need clarity and a strategy. 

If your goal is to secure a new job in 2026, start with this checklist. I'll be updating it for 2026, but this will get you started. 

And to move the needle on your job search, get my weekly Career Essentials newsletter free. 
https://lnkd.in/epP33pJi

Job Search Checklist 2025

One of the biggest challenges in a job search is knowing which companies to target. AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity can help you uncover those companies faster and support every other part of your search, from research to writing.

To get better results, focus on how you ask:

1. Treat it like a conversation.
 Ask a clear question, review the response, then ask follow-ups to refine it.

2. Be specific.
 Include details like role, industry, tone, audience, or what you’re trying to achieve.

3. Give context.
 Tell AI exactly how you’ll use the output: a LinkedIn About section, email draft, interview prep, etc.

4. Ask for more.
 If the answer isn’t quite right, say “show me more options” or “expand this.”

5. Experiment.
 Rephrase your prompt or add more detail to improve the result.


🎯TARGET COMPANIES

Start with this prompt and adapt based on the results you get:  

“Act as a job search research assistant. I am trying to build a list of potential target companies for my job search. Based on the criteria I provide, generate a list of 25–40 companies that match. Include a mix of well-known organizations and lesser-known or emerging companies. For each company, include a one-sentence explanation of why it fits my criteria.

Here are the factors I want you to consider (use as many as possible):
🔹Geographic location: [insert city/region]
🔹Industry: [insert industry or sub-industry]
🔹Competitors: [insert competitor names]
🔹Products/services they provide: [insert specifics]
🔹Companies that have recently hired for roles like: [insert job titles]
🔹Company size: [insert size range]
🔹Remote or hybrid work options: [yes/no/preferred]

Group the companies into categories (e.g., direct competitors, adjacent industries, fast-growing startups, large enterprises).”

📧 For more actionable job search tips, subscribe to Career Essentials
https://lnkd.in/epP33pJi

Most job seekers aren’t struggling because they aren’t trying hard enough. They’re struggling because the advice they’re following is fragmented, outdated, or buried under noise.

The online world is filled with "slop." But your inbox doesn't have to be. 

That's why we put together a list of "Must-Read newsletters."

The authors of the newsletters below have their pulse on what job seekers are facing right now, not six months ago. 

Plus, they understand how HR, recruiting, and hiring decisions are actually made. That combination allows them to translate insight into clear, practical actions job seekers can take immediately.

💥 What Makes These Newsletters Different

In a market crowded with recycled advice and surface-level tips, these newsletters stand out because they deliver relevance, context, and strategy, grounded in how hiring really works today.

Here are the authors of the newsletters I recommend you check out:

CAREER BRIEFS
By: Sarah Johnston, Founder, Briefcase Coach
🎯 Best for: Senior leaders and executives
📧 Check it out here: https://lnkd.in/eMW5D4Tg 

JOBSEARCH.GUIDE
By: Jan Tegze, Talent Acquisition Leader
🎯 Best for: Recruiter-insider insight
📧 Check it out here: https://lnkd.in/ebDAbruF

TEAL TALK
By: Lara Perlstein, VP of Operations, Teal
🎯 Best for: Proactive, career-focused job seekers
📧 Check it out here: https://lnkd.in/eYVEgBZ9

CAREER ACCELERATOR
By: Adrienne Tom, Executive Resume Writer, Career Impressions
🎯 Best for: Senior-level and executive job seekers 
📧 Check it out here: https://lnkd.in/e697Gaf6

CAREER EDGE
By: Dr. Heather Maietta - Coach for Career Coaches, Career In Progress
🎯 Best for: Career professionals and coaches
📧 Check it out here: https://lnkd.in/e8FxTy7T

CAREER ESSENTIALS
By: Me Hannah Morgan, Job Search Strategist, Career Sherpa
📧 Check it out here: https://lnkd.in/erDtFiiq


Share this, save this, and subscribe to these newsletters!

Job Search and Career Newsletters 2026

Scams are coming at you from every direction right now. I just got a call to approve a $999 order for a recent Apple iPhone 16 purchase I didn't make! I get texts, emails, and DMs. 

Job seekers are being targeted, too. 

We all have to be vigilant. 

⚠️ Double-check the sender's email
⚠️ Never click on links 
⚠️ And if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. 

I'm no expert on scams, but I know these people are. Follow them:

Mark Anthony Dyson Creating job scam defense systems for job seekers | The Job Scam Report on Substack | The Voice of Job Seekers | Multimedia Content Creator | Speaker | Quoted in Forbes, Newsweek, Business Insider, Fast Company | ΦΒΣ


JAY JONES: Removed 32,641 Fake Jobs From LinkedIn | As seen on NBC News & Yahoo News | Fraud Risk & Platform Integrity Expert | Senior Copywriter | Follow me for Tips + Intel

Commenting isn’t just about being visible. It’s about adding value to the conversation.

Here are 8 ways to write engaging LinkedIn comments:

1️⃣ Tag the author and explain why you agree
▪️Shows respect and makes your comment feel personal
▪️Example: “@Author I agree—especially your point about ___ because ___.”

2️⃣ Add an additional perspective
▪️Build on the post instead of repeating it
▪️Introduce a “yes, and…” idea

3️⃣ Expand on one specific point
▪️Pick ONE idea from the post and go deeper
▪️This signals expertise without writing a novel

4️⃣ Tag others who could add value
▪️Bring smart people into the conversation
▪️Keep it selective, not spammy

5️⃣ Add relevant data or third-party resources
▪️Stats, studies, or credible articles
▪️(Call out: not your own content)

6️⃣ Ask a clarifying or forward-looking question
▪️Encourages a response from the author
▪️Example: “How do you see this changing in 2026?”

7️⃣ Share a real result from applying the advice
▪️“I used this approach and here’s what happened…”

8️⃣ Offer an alternative solution (with examples or data)
▪️Respectful disagreement is memorable
▪️Frame it as an addition, not a correction

Here’s what you shouldn’t do
🚫 “Great post!” (and nothing else)
🚫 Repeating the post word-for-word
🚫 Self-promotion or link dumping
🚫 Overly long comments that bury the point


Here’s why commenting works: 

🚀 Builds credibility
🚀 Starts conversations
🚀 Gets profile views without cold outreach

You don’t need to post every day to build visibility. Instead try leaving more comments every day on relevant posts by people in your field. 

Next time you comment, try just one of these ⬇️

My weekly Career Essentials newsletter regularly features actionable tips like these https://lnkd.in/epP33pJi

You can tell a lot about a role by the questions you ask… and the answers they avoid.

Asking questions enables you to acquire valuable intelligence, plus may reveal some red flags. By asking questions, you can: 
• Decode expectations
• Understand success criteria
• Uncover culture
• Spot risks and red flags
• Clarify the hiring process

I wrote an article that lists many different types of questions, but these are 8 of my go-to favorites.

❓ What are the most important elements of this job?
       - What are they looking for (these should be things you talk about)

❓ Why is this position available?
      - Reveals growth vs. churn.

❓ What did the last person in this position go on to do and what were they like?
      - What is the movement in the role and qualities of past employee.

❓ How is job performance evaluated at your company, and how often?
      - Can be useful in negotiating salary

❓ What goals do you expect the person who takes this job to achieve during the first year (or 30, 60, 90 days)?
     - Shows what’s truly essential to succeeding in the job.

❓ What do you like best about working here?
      - Sheds light on company culture

AND ALWAYS ASK THESE, ALWAYS

⁉️ What are the next steps in this process?

⁉️What is your timeline for getting back to candidates about the next steps?


What’s one question that’s revealed the most for you in an interview?

Want to see the full list of questions? Link is below.

At every Thanksgiving table this week, someone will ask, “So, what do you do these days?”

If you’re in transition, here’s a simple way to answer confidently.

“I am a technical writer and project manager, meaning I oversee people writing detailed instructions on how to operate machinery so that customers can use it better.”

“I’m the person who makes sure the numbers match up. I’m in accounting.” 

“I’m finishing my degree and plan to work in Human Resources when I graduate.”

Your answer in a social setting doesn’t need to be long or go into great detail. Keep it easy to understand and interesting.

And as tempting as it may be for you to confess you are unemployed, in transition, or looking for your next great job, that information DOES NOT need to be included in your answer. It takes the conversation in a different direction. The person will say “Oh, I’m sorry” or begin talking about how tough they hear the job market is. 

Instead, don’t lead with that information. If they ask additional questions, you can steer them in the right direction (of being helpful) by listing the types of companies or industries you are targeting. 

Here’s what that might sound like:

“I’m looking for a new job working in the banking industry, preferably in the Atlanta area. Do you know anyone down there?”

“I’m really interested in non-profits that help young adults work or study abroad. Have you heard of any?”

“I would love to work at a local college. Do you know anyone who works at one?”

So as you head into your holiday gatherings, go in with a simple, confident answer ready to go. A clear introduction opens the door to real conversations,  and maybe even a helpful connection. Your goal is to make it easy for people to understand what you do and how they can support you.

And just in case you aren't here tomorrow, Happy Thanksgiving! 

📧 Get actionable job search tips delivered to your inbox weekly
https://lnkd.in/eDy_NTim

Here's something you can do before you tune out for the holiday...

Reintroduce yourself in a LinkedIn post. 

Many of your connections may have forgotten that you are still in the market for a new job. 

But don't just say "keep me in mind." Provide specifics about what you want. 

That's not all you'll see in yesterday's newsletter. 

I featured these articles too: 

🔔 Apply to jobs the right way - Dominic Imwalle
🔔 Job seeker list of people to follow on LinkedIn - Career Impressions: Executive Resume Writing, Adrienne Tom
🔔 One question every job seeker needs to answer - David Hannan
🔔 The easiest way to network in 2026 - Greg Roche
🔔 Follow this routine on LinkedIn - Shelley Piedmont🧭
🔔 2026. The year of transformation - Donna Svei

And so much more! 

Plus, stay tuned for a list of newsletters job seekers need to subscribe to! Coming this week! 

Here's the link to yesterday's newsletter
https://lnkd.in/eR7xR2MA

And join for free and get Career Essentials delivered to your inbox every Sunday! https://lnkd.in/epP33pJi

Most of us start a job search thinking, “I won’t be out of work long.”

And that’s completely normal. Expectations come from hope, experience, and how we think things should unfold.

But when expectations don’t match reality, we feel frustrated, disappointed, or even rejected. Here’s what’s really happening:

We form expectations by:
🔹 Anticipating a specific outcome
🔹 Visualizing exactly how things “should” play out
🔹 A fixed idea of what we want or need

And when reality doesn’t align, it stings.

This is your reminder to check your expectations, not to lower your standards, but to protect your energy and stay focused on what you can control.

Common job search expectations that often miss the mark:
➡️ I’ll get feedback after the interview
➡️ Employers will communicate clearly and consistently
➡️ I’ll receive timely follow-up
➡️ I’ll be contacted regardless of the outcome
➡️ I’ll get a call because I’m qualified
➡️ The hiring process should be fast
➡️ Job boards will deliver the right opportunities
➡️ Job searching shouldn’t be this hard
➡️ AI can do most of the work
➡️ Recruiters will give me all the details up front

In a perfect world, these would all be true. But hiring is messy, inconsistent, and often slow. Many parts of the process are outside your control.

So here’s the reframe:
Ask yourself, 

“Is this expectation realistic based on my past experience or is it something I wish would happen?”

When expectations align with reality, the emotional rollercoaster gets easier to manage.

And where you do have control, take it.
🎯 If you haven’t heard back, follow up.
🎯 If you feel ghosted, reach out to someone else at the company.
🎯 If you’re waiting for clarity, ask direct questions.
 
Do everything within your power to get the information you need, even if it’s not the answer you hoped for.

And if you’ve done all you can?

LET IT GO!

Not because it doesn’t matter, but because your energy is better spent on new opportunities, new conversations, and new possibilities.

The truth:
 Job search is hard.
 But you are resilient.
 You are resourceful.
 And you will move forward.

Keep going. Your next opportunity needs the version of you that doesn’t get stuck. 

Just keep moving.

Job Search Strategist, Speaker & Trainer | LinkedIn profile checkup | Mock interviewing | Modern job search strategies and organization best practices 🏆 LinkedIn Top Voice in Job Search

Do you ever turn down an invitation to go somewhere or meet someone?

I often turn down opportunities, because... (I always think of an excuse).

🔹Too busy
🔹Have other things to do

But if I'm being honest, I usually say no because I feel uncomfortable, uncertain, or afraid. 

Here's what I know: In every instance where I've said "Yes" I've always been pleasantly surprised!

So the next time you are presented with an opportunity to do something or meet someone say "YES!"


Get my newsletter and be pleasantly surprised by the helpful job search information that will remove the doubt and uncertainty. 
https://lnkd.in/eDy_NTim

Job Searching During the Holidays? Here’s Why It Absolutely Works (And What to Do)

I published my newsletter yesterday that featured this topic! 

You'll also get tips on:

🎁 How to overcome job search burnout - The Job Hopper
🎁 Discover 3 people you must network with - Greg Roche
🎁 10 ways leaders protect their team - Dora Vanourek
and more! 

Here's the link: https://lnkd.in/eN3qfnDn

Get Career Essentials delivered straight to your inbox by adding your email here: https://lnkd.in/eDy_NTim

Yesterday's newsletter hit inboxes, but in case you missed it, here's what it featured: 

💼 AI prompt for creating a list of target companies
💼 12 days of Christmas action plan - Dr. Heather Maietta - Coach for Career Coaches
💼 Stop chasing and follow up with these ideas instead - Polly Rowland
💼 Breakdown of LinkedIn's many changes - Marie Zimenoff and Kevin D. Turner
💼 Hiring predictions for 2026 - Kelli Hrivnak
💼 Make time to be present - Mark Danaher, PCC, Elevating Human Potential
Plus more! 

See all these posts and more here 
https://lnkd.in/e5ySzUKC

And be sure to subscribe so you never miss actionable job search tips!
https://lnkd.in/epP33pJi

Did you miss yesterday's Career Essentials?

Every Sunday I share relevant articles and resources that give job seekers current, trustworthy information. I curate content from experts (resume writers, recruiters, career experts) so you don't have to sift through the noise and distractions (you have enough to do promoting your brand here, not reading discouraging, click-baity posts!) 

Here's what you find in this week's issue: 

✨ Executive Resumes: What works, what needs to go, and what will give you the edge - Adrienne Tom

✨ 6 things you can do to make your resume Experience section “sticky” - Donna Svei

✨ The reasons you're application is rejected (and AI usually isn't one) - Jan Tegze

✨ A list of things you can do to stand out in this brutal job market - Angela Cheng-Cimini 鄭婷婷

✨ Answering the question behind the interview question - Sarah Baker Andrus


The link to all these articles (and more) is in the comments. 
(I know that's annoying, but I want my post to reach the largest audience possible. You can help by reposting it or saving it 👐 )

If the right opportunities aren’t finding you, it’s rarely a visibility problem.
It’s a clarity problem.

Recruiters, hiring leaders, and referrers can’t discover what they don’t instantly understand.

Personal branding happens when you consistently message a clear signal so the right people can find, recognize, and remember you.

Your brand is your reputation. The perception others hold of your value, strengths, and impact. And in a crowded executive market, clarity is the real differentiator.

Invest time between now and the end of the year to fine-tune your messaging/personal brand. (And see what your LinkedIn Year In Review reveals) 

Personal Branding Checklist

☐ Choose your top professional attributes (3–4)
 Select adjectives that describe how you create value, not your job title.

☐ Define your passions
 Pinpoint what energizes you and where those interests intersect with your best work.

☐ Identify your core values
List the principles that guide your decisions, leadership style, and priorities.

☐ Name your core strengths (your superpowers)
 Identify the skills and capabilities you’re known for and relied on to deliver results.

☐ Clarify your vision and purpose
Name the change you want to create and the role you play in making it happen.

☐ Define your target audience
 Identify the roles, industries, and companies you’re aiming for.
Understand what hiring decision-makers care about and the problems they need solved.

☐ Get external feedback
 Ask colleagues, clients, and trusted contacts how they describe your strengths and impact.

☐ Analyze your competition
 Understand what others in your space offer and what truly differentiates you.

Bottom line:
 ⌛ Commit the time to do this work.
 ♻️  Use the output consistently across your resume, LinkedIn profile, networking conversations, and interviews.

Clarity is what makes a brand magnetic.

taplio

The Battle

Kevin D. Turner

Hannah Morgan

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance ScoreKevin D. Turner's LinkedIn Performance

Performance ScoreHannah Morgan's LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

taplio

The Battle

Kevin D. Turner

Hannah Morgan

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Kevin D. Turner's LinkedIn Performance

Performance ScoreHannah Morgan's LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

Performance ScoreKevin D. Turner's LinkedIn Performance