Linked in like many other networking sites are great places to connect and reconnect. Last week I came across and old friend from NYC through a 3rd level connection. I quickly reached out to him and soon we where in each other's network. Sadly, I found it he'd been let go from his job after 11 years following a merger. John is among a network of contacts that I've recently added to my active file, by active I mean people that I can tap into for any given expertise. Because while jobs may not be abundant the need for freelance and consultant talent is on the rise.

So reach out to alumni groups, professional organizations, etc. all of which can be accesed through sites like LinkedIn, Facebook, etc. A friend went as far as to post "seeking freelance and permanent job opportunities..." no room for guessing and at times like these getting to the point is just fine.

Lately I've been asked that question a lot and new subscribers to the newsletter must wonder why they've not received their first issue.

As many of you know, I manage MCAE during my off time from my full time job. Recently I was given a wonderful opportunity to join the marketing team as Brand Manager. Though I truly enjoyed my role as editor I saw this as an opportunity to build on my career path and return to the world I know and love. As a result of this move I am now heading up my companie's Hispanic efforts and working many hours, traveling around 50% of the time and even on weekends. The whole live/work balance has gone out the window and for now I've taken that word out of my vocabulary.

On the upside, I'm having a ton of fun. The positive note here is that although we are in a recession, companies are not just about downsizing but rather being smart with the resources they have. Replace the fear of being let go with an enthusiasm to be productive and contribute to the bottom line.

Despite my recent neglect of MCAE traffic to this site continues to grow steadily so "GRACIAS" to all those readers and I promise to bring some new Mujeres Chat interviews soon.

  I used to brag that I do not have an addictive personality, true, I'm a bit OCD but I always thought being neat and a perfectionist weren't such bad traits. However, a few years ago I found myself totally hooked on Altoid mints. I mean, really hooked, I'd be in hotel rooms on business trips going to the lobby gift store in search of my fix. If they didn't have the flavor I sought (peppermint) I felt shear panic. Friends and colleagues laughed but for me it was pretty devastating to go without.

Lately I discovered I'm hooked on a new thing, this time it's my Blackberry Bold. I check it, and re-check it, granted, I need to be connected to critical projects I'm managing but now, when I think of my survival kit I must add this to the Altoids, toothbrush and Colgate Total toothpaste that I, until now, thought I could not go without. (I promise, this is not a product plug).

I do promote a healthy work-life balance and proper separation but, how is that possible now? It's like the tracking device celebrity fellons get put on their ankle. In any case, I can now relate to Obama's determination to keep his.

Soccer superstar Marta is starting a new job too as the latest addition to the LA Sol soccer women's soccer teamWork has been keeping me busy lately, my day job that is. I recently made a transition into the marketing department and as a consequence have a new job title, new responsibilities and yes, a new boss. That’s lot “news” and I wanted to make sure I was making an effective transition, especially with a new boss. So I asked author and columnist Anita Bruzzese to join me in a session of Mujeres Chat to talk about the best way to take on a new boss.

Managing expectations early on was one of her tips and how true that is. There’s so much to build on but keeping lines of communication open and understanding each other’s style is crucial. Anita talks about being sensitive to the new boss’s position and being an asset to their transition vs. a hindrance. I checked out Anita’s site before the interview and ended up printing ten of her articles that I plan to read over the next week.

I think every MCAE reader will benefit from her solid career advice. Check out http://www.45things.com/.

As for me, I’m juggling several things at once, traveling a lot more and loving every minute of it because what I love most in my work is a good challenge. My new position is giving me that and it also connects me back to the world I know: Marketing.

We expanded our previous topics with a session on dressing for success which I co-presented. We had a great turn-out, all who attended walked away glad they did.

March of Dimes (Chicago Chap. - 11.22.08) from Orange Video Production on Vimeo.