Branding on Shine

Do you need an avatar?

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If you spend any amount of time online, you’ve probably needed to post a head shot or other image of yourself. If you're lazy, you leave the photo area blank or go with a random photo you have lying around. But some folks are adopting avatars, those tiny cartoon-y images which are becoming increasingly common.

During the election, Obamicons (avatars in the style of the iconic Shepard Fairy Obama poster) were flooding the Web thanks to a free program offered on Paste Magazine’s website. Now, during the "Mad Men" frenzy, images like the one here are cropping up, courtesy of the "MadMenYourself" campaign on the show's site.

So, why would you want one of these avatars? I’ve been talking to lots of folks who use them, and here’s what I’ve learned:

Who's finding jobs now?

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While headlines continue to report on the grim state of the job market, people are getting hired every day. This ongoing series will bring you snapshots of who’s getting hired now with the back-stories of how they’re snagging the jobs.

This week's job successes include a nonprofit manager who made a move when it seemed like no one was hiring, an engineer who tweeted his way to a new gig, and an event planner who created a full-time position out of two part-time jobs to bring in extra cash during her slow season.

Real You: Has your business gone stale?

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<p>If your business and you are stuck in a rut it maybe time for a change. Re-energize your business and refocus your vision for the company of your dreams. There are plenty of resources that can guide you through the process. But first, you have to know what you want and where you’re...