This week (8/31 to 9/6) on Work Matters we take a look at networking's dos and don'ts.

For example what is the biggest networking mistake you can make? Should approaches be different in this difficult economy? Just how important is networking in my job or job search?

I talk about this and more with Peggy Klaus, best-selling author of The Hard Truth About Soft Skills.

Then in our regular show segment, Uncommon Sense, Beth Pelkofsky once again joins me to field listener questions. Finally, I share some of my own networking tips from the perspective of "the other side of the desk."

Let me know your thoughts on the show. Please call my new toll-free number (1-866-944-8195) and tell me what's on your mind. Or if you prefer, contact me with any questions or comments at workmatters@nanrussell.com

I invite you to get started with social media by following me on Twitter: @nan_russell

Have you read my new book? Take a look at "Hitting Your Stride" on Amazon.com. Or, you also might like my book "Nibble Your Way to Success"

This week (8/24 to 8/30) on Work Matters we tackle the question, "Is it too late to reach our dreams?"

We have all asked ourselves one of the following questions: Is it too late to use our talents? Have a positive impact on the planet? Do we need to settle for less than who we truly desire to be at work?

My guests this week attempt to help us answer these questions and inspire us to take the steps to follow our dreams. My first guest is BJ Gallagher, business person, speaker and author of many books, including It is Never too Late to Be What you Might Have Been.

Then, Rich Mintzer joins me to talk about steps we can take to reach the goal of making our work places greener. Rich is the author of the helpful book 101 Ways to Turn Your Business Green.

eBox:
1. 10 Best & Worst Jobs
2. Three Days, 20 Words, New Job
3. Jobless Graduate Sues Her College
4. Employers Struggle with Ill-Prepared Workforce
5. You're Fired! You're Hired!

I'd love to hear from you. Please call my new toll-free number (1-866-944-8195) and tell me what's on your mind. Or if you prefer, contact me with any questions or comments at workmatters@nanrussell.com

I invite you to follow me on Twitter: @nan_russell

Have you read my new book? Take a look at "Hitting Your Stride" on Amazon.com.

For me, winning at working is not about climbing organizational hierarchies but offering the best of your uniqueness and gifts to the world. In that sense, only when we're all winning will we truly all win. I believe that's a vision worth working towards.

Most days, I add winning at working tips on Twitter. You'll find me there as @nan_russell. Here's thirty-five in the 140 character format to give you an idea:

Winning at Working TIP #1: Do the work, do it well, and then do it even better. Higher pay and opportunities follow contributors.

Winning at Working TIP #2: Are you as good as you could be to get the job, promotion, or business? Being honest w/yourself is first step.

Winning at Working TIP #3: Learn by listening not talking; persuade by understanding not arguing; problem-solve by asking not telling

Winning at Working TIP #4: Your customer, boss, or co-worker is taking your words seriously. You should, too.

Winning at Working TIP #5: Helping each other succeed, helps each of us succeed.

Winning at Working TIP #6: A job is not just a job. It rubs off on your day and on those you share your life with. It rubs off on your life.

Winning at Working TIP #7: Dreams are realized through persistence, determination, commitment, passion, practice, focus and hard work.

Winning at Working TIP #8: The more energy at work, the more gets done. Laugh, have fun, share ideas, inspire. Be around energy boosters.

Winning at Working TIP #9: Less whine means more accountability. Use your whine factor as a self-feedback mechanism to guide your behavior.

Winning at Working TIP #10: Passing a year at work and gaining a year of experience are different. Building experience builds futures.

Winning at Working TIP #11: There are many ways to accomplish the same goal and many right answers to the same problem.

Winning at Working TIP #12: It's not the job you're in; it's the job you do while you're in it.

Winning at Working TIP #13: Trust builds a bigger universe where a big idea comes from two smaller ones or a shared problem brings solutions.

Winning at Working TIP #14: People work for people, not for companies. No one needs permission to create a pocket of excellence.

Winning at Working TIP #15: Harness your words to work for, not against you. Select words that create a visual of the desired outcome.

Winning at Working TIP #16: Feedback is data. Seek it. It's opinion, not fact. It's something to evaluate; not blindly accept or reject.

Winning at Working TIP #17: Embrace ideas, see the positive side, stretch your horizons. Impossible is more a state of mind than a reality.

Winning at Working TIP #18: You can't just do little things well and think that's it. Content is king on internet; competence at work.

Winning at Working TIP #19: Don't let your ego dictate your actions, let the situation. Don't be afraid to serve.

Winning at Working TIP #20: Doing what's right or over what's easiest differentiates performance and results.

Winning at Working TIP #21: Change can be painful, difficult and uncomfortable, but if you're open to what it brings, it may surprise you.

Winning at Working TIP #22: When you're passionate about your work, your dreams and your life, you don't give up.

Winning at Working TIP #23: You adjust to the level you demand of yourself. Make the call, brush off the rejection, learn the skill.

Winning at Working TIP #24: Don't remain a tourist in the workplace. Do while others think about doing; achieve while others contemplate it.

Winning at Working TIP #25: An okay to pursue your idea is directly related to the confidence others have in your ability to deliver it.

Winning at Working TIP #26: The line between average and exceptional performance is dotted with ordinary day-by-day behaviors.

Winning at Working TIP #27: Bring to your work skills and experiences that will positively impact your future. Leave baggage behind.

Winning at Working TIP #28: People over tasks. Relationships matter. Key people provide love, support and economic well being for long-term.

Winning at Working TIP #29: Learn by listening not talking; persuade by understanding not arguing; problem-solve by asking not telling.

Winning at Working TIP #30: Expect more from yourself. Then expect more from others.

Winning at Working TIP #31: Stepping stones or brick walls? How you view disappointments and setbacks impacts your success.

Winning at Working TIP #32: Find truth-telling people to trust who stop you from being like the emperor in the children's fable.

Winning at Working TIP #33: If you don't get the raise, promotion, or interesting work, look in the mirror first. Do the hard self-work.

Winning at Working TIP #34: Don't promise more than you can deliver. And always deliver more than is expected.

Winning at Working TIP #35: Focus on the why behind the what. Create purpose behind your tasks and that purpose changes results.

This week (8/17 to 8/23) on Work Matters we talk about social trends and how they can shape our work lives.

Understanding how social trends impact your work and financial future is key to ongoing success. Today's show goes a little further in looking at this important issue.

First, my colleague Beth Pelkofsky joins me to field listener questions in our regular show segment, Uncommon Sense.

Then,Patricia Aburdene, social forecaster and author of Megatrends 2010: The Rise of Conscious Capitalism joins me to discuss trends that will transform the way you work, live, and invest.

Let me know your thoughts on the show. Please call my new toll-free number (1-866-944-8195) and tell me what's on your mind. Or if you prefer, contact me with any questions or comments at workmatters@nanrussell.com

I invite you to follow me on Twitter: @nan_russell

Have you read my new book? Take a look at "Hitting Your Stride" on Amazon.com.

This week (8/10 to 8/16) on Work Matters we talk about how making a good impression can improve our work lives.

Are you trying to figure out how to stand out or create a positive impression? Or how to make sure you are the one getting the job, promotion, or business? You never know when the next person you meet is going to make a difference in your future. Are you prepared to positively impress, influence, or wow that person?

Discover how as I discuss personal brand building and impression building with two guests: Brenda Bence international branding expert, executive coach and author of the How You Are Like Shampoo series; and Frances Cole Jones, author of How to Wow: Proven Strategies for Selling Your (Brilliant) Self in Any Situation.

Let me know your thoughts on the show. Please call my new toll-free number (1-866-944-8195) and tell me what's on your mind. Or if you prefer, contact me with any questions or comments at workmatters@nanrussell.com

I invite you to get started with social media by following me on Twitter: @nan_russell

Have you read my new book? Take a look at "Hitting Your Stride" on Amazon.com.

This week (8/3 to 8/9) on Work Matters we explore the topic of social media.

Are you wondering what the social media buzz is all about, or if it can improve your business? Or help you find a job? Or build your brand?

Find out how to get results using social media tools as I discuss this and more with social media expert, Dr. Fern Kazlow. Dr. Kazlow is also a licensed psychotherapist, business and branding consultant.

Then in our regular show segment, Uncommon Sense, Beth Pelkofsky once again joins me to field listener questions.

Let me know your thoughts on the show. Please call my new toll-free number (1-866-944-8195) and tell me what's on your mind. Or if you prefer, contact me with any questions or comments at workmatters@nanrussell.com

I invite you to get started with social media by following me on Twitter: @nan_russell

Have you read my new book? Take a look at "Hitting Your Stride" on Amazon.com.