Now is the time to start searching for that perfect summer job.

Many associate summer jobs with teenagers and college students on break. But, as the economy shifts temporary-seeming “summer jobs” are being sought after by all demographics. Whether for extra cash during a squeeze or as prime earnings, all summer employees ought to consider a strategic approach.

Here are five tips to get yourself a cool summer job:

1 - Think of this as a “real job” and pursue accordingly. Don’t assume that a temporary job will be any less competitive. Even if the job is seen as less desirable (e.g., like bagging groceries), you have more competition!

2 - Create multiple options. Some people slack off and only put in application or resumes in one or two places. Even if you have a killer interview on Monday do not assume you can slack off the rest of the week. Keep your info circulating and you’ll have more choices and options.

3 - Consider working for #1. Summer is a great time to start your own business. There are seasonal jobs available such as lawn care or babysitting. Some college students pooh-poo this option in lieu of getting “real credentials”. Consider, instead, the two advantages. One, you can learn all aspects of a business, from marketing and bookkeeping. And two, you can set your own hours.

4 - Relationships matter. Seasonal jobs are just like other jobs in terms of working your network. The best ones often require you reach out to every person in your social circle - and beyond. After all: if the job is so desirable you’ll have to make a case why you’re the best choice. A good word from a friend or relative can go a long way.

5 - Save for the winter. Your summer job will end. Make sure you have something to show for it. A good way to save is to set it up so it happens automatically so you aren’t tempted to spend. If that’s not possible, summer is a good time to establish a savings habit.

Have a great summer!

“Of course we talk about sex more than money. I’ve probably thought about it 1 or 2 times since the beginning of this interview…”

How many friends do you have with whom you can engage thoughtful, meaningful conversation? For many of us, friends like these are few. First, you have to have a certain level of trust. And hey, it’s usually a lot easier to have superficial conversation about superficial topics.

Thankfully, there are alternatives if you’re craving deeper conversations. In fact, my friend Allah Jesus Ali is building a community called “Real Talk” on this very concept: meaningful conversation. He hosts regular salon-format discussion groups on a number of topics as well as hosts an internet radio show.

So, how can people get real when it comes to talking about money? Here’s the first part of our discussion.

Allah, what’s Real Talk?

Real Talk is mainly a discussion group and a community. Ultimately it’s a lifestyle (being a Real Talker) by which you choose to live — the lifestyle of going beyond the superficial stuff, and really getting to the authentic root of things. A couple of friends and I started it back in June of 2006 because our business wasn’t doing to well, we were focused too much on money; so to bring some heart back into the picture, we started having weekly discussions to dismantle our drama. Soon we opened it up to our peers. Now Real Talk is an event that hosts over 500 people a month in multiple countries. In it’s entirety, Real Talk consists of three components: first the heart of Real Talk, the one-on-one conversation, or group discussion, then the large events where you learn how to have Real conversations with others and strangers, and lastly the website, www.talking4real.com, designed to keep Real Talkers up to date with useful tips, topics, and the happenings.

Why do you think people have difficulty discussing money? Don’t we talk about our sex lives more easily than our finances?

Smiles! Of course we talk about sex more than money, I’ve probably thought about it 1 or 2 times since the beginning of this interview, but money — I think I’ve thought about that more. About the money thing though, we attach to much to it, so we have difficulty talking about it. Think about it, if you go out and ask 100 people what money is to them, they’ll all give you a different answer. We tie it to our livelihood, it’s our measure of success, it’s our piece of mind, it’s our health, etc. So when someone brings up the topic of money, they bring up all those other discussions too. Not to mention traditional opinions of money, such as “it’s the root of evil.” I don’t like that one, but some people believe it. We always equate it mentally and emotionally to more than just the piece of paper or fabric in our hands. As a result it’s always committed to being a touchy subject.

How can you start having an honest discussion about money?

First things first, get to the real deal about it. We have to take a look at our bank accounts, check our stashes, get a pen and paper and write down all of what we have, then sit there and observe ourself. Chances are, if we don’t have enough we’ll be mentally disgusted and cursing ourself out in our head. If we have what we need or more, we’ll be praising ourself. Either way it really isn’t who we are. Once we take an earnest shot at realizing that the numbers are just the numbers, and what is just is, then we can move forward.

What are some common “lies” people tell themselves when it comes to money? How can these attitudes be changed?

Some of the common lies are that there’s never enough, or that we can’t have as much as we want, it’s the “root of evil,” etc. The attitudes can be changed the same way they were created, simply create a positive affirmation and continuously say that instead of what you usually say. If you’re always saying “I don’t have enough,” instead say, “I always have enough and always when I need it.”

Stay tuned tomorrow when Allah offers some words: “if you don’t pay attention, you’re going to pay somebody.” So true. That’s one of the benefits of changing your internal dialogue about money — start paying attention and you can find the courage to change. Thanks, Allah!

Stay tuned for tomorrow. And if you can’t wait to hear more, head over to Real Talk’s website and listen to a show: http://www.talking4real.com/

Shawn and I had the opportunity to speak with Wade Roush yesterday from Xconomy and share with him a little bit more about Geezeo. Xconomy is a great source for insightful information about the local personalities, companies, and technological trends that best exemplify today’s high-tech economy. Plus they’re here in the Boston area…Xtra credible in our humble opinion

For those of you interested in learning a little bit more about Geezeo, you can read the whole article here

Shawn, Ruthann and I had the pleasure speaking to a great group of young aspiring entrepreneurs at Boston University Tuesday night. It was fantastic to meet so many students taking an early interest in starting their own ventures and resisting the normalcy of working for “The Man” when they graduate. Extra credit to those that were there too…considering it was a beautiful 75 degree spring evening in Boston, not to mention the Red Sox were in town.

Some other speakers included Yair Marcow and Will Thomas of Mavenomics, Ben Casnocha, Author of My Start-Up Life and Ben Cathers, Co-Founder of Search Rate Technologies. All equally interesting and talented entrepreneurs.

Special thanks to Lisa Hoyman, Michael Rodov and Florence Zagruzny for hosting such a great event!