Kathy just showed us a great video on YouTube that explains the evolution of the World Wide Web to Web 2.0 and how we now have the capability to create the Web.

It’s kind of mesmerizing to watch as this video transitions you from the old html code to our new abilities to post information, upload photos and video and connect with people in new ways. The fact that I can easily share this video with you through the PUB is just another example of Web 2.0.

We are using this technology at Ingenuity every day to promote our clients and our firm online. We are calling it Virtual Marketing and Virtual Public Relations, leveraging these evolving social networking tools and communities to share the knowledge of various professional services. It’s an ideal and exciting opportunity for those of us who make a living by sharing what’s in our heads.

You can mentor up to the leaders in your firm by showing them this video and explaining how social media is making it so much easier (and cheaper!) for professional services to build their brand, showcase the personalities of their people and attract new clients and candidates.

If you have a blog, for example, are you building a blogging community? Or do you still feel like a lone wolf talking to empty space? Connect with other bloggers in your referral industries and ask them to blogroll your firm blog and comment on your posts. That’s one way to leverage the power of Virtual PR.

Another way is to showcase your partners on video or podcasts, discussing their services and business philosophy. These tools create a warm handshake effect online that motivates prospects to call your firm first.

For more ideas on Web 2.0 strategies, visit our website for our free Virtual Fame Toolkit.

Question: How are you harnessing Web 2.0 for business?

I just had my review with the boss ladies in December. You could say it was a wake-up call after a year of dealing with some personal issues. I was still producing good work, but it was clear to them that I had misplaced my sparkle.

Sparkle is the heart of your personality. It’s that part of you that is comfortable, confident and engaged despite stress, deadlines or surprises. I used to think that your public and private sparkles were different and should never meet. Now I know better.

Maybe the Millennials figured that out before I did. That generation has been swimming in sparkle Miracle-Gro since they were in utero. “Elmo loves you!”

I always figured that you got ahead in the workplace by being serious, buckling down to work and not making a fuss. (“She was really quiet; kept to herself.”) Must have been why they passed me over for that editor promotion in 1997. They thought I was a serial killer.

I mean, who would you rather be with: an intimidating, noncommittal observer OR a charismatic and complimentary achiever sharing her great ideas and humor? No matter how intelligent you are, you won’t get your little toe in the door without showing off some sparkle. Three thoughts to get your sparkle on this year:

Pick a theme song. I got this idea from the television show, Ally McBeal. If music makes you happy, hum your theme song and puff up your confidence before an important meeting. If you don’t have one yet, try the classic “Funky Town” or BEP’s “Pump It.”

Create an alter ego. Beyonce never goes on stage without calling on “Sasha,” the sexy diva who takes no prisoners. What would your fearless character be like? One of Rachel’s is Shockti. Ask her about it.

Try a ritual. Maybe the long hair thing didn’t work for Peyton Manning in the playoffs this year, but you could still wear your lucky socks or carry that lucky purse or have a double tuna and pickle sandwich to gas up for a busy week. I like wearing red… somewhere.

For more ideas, check out our latest issue of InGenius Review on creating enthusiasm even when you don’t feel like it.

How else do you get your sparkle on?