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We already have a long tradition of Monday morning not being our favourite time in the week.  For those of us trading in the world of Empire Avenue, most of us now have another reason to grumble.  It’s pretty generally known that Empire Avenue is quieter on the weekends.  Our stock prices and portfolios tend to take a hit.

Next, how to bounce back…
The first thing to remember is that the week will give you lots of opportunity to bounce back.  Many people are in the same boat as you.  So, do not get discouraged.  You just need to get out there and start networking.  Here’s a a quick list of small steps to get you back in the groove:

1. Find a number of new and existing people in your portfolio to buy small amounts of stock from.  Your goal here is not investing, it is networking. Hopefully, a number of them will buy you back providing you with cash for more purchases.  If you are running short, sell a consistently under-performing stock.
2. Follow people and let them know.  Add people on Empire Avenue, but also add them on Twitter.  I add them to an EmpireAve list as well (a nice touch).  Then let them know that you have done all this.  It looks impressive in a single message.  You might also endorse a blog and offer to add them on Facebook.  Of course, if you are buying a few shares, it is even better.
3. Write something — anything.  Whether it is on Twitter, Facebook, your blog or the site itself share something, anything about your thoughts on Empire Avenue.  This could be a comment on your degree of success; what you like about it; an interesting message you got; a funny profile you read. It doesn’t have to be poetry — just make it genuine.
4. Find five people that you are either going to compliment or ask a question of about their work or their interests.  Have discussions because there are lots of interesting people on Empire Avenue.
5. Focus on the interacting not on your stocks.  Judging from all the amber and red stocks in my ticker this morning, including my own, it is natural to take a weekend hit.  So, do not worry about it.  Give your attention instead to interacting with people.  Make that your goal and intend that you are going to have fun doing it.  The cool thing is your numbers will improve along the way.

The bottom-line is that Empire Avenue is intended to be a game and a networking site.  So, make the start of the work week about the networking.  There is always time to be a cut-throat stock trader later.