jump over to the Brazen Life blog
Where ambitious young professionals connect and grow

Welcome to Brazen Careerist!

There are networks on Brazen Careerist to discuss all the career issues you are thinking about right now. Join now to start moving your career in the right direction.

+ Join Group
Freelancing

A place to chat about being in business for yourself, and cultivating an independent workstyle.

Network Leader: Janna Marlies Santoro
Groups > Freelancing
 
Lamar Morgan Do we have Thumbtack.com fans here? That is to say, do you have your Thumbtack message routinely placed on Craigslist, automatically? Do we have Wisestamp and Donamza fans, here? That is to say, are you making use of WiseStamp signature in all your outgoing email that brings the services of Donamza for freelancers to the forefront? Finally, are you using Squidoo to drive potential clients into your sphere of influence through a Twitter search module?

6 days ago from Freelancing

 
Lamar Morgan Do you need help spreading your business message? Whether that means getting more customers or landing a better job, The Business Connection can help. No dues. No mandatory meetings. Just great business connections. See http://GiversAlwaysGain.com. If you would like to learn more about me, go to http://budurl.com/LinkedinToLamar. You just might find my pay-it-forward strategy useful. See http://squidoo.com/cluster-group-1.

6 days ago from Freelancing

 
Dana Leavy Hey there aspiring entrepreneurs and creative freelancers! Thinking about flying solo, i.e. leaving the 9 to 5 and starting up your own business? Tune in to our interactive webinar on 2/22: Going from Employee to Entrepreneur: Breaking Free from the 9 to 5. We'll be talking about why now is actually a great time to start a business, and how to actually create more job & financial security for yourself doing so. Check it out! http://aspyresolutions.com/smallbiz-webinar/

1 week ago from Advertising Professionals, Career Changers, Freelancing, Youth Entrepreneurship and Entrepreneurs3 more

 
Dana Leavy 2012 is the year of the entrepreneur! And even if you're not ready to jump into it full-on, I invite you try my new Small Biz StartUp e-course "From Employee to Entrepreneur", designed to give you a "taste" of what it's like to start your own biz and live the entrepreneurial journey! Designed to help those looking to transition from one career to self-employment with everything you need to know about the small business & freelance venture startup process. https://ruzuku.com/courses/484/

2 weeks ago from Entrepreneurs, Youth Entrepreneurship, Freelancing, Creating a Life You Love and Career Changers3 more

 
Dana Leavy The road to building a sustainable and profitable business can be challenging and complicated. And while this stops many aspiring entrepreneurs & freelancers in their overwhelmed tracks, the reality is that it's easier to actually get the business physically started, with fairly little risk and investment, and begin building traction from there. A couple tips for small biz newbies & skeptics. http://aspyresolutions.com/2012/01/5-smallbiz-essentials/

4 weeks ago from Freelancing, Entrepreneurs, Creating a Life You Love, I am Gen Y and Brazen Careerists in New York City3 more

 
Dana Leavy Are you setting any big career goals or resolutions for the New Year? In part 3 of a 4-part series on goal setting for 2012, we talk about "flying solo" - starting a business in the new year, and what you can do right now to start gaining traction on your ideas! http://tinyurl.com/73htjcp

8 weeks ago from Entrepreneurs, Career Changers, Brazen Careerists in New York City, Creating a Life You Love and Freelancing3 more

 
Ryan Woodham I'm a software consulting considering getting Microsoft certified or perhaps getting the PMP. While I don't think it could hurt the o' resume to have a few more acronyms, what do people really think about them? Do you think they've helped you land contracts or have you ever been turned down for not having the right certification?

11 weeks ago from Freelancing

Dr. Paul D. Giammalvo: Hi Ryan, I too am an independent consultant, although we primarily service oil, gas, mining and the telecommunications sectors.

FWIW, I gave up ...MoreHi Ryan, I too am an independent consultant, although we primarily service oil, gas, mining and the telecommunications sectors.

FWIW, I gave up my PMP #740 back in 2002 or 2003 because it had become so commodotized as to be pretty much worthless.

We also were a PMI Global Chartered Registered Education Provider (REP) an dropped that as well around the same time and it has had ZERO impact on our revenue stream.

In the end, your reputation as a can do, make things happen professional will trump any degree or certification.

My best advice to you would be to jump ahead of the crowd and to do that, I would seek out one of the COMPETENCY based credentials, such as those from asapm (US) http://www.asapm.org/Cert/default.asp or IPMA http://www.ipma.ch/certification/pages/default.aspx

BR,
Dr. PDG, Jakarta, Indonesia
http://www.build-project-management-competency.com
11 weeks ago
Ryan Woodham: Thanks for the feedback Paul!
11 weeks ago
 
Katrina Grant I have started a new celebrity news blog, check it out if you are interested, thanks! www.celebsinyourcity.com

16 weeks ago from Freelancing

 
Natasha Smith How did you go about building your portfolio when you started copywriting professionally? Did you do a lot of volunteer work? Did you do speculative work for potential (paying) clients?

20 weeks ago from Copywriters and Freelancing

Ben Locker: I tried to build a broad portfolio across different industries, so I was never dependent on any one. I did do speculative work, but it was ...MoreI tried to build a broad portfolio across different industries, so I was never dependent on any one. I did do speculative work, but it was normally a mistake in the long run.
16 weeks ago
 
Dana Leavy One of the biggest challenges in starting a business can be making that transition from your full time job or career, to working for yourself. For some it's a confidence issue - "can I really survive on my own and make enough money??" for others it's a fear of leaving the perceived "stability" of a regular paycheck (been there!). If that's you, join me for an upcoming webinar "From Employee to Entrepreneur: Breaking free of the 9 to 5 (in this economy)!" on Oct 12 http://tinyurl.com/6dckw77

18 weeks ago from Brazen Careerists in New York City, Career Changers, Freelancing and Entrepreneurs2 more

View 4 older replies

JRandom42: Dirty Harry Callahan said it best: "A man's got to know his limitations." Magnum Force
18 weeks ago
Edward Antrobus: Dana, You should see my track history as a job seeker. Almost as bad as my record in the business I had. To me, marketing is a waste of time and ...MoreDana, You should see my track history as a job seeker. Almost as bad as my record in the business I had. To me, marketing is a waste of time and money. I'm a "just the facts. ma'am" kind of guy.
18 weeks ago
 
Jason H. Parker I worked from home yesterday morning and accomplished a ton of work. Seems like I'm always able to focus when I'm working from home. Is this rare--I feel like I'm in the minority here?

42 weeks ago from Freelancing, Location Independent and Washington D.C.1 more

View 11 older replies

Pamela J Carter: I don't think so...if you're comfortable in your home and have work space set aside there, often you'll find you're more productive there than at ...MoreI don't think so...if you're comfortable in your home and have work space set aside there, often you'll find you're more productive there than at the office. And you don't have the drive time there and back to worry about daily.
18 weeks ago
JRandom42: Here's the thing: I'm an infrastructure engineer, which means I work on and with the company's infrastructure, which includes, switch, routers, ...MoreHere's the thing: I'm an infrastructure engineer, which means I work on and with the company's infrastructure, which includes, switch, routers, servers, cabling and so on. Kinda hard to do from home, especially when a lot depends on the high-end hardware and software that never leaves the facility, not to mention the 10Gbit network throughout the facility. Remote connections suck, especially with the security involved and the narrowness of the bandwidth pipe.
18 weeks ago
 
Dana Leavy Calling all small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs - would you mind helping me out in my research by taking this brief confidential survey on "Entrepreneurs & Career Transition"? I am happy to share a copy of the results once it's finalized. Thank you! http://lnkd.in/xsCP-8

19 weeks ago from Entrepreneurs, Freelancing, Inspiring Leadership and Brazen Careerists in New York City2 more

Natasha Smith: Dana, I'm looking forward to hearing about your results!
18 weeks ago
 
Dana Leavy Evaluating your competition as an entrepreneur or job seeker is natural, but it's easy to fall into the trap of looking at the surface, evaluating what they're doing & wondering, "well why aren't I there yet?" I see this a lot in job seekers & entrepreneurs. It's okay to compare ourselves, but it's important to look at our own unique marketable skills & value versus what we think is working for someone else. What has been your experience? Some additional thoughts: http://tinyurl.com/3uebxej

19 weeks ago from Entrepreneurs, Freelancing, Inspiring Leadership, Advertising Professionals and Brazen Careerists in New York City3 more

Kate Davids: I think a lot of people forget to look at how long it took those competitors to get to where they are. Yes, you may be doing everything right, but ...MoreI think a lot of people forget to look at how long it took those competitors to get to where they are. Yes, you may be doing everything right, but that does not mean you'll get that dream client/job/connection/whatever tomorrow. It may have taken your competitors and peers years to reach that point!
19 weeks ago
Dana Leavy: Absolutely - it's easy to look at what's on the surface and use that for comparison. And many times you'll find that to be true - a lot of time, ...MoreAbsolutely - it's easy to look at what's on the surface and use that for comparison. And many times you'll find that to be true - a lot of time, effort and trial and error to get to that place of success. Thx!
19 weeks ago
 
Dana Leavy When you work for yourself, as a freelancer, small business owner, etc., it can be easy to let time get away from you or lose your motivation or train of thought to outside distractions. Sometimes just a slow day is enough to deter progress. As entrepreneurs or others who work from home/independently, when do you find yourself most vulnerable to slowdowns in productivity, and what do you do to counteract it?

20 weeks ago from Entrepreneurs, Advertising Professionals, Freelancing and GenYJourney: Tips, Insights, Experiences For Young Professionals2 more

View 2 older replies

Daniele Cruciani: When I do not schedule my time with deadline and daily plan I easily become unproductive. I just make a schedule and make my best to stay on plan ...MoreWhen I do not schedule my time with deadline and daily plan I easily become unproductive. I just make a schedule and make my best to stay on plan and respect deadlines. I reschedule if I am earlier (or later)
20 weeks ago
Dana Leavy: @Kathy - definitely agree that while social media is a critical marketing component of some of our businesses, it can also be a detriment as ...More@Kathy - definitely agree that while social media is a critical marketing component of some of our businesses, it can also be a detriment as well!

@Nicole - agreed on both points! Though I find it just as important to surround myself with positive people, and people who kind of have the same energy going - coworking spaces are great for that.

@Daniele - I'm huge on scheduling things in blocks - I'm a visual person, so I live by my outlook calendar.

Great feedback - thanks everyone!
20 weeks ago
 
Dana Leavy As a consultant I often work with clients who are transitioning from employee to entrepreneur, and face a lot of logistical decisions about what kind of entity they want their business to operate as. Each classification - LLC, Corp, S-Corp, Sole Proprietorship, Non Profit - has different positives and negatives from a tax and legal standpoint. For those of you who have formed your own business, what particular advantages and disadvantages did you encounter along the way?

21 weeks ago from Entrepreneurs, Freelancing, Young Professional Women (YPW) and Career Changers2 more

Jason H. Parker: This is a great question, and I would love to hear feedback from the Brazen Community!
20 weeks ago
 
Linda Naiman "Freelance Is The New Full Time" http://ow.ly/6jkfT I wrote this article on leading your own business and included advice from Caroline Ceniza-Levine, Desiree Seebaran, and Jamie Nacht Farrell; all members of Brazen Careerist. A belated thank you for your contributions.

22 weeks ago from Freelancing, Upstarts!, Career Changers and Career Rocketeer2 more

 
Rachel Howe Im looking to collaborate with web designers for SEO projects. Any ideas where I can find interested individuals?

32 weeks ago from Freelancing

View 2 older replies

Rachel Howe: @Janet I'm looking for web designers that are interested in offering their clients search engine friendly sites with SEO services (the part that I ...More@Janet I'm looking for web designers that are interested in offering their clients search engine friendly sites with SEO services (the part that I would do) along with their web design. You can learn more about me and my services at http://yoursocialresource.com. Let me know what you think.
32 weeks ago
Rachel Howe: @Dana thanks. Ill check them out.
32 weeks ago
 
Eric Sforza I'm currently working on 3 startup projects that are looking to create websites. Since all of these companies are lean, I'm trying to find the most cost effective solutions. Each company does something different (social venture, small business w/ online store, consulting) so I'm looking for a variety of options. For example: Is it better to use a site builder - if so, which ones and why? Is there better value at getting a freelance graphic designer to build a few pages? Thanks in advance!

38 weeks ago from Shotgun Startups, Freelancing, Social Entrepreneurs, Web Development and Web Startups3 more

View 17 older replies

Kelly Seiler: @Eric - you might need to tweak the CSS in your theme so that content shows up the way you want (fonts, size, center, left, etc) consistently ...More@Eric - you might need to tweak the CSS in your theme so that content shows up the way you want (fonts, size, center, left, etc) consistently across the site. When you update you shouldn't be doing much - if any formatting.

Of course I'll caveat that with the advice to never copy stuff out of Word directly into Wordress. They don't play nice. Copy text into Notepad or a similar program that strips away the formatting then copy into Wordpress.
35 weeks ago
Sadya Siddiqui: Outsource it, so that you can focus on building your business and your clients. Try out Brazen Careerist Lindsey Donner
34 weeks ago
 
Timothy Johnson III What's your biggest personal motivation for freelancing on the side or starting a small side business? What interesting side projects are you working on? What keeps you moving forward?

36 weeks ago from Freelancing, Location Independent, Creatively Inspired and Young Entrepreneur Community2 more

View 7 older replies

Noel Rozny: @Danielle--Thanks! I wasn't sure if what I wrote made sense. :)
36 weeks ago
Jim Armstrong: I'm constantly trying to develop new skills and discover passions of mine I wouldn't have otherwise found in my day job. Whether its blogging, ...MoreI'm constantly trying to develop new skills and discover passions of mine I wouldn't have otherwise found in my day job. Whether its blogging, attending Startup weekend or helping friends with their own side-projects, I love to help others.
35 weeks ago
 
Dana Leavy For those who are entrepreneurs or self-employed, do you regularly take on 'side gigs' to supplement your income, either during startup or slow times? Or are you solely focused on your core product? What practices around this are finding work best for you?

36 weeks ago from Entrepreneurs, Advertising Professionals, Freelancing, Brazen Careerists in New York City and Career Changers3 more

View 7 older replies

Sussu Laaksonen: My side gig has taken over my life! It's great for money, but my main project has suffered. I am taking a three month break from the money gig so ...MoreMy side gig has taken over my life! It's great for money, but my main project has suffered. I am taking a three month break from the money gig so I can focus on finishing my project and getting back on track.
35 weeks ago
Morgan Barnhart: Honestly, I get bored if I'm only stuck with one single type of project. I only have a couple different types and I'm extremely passionate about ...MoreHonestly, I get bored if I'm only stuck with one single type of project. I only have a couple different types and I'm extremely passionate about them both, so I'm able to schedule them in efficiently while not stressing myself out. I make sure to create balance so one doesn't overshadow the other.
35 weeks ago
 
Ty Unglebower I find it difficult to network, and sometimes just converse with certain type of consultants. You always wonder what is and is not fair game to talk about. I expound upon these difficulties over at the blog. http://bit.ly/f8eqbB

52 weeks ago from Washington D.C., Baltimore Brazen, Networking Tips and Freelancing2 more

 
Timothy Johnson III Has anyone ever created, edited, and formatted email newsletters for people who use Constant Contact, Mad Mimi, etc. If so, have you had any luck turning it into a side gig? It's an idea I want to experiment with, but I wanted to solicit some advice before I dived in. I'd love some feedback, positive or negative. Thanks!

42 weeks ago from Freelancing, Young Entrepreneur Community and Location Independent1 more

View 4 older replies

Lindsey Donner: Hahaha! Hi Tim and Sadya! Glad to hear you like Jen Gresham's designs.

For my Well Versed Creative clients, I usually recommend MailChimp--the ...MoreHahaha! Hi Tim and Sadya! Glad to hear you like Jen Gresham's designs.

For my Well Versed Creative clients, I usually recommend MailChimp--the templates are so easy to use and implement that even a novice can change, edit and tweak with very little "back end" knowledge. We have also worked with Constant Contact.

Tim, I think if you can create a compelling package, you can almost certainly turn this into a tidy business. Custom design featuring client logo, a "breakdown" of reports post-send into layman's terms, and overall management of the campaign. Throwing in copywriting and subject-line editing is also a fantastic idea for serious email marketers who are trying to leverage their list for sales. The idea would be taking a task that can be time-consuming and requires a learning curve OUT of your client's hands.

The one issue I foresee is results forecasting. What results would you promise? Or would you only promise the management, setup and look/feel? Email marketing is a wide open area. I have clients who use it principally for RSS-to-email for blog traffic; others who are marketing specific concepts or products. That piece, as well as projected list size, can inform what service and what approach will work best for ya.

If any of you would like more in-depth information, you are welcome to message me or email hello AT wellversedcreative DOT com.

Thanks for the shout-outs, and Tim, good luck to you!
38 weeks ago
Timothy Johnson III: Thanks for the feedback! Fantastic input!
38 weeks ago
 
Hasan Luongo Hell Everyone, Join us for Building Great Sites: Better, Faster, More Profit Webinar. Thursday April 22nd at 11am Pacific: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/474658776 Learn how you can leverage Webvanta, a new site building tool (CMS, Database, Total Design Control, Hosting) in your business. Join Michael Slater (Webvanta CEo) and myself at this free webinar. great for Graphic, Web designers and anyone interested in learning about designing sites.

94 weeks ago from Graphic Design and Freelancing

View 1 older reply

Hasan Luongo: sorry for the repost, - wish there was a delete button.
94 weeks ago
Talha Hassan: http://vitrifiedtiles.net

Check this site and let me ...Morehttp://vitrifiedtiles.net

Check this site and let me know how you find its design.
38 weeks ago
 
Timothy Johnson III Do any of you folks have experience pet sitting? Do you do it on a regular basis, as a side gig? If so, I'd love to chat with you, and get some feedback. I'm curious as to: How you started? How'd you find your clients?, etc. If you could respond in the comments, I'd greatly appreciate it. Thanks!

40 weeks ago from Freelancing, Creatively Inspired, Location Independent and Young Entrepreneur Community2 more

View 3 older replies

Ruth A. Harper: My mom, who's a full-time school nurse, pet sits dogs, and I help her occasionally. She uses it as a side gig to make some extra money, especially ...MoreMy mom, who's a full-time school nurse, pet sits dogs, and I help her occasionally. She uses it as a side gig to make some extra money, especially during the summer when she's off from school. She really likes it because it doesn't tie her down as much as other jobs, like babysitting would, because if she has to run out she can put the dog in the cage or just leave him/her at home if old enough.

She got started just to help out a couple of friends, but then she realized it's a real need that a lot of people have: They can't bring their dogs or pets with them on vacation, trips, etc., but they don't want to put them in a kennel. My mom loves dogs almost as much as humans (probably even more) and we have a fenced yard where they can run around, so it's a lot more comfortable for the dog. Plus, she only ever has two or three at a time max.

Once she decided to expand beyond just friends, she reached out to a few local pet grooming places and left business cards with them. Every now and then a new person will call to see if she can watch their dog. It's informal, but it works.

I hope that helps. I'd be happy to talk about it more with you if you'd like!!
40 weeks ago
Corbin Haresnape: @Timothy Referrals! Ask your regular customers to refer you to their friends, its the best way!
40 weeks ago
 
Dana Leavy I was thinking about the connection between facets of our interpersonal relationships and our careers. I consider myself very lucky to have a wonderful fiance who openly supports all of my various career decisions. When it comes to making tough career choices, how does validation and support from significant others, spouses or even family & friends impact your confidence and your decision making?

42 weeks ago from Brazen Careerists in New York City, Freelancing, Career Rocketeer, Career Changers and Entrepreneurs3 more

View 28 older replies

John smith: I can tell you from personal experience it is vital to have the support of at least your spouse. Just in the past three weeks i thought i was ...MoreI can tell you from personal experience it is vital to have the support of at least your spouse. Just in the past three weeks i thought i was about to escape a corporate job that have held for over ten years, and purchase a franchise. at the final hour my wife balked at the huge pay cut we would have to take (at least initially) though we had savings. I cannot express the disappointment and rift this has created.
It frustrates me that if a person leaves a well paying job with benifits to become an entrepreneur, people will line up to tell you what an idiot you are.
If you are fired and take the exact same entrepreneur path, you are a genius...
40 weeks ago
Dana Leavy: @John - I can understand the pain and disappointment there. I think having your spouse or significant other behind you is a way of feeling like ...More@John - I can understand the pain and disappointment there. I think having your spouse or significant other behind you is a way of feeling like they prioritize your happiness and goals, and are willing to shift things around to see you through that. It's not always possible from a timing or financial perspective, but emotional support is key, really in any kind of transition.

I think that opposition you speak of about people telling you how wrong your decision is, is more about their own insecurities, narrow minded thinking, and potentially even jealousy. We develop our reasoning behind our actions based on our own individual potential. Stay positive!
40 weeks ago
More
 

Join This Network Today

Join Brazen Careerist right now and you'll automatically be added to this network.

or

By clicking "Sign Up", you are indicating that you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy