Alyson Kilday
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Alyson Kilday
Just relocated to New Orleans, setting up our Hop & Jaunt Design headquarters here. Let me know if you are in town, would love to network!
Alyson Kilday
Hi! We will be moving to New Orleans at the start of Oct. and would love to meet/network with fellow Brazenists!
86 weeks ago
Anastasia Ashman
Hey all..I'm a writer/producer of cultural entertainment, not a designer or illustrator. I'm thinking of converting a screenplay into a graphic novel -- for iPhone (or web...maybe print later?) Looking for an illustrator. (Compensation negotiable.) Story is a Midnight Run/Long Kiss Goodnight kind of actioner with starcrossed lovers, who also happen to be mercenaries and English scholars, and it's adapted from a novel. Very tight and polished script. Thanks for ideas, suggestions.
Elizabeth Marling:
I am not an illustrator, but your idea to convert the screenplay into a digital graphic novel is freaking awesome. The release exclusively online ...MoreI am not an illustrator, but your idea to convert the screenplay into a digital graphic novel is freaking awesome. The release exclusively online before print is brilliant. Very smart and resourceful thinking here. Do you have a website/blog/etc?
99 weeks ago
99 weeks ago
Anastasia Ashman:
Hi Alyson and Elizabeth, sorry for the delayed response. Yes I have a site but it's not about this project. You can email me directly if you want ...MoreHi Alyson and Elizabeth, sorry for the delayed response. Yes I have a site but it's not about this project. You can email me directly if you want to talk more, I haven't found the illustrator yet. Looking forward to connecting.
93 weeks ago
93 weeks ago
Alyson Kilday
RT @PaughGinney: What do nomads call home? Interested in knowing what all of you #LIP peeps think about this >> http://bit.ly/9uoLzN #Brazen
96 weeks ago from
Ryan Paugh
Designers -- How do you prefer to work? Would you rather be part of an ongoing project where you're responsible for the aesthetics of one, big brand? Or do you prefer working with many different brands? I would assume that work with many brands as a freelancer gives you more creative freedom, but maybe I'm wrong ... How do you like to work? Let us know!
102 weeks ago from Graphic Design, Freelancing, Web Development, Photoshop and Illustrator3 more
John Mattucci:
As a Web Designer I enjoy working on many different brands where you can get a variety of different design styles. One big brand isn't bad, but ...MoreAs a Web Designer I enjoy working on many different brands where you can get a variety of different design styles. One big brand isn't bad, but depending on the company it might get stagnant working with the same look, same feel, same product over and over again.
Even big advertising agency's have their huge bank client that brings in the dough, but they win awards on some smaller company that made them little money. Another cool portfolio piece to impress big boring companies!
102 weeks ago
Even big advertising agency's have their huge bank client that brings in the dough, but they win awards on some smaller company that made them little money. Another cool portfolio piece to impress big boring companies!
102 weeks ago
Ryan Paugh:
@Robynne -- That seems to be a common theme. I think that creative types in any industry should have side projects that keep them thinking of new ...More@Robynne -- That seems to be a common theme. I think that creative types in any industry should have side projects that keep them thinking of new ideas and concepts. I try to find side projects too when I can.
@Benjamin -- Brands like ours need independent artists to keep things fresh. That's why working with people like yourself is always so fun for me.
@John -- That's true. It's rare that those big projects get awarded for being innovative. Another good reason why it's important to be about more than just making money.
102 weeks ago
@Benjamin -- Brands like ours need independent artists to keep things fresh. That's why working with people like yourself is always so fun for me.
@John -- That's true. It's rare that those big projects get awarded for being innovative. Another good reason why it's important to be about more than just making money.
102 weeks ago
Juha Liikala
What is your #1 problem you'd like me to solve for you about building or running a nomadic business?Ask me ANYTHING (for free!) I'm going to do a Q&A Post on http://www.nomadcouch.com this month where I'll answer the questions you might have! What kind of revenue models work the best, managing your sales & delivery channels, automating your blog & marketing, outsourcing...anything goes! Just ask! :-)
Ryan Paugh and Sadya Siddiqui recommended this
Juha Liikala:
@Ryan: Thanks for your kind words Ryan! That's a great question by the way! In fact, it's so good, I'm going to write this week's blog post about ...More@Ryan: Thanks for your kind words Ryan! That's a great question by the way! In fact, it's so good, I'm going to write this week's blog post about that very subject. You can expect to see it on the blog by this Thursday (probably on Wednesday). To give a short answer to your question: Be authentic, give out content of great value and exceed their expectations. If people can find out "who" you really are, what you're all about and how you work (be open about it!), they will TRUST you. More about this on the blog in just few days!
@Alyson: My experiences are definitely very similar to yours Alyson! If you're honest about what you do and (like you said) do your job with 110% commitment - you will gain people's trust. And when you get "acceptance" from someone much "bigger than you" in your current business niche, that's when things really start to happen (like get your guest post out through their popular blog for example). Did you yet read the post I wrote about "5 ways to grow your nomadic business"? I hope you can find some ideas there on the customer base issue! But I wouldn't worry about it too much. It's not always about the number of clients you might have, it's more about the quality of clients. Do your thing, be authentic and share your knowledge. Customers will thank you for it and tell about your business to other's.
102 weeks ago
@Alyson: My experiences are definitely very similar to yours Alyson! If you're honest about what you do and (like you said) do your job with 110% commitment - you will gain people's trust. And when you get "acceptance" from someone much "bigger than you" in your current business niche, that's when things really start to happen (like get your guest post out through their popular blog for example). Did you yet read the post I wrote about "5 ways to grow your nomadic business"? I hope you can find some ideas there on the customer base issue! But I wouldn't worry about it too much. It's not always about the number of clients you might have, it's more about the quality of clients. Do your thing, be authentic and share your knowledge. Customers will thank you for it and tell about your business to other's.
102 weeks ago
Juha Liikala:
Ryan: Just published the post about Building Trust as a Nomadic Entrepreneur. It can be found here: MoreRyan: Just published the post about Building Trust as a Nomadic Entrepreneur. It can be found here: http://www.nomadcouch.com/2010/06/how-to-build-trust-as-a-nomadic-entrep...
Hope you can find something useful out of it! :-)
102 weeks ago
Hope you can find something useful out of it! :-)
102 weeks ago
Alyson Kilday
Hi everyone! I've been thinking of creating a mobile app, still in the early stages of planning/design but anyone here who has created one? What are the steps that should be followed? How do you recommend going about it? Also I'm a designer but not the strongest of programmer, what should I look for when finding a programmer to work with?
103 weeks ago from mobile
Alyson Kilday:
Hi! Just checked out your blog pretty impressive! I tried to PM you but we need to be each others fan. I've Be-fanned(?) you. Would love to get ...MoreHi! Just checked out your blog pretty impressive! I tried to PM you but we need to be each others fan. I've Be-fanned(?) you. Would love to get the dev guy's contact. What type of app did he do for you?
103 weeks ago
103 weeks ago
Rebecca Thorman:
Hey Alyson - fanned you back! Shoot me your email and I'll introduce you to Tom, our VP of Tech - he did the Alice.com iPhone app (for the company ...MoreHey Alyson - fanned you back! Shoot me your email and I'll introduce you to Tom, our VP of Tech - he did the Alice.com iPhone app (for the company I work for, not my blog) and is a smart one. I just asked him if he's willing to answer some questions and he agreed.
103 weeks ago
103 weeks ago
Alyson Kilday
Hi N.Y. Brazenists! My partner and I will be in N.Y. for the TBEX 10 travel blogger conference June 25-26. We're also planning on being in town for another week after. We'd love to meet up with people over coffee/drinks one day. Maybe a Brazen NY meetup? Any thoughts?
Alyson Kilday:
We'd love to try and meet up! Lunch is good with us, what's the best way of contacting you? You can email us at MoreWe'd love to try and meet up! Lunch is good with us, what's the best way of contacting you? You can email us at thecrew@hopandjaunt.com. A meet-up of Brazen Careerist would be fun too, would have to see if there is any interest.
101 weeks ago
101 weeks ago
Alyson Kilday
Hi fellow travelers!! We've just launched our pet-project and hobby travel inspired t-shirts on our site. To celebrate and to spread the word we are having our first ever contest and give-away. It's silly easy, just think of 5 unique things to do or see in N.Y. and post in the comment section here: http://tinyurl.com/2fsm8fe
The winner get's their very own travel inspired I heart N.Y. t-shirt!
As this is our first time doing this we would love it if you could help spread the word! Thanks!
Alyson Kilday
Most of our clients are in the travel/tourism category. Lately we have even branched out to do marketing consulting and design work for a small city's tourism campaign. This is an area that we would love to expand upon. What would be your suggestion for the best approach to network with tourism and tourism PR people in the region? I have networked with a few on twitter and LinkedIn but any other avenues where a positive and direct approach might work well?
Rebecca Thorman:
Positive and direct is always preferred - if they're in your region, invite them out to lunch or breakfast to tell them more. call them and email. ...MorePositive and direct is always preferred - if they're in your region, invite them out to lunch or breakfast to tell them more. call them and email. Provide useful resources for them that will result in good stories. You may want to check out the Networking Tips network as well http://www.brazencareerist.com/network/networking-advice
106 weeks ago
106 weeks ago
Alyson Kilday:
I will check out the Networking Tips network for sure! I have began finding who is who in the region using LinkedIn and the web, and have began ...MoreI will check out the Networking Tips network for sure! I have began finding who is who in the region using LinkedIn and the web, and have began writing the initial "ice break" letters of introduction. Hopefully it will provide platform for further contact.
106 weeks ago
106 weeks ago
Alyson Kilday
Hello fellow travel addicts! We just found out this morning our blog eeked into Travel Pod's top 100 travel blog site! We're very excited and would love to have you stop by and look around. Let me know what you think! http://www.hopandjaunt.com
"TravelBlogSites.com's top 100 blog sites list is out today @hopandjaunt are this week's fastest risers gaining 8 spots: http://bit.ly/cttQ1P"
Alyson Kilday
Yeahy!! We've made the list! Check our site http://www.hopandjaunt.com to join in on the adventure!
"TravelBlogSites.com's top 100 travel blog sites list is out today @hopandjaunt are this week's fastest risers gaining 8 spots: http://bit.ly/cttQ1P"
Alyson Kilday recommended this
Alyson Kilday
Looking to set up our "Home & Business Base" overseas. We are setting up our ad agency to be location independent. The next question is where to be based in! We are considering Colombia or Arg as an option. Our requirements are: affordable, relatively safe, rich culture, visually inspiring (either natural or great architecture), and it needs to be near or in a city to help grow our business. Where would you say we set up shop and home? What would you look for? Where would you go and why?
Ciara:
interesting... I may possibly be moving to Guatemala in the next year or so and I'm looking to become location independent. Will most likely be ...Moreinteresting... I may possibly be moving to Guatemala in the next year or so and I'm looking to become location independent. Will most likely be living near Quetzaltenango (xela) which isn't incredibly close to Antigua but since you guys recommend it we may move there if it is a possibility. If anyone knows more about this area please please message me.
108 weeks ago
108 weeks ago
Alyson Kilday:
When your looking at the world with no restrictions other than the rule of "can we not only survive but thrive there" lens the possibilities seem ...MoreWhen your looking at the world with no restrictions other than the rule of "can we not only survive but thrive there" lens the possibilities seem limitless. We are however narrowing the list down. Buenos Aires keeps popping up near the top of the list, I used to live there with family as a teen but has anyone any recent experience in the city?
106 weeks ago
106 weeks ago
Mike Dammann
The Follow Friday chain: retweet the following, then add your @twitterusername with the previous ones and the next person retweets that.
Any questions? cool.
I start.
Tweet this and then add @yourtwittername to it and paste it into a post. Go:
#FF @brazencareerist @firetown @andreavlewis #followfriday
Ryan Paugh, Mike Dammann and Jeff Tong recommended this
Annabel Candy:
#FF @brazencareerist @firetown @andreavlewis @mehulkar @evenstar7479 @nakedgen_chris @lindsey_donner @pkmduarte #followfriday@evenstar7479 ...More #FF @brazencareerist @firetown @andreavlewis @mehulkar @evenstar7479 @nakedgen_chris @lindsey_donner @pkmduarte #followfriday@evenstar7479 @nakedgen_chris @lindsey_donner @pkmduarte @inthehotspot
112 weeks ago
112 weeks ago
Mike Dammann:
Please follow all the beautiful people who participated this week here: MorePlease follow all the beautiful people who participated this week here: http://twitter.com/firetown/socialmedia/members next week will be even better.
Be ready!
112 weeks ago
Be ready!
112 weeks ago
paulmacp
I am building a plugin for WordPress that integrates WP into a Facebook Fan Page. This plugin does use RSS, but is an integration between the WP API and the FB API. This allows for you do include or exclude categories from the feed and include graphics specific to the FB feed from the WP Dashboard.
You can see it in action here ( http://www.facebook.com/paulmacpdotcom ) under the "blog posts" tab.
I am curious to see if anyone else sees value in this plugin for their blog?
113 weeks ago from Wordpress Bloggers, New Media Marketing and Blogging Ideas1 more
Ryan Healy and Holden Page recommended this
Shannon Hale:
I am definitely interested in such a plugin. I've been searching for one for a while. Please let me know when it's available!
112 weeks ago
112 weeks ago
Alyson Kilday
Hi NY Brazenist! We will be visiting New York in the end of June for the TBEX travel blog conference where we hope to meet and network with other travel bloggers. (We have just opened our own design/ad agency). We are hoping to rent a place near Greenwich for two weeks with some friends, this is our first time to New York. Any suggestions on where to go and see in the area that's not out outrageously expensive? Such as good art houses, coffee shops, nifty stores, ect. that make NY so special!
Melissa Breau:
Hey Alyson - I'd recommend checkout out the Chelsea Market & walking the highline. It makes for a really pleasant afternoon - you can grab a ...MoreHey Alyson - I'd recommend checkout out the Chelsea Market & walking the highline. It makes for a really pleasant afternoon - you can grab a bite at the market and then go walk ...
113 weeks ago
113 weeks ago
Vincent:
Hi Alyson - If you have not visited the NYC before, I would recommend riding the Staten Island Ferry to get a gander at both NJ and NYC skylines - ...MoreHi Alyson - If you have not visited the NYC before, I would recommend riding the Staten Island Ferry to get a gander at both NJ and NYC skylines - it also passes by the Statue of Liberty - and is free. Depending when in June you are coming and if you are music lovers, I would also recommend the River 2 River Fest - http://www.rivertorivernyc.com/. And many museums in NYC have free admission on certain days and nights - http://gonyc.about.com/cs/museums/a/museumdeals.htm - You might also want to check the NYC Dept of Parks - http://www.nycgovparks.org/ - for free events, plays, and concerts. And of course check out Chinatown and the bounty of ethnic edibles in NYC! Enjoy!
113 weeks ago
113 weeks ago
Jetaun Adkins
Hi Atlanta Professionals! I've been a member of Brazen Careerist for at least a year now but I'm trying to be more active. Currently, I'm a PR & Comms Mgr. w/CIBA VISION.
Jetaun Adkins:
Thank you for the information, Vicki. I'll be sure to watch out for the program in September. My mentor is a member of HBWA. I'll be sure to look ...MoreThank you for the information, Vicki. I'll be sure to watch out for the program in September. My mentor is a member of HBWA. I'll be sure to look into it!
101 weeks ago
101 weeks ago
Agnese Azena
Hello travellers!
I've just registered at Brazen, yeay!
I'm going to Bonaire in the beginning of April, to dive and relax. Anyone who's been there who knows of the tiny island's hits and misses?
Alyson Kilday:
Saw alot of locals and visitors doing just that! Almost everyone on the island dives so I'm sure finding the best places will not be a problem at ...MoreSaw alot of locals and visitors doing just that! Almost everyone on the island dives so I'm sure finding the best places will not be a problem at all!!
113 weeks ago
113 weeks ago
Agnese Azena:
I've been to Bonaire now - thanks for the info, Alyson, it was very helpful for knowing what to expect! We didn't go to the national park but saw ...MoreI've been to Bonaire now - thanks for the info, Alyson, it was very helpful for knowing what to expect! We didn't go to the national park but saw some flamingos at the saltwater lake, and we plan to go back in September, so there'll be another chance to visit the park!
109 weeks ago
109 weeks ago
Alyson Kilday
What do you think the concept of "public face" "private face"? We have a blog and a design site that was built on our personal brand. As we grow our 'professional' design side I was wondering if I should or should not scale back the more 'personal' blog. As you can see from our header (http://www.hopandjaunt.com) the main brand is built around the two of us so we can either be ourselves 100% or figure out a more managed "public" persona and stick to that...any opinions?
Bradley O:
Melissa: The article has good pointd, but I think she approaches it in a too simplistic manner. In Alyson;s post (the OP), she has a lot of ...MoreMelissa: The article has good pointd, but I think she approaches it in a too simplistic manner. In Alyson;s post (the OP), she has a lot of different options on how to approach her potential clients, however if she was in health care or law, the choice would be made for her. Unfortunately being yourself in some of those industries just doesn't work.
114 weeks ago
114 weeks ago
Vincent:
I think Bradley makes a good point. As someone who in a position to chose vendors, part of my selection criteria is the vendor's personality. I ...MoreI think Bradley makes a good point. As someone who in a position to chose vendors, part of my selection criteria is the vendor's personality. I have turned away flashy "professional" vendors for more DYI-like shops because I felt our work styles more compatible. Right now, your site says something about your personality and attracts a certain type to your business, changing it might bring difficult clients who are not respectful of your personality and scare away those clients who are. My only suggestion is perhaps to make overt the impact your travels have on your design and creativity.
113 weeks ago
113 weeks ago
Keith Morris
Hey folks! A colleague of mine is interested in profiling an interesting young entrepreneur for our finance blog. Someone off the beaten path, and preferably not tech-related. Does anyone have any recommendations? :)
Alyson Kilday:
My partner and I just started a design agency in combination with our travel blog, we're 25 & 27 and are working towards becoming location ...MoreMy partner and I just started a design agency in combination with our travel blog, we're 25 & 27 and are working towards becoming location independent. If you're interested loved to be interviewed :)
114 weeks ago
114 weeks ago
Keith Morris:
Hi Scott and Alyson! I will forward your comments to my colleague and will get in touch when she is ready to interview. Thanks! Jeff, if your ...MoreHi Scott and Alyson! I will forward your comments to my colleague and will get in touch when she is ready to interview. Thanks! Jeff, if your friend falls into the demographic, would you introduce me?
114 weeks ago
114 weeks ago
Lindsay Keegan
So I have just migrated my blog from Typepad to Wordpress and I have to choose a theme! I found this one, which I like: http://letsmint.com/. It's not customizable, and it looks like the guy stopped updating it in 2007. Does anyone use something similar, or have any free theme sites they use a lot?
Cameron Plommer:
I too am looking for a free theme. I'm currently using Atahualpa, but have been told by developers that it's not good theme because it's built ...MoreI too am looking for a free theme. I'm currently using Atahualpa, but have been told by developers that it's not good theme because it's built using tables. It also does some really weird stuff. But it is very customizable, which is very important to me. I want a free theme that I can change heavily by myself. I don't want my blog to look like somebody else's
114 weeks ago
114 weeks ago
Lindsay Keegan:
Thanks for the suggestions! I ended up going with vigilance, and it's working out great so far. Sorry about the repeat post up there, no idea how ...MoreThanks for the suggestions! I ended up going with vigilance, and it's working out great so far. Sorry about the repeat post up there, no idea how that happened!
114 weeks ago
114 weeks ago
Alyson Kilday
My partner and I have just opened up our own design agency. Though our new site is just going live as I type this we have had pretty good word of mouth and have kept busy. When we got our LLC we actually bartered with the lawyer in exchange for design work for his website, which saved us a bundle. Now the question I would like to post here is when and if a professional accountant is needed. And what should we look for?
Lindsey Donner and Alyson Kilday recommended this
elizabeth:
How exactly do you do word of mouth? I am aware that it is self explanatory for the most part. I am just wondering if their are any tricks that ...MoreHow exactly do you do word of mouth? I am aware that it is self explanatory for the most part. I am just wondering if their are any tricks that the general pubic doesnt know.
114 weeks ago
114 weeks ago
Alyson Kilday:
Well we are in a pretty small town right now. It started by getting on the front page of a local paper when we got back from our 9 month sailing ...MoreWell we are in a pretty small town right now. It started by getting on the front page of a local paper when we got back from our 9 month sailing and backpacking adventure through the Caribbean and Colombia. Next to the story about a lady getting lost in the woods...slow news day! :) Then we did a couple of small projects for people such as baby shower invites, birthday party cards, small stuff but it got sent to 200+ ppl around town. It's a trickle up effect where we are starting to see people now seeking us out for bigger and bigger projects. On the web we have a blog, use twitter heavily, and a facebook fan page where we network with a whole different group of people.
114 weeks ago
114 weeks ago
Lindsey Donner
Hello all! I am interested in knowing more about Facebook community building. I am doing work for a startup (see www.myigrad.com) whose site is still in beta; however, it will become a community for recent college grads just stepping into the "real world." Given the demographic, Facebook is one of our best ways to reach people who need us. But while I know how to use Twitter & blogging, I've never really delved into FB for a completely brand shiny new company. Thoughts? Tips? Experience?
Sadya Siddiqui recommended this
Alyson Kilday:
I found that though most companies wouldn't work for FB if it is used to help build up followers to either your site or blog it could work. I have ...MoreI found that though most companies wouldn't work for FB if it is used to help build up followers to either your site or blog it could work. I have a friend who opened a nice boutique that doesn't have a website but just uses FB to let customers know when new merchandise is in the store or other promotional news. I also found that using FB for promotional and contest (if done right) work to gather new 'fans'. Bueno Entonces, a Spanish language teaching site/company is giving away a trip to Argentina IF they get 10,000 fans. So many people who are in the running (my partner) are motivated to join the site to help them win. I think it's important to know WHY you even have a page, and would YOU join it?
114 weeks ago
114 weeks ago
Lindsey Donner:
Yes, I think our view is that FB would be a value add and a more casual place to vent, not to mention a place to interact with our team directly. ...MoreYes, I think our view is that FB would be a value add and a more casual place to vent, not to mention a place to interact with our team directly. It would not be a jobs post space or a "serious" one but rather a way to find us, connect with us, and share with us, not unlike the way we all use FB fan pages. It would also be a space to promote contests and video content that's funny and share-able; for that reason, I guess my question is more about how to build that group on Facebook itself as organically as possible while the brand is young. ? Did that help clarify?
114 weeks ago
114 weeks ago
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