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Elizabeth Williams
I'm unsure about the business relationship I've just entered into with a local business I've been in a client relationship with. The owner isn't always particularly organized; they had to cancel our first two lunch meetings and was late for yesterday's meeting due to schedule problems. The biggest concern is that when I showed for our second lunch meeting, they "schedule conflict" was another photographer shooting the studio at that time.
Kirk Ackerson: Understood - you are facing the "friends or family" dilemma where more latitude exists which makes it easier to be pushed back as they feel that ...MoreUnderstood - you are facing the "friends or family" dilemma where more latitude exists which makes it easier to be pushed back as they feel that the relationship is strong enough to survive minor things like rescheduling. It's good that you have this relationship but you should still try to convey the message that this is now a business relationship and should be treated as such. The other option is to use the relationship to help you meet your goals - meet for coffee before or after hours or at a non-business location. While they might not be comfortable doing this with a new business partner, they may be more comfortable with you. Good luck! 100 weeks ago
Anna Raddatz: It sounds to me like either a. they're just hyper disorganized, or b. they're taking advantage of you (as it is, they're already getting donated ...MoreIt sounds to me like either a. they're just hyper disorganized, or b. they're taking advantage of you (as it is, they're already getting donated time from you for those brainstorming sessions). In either case, I would run screaming from any professional relationship with them. This is the type of client that is WAY more pain and effort than they're worth. Keep them as your favorite gym, and look elsewhere for clients. 98 weeks ago
Courtney Modecki
As an entrepreneur, how have you handled your accounting needs? I recently started a small, part-time business and am unsure about the best way to keep track of income and expenses. I am wary to spend a lot of money on software as there is a possibility the business will not last beyond the summer. Any tips on free shareware out there? What programs do you like and why?
Anna Raddatz: As a bookkeeper, I say hire a bookkeeper! So many of my clients tried to do their books themselves, and ended up having to hire someone to re-do ...MoreAs a bookkeeper, I say hire a bookkeeper! So many of my clients tried to do their books themselves, and ended up having to hire someone to re-do the whole thing - which is much more expensive in the long run. At least find someone who can help you set up the system and teach you how to use it. 101 weeks ago
Melissa Breau: @Anna - would you be interested in sharing some tips for an article on my blog? I've been thinking for a while now about doing a post on the ...More@Anna - would you be interested in sharing some tips for an article on my blog? I've been thinking for a while now about doing a post on the financial side of freelancing and all that that entails - I became your fan - please dm me or email me mbreau (at) jargonwriter.com if you're interested. 101 weeks ago
Jenn Pedde
This could be entirely a bad idea posting this here, but could give way to some good discussion. I just wrote this week's blog post entitled "Life After Manhattan." I spent a good amount of time in NYC still, but has anyone else left it or left it and gone back? http://bit.ly/bBGiBa
Michael E Cantone: You could not put it in a better light than that. planning a coast to coast road trip with my nephew who just finished his first year in college ...MoreYou could not put it in a better light than that. planning a coast to coast road trip with my nephew who just finished his first year in college and really likes NYC; doubt he is going to like the slower pace of Route 66.
Really liked your post. 104 weeks ago
Anna Raddatz: Hi Jenn, great post! I actually run an online community of ex-New Yorkers, and we'd love to have your perspective there! No one yet has written ...MoreHi Jenn, great post! I actually run an online community of ex-New Yorkers, and we'd love to have your perspective there! No one yet has written about NYC compared to the large Asian cities. http://lifeafternyc.ning.com/ 104 weeks ago
julie houta
Hi, I am trying to dig NING and its various networks to reach out to people interested in various topics, such as food and fashion. However, I find myself overwhelmed with the amount of networks on the platform. Does anyone know how to use Ning efficiently to target audiences and promote an online publication? Thanks a lot for the feedback!
Marian Heddesheimer: I believe there will be some changes in the existing NING communities because they now don't offer free accounts anymore. I am a member of ...MoreI believe there will be some changes in the existing NING communities because they now don't offer free accounts anymore. I am a member of different NING networks that has been used for learning but I'm now watching what all the non-profits will do after NING start charging for all the former free accounts.
I would just wait and see what other social platform will benefit from the recent changes at NING.
107 weeks ago
Anna Raddatz: Not sure if you mean you want to start your own Ning site or just network through others... As Marian says, you may want to wait a few months and ...MoreNot sure if you mean you want to start your own Ning site or just network through others... As Marian says, you may want to wait a few months and see what networks are still around after the transition, but many of them sell ad space, which might work for you. Here's an overview of their new plans starting in July: http://about.ning.com/announcement/?xg_source=www.ning.com 107 weeks ago
TOP IDEA:Ty Unglebower
Get Out of My Stagnation, and Into My Car...A blog post on how something as simple as driving habits can effect your prospects for success. http://bit.ly/ar9GjO
Anna Raddatz: After living in NYC for years without a car, my driving skills definitely diminished, to the point of near panic at moments. But after 4 months ...MoreAfter living in NYC for years without a car, my driving skills definitely diminished, to the point of near panic at moments. But after 4 months back on the road, and after reading this book, I'm feeling a lot better. Not a pro yet, but definitely improved. Read this: http://www.amazon.com/Zen-Driving-K-T-Berger/dp/0345353501 113 weeks ago
TOP IDEA:Ty Unglebower
Get Out of My Stagnation, and Into My Car...A blog post on how something as simple as driving habits can effect your prospects for success. http://bit.ly/ar9GjO
Anna Raddatz: After living in NYC for years without a car, my driving skills definitely diminished, to the point of near panic at moments. But after 4 months ...MoreAfter living in NYC for years without a car, my driving skills definitely diminished, to the point of near panic at moments. But after 4 months back on the road, and after reading this book, I'm feeling a lot better. Not a pro yet, but definitely improved. Read this: http://www.amazon.com/Zen-Driving-K-T-Berger/dp/0345353501 113 weeks ago
Anna Raddatz
Anyone in Asheville? I just moved here - spent 9 years in NYC and 4 months in Austin. Excited to be in Asheville and interested in meeting some fun folks! Anyone looking for a bookkeeper?
Emily Moore:
I'm moving down there this summer! Let me know what you think of the area! 115 weeks ago
David Spinks
Hey guys, really interested to hear your experiences with site launches/relaunches. We're relaunching our site very soon. Have you had any experiences, or know of any great examples of successful marketing/community outreach campaigns for a site launch or relaunch?
Anna Raddatz: Yeah, that was my hunch. I like your contest idea, Ryan, especially because it could create more content for the site. Since it's a community of ...MoreYeah, that was my hunch. I like your contest idea, Ryan, especially because it could create more content for the site. Since it's a community of former New Yorkers, maybe it could be a simple question like "what does it mean to be an Ex-New Yorker?" - in 100 words or less? or in haiku form!
But I'm not really sure how that would help us with our branding. There seems to be a fine line between asking members for input vs. giving them too much authority over the site's direction. Very tricky! 115 weeks ago
Ryan Paugh: Anna, we did a contest in 2008 where we asked members to tell us how blogging changed their lives and we gave the winner a free ticket to SXSW. ...MoreAnna, we did a contest in 2008 where we asked members to tell us how blogging changed their lives and we gave the winner a free ticket to SXSW. May not be the exact angle you want to to take, but here's a link to the announcement post: http://bit.ly/VLLT
We got so many excellent contributions that we continue to point people to when people ask why Brazen Careerist is valuable. 115 weeks ago
Emily Moore
Anna: Penelope's tone was in response to a lot of questions that were asked that didn't make sense given what she had already covered.
She wasn't arguing against it - she just shattered the ideal that some people hold. You could have a middle man like income (as seen in 4HWW) but PT was focusing on becoming LI in your career.
Agreed: the webinar didn't meet the description given, but I think that was because they focused a lot on answering questions that readers had, which I appreciated.
Stanley Lee: I personally also enjoyed the webinar on LI, although I didn't have the chance to ask any questions at the time. While I agree that LI only works ...MoreI personally also enjoyed the webinar on LI, although I didn't have the chance to ask any questions at the time. While I agree that LI only works for top performers in certain professions/positions, I also agree that getting into a situation where LI is achieved and maintained (to keep career options open by not limiting them due to settling down in any place). I would appreciate if there are more specific webinars about LI. 119 weeks ago
Stanley Lee: With that said, I personally have expectations on what I want from the next places I want to live in (or claim I have had a stint in). Excitement ...MoreWith that said, I personally have expectations on what I want from the next places I want to live in (or claim I have had a stint in). Excitement and presence of opportunities are the key factors of my choices. Distance from my family + friends is probably not as important as I'm likely a nomad anyway. 119 weeks ago
Anna Raddatz
One of my freelance gigs is consulting for a freelance web designer - I have a weekly call with him and we focus on his weekly schedule, time/project management, etc. But he's still struggling. I'd love to find a system that will work well for him - what are your favorite time management books or systems?
Lindsey Donner: I am a big fan of the 37Signals software (such as Basecamp and Backpack). However, if your designer is a freelancer himself, be wary that simpler ...MoreI am a big fan of the 37Signals software (such as Basecamp and Backpack). However, if your designer is a freelancer himself, be wary that simpler might be better - Basecamp might be unwieldy if he is principally working on a contractual basis, and Harvest, FreshBooks and the myriad of other project-based timetrackers might be better for him. My husband and employee is a designer and given the amount of space they must already give (to coding applications, Adobe software, test sites, FTPs, email, stock photo accounts, etc.) to their "workspace" on the screen, Basecamp's complex project management can be overwhelming. I have managed other designers who, as soon as they are asked to use such a system, become quickly distressed.
NOT because they are not computer savvy (he probably is extremely computer savvy) but because such software sometimes "throws them out" of the work they are doing. Simpler is better and if I were you, try it yourself first to ensure that you can explain it and assist him in applying it to his specific situation. Additionally Harvest, etc. provide invoicing in the same product which might be of great use to him! Good luck! Let me know what he uses (and if he likes it)! 118 weeks ago
Anna Raddatz: Thanks to everyone for their suggestions! I've used Basecamp before, and I don't think it's the right solution for this - his projects are fairly ...MoreThanks to everyone for their suggestions! I've used Basecamp before, and I don't think it's the right solution for this - his projects are fairly small, and he's a one-person team. Right now we're using todoist.com as a to-do list, broken down by project, and it's fine, but he's inconsistent about updating it. I think it's more an issue of mindset and focus, so I'm going to check out some of the books mentioned and see if I can come up with a creative, inspiring approach for him. 117 weeks ago
Heather Conroy
Biggest message for me from the LI webinar was work out the scenario where you are your best self and then move towards it. Ask yourself what am I doing about it this week? month? Find your sweetspot. Loved the webinar!
Delta Waters:
ryan, ;) i really like it here on BC...i did find you guys a hoot to watch whatever the topic... 119 weeks ago
Ryan Paugh:
Delta, that's important to us too! If nothing else, I hope to always be providing entertainment value to our members :) 119 weeks ago
Wm.Rios
I must be needing a good long walk in the "fresh" Florida Air..... I could have sworn that the web-chat was tonite,
Feb.4th, ( go figure ). waited all evening for it too. :o)
Ryan Paugh:
Hi Anna, it is tonight, 9PM EST. 119 weeks ago
Anna Raddatz:
Oh! Didn't notice the date of her post, sorry about that. Thanks for clarifying (again!). 119 weeks ago
Isao Kato
I would like to hear opinions about changing our job/location/friends to see how it shakes our life up - although it sounds like cop-out and certainly brings tough moments (it is so true that we don't see what we need until we lose them), but I have found that it works more often than the odds of "rolling the dice". I think it likely works if (1) we have thought through all consequences and (2) we are aware that we are essentially gambling and (3) we take accountability of our action. Any idea?
Jodi: Let us all make sure we are making decisions for the right reasons.
1) CONSEQUENCES: I thoroughly researched locations
2) RISKS: I listed and ...MoreLet us all make sure we are making decisions for the right reasons.
1) CONSEQUENCES: I thoroughly researched locations
2) RISKS: I listed and weighed these
3) ACCOUNTABILITY: I planned on actions to maintain relationships 123 weeks ago
Isao Kato: Thanks Anna, Jodi: reading your inputs made me realize that although we start the shake-up process to change our environment we end up finding ...MoreThanks Anna, Jodi: reading your inputs made me realize that although we start the shake-up process to change our environment we end up finding ourselves in the same place (metaphorically) but with deeper self-knowledge. Well, that is what happened to me five years ago when I moved from Japan where I worked as a field application engineer to Taiwan and started a new life as a technical writer. There is no regret except that I need to remind myself from time to time why I came here :) 123 weeks ago
Anna Raddatz
Any former New Yorkers here in Austin? You might be interested in this online community I co-founded, for those who have left, or are considering leaving, NYC. Check it out! http://lifeafternyc.ning.com/
Anna Raddatz
Applying to a temp agency; they want a list of the top 12 companies in Austin I'd like to work for. But I've only been in Austin 2 months, so don't know many companies! Any recommendations of good companies to work for here?
Nick Steidel:
I'm actually moving the other direction: to NYC. First time. Can you recommend any temp agencies there? I'm going to be based in Brooklyn. 126 weeks ago
Joseph Miller: I haven't worked at any of these places (only been here 1.5 years or so), but some of the biggies I know in Austin are:
Dell, AMD, IBM, Whole ...MoreI haven't worked at any of these places (only been here 1.5 years or so), but some of the biggies I know in Austin are:
Dell, AMD, IBM, Whole Foods, National Instruments, Idea City, T-3. Hope that helps! 124 weeks ago
Ed Barrientos
Loved living in Stuttgart/Munich in the 90s. Would love to live in the south of France, Macbook in one hand, phrase book in the other
Caroline Ceniza-Levine:
Don't know specific ones, but Mountain X is the local paper and is online. Also UNC Asheville may have info on cheap rents or shares 143 weeks ago
Anna Raddatz:
Great leads! Thanks so much! 143 weeks ago
Anna Raddatz
Leaving NYC in Nov (lifeafternyc.com), want to try out Austin for a bit! Know of any house sitting opportunities in Austin this winter?
sarah monks: Always check craigslist or contact my friend Ari at westcampusliving.com. Hyde Park is a great area to house sit in! If you have babysitting ...MoreAlways check craigslist or contact my friend Ari at westcampusliving.com. Hyde Park is a great area to house sit in! If you have babysitting experience sign up with mbfagency.com. Great bonuses for holidays. 134 weeks ago
Anna Raddatz
I think where I live is holding me back. I've decided to leave NYC, and started a site to discuss the pros and cons: www.lifeafternyc.com