Brazen careerist

Where ambitious young professionals connect and grow

Barbara Bowen

Brooklyn

Gateways International

Career/Life Coaching

Gateways Coaching

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TOP IDEA: Cameron Plommer I'm starting to realize that I don't need more information on HOW to do something. Instead what I find most useful is information (books, blogs, whatever) that inspires me to do something. Whether it's inspiration to learn a new topic, get in shape or be a better person. The How-to is only applicable at a low level because what works for one person may not work for another. With that said, what have you read or read regularly that inspires you?

67 weeks ago from Personal Development, Professional Development and Blogging Ideas 1 more

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Steve: A wise older friend once told me "Before age 30, seek to be inspired. After 30, seek to be an inspiration." The wisdom of that has played out as ...MoreA wise older friend once told me "Before age 30, seek to be inspired. After 30, seek to be an inspiration." The wisdom of that has played out as I've networked with Gen Y folks a few years younger than me (I'm in my early 30s), and constantly been inspired by their energy and enthusiasm to tackle exciting projects.
48 weeks ago

Jacqueline M. Walters: Cameron Plommer. Please accept my invitation to join and log on to MoreCameron Plommer. Please accept my invitation to join and log on to www.talentmanagementnetwork.com to read some of my post. I am Jacqueline M. Walters. I strongly believe you will appreciate it.
16 weeks ago

Linda A. Hamilton When blogging or responding to threaded conversations we all make statements that some may find great adds to their blog posts, interviews or articles for publication. What are your thoughts on protocol to use those statements? Should people ask your permission to "quote you" using your words even if they attribute them to you and your business, or is the information considered public domain for use as desired without your permission? Has anyone encountered this before? What did you do/say?

66 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas

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Linda A. Hamilton: @Cheryl: Good point about the amount of content. If one is doing a copy / paste of an article, I would believe whoever is doing that would include ...More@Cheryl: Good point about the amount of content. If one is doing a copy / paste of an article, I would believe whoever is doing that would include the original by-line. Copyright is huge for writers, so asking permission would be a great thought, especially since words could be taken from context and interwoven into another's content to skew the original intend/meaning.
66 weeks ago

Barbara Bowen: Interesting question. So far on my blog, when quoting another person's comments, I attribute the quote to "commenter." If the person's name and ...MoreInteresting question. So far on my blog, when quoting another person's comments, I attribute the quote to "commenter." If the person's name and position seem relevant to the context of my own post, I would seek permission from the person before using their name, to be on the safe side.
65 weeks ago

Barbara Bowen joined the group Blogging Ideas

67 weeks ago

Brett Kunsch Darren Aronofsky's new movie "Black Swan" reminded me that perfectionism KILLS. I touch on lessons learned in my new post: Personal Development from a Crazy Ballerina. http://bit.ly/e5CJIr What do you do to remind yourself that aiming for perfection is a losing game?

74 weeks ago from Ask A Coach, Personal Development and Film 1 more

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Brett Kunsch: @Yaseen - very good distinction between perfection and perfectionism. Thanks for weighing in!

@williams - spot-on regarding insecurity. It ...More@Yaseen - very good distinction between perfection and perfectionism. Thanks for weighing in!

@williams - spot-on regarding insecurity. It certainly aligns with the root of FEAR that sparks perfectionism.
74 weeks ago

Carlee Mallard: I think you just have to keep an eye on balance. Perfectionism alone won't kill, but if you're so focused on being perfect that you don't notice ...MoreI think you just have to keep an eye on balance. Perfectionism alone won't kill, but if you're so focused on being perfect that you don't notice how it's affecting your own health and you don't take care of your OWN needs first, that's when you're going to get in trouble.
74 weeks ago

Monica Valentinelli In my personal and professional experiences, creative people think/act/function differently than non-creative people. Doesn't mean that one is better or worse than the other; in my mind it signifies the need for different management and communication styles. My questions to you today are: What do you feel are the major differences between creative and non-creative people? Have you encountered any challenges dealing with the opposite type? And, if so, how did you work around it?

74 weeks ago from Creatively Inspired, Professional Development and Productivity & Time-Management 1 more

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Jeremy Tadman: The "bursts" of creativity also don't necessarily obediently come out between the hours of 9 to 5.
74 weeks ago

Usman Uddin: Creatives lose focus and go off in their own tangents and direction. I think you need to have non-creative people managing the creative people ...MoreCreatives lose focus and go off in their own tangents and direction. I think you need to have non-creative people managing the creative people for their strength of creativity, but you have to "manage" them well enough to keep them focused and engaged on the mission you are trying to accomplish.
74 weeks ago

Cameron Plommer How do you stay motivated in a long-term project? What mind tricks do you use that help you keep going?

84 weeks ago from Creating a Life You Love, Creatively Inspired, Entrepreneurs and Ask Penelope Trunk!2 more

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Barbara Bowen: Once the long term goal is clarified, it's great be engaged (as Ty says) with each task as it comes, one at a time. I feel most excited when the ...MoreOnce the long term goal is clarified, it's great be engaged (as Ty says) with each task as it comes, one at a time. I feel most excited when the long term vision is motivating me through the "ladder" of tasks required for reaching the goal.
84 weeks ago

Vickie Elmer: I sometimes write a short, one paragraph description of the project and then give three or four bullet points on its importance, impact, value, ...MoreI sometimes write a short, one paragraph description of the project and then give three or four bullet points on its importance, impact, value, relevance to my team and my career. That becomes a sort of Star of David to light my way.
84 weeks ago

Gauri Nawathe When someone uses the word "request" in their mail, does it sound to you as a vieled order? As in "we request you to kindly reconsider our proposal..." Asking because someone told me that I came accross as rude/harsh by using this word in emails.

89 weeks ago from Ask Penelope Trunk! and Ask A Coach

Barbara Bowen: Hi Gauri, Well....in my opinion the word "request" does bend toward the sound of authority. On the safe side, especially if I were unknown to the ...MoreHi Gauri, Well....in my opinion the word "request" does bend toward the sound of authority. On the safe side, especially if I were unknown to the receiver, I would change the word. Something like: "Thank you for considering..." "We hope this proposal submission will serve the purpose of...." There are many options...
89 weeks ago

Kelly Tanner: That's crazy. A request is a polite way of asking, nothing more nothing less. If you had said "we require you to reconsider" then sure, very ...MoreThat's crazy. A request is a polite way of asking, nothing more nothing less. If you had said "we require you to reconsider" then sure, very demanding. Whoever said that may either not understand the meaning of the word or may have an aversion to any more formal wording by associating professionalism with not "being real", or some crazy thing.
88 weeks ago

Ty Unglebower They say that these days just about everybody in the workforce considers "creativity" to be the most valuable and highly sought after asset. Yet from what I see, this doesn't seem to be so as often as is indicated. I still think most everyday jobs still look for cogs. Robots. Why are so many obviously creative people out of work? Have they not proven they are creative, or is it not as valued as some think? How can a person prove they are "creative" in order to get a piece of this action?

91 weeks ago from Washington D.C., Baltimore Brazen, Creating a Life You Love and Creatively Inspired 2 more

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Diana Luepke: The last couple of comments remind me of how design thinking and similar approaches discuss constraints - the idea being that constraints and ...MoreThe last couple of comments remind me of how design thinking and similar approaches discuss constraints - the idea being that constraints and processes aren't just a negative thing holding us back from being creative, they are the container that gives us some form with which to be creative. Yes, it's important that management help cultivate an environment in which creativity is valued, cultivated, and provided a safe container in which to run a little wild. My comments about inertia definitely aren't an excuse for not making that effort, they're just an acknowledgement of the challenges we face. But as someone who is trying to help creative ideas and approaches see the light, I try to think of those challenges and that inertia as MY constraints. Though I don't think it feels very much like a safe container most of the time in this case...
91 weeks ago

Barbara Bowen: I guess we're trying to identify what conditions are optimal for producing positive change. And to better understand the various unpredictable ...MoreI guess we're trying to identify what conditions are optimal for producing positive change. And to better understand the various unpredictable factors: like who in the environment is identifying (or not) a needed change, who is aligned (or not) with changing conditions introduced, who (or not) is listening and communicating effectively at any stage. I believe this applies us all, whether we are entrepreneurs or connected to a larger organization or business. Change seems to mostly follow a jagged line, in my own frames of reference. Do you guys experience it that way in your own working lives? What do you witness as conditions under which positive changes are adopted efficiently and successfully?
91 weeks ago

TOP IDEA: steve taite I was pondering recently on how much music meant to me and why. I came to the conclusion that more than I make music, music makes me and then sat down and listed what I consider to be the soundtrack of my life. I would be interested to hear what music influences you and if you feel that it played / plays a big part in the structure of your lives. Read the blog here http://taitegallery.net/?p=3502

92 weeks ago from Music, Musicians, Creatively Inspired, Brazen Bloggers and Blogging Ideas 3 more

Barbara Bowen: Thanks for this, Steve. Music plays a large role in my life, often in sharing its beauty with others I'm close to. The non-verbal ascends to a ...MoreThanks for this, Steve. Music plays a large role in my life, often in sharing its beauty with others I'm close to. The non-verbal ascends to a powerful level the verbal can only point to. I like what you wrote, and it could be "folded" into an artist statement. Enjoy this link to free audio and written resources on the creative process, and an e-book on how to write a fabulous artist statement: http://www.GatewaysCoaching.com
92 weeks ago

Becky Benishek Have any of you tried using online career assessments to make better decisions as a professional? If you have, which ones? Were they useful? If not, what's holding you back (especially if they're free)? My company does tons of career assessment for young professionals so I'm interested to hear what your experiences have been.

95 weeks ago from myFootpath, Ask A Coach, Career Rocketeer and Job Resources and Career Coaching 2 more

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Danver Chandler: I was curious if you were aware of this new brain scan that predicts the perfect career!
MoreI was curious if you were aware of this new brain scan that predicts the perfect career!
http://www.impactlab.com/2010/07/22/a-brain-scan-could-help-you-find-the...
93 weeks ago

Becky Benishek: Doesn't that look like something straight out of sci-fi! I like this quote: "Intelligence was not always linked to physical size of different ...MoreDoesn't that look like something straight out of sci-fi! I like this quote: "Intelligence was not always linked to physical size of different parts of the mind."
93 weeks ago

Jason H. Parker Would any coaches who are a part of this network consider pro-bono coaching as a part of a mentor- and career-matching program for young professionals? What would be good non-monetary compensation (other than great marketing potential, and of course, the great feeling of helping young folks find their passion)?

95 weeks ago from Ask A Coach

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Josh Ploch: @Megan Atkinson - You are onto a great start kicking around places like this vs. being passive, but I'd be happy to send some ideas your way.
94 weeks ago

Rene Arnold: for Jason Parker... you may contact me at my home email... wmrene@msn.com.
94 weeks ago

TOP IDEA: Sadya Siddiqui Stephen Covey & GenY: are the 7 effective habits applicable anymore? i read this tweet by @funnyonliners "twitter is not 1 of the 7 effective habits" and i thought well, why not? Covey gave us catch-phrases like 'win-win' 'first-things-first' but did it sharpen anyone's saw? Im interested to know what the Coaches here on BC have to say.....

98 weeks ago from Ask A Coach, Ask Penelope Trunk!, Personal Development and GenYJourney: Tips, Insights, Experiences For Young Professionals 2 more

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Brandon Croke: The 7 habits are just as relevant now as they always have. Inherently they have nothing to do with Twitter, but I'd like to expand on how 3 of ...MoreThe 7 habits are just as relevant now as they always have. Inherently they have nothing to do with Twitter, but I'd like to expand on how 3 of these principles can be applied to Twitter (and social media in general).

Think Win Win. The day of marketing being a one way hostage taking of your mind and time is over. Companies now give in order to get. They get permission to give you helpful information. The content marketing revolution is here to stay (at least for a little while). You get other people's attention by giving a gift, they win and you win. You share someone's brilliant blog post on Twitter to give to your followers, give credit to the author, and give yourself the reputation of being a thought leader and a go to person information on certain subjects. People who use Twitter the best, practice the fundamentals of win win everyday.

Sharpen the saw. What are you doing when you are participating on Twitter, blogs and forums? By sharing best practices, asking/answering questions, and networking. You are developing yourself and staying up to date with important information. Twitter is probably the best platform to enable you to "sharpen your saw" when you follow thought leaders who post updates with helpful information.

Begin with the end in mind - Have an end goal when taking part in any social activity, this of course includes Twitter. When you start something you should have an end goal. I don't see how this can go out of style in fact its more important than ever. With all of these "shiny new social platforms" companies need to have an end goal when getting involved with all of them. Ironically this habit is entirely absent from a majority of brands who enter into the social space.

I took part in a one year leadership development program which was centered around the 7 habits. These are timeless principles and will be for some time to come. (until robots take over the world at least)
95 weeks ago

Erin Lariviere: @Brandon I completely agree! There are many ways we can apply Covey's habits to social media efforts.

As for "first seek to understand then to ...More@Brandon I completely agree! There are many ways we can apply Covey's habits to social media efforts.

As for "first seek to understand then to be understood", I think this is missing from a lot of social media efforts. We talk so much about listening that the concept has lost its meaning.

It's not enough to just listen and hear what's being said. We need to understand - understand the different opinions and points of view; try to see where they're coming from; understand not just what others want, but WHY they want it - what are their goals, their motivations?

Once we understand an environment - what has shaped it, why it emerged, what needs it addresses, etc - then we can see where our own ideas fit in, and seek for others to understand us.

I don't think it's about perfection. You're right @Sadya - there's no such thing. But it is possible to improve our habits and be more effective at what we do. I think that's the goal of the 7 Habits - not to give us the warm fuzzies about a perfect life, but to give us tools to be better at what we do.
95 weeks ago

TOP IDEA: Robin Mills Lately, I have witnessed and been a "victim" of "bad" behavior from colleagues at all levels, whether they were at my level or above me. Whether it's berating someone in front of colleagues/higher-ups for mistakes made (minor or otherwise), stealing others ideas or just blatant pot-stirring for no reason, it seems like "bad" behavior is becoming more acceptable at work. How do you guys deal with it without taking it personally? Is this behavior truly everywhere? Any feedback is appreciated! :)

99 weeks ago from Ask A Coach, Ask Penelope Trunk!, Personal Development and Personal Branding 2 more

Elysa Rice, Kenji Crosland, Zachary Stark Jones and Fleire Castro and 1 others recommended this

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Dr. Woody: Be sure not to get drawn into or match the "bad" behaviors of others when confronted. I agree part of it is about empathy, but part of it is about ...MoreBe sure not to get drawn into or match the "bad" behaviors of others when confronted. I agree part of it is about empathy, but part of it is about defusing tempers and disallowing for escalation by not playing into the madness (and inadvertantly reinforcing it). Often times the frustration of dealing with someone volitile or inappropriate can lead to unnecessary escalation.
99 weeks ago

Jean-Victor Côté: Indeed, playing into the madness is self defeating.
99 weeks ago

Juha Liikala I have a copyright related question about selling Art reproductions. I have a friend who makes pencil drawings. She asked me if it would be possible for her to sell pencil art reproductions (on her website) from the pictures / artwork she or the clients of her's find from the Internet. Example: - Her client sends her a link to a Sean Connery shot from a James Bond movie. Can she make pencil reproduction of that picture and sell it to her client without breaking some copyright laws?

98 weeks ago from Arts Marketing, Graphic Art, Art and Creatively Inspired 2 more

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Erica Edwards: I would consult an attorney specializing in art law. A good place to start: Volunteer Lawyers For the Arts
MoreI would consult an attorney specializing in art law. A good place to start: Volunteer Lawyers For the Arts
www.vlany.org
1 East 53rd Street
New York, NY 10022-4236
(212) 319-2787
98 weeks ago

Raquel Elle Bell: Artists sell caricatures.. You might find out what the laws are for that... might be a good step in finding out what the laws are.
98 weeks ago

Calissa I am one of those people who loves new things, I like to explore. I've been a freelance writer working from home for the past 10 years, sometimes doing other odd jobs, but no real career path. I'd love to generate ideas for someone who loves innovation, loves learning but isn't sure what direction to go in. How do you pick your next career?

99 weeks ago from Ask A Coach

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Caroline Ceniza-Levine: In addition to the above, I would try to find people who have freelance writing backgrounds and look at their career path. Use LinkedIn to see ...MoreIn addition to the above, I would try to find people who have freelance writing backgrounds and look at their career path. Use LinkedIn to see profiles of people's work history. Did they take their skills into marketing, PR, chief of staff type roles? Does the way they describe these roles hold your interest? Then look at those roles in more detail -- what are other skills and experiences needed, what industries interest you, how do people transition therein?
99 weeks ago

Barbara Bowen: I agree with Caroline's excellent advice. Often the successful people you admire will take an interest in helping others. So, in perusing a ...MoreI agree with Caroline's excellent advice. Often the successful people you admire will take an interest in helping others. So, in perusing a professional profile that impresses you, you try joining one of the groups they are in. Participate for awhile, and then reach out to send the person a direct message or question. This doesn't always work, but often to clients' surprise, it does. Best wishes....
99 weeks ago

Neille New Post: DO SCHOOLS KILL CREATIVITY. http://imperfectaction.blogspot.com/ Inspired by the Ted Video posted by Jamie Nacht Farrell. Thanks Jamie!

106 weeks ago from Creatively Inspired

Barbara Bowen: I know and love that video! Great for artists and other creative professionals to hear. Neille, here are a few more videos on various aspects of ...MoreI know and love that video! Great for artists and other creative professionals to hear. Neille, here are a few more videos on various aspects of the creative process for you to enjoy....http://ht.ly/1JOBG Best wishes, Barbara
106 weeks ago

Tariq West What would you say in a college graduation speech? I'm graduating from college in a couple of weeks and considering applying to be Baccalaureate Student Speaker. I have a good chance at winning this honor if I can find a compelling theme and tell a great story. The prompt is as follows: "Share a reflection on how your spiritual journey has informed your education and commitment to the public good at Stanford. Inspire your classmates as the sole student voice during Commencement Weekend."

107 weeks ago from Brazen Undergrads, Creatively Inspired, Nonprofiteers, I am Gen Y and Future Leaders 3 more

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Tariq West: Thanks all for the comments/suggestions! I didn't have time to put together a speech before the deadline but I will certainly be incorporating ...MoreThanks all for the comments/suggestions! I didn't have time to put together a speech before the deadline but I will certainly be incorporating your suggestions in a forthcoming written reflection on my blog. I'm thinking it will revolve around nurturing structural or "Galilean" serendipity in our lives and the spiritual and pragmatic meaning of that.
106 weeks ago

Tariq West: Actually, to my surprise I was selected as commencement speaker for my department. Now to pull it all together - 10 mins to leave an impactful ...MoreActually, to my surprise I was selected as commencement speaker for my department. Now to pull it all together - 10 mins to leave an impactful message.
105 weeks ago

Caroline Ceniza-Levine The indispensable first step to getting the things you want out of life is this: decide what you want. — Ben Stein Do you know what you want? Before you worry about how to get it, whether or not you can get it, or when you will get it, do you know what IT is? Do you know why you want it? Often the why is the most powerful motivator.

114 weeks ago from Ask A Coach

Barbara Bowen: I agree, Caroline. Clarity is key to any next step or action plan. Most clients know what they want, and will get clear about it when they answer ...MoreI agree, Caroline. Clarity is key to any next step or action plan. Most clients know what they want, and will get clear about it when they answer the right questions. Part of being an excellent coach/consultant, I think, is asking the right questions.
114 weeks ago

Demetra Brown Question: What do you think is the lead motivator for getting individuals to take action and get involved in issues that impact their community?

115 weeks ago from Brazen Undergrads, Monthly Goal Meet-Up, Creatively Inspired, Business as Mission and Non-Profit Management 3 more

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David Macauley: Right or wrong, you have to show them what's "in it" for them. Personal impact coupled with a solid call to action should get the right folks ...MoreRight or wrong, you have to show them what's "in it" for them. Personal impact coupled with a solid call to action should get the right folks involved and motivated... Just my 2 cents :)
113 weeks ago

Demetra Brown: @David: I agree, incentive is very important in order to persuade people to take action. Thanks for the feedback!!!
113 weeks ago

Vanessa Alvarado Anyone else out there creatively stunted from overwork? I have two art shows coming up but full time marketing work is killing my drive to make more art. What do you do to jump start creativity? I'm going to work on getting organized. With tips from http://bit.ly/c73YEu and http://bit.ly/yTncJ!

115 weeks ago from Creatively Inspired

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Wilson Usman: How many hours a day do you work?
115 weeks ago

Sarah: Hey Vanessa, I feel your pain too! Sometimes it helps me if immerse myself in other creative stuff, like buzzing through an art gallery or museum ...MoreHey Vanessa, I feel your pain too! Sometimes it helps me if immerse myself in other creative stuff, like buzzing through an art gallery or museum or talking to my grandad who is an awesome (and long winded!) story teller. I'm always randomly inspired by something he says without even trying. Hang in there! If all else fails, try wine. ;)
115 weeks ago

Barbara Bowen Lauren, there are many ways to be creative - sounds like your boyfriend *is* creative with fixing and building. Best not to pursue finance if his heart isn't there. He could sort out his favorite area and find a job to stretch that experience and knowledge base. He could gradually develop a business plan and start something on his own or with a partner. --best wishes, Barbara

117 weeks ago from Ask A Coach

Barbara Bowen Caroline, I always appreciate your "no nonsense" approach and I still send your links to friends. Thanks for this simple, sensible, helpful essay!

121 weeks ago from Ask A Coach

Caroline Ceniza-Levine: Barbara, thanks so much for your encouraging words!
121 weeks ago

Guy McDowell What about creating just for the sake of creating? Is that a responsible use of man's creativity?

122 weeks ago from Creatively Inspired

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Vanessa Alvarado: It's the natural use of man's creativity. I am, therefore I create. If you're not creating, you're not living.
122 weeks ago

Barbara Bowen: I agree. To create something for its own sake is a surrender to the imagination and can lead to great unintended outcomes. The act of creating: ...MoreI agree. To create something for its own sake is a surrender to the imagination and can lead to great unintended outcomes. The act of creating: giving form to the not yet formed, has given us some of the world's greatest art. Even if no purpose is fulfilled, I think creating is most often a healthy activity.
122 weeks ago

Barbara Bowen Robbie, in my experience, the "securing" happens during the first contact with the client. A consultation (complimentary or advisory) will reveal whether coach skills are in sync with client need and if there is sufficient "chemistry." Partly objective, partly intuitive. http://bit.ly/7i2hl7 Hope this link is helpful. Best, Barbara

124 weeks ago from Ask A Coach

Barbara Bowen Years ago, during a training seminar, we learned that studies had proved that the only significant linking factor between artist profiles is the ability to create new combinations from existing patterns and, most importantly, the persistence to keep experimenting desite set-backs in the creative process. I agree that all works are derivative, but the way we personally synthesize our influences makes our work unique at the same time.

125 weeks ago from Creatively Inspired

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