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Ben Donahower
Elizabethtown, PA, PA
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Pete Collins Do you delete any of your blog posts? My blogging is quite variable in terms of quality, so should I get rid of some older ones that I don't really like, don't link to, and have hardly got any views? It would increase the average quality of my posts, but decrease the quantity. What do you do?

54 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas, Brazen Bloggers, European Bloggers and Wordpress Bloggers2 more

seanlsyy: delete old post,good idea
13 weeks ago
Page: I think it is a good idea to go back and review your posts periodically, and update them to reflect your blog's focus. Perhaps you didn't have a ...MoreI think it is a good idea to go back and review your posts periodically, and update them to reflect your blog's focus. Perhaps you didn't have a clear goal in mind when you started blogging? Go back and re-focus those old posts, clean up the writing and add some SEO into them to bring them up to speed.
3 weeks ago
 
Brett Kunsch I'm compiling a list of the top 10 films for entrepreneurs. Citizen Kane, Social Network, Jerry Maguire, The Aviator, Ghostbusters (!) are making the cut so far. What else would you add to the list? Thanks ahead of time!!

50 weeks ago from Web Startups, Upstarts!, Business Development, Film and Entrepreneurs3 more

JRandom42: Here's one you forgot:

Boiler Room

More
Here's one you forgot:

Boiler Room

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0181984/

And while it's not a movie, it's still relates to enterprenuers pretty well

Burn Rate by Michael Wolff
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burn_Rate_(book)
http://tinyurl.com/3t4ts7r


14 weeks ago
Peter Weyant: Have to add an Ann Rand movie, either the recent Atlas Shrugged or the classic Fountainhead.
12 weeks ago
 
TOP IDEA: Jon Bishop I found a very bad call to action plugin on WordPress so I decided to create my own that made use of WordPress 3.0 custom post types and sidebar widgets. http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/call-to-action/ It is very much still in beta but I am using it on my site with great success. The plugin displays a Call to Action in your sidebar based on the current category. Just assign each Call to Action with a few categories and you are good to go. Let me know how I can make this better.

60 weeks ago from Wordpress Bloggers and Social Media Marketers

Ben Donahower: Thanks for the tip
57 weeks ago
Jon Bishop: Here is another Call to Action plugin I've been working on. This one is a more All-In-One plugin for businesses. I am developing on behalf of ...MoreHere is another Call to Action plugin I've been working on. This one is a more All-In-One plugin for businesses. I am developing on behalf of HubSpot so HubSpot customers can input their Portal ID and App Domain to track analytics.

Just something worth keeping and eye on.

57 weeks ago
 
Cameron Plommer Are Wordpress blogs on the downfall? What's your take on leverage Tumblr and YouTube as a vehicle to spread your brand, company and ideas?

44 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas, Wordpress Bloggers and Personal Branding1 more

Andrew Shell: There does seem to be an increased willingness for people to become digital sharecroppers. I personally believe that people should take ownership ...MoreThere does seem to be an increased willingness for people to become digital sharecroppers. I personally believe that people should take ownership of their content and running their own blog whether that's WordPress, Drupal or whatever. It's just important not to create all your content inside of corporate silos. It's better for someone to publish on a WordPress blog with a plugin that pushes their posts to Tumblr, Facebook and Twitter.

YouTube is a little different because 1) it's hard for average people to encode and publish video on the web without the help of a YouTube, Vimeo, or the like. 2) They aren't creating their content on YouTube, but rather they are just publishing it. In theory they could cross post to Vimeo if YouTube banned them.

44 weeks ago
Ricardo: I think they are getting better
44 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?

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

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
 
Ryan Stephens What book(s) are you currently reading? I'm on a Stoicism kick and reading The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius among others.

140 weeks ago from Book Shelf

Beatriz Alemar: Currently reading: Steering by Starlight (by Martha Beck) and the Gift of Fear (by Gavin de Becker)

@Ben - I loved How We Decide. I still use ...More
Currently reading: Steering by Starlight (by Martha Beck) and the Gift of Fear (by Gavin de Becker)

@Ben - I loved How We Decide. I still use some of the tips to help me make difficult decisions.

19 weeks ago
Lori Ruff: Rock The World with your Online presence... we're getting ready to release the 3rd edition so this is my focus until I deliver it to the publisher!
19 weeks ago
 
TOP IDEA: Jesse Shy I am using ScribeFire as my blog offline editor. I love that it has a preview feature so I can see what my post looks like before I publish it. Do you have a favorite offline editor, what is it?

50 weeks ago

Joseph Arruda: I rarely do now, as I have a hosted Wordpress install that I rarely lack access to. In the past I've either quickly put stuff down in html format ...MoreI rarely do now, as I have a hosted Wordpress install that I rarely lack access to. In the past I've either quickly put stuff down in html format with Vim, or used KBlogger. I tried Flock, but was less than impressed, and ScribeFire looked promising but its early builds never performed well for me. I hear it has improved immensely, but I lack the need for it.
50 weeks ago
Jesse Shy: Sometimes I find myself in remote areas, or transportation lacking wifi. I have also installed wordpress locally on XAMPP so I can play with ...MoreSometimes I find myself in remote areas, or transportation lacking wifi. I have also installed wordpress locally on XAMPP so I can play with plugins and themes before going live. So I guess I am still playing in the sandbox.
50 weeks ago
 
Mike Dammann Other than Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, which is your favorite social media network?

22 weeks ago from Social Media

Natasha Smith: Jim, Ben, and everyone else who mentioned LinkedIn - I share Patrick's curiosity. How do you make the most of LinkedIn? In what ways have you ...MoreJim, Ben, and everyone else who mentioned LinkedIn - I share Patrick's curiosity. How do you make the most of LinkedIn? In what ways have you found it especially beneficial, and what are your primary activities on the site?
20 weeks ago
Jim Armstrong: Connecting with others and continuing to build my personal brand - these are my top two reasons for being on LinkedIn. It serves as my central ...MoreConnecting with others and continuing to build my personal brand - these are my top two reasons for being on LinkedIn. It serves as my central repository (until I finish my personal website) for housing all of my professional credentials and information. I include loads of links to my current projects and activities. Hope this helps Natasha!
20 weeks ago
 
TOP IDEA: JenG When you're not happy in your job, sometimes it's hard to know if you need a different job, a new career, or just a long vacation. In a guest post for Zen Habits, I discuss the three scenarios when I think only a new career will do. http://zenhabits.net/3-clear-reasons-to-change-careers/

23 weeks ago from Creating a Life You Love and Career Changers

Dan Becco: You mentioned a Chris Bilbo (sp?) how do i find out more about making money ideas? thanks. dan
20 weeks ago
Borislava Slavova: Dan, it's Chris Guillebeau, and you can read this article and the comments - MoreDan, it's Chris Guillebeau, and you can read this article and the comments - http://bit.ly/mVHy0A
20 weeks ago
 
Noel Rozny Do you feel like you're doing good work every day? And what does that phrase mean to you? Do you define "good work" by output, product, personal goals or salary? http://bit.ly/qDCB9v

23 weeks ago from myFootpath

Ben Donahower: Well, I'm going to use the word in the definition but good work, to me, is work that I feel good about. Do I feel like I accomplished something? ...MoreWell, I'm going to use the word in the definition but good work, to me, is work that I feel good about. Do I feel like I accomplished something? Is there empirical evidence backing it up?

I'd love to say that I produce good work every day. I come close most of the time, but I also think that good work is something that can't be forced. I might go through the motions one day for any number of reasons and another day be able to produce good work at a record pace depending upon my mood, the project that I'm working on, and other factors.

21 weeks ago
Noel Rozny: @Ben--so true, especially in knowledge work. Sometimes you might have a few days that don't seem productive, but in fact, your brain is chewing on ...More@Ben--so true, especially in knowledge work. Sometimes you might have a few days that don't seem productive, but in fact, your brain is chewing on that big problem or solution that it's going to unveil later in the week.
21 weeks ago
 
Kathryn Smith Those looking at job prospects might find this report from the BLS helpful: http://www.bls.gov/oco/

22 weeks ago

Ben Donahower: I have used the BLS for projects related to my job and it's amazing to me that more high school and college career counselors, etc. aren't ...MoreI have used the BLS for projects related to my job and it's amazing to me that more high school and college career counselors, etc. aren't shouting this URL from the rooftops. If you look at the numbers, outlook, salaries, etc. you might decide to make a small shift in focus that will greatly increase your salary and job prospects.
21 weeks ago
 
TOP IDEA: Ty Unglebower Today I am beginning the process of unfollowing, and unsubscribing, and just plain giving up on some of the "must follow!" gurus, blogs, Twitter feeds and websites I sort of fell for in 2010. Actually I didn't totally fall for all of them, but I was acting on the water cooler premise that if I read what everyone else read, I'd have more to talk about and hence more to network about. But it was inauthentic. I'm tired. No more "Godin-like" sites for me without some unique appeal.

56 weeks ago from Networking Tips, Creating a Life You Love, Baltimore Brazen and Washington D.C.2 more

Ben Donahower: Yep, I get what I call RSS creep all of the time. Every six months or so I need to pare down.
56 weeks ago
Reneida: Completely agree Ty. This is particularly a problem with Twitter...before you know it you're following way too many people (especially the ...MoreCompletely agree Ty. This is particularly a problem with Twitter...before you know it you're following way too many people (especially the "gurus") and absorbing absolutely nothing in terms of content that is sincerely relevant to you. I only follow a few people that I find interesting and in line with what I want to learn/know. Sure, my follow back numbers suffer as a result, but I did not sign up to that SN for the popularity but rather the value.
55 weeks ago
 
TOP IDEA: Edward Antrobus I'm toying with an idea for a side business. Many bloggers are publishing ebooks, but only in pdf format. PDF is okay for short works, but limit readers of longer texts. They would get more readers if they offered their ebooks in mobi (Kindle) and epub (Nook, Reader, Stanza--smartphone) formats. If you were writing an ebook, would you pay someone to format and convert your manuscript into these formats?

51 weeks ago from Entry-Level Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs

Lindsey Donner: Well aware of the guide-- I just formatted a client's book for premium distro through SW. Note that in their materials, they purport to be able to ...MoreWell aware of the guide-- I just formatted a client's book for premium distro through SW. Note that in their materials, they purport to be able to hook you up with low-cost ($25/hour I believe) folks who will format it for you. I think the wording implies they (the formatters) are freelance and unaffiliated with SW. When I did it for a client, I was being paid, so I agree with you-- there's work to be done. It will be interesting to see how much the market determines it is worth.

It's quite the pain in the neck, too. :)

50 weeks ago
Edward Antrobus: I remember seeing that. They do stress that the formatters aren't affiliated with SW; just authors who have gone through the process and have ...MoreI remember seeing that. They do stress that the formatters aren't affiliated with SW; just authors who have gone through the process and have agreed to be listed as a resource. As I recall, they also state that those services START at $25/hr, although I haven't seen the actual list to know if the rise in prices is steep or gradual.

My idea is to charge based on length instead of time.

50 weeks ago
 
Kathryn Smith I'm considering starting a website that will cover common misconceptions about recruiters, what they can and can't do for you, and the general agency recruiting process. As a candidate, is this something you would find helpful? Alternatively, if you are already aware of a website like this, can you provide the link? I've been unable to find one that caters to candidates.

26 weeks ago

Nicole Bienfang: Hey Kathryn can you become my Fan so I can PM you? I have a contact via my Linkedin profile that I think you two can benefit from knowing each ...MoreHey Kathryn can you become my Fan so I can PM you? I have a contact via my Linkedin profile that I think you two can benefit from knowing each other.Thanks!
24 weeks ago
Kelly Seiler: Here is a question for a blog post:
What are the different ways the recruiters focus? I can take a guess based on the different job sites out ...More
Here is a question for a blog post:
What are the different ways the recruiters focus? I can take a guess based on the different job sites out there: local area vs national, by industry, management vs sole contribuitor.

As far as a critique on the first post I'm somewhere between Nicole and Edward. The length is good, but I'd like to see more hilighting of points by using bold or color. For example, "don’t just rely on me to find your new opportunity" should be hilighted. If someone is skimming you want that to jump out at them.

another topic - the dos and don'ts of sharing salary expecations with a recruiter

Good luck!

24 weeks ago
 
Dawn Lennon Unpaid internships are the rage for college kids preparing for careers after graduation. They are also in the line of sight for the current unemployed. There's a need to be strategic when we work for free, making sure the experience delivers real value. What advice would you give? Here's my take. http://wp.me/pJhPc-o6

25 weeks ago from Career Changers and Entry-Level Young Professionals

Dawn Lennon: @Ben Well said. An internships unique benefit is to your network, but that means making an effort to meet and engage with coworkers, management, ...More@Ben Well said. An internships unique benefit is to your network, but that means making an effort to meet and engage with coworkers, management, customers, vendors, and others. Some interns often for get to do that...and then to keep in touch. Thanks for this helpful comment. ~Dawn
25 weeks ago
Jason H. Parker: We wrote advice on this matter, as well. Check it out here: MoreWe wrote advice on this matter, as well. Check it out here: http://www.brazencareerist.com/2011/04/05/how-to-make-bank-in-your-unpai...
25 weeks ago
 
Ben Donahower Is anyone familiar with governments that are using SEO? I know that Google has a section for the public sector and I'm sure some have caught onto what Google is recommending there, sitemaps. But is there a public entity that has an initiative or something that they built backlinks to, what were the results, etc.?

27 weeks ago from Government and Public-Sector

Elliot S. Volkman: Not to be rude but the #gov20 hashtag is actually coupled with open government content usually. There is some gov based new media as well, but it ...MoreNot to be rude but the #gov20 hashtag is actually coupled with open government content usually. There is some gov based new media as well, but it usually relates to #opengov. That being said I know in the past agencies have outsourced this type of work as a creative service to government contractors. Additionally, a vast portion of public content on .gov domains is static, so they just follow basic naming conventions.
27 weeks ago
Ben Donahower: @Mozart - have definitely went down that road and found what @Eliot has.

Here is what I have found:

More
@Mozart - have definitely went down that road and found what @Eliot has.

Here is what I have found:

http://www.seobythesea.com/category/seo-for-government/

Which essentially shows how bad government SEO is.

And there are a couple of companies who offer SEO services to governments. I just searched for government SEO on this one and took what's on the first page of Google. Figure a good government seo company should be able to rank for that term. With that said, here are the options:

http://www.mattseo.com/government-seo-consultant/
http://www.dataflurry.com/industries/government.html
http://www.seo-1-marketing-services.com/online-public-relations-governme...

None of those three companies are listing any government clients, showing success stories, or testimonials. None of these companies are solely focused on the government niche either.

Finally, the proof is on the website. I just poked around a few states' websites for a few quick checks: good permalink and whether there is a sitemap and robots.txt file.

ca.gov - good permalink, has sitemap and robots.txt
myflorida.com - mediocre permalink, auditor general has a sitemap, no robots.txt
texas.gov - weak permalink, couldn't find sitemap, has robots.txt

Out of these three sites, only one is doing these basic elements of SEO correctly let alone conducting keyword research and building strategic backlinks.

25 weeks ago
 
Jason H. Parker What are your thoughts on this recent article: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43976881/ns/business-eye_on_the_economy/ Love the idea of student loan debt being forgiven or delayed for entrepreneurs.

26 weeks ago from Shotgun Startups, Web Startups and Entrepreneurs1 more

Nicole Bienfang: I don't think it is a good idea to tie this program with "success" because success is very vague. Also, this country is dead set on punishing ...MoreI don't think it is a good idea to tie this program with "success" because success is very vague. Also, this country is dead set on punishing failure when really failure can be amazing if the person actually learns from the experience.I like Edward's idea with employee salary= the amount of the loan forgiveness, however that does not help the struggling entrepreneur who is just starting out. But guys like this should be rewarded:http://store.soy-yer.com/AboutUs.asp I don't think we need a program based off of the teacher forgiveness program as I have experienced that first hand. Even though it brings teacher's to "bad areas" it is only for 5 years and I've seen time and time again teachers (good or bad) high tail it out of town as soon as they can after the 5 year mark.Maybe giving forgiveness based on staying in the same town or state could be awarded for entrepreneurs? Maybe those who want this type of loan forgiveness need to show what steps they have taken to build a business, do they have a history of starting businesses, selling them, did they go to school and take courses that pertained to being an entrepreneur etc.I know personally if I didn't have student loans I would be at a totally different level with my business by now.It really hinders progress whether you are starting business or just trying to start your adult life out on the right foot.
25 weeks ago
Kathryn Smith: This may be a bit of a devil's advocate kind of a thing to say, but... maybe the kids in college right now should just take this as a lesson to ...MoreThis may be a bit of a devil's advocate kind of a thing to say, but... maybe the kids in college right now should just take this as a lesson to get more creative with funding their education instead of taking out massive amounts of loans. It is possible to graduate without much debt, it's just that those of us who weren't forced to reevaluate our funding generally didn't.

If there is ONE thing that I feel entrepreneurs need to have a firm grasp on, it is accountability. I don't think there needs to be an advertised way out of financial obligations to encourage entrepreneurship. Sure, maybe "success" is vague, and it's great when people buck up and learn from failure, but it's also great when people buck up and learn to overcome obstacles, like student loans. Entrepreneurship is NOT easy, and it should not be advertised as such. The government is not in a financial position right now to fund failure, as measured by contribution to the health of the economy, so forgiving loans to entrepreneurs whether they start a successful business or not is just a downright bad idea.

25 weeks ago
 
TOP IDEA: Ben Donahower "Cognitive diversity is at least as threatened as biodiversity on this planet." -Ben Dunlap

26 weeks ago

Stephen Desrosier: Negative breeds negativity. Positive breeds successful results and healthier workers.
26 weeks ago
Eric Pennington: Very nice Stephen!
26 weeks ago
 
Jana Schuberth Love doing #personalitytests? Try this personal career profiling tool to find out what will make you happy at work http://bit.ly/lovework

27 weeks ago from Career Changers, Career Rocketeer, Ask A Coach and London Brazen Careerists2 more

Michael Rubino: Cool report Jana, thanks for posting!
26 weeks ago
Jana Schuberth: Hey Michael, thanks for your comment :-) Glad you found it useful!
26 weeks ago
 
Mozart Hey folks! What software are you using to stay on top of things. Here is my short-list. I use Astrid to-do list for my droid: It sets deadlines and alerts me on my droid. It also connects to my google task list a major plus! NirvanaHQ.com it is a life/project management software based on the principles of GRD, and basecamp/highrise is how I manage contacts and projects in my professional world. What are your go-to tools when you need to get stuff done?

27 weeks ago from Productivity & Time-Management

Edward Antrobus: @Mozart. Pen & paper just makes more sense in some situations. Do I need to have my computer on to remind me to mow the lawn? Twitter and ...More@Mozart. Pen & paper just makes more sense in some situations. Do I need to have my computer on to remind me to mow the lawn? Twitter and GCalender via SMS are the extend of online I do with my phone. Data is waaay to expensive on AT&T to even think about using it.
27 weeks ago
Ashley: I would be lost w/o OmniFocus!
27 weeks ago
 
TOP IDEA: Whitney May Parker Brazenites! We're launching a new feature today! It's called BrazenU, where we'll be hosting expert professional development programs including online bootcamps, courses, webinars, e-books and more. As part of this, we're offering our first bootcamp on Social Media Strategy, which will take place Sept 6-30! Learn from top social media experts from companies like Citi, Etsy, Edelman, and Behance. It's just $195 until Aug. 8, and Brazen members can earn commission for referrals. http://ow.ly5Sai1

27 weeks ago

Ben Donahower: Don't forget the / after TLD "ly" I got a couple of errors before I looked at the URL carefully
27 weeks ago
Whitney May Parker: Morehttp://brazenu.com/executive-social-media-bootcamp/ <--Here's a better URL to use. Not sure why that ow.ly link broke =(

27 weeks ago
 
TOP IDEA: Ben Donahower We are continually faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as insoluble problems. -John Gardner

27 weeks ago

Kate Davids: This is the narrative of life! If the world viewed every problem as an opportunity instead of a, well, problem, we'd be better off.
27 weeks ago
Ben Donahower: This quote hit me like a ton of bricks when I saw it!
27 weeks ago
 
Dana Leavy What have you done to rebrand yourself for a new career when you lack experience on your resume? In my experience, one of the best tactics is increasing your visibility by positioning yourself as a subject matter guru in your desired field. Thought leaderships (blogging, discussions, idea and content sharing) is at the top of my list. Some other ideas around the importance (and how to) of rebranding yourself: http://tinyurl.com/3pfxrkb

28 weeks ago from Career Changers, Brazen Careerists in New York City, Advertising Professionals, Generation Y Marketers and GenYJourney: Tips, Insights, Experiences For Young Professionals3 more

JRandom42: @Jonathan, all I have to say is, Social Media Expert=Y2K Expert.
27 weeks ago
Kate Davids: I would simply add that calling yourself a guru is never a good idea. That is a title that is given, not claimed. But if you participate in the ...MoreI would simply add that calling yourself a guru is never a good idea. That is a title that is given, not claimed. But if you participate in the dialogue, as Dana is suggesting, in many industries you will make good connections that will lead to employment. That is how I did it (just got my post-graduation job yesterday. Super stoked!).

However, I would also say that in many places volunteering can lead to excellent experience. I was the PR manager for a 14,000 person convention, dealing directly with many TV and movie stars and their agents. I was unpaid. It was technically volunteer. If you keep your eyes out for opportunities like this, or blatantly create them, you'll be ahead of the other job seekers.

27 weeks ago
 
Kristen Syme I have a degree in Anthro, but I have over a year to go before I start grad school. I need a decent job, but I don't meet the qualifications for many positions. Anybody have any advice or know of anything in the Delaware, Philly, or even D.C. areas?

27 weeks ago

Emma Burnett: I'm a humanities grad and got a job at a law office as a legal assistant. Check the legal category on craigslist, you'll find that many of them ...MoreI'm a humanities grad and got a job at a law office as a legal assistant. Check the legal category on craigslist, you'll find that many of them just want someone who is personable and can write well.
27 weeks ago
Noel Rozny: I'm not familiar with these areas, but if you're just looking to get started, temp agencies can be a great way to go. They'll give you a way to ...MoreI'm not familiar with these areas, but if you're just looking to get started, temp agencies can be a great way to go. They'll give you a way to earn money while you look, and many have temp-to-perm opportunities. Good luck!!
27 weeks ago

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