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Bradley O
Montreal, Canada
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Aristo Bhupal I have been trying to identify the top causes/Social issues people on social networks would like to relate to : I.E - Global Warming, Education, Pollution, Nuclear Weapons, Healthcare.. etc..Please mention your choices as comments..

113 weeks ago from Web 2.0

cuaryos: i think number one is get more friend, number two is quick information.
113 weeks ago
Bradley O: I'm not sure networks like this are about friends but I think in general its mostly concerned about network. I'm not sure Social Issues are a ...MoreI'm not sure networks like this are about friends but I think in general its mostly concerned about network. I'm not sure Social Issues are a particularly large part of peoples normal social activities.
113 weeks ago
 
elizabeth I just started a social networking site and I am tryig to figure out how to promote it. Even though I have read a ton of stuff about it. In a nutshell, they alll say the same things about how to promote rather it be guest blogging, fliers, register at all the free search engines, offer prizes, etc. However, what I would like to know is what typical patterns, methods, and procedures that the very popular and successful social networking sites used in the beginning to promote. anyone know?

113 weeks ago from Internet Marketers

TroyW: Site promotion is of two kinds, paid (such as Google AdWords and fliers) and organic (SEO and linkbuilding). It takes about a year for these ...MoreSite promotion is of two kinds, paid (such as Google AdWords and fliers) and organic (SEO and linkbuilding). It takes about a year for these strategies to work. It may take longer, especially if you don't have significant resources to promote the site.
You may not be able to replicate Twitter and Facebook's success (which still took quite a while). The reason Twitter took off was that it was quickly adopted by a highly unusual community--the gossipy, insider-y, look-at-me world of Silicon Valley early adopters. Facebook, to put it bluntly, took off among East Coast college students because it was a great way to find hookups, especially at large schools or in the Northeastern world of students from many different schools meeting briefly at parties or bars. In both cases, the usefulness of the site to the audience made people want to talk about it to others, ideally via the site itself. There was also a tremendous amount of luck involved. It's interesting to note that neither site anticipated this level of success at all.
Who is your audience? What unique service does your site provide that others don't? Is the site really useful? To whom? If not, how can you change that?
After that...find people blogging about that niche and email them respectfully about your site...maybe just a "Hey, check me out, I know about blah blah just like you do!" If you're not REALLY relevant to them, don't do this. Start a Google AdWords campaign targeted to your audience's search terms and drive traffic to your site. (You can pretty much ignore every other search engine. Sorry, Yahoo! and Bing, but it's true.) Start generating TONS of content, ideally on other, influential sites. This will help with your SEO rankings. Then lather, rinse, repeat. Set goals for yourself and monitor your progress. See where you are in a year or so.

113 weeks ago
Bradley O: You can also try social news sites, like Digg, Reddit, Stumble upon etc. They can help drive some traffic your way.
113 weeks ago
 
Demetra Brown Any suggestion on great books concerning personal financial management?

113 weeks ago from Economics and Finance and Brazen Undergrads

Bradley O: A great website is MoreA great website is http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/ . It has some very practical,useful and down to earth advice.
113 weeks ago
Demetra Brown: Thanks for the suggestions everyone.
113 weeks ago
 
Stanley Lee In your opinion, do you think recruiting a new member for a small team resembling those making up the "start-up" companies is equivalent in concept of a typical firm's HR and technical teams recruiting a new employee? Also great to hear your explanations. Thanks.

113 weeks ago from Entrepreneurs

Dale Beermann: @Stanley re: the likability factor. Good question. If you don't get along, it doesn't matter what your working towards, things will fall apart. ...More@Stanley re: the likability factor. Good question. If you don't get along, it doesn't matter what your working towards, things will fall apart. I've seen it happen myself.
113 weeks ago
Carol Harris: that is so true, if you don't get along, no ideas will flourish, no flourish, no growth.
113 weeks ago
 
Nidal I have a New Website startup in mind. I am not technically good enough to Develop the site myself. I am looking for someone to help me with the technical side while i take care of the marketing, strategic and business development aspect to it. Any ideas on where to start?

113 weeks ago from Web Startups

Eleni Miltsakaki: Try to stay involved with the development side, too. You don't have to do it yourself but stay on top of what's going on.
110 weeks ago
Boris Rozman: Our start up Loginaut is exactly about connecting people like you, we connect technical/programming and creative freelancers and freelance teams ...MoreOur start up Loginaut is exactly about connecting people like you, we connect technical/programming and creative freelancers and freelance teams with sales/marketing freelancers, project managers, etc, whoever is needed depending on the scope of the project. Contact me at boris@loginaut.com if you're interested.
110 weeks ago
 
TOP IDEA: Ty Unglebower Hooray! Despite the fact that this is only the first stage of the study, as an introvert I really like where the data is headed. http://nyti.ms/8YKjoh I can't stand small talk, and as an introvert grow weary of being told that my success depends on loving it. And though I never thought of it this way, I think I would be more comfortable engaging a stranger in substantive conversation than I would in small talk. Now THAT'S networking.

113 weeks ago from Creating a Life You Love

Bradley O: I absolutely agree with this as well. I hate the obviously superficial conversations with people. Especially those like, hows the weather down ...MoreI absolutely agree with this as well. I hate the obviously superficial conversations with people. Especially those like, hows the weather down there, to someone you'll never speak to again. I know you don't care, so why bother?
113 weeks ago
 
TOP IDEA: Ty Unglebower Hooray! Despite the fact that this is only the first stage of the study, as an introvert I really like where the data is headed. http://nyti.ms/8YKjoh I can't stand small talk, and as an introvert grow weary of being told that my success depends on loving it. And though I never thought of it this way, I think I would be more comfortable engaging a stranger in substantive conversation than I would in small talk. Now THAT'S networking.

113 weeks ago from Creating a Life You Love

Bradley O: I absolutely agree with this as well. I hate the obviously superficial conversations with people. Especially those like, hows the weather down ...MoreI absolutely agree with this as well. I hate the obviously superficial conversations with people. Especially those like, hows the weather down there, to someone you'll never speak to again. I know you don't care, so why bother?
113 weeks ago
 
Lauren Hi, does anyone work in the Finance industry? My boyfriend just graduated with a BS in Financial Services and Corporate Finance, but has had a hard time getting an interview in the field. His options so far are a position as a "credit counselor" or to go into entry-level accounting/bookkeeping. Any advice? Thanks!

113 weeks ago from Economics and Finance

Tariq West: I 2nd @Bradley, back when I was interested in finance I found all sorts of great opportunities in non-financial services companies, particularly ...MoreI 2nd @Bradley, back when I was interested in finance I found all sorts of great opportunities in non-financial services companies, particularly in the tech space. Also, I would suggest he look into other spaces in business where finance skills could be valuable (e.g. corporate strategy, operations, management consulting and even product management).
113 weeks ago
: Its a tough economy. Presistance. I finally am getting a job within the banking industry after 5 months of non stop applying to different ...MoreIts a tough economy. Presistance. I finally am getting a job within the banking industry after 5 months of non stop applying to different companies (I feel I can say without seeming hyperbolic that I've applied to a 1000 jobs, even those outside of the U.S.). Also, try career fairs.
113 weeks ago
 
Scott Carver Each step I take in starting my IT support/consulting business, which has started, seems to be a challenge. Fun challenges though. I've installed a CRM package & now trying to determine how detailed to define my services. I've looked at service catalog templates and think that's too much. How detailed do I want to be in my billing/tracking? Anyone struggled with that? Ex. BOS-1 is Business Onsite Service, but I don't think that's detailed enough for the service done. Hope that makes sense.

113 weeks ago from Entrepreneurs

Bradley O: Scott, after reading the Original post, I realize that I did get a bit off topic. Sorry about that.
113 weeks ago
Scott Carver: Bradley, no need to apologize. Glad you brought it up.
113 weeks ago
 
Nidal There is always a payoff between gainnig business experience in a field before starting a business or starting right ahead. i think whats important is developping the skills you need for your business, while some of those skills will come through working for someone else. Allot of it will come through trial and error and life experiences. What do you guys think about the topic? Is "business experience" necessary?

114 weeks ago from Entrepreneurs

Carol Harris: I started a home staging business in Buffalo, NY and while I know that I can make it succeed, I also know that having more business savvy would ...MoreI started a home staging business in Buffalo, NY and while I know that I can make it succeed, I also know that having more business savvy would have helped. I have learned two costly lessons already. Although I am a quick study, I shall never forget those lessons.
113 weeks ago
Nidal: @Carol, What were those lessons exactly?
@ Ted, I face this problem at the moment, i went into a field and realized that Its not the one for me, ...More
@Carol, What were those lessons exactly?
@ Ted, I face this problem at the moment, i went into a field and realized that Its not the one for me, I am in it just to get some "professional" experience, I have decided to go into a different field. even though the professional experience has nothing to do whith the businesses i plan to start, and i see no value of such experience. Times are tough, and the luxury of being picky about where i would work does not exist at the moment.

however, surprisingly, Working for someone else has given me time to think about my plans for the future, and research thoroughtly the ideas i want to develop.

113 weeks ago
 
Nidal There is always a payoff between gainnig business experience in a field before starting a business or starting right ahead. i think whats important is developping the skills you need for your business, while some of those skills will come through working for someone else. Allot of it will come through trial and error and life experiences. What do you guys think about the topic? Is "business experience" necessary?

114 weeks ago from Entrepreneurs

Bradley O: To go back to your point, and In light of the fact that we all agree you need to learn. I still maintain that have a balance between having some ...MoreTo go back to your point, and In light of the fact that we all agree you need to learn. I still maintain that have a balance between having some training/experience and jumping right in is required.

Jumping right in can really shoot yourself in the foot in the long run. Take lawyering for example, If after the BAR, you jump right into taking on a defense case (suspend your disbelief for a moment) and fail at it miserably, like you most likely will, that would definitely hurt your reputation and you might never be able to recover from it.

In this example having some experience as part of another firm would almost be a requirement.

114 weeks ago
Michael Dvorscak: I think it may be important to differentiate between learning and experience. I will let someone else define the concepts. In my case, I have some ...MoreI think it may be important to differentiate between learning and experience. I will let someone else define the concepts. In my case, I have some "business experience." If we all think about it we probably have more than we think we do. Learning is another idea. I am learning about business constantly, whether it is as customer, reading a blog, talking with a co-worker or class colleague about a restaurant experience. In reality if we are perceptive we can learn about business and how do things without having "business experience."

"When the student is ready the teacher appears."

113 weeks ago
 
elizabeth I just started a social networking website. I have been reading and reading about people w successs what their methods were & I can"t figure them out. All the articles say t same things along the lines of "they started this in their garages and started out with 100 people and now have 30 million members. However, they never say what they did in between. How do you get more members? What are the tricks in between?

114 weeks ago from Entrepreneurs

Anthony Morgan Peters: One trick is to pick a broad group binder or Multigroup binders Soc Net Website. Picking a specific group binder like age or even a type of food ...MoreOne trick is to pick a broad group binder or Multigroup binders Soc Net Website. Picking a specific group binder like age or even a type of food or cat leaves you with less people to network with.
114 weeks ago
Cathy Dempsey: I have to agree with Bradley's comment that the angry spurned women won't stay that way forever. They'll go to your site, rant and carry on, then ...MoreI have to agree with Bradley's comment that the angry spurned women won't stay that way forever. They'll go to your site, rant and carry on, then meet someone new and likely abandon your site the way they might abandon match.com when they're with Mr. Man of their Dreams.

Also, in any promotion of your site, might I suggest you share how it differs from the time-honored standard of getting together with your in-real-life girlfriends to lament the foibles of the men in your life.

Just putting it out there...

114 weeks ago
 
Emily Moore Does anyone here use cash tracking programs, like GnuCash? I just downloaded it the other night and am still trying to work out how to use it.

114 weeks ago from Personal Finance

Emily Moore: @Chris: Thanks for the recommendation. Do they do double entry acct'ing?
113 weeks ago
Nidal: Try wesabe.com They have a nice website for tracking spending, Greensherpa.com for cashflow, And budgetsketch.com for weekly bugeting.

Ive never ...More
Try wesabe.com They have a nice website for tracking spending, Greensherpa.com for cashflow, And budgetsketch.com for weekly bugeting.

Ive never used those in a commercial context, but theyre great for personal Finances.

113 weeks ago
 
Matthew Bingham One day I was trying to figure out how my wife and I could be more financially responsible. Now, we are fairly responsible to begin with but there is always room for improvement. I came up with the CASH system. It stands for Clean, Arrange, Save, and Health. I kind of stole the idea from the manufacturing process of 5S. On top of all the regular budget systems (Auto deduct to savings, no cc debt, etc.), this let's you make much more educated decisions when you need/want something. MTC!

114 weeks ago from Personal Finance

Bradley O: Interesting approach, while I can appreciated the lifestyle you are trying to build, I think it needs a bit more detail on how it managed to ...MoreInteresting approach, while I can appreciated the lifestyle you are trying to build, I think it needs a bit more detail on how it managed to become more fiscally responsible. ( I know this is a work in progress, just making some suggestions.)
I think people do most of those things without fiscal responsibilities, but you clearly have some thoughts on how it could.

113 weeks ago
Matthew Bingham: Yes - I will explain more - but like you said, most people do this. I'm making the connection that in doing it you can put that fiscal ...MoreYes - I will explain more - but like you said, most people do this. I'm making the connection that in doing it you can put that fiscal responsibilit to it if you aren't already. Thanks for the suggestions/feedback.


113 weeks ago
 
Scott Carver Anyone use myERP.com?

114 weeks ago from Entrepreneurs

Bradley O: I have not used that specific service, but I have used "cloud" type services like this. Privacy is definitely a concern, however most legitimate ...MoreI have not used that specific service, but I have used "cloud" type services like this. Privacy is definitely a concern, however most legitimate companies take a substantial amount of security precautions. However Anthony is right anything online can be hacked, however unlikely, so the question for you is; Is this an acceptable risk?
114 weeks ago
Scott Carver: I've thought about security and the "cloud" and I'm OK or trust the security of those companies as much as I do the security of the big banks ...MoreI've thought about security and the "cloud" and I'm OK or trust the security of those companies as much as I do the security of the big banks security. Credit card companies get hacked seems like all the time in some form or another. I mean, if I installed something locally it's still only as secure as my house, my pc, my passwords, etc. There is a point where "worrying" about security could drive a person to live in a log cabin with no power 100 miles away from civilization.
I decided against myERP but it wasn't because of the security risk. I'm going to be using QB Online for accounting and I'll have to find a separate CRM/service ticket system.

114 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?

114 weeks ago from Personal Branding

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
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
 
Caroline Ceniza-Levine helicopter parents and the job search http://www.lifemeetswork.com/pages/template3.asp?pageID=251 Are you tapping the helpfulness of your parents in the right way?

114 weeks ago from Ask A Coach

Caroline Ceniza-Levine: Bradley, I agree that no employers are looking for high maintenance kids. Unfortunately sometimes it's the parents apart from the kids that are ...MoreBradley, I agree that no employers are looking for high maintenance kids. Unfortunately sometimes it's the parents apart from the kids that are high maintenance! I feel badly for Gen Y candidates b/c there is the stereotype of the entitled candidate with helicopter parents but at least the article shows good ways parents can help -- and I have seen very supportive parents out there in this tough market.
114 weeks ago
Bradley O: I should have been more clear it should have read; high maintenance kids (and their parents). The fact that it is a tough job market means that ...MoreI should have been more clear it should have read; high maintenance kids (and their parents). The fact that it is a tough job market means that the parents need to step back and not add to the stereotype any more. With the high unemployment rates out there right now there is even less reason to employ people who can't look for jobs themselves.
Parents should be able to provide advice towards looking for jobs and preparing for interviews, however they should never be part of the actual hiring process.
I'm sorry if I come across a bit strong, but as a member of Generation Y I detest the phenomenon of helicopter parents.

114 weeks ago
 
James Reid Hey guys, my designer is working on a logo for my blog, and the URL of my website is StartingFantasyLineup.com. I love being able to brand my website as SFL given it is about the NFL. The similar style acronym of the major sports organizations was a huge plus and would be incredibly easy to remember, but I don't know how to balance that and the URL recognition that i'll need at least early on to get more repeat customers. Any advice is appreciated, or articles on using an acronym in branding?

114 weeks ago from Personal Branding

Bradley O: I like the idea, however given that you are trying to emulate portions of the NFL, you just need to make sure that you don't cross any IP rights. ...MoreI like the idea, however given that you are trying to emulate portions of the NFL, you just need to make sure that you don't cross any IP rights. They have some very strange rules when it comes to IP and sports.
114 weeks ago
James Reid: thanks for the input guys! Brad, not emulating anypart of anyone else just using an acronym for the name of my site =D
113 weeks ago
 
Shannon Coffey How wrong is this? Joel on Software stops blogging because it works too well? http://bit.ly/9Jhu3m I think he totally misses the point of his blog. BC is always pushing blogs as a way to become knownas an authority on a subject, and your opportunites grow from there. He seems to thnk it's only about attracting customers.

115 weeks ago from Entrepreneurs

Shannon Coffey: Yes, playing the niche is a tricky thing. And using a niche blog to promote a wide range of products may be the wrong way to go. I guess what I'm ...MoreYes, playing the niche is a tricky thing. And using a niche blog to promote a wide range of products may be the wrong way to go. I guess what I'm dumbfounded by is that Joel doesn't try to broaden his current blog audience by expanding his topics. It's the idea of abandoning a loyal, proven audience that kind of drives me crazy.

All said, I'd bet there are other things going on that are causing him to stop. He does mention the company's grown too big for him to blog, but perhaps he just doesn't want to do it any more, plain and simple. Tomorrow (March 17) is his last post, and I'm very curious to see how he wraps it up.

114 weeks ago
kathleen fasanella: You grow, your priorities evolve and you move on. At its core, it's a relationship. All relationships end sooner or later whether by death, ...MoreYou grow, your priorities evolve and you move on. At its core, it's a relationship. All relationships end sooner or later whether by death, abandonment or remaining present but by all accounts ambivalent. No different than a marriage, you can't prevent someone from leaving you no matter how certain you are they're making a mistake. Don't you see? It is not about you/me/us. It's about him. Be glad for what he left us and wish him well.
114 weeks ago
 
Jeffrey Hulten Great quote from a discussion on LinkedIn: "anyone who is shocked at the price in the beginning will be a slow payer in the end." http://www.linkedin.com/groupAnswers?viewQuestionAndAnswers=&gid=761567&... Thoughts?

116 weeks ago from Entrepreneurs

Lindsey Donner: ROI is a big issue, Bradley; I agree with you there. Which is why we try to provide examples and data. However, some creative work still has ...MoreROI is a big issue, Bradley; I agree with you there. Which is why we try to provide examples and data. However, some creative work still has intangible value; how, for example, do you measure "brand awareness"? Improving your business' appearance, feel and sound through the use of a creative agency doesn't always result in immediate returns. I am interested in how others deal with that!
114 weeks ago
Jeffrey Hulten: The key from my perspective is experimentation. When dealing in websites with consistent traffic levels and defined conversion goals this is ...MoreThe key from my perspective is experimentation. When dealing in websites with consistent traffic levels and defined conversion goals this is easier. If you do not have the traffic to generate real results, the best you can do is "it doesn't suck".

Here is an interesting article on the basics of stats in split testing. Don't fear the math. When you are talking about conversions it is as important as your bookkeeping.

http://20bits.com/articles/statistical-analysis-and-ab-testing/

114 weeks ago
 
Bradley O For a business Development Forum the activity here is pretty light. In fact most of the groups I'm apart of are a bit slow. Any recommendations on the best place to interact on the Brazen Careerist?

117 weeks ago from Business Development

Scott Rossow: I have had similar thoughts to the original topic, Bradley, and to be honest, I find the confrontational aspect of this discussion quite ...MoreI have had similar thoughts to the original topic, Bradley, and to be honest, I find the confrontational aspect of this discussion quite refreshing. Most online / social media / forum or discussion-board interactions have a healthy level of disagreements and head-butting and until now I haven't seen this sauciness on Brazen, regardless of the possible over-reacting going on.

Anyway, to answer the question, Penelope's network is very active and so is the Personal Branding group. I'll use your recommendation as a kick-in-the-a$$ to start posting more myself though. There's no question that the 'wheeler-and-dealer' network SHOULD be more active.

114 weeks ago
Bradley O: Thank you so much Scott for the information. I'll take a look at those two networks.
114 weeks ago
 
Shabeer I am partnering with one of my friends to start a company in hospital decisioning software area. Does anyone in this forum know who is the right person in a hospital to call to market our product? Our company website is http://serenussolutions.com. Appreciate any inputs.

117 weeks ago from Entrepreneurs

Sam Schutte: @Bradley - you're totally right. The politics at hospitals are monumental.
117 weeks ago
Zachary Stark Jones: Sounds like @Sam-Schutte just gave you the counsel I'd suggested you find. Now you need to determine your value-proposition relative to each of ...MoreSounds like @Sam-Schutte just gave you the counsel I'd suggested you find. Now you need to determine your value-proposition relative to each of the targets he mentioned - or pick the one that seems like the slam dunk and laser in on it. Do you know who, or what practice, is your competition for how decisions are currently made in your focus area of knowledge/practice?
117 weeks ago
 
Eric Williamson Research Help -- I am doing some research and would appreciate your help. How many social profiles do you have + how many do you ACTIVELY use (use regularly)? Thx for the help.

118 weeks ago from Web 2.0

Eleni Miltsakaki: Facebook, Twitter, ASW, Plaxo, hi5, BrazenCareerist, LinkedIn. I actively use Facebook, LinkedIn and recently BrazenCareerist.
111 weeks ago
Chance Barkley: I Regularly use Facebook, Twitter, Gowalla, LinkedIn, Buzz, Latitude, and now Brazen. I'm a member of probably 10-20 other random ones that have ...MoreI Regularly use Facebook, Twitter, Gowalla, LinkedIn, Buzz, Latitude, and now Brazen. I'm a member of probably 10-20 other random ones that have popped up over the years, but they are mostly dormant now. I'm in the process of doing a little blog exploration and optimizing the integration between all of these platforms that I use regularly.
109 weeks ago
 
Jay Neely A new resource I've been finding valuable lately is http://answers.onstartups.com -- Very active community of startup founders helping each other out.

119 weeks ago from Web Startups

Bradley O: Interesting Setup, but its a bit funky looking. Any good content?
117 weeks ago
Jay Neely: Definitely. If you sort questions by votes -- MoreDefinitely. If you sort questions by votes -- http://answers.onstartups.com/questions?sort=votes -- you'll see some of the best so far. But often, the best content isn't even in the most popular questions, but the incredibly detailed and helpful responses to more specific questions someone has.
117 weeks ago
Interests
Networking, IT, Building Businesses

Groups (20)

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Fans (13)

Laura McCallum
Scott Rossow
Alyson Kilday
elizabeth
Renelda M
Ryan Paugh
Nidal
Joop Laan
Michael Felberbaum
Shannon Coffey

Following (4)

Ty Unglebower
Zachary Stark Jones
Nidal
Penelope Trunk