Dana Leavy
New York, NY
CEO, Small Business & Career Consultant, Aspyre Solutions
Consulting
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Dana Leavy
You know the phrase "You have to spend money to make money…"? I was giving some thought about investing in yourself, your career or business over the weekend. Whether this means going back to school for an advanced degree, investing in strategic advertising, or looking like a million bucks at the interview - what do you consider a smart career investment? Some thoughts that came to mind: http://tinyurl.com/bmm7sdv
3 weeks ago from Career Changers, Career Rocketeer, Entrepreneurs, Brazen Careerists in New York City and I am Gen Y3 more
Curtis Carlton recommended this
Edward Antrobus:
Being fundamentally cheap by nature, spend money to make money can be a bitter pill for me to swallow. But I'm giving it a shot. I'm investing ...MoreBeing fundamentally cheap by nature, spend money to make money can be a bitter pill for me to swallow. But I'm giving it a shot. I'm investing $100 into a new venture selling taco seasonings on my blog.
2 weeks ago
2 weeks ago
Nicole Bienfang:
Books- I have learned more from them on my own then I ever did at my $35,000+ a year colleges (that's right I went to more then one) I went to.
2 weeks ago
2 weeks ago
TOP IDEA:
Dana Leavy
How do you balance who you are behind the computer, and away from the desk? As a business owner and a fine artist, I find that it's far too easy for me to let my artistic interests slide when I get busy or involved with my work. But at the same time, I feel creatively inspired by the work I'm doing for myself, and sometimes that's fulfilling enough. Does your work or job support you as a person creatively and inspire you? http://www.aspyresolutions.com
62 weeks ago from Career Rocketeer, Entrepreneurs, Creatively Inspired and Brazen Careerists in New York City2 more
Kahlil Cometrose recommended this
JRandom42:
Well since my talents and skill are more scientific and technical as opposed to creative and artistic, it doesn't really matter to me otherwise.
46 weeks ago
46 weeks ago
Gil Elliot:
I've come to the conclusion that there is no such thing as a personal life and a "work" life.
2 weeks ago
2 weeks ago
Dana Leavy
How do you position yourself differently? Whether you’re a small business trying to gain marketshare and clientele, a freelancer fighting the good battle for your next creative gig, or a jobseeker putting yourself out there to snag that next job, one of the challenges remains: “How do I stand out from my competition?” Here are a couple helpful keys to standing out in a crowded market: http://tinyurl.com/6qavj6q
14 weeks ago from Ask A Coach, Copywriters, I am Gen Y, Creatively Inspired and Entrepreneurs3 more
Daniel Umbro:
I hope you do not take my post with a grain of salt, being this is my first time commenting in this group. With that being said, a really really ...MoreI hope you do not take my post with a grain of salt, being this is my first time commenting in this group. With that being said, a really really great tool that any entrepreneur should be taking advantage of is the Stonyfield Entrepreneurship Institute. I'm hoping many of you have heard about this event before. The institute offers a highly interactive, intimate venue for networking, storytelling, and problem solving. Don’t miss out on your opportunity to take home a wealth of useful ideas and strategies that can be put to immediate use.
If you can't attend, many participants, including myself will be live-tweeting the two day event. We will be using the hashtag #SEI2012. If you're interested in attending this year please visit the following link:
http://bit.ly/zpRV7j
8 weeks ago
If you can't attend, many participants, including myself will be live-tweeting the two day event. We will be using the hashtag #SEI2012. If you're interested in attending this year please visit the following link:
http://bit.ly/zpRV7j
8 weeks ago
Dana Leavy
I read a lot about personal branding because it's such an important area for job seekers to understand. If you're thinking about making a career change then your personal brand is really the strongest tool in your job search arsenal. Here are some tips on how having a strong personal brand can help you get around the same old resume song & dance, kick your search into high gear… and how to do it right. http://www.moneycrashers.com/building-personal-brand-career-change/
7 weeks ago from Ask A Coach, Brazen Careerists in New York City, I am Gen Y, Young Professional Women (YPW) and Resume Feedback3 more
Marc Shiman:
Dana, your advice and points are solid for a prospective job seeker. However, just as branding is only a small subset of the universe of what is ...MoreDana, your advice and points are solid for a prospective job seeker. However, just as branding is only a small subset of the universe of what is marketing, "positioning yourself and using your best attributes to speak to the needs of that organization role" is not branding - its the sales pitch. Communicating a product's attributes is selling, not branding.
Of course, branding is vital for job seeking, but you can't simply fire up a brand when you are out of work. You fire up the sales machine, and its important you do it well. Your article does a great job of describing selling yourself.
An entry-level professional is neither likely to have a network nor a brand (unless they've done something extraordinary in school). I work with young professionals and recent grads on how to use their first years out of school to begin to build a brand for their career arc. But I also hire a lot of grads, and I'm definitely looking for attributes like humility, passion, and desire to learn over people who "position" themselves for me. The interviewer has to cut through all that positioning stuff to get to the substance of the person to determine whether they can grow into the role envisaged.
My point is that this is more than just semantics. Personal Branding refers to a life-long approach towards managing yourself and your career, and not what to do when you are out of work or want to change careers. Unfortunately, I see way too many people only start thinking about a brand when there's a job change coming. Its too late then.
7 weeks ago
Of course, branding is vital for job seeking, but you can't simply fire up a brand when you are out of work. You fire up the sales machine, and its important you do it well. Your article does a great job of describing selling yourself.
An entry-level professional is neither likely to have a network nor a brand (unless they've done something extraordinary in school). I work with young professionals and recent grads on how to use their first years out of school to begin to build a brand for their career arc. But I also hire a lot of grads, and I'm definitely looking for attributes like humility, passion, and desire to learn over people who "position" themselves for me. The interviewer has to cut through all that positioning stuff to get to the substance of the person to determine whether they can grow into the role envisaged.
My point is that this is more than just semantics. Personal Branding refers to a life-long approach towards managing yourself and your career, and not what to do when you are out of work or want to change careers. Unfortunately, I see way too many people only start thinking about a brand when there's a job change coming. Its too late then.
7 weeks ago
Dana Leavy:
Valid points on both sides. Good to have different opinions here - gets people thinking. Appreciate the feedback - noted.
7 weeks ago
7 weeks ago
TOP IDEA:
Dana Leavy
I read a lot about personal branding because it's such an important area for job seekers to understand. If you're thinking about making a career change then your personal brand is really the strongest tool in your job search arsenal. Here are some tips on how having a strong personal brand can help you get around the same old resume song & dance, kick your search into high gear… and how to do it right. http://www.moneycrashers.com/building-personal-brand-career-change/
7 weeks ago from Career Changers, Career Rocketeer, Brazen Careerists on Twitter and Job Resources and Career Coaching2 more
Dana Leavy
A stellar personal brand starts with communicating a great story around your career accomplishments. I attended a Meetup last night that was all about storytelling for social change, and walked away with some great tips job seekers and career changers can use to build their personal brand and most effectively market their skills & experience. How to use your story to build a personal brand that will get you hired. http://tinyurl.com/7cz95xn
8 weeks ago from Career Changers, Career Rocketeer, Brazen Careerists on Twitter, Ask A Coach and I am Gen Y3 more
Dana Leavy
Hey you- the savvy aspiring entrepreneur with all that pent-up creative energy just waiting to BURST out of the corporate bubble... Want to get your business idea off the ground and working for yourself full time in the next 12-18 months? Oh yea, and in the cheapest (but not so cheap that it's not effective) way possible? I did it for my biz, and would love to share my tips to help you get there too! So... "Let's Get it Goin'!" http://tinyurl.com/6nldw9q
10 weeks ago from Freelancing, Entrepreneurs, Career Changers, Creating a Life You Love and Advertising Professionals3 more
Vickie Elmer recommended this
Vickie Elmer:
Dana, This is a great idea. I might like to interview you about what you did and what you're teaching others on this path....for a blog post which ...MoreDana, This is a great idea. I might like to interview you about what you did and what you're teaching others on this path....for a blog post which might turn into an article.
10 weeks ago
10 weeks ago
Dana Leavy:
Thanks Vickie - sure, happy to contribute. I think you have my email, but if not, it's MoreThanks Vickie - sure, happy to contribute. I think you have my email, but if not, it's dana@aspyresolutions.com. Cheers!
10 weeks ago
10 weeks ago
Dana Leavy
Hey you- the savvy aspiring entrepreneur with all that pent-up creative energy just waiting to BURST out of the corporate bubble... Want to get your business idea off the ground and working for yourself full time in the next 12-18 months? Oh yea, and in the cheapest (but not so cheap that it's not effective) way possible? I did it for my biz, and would love to share my tips to help you get there too! So... "Let's Get it Goin'!" http://tinyurl.com/6nldw9q
10 weeks ago from Copywriters, Graphic Design, Interactive Design, Upstarts! and Youth Entrepreneurship3 more
Dana Leavy
One of the biggest barriers to entry for young people wanting to start a business or strike out on their own as freelancers is finances: how to save/get the money to start up, determining how much you need to do so, and what to expect when it comes to properly managing and planning it. Some tips I found helpful for financing your first year in business as an entrepreneur or freelancer: http://aspyresolutions.com/2012/03/how-to-afford-to-work-for-yourself/
11 weeks ago from Entrepreneurs, Upstarts!, Youth Entrepreneurship, Young Professional Women (YPW) and Web 2.03 more
Dana Leavy
One of the biggest barriers to entry for young people wanting to start a business or strike out on their own as freelancers is finances: how to save/get the money to start up, determining how much you need to do so, and what to expect when it comes to properly managing and planning it. Some tips I found helpful for financing your first year in business as an entrepreneur or freelancer: http://aspyresolutions.com/2012/03/how-to-afford-to-work-for-yourself/
11 weeks ago from Career Changers, Freelancing, Advertising Professionals, Brazen Careerists in New York City and Career Rocketeer3 more
Amanda Torres
Any tips on how an introvert can network and feel at ease in large social settings, such as business mixers?
61 weeks ago from College Grads with jobs not in their field., GenYJourney: Tips, Insights, Experiences For Young Professionals, Networking Tips and I am Gen Y2 more
LY Gian, Lailanie Gadia and Lawrence Levine recommended this
Melissa Breau:
My fav. 2 tips are: 1) prepare your answer for "what do you do" ahead of time; make it more than a one-liner, and make it something that allows ...MoreMy fav. 2 tips are: 1) prepare your answer for "what do you do" ahead of time; make it more than a one-liner, and make it something that allows the person to ask another question.
2) if you're at a loss for people to talk to, find someone who looks alone. They're prob an introvert too and will appreciate you making the first step!
61 weeks ago
2) if you're at a loss for people to talk to, find someone who looks alone. They're prob an introvert too and will appreciate you making the first step!
61 weeks ago
Michael O'Mahony:
I find that the best thing to do is look for someone else who is on their own - probably another introvert and they will gladly talk to you. Talk ...MoreI find that the best thing to do is look for someone else who is on their own - probably another introvert and they will gladly talk to you. Talk about yourself and they will open up after a while. If you can find something in common, it helps to create a bond. Another strategy is to look for the out-and-out extrovert, who will naturally tend to invite you in.
13 weeks ago
13 weeks ago
Dana Leavy
How do you position yourself differently? Whether you’re a small business trying to gain marketshare and clientele, a freelancer fighting the good battle for your next creative gig, or a jobseeker putting yourself out there to snag that next job, one of the challenges remains: “How do I stand out from my competition?” Here are a couple helpful keys to standing out in a crowded market: http://tinyurl.com/6qavj6q
14 weeks ago from Career Changers, Brazen Careerists in New York City, Freelancing, Advertising Professionals and Career Rocketeer3 more
Allison Cheston recommended this
Vickie Elmer:
@Dana - great topic, good suggestions here. This really comes down to clearly identifying your niche - the sweet spot where you will excel. Know ...More@Dana - great topic, good suggestions here. This really comes down to clearly identifying your niche - the sweet spot where you will excel. Know what you're the best at and spend as much time as possible working in that area.
13 weeks ago
13 weeks ago
Dana Leavy:
Thanks Vicki! Completely agree - you have to find that unique marketing angle. Cheers!
13 weeks ago
13 weeks ago
Demetra Brown
Looking for some informative blogs focused on launching a career, career development, managing people, and leadership. Any suggestions...aside from the generic stuff?
105 weeks ago from Ask A Coach, Brazen Undergrads, Future Leaders, Inspiring Leadership and Management Consulting3 more
Allison Cheston:
Hi Demetra, I'm a career advisor working on a book and a career curriculum and am interviewing college grads up to age 30. I'd like to interview ...MoreHi Demetra, I'm a career advisor working on a book and a career curriculum and am interviewing college grads up to age 30. I'd like to interview you, by phone, about your career. And I will gladly share some resources. For more about what I'm doing, check out my profile. Thanks!
101 weeks ago
101 weeks ago
Demetra Brown:
Thanks for all the suggestions everyone, I will check as many of them out as possible.
Demetra
101 weeks ago
101 weeks ago
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 Ideas1 more
Thursday Bram and Laura Friis recommended this
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
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
16 weeks ago
Dana Leavy
Hey there aspiring entrepreneurs and creative freelancers! Thinking about flying solo, i.e. leaving the 9 to 5 and starting up your own business? Tune in to our interactive webinar on 2/22: Going from Employee to Entrepreneur: Breaking Free from the 9 to 5. We'll be talking about why now is actually a great time to start a business, and how to actually create more job & financial security for yourself doing so. Check it out! http://aspyresolutions.com/smallbiz-webinar/
16 weeks ago from Advertising Professionals, Career Changers, Freelancing, Youth Entrepreneurship and Entrepreneurs3 more
Dana Leavy
2012 is the year of the entrepreneur! And even if you're not ready to jump into it full-on, I invite you try my new Small Biz StartUp e-course "From Employee to Entrepreneur", designed to give you a "taste" of what it's like to start your own biz and live the entrepreneurial journey!
Designed to help those looking to transition from one career to self-employment with everything you need to know about the small business & freelance venture startup process. https://ruzuku.com/courses/484/
17 weeks ago from Entrepreneurs, Youth Entrepreneurship, Freelancing, Creating a Life You Love and Career Changers3 more
Dana Leavy
The road to building a sustainable and profitable business can be challenging and complicated. And while this stops many aspiring entrepreneurs & freelancers in their overwhelmed tracks, the reality is that it's easier to actually get the business physically started, with fairly little risk and investment, and begin building traction from there. A couple tips for small biz newbies & skeptics. http://aspyresolutions.com/2012/01/5-smallbiz-essentials/
20 weeks ago from Freelancing, Entrepreneurs, Creating a Life You Love, I am Gen Y and Brazen Careerists in New York City3 more
Dana Leavy
Great article, thanks for sharing! I agree 2012 is going to really spike the movement for entrepreneurship. As a consultant, I work with folks who are making that exact jump, from full time "underemployment" to starting up small businesses and creative freelance ventures. With the lack of security in the traditional job market, people are taking their skills, talents and creativity elsewhere, doing better work, and making it the new lifestyle. It's really exciting to see the traction!
Dana Leavy
joined the group Youth Entrepreneurship
20 weeks ago
Dana Leavy
I'm looking to hire a senior-level account manager or supervisor in Chicago with experiential marketing background. Good grasp on the multicultural/diverse markets, and ideally experience with clients in consumer/retail/liquor. Small creative agency in Chicago that caters to Fortune 500s & has additional offices in LA & NYC. $85-100K If interested, reach out to me @ dana@tangerine-watson.com.
20 weeks ago from Advertising Professionals, Interactive Design, Brazen Careerists on Twitter, PR & New Media and Web 2.03 more
La Donna Lokey
.@DanSchawbel is ruffling feathers in his blog post on Forbes, where he pronounces the death of job boards and resumes based on new LinkedIn functionality. http://onforb.es/mFT8Vn I agree that it's time for a game-change, and that this (as well as social job matching) signals a new era for jobseekers and recruiters. But how do you feel about submitting your LinkedIn profile instead of a resume when applying to a job? Is LI becoming the defacto home for all of your professional information?
50 weeks ago from Ask A Coach, We're Hiring, Citi and Personal Branding2 more
Dana Leavy:
That was an interesting article - I wouldn't jump too far ahead and say it's the death of the resume, but certainly it's a channel gaining ...MoreThat was an interesting article - I wouldn't jump too far ahead and say it's the death of the resume, but certainly it's a channel gaining momentum, and something to pay attention to. Everyone should have a LinkedIN profile in my opinion, and people vary in opinion as to how much info to put on it. I think the most important part is a well-written branding summary. You can leave all the job description details out, because typically you would tailor your resume to fit each role anyway, and you don't want to represent yourself ineffectively. But it's worth taking a look at what you have and fine-tuning it, so that if this thing does take off, you're on the edge of it as a job seeker. Plus it's good practice in online personal branding anyway.
50 weeks ago
50 weeks ago
Obi Okere:
@Sena. You're using Linkedin exactly how it should be used. It is a great research and networking tool.
I don't see the death of job boards ...More@Sena. You're using Linkedin exactly how it should be used. It is a great research and networking tool.
I don't see the death of job boards happening anytime soon. Using LI to submit a resume would be very limiting to a job seeker who is marketing themselves very differently to different industries. One can only truly brand themselves for one job function at a time on LI. A job seeker who is conducting a job search on different job functions would not want to use LI.
50 weeks ago
I don't see the death of job boards ...More@Sena. You're using Linkedin exactly how it should be used. It is a great research and networking tool.
I don't see the death of job boards happening anytime soon. Using LI to submit a resume would be very limiting to a job seeker who is marketing themselves very differently to different industries. One can only truly brand themselves for one job function at a time on LI. A job seeker who is conducting a job search on different job functions would not want to use LI.
50 weeks ago
Jay Neely
I've just launched http://startupsinboston.com/ - a list of Boston area startups (with those that are hiring marked), filterable by industry, location, etc. Would love feedback and suggestions.
Dana Leavy:
Cool idea Jay - I like it. I could definitely see this being useful if geared toward the internship crowd. Having lived in Boston for 10 years ...MoreCool idea Jay - I like it. I could definitely see this being useful if geared toward the internship crowd. Having lived in Boston for 10 years myself, obviously there are a lot of colleges and grad schools up there that would find a niche listing like this (geared toward their geographic demo too) valuable.
23 weeks ago
23 weeks ago
viaromania:
Jay, thanks for the list! Very helpful indeed - MoreJay, thanks for the list! Very helpful indeed - http://www.viaromania.eu
22 weeks ago
22 weeks ago
Dana Leavy
Are you setting any big career goals or resolutions for the New Year? In part 3 of a 4-part series on goal setting for 2012, we talk about "flying solo" - starting a business in the new year, and what you can do right now to start gaining traction on your ideas! http://tinyurl.com/73htjcp
23 weeks ago from Entrepreneurs, Career Changers, Brazen Careerists in New York City, Creating a Life You Love and Freelancing3 more
Dana Leavy
With the holidays in full-swing and the New Year upon us, many of us have goal setting for 2012 on our minds: getting a new job, a new career, even starting a new business. If you're thinking of making a career change, do you have a sense of clarity and vision around where you want to market your skills? Some tips to help your strategy http://tinyurl.com/6p8rcv3
24 weeks ago from Career Changers, Career Rocketeer, Brazen Careerists in New York City, Entrepreneurs and Creatively Inspired3 more
Dana Leavy
My colleagues at Tangerine-Watson are conducting the first-ever national study of diversity practices in the ad industry, and are seeking feedback from ad industry professionals. They'll also be giving away a couple of career coaching sessions to 1 participant. Share your story! http://tinyurl.com/bn5rwge
25 weeks ago from Advertising Professionals, Copywriters, PR & New Media, Generation Y Marketers and Web 2.03 more
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