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Dean Soto
Buena Park, CA
Pro sulum, LLC
Entrepreneurship
Fans (131)
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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.

72 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.
71 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.
70 weeks ago
 
Alex Greer At the end of the day, ROI defines a business plan, but what other elements do you think make a business plan "sexy" enough to buy into if you cannot define a concrete financial return, as is the case in many social media projects?

72 weeks ago from Entrepreneurs, Upstarts! and Social Media1 more

Monica Valentinelli: For me, the best business plans are the ones that avoid a lot of fluffy vocabulary and provide a clear picture of what to expect. Sure, there has ...MoreFor me, the best business plans are the ones that avoid a lot of fluffy vocabulary and provide a clear picture of what to expect. Sure, there has to be some spin to it, but just the other day I read a plan that was several pages of fluff and I had to pick out the important bits. Which ended up being two sentences.

Data is important to me, too. But the right kinds of data. Is it current? Is the source reliable?

As others have said, a guaranteed ROI doesn't instill confidence, but neither does guaranteed funding. If you plan on raising venture capital, I'd want some reference as to how you want to go about doing that. Look at Twitter, for example. They're popular, but they rely heavily on VC money to stay afloat.

71 weeks ago
Jonathan S. Ross: @ Monica: You raise a very valid point. At the end of the day, an "outward facing" Business Plan must have an element of marketing about it, but ...More@ Monica: You raise a very valid point. At the end of the day, an "outward facing" Business Plan must have an element of marketing about it, but this needs to be integrated with subtlety and with actionable and quantifiable data.

This is one reason why it can make good sense for an entrepreneur or business to hire an experienced and knowledgeable outside party to help develop such material. Business plans are typically written for two primary purposes: to provide a "road map" for executives and other key stakeholders to understand the objectives, goals and strategy of the business from various standpoints (operations, R&D, sales and marketing, etc.); and/or to help raise outside capital (typically in conjunction with legal offering documentation such as a PPM) for a business.

Depending on the audience that you are writing for, adjustments may be necessary. And you must always bear in mind that a Business Plan is only as good as the effort and research put into it, and that you cannot expect it to remain "fixed in time and space." If you fail to account for actual market conditions upon implementation, or you discover that you made erroneous fundamental assumptions about the market niche you are targeting (i.e. too broad or too narrow), demand for your product or service, etc., you must be able to make adjustments or your plan becomes untenable.

Proper planning is an essential part of developing strategy which in turn determines tactics, but as with military operations, "no plan survives contact with the enemy" and those who are too rigid to adapt and overcome and believe they can bend the market or will of potential customers to their desired outcome are in for a nasty surprise...

71 weeks ago
 
Daniela Bolzmann SMMOC is a great Orange County group that focuses on social media discussion every Sat morning 9-11am for all interested, see their Facebook page here: http://www.facebook.com/#!/SMMOC?ref=search Great for networking with other bloggers and sharing tips, tools and personal experiences.

98 weeks ago from SoCal Bloggers

Dean Soto: This the same one that Robert Watson mentioned at #SMDayOC? Sounds great!
98 weeks ago
Daniela Bolzmann: Yes, this is the same group. A great bunch! You in?
98 weeks ago
 
Raquel Elle Bell Brazen Careerist is very addicting ~ The interaction on this site is intelligent and ready. There is always a new perspective to consider.

101 weeks ago

Robin Mills: @Elizabeth - ABSOLUTELY!
100 weeks ago
Caroline Luu: I'm learning that :) It's kinda like Stumble but less random. Everything is from a certain mindset, regardless of age. We are voices of change.
100 weeks ago
 
Lindsay Browning Lead or be led? If you are not a natural leader is it acceptable to always be a follower?

101 weeks ago from Professional Development and Working w/ Colleagues and Co-Workers

JRandom42: Here's the problem with always being a follower: It puts you at the mercy of another's decisions, good or bad, and you not only suffer the ...MoreHere's the problem with always being a follower: It puts you at the mercy of another's decisions, good or bad, and you not only suffer the consequences, but have the main task of fixing things and cleaning up the mess.
101 weeks ago
Elizabeth Marling: I think some people really shine as 'supporters' for others. The term 'follower' kind of implies a mindless, robotic taking of orders. There are ...MoreI think some people really shine as 'supporters' for others. The term 'follower' kind of implies a mindless, robotic taking of orders. There are people out there who are exceptionally gifted at supporting and helping the idea people of the world. Without them, nothing would ever get done. As long as they receive credit and are allowed to contribute, I don't think a transition to leadership is necessary or right for everyone.
100 weeks ago
 
Dean Soto I know the network is "How to give a Good Speech" but you can't give a good speech if you have nowhere to speak. What are your tips for getting speaking engagements?

106 weeks ago from How to Give a Good Speech

Rebecca Thorman: Great suggestions! For speaking engagements that are not just local, I recommend putting yourself out there through Brazen, Twitter and your blog ...MoreGreat suggestions! For speaking engagements that are not just local, I recommend putting yourself out there through Brazen, Twitter and your blog and letting people know you've done speaking engagements before. Also, make sure you apply to speak at conferences - opportunities won't just fall in your lap! And finally, build relationships with other speakers and let them know you'd like to start speaking. When they can't make a speech, they'll refer you.
106 weeks ago
Dean Soto: These are seriously really good. Thanks guys! Joined up with the local chamber, contacting other speakers that I know. Great stuff!
106 weeks ago
 
Chris Hughes Starting off with a question or a statement that captivates the audience has always worked pretty well for me. Too many people are boring with their speeches and it loses the attention of the audience before a message can even be shared. Taking the time to make the speech fun and memorable as well as educational is difficult, but worth the time. If you've got any sort of talent, that helps as well. I juggle so often include that in speeches and relate it to what I'm speaking on :)

106 weeks ago from How to Give a Good Speech

 
Dean Soto Hey everyone, In a few weeks there will be another #connectOC event. If you are in the SoCal area, I highly recommend it. There are a lot of businesses Southern California that attend. I'll post the dates when it gets closer if anyone is interested!

106 weeks ago from SoCal Bloggers

Dean Soto: @Neal no problem, bud! Have anything new on going on in SoCal in with Windmills Networking?

@Nicole Definitely will. Looks like it's going to ...More
@Neal no problem, bud! Have anything new on going on in SoCal in with Windmills Networking?

@Nicole Definitely will. Looks like it's going to be in Late July or early August. It's totally worth going if you are in SoCal. There was just under 400 peeps the last time.

105 weeks ago
Neal Schaffer: So Cal Sushi event coming soon @Dean...make sure you join the LinkedIn Group to get details! MoreSo Cal Sushi event coming soon @Dean...make sure you join the LinkedIn Group to get details! http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=969757
105 weeks ago
 
May Smarter than Facebook? What's your opinion on Foursquare? http://foursquare.com/

107 weeks ago from Global Careers and Business

Dean Soto: Agreed, definitely apples and oranges - especially when it comes to business. Foursquare is great for local retail, while Facebook tends to favor ...MoreAgreed, definitely apples and oranges - especially when it comes to business. Foursquare is great for local retail, while Facebook tends to favor larger companies that have a strong onlince presence.

In regards to personal use, I rarely use Foursquare to socialize.

106 weeks ago
writeforhr: Can u Please Digg and Comment on "Thoughts on an HRevolution" MoreCan u Please Digg and Comment on "Thoughts on an HRevolution" http://digg.com/d31QcTR

Thank you.

106 weeks ago
 
Dean Soto Okay. This is a call for for *one* book that had a drastic impact on your career, and that you would force someone else to read at gunpoint if you could. Not just a book that "motivated" you, but actually got you a dream job, raised your salary, or increased the profitability of your business. Ready? Go!

107 weeks ago from Entrepreneurs and Professional Development

Ginger Crowne: Now, Discover Your Strengths by Marcus Buckingham and Donald Clifton. 2 in 10 people are not playing to their strengths at work. This book and ...MoreNow, Discover Your Strengths by Marcus Buckingham and Donald Clifton. 2 in 10 people are not playing to their strengths at work. This book and strengthsfinder assessment will help you identify the areas you innately possess that enable you to accelerate your development in a meaningful way.
106 weeks ago
Amy Calhoun: I am going to have to agree with The Four Hour Work Week. I still actively work but it encouraged me to take more control over my life rather than ...MoreI am going to have to agree with The Four Hour Work Week. I still actively work but it encouraged me to take more control over my life rather than letting life control me.
106 weeks ago
 
Rebecca Thorman Powerpoint is the enemy, so says the military - http://nyti.ms/9Rn3p7. The military says they have serious concerns that the program stifles discussion, critical thinking and thoughtful decision-making. I too despise Powerpoint, and think we rely far too heavily on it's "dumb-dumb bullets" for persuasion. I have two speeches next week and preparing the Powerpoints has been the worst. The war on Powerpoint is certainly something I can get behind! How about you?

108 weeks ago from Productivity & Time-Management, Creatively Inspired and Inspiring Leadership1 more

Dr. Paul D. Giammalvo: Jennifer G,
The way I use PP to ENCOURAGE discussion is to post a question on the powerpoint slide and then give each table (I NEVER use ...More
Jennifer G,
The way I use PP to ENCOURAGE discussion is to post a question on the powerpoint slide and then give each table (I NEVER use "classroom" style seating!!) the opportunity to debate/answer the question using a flip chart..... To force people to look at BOTH the pros and cons, I suggest they set the flip chart up using a Force Field Analysis.

BR,
Dr. PDG, Jakarta
http://www.build-project-management-competency.com

107 weeks ago
Virginia Merritt: When I instructed Public Speaking, powerpoint was my best friend. I embedded clips into it to help students break down complex communication ...MoreWhen I instructed Public Speaking, powerpoint was my best friend. I embedded clips into it to help students break down complex communication concepts, used great funny graphics, had the ability to do clicker polling (they look like remotes and allow for data to be gathered survey style) and to teach via example.

In the corporate world and in the DOD... UGH. I can't tell you how many times I sat through something that could have been emailed to me.

It's not powerpoint, it's the public speaker and it illustrates a huge communication incompetence. Powerpoint is a visual tool to aid in public speaking (sales pitch or whatever) but most people utilize it as their note cards. And they are worse than my 18 year old first year college student presentations. No attention getters, no transitions, reading from the aid, no gestures, too many ums, ahs, likes. ugh, ugh, ugh.

I swear, I could make a killing by selling my services on powerpoint/public speaking training to businesses and etc and make a killing. ;-)

107 weeks ago
 
Meagan Does anyone have a plugin they like using on Wordpress for monitoring traffic for their site? I have Google analytics, but I want something on site. Thanks in advance.

108 weeks ago from Wordpress Bloggers and Latest Social Media and Technology News

Jason Unger: Statcounter. It's free, invisible and real-time.
106 weeks ago
James Thomas: I use both Analytics and Statcounter. Both are a little different and I think compliment each other well.
106 weeks ago
 
Ryan Healy John Mayer says Twitter is overrated, Tumblr is the future of Social Networking because it's about intelligent conversation http://bit.ly/diKKRx. he makes a great point. Anyone else notice that Twitter is getting very crowded? Too much noise, too little substance.

108 weeks ago from Social Media, Social Media Marketers, User Experience, Entrepreneurs and Upstarts!3 more

Lindsay Browning: So many new platforms coming our way! My blog, twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook work for me. I think you need to work with what works for you and ...MoreSo many new platforms coming our way! My blog, twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook work for me. I think you need to work with what works for you and build on it. We can become swamped with all the latest and greatest in social media.
101 weeks ago
Rebecca Thorman: I'm not on Tumblr - the crowd seems to be more vacuous hipsters... just kidding ;). I think Tumblr is starting to go mainstream since so many ...MoreI'm not on Tumblr - the crowd seems to be more vacuous hipsters... just kidding ;). I think Tumblr is starting to go mainstream since so many people keep asking about it... Should be interesting to see their climb.
101 weeks ago
 
Andrew Arn Just recently joined Brazen and easing into using Twitter (or maybe its better to jump in and just start tweeting away). Any advice on getting the most out of both sites for sales/recruiting in the staffing industry? @andrewarn

109 weeks ago from Brazen Careerists on Twitter

Melissa Moore: I have a great list of amazing recruiters that I follow on twitter. My twitter handle is @MeliMoore if you would like to follow this list and ...MoreI have a great list of amazing recruiters that I follow on twitter. My twitter handle is @MeliMoore if you would like to follow this list and watch how various recruiters and industries utilize twitter for their business.
108 weeks ago
Andrew Arn: Again, great advice from all, thanks! I can already see the value in BC, as everyone is very willing to help others with advice, best practices, ...MoreAgain, great advice from all, thanks! I can already see the value in BC, as everyone is very willing to help others with advice, best practices, etc. I am looking forward to future discussions and networking.
108 weeks ago
 
Danver Chandler I'm a school teacher who'd love to work in the summer...does anyone have any ideas of a few spots that can use my oratorical skills and creativity for a seasonal position? I'd appreciate your responses. And, thanks in advance.

109 weeks ago from We're Hiring

Danver Chandler: @Dean & Micheal - thank you both for your comments. I am eager to venture into the public speaking opportunities...I had no idea it was so ...More@Dean & Micheal - thank you both for your comments. I am eager to venture into the public speaking opportunities...I had no idea it was so accessible! Thanks so very much!
109 weeks ago
Michael Dvorscak: Dean, no worries, I was in total brainstorm mode that day and whipping out ideas fast and furious. One could begin doing the marketing in the fall ...MoreDean, no worries, I was in total brainstorm mode that day and whipping out ideas fast and furious. One could begin doing the marketing in the fall and winter.

Also, I have found that teachers seem to have good presentation skills. Perhaps it would be possible to design some general training on presenting and communicating for non-profit and business people.

Depending on your qualifications, teaching at a Community College or Vo-Tech might be a possibility.

108 weeks ago
 
Rebecca Thorman Did you all catch Milena's post on unpaid internships yesterday? She argued that the trend to do away with unpaid internships was actually a negative. What do you think, are they good or bad? I'm torn... - http://www.brazencareerist.com/2010/04/10/the-government-hates-young-wor...

110 weeks ago from Education Conversations

Ellen Nordahl: The Harvard Business Review blog recently featured an interesting post about the message an unpaid internship can send about a company: MoreThe Harvard Business Review blog recently featured an interesting post about the message an unpaid internship can send about a company: http://bit.ly/dyHo02 While it can be a great experience, the author points out that taking advantage of students' willingness to gain experience is exploitative and elitist.
109 weeks ago
Dean Soto: I agree with Milena. I think that students miss the primary purpose of unpaid internships: to network and learn. I don't mean to sound like a ...MoreI agree with Milena. I think that students miss the primary purpose of unpaid internships: to network and learn. I don't mean to sound like a jerk, I still do unpaid internships, they're called volunteer positions. One of the best ways to get new clients is to offer a project for free, do an amazing job, and then upsell on the next project.

I think that schools are at fault for not teaching their students how to leverage their internship experience to propel their career. If you do an awesome job for a business, there is a huge chance that they will hire you or contract your for more work.

109 weeks ago
 
TOP IDEA: Aurian Campbell It doesn’t matter how enthusiastic your intentions are, passion with no expertise just isn’t going to gain you the credibility you need to inspire others. http://craftingcontext.ca/2010/04/13/and-what-does-the-liver-do/.

110 weeks ago from Future Leaders and Engineers

 
Jim Parker What collaboration tool(s) simplify communication between you and your team members? Email, Google Groups, Wiggio, Pinger, 37 Signals, Tokbox, etc.?

126 weeks ago from Entrepreneurs

Anand Arumugam: I like the forum type conversation so that it has all the history and gives social networking type feel.
126 weeks ago
Dean Soto: We use Google apps w/google docs etc. We have also looked into using Producteev for a more GTD friendly implementation.
126 weeks ago
 
Dean Soto Okay SoCal bloggers, would anyone be interested in a meetup in February? I don't just mean at a cofee shop, but a catered meetup with some well-known bloggers in the area. Perhaps the LinkedIn master, Neal Schaffer, would grace us with a keynote. Anyone in?

126 weeks ago from SoCal Bloggers

Neal Schaffer: Dean,

I'm all game and would be more than happy to organize the event. Don't think we need to be catered, but it would be nice to have dinner ...More
Dean,

I'm all game and would be more than happy to organize the event. Don't think we need to be catered, but it would be nice to have dinner together. Why don't we start by asking everyone 1) what day of the week they prefer, 2) what time, and 3) where would be most convenient? I am flexible on all three points, although I prefer a weekday rather than a weekend night.

Dean, Tera, Scott, Melissa, Jun, Kristina, Joseph, George, Lindsay, etc...your thoughts? Please post!

126 weeks ago
Dean Soto: I am flexible on all three as well. Weeknights are fine for me as well. Anyone else have any preferences?
126 weeks ago
 
Chad Cooper I'm new here too, my blog is http://tech201.com. It's a site aimed at taking a computer user from beginner to intermediate, by explaining the basics and just-above basics of technology. It's not really a site for the already accomplished geek. I look forward to interacting with everyone and any questions or comments you might have.

126 weeks ago from Wordpress Bloggers

Chad Cooper: Thanks for the suggestions, it's nice to hear what people want to see. I added the About page, which includes a way to contact and ask questions: ...MoreThanks for the suggestions, it's nice to hear what people want to see. I added the About page, which includes a way to contact and ask questions: http://tech201.com/about
126 weeks ago
Jeremiah Bourque: It's interesting. Jason does have an interesting point about writing headlines... and that style is highly appropriate for an "explanation" site.
126 weeks ago
 
Andrea V. Lewis Have you ever wanted to broadcast your blog? Blog Radio lets you host your own Internet Talk Radio Show. I DON'T WORK FOR THEM, but think it's a really cool concept. What do you guys think? http://www.blogtalkradio.com/whatis.aspx

127 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas

Dean Soto: With USTREAM, I think that this is obsolete. Don't get me wrong, I am sure that some bloggers may be successful with this, but for marketability ...MoreWith USTREAM, I think that this is obsolete. Don't get me wrong, I am sure that some bloggers may be successful with this, but for marketability USTREAM is better for the following reasons:

1. The audience gets to see you. This may not always be good, but mostly it is.

2. Video (IMHO) always beats audio because I can listen to video on my iPod/computer, or watch it too.

3. USTREAM is much more popular, which means more eyes and ears.

Just my thoughts. =)

127 weeks ago
steph: Wow, sounds really cool. Gotta check this out!
126 weeks ago
 
Andrea V. Lewis Question: How many times to you post on average per week? I post once a week on my personal blog and 2-3x on my professional blog. I'd love to hear what's your magic number(s) too!

127 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas

Dean Soto: Most of the time I mind map during the day at work to solidify my topics. Then at night, start vlogging or writing.

I think that how you ...More
Most of the time I mind map during the day at work to solidify my topics. Then at night, start vlogging or writing.

I think that how you organize depends on the end goal of your blog (as you seem to suggest in your original post). If you see it as a business or potential for future opportunities, you will work harder at it. I currently work from 7:30am to 4:30pm, spend time with the fam until 9pm, and blog/socialize until 2am. Probably not the best model.

127 weeks ago
Heather: I try to post once a day during the weekdays. If I just am not in the mood I never force myself to post because to me, it's about quality not ...MoreI try to post once a day during the weekdays. If I just am not in the mood I never force myself to post because to me, it's about quality not quantity.
126 weeks ago
 
Drew Slater Hey guys! I tried revamping my Web site and I want to know what you guys think? Please give feedback, negative or positive. Maybe you know a cool widget or plugin you could recommend. http://www.drewhslater.com

127 weeks ago from Wordpress Bloggers

Dean Soto: I think it looks good, and the content (which is the most important) is nice too. I do have 2 suggestions: Make a logo. Using web text (in my ...MoreI think it looks good, and the content (which is the most important) is nice too. I do have 2 suggestions: Make a logo. Using web text (in my opinion) isn't aesthetically appealing and doesn't look professional. I think that this is the first step in creating a personal/blog brand (especially since your domain is your name). The second suggestion is having a short one paragraph elevator pitch about you and your blog on the home page. What makes your PR/personal blog different than the others?
127 weeks ago
Mark Tattersall: Looks good overall. My only recommendations would be to make the title of the blog bigger than the titles of your post. The headings should always ...MoreLooks good overall. My only recommendations would be to make the title of the blog bigger than the titles of your post. The headings should always flow down in a waterfall of size. Also I would consider breaking up your posts with pictures or visuals in some way so they are not such blocks of text.
127 weeks ago
 
Margot Walker Anyone have suggestions for books or other resources on designing your own WordPress themes, for someone with fundamental programming knowledge but no PHP experience? Much appreciated!

128 weeks ago from Wordpress Bloggers

Jon Bishop: You can design your theme like you would design any website. Design and development are different. To turn you design into a WordPress theme check ...MoreYou can design your theme like you would design any website. Design and development are different. To turn you design into a WordPress theme check out these resources:
http://max.limpag.com/2006/09/01/video-tutorial-wordpress-theme/
http://codex.wordpress.org/Designing_Themes_for_Public_Release

I personally found that the best way to learn was to break apart the default theme that comes with WordPress. I still use that as my template for most of my themes.

128 weeks ago
Dean Soto: the guy at css-tricks.com has AWESOME video tutorials for free on how to make Wordpress themes. He also wrote an eBook called Digging Into ...Morethe guy at css-tricks.com has AWESOME video tutorials for free on how to make Wordpress themes. He also wrote an eBook called Digging Into Wordpress. I haven't read it but I heard that it's good. HOWEVER, before you go buy anything, the new Wordpress 2.9 is coming out and will be changing some things. So I would wait to buy any documentation until it is released. There are a lot of free resources out there. Wordpress.tv has some good vids on it too.
128 weeks ago
Interests
Home automation, blogging productivity methods & hacks, musical performance, church ministry (Religious education instructor), basketball, snowboarding, philosophy, and mentoring.
Goals
  1. Triple my sales in 2011
  2. Find 3 new ways to make passive income
  3. Help a charity that needs online marketing
Favorite Quote
"An adventure is only an inconvenience rightly considered. An inconvenience is only an adventure wrongly considered." G.K. Chesterton
Specialties
Internet Marketing, Web Development, Information technology, information security, cost effective technical solutions for small businesses and homes and productivity methods.

Groups (15)

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Fans (131)

Alessandro Machi
Curtis
Courtney Cormier
Niheel Patel
Daniela Bolzmann
Nursing Board Exam Results [NLE]
Michael Fisher
Ryan Paugh
Mela Fezzey
omahony2

Following (69)

Sue Miley MBA, MA, LPC, Business and Career Coach
Michael E Cantone
Jenny Blake
Curtis
B Maddigan
Lindsay Browning
R. Stavros Bezas
David Lapedis
Scott Asai