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Demetra Brown
Ruston
Executive Team Leader, Target Corporation
Management
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TOP IDEA: Penelope Trunk I wrote this blog post about transparent salaries. The story was picked up by the New York Times and then I was featured on 20/20 talking about this topic. This blog post made me realize that it's possible for bloggers to guide mainstream media instead of the other way around. http://bit.ly/WifQZ

100 weeks ago

Edward Antrobus: @JRandom, My mother's favorite is "If life were fair, I'd be skinny and rich."
28 weeks ago
Laura: Put me in the ignorance is bliss column. Not only would I prefer not to disclose, but I don't want to know what my peers are making. I have my ...MorePut me in the ignorance is bliss column. Not only would I prefer not to disclose, but I don't want to know what my peers are making. I have my own financial plan and what my peers make doesn't factor in. I have one peer who constantly asks me about salary and it drives me bonkers. He's also very competitive.
28 weeks ago
Kayla Zajec: Well spoken...I like to embrace the idea of "I had the opportunity to go to work today" when asked how work was vs complaining about it!
89 weeks ago
Lindsey Donner: Thanks, Brianne, Mark, Demetra, and Kayla!

Brianne, I agree that the formal education only goes so far. Not that I would ever knock it; I loved ...More
Thanks, Brianne, Mark, Demetra, and Kayla!

Brianne, I agree that the formal education only goes so far. Not that I would ever knock it; I loved being in academia. In one way or another I'm a permanent college student.

However, there's nothing like "making it happen," as Mark put it. It involves every critical thinking skill we have, plus execution, which is harder to master - except by trial and error.

And amen, Kayla - that's the right attitude. I try to cultivate that. Not to say I never complain, but to say that I really love my job/s. Something about hard work is satisfying unto itself!

89 weeks ago
 
Demetra Brown Hey here is a helpful post for job seekers from one of my favorite career blogs. "Do you have a passive social network? In job search, you need to learn to identify the passive and re-educate them on your specific needs. So they can help."- http://timsstrategy.com/educate-enable-passive-social-network/

39 weeks ago

 
Demetra Brown became an employee of Target Corporation

41 weeks ago

 
Demetra Brown I am taking on an entry-level role in the management field. I am fresh out of college and will be leading people over twice my age. I am entering a department of the company that is not meeting performance goals. I definitely feel pressure to exceed expectations and turn things in a positive direction. In general my job is to lead my team and develop talent while driving sales. How can I get my team to trust me and follow my direction?

83 weeks ago from Entry-Level Young Professionals

Dr. Woody: As an organizational psychologist, I have spent a lot of time working with new managers. Always remember your role is to set direction, support ...MoreAs an organizational psychologist, I have spent a lot of time working with new managers. Always remember your role is to set direction, support your team, and be their advocate.

Start off by letting them know what you are about and how you see your role and the role of the team. Be open, always listen, and push them to solve their own problems.

To build trust it's always good to start by asking your team questions like: what's working and what's not? Then, ask them what they are doing about it or what they can do about it. Always be willing to have conversations.


82 weeks ago
Megan Atkinson: I really like Sean's idea of deferring to the team on how to implement new ideas. Very often, it's not necessarily the age difference that causes ...MoreI really like Sean's idea of deferring to the team on how to implement new ideas. Very often, it's not necessarily the age difference that causes issues amongst a team and its new manager, but the fact that a manager was hired from outside the organization. Existing staff have an understanding of the culture of the organization and which things "work" as they are... deferring to them for suggestions on implementation is always a good way to say "I was brought here to bring a fresh perspective but I respect that you folks know best how this ship operates. Let's make a new idea work like it's an age-old tradition." :)
82 weeks ago
 

83 weeks ago

 
Cameron Plommer What is more important in creating a product or website name: making the name easy to find via search engines (the name describes what it does); or be creative and fun with the naming.

86 weeks ago from The Modern Strategist, Personal Branding and Entrepreneurs1 more

Elizabeth Marling: Make it something people can remember if they read it or hear it somewhere else--non-net related. Keeping the website as close to the product ...MoreMake it something people can remember if they read it or hear it somewhere else--non-net related. Keeping the website as close to the product name as possible is also something I try to do, based on some good advice given to me.
85 weeks ago
Amanda Fox: Remember to fit the product name to your brand image and therfore your target market. You'll have less image and association problems down the ...MoreRemember to fit the product name to your brand image and therfore your target market. You'll have less image and association problems down the road.
Examples:
Nintendo Wii- Children and Teens; Playful.
Sony PS3- Young Adults and Mature Adults; High-tech.
Bowflex- Adult and Teen Males; Professional Grade.
Ab Lounge- Adult and Teen Females; Easy to use.
Jeep- Adult Males; Rugged.
VW Bug- Adult Females; Fun.

85 weeks ago
 
Demetra Brown Question for all of you with college experience (degree or not), how have you utilized your education to create an avenue for you to reach your professional destination? How has your education served as a means to reach your ends? Here is how one Gen Y artist utilized his time in college: http://wp.me/pTyjS-3g

86 weeks ago from Brazen Undergrads, Education Conversations and Gen-Y Professional Bloggers1 more

Jessica Bahr: @Tyler I totally agree that Universities over-hype the value of their degrees. It has also affected industry people. I want to do Industrial ...More@Tyler I totally agree that Universities over-hype the value of their degrees. It has also affected industry people. I want to do Industrial Engineer/Operations Management and decided to go the Physics route, which means that every time I talk to HR people and say I have a physics degree they try to tell me to apply to R&D.
84 weeks ago
Demetra Brown: I guess my perception was just different. I knew college would lead to debt. I didn't expect a lot from college. Fresh out of high school, going ...MoreI guess my perception was just different. I knew college would lead to debt. I didn't expect a lot from college. Fresh out of high school, going to college just made since. I don't think initially I was even focusing how the experience would impact my future. I had several wake up calls in college. I realized I was on my own as far as broadening my mind and positioning myself to launch a career because my university did not seem to hold up its end of the bargain. So indeed you are correct @Ty. But I would encourage any person considering college to be prepared to invest time outside of the classroom and off-campus in establishing connections, pursuing knowledge, and gaining valuable experience.
84 weeks ago
 
Demetra Brown Hi I just wrote a post about how one young man used his education to live his dream as a hip hop artist. His story truly speaks to a generation needing to understand the importance of an education. Check out his story...http://wp.me/pTyjS-3g.

86 weeks ago from Education Conversations

 
Demetra Brown What do you feel is the primary issue plaguing the American educational system and preventing the growth of our youth academically? What kind of solution can you offer to this educational dilemma? Here's my take on the situation: http://lifeismycollege.wordpress.com/2010/06/06/heres-a-crazy-idea-from-...

87 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas, Economics and Finance, Future Leaders, Brazen Undergrads and Gen-Y Professional Bloggers3 more

Rebecca Thorman: Hey Demetra - there's some great networks here on Brazen related to Education that you may want to post this in as well - MoreHey Demetra - there's some great networks here on Brazen related to Education that you may want to post this in as well - http://www.brazencareerist.com/network/education & http://www.brazencareerist.com/network/conversations-on-education - I think one of the main issues is that teachers aren't given the trust and ability to do what's best for kids. There's too much bureaucracy.
87 weeks ago
Demetra Brown: @Dain: Great point, basically there needs to be an increase in the love of learning and the pursuit of knowledge. But how do you make learning ...More@Dain: Great point, basically there needs to be an increase in the love of learning and the pursuit of knowledge. But how do you make learning appealing? Why do some people pursue knowledge and others don't?

@Rebecca: Thanks for the suggestion Rebecca!

87 weeks ago
 
Demetra Brown New Blog Post: "Here’s a Crazy Idea…from the boardroom to the classroom" http://lifeismycollege.wordpress.com/2010/06/06/heres-a-crazy-idea-from-...

87 weeks ago

 
Demetra Brown Occasionally, I have some random, even crazy ideas. I usually keep them to myself however. This time I actually wrote about it. Here are my ideas about the issues plaguing the American educational system and my suggested idea for addressing it. http://wp.me/pTyjS-1D

87 weeks ago

 
Emily Moore How have you guys seen your internships influence your career? I'm about to start my third internship, which I got from being connect to my last internship, which I discovered from my internship before that. Hopefully this cycle eventually becomes a career.

87 weeks ago from INTERNal Affairs

Cary Thomson: Even if you don't get a job with your internship company your supervisor will still be able to act as a relevant and very important reference. It ...MoreEven if you don't get a job with your internship company your supervisor will still be able to act as a relevant and very important reference. It all very will being a star student in the classroom but many employers want to know how you act in the professional world.
87 weeks ago
Seth Cameron Short: I had three internships in my Senior year. The first two helped me decide I didn't want to do that work. The last one led directly to my current ...MoreI had three internships in my Senior year. The first two helped me decide I didn't want to do that work. The last one led directly to my current job, which I've been in for 7 years.

I heard from lots of my fellow students that they weren't going to take any internships, or that they had taken one and it was a waste of time. I never found it to be a waste of time -- better to learn what you DON'T like before you're committed to that job, and without interning I wouldn't have ended up in my current (7 years so far) career.

So my advice to students debating interning -- do it. Do it often. Take advantage of the experience and connections you get from them. They're more useful than any course you might take instead.

Seth

87 weeks ago
 
Demetra Brown John C. Maxwell defines connecting as the ability to identify with people and relate to them in a way that increases your influence with them. As a leader I plan to connect with the members of my team not intimidate, coerce, or manipulate. I want to build mutually advantages relationships as we efficiently reach our common goal.

88 weeks ago

 
Demetra Brown As a student I could depend on the everyday demands of college to provide a source of structure and organization to my life. But now that I am out of college I find my days lack direction. I wrote about how I'm coping with the changes in my routine: http://wp.me/pTyjS-1R How did you stay organized and focused after college when you were in the even more independent Real World?

88 weeks ago from Brazen Undergrads, Future Leaders and Ask A Coach1 more

Mike Ambassador Bruny: @Demetra: I just posted the questionnaire that I use at this link: files.me.com/runthepoint/n1jqx6 . If you want to talk through your answers, ...More@Demetra: I just posted the questionnaire that I use at this link: files.me.com/runthepoint/n1jqx6 . If you want to talk through your answers, just let me know. I can make some time at the beginning of next week. Keep asking the questions.

Your Ambassador,
M.Bruny

86 weeks ago
Elizabeth Marling: I really relate to the difficulty of being kind of out there in a world where you have to create your own structure, then it may change at any ...MoreI really relate to the difficulty of being kind of out there in a world where you have to create your own structure, then it may change at any time or not be something you like. I am interested in looking at the book Mike suggested as well. Thanks for bringing this subject up. I have felt this way for years and never quite put my finger on what was bothering me.
85 weeks ago
 
Delta Waters i'm getting ready to pick a theme for my blog launch 11 july (WooThemes are beautiful) question: do you enjoy visiting blogs that are rich in beautiful, relevant stock photos or do you like simple, mostly text layouts that aren't so distracted by photos? please advise...

88 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas

Delta Waters: thanks for the conversation...
88 weeks ago
Anderson Curry: Anytime Delta, I'm sure it will be a hit!!
88 weeks ago
 
TOP IDEA: Ryan Paugh Learning to deal with our own failures is one of the most important things that every professional person needs to get better at. I just wrote a post about dealing with one of my most-recent blunders over on my personal blog >> http://bit.ly/bzvbpX

88 weeks ago

JRandom42: Still think Bismarck was right. Far better to learn from the experience of others, than to keep blundering about, learning on your own.
85 weeks ago
Chris Paugh: Whether you learn a valuable lesson on your own or from someone else's experience, it's all good, as long as you take away something.
85 weeks ago
 
Cameron Plommer I would like to share two posts that I wrote for a website called iGrad. It's a two-part post, about what I learned once I got out of college, and what I wish I would have known. http://www.igrad.com/articles/?finding-yourself-in-the-real-world-after-... http://www.igrad.com/articles/?student-life-undergraduate-preparation-fo...

88 weeks ago from Education Conversations, Brazen Undergrads and Personal Development1 more

Demetra Brown: "Use your relationships with professors to get letters of recommendation, job references and learn from their past experiences through ...More"Use your relationships with professors to get letters of recommendation, job references and learn from their past experiences through informational interviews."

I can attest to the importance of building strong relationships with your college professors. Thanks to the relationships I built with the economics professors in my department, they graciously wrote great recommendation letters to help me in my job search. Their support and guidance increased my confidence in applying for certain jobs and performing in interviews.

Its definitely important to communicate and connect with your professors. Great advice Cam!

88 weeks ago
 
Demetra Brown I am working on improving my communication skills, specifically my skill as a writer. I can definitely use some constructive criticism on how I can better convey my message through writing to gain understanding and increase conversation with my audience. If you can offer some feedback on my writing, please visit my blog and leave your comments: http://lifeismycollege.wordpress.com/.

88 weeks ago from Brazen Undergrads, Gen-Y Professional Bloggers, Blogging Ideas and Professional Writers and Editors2 more

Jamie Nacht Farrell: Writing is solid. The only area I don't "love" is that you have the sidenote section on there; there's too much text on the top / on the right ...MoreWriting is solid. The only area I don't "love" is that you have the sidenote section on there; there's too much text on the top / on the right and it's distracting / I don't know where to put my eyes first.
87 weeks ago
Demetra Brown: @Jamie: Thanks for the feedback. I will definitely take your input into consideration.
87 weeks ago
 
Demetra Brown Okay, I'm trying to figure out the benefit of having a Tumblr account. What is the purpose behind it? How can help you with building your existing blog or website? How can it help you expand your network? How do you utilize tumblr???

88 weeks ago from Brazen Undergrads and Gen-Y Professional Bloggers

David Spinks: I use it more as a "fun" tool than a professional tool. If I find a cool picture, quote, song, etc.. I'll just throw it up on my tumblr.
88 weeks ago
Jenn Pedde: Hmm a question to those that use tumblr... why use tumblr over facebook? Seems to me they do the same things... (facebook's privacy issues ...MoreHmm a question to those that use tumblr... why use tumblr over facebook? Seems to me they do the same things... (facebook's privacy issues notwithstanding).
87 weeks ago
 
Demetra Brown If you're looking to expand your brand online with a blog, a website, or both, here's what you need to know about WordPress. I personally love WordPress as a blogging platform and would recommend it to any blogger looking to do more with their site: update content easily, great analytics, great user support, etc . But don't take my word for it: http://tinyurl.com/25fffgs

88 weeks ago

 
Milena Thomas Mick Jagger recently announced that the days of big profits for individual recording artists died in the late 90's. I'm inclined to agree. Do you think there is a tradeoff between access (to creating and disseminating one's music/art) and individual revenue potential? http://artandavarice.com/2010/05/28/making-a-profit-in-music-the-mick-ja...

88 weeks ago from Economics and Finance, Arts Marketing, Artists as Entrepreneurs and Musicians2 more

Raquel Elle Bell: @Simon - I agree. There is a great book called the 50th Law it is a collaboration between 50 Cent and Robert Green who was the author of Power , ...More@Simon - I agree. There is a great book called the 50th Law it is a collaboration between 50 Cent and Robert Green who was the author of Power , Seduction & War ( all separate books with longer names) The book speaks to this very subject, regarding connection to the fans (street) http://www.the50thlawbook.com/

85 weeks ago
Iz: There are a lot of old promo methods that have gone the way of the Dinosaur that strangely enough would be effective today. Like street teams for ...MoreThere are a lot of old promo methods that have gone the way of the Dinosaur that strangely enough would be effective today. Like street teams for example. Artists should focus on zagging cuz everyone's zigging.
85 weeks ago
 
TOP IDEA: Amy Ng I am intrigued by the increased level of parental involvement in Gen-Y job hunting and career development and management. I would love to better understand this new dynamic in the workforce. Gen-Y: Has your parent ever joined you for a job interview with a prospective employer or contacted your employer to discuss your performance or career development opportunities on your behalf? Employers: Have you been contacted by parents to discuss their child’s employment or future with your company?

89 weeks ago from Citi, GenYJourney: Tips, Insights, Experiences For Young Professionals, I am Gen Y, ERE on Brazen and Human Resources3 more

Cooper: I don't think some parents realize how detrimental some of these practices really are. That, or their need to control their children and their ...MoreI don't think some parents realize how detrimental some of these practices really are. That, or their need to control their children and their children's life is out of control.
Does anyone teach their children well and let them go?.

I have done local alumni admission interviews, and it always gives me pause when a potential student, not much younger than I am, a student who wants to attend a huge university in one of the largest cities in the world, comes in to interview with a parent, and the parent expects to remain in the room during the interview.

84 weeks ago
Ty Unglebower: My mother has advised me, when she can. Just like she would with any event or situation I would share with her to discuss. And if she heard about ...MoreMy mother has advised me, when she can. Just like she would with any event or situation I would share with her to discuss. And if she heard about a job lead in her travels, she would write it down and tell me about it. But she never took any kind of specific initiative without my direct knowledge. (Such as calling a manager, or some such madness.)

But I know people in my family who would do that. I have often thought that I have many weaknesses, but none of them entail my mother going to a job interview with or for me. But more importantly, she would not presume to do so on her own.

84 weeks ago
Interests
Music, management, social innovation, entrepreneurship, financial planning, sales
Goals
  1. Network with like-minded individuals
  2. Build professional relationships
Specialties
Research, Writing, Managing, Planning

Groups (26)

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Fans (45)

Neeraj Bhushan
Presh Talwalkar
Andrew Shell
Michael E Cantone
Chris Ostini
The Drucker Institute
LaTosha Johnson
Jessica Bahr
Scott Asai
molly

Following (53)

Barbara Bowen
Tariq West
Dain
Coach Al Johnson
Chanelle Schneider
Zack Zaban
Will Marlow
Jamie Nacht Farrell
Sam Montoia