Where ambitious young professionals connect and grow

Sid
Philadelphia, PA
Accounting/Finance
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Groups (22)

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TOP IDEA: Rebecca Thorman Safety doesn’t create innovation. But innovation does create new jobs and new opportunities. Innovation creates new markets and cures for illnesses and ideas that make us excited to get up in the morning. You really want to help the economy? Put yourself out there. Risk everything. Do it for you, your family, your friends. We’ll all thank you. http://modite.com/blog/2009/01/07/why-generation-y-should-job-hop-even-i...

115 weeks ago

Geoff Brown: I agree completely. I risked all my credit cards to start up a training software company making conversation rehearsal courses (MoreI agree completely. I risked all my credit cards to start up a training software company making conversation rehearsal courses (www.talksmith.net). We sold Asperger's Syndrome courses to school districts in North Dakota and Minnesota, and while we are not wealthy, I did get a patent out of it. By the way, I grew up in Silver Spring and was a TV news cameraman on Capitol Hill in the 70's. Innovation means taking risks and going down a path whose end may not be visible. Keep on innnovating, Rebecca!
14 weeks ago
Edward Antrobus: Safety first is the motto at the company I work for (and of many of the companies we work with)
14 weeks ago
 
Thomas Hagan What are your greatest stresses in life, from the petty day to day frustrations to the apocalypse?

61 weeks ago

Clara Kuo: @Sadya, I have a huge commute, too! It's 1 hour to drive to work, and 2 if I take the train. @Kate I agree, there is not enough time, or too many ...More@Sadya, I have a huge commute, too! It's 1 hour to drive to work, and 2 if I take the train. @Kate I agree, there is not enough time, or too many things to do and it is hard to choose one or two activities per day.
60 weeks ago
Corbin Haresnape: @Thomas Working hard and getting very little done. Occasionally, when you want something to succeed you work hard and not smart!
60 weeks ago
 
Noel Rozny It's official: Spring is SATURDAY! If you're planning on doing some spring cleaning, tackle your office or desk too. Studies show that being neat and organized can make you more productive, efficient, happier, and can even change the way your co-workers view you: http://j.mp/eid0Sl How does being organized affect your career? Has it helped you? If you're not organized, do you think it's hurt your image or your productivity?

62 weeks ago from myFootpath

Noel Rozny: @Clara, good points! I too have known geniuses who have stacks and stacks and stacks of ... stuff all over their desks.
61 weeks ago
Sid: hmm.... i wouldn't say a messy desk is a direct trigger for organization and such. In this day and age, who actually stores physical copies or ...Morehmm.... i wouldn't say a messy desk is a direct trigger for organization and such. In this day and age, who actually stores physical copies or pieces of paper?

I will agree that it does create a perception, although, I am a one of those people who turn it around and think that people who creates these perceptions of others based on every little thing are a tad too judgemental, but thats another argument.

I brought in some clorox disinfecting wipes and will be giving this cube a nice shine by COB today!

61 weeks ago
 
Sid Google released yesterday its quarterly magazine called "Thinking Quarterly". The innaugural issue covered all things "data". One of the articles titled "A Data State of Mind", caught my interest. In this day & age of when info overload is at an all time high, its discussed in the article that what is needed today is not MORE data, but a new mindset to the present data .Most CEO's have so much data that they don't know what to do w/ it. Have a read and leave your thoughts http://bit.ly/i5u9sm

61 weeks ago from Entrepreneurs, Personal Branding, u30pro, Inspiring Leadership and Social Media3 more

 
TOP IDEA: Sid Been away from the Brazen community for way too long. But I am back. Glad to see increasing activity on here. Has anyone gotten to the point where they totally disconnect from the digital world? At the beginning of this year, I took down my blog, and cleaned up my digital footprint and "vanished" from the web for a little bit. Its all part of my journey to live in the present moment and be more productive on a daily basis. Have you every disconnected?

61 weeks ago from u30pro, Entrepreneurs and Job Resources and Career Coaching1 more

Rebecca Thorman: Yep, definitely. I deactivated my Facebook account for a bit a couple years ago. I think it really brought some perspective and on vacations, I ...MoreYep, definitely. I deactivated my Facebook account for a bit a couple years ago. I think it really brought some perspective and on vacations, I always make myself available, but rarely login.
61 weeks ago
Sid: I believe that this whole concept of "disconnecting" ourselves from the information overload that we experience every single day is going to be a ...MoreI believe that this whole concept of "disconnecting" ourselves from the information overload that we experience every single day is going to be a topic of great discussion more and more in the future, as our reliance and demand for MORE, MORE, & even MORE information will continue to rise. We are going to need more therapists in the future!
61 weeks ago
 
Katie Perry Have any of you ever felt like your current position is actually hurting your professional development because it is breaking your personality?

61 weeks ago from Professional Development

Sid: I work at an extremely conservative financial services company that is doing business the same way they did it 25 years ago. To say we are ...MoreI work at an extremely conservative financial services company that is doing business the same way they did it 25 years ago. To say we are forward thinking and innovative is a figment of the imagination. Being a 27 year old full of energy and creativity, I find it EXTREMELY hard to get motivated to offer up ideas that differ from the norm. When I do, the are receptive, but when you throw things up the flagpole at this place, it makes it to 1/4 staff and then it comes right back down.

I call it a cultural difference in the way business is conducted in our modern world, tagteam that with a huge aged divide between employees. It definately is tough and really does gut the insides some days, but for the time being, it suffices.

61 weeks ago
Julie Bondy: Be honest and genuine about sharing your personality at work. If the company culture can't handle it, it might be time to find a new environment.
61 weeks ago
 
Ryan Paugh We did something really radical today and stopped featuring blog posts on the sidebar of Brazen. Instead, we're featuring trending discussion because all of the conversations you guys have is where the real value is for anybody trying to build their network. What do you think? Are you happy or sad? Anyone want to punch me in the neck? We want to know...

83 weeks ago from Blogging and Brazen Community Feedback

Nathan Sorrell: Good job! This site is too much like a self-help book on infinite feedback. I want customers for my flooring business in the Denver Metropolitan ...MoreGood job! This site is too much like a self-help book on infinite feedback. I want customers for my flooring business in the Denver Metropolitan area! There, see how easy it is to state your business, and go on? So far, I haven't seen one single person in here who doesn't sound like a patient at a phychiatric clinic. For $60,000 a year I'll cut through the nonsense at your company like Genghis Khan raiding villages in China, if you want to hire me. Like what you hear? It's called "clarity", "sense of purpose", and "maturity", all of which seem to be lacking here. Just say what you mean, and mean what you say, that's all I ask.
74 weeks ago
Nathan Sorrell: Oops, I misspelled "Psychiatric", for a spelling Nazi like me that is a fate worse than death....:(
74 weeks ago
 
TOP IDEA: Katie Weilbacher The return of FOCUS - is mono-tasking the new multi-tasking? I, the born & bred geek, have been feeling overwhelmed by the constant barrage of data & input. I'm finding that I'm more productive by: prioritizing my day, focusing on one task at a time, addressing urgent matters as they pop up, and then returning to the task at hand. I'm getting more done & like feeling focused. Are you able to "juggle" long-term and make progress? Or do you prefer a focused, mono-task process?

84 weeks ago from Productivity & Time-Management

EricHFriedman: hallalujah! Right on Katie! Mono-tasking is the only way - BUT REALLY QUICKLY!!!! -Erich Friedman
81 weeks ago
Kristine Fetalco: My tip is to set mini deadlines for yourself throughout the day-- especially if you're in a project-based environment, you may have to juggle ...MoreMy tip is to set mini deadlines for yourself throughout the day-- especially if you're in a project-based environment, you may have to juggle multiple tasks at different stages from different managers. I ask each manager what his priority is for the specific task he assigns me, then use my judgment on what to tackle first. I give myself about a 1-2 hour deadline for that specific task, especially if there are multiple pressing tasks. This is a way to become faster at doing things, by challenging yourself. Then after the deadline, I communicate my progress with the manager(s) involved, so each one knows where I am and can possible delegate some tasks to get the team toward completion.
75 weeks ago
 
Kelly N. Perry What are some books that you have read which helped you in your career?

80 weeks ago from GenYJourney: Tips, Insights, Experiences For Young Professionals

Miranda Brock: My picks are The Wealthy Freelancer, Never Eat Alone and Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Office. I really want to check out Rework.
80 weeks ago
Adam Porche: Coach anyone about anything 1 and 2 by Jed and Germaine Niederer. They are amazing and help anyone learn how to speak, manage, and coach. Great ...MoreCoach anyone about anything 1 and 2 by Jed and Germaine Niederer. They are amazing and help anyone learn how to speak, manage, and coach. Great reads for anyone in any field.

80 weeks ago
 
Andrei Hancu You already know that you're in the wrong place when the MD of your company gathers an entire office to hold one or two "lectures" about being late and how disrespectful it is. I mean is that normal? I personally feel that if you're put in that situation where you have to preach people about such little details as being late, you've definitely hired the wrong staff. what's your take on it?

80 weeks ago from Human Resources

Sid: I work for a large (13k employees) financial services company that is as conservative as an old men w/ a penny jar and we consistently receive ...MoreI work for a large (13k employees) financial services company that is as conservative as an old men w/ a penny jar and we consistently receive lectures, emails, and bulletins regarding our conduct, policy, and our "culture". We even have our own terminology that really drives me insane. It is def a tough situation to be in when you are young, a loud mouth, and ambitious.
80 weeks ago
Aiden Schade: I think it's important to communicate expectations, but lecturing your whole company about tardiness crosses a line.

If people are still able to ...More
I think it's important to communicate expectations, but lecturing your whole company about tardiness crosses a line.

If people are still able to deliver results, let it go.

80 weeks ago
 
Sid Since we just got over a weekend, I thought it was necessary to analyze the aspects that make up a Monday morning. All of us that dread ourselves through the monotony of the corporate world know exactly what I am talking about. Those little things that always seem to happen on a Monday morning. I shared a few of mine. Share a few of yours. http://bit.ly/9oKGLL

80 weeks ago from u30pro, Gen-Y Professional Bloggers and Career Changers1 more

 
TOP IDEA: Sid so I migrated my blog frmo blogger to wordpress about 2 months ago and am utilizing a thematic free wordpress theme. Im still working on design stuff but would love some feedback and ideas on what could really make it stand out! http://www.financeurlife.com #brazen

93 weeks ago from Wordpress Bloggers, Freelancing, Digital Monetization Experts, Social Media Marketers and Gen-Y Professional Bloggers3 more

steve taite: I agree with Ben. Minamalistic doesn't work on the web. There are too many other choices that catch the idea. Try giving your blog an aristocratic ...MoreI agree with Ben. Minamalistic doesn't work on the web. There are too many other choices that catch the idea. Try giving your blog an aristocratic look or one that fits the theme (i.e. finance - stock exchange )
82 weeks ago
Michael Wessel: I disagree...minimalism can work it just has to be aesthetically done. Some of the best sites I've been to have been short, sweet and simple, ...MoreI disagree...minimalism can work it just has to be aesthetically done. Some of the best sites I've been to have been short, sweet and simple, many people with this new era in the internet age have shorter and shorter attention spans and thus looking through a gorgeous site can be tedious. In regards to your site doctor S, there just isn't enough to grab the eye. You have your blog front page and only 1 menu option...too stark. Also, IMHO it shouldn't be through 'the View' of anything, it should be through 'the eyes of.' Content is there from what I've browsed through, but it's not enough for my eye to grab on to.
82 weeks ago
 
TOP IDEA: Kenji Crosland Oftentimes the comments I see in blogs are along the lines of "good post!", or "Good post, and this is what I think about [the topic]". There seem to be very few instances of "What do you mean by [x]?" or "Could you tell us a little more about [x]?" It as though people were just waiting for their turns to speak their piece. The conversation hardly evolves as it would through normal conversation. It's as though the medium itself discourages the practice of active listening. What do you think?

83 weeks ago from Gen-Y Professional Bloggers, Creatively Inspired and Blogging Ideas1 more

Jenna Langer: I agree with @Linda - if someone leaves a comment saying great post, why not engage them and ask for more commentary?

@Kenji - not sure if this ...More
I agree with @Linda - if someone leaves a comment saying great post, why not engage them and ask for more commentary?

@Kenji - not sure if this is what you're looking for, but have you seen any twitter chats? I regularly participate in #cmgrchat and #journchat. They are great conversations between twitter users. Check out the full schedule of chats here: http://bit.ly/ChatSched

83 weeks ago
Scott Asai: I like blogging, but it's not the same as a conversation. A lot can be determined by how engaging the writer is. I admit I do tend to skim over a ...MoreI like blogging, but it's not the same as a conversation. A lot can be determined by how engaging the writer is. I admit I do tend to skim over a longer article and put my two sense at the end.
83 weeks ago
 
TOP IDEA: Sid I can read, honestly. I read blogs, newspapers, twitter feeds, and anything else online. But why the hell do I have so much trouble reading a physical book? I recently bought a book and started reading it and found myself going back every paragraph or every page questioning myself "Whats being said here?" My reading comprehension right now wouldn't get me an SAT score for community college right now. Anyone else have this problem? Read the post and join the discussion http://bit.ly/9SXlqi

84 weeks ago from u30pro, Entrepreneurs, Job Resources and Career Coaching and Brazen Bloggers2 more

Benjamin Paul Schuman: Sometimes I think that technology has "inflicted" us with ADHD. But recently I've gotten some new ideas about how it all works.

First, I think ...More
Sometimes I think that technology has "inflicted" us with ADHD. But recently I've gotten some new ideas about how it all works.

First, I think that the internet is not "the problem," the problem is that the internet makes it easy for us to forget that it takes focus to truly grasp a subject. I think we all like the feeling that we can master a subject from skimming a few paragraphs on it. The internet enables that. I don't think the internet causes it in any way.

Second, I think that the internet has helped me to determine more easily the quality of a book. The thing is, I used to think, "Oh shit, I can't sit still long enough for a book anymore!" But then I realized that I've always had a variable attention span when it comes to books. It's just that, before we had all these distractions, it was easier to read books that bore us. It's bizarre. Many new books make me want to surf the web. But Frankenstein can still hold my attention.

I feel like we're in an era where the measure of quality in books is "Is this book better than the internet?" The good thing is that the best books are!

83 weeks ago
Page: um, bad habits is the answer. Habits that encourage the slave-mentality to text-twitter can convert even the most devout english major. ...Moreum, bad habits is the answer. Habits that encourage the slave-mentality to text-twitter can convert even the most devout english major. Sit...read...reflect--repeat. You will be out of re-hab before you know it.
83 weeks ago
 
Ryan Paugh I feel like I've reached a point where my network is just too big. Have you ever felt that way? How do you decide who you should spend your time helping and who you shouldn't help? One of my biggest weaknesses is not knowing how to say No.

85 weeks ago from Networking Tips, Professional Development and JobSTART 1011 more

Sid: I have definitely have issues with having too large a network. Whether its friends or professional, I always feel the need to have to contact a ...MoreI have definitely have issues with having too large a network. Whether its friends or professional, I always feel the need to have to contact a TON of people. Its a constant struggle of figuring out who I should be including on what and why and then I get the gripes and the qualms after the fact from certain people who were not included. You win some and you lose some I guess, but people always like to be in the know.
84 weeks ago
Ryan Paugh: Bryon, it's funny that you mention categorizing your fans. We talked about something similar when I was out in DC earlier in the week. After we ...MoreBryon, it's funny that you mention categorizing your fans. We talked about something similar when I was out in DC earlier in the week. After we officially release Network Roulette we're going to be concentrating a lot of making your Brazen network more usable. Tags, categories, notes or something else we haven't thought of yet will definitely be involved. Share your ideas if you have any ...
84 weeks ago
 
Sid been away from Brazen for a few weeks. whats good people.

84 weeks ago

 
TOP IDEA: Sid Many times we get frustrated with out jobs and it sends us into a mindset that is very hard to get out of. The only way to get out of this depressive work state is to take control. You have to evaluate your options and network with people who you trust to advise you properly. My frustration at work led me in a direction that allowed me to take control of my career for the first time in my life. Somehow, someway, I ended up getting a promotion. Funny how life works. http://bit.ly/bRXSat

87 weeks ago from Job Resources and Career Coaching, Gen-Y Professional Bloggers, u30pro and Entrepreneurs2 more

Trish Cardona: Totally agree. I have a colleague who has been bitchin' about her manager for ages now. It's affected even her health in a very negative way, ...MoreTotally agree. I have a colleague who has been bitchin' about her manager for ages now. It's affected even her health in a very negative way, and it's so hard to make her understand that she must take control or she'll look back and see she's wasted so many years on someone else's crap, really! I say this in love, and I am hoping she's turning a corner soon. Just that your article made me think about her and that I'm glad I am not in that position at all. Cheers.
86 weeks ago
Kate Davids: I know some people who think that the way to progress in life is when others push/pull them forward. Some people think that that is actually how ...MoreI know some people who think that the way to progress in life is when others push/pull them forward. Some people think that that is actually how networking works: you meet someone who then offers you a job without putting in any effort. Not saying that these people are lazy or do bad work, just that they don't realize how powerful they actually are. Everyone has the power to proactively take on their destiny and get what they want. Sometimes, though, it just takes being really put out with your situation to make it there. I'm so happy you were able to do it. Good for you!
86 weeks ago
 
TOP IDEA: Sid It is always great to look at success stories in other industries and apply it to your own world/industry/life. There is no better example of how to make it to the top on your own other than the Hip Hop Artist Drake. He became popular without being signed to a record label. He promoted, produced, and came up with his top his, all on his own. If you want to learn how to sell yourself, check out Drake! http://bit.ly/9DVSEA

87 weeks ago from Personal Branding, Gen-Y Professional Bloggers, Job Resources and Career Coaching and Entrepreneurs2 more

 
TOP IDEA: Sid It is always great to look at success stories in other industries and apply it to your own world/industry/life. There is no better example of how to make it to the top on your own other than the Hip Hop Artist Drake. He became popular without being signed to a record label. He promoted, produced, and came up with his top his, all on his own. If you want to learn how to sell yourself, check out Drake! http://bit.ly/9DVSEA

87 weeks ago from Personal Branding, Gen-Y Professional Bloggers, Job Resources and Career Coaching and Entrepreneurs2 more

 
TOP IDEA: Sid What are your thoughts on setting up categories for your blog? I love the category structure used by www.INC.com (i love everything about that site. ) On my site I am working to create less categories that are more general that things just fall under. I am trying to create a better hierarchy for my site that will feel better to the reader. Should I just have a few? Use child categories? What do you use and what do you think works?

88 weeks ago from Wordpress Bloggers, Brazen Bloggers and Gen-Y Professional Bloggers1 more

Lindsey Sparks: I'm using general broader categories since my blog now focuses on a variety of things: marketing/pr, book reviews, leadership, workplace, and ...MoreI'm using general broader categories since my blog now focuses on a variety of things: marketing/pr, book reviews, leadership, workplace, and random musings.
88 weeks ago
Sid: Thank you all for the feedback. I do think categories are a great way to organize. My problem is I have 150+ posts that i migrated over from ...MoreThank you all for the feedback. I do think categories are a great way to organize. My problem is I have 150+ posts that i migrated over from blogger to wordpress and I have to sit down and convert categories to tags and now weed out ambiguous categories.

If I just used wordpress from the beginning like everyone told me, I would be fine right now.

But I am using generalized categories with my spin like "My So Called Career" for all career related stuff and "I Like to Party" for everything related to the social aspects of life. Is it okay to take this route? If you haven't read my blog, much of what I talk about is based on my experiences and how they impact my money and career, so it all relates. Also, I am really crazy.

Thanks for the input people, keep it coming. Follow me on twitter @doctor_s

88 weeks ago
 
Sid Have you ever had a boss that gives you feedback that is only one extreme or the other? What about the middle area? I never know where I stand. http://bit.ly/b15KOo

90 weeks ago from u30pro, Career Changers, Brazen Bloggers and Job Resources and Career Coaching2 more

 
Ryan Paugh What are your favorite types of posts to read and comment on when you visit Brazen? I'm not sure if you guys realize this, but it's such a difficult job to filter through our database to find the best of the best. It's all relative + there's so much to go through that I could literally read blog posts 24-7. I like original, opinionated blog posts. I'm not a huge fan of cliche personal development posts. What about you? Help make my job easier :)

92 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas, Blogging, Gen-Y Professional Bloggers, Brazen Bloggers and Brazen Community Feedback3 more

Kenji Crosland: I like posts that explore difficult questions, even if they don't provide answers. I dislike posts like "Five funky habits that will change your ...MoreI like posts that explore difficult questions, even if they don't provide answers. I dislike posts like "Five funky habits that will change your life!"
90 weeks ago
Elizabeth Marling: I like posts that are both personal and informative: for example, someone gives instruction for a skill, task, etc. I get a lot more from an ...MoreI like posts that are both personal and informative: for example, someone gives instruction for a skill, task, etc. I get a lot more from an author who gives the reader their own real-life method. Sometimes people get stingy with knowledge and only share some of what they know, and I can usually tell. I want to know what the author knows--and something of their actual experience in the real world using that knowledge.
90 weeks ago
 
TOP IDEA: Sid So today I had a meeting with my boss to let her know that I was going to start looking for a new job internally with the goal of "progressing my career". I really do not like my current job, but I did not mention that. I really do not like my current boss whom I spoke with this morning, but obviously, I did not mention that. She was supportive, but what else was she to do? Any advice on the internal job search? Here is the link to the article http://bit.ly/9yveIz

90 weeks ago from The Boss-Employee Relationship, Gen-Y Professional Bloggers, Brazen Bloggers and Job Resources and Career Coaching2 more

Rebecca Thorman: I think you handled the discussion well judging from your post. It's important to be honest and open with your boss, and stay positive. Good ...MoreI think you handled the discussion well judging from your post. It's important to be honest and open with your boss, and stay positive. Good bosses want the best for you, so hopefully she will support you for the new position. Good luck!
90 weeks ago
 
Anthony Johnson I finally figured out what I want to do, which is completely different than what I'm doing now. I've been with my company 5 yrs and have a great reputation. But I don't feel comfortable approaching my boss about wanting to change careers (he wants me to take over his job), and I don't want to get another job within the company behind his back. So I am faced with the decision of trying to make a career transition within my company, or trying to start fresh at a new company. What should I do?

92 weeks ago from Career Changers and Ask Penelope Trunk!

Sean Masters: @Anthony I think you're already on the right track here but just remember that at the end of the day your happiness matters more than that of your ...More@Anthony I think you're already on the right track here but just remember that at the end of the day your happiness matters more than that of your employer. If you can't move within your company, move out of it!
92 weeks ago
Elizabeth Marling: I wish I had your problems Mr. Johnson! You seem to have awesome options ahead of you. I doubt you can do anything wrong in this situation, so ...MoreI wish I had your problems Mr. Johnson! You seem to have awesome options ahead of you. I doubt you can do anything wrong in this situation, so I'd bask in my own success for a moment. Obviously you are doing something right.
91 weeks ago

Groups (22)

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Fans (30)

Chris Hughes
Cindy F Solomon
Stacey Laskin
Brett Kunsch
Katie Weilbacher
Kenji Crosland
Will Marlow
Anthony Johnson
Website Designer
Mark W.

Following (51)

Caitlin McCabe
Diahann Boock
Katie Colihan
Marisa Wikramanayake
steve taite
Penelope Trunk
Your Ill-fitting Overcoat
Kenji Crosland
Amy Ng
Ryan Healy