Brazen careerist

Where ambitious young professionals connect and grow

Donna Fenn

Pelham

author/journalist

Publishing

Upstarts!

Fans (49)

Following (44)

Groups (7)

Already a member?

Click here to login

Welcome to Brazen Careerist!

Donna Fenn is using Brazen Careerist to share ideas. Join now to become a member and start networking with Donna Fenn and other professionals just like you. Learn more.

All Activity

TOP IDEA: Emily Verkruyse The Dos and Don’ts of a Finicky Millennial - http://www.brazencareerist/2010/02/26/the-dos-and-don-ts-of-a-finicky-mi...

97 weeks ago

View 11 older replies

Emily Verkruyse: Diahann -- I think the most important factor when it comes to dealing with Millennials (both in and outside of the workplace) is open and honest ...MoreDiahann -- I think the most important factor when it comes to dealing with Millennials (both in and outside of the workplace) is open and honest communications. Reach out to us and let us know that you're interested in what we think and feel, and we'll get along just fine!

Sabera -- Thanks for the different perspective! I hadn't thought about how Millennial behaviors vary from country to country. It would be really interesting to compare the do & don't lists of Millennials from various nations/cultures...definitely a project I would want to take part in!

Molly -- These are definitely my own list of dos and don'ts, and I'm sure there will be differences among different Gen-Yers. Thanks for sharing some of your own dos and don'ts!

97 weeks ago

Sabera (Kapasi) Photographer: @Emily - I'd love to pitch in my 2c when you put that info together! :-) In India, media consumption is skewed to traditional forms largely due to ...More@Emily - I'd love to pitch in my 2c when you put that info together! :-) In India, media consumption is skewed to traditional forms largely due to the fact that most of the country is not urbanized. TV offers a whole different world to people in villages, and that essentially is one of their biggest source of information and aspiration (although internet is making inroads in areas of education and agricultural purposes). It is such an interesting landscape :-)
97 weeks ago

Jamie Nacht Farrell I have 2 contracts with a small / mid size company - worth about $50 million. One is a consulting contract (monthly retainer) and one is a broker's contract. I'm supposed to be paid "X" every 2 weeks on the consulting and 5% of net revenue on the broker's contracts net 45 days post months end; The company is 1 month late with payments and is always late..BUT I get a lot of money from them...I just CCed my lawyer on the last email back to them. Anyone else delt with this / what worked for you?

79 weeks ago from Upstarts!, Shotgun Startups, Entrepreneurs, Ask Penelope Trunk! and Consultants R US 3 more

View 6 older replies

j morgan: Jamie, Nice to have a "brother" lawyer deal which gives you the upper hand, contract has to be on file etc doesn't matter if they pay on time or ...MoreJamie, Nice to have a "brother" lawyer deal which gives you the upper hand, contract has to be on file etc doesn't matter if they pay on time or not it's contracted and signed right? (for future) And as far as you doing a fabulous job that they haven't recognized as of yet you hold the cards it's your leverage, you have a 10 m dollar contract, what are the company benifits from this contract? If you mention their competitors as someone you are thinking of doing business with they may jump thru hoops on a spring board so to speak especially as you are closing on a deal that will give them an upper edge and will provide them with far more than 10M in revenue. Perhaps point out the benefits of your services and that the other 5 contracts you have lined up you haven't considered as of YET. Since you've done the research, have exclusive rights to contacts you are in control. (Exclusive contracts cost a lot more money)

You've put time and energy into this company and if they do not take you seriously you are prepared to move on to a serious company with serious intentions that pay you on time.

Nothing is fair in life, business or love. You have choices and keep moving forward, you DO hold all the cards right now and you are NOT dependent on this company. You are dependent only on your company and your business sense.

You are indespensible, you are worth more than they are paying you and you do not want to dwell on legal issues. You want to provide outstanding value they cannot get any where else.

I cannot wait to hear how it all goes for you. Best to your endevours ... keep forging forward in a productive manner!
78 weeks ago

Josh Allan Dykstra: @Donna -- thanks for the article. Great stuff in there; particularly excited about the online invoicing systems!

Enjoyed reading the rest of the ...More@Donna -- thanks for the article. Great stuff in there; particularly excited about the online invoicing systems!

Enjoyed reading the rest of the conversation here as well. Thanks for the input, J Morgan!
78 weeks ago

Jamie Nacht Farrell I'm consulting for a company right now that "says" they're a start up because it's a 2.5 year old business with large investors and not profitable. I've only interacted with this team three times in person, and probably 10 over the phone. They're not "start up" executives. Have you been able to distinguish between "start up" executives and corporate executives? I think I have. Interested to hear your take on what went down today and any advice on how to handle: http://bit.ly/908G86

86 weeks ago from Entrepreneurs, Consultants R US, Upstarts! and Shotgun Startups 2 more

View 15 older replies

Sara Gallagher: @David, absolutely, I was not talking about you personally, merely lamenting the true fact that clients see other mediums of soliciting feedback ...More@David, absolutely, I was not talking about you personally, merely lamenting the true fact that clients see other mediums of soliciting feedback and suggestions (blogs, online networks, etc) as a show of weakness or incompetency, as you pointed out.
86 weeks ago

Jamie Nacht Farrell: @Sara - I changed the paragraph and made it 'general' as you suggested. Thank you all for your comments and keep me "in line".

@David - I look ...More@Sara - I changed the paragraph and made it 'general' as you suggested. Thank you all for your comments and keep me "in line".

@David - I look forward to speaking with you. My email is: Jnachtfarrell@gmail.com if we can schedule a time.
86 weeks ago

Ryan Paugh Can you be a good writer, but not be good at proofreading and editing? I like to think of myself as a good writer, but when it comes to the details of proofreading and editing I'm really bad.

56 weeks ago from Creative Writing and Professional Writers and Editors

View 11 older replies

Ryan Paugh: This is all really good advice for me. Thanks. I think if I want to be a good writer I need to be focused on just getting my words down on paper ...MoreThis is all really good advice for me. Thanks. I think if I want to be a good writer I need to be focused on just getting my words down on paper and then worry about editing/proofreading later. Whether I'm doing the editing myself or passing it off to somebody who is better at it than I am. That's probably good advice for anyone who is trying to become a better writer.
56 weeks ago

Jake LaCaze: To me, "writing" is all about the content or the story. Save that grammar crap for the editors.
56 weeks ago

Ryan Healy Are we in the midst of a new revolution - the entrepreneurial revolution? I think so. Steve Blank does too - http://bit.ly/i1DEcx

57 weeks ago from Web Startups, Upstarts! and Entrepreneurs 1 more

View 3 older replies

Kevin Li: Absolutely, all those points are way true. At the end of the day it's a numbers game. All those dynamics (lower cost of development, quicker time ...MoreAbsolutely, all those points are way true. At the end of the day it's a numbers game. All those dynamics (lower cost of development, quicker time to market, lower capital barriers, etc.) are all improving one metric at the end of the day: number of start-ups one person can launch in their career.

If an entrepreneur used to be able to launch X number of start-ups in their career (due to these external limitations) and now they can launch 2X, more things are ultimately going to be created (hopefully value doesn't diminish). I think it's just a more efficient model for entrepreneurship in general.
57 weeks ago

Ryan Healy: Glad everyone seems to agree with this one! I know Im excited to be a part of this revolution. It's not often you can recognize that you are in ...MoreGlad everyone seems to agree with this one! I know Im excited to be a part of this revolution. It's not often you can recognize that you are in the middle of a historical change, so I feel lucky for that. Now it's time to execute!
57 weeks ago

Donna Fenn Hi all! Did anyone see the story on youth entrepreneurship in the NYT business section last Sunday: http://tinyurl.com/26n3234? It focuses on Scott Gerber, who is now my blogging partner at Inc.com, his book, Never Get a Real Job, and his rallying cry for every GenYer to think about starting a business. Do you think that everyone is cut out to be an entrepreneur? str=a

60 weeks ago from Upstarts!

View 3 older replies

Dana K. Dwyer: I believe in having multiple sources of income. Being an entrepreneur does not have to be either/or. Start small with a product or service you ...MoreI believe in having multiple sources of income. Being an entrepreneur does not have to be either/or. Start small with a product or service you believe in; one that reflects your talents and your passion; one that benefits a community – think niche – and see where it goes.
Even if you are not a natural entrepreneur, at least you will have something to fall back on if you are ever downsized. I speak from experience.
Coach Dana K. Dwyer
www.working-miracles.com
Turning Small Business Owners into Confident Business Leaders

60 weeks ago

Brittany Thompson: Thanks so much for sharing this article, Donna!
60 weeks ago

Mike Ambassador Bruny Brazen Family: Don’t miss out on the 9th Annual Babson College Forum on Entrepreneurship & Innovation. On Saturday, November 13th the Babson campus will be taken over by 4 keynotes, 30 speakers, and 600 guests. It will include our very own Donna Fenn! Want a discout? Use my promo code: "Ambassador" http://babsonforum2010.eventbrite.com/

65 weeks ago from Upstarts! and Boston

View 1 older reply

Mike Ambassador Bruny: Anything for you Jamie and my Brazen people. :)
65 weeks ago

Donna Fenn: Thanks, Mike! Look forward to meeting you on Saturday. And, hey, if anyone still wants to attend the forum, I seem to have two FREE tics, so ...MoreThanks, Mike! Look forward to meeting you on Saturday. And, hey, if anyone still wants to attend the forum, I seem to have two FREE tics, so contact me asap and I'll hook you up. Best to email me at dmfenn1@gmail.com.
65 weeks ago

Donna Fenn Hi everyone! There's a pretty interesting discussion going on over at Inc.com on The Entrepreneurial Generation Blog, which I now share with Scott Gerber (in the true spirit of GenY collaboration!). It's all about the role of passion in starting a business. Would love you to join in on teh conversation, or post your thoughts here! http://bit.ly/b00r1g

65 weeks ago from Upstarts!

Mike Ambassador Bruny Need some brazen feedback; What words first come to mind when you look at the following image (I'm working on a logo contest so I may have to call on my Brazen Family from time to time): https://files.me.com/runthepoint/d6v6kg

75 weeks ago from Music, Personal Branding, Boston, Blogging Ideas and Upstarts!3 more

View 29 older replies

Mike Ambassador Bruny: Brazen Peeps: I so appreciate you!
73 weeks ago

Meridith Hall, PMP: @Donna (others) - I agree, the first thing that came to my mind was the Black Power image. But I am definitely not fromt he sixties. I am a Gen ...More@Donna (others) - I agree, the first thing that came to my mind was the Black Power image. But I am definitely not fromt he sixties. I am a Gen Y, but I tend to be an "old soul". Beyond this, my initial impression was anger or rebellion. It would be interesting to see in a different color to see if I got the same impression though. I think if it was in a cooler color, like a blue, it would probably have a different feel.
73 weeks ago

Donna Fenn Hey everyone! I just wrote a post on my BNET blog on starting a business with you best friend (using the College Hunks Hauling Junk co-founders as an example): http://bit.ly/bNrdGj. Just wondering what you all think about this topic. Have you started a company with your best pal? Would you? What do you think the benetifts and the pitfalls are?

74 weeks ago from Upstarts!

View 2 older replies

Harriet May: This makes me think of the show Cupcake Girls on TLC. I love the introduction to the show, where they go through the "rules of business" and ...MoreThis makes me think of the show Cupcake Girls on TLC. I love the introduction to the show, where they go through the "rules of business" and describe how they've broken every one, one of which is "Never go into business with your best friend." I imagine it's somewhat like rooming with your best friend; you have to be ready for the relationship to change (hopefully develop and grow, not crumble) and you have to be willing to tackle the crappy jobs together, or at least put in place a system for doing those jobs that is fair and doesn't cause arguments, but gets them done.
74 weeks ago

Lindsey Sparks: Like Rebecca, I wouldn't go into business with my best friend simply because it wouldn't make sense. Although really my husband is my best friend, ...MoreLike Rebecca, I wouldn't go into business with my best friend simply because it wouldn't make sense. Although really my husband is my best friend, and I would go into business with him.
The benefits would be that it would probably be more fun and there's more trust and less power grabbing. Pitfalls would be potentially damaging your friendship over business disagreements, what to do if one of you wants out, etc.
74 weeks ago

Donna Fenn Hey everyone! I've been MIA lately, and this is why: http://www.inc.com/30under30/2010/introducing-the-30-under-30.html. I was the senior editor in charge of Inc.com's 30 Under 30 Coolest Young Entrepreneurs list this year and I've been working like a dog. Would love your thoughts on the list!

81 weeks ago from Upstarts!

Elysa Rice, Stephanie Springer and Adam Toren recommended this

View 5 older replies

Bryon Ownby: Great selection this year and a good coverage of a mix if industries represented!
81 weeks ago

Donna Fenn: Thanks for the responses, everyone! Unlike the Inc. 500/5000, this list isn't based on revenue growth, so the selection process is much more ...MoreThanks for the responses, everyone! Unlike the Inc. 500/5000, this list isn't based on revenue growth, so the selection process is much more subjective. Of course, we include some predictable candidates, like Posterous and Foursquare, for obvious reasons. But you'll notice that we also choose people you might not expect on the list -- like choosing the smaller Living Social over the much larger Groupon. We like scrappy Upstarts! Pickle maker McClures and CityCraft, a sewing shop, are also favorites of mine because you typically don't see companies like that on most lists. We work hard to find great companies in a variety of industries. As for my day, Mike, it is never the same but always fun!
81 weeks ago

Stefanie Kelly I would love some perspective on an issue with a client. He is 43 days overdue on payment for a project. Two weeks ago, he told me that he was waiting for a cheque from his client on this project that was "in the mail". Today, he said his client is still "freeing up the funds" for him and he expects them within two weeks - at which point he will "quickly turn around a check for me". I feel though, that as my contract was with him this is irrelevent and he should still pay me on time. Thoughts?

80 weeks ago from Upstarts!

Donna Fenn recommended this

View 10 older replies

Stefanie Kelly: Thanks everyone for all of your insight. I can tend towards being a pushover sometimes and having the benefit of this outside perspective ...MoreThanks everyone for all of your insight. I can tend towards being a pushover sometimes and having the benefit of this outside perspective definitely helped in giving me the confidence to push back with this delinquent client. I will definitely also be making use of all of the advice as to how many of you have handled contracts to avoid situations like this in the future. So far, I have received the 50% of the balance owing I requested from this client - time will tell how responsive he is at living up to the other half of the agreement. Again - thanks!
79 weeks ago

Donna Fenn: Stefanie, this is all great advice and I'll add a tiny bit of my own. In the future, don't wait to invoice -- do it as soon as the job is ...MoreStefanie, this is all great advice and I'll add a tiny bit of my own. In the future, don't wait to invoice -- do it as soon as the job is completed even if your client is whining about how poor he/she is. That way, if you do need to take legal action, you have a true record of how late the payment actually is.
78 weeks ago

Emily Moore I've recently started at a new publication which is in the "start up" phase. However, since being with them over the past week, the director has noticed my talent and has continuously increased my work load and responsibility, but still without compensation. I love the work, I enjoy it, but it's starting to cut into the time that I need to spend on other profit making endeavors. How would you approach the conversation? She's mentioned it before... should I wait it out and let her bring it up?

86 weeks ago from Upstarts!, Ask Penelope Trunk!, Freelancing, GenYJourney: Tips, Insights, Experiences For Young Professionals and Professional Writers and Editors 3 more

View 10 older replies

Elizabeth Marling: Ok, let me go a little Machiavelli on this problem. Do you think the freelance work on the start up will begin to turn a profit? Meaning, is the ...MoreOk, let me go a little Machiavelli on this problem. Do you think the freelance work on the start up will begin to turn a profit? Meaning, is the director competent, do you have reason to believe this will either open doors for you or turn into a paying gig?

If you believe it will, I say hold out for a little while still doing more work than is appropriate. Don't keep it up for too long, because you are just building a negotiation point to get something back for your work. If you do not see that the director could or would compensate you with something--connections, money, etc AS SOON AS HE IS ABLE TO DO SO get out right now. Do not regret walking away from a boss who is less capable than you are. You'll get your shot if you keep doing what you love, and future employers will respect your judgment on the situation when John Doe's publication never sees the light of day.
82 weeks ago

Emily Moore: @Everyone, this entire post is one of the reasons I'm so thankful to be a young professional on BC.

The director and I finally sat down and ...More@Everyone, this entire post is one of the reasons I'm so thankful to be a young professional on BC.

The director and I finally sat down and hashed it out, and at the end of my trial period she offered a small stipend for full time work for the next two months. I really felt torn over it, but initially declined the offer. I am still working along side her and the company, but am cherry picking which opportunities I want to cover, and am not in any full position any longer. There appears to be an opportunity to possible continue working for her in the future in a paying position, so I'm still looking forward to that. Thank you again for your input! I probably wouldn't of been able to decline without your words.
82 weeks ago

Donna Fenn I just returned from the YPulse Youth Marketing Mashup in SF -- filled with people who want to know how to best market to GenY. Do you think young entrepreneurs are better at marketing to their peers than their older counterparts? On a related note, do you think they create corporate cultures that are fundamentally different from older entrepreneurs (subject of a new BNET blog post: http://blogs.bnet.com/smb/?p=875&tag=col1;post-875).

89 weeks ago from Upstarts!

View 2 older replies

nick rowney: So here is how I see it. Entrepreneurs are the same the world over. It doesn't matter age or race it is about a fundamental way of thinking and a ...MoreSo here is how I see it. Entrepreneurs are the same the world over. It doesn't matter age or race it is about a fundamental way of thinking and a belief in one's self.If experience is the key driver to success then that has nothing to do with age. I know a lot of old people who have done nothing with their lives and a few young people who are out there trying everything.
I certainly don't think that young marketers or salesmen have an advantage, in fact youth is often a great disadvantage when dealing with older businessmen. In the end credibility comes from having a story to tell no matter what your age.
88 weeks ago

Donna Fenn: Nick, I have to disagree, but that's probably predictable given the subject of my book! I do think that entrepreneurial styles differ globally and ...MoreNick, I have to disagree, but that's probably predictable given the subject of my book! I do think that entrepreneurial styles differ globally and by generation. Having covered that world as a reporter for more 25 years, I think we're in the middle of a youth entrepreneurship revolution and that our entrepreneurial future is being shaped by a whole new generation of highly collaborative, tech-savvy young people who really do have special insight into their own very large (80 million in the US alone) and affluent generation. Older marketers can certainly reach this generation as well, but not the way they reach older consumers. They have to learn a whole set of "new tricks"; younger marketers know those tricks intuitively.
87 weeks ago

Donna Fenn Hello everyone! I'm helping an organization call Naked Generations (http://www.nakedgenerations.com/) conduct some research on GenY worldwide. So if you're between the ages of 16 and 30, I'd like to invite you to take a short survey here: http://tinyurl.com/24uxyzh. Thanks so much!

90 weeks ago from Upstarts!

90 weeks ago from Brazen Careerist's Top 50 Gen-Y Companies

Donna Fenn: Sorry for the bad link; here it is again: MoreSorry for the bad link; here it is again: http://tinyurl.com/24uxyzh
90 weeks ago

Chris Williams I'm looking for some advice on a project I'm launching. In June, we'll be launching Pinup Power, a renewable energy pinup calendar. The concept is simple, we need 100% renewable energy and we need to make RE sexy and cool to do this. We'll be launching a national competition in June to find Miss Pinup Power, and another 11 girls that will be featured in the calendar. What advice would you give to spread the word? Thanks for the help!

90 weeks ago from Upstarts!

View 4 older replies

Elisabeth Ericson: I agree with Jessica and, while a strong supporter of renewable energy, would be among those alienated. To paraphrase an article I read recently, ...MoreI agree with Jessica and, while a strong supporter of renewable energy, would be among those alienated. To paraphrase an article I read recently, I would prefer that "when [people] think of making money, they do not go first to [women's] breasts."

http://bit.ly/apctqz
90 weeks ago

Donna Fenn: Chris, aside from the obvious alienation issue (and, yes, I'm in that camp), it seems to me that the calendar you describe limits your market to ...MoreChris, aside from the obvious alienation issue (and, yes, I'm in that camp), it seems to me that the calendar you describe limits your market to males who are, say 18-35. Are those really the people making decisions about renewable energy? If your goal is to reach as broad an audience as possible to get out an important message, I'm afraid you're about to shoot yourself in the foot!
89 weeks ago

Donna Fenn Hey everyone! I'm just back from two amazing conferences in Belgium and in Washington, DC (did anyone else go to the Summit Series DC10 event? It was fantastic.) and my head is swirling with ideas. I put some of it down in a blog post today on Inc.com. The theme is why failure is not such a bad thing. Tell me what you think: http://www.inc.com/donna-fenn/why-you-should-love-failure.html

90 weeks ago from Upstarts!

TOP IDEA: Tariq West What does the word "hustler" mean to you? I’m realizing lately that different people take somewhat different meanings from the terms “hustler”, “hustle” or “hustling”. For me, “hustling” is more or less synonymous with the hard-working, resourceful, scrappy entrepreneurship that I aspire to. More here: http://bit.ly/9aszG7

92 weeks ago from Entrepreneurs, Upstarts! and Brazen Undergrads 1 more

Emily Jasper recommended this

View 5 older replies

Emily Moore: @Tariq Cross reference: More@Tariq Cross reference: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNM5HW13_O8
90 weeks ago

Eva Springer: For me, the term has all the meaning that you say, but it also has a negative symbolism, depending on the context in which it is used.
90 weeks ago

Donna Fenn Hey everyone, I'm helping Inc.com compile this year's 30 Under 30 list so I want to know who you think are the hottest young entrepreneurs you know. Not looking so much for the obvious stars, but more the people who we're all going to be reading about (or working for!) in the future. Please send recommendations to 30Under30@inc.com. Thanks!

94 weeks ago from Upstarts!

View 2 older replies

Mike Ambassador Bruny: Donna is the cap at 30. I remember they did an issue on the folks under 30 and had some folks a little older. I know a 34yr old that runs a ...MoreDonna is the cap at 30. I remember they did an issue on the folks under 30 and had some folks a little older. I know a 34yr old that runs a company in Brooklyn called the clothing/design store called The Brooklyn Circus (www.thebkcircus.com).
Your Ambassador,
Bruny
93 weeks ago

Jennifer Koren: Thanks Donna - I just sent an email for a few that I thought would be perfect.
93 weeks ago

Kim N. Campbell There's a startup that I really want to intern with this summer and to get their attention and set myself apart I sent them a short presentation with my resume, links to blogs, and a proposed idea for the company. I sent that last friday morning and they still haven't viewed it. A friend of mine recommended I get their attention by introducing myself, and maybe show them the presentation. 1-Any other recommended course of action? 2- Do you have tips on presenting myself well in person?

95 weeks ago from Ask Penelope Trunk!, Upstarts!, Resume Feedback and Personal Branding 2 more

Rebecca Thorman recommended this

View 17 older replies

Patrick Pho: I agree with Vickie- networking with others could help find a backdoor way to get the company's attention.
93 weeks ago

AcumenRecruiter: Hi Kim! What type of role are you looking for? I have a number of opportunities available at my business/ IT consulting firm - Acumen Solutions. ...MoreHi Kim! What type of role are you looking for? I have a number of opportunities available at my business/ IT consulting firm - Acumen Solutions. These including opportunities in recruiting and consulting. Feel free to email me you resume to rscherman@acumensolutions.com.
93 weeks ago

Donna Fenn Hi all, I just did a post on BNET called "The Case Against Blogging": http://blogs.bnet.com/smb/?p=372&tag=col1;post-372#more-372. Tell me what you think!

95 weeks ago from Upstarts!

Donna Fenn Hey all, Curious to know what you think of this new survey info from AmEx/OPEN on GenY entrepreneurs and optimism on my BNET blog: http://blogs.bnet.com/smb/?p=362&tag=col1;post-362#comments

97 weeks ago from Upstarts!

Groups (7)

View All

Fans (49)

View All

Following (44)

View All