Brazen careerist

Where ambitious young professionals connect and grow

Elisa Doucette

Portland, ME

Freelance Writing

Ophelia's Webb

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Elisa Doucette joined the group Youth Entrepreneurship

4 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...

68 weeks ago from Blogging and Brazen Community Feedback

Ryan Healy, Ashley A. Reed, PHR, Karolyn Chowning and Robin Mills and 1 others recommended this

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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.
59 weeks ago

Nathan Sorrell: Oops, I misspelled "Psychiatric", for a spelling Nazi like me that is a fate worse than death....:(
59 weeks ago

Ryan Paugh During my first couple weeks of doing the Location-Independent thing I've found that taking mini breaks really helps keep me focused. 10-minute breaks to take out the garbage, wash some dishes or throw in a load of laundry really helps me clear my mind. Any of you guys take mini breaks to keep yourself sane while working from home?

68 weeks ago from Location Independent and Work/Life Blur

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Jamie Nacht Farrell: Thanks! If only I was disciplined enough to always stick to it ( ; Maybe I could make that a 'goal' as well!
67 weeks ago

Ryan Paugh: Elisa, you make a good point. When I used to work in the office I took 5+ coffee breaks and spent a good 15 bones a day at the local cafe. At ...MoreElisa, you make a good point. When I used to work in the office I took 5+ coffee breaks and spent a good 15 bones a day at the local cafe. At least I'm saving some dough!

Leslie, it's times like this that make me miss my lab (http://bit.ly/8fsTm1). Unfortunately, I had to find him a new home when my office hours become too insane. Bummer :(
67 weeks ago

Elisa Doucette Does anyone have clients sign contracts using an online site or program? Who do you use? I hate snail mail and scanning...

78 weeks ago from Professional Writers and Editors, Freelancing, Slash Jobs and PR & New Media 2 more

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Allie Osmar: I swear by EchoSign.
78 weeks ago

Susan Johnston: I usually sign, scan, and send as a PDF. However, I've had clients who asked me to sign via EchoSign and that's worked well, too.
78 weeks ago

Elisa Doucette joined the groups PR & New Media and Freelancing

78 weeks ago

Elisa Doucette Sex and the City re-runs and working on a post for @maineobserver...it's a good night! #goingtolovenoslashjobs #brazen

79 weeks ago from

Elisa Doucette Weird...I've gotten a few responses recently to an older post but the link to read seems to be obsolete? http://ex.brazencareerist.com/?url=tag%3Ablogger.com%2C1999%3Ablog-24089...

82 weeks ago from Brazen Community Feedback

Ryan Healy: Hi Elisa, that's very strange. The dev guys are looking into it, it shouldn't be an issue anymore, please let me know if this continues to happen!
82 weeks ago

Elisa Doucette Son of a....work computer won't allow Guy Kawasaki webinar to load. I *really* wanted to participate too. Shoot. #Brazen

82 weeks ago from

Ryan Paugh: We always have this problem when we do webinars for larger companies. It's usually because of out of date browsers or firewalls. I'm sorry ...MoreWe always have this problem when we do webinars for larger companies. It's usually because of out of date browsers or firewalls. I'm sorry Elisa! We'll send you all an email with the recording next week.
82 weeks ago

Elisa Doucette: Oh good! Thanks Ryan :)
82 weeks ago

Elisa Doucette Any #NewYork/ #NYC folks have graphic/packaging dsgn job leads? My HS friend @ethangreen20 has great portfolio http://bit.ly/cdoMHZ #brazen

82 weeks ago from

Ryan Paugh Would you take a salary cut for a more fulfilling job than you have right now? How much does salary impact your career transition decisions?

92 weeks ago from Personal Finance and Salary - Negotiating & More

Sadya Siddiqui and Kenji Crosland recommended this

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Sean Masters: I took a 30% pay cut between my previous job and my current one; go economic crash of '08! Definitely opened my eyes not only on my career but on ...MoreI took a 30% pay cut between my previous job and my current one; go economic crash of '08! Definitely opened my eyes not only on my career but on the overall career development space, massive shifts in the IT industry, etc. As for fulfillment itself, I have typically chased the more fulfilling job over the higher-paying one, but only to a point! When it comes down to weighing multiple offers against each other, eventually salary differences will potential job fulfillment for me.
91 weeks ago

Paula Duarte: It's a risk. I've done it twice. Once it worked out great, and got me on my current career track. The other time it was a dead end, so I left ...MoreIt's a risk. I've done it twice. Once it worked out great, and got me on my current career track. The other time it was a dead end, so I left quickly but managed to swing getting the business head as my top job reference. Now that I have kids I'm not so adventurous, but also feel like I'm in a good place in my career, so not feeling the need to take the risk anyway.
91 weeks ago

Rebecca Thorman Okay guys, let's read Making Ideas Happen as a group (thanks for the push, Cameron!) - let's plan to discuss it in four weeks, Thursday, May 27th here in this network. I think it's going to be a good one! I recently talked with the author Scott Belsky, so I'll get back in touch and ask if he can join us (cross your fingers :). Here's the link to buy the book on Amazon - http://amzn.to/dtFf7S

93 weeks ago from Brazen Reads - Virtual Book Club

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Cameron Plommer: Jen: I like the idea and would be pumped to do the discussion on my blog, if that's cool with people (I don't know about the details though). ...MoreJen: I like the idea and would be pumped to do the discussion on my blog, if that's cool with people (I don't know about the details though). Otherwise Doing it here is fine with me.
92 weeks ago

JenG: Sounds good to me, Cam. I think what would be nice is if we all had discussions going, disecting the book from different angles and perspectives ...MoreSounds good to me, Cam. I think what would be nice is if we all had discussions going, disecting the book from different angles and perspectives on each of our blogs. It would be really fun. Kindof a whole new take on the blog carnival idea.
92 weeks ago

Elisa Doucette Is there a way to link back to a discussion on Brazen? I'm guessing it was someone's top idea? If there isn't, that would be a pretty great feature so that I could pingback to the original discussions for blog posts.

94 weeks ago from Brazen Community Feedback

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Elisa Doucette: Ah, I turned off my email notifications. I was hoping to link back to a comment Dan Schwabel made that I replied to.

Otherwise that hack is ...MoreAh, I turned off my email notifications. I was hoping to link back to a comment Dan Schwabel made that I replied to.

Otherwise that hack is brilliant! :)
94 weeks ago

Ryan Paugh: @paulmacp: That's how I get the links, too. But there's gotta be a better way. I'll mention it to the dev guys and see what we can do.

@Elisa: ...More@paulmacp: That's how I get the links, too. But there's gotta be a better way. I'll mention it to the dev guys and see what we can do.

@Elisa: Direct me to the conversation you wanted a link to and I'll send you one. I have a way to access the URLs through our database.
93 weeks ago

Dan Schawbel It's getting harder to tell people to start a blog and that it will lead to riches and fame.....what do you think?

94 weeks ago

Elisa Doucette: I don't know whether to agree or disagree because I don't think a blog automatically leads to riches and fame. And I'd say the reason it's ...MoreI don't know whether to agree or disagree because I don't think a blog automatically leads to riches and fame. And I'd say the reason it's getting harder is because the medium is saturated with mediocrity and people thinking it is a fast way to riches and fame but aren't very good at it.
94 weeks ago

Rebecca Thorman So, what do you all think about the the new "Like" vs "Fan" on Facebook? Are you planning on changing your language on your site and in emails ("Like us on Facebook" from "Fan us on Facebook") Facebook says they hope the action will feel much more lightweight, and that it will increase the number of connections made across the site. Will it make a difference? Will it depend on the brand?

94 weeks ago from Marketing Psychology, New Media Marketing, Social Media Marketers, Social Media and Social Pollination 3 more

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Jenn Pedde: I miss the distinction between fan and like. I also don't like that facebook will now share everything me and my friends do. I've turned the ...MoreI miss the distinction between fan and like. I also don't like that facebook will now share everything me and my friends do. I've turned the feature off. I'm all for a social web and world, but too many people make decisions and judgments and facebook WAS the only place I felt I could be my stupid whacky self, and not the professional version of myself.
93 weeks ago

Gen Y Guru: Hey Rebecca,

If facebook will be doing this all over the web, then they will know exactly the types of things you look at, and "like" great from ...MoreHey Rebecca,

If facebook will be doing this all over the web, then they will know exactly the types of things you look at, and "like" great from a business perspective, scary from a life standpoint. So, I "dislike" that they will have these new "likes" because I know I will start liking everything!
93 weeks ago

Brice Why do people ask you questions thinking you will give them a magical life changing answer?

96 weeks ago from Ask Penelope Trunk!

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Brice: @Penelope I guess that is what surprised me after scrolling through the network, I was hoping to see some good questions / answers that you had ...More@Penelope I guess that is what surprised me after scrolling through the network, I was hoping to see some good questions / answers that you had not addressed on your blog.
95 weeks ago

Delta Waters: Brice...wow. Penelope...thank you. Your time is valuable and I really appreciate you offering to be a mentor here on BC. You are a great combo ...MoreBrice...wow. Penelope...thank you. Your time is valuable and I really appreciate you offering to be a mentor here on BC. You are a great combo of head and heart.
95 weeks ago

Elisa Doucette Interesting featured post on Brazen: http://www.brazencareerist.com/2009/12/21/us-vs-them

111 weeks ago from XY Cusp

Amy Chiang recommended this

Mike Ambassador Bruny: Elisa, Interesting indeed. I went to a meeting not to long ago called, "The Greatest Minds" in Boston. They broke us out into generations (I ...MoreElisa, Interesting indeed. I went to a meeting not to long ago called, "The Greatest Minds" in Boston. They broke us out into generations (I fell in the Gen X) and it was interesting to see the range in age that encompassed Gen X. It was an eye opener for me. I decided not to be classified any longer. Let's get after it, no matter what "Gen" we are supposed to be.

Your Ambassador,
Bruny
www.hiphopaffirmations.wordpress.com
108 weeks ago

Elisa Doucette What are all your XY Cusp folks up to this holiday season? I know for me, in the past couple years I've been getting very Gen Xey (Down with the man!) about the commercialization of the holiday season. Do a lot of donations in honor of families and friends instead. How about you?

112 weeks ago from XY Cusp

JR Moreau: That's great Elisa! I'm not a huge fan of mass-consumerism myself either.
112 weeks ago

: I think that Christmas is way too commercial. But I enjoy the holiday as long as I get my shopping done. But yes there is nothing commercial about ...MoreI think that Christmas is way too commercial. But I enjoy the holiday as long as I get my shopping done. But yes there is nothing commercial about willing to give and care to anyone over the holidays.
112 weeks ago

Elisa Doucette How many of you are community managers for a company/organization? The biggest challenge I have with the client I work with as their social media manager is having to explain again and again the details of SM and the fact that a Twitter stream or Facebook cause isn't going to be a magic silver bullet for them. Do anyone else fact these same challenges? You were brought on board for the project but not everyone is on board with you?

112 weeks ago from Community Managers

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Boon Chew: It takes a lot of effort and know-how to manage an online presence through social network so even if they do understand what it takes to do it, ...MoreIt takes a lot of effort and know-how to manage an online presence through social network so even if they do understand what it takes to do it, they might not have the resources or other priorities may surface. Plus, the rewards aren't always obvious, guaranteed or immediate.
112 weeks ago

Ryan Paugh: Dealt with this via some of the companies we consult for. My girlfriend does social media marketing too and we talk about this all the time. What ...MoreDealt with this via some of the companies we consult for. My girlfriend does social media marketing too and we talk about this all the time. What I try to explain to companies is that they're just getting their feet wet. Twitter and Facebook streams aren't unique or cool. But it's a way for them to start understanding the opportunities that are out there.
112 weeks ago

Penelope Trunk I'm redesigning my blog -- thinking about all the stuff that should be there that isn't there. I was wondering if you have ideas. Examples: The categories I have are useless. But what would be useful to you? Or, I was thinking there should be an Asperger's discussion board, but maybe it would just be a bunch of people with no discussion skills. Hahaha. Any other thoughts? Sidenote: I notice that figuring out the content of one's blog feels a lot like figuring out who you want to be.

112 weeks ago from Ask Penelope Trunk!

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Amanda Hite: Def keep the "Popular Post" section. When I refer people to your blog I tell them to start there. I liked when you started doing polls but it ...MoreDef keep the "Popular Post" section. When I refer people to your blog I tell them to start there. I liked when you started doing polls but it seems like they are not changed often enough.
112 weeks ago

Amanda Hite: Navigation could be easier for ex: on the menu bar "is this your first time here?" It has "About this", "About BC" and "P's Guide to" if you're ...MoreNavigation could be easier for ex: on the menu bar "is this your first time here?" It has "About this", "About BC" and "P's Guide to" if you're on one of those pages you have to fish around to find your way back to the actual blog. Consider adding an option on that menu bar to the blog itself. And, after you leave the home page there is no navag back. I wanted to check out your speaking and couldn't find my way back easily once I was in.

112 weeks ago

d do something useful (engineering, where you make things - in my mind) did well my first year, got into a hard program (engineering physics - electrical with extra honors physics - lots of math) - have a daughter now - would like a job (grad school in eng doesn't necessarily bump your earnings I'm told) - found that most jobs seem to be gotten through friends / fathers who are engineers. Not antisocial, just don't have a network to get me work (family/background blue color - not professional)

112 weeks ago from Ask Penelope Trunk!

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Sarah Beckley: True and true. You should even go so far as to customize each resume to the job you are applying for by using the buzz words/duties listed phrased ...MoreTrue and true. You should even go so far as to customize each resume to the job you are applying for by using the buzz words/duties listed phrased exactly as they use them--just make sure they make sense. Have someone else read your resume for flow.
112 weeks ago

Elisa Doucette: Have you talked to Rich DeMatteo? He's on here and just finalized a masters in HR and is active in recruiting/careers. Since he's going thru a ...MoreHave you talked to Rich DeMatteo? He's on here and just finalized a masters in HR and is active in recruiting/careers. Since he's going thru a lot of "just out of grad school" similarities AND has the knowledge he might be a good connection for you...
112 weeks ago

Ryan Paugh New question for you guys: How are you planning to keep your communities engaged over the Holidays?

112 weeks ago from Community Managers

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Ryan Paugh: The Holidays are naturally a time for slowing your pace and spending more time with friends and family. It's still a great time to try to connect ...MoreThe Holidays are naturally a time for slowing your pace and spending more time with friends and family. It's still a great time to try to connect with people. I think that one thing I'm planning on doing on Brazen Careerist is reminding people that the slower pace of the Internet makes for great opportunities for networking. Once January rolls around, the pace will pick up pretty quickly.
112 weeks ago

Elisa Doucette: Since I manage the community for a non-profit foundation I am working on a fundraising type drive to encourage members of the community to make ...MoreSince I manage the community for a non-profit foundation I am working on a fundraising type drive to encourage members of the community to make donations in honor of loved ones this holiday season instead of buying into the overly commercial "gifting" that occurs.
112 weeks ago

Ryan Paugh How many of you have Facebook Fan pages for your communities? Do they help w/ engagement? We have one for Brazen Careerist, but we get more off-Brazen engagement from Twitter. Just wondering what kind of success you've all had building your communities on Facebook.

113 weeks ago from Community Managers

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Jane Friedman: Facebook has been very useful for the Writer's Digest community (for writers) - it serves as a place to aggregate our many blogs (using Networked ...MoreFacebook has been very useful for the Writer's Digest community (for writers) - it serves as a place to aggregate our many blogs (using Networked Blogs), post information related to writing/publishing, and give everyone an opportunity to discuss w/our editors the specific information that we've published. We also regularly post information about any sales/offers running (I've read trend articles w/evidence many people become Facebook/Twitter fans of brands to get special deals/offers.)
113 weeks ago

Maggie McGary: We've actually had huge success with Facebook, which was a total surprise to me. Within 3 months we had 10,000 fans! After that it slowed ...MoreWe've actually had huge success with Facebook, which was a total surprise to me. Within 3 months we had 10,000 fans! After that it slowed dramatically, but new fans join daily and it's been over a year. http://www.facebook.com/asha.org

In the association world Facebook is a good tool because it's a good way to engage younger members or future members--audiences who might never know to come to our website.
112 weeks ago

Penelope Trunk Warning. I'm about to do a very bad personal branding move. Do not try this at home.... I'm so sad today that I can't think straight. And I can't get any work done. But then I thought, well, maybe if I were chatting in my group then that would 1. distract me from being sad and 2. count as me working, since really, on some level, it is my job to be doing this group. I mean, even when we are talking about Lance's (questionable) dating tactics, it still counts as work for me. Is anyone there?

113 weeks ago from Ask Penelope Trunk!

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B Maddigan: Dear Sister Penelope,

Besides a lot of guys Are real Turds...

They feel that women are like cattle or property

and think who cares I'll just ...MoreDear Sister Penelope,

Besides a lot of guys Are real Turds...

They feel that women are like cattle or property

and think who cares I'll just get Another one

I feel that what Ruins a lot of relationships Is smothering

It's You & I, and You & I that's all

Familiarity Can/Does Breed contempt

The Best policy Is to Each have time with Your own friends

as well as with each other

Hmmm... sounds like a Plan :-)

113 weeks ago

Claire Veuthey: P- not sure you need to pick a set #of days. Take a few, then try to go in the office. If it's not working, leave. I find if work is busy it ...MoreP- not sure you need to pick a set #of days. Take a few, then try to go in the office. If it's not working, leave. I find if work is busy it distracts me (thank god), but then smthing happens &I lose my shit. Week after week, though, I stay longer, get more done, &enjoy it more. I am so thankful my workplace is flexible enough that if I leave at 2pm, no-one bats an eye.
That said: I am so sorry. Obviously this doesn't in any way make YOU a less smart, witty, fun, desireable, loveable person.
113 weeks ago

Lisa Panting Is there a profesional on this subject? I'm doing an assignment on how gen y compares with genx on using social networking tools. p.s being a cusper is great but my older brother thinks I'm so gen y but my kid sister is like,"your so gen x!"!:)

114 weeks ago from XY Cusp

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: A lot of late Xers who identify with GenY are perfect examples of being authorities in being between generations.
91 weeks ago

Bryon Ownby: While not a professional on the subject matter, I am in that category myself. Interesting to see what research you find on this!
87 weeks ago

Jung Fitzpatrick I agree that these Generation labels probably vary from country to country, and that even within a country, behavior and culture is much more strongly defined by specific demographic factors such as socioeconomic class, education level, and number of generations in country if from an ethnic/immigrant background. Labeling a particular group of people by the period in which they were born can be a useful generalization to help understand a particular generational culture in a global way.

114 weeks ago from XY Cusp

Elisa Doucette: I think upbringing in most countries is what sets the foundation for generational labels. The first 20 years of a groups' lives (including ...MoreI think upbringing in most countries is what sets the foundation for generational labels. The first 20 years of a groups' lives (including classes, education, ethnicities, etc.) and the global/local/current events bond people together with certain characteristics and beliefs.
113 weeks ago

Marisa Wikramanayake: My sister and I have struggled with the gen X/Y labels for awhile. We grew up in Sri Lanka and we grew up unlike most Sri Lankans (slightly more ...MoreMy sister and I have struggled with the gen X/Y labels for awhile. We grew up in Sri Lanka and we grew up unlike most Sri Lankans (slightly more liberal minded but not as liberal minded as typical liberal US/Aus/UK people). Plus we had a civil war going on. Plus there are a lot of cultural things like technology and social change/fads that occurred in the US or elsewhere that took longer to turn up in Sri Lanka or did not turn up at all.

So far as my sister and I are concerned - we are mutts. Even going by year of birth, the labels that are supposed to fit us don't quite fit.
95 weeks ago

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