Where ambitious young professionals connect and grow

Isao Kato
Taipei, Japan
Technical Writing Manager, Infortrend
Information Technology
Fans (67)
Groups (29)

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Seth Martin So, I just finished putting together my website: http://sethmartin.net Critiques? My Resume is also up on my website at: http://sethmartin.net/my-resume

98 weeks ago from Resume Feedback

Sahar: I do believe that this certain blog was ever most useful in my adventures of blogging. Ever more I think everyone should know and learn the ...MoreI do believe that this certain blog was ever most useful in my adventures of blogging. Ever more I think everyone should know and learn the information posted.I enjoy reading a post that will make people think.http://caraurutzakar.blogspot.com
4 weeks ago
Nicole Bienfang: Site didn't load for me...hmmm
3 weeks ago
 
Faith C Hey folks, anyone here in Career Changers transitioned onto a completely new plane (different from what you were trained in), or moved on to different paths in the same field? Please share on your challenges, motivations, and thoughts. Thanks!

94 weeks ago from Career Changers

JenG: I'm in the midst of changing from biochemistry to (mostly) full-time writer/blogger. The hardest part for me is letting go of my old identity, ...MoreI'm in the midst of changing from biochemistry to (mostly) full-time writer/blogger. The hardest part for me is letting go of my old identity, even though I'm incredibly excited about the future. It's hard to say no to projects you know you'd be good at, even if they are no longer the right fit for you.
93 weeks ago
amanda cabrera: I'm a licensed RDA and have been in the dental field for about 6 years. I decided to go back to school and finish my bachelor's degree in ...More I'm a licensed RDA and have been in the dental field for about 6 years. I decided to go back to school and finish my bachelor's degree in Communications to get a career in recruitment. Talk about a switch!
However, I am ready for the drastic change to take flight. I have friends and family supporting my decision to take on a new venture.
The challenge is probably the most attractive attribute to my switching careers. I have been feeling stagnate at my place of work. Being the social person that I am, I feel this will be better suited for me, and has more room for growth.

Best advice I can give someone in a career change, is that you never know until you try. You live once, so take on what it is you dream of doing. No regrets! Work hard! You can achieve happiness at a work place if you follow your desires.

-AC

93 weeks ago
 
Ryan Healy A friend of mine is in the final round of an interview for a very high level position at a great organization. The org asked him to present a plan for what he would do in the first 6 months after he gets the job. How would you attack this request? A. Research the org, put together a plan based on what you find and present it B. Tell the org that your job is to listen and learn for 6 months, then you will prepare a plan C. Something else Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

91 weeks ago from Personal Branding, Personal Development and Entrepreneurs1 more

Dan Schawbel: It's hard not to go with "A"
89 weeks ago
Robin Mills: One thing I just thought of - since he's in the final stages of the interview process, it should be fairly easy for him to come up with a plan for ...MoreOne thing I just thought of - since he's in the final stages of the interview process, it should be fairly easy for him to come up with a plan for the 1st 6 months as he should know what the company is looking for and where their strengths and weaknesses are - he should be able to not only put the plan together but also be sure to weave his skill set throughout if and when he's asked to talk about it.
89 weeks ago
 
Mehul Kar I'm edging closer and closer to disabling comments on my blog. I'll share my reasons later, but wanted to get your thoughts first.

92 weeks ago from Brazen Bloggers

Mehul Kar: I just disabled comments :)
92 weeks ago
Lil Crawford: hoorah!
92 weeks ago
 
Penelope Trunk I have been seeing lots of press recently about how job hoppers are bad. Mostly, I think these people are delusional because everyone is job hopping so it's a moot point whether it is good or bad. (But also, i really think it's good for everyone.) That said, I wonder, what tactics do you guys use when an employer challenges the number of jobs you've had? What works?

93 weeks ago from Ask Penelope Trunk!

Dr. Paul D. Giammalvo: Nicely stated, Raven!!!

All comes back to creating and maintaining that "Brand You" image....

BR,
Dr. PDG, Jakarta, Indonesia
More
Nicely stated, Raven!!!

All comes back to creating and maintaining that "Brand You" image....

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

92 weeks ago
Maura V. Pingor: I find myself having to coach Hiring Managers around the skills of the candidate X the job history. I will always speak with a candidate when job ...MoreI find myself having to coach Hiring Managers around the skills of the candidate X the job history. I will always speak with a candidate when job hoping is the only feedback the HM gives me. It has helped showing them that there is more beyond dates of employment!
92 weeks ago
 
Meghan Skiff I think the worst thing that you can do when you don't know how to do something is to opt out entirely. This is what I've done with the "about me" section of pretty much every social profile I have. Any tips on getting this populated?

93 weeks ago from Personal Branding

Patrick Pho: To make it easier on my I figured out the About Me section of my blog and adapted it for all my other social media profiles so I had a cohesive ...MoreTo make it easier on my I figured out the About Me section of my blog and adapted it for all my other social media profiles so I had a cohesive message wherever you found me.
92 weeks ago
Meghan Skiff: @Isao I like the idea of a one-liner...it gets straight to the point and I'm definitely interested in consistency.

@Martha You speak my language! ...More
@Isao I like the idea of a one-liner...it gets straight to the point and I'm definitely interested in consistency.

@Martha You speak my language! I love the outfit/accessory analogy!

Thanks so everyone for your tips on this...I'll be working on this with all of your advice in hand! :)

92 weeks ago
 
Stacyann Forrester Does anyone out there have any tips on keeping a post simple while maintaining the integrity of the topic? Especially when your blogging about industry specific topics that require previous research.

93 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas

: Another big thing is to look into news-writing techniques. It's good to keep things succinct as a news writer, so their tips might help you shape ...MoreAnother big thing is to look into news-writing techniques. It's good to keep things succinct as a news writer, so their tips might help you shape things up and keep things more concise.
92 weeks ago
Wanda: I actually really liked your "meaty" posts because they contained good info and pose thought-provoking questions. I guess as a practical matter ...MoreI actually really liked your "meaty" posts because they contained good info and pose thought-provoking questions. I guess as a practical matter each blogger may have a preferred style of posting although just naturally some posts may lend themselves to a short summary and links while others may tend to be longer.

Also, as others have suggested, it may be a good idea to have an article section that site visitors can access which contains some of your pillar posts like the one where you have the charts displaying the differences in the agency definitions of developed countries vs developing or emerging economies.

92 weeks ago
 
Jennifer Koren Was wondering what everyone's first Blog was about and how they decided to start with that specific topic?

94 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas

Bradley Bravard: My first and current blog is about place, a deliberately broad topic that covers community, business, transit, city planning, etc. I may become ...MoreMy first and current blog is about place, a deliberately broad topic that covers community, business, transit, city planning, etc. I may become more focused over time but right now I'm in learning mode and the blog helps motivate me.
94 weeks ago
Jennifer Koren: Thanks everyone. I decided to put my first post out there and give it a go. I am along the same lines as most of you where I am just going to ...MoreThanks everyone. I decided to put my first post out there and give it a go. I am along the same lines as most of you where I am just going to write about things that come to my mind on a daily basis. I feel like the more I read other peoples blogs and participate in these conversations the more ideas come to me throughout the day as far as what would be good things to blog about that people would be able to relate to. Thanks again for all your feedback!
93 weeks ago
 
Brigid Slipka What days and what time of day do you post to your blog? How did you decide?

94 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas and Wordpress Bloggers

Isao Kato: I post my main blog entries at 7-8pm EST, which is 7-8am in Asia where I live. I think it is a compromise to reach both worlds. If I live in the ...MoreI post my main blog entries at 7-8pm EST, which is 7-8am in Asia where I live. I think it is a compromise to reach both worlds. If I live in the USA I might pick 12:00pm or something as Scott mentioned.

I have heard office hours are the best time of the day to attract blog readers, believe it or not...

94 weeks ago
Melanie McGrath: I tend to post at any time that it strikes me. It always seems though that I do it late at night, or very early in the morning.
94 weeks ago
 
Michael Felberbaum Do you think it's important to have a career destination, or is the path good enough?

94 weeks ago from Career Changers

JenG: @Tina: unfortunately, it was a class to help people transitioning out of the military. So unless you happen to be the military, it's not ...More@Tina: unfortunately, it was a class to help people transitioning out of the military. So unless you happen to be the military, it's not available. However, I'd be happy to synthesize some of my lessons learned, maybe even as a blog post. I'll let you know when it's up.
94 weeks ago
paulmacp: I don't have a career goal, I have a life goal...” to help as many people as I can accomplish what is important to them”.

I maybe a DBA by trade ...More
I don't have a career goal, I have a life goal...” to help as many people as I can accomplish what is important to them”.

I maybe a DBA by trade and IT person for my job. But when people ask me what I do for a living, my response is: “I help people better utilize technology and thus helping them improve the quality of their lives”.

Where am I going with this comment of mine... Have life goals, that your career is in alignment with. If your career is not in alignment with your life, you will never be really good at your job anyway. When your whole life (work, friends, family, hobbies) are in sync and moving in one unified direction, that is when you do extraordinary work and have a profoundly positive effect on the world around you.

94 weeks ago
 
Rebecca Thorman I work for a start-up where the dress code is very casual. I'm usually the most dressed up, just because I like to. I'm wondering, how does personal appearance change the way you think about someone? If someone is wearing a suit and a tie is that better than jeans? Does it affect your brand?

95 weeks ago from Personal Branding

Stephanie: It seems that it all depends on the setting and the people you're with, but just a reminder: it's easier to dress up nicely, then dress "down," ...MoreIt seems that it all depends on the setting and the people you're with, but just a reminder: it's easier to dress up nicely, then dress "down," than to dress casually, then try to dress "up"

For instance, if you wear a pant suit and nice blouse and then realize your clients are more casual, you can always take off your suit jacket to become more casual. On the flip side, it's harder to dress "up" a polo shirt and jeans if you find out your clients are more traditional.

95 weeks ago
: Agree 100%
95 weeks ago
 
John Mattucci Right now I am having to deal with a boss with obvious mental issues. It's with a small company, and he is the sole proprietor. On top of his OCD and Bi-Polar issues I've had to deal with, he has a domination/power complex over employees (I find most sole proprietors business owners have). How do I navigate his metal problems so that I don't get fired for walking in on the wrong foot? Is playing his game the best way to go? He probably does not control over his mental issues. Same boat anyone?

95 weeks ago from Ask Penelope Trunk!

Delta Waters: mental illness is not a personal thing, as isao says...you are in a pickle...LE makes a good point. what is your return on your investment (of ...Moremental illness is not a personal thing, as isao says...you are in a pickle...LE makes a good point. what is your return on your investment (of time and energy)? if he isn't on regular meds and getting therapy, i'd say get a resume together.
95 weeks ago
Diahann Boock: John, I want to acknowledge your tough position. It is an energy drain, to say the least. While I've never worked under your exact circumstances, ...MoreJohn, I want to acknowledge your tough position. It is an energy drain, to say the least. While I've never worked under your exact circumstances, I have some general thoughts based on previous experience.

1) Make a simple pro-con list about your role AND the company. Are you there because you LOVE your job AND the company? Is the job just okay, but the product the company creates saves lives? The first step is to clearly understand why you are working there. If it is solely for a paycheck (you will not get unemployment if you quit), start looking for a new job now!

2) Don't commiserate with your co-workers on the situation. While they may be the only ones who truly understand your situation, it exacerbates the work conditions. The old saying is true, misery loves company.

3) The only thing you can control is your reaction. Sometimes we become mirrors to others. For example, if someone approaches you with a smile and compliment, you will respond in the same manner. While an approach of accusation may cause a response of rebuttal or defense - usually in a louder tone. Sometimes those who are in a position of power, like to show it by belittling those around them. Control your response and don't engage at same level. The technique Elizabeth suggested is perfect -- remember to keep your tone and body-language in check. It's not just what you say, but how you say it!

Good luck! Keep us posted.

95 weeks ago
 
Anesha Choice Hello everyone please check out my resume and give feedback. I really want to relocate. I would like to find a position in styling, merchandising or public relations. Please let me know if I need to change anything. Thank you in advance https://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AREVSyy5m9jmZGZkeGJidm1fMGdnZ2pqZGRj&...

95 weeks ago from Resume Feedback

Isao Kato: 1. Open your resume in Google Doc.
2. At the top right corner you can see the "Share" menu. Click it and you'll see several menu items.
3. Click ...More
1. Open your resume in Google Doc.
2. At the top right corner you can see the "Share" menu. Click it and you'll see several menu items.
3. Click "Invite people..."
4. Go to the "People with access" tab.
5. Click the "Change" link at the bottom.
6. Select "Let people view without signing in."

95 weeks ago
Anesha Choice: Thank you. I have switched the settings.
95 weeks ago
 
Alison Rayner Hi everyone! I've done some very different things with my resume compared to past ones, including format, colour, and content. Could I get some feedback on how it looks? Would I be considered for a client-based marketing/event planning position with it? Thanks!! https://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B_5_5LnFYfX-YjgyMmNhOWItYTIxMi00MDk...

95 weeks ago from Resume Feedback

Alison Rayner: Thanks so much for the suggestions!
@Isao Kato: Do you think "Client Manager" would be a good fit instead of Client Relations?
Thanks for ...More
Thanks so much for the suggestions!
@Isao Kato: Do you think "Client Manager" would be a good fit instead of Client Relations?
Thanks for pointing out the bit under Glenmore Sailboats. I will turn it into a story. I was afraid that the short time frame would suggest I was unstable.
I will come up with some measureable achievements for all the sections.

@Kent: I totally understand what you mean about the implied first-person now. I will make changes.
Good point with the colour. People who know me love it and say it's bang on my personality, but people who don't know me & don't like pink might toss it.
I liked the idea of giving potential employeers some insight into what I completed for major projects that they can pick out & identify with. Perhaps I will reconsider the formatting for that section. For jobs I'm applying for these days my television education is mostly irrelevant, but it's a good conversation starter because most viewers love to get inside information about their favourite anchors like if they're nice or not.
What about if I divided education into 2 parts: part 1 = diploma names & years, with part 2 covering measureable achievements?

95 weeks ago
Delta Waters: alison, client relations is just fine. i would use "resume speak" in all sections i.e."I take initiative to ensure my client..." would become ...Morealison, client relations is just fine. i would use "resume speak" in all sections i.e."I take initiative to ensure my client..." would become "Targeted initiatives to ensure clients..." This tone is more in line with resumes. I agree with Kent that you should tighten up your education section as it seems you have not just recently graduated. I would place that section second to last. And, as i always suggest, you must have results-oriented info. i.e. you sold kayaks...what was the result? increased sales by how much? managed inventory... what was the net worth of this inventory? did you impact sales? impact organization for Glenmore? planned all meetings and social gatherings...how many? what went into your planning organizing? i'm sure you see where i'm going with this. i personally like the judicious use of color. good luck!

95 weeks ago
 
Cameron Plommer Bloggers: how do you balance between writing for your own blog, and reading other blogs? To be a serious blogger should you be more extreme in the producing side and not balance the two? DO you find yourself reading too much and neglecting your own blog? Here's another thought: is blogging a zero sum game? As in, is there a fixed number of blog readers and not everyone can have a blog with even a 100 subscribers or a consistent audience.

96 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas and Wordpress Bloggers

Jennifer Koren: From someone who is just getting started on my first blog, these are great points and a topic that I am glad that come up. I have wondered how ...MoreFrom someone who is just getting started on my first blog, these are great points and a topic that I am glad that come up. I have wondered how much reading vs. writing I should do. I have found myself absorbed in reading and commenting and in return seem to have more ideas that pop up in my head to blog about throughout the day as I am out and about. The more I read the more things in life seem to stand out to me as things that I feel I want to write about and share and get other peoples feedback on.
94 weeks ago
: much reading building rich personality within variety culture
94 weeks ago
 
Penelope Trunk Hey you guys. Did anyone listen to the webinar we did last night with PayScale? The guy from PayScale is so cool. He's a physics Phd who studies salary data. Okay. So, anyway, he said that people top out in their salary around age 38 - then their salary plateaus (if they are lucky), wherever they are. I have found this to be true. How do you think people should manage their careers given this information.

96 weeks ago from Ask Penelope Trunk!

Paula Duarte: I'm 36 with two kids (oldest is 3) and wouldn't be surprised if my salary plateaus at this point. I like my job and my company, and my salary is ...MoreI'm 36 with two kids (oldest is 3) and wouldn't be surprised if my salary plateaus at this point. I like my job and my company, and my salary is good. But once my kids are older, who knows? At least I'm well-positioned to have good option in the future.
95 weeks ago
Paula Duarte: Oh - maybe it would help to mention that my salary has jumped 30% in the past three years. For all you moms out there worried about your earning ...MoreOh - maybe it would help to mention that my salary has jumped 30% in the past three years. For all you moms out there worried about your earning potential. The salary jumps were a by-product of job-hopping. It's staying where I am -- something I plan to do for a while -- that makes me think my salary will plateau.
95 weeks ago
 
Cameron Plommer What do you think are the key elements/strategies to consistently keep an audience for a blog. For example, does the blogger's personality inside and outside of the blog's realm matter? Is consistency and time the most important factors? Is it having a specific niche? I know all of these things matter, but what is the most important? How do you create an audience outside of your online and offline friends/followers/people that write about the same topic, and get a diverse audience?

96 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas and Wordpress Bloggers

: much reading building successful writer and attractive personality, always who have scince is recepectable personality
96 weeks ago
Brice: Mmm, chili.

The most important things for me are; knowing what you are talking about (being an expert basically) and having a good voice. I ...More
Mmm, chili.

The most important things for me are; knowing what you are talking about (being an expert basically) and having a good voice. I suppose that is the reason I am here. I found Penelope's blog back in 2007 and always enjoyed her style.

95 weeks ago
 
Molly Schoemann I have become increasingly suspicious of those who say that it is entirely possible to make a living strictly from maintaining and promoting a blog. I don't see how this is possible for most. Am I a huge cynic to treat these kinds of claimants like they're snake-oil salesman? It feels like the 'get-rich-quick' pyramid scheme of the aughts. Or do I just need to BELIEVE? Is my intense skepticism self-defeating, or realistic?

96 weeks ago from Professional Writers and Editors

Therese Lee: Thanks Renee!
96 weeks ago
Isao Kato: Paul, thank you for saying it clearly and thoroughly about the reality of "living off one's blog."

I think, if we are going to rely our entire ...More
Paul, thank you for saying it clearly and thoroughly about the reality of "living off one's blog."

I think, if we are going to rely our entire income on blogging then we should call us writers instead of bloggers. If we intend to stay in the bloggerfield, then what Penelope Trunk has been doing looks like a good option to me: the blogger keeps his profession (or day job) and blog out of love, the audience read his words out of love, then the audience uses the blogger's service because they believe in him. Penelope has been working full-time and also has been writing because she loves to do so, we have been reading her stories because we love her writings, and here we are in Brazen.

I also think what Penelope has done is scalable. If you have a professional service and get one or two customers on monthly basis from your blog, isn't that enough to sustain your life?

96 weeks ago
 
Samantha J Hi all, I've been tinkering with my resume recently and now it's time to put it out there for some criticism. Comments on the 'Languages' and 'Interests' sections would be especially welcome, as I've always been unsure about the best way to integrate these areas. Thanks! https://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B1qj6ycKpQJhZDg1ZGMxY2EtMTliMS00MzE...

96 weeks ago from Resume Feedback

Delta Waters: samantha! you've got a great start...and a great background. A few suggestions: when you say "analysed detailded business processes..." we need ...Moresamantha! you've got a great start...and a great background. A few suggestions: when you say "analysed detailded business processes..." we need more info. what processes? what were the results? in other words, you solved a problem so what came of your analyses? Another place is " trained staff in biz english..." how many peeps did you train? what global project? results? so you see where i'm going with this. more specifics and more results...and i agree with you on the branding tag line. try to boil yourself down to a concentrated few words as this will set you up for success. i like the interests section with corresponding conferences. you sound like a very cool business woman. good luck with this as you tighten up your resume...you will be an asset to any company.
96 weeks ago
Samantha J: Today I'm going to take all your suggestions and run with them! Hopefully I'll emerge with a much improved CV. Thanks to all for your great ...MoreToday I'm going to take all your suggestions and run with them! Hopefully I'll emerge with a much improved CV. Thanks to all for your great comments :-)
95 weeks ago
 
Jamie Nacht Farrell Web stats show that Gen Y is flocking to Twitter and leaving FB. Avg age of FB user was 26 a year ago and is now 33. http://bit.ly/3sV4L4

96 weeks ago from Social Media

paulmacp: Although Facebook has a patent on their news feed, Facebook has yet to divulge if their patent puts Twitter on the sideline. Their patent may not, ...MoreAlthough Facebook has a patent on their news feed, Facebook has yet to divulge if their patent puts Twitter on the sideline. Their patent may not, depending on the process that was defined and the process Twitter uses for their technology. And even if Twitter is infringing, Facebook could just ask for a licensing fee, when and if Twitter ever makes money.

Funny, this patent could even affect Brazen’s feed :-o

96 weeks ago
Gen Y Guru: Tim- That's a very good point and brings me another point. My 84 year old family friend just got facebook, but barely uses it. My 11 year old ...MoreTim- That's a very good point and brings me another point. My 84 year old family friend just got facebook, but barely uses it. My 11 year old cousin also got facebook, but uses it daily and is constantly changing her status. There just seems to be so many more benefits of facebook over twitter. My prediction, in 3 years twitter will not be a communication site for checking up on friends and what they are doing, but will become a great portal for coupons, expiring deals, rapid news updates or following celebrities, which it is slowly doing already. Facebook on the other hand, will continue to add games and become more addicting than it already is-
96 weeks ago
 
Kim N. Campbell Hey guys, I've actually never gotten feedback on my resume before but it would be so helpful right now. here goes! https://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B5ZPx9A2yCjQNjMzMzYxMTQtYTNjMS00NmZ...

97 weeks ago from Resume Feedback

Isao Kato: Hi Kim, as omahonysr noted it is really a neatly designed resume. The layout says many things about the author, and the impress I get even before ...MoreHi Kim, as omahonysr noted it is really a neatly designed resume. The layout says many things about the author, and the impress I get even before reading the content is that you are an organized person with a professional attitude.

The most visibly striking part, the first three lines, is dedicated to your contact information and I think you can put something more substantial there - like a tagline - to attract potential employer (maybe that is where the tailored message for each prospective employer goes?)

Your employment history is written in an achievement-oriented style and that's terrific. Maybe you can reflect that style onto your Objective corner too.

Good luck!

96 weeks ago
Kim N. Campbell: Thanks everyone for your feedback. I submitted my application to the company I'm most interested in interning wit this summer. Let's see what ...MoreThanks everyone for your feedback. I submitted my application to the company I'm most interested in interning wit this summer. Let's see what happens :)
96 weeks ago
 
steve taite I started writing a humor / satire blog over six months ago. I do mostly original material - parodies, columns and criticism of everyday life. To my surprise I found there are very few blogs in this niche. Most humorous blogs generally supply a bunch of videos from youtube, a collection of jokes or pictures. I would be really happy to hear from anyone doing something similar or links to other blogs like mine that you've come across. My blog is The Taite Gallery at http://taitegallery.net

97 weeks ago from Creatively Inspired

steve taite: Great. keep me posted when you get it going
97 weeks ago
Molly Schoemann: I actually have a humor/satire blog (I call it 'schmatire') here: MoreI actually have a humor/satire blog (I call it 'schmatire') here: http://mollyschoemann.com . I definitely think it's hard to find blogs with that kind of sensibility to them these days for whatever reason.
96 weeks ago
 
Melissa Breau I was hoping you might be willing to help me with some market research. I'm a freelance writer, working to start my own small writing business. My target market is entrepreneurs - I love people that are passionate about what they do, and I believe that's one of the requisites for being an entrepreneur. Since that's also what all of you are, I was hoping you might take 3 mins and answer the following questions for me. There are only 6 of them, and they are multiple choice. Thanks in advance!

97 weeks ago from Creating a Life You Love

Ty Unglebower: I don't see the questions listed...
97 weeks ago
Melissa Breau: re: ty - they are in the first reply after the main thread. Unfortunately the word limit wouldn't let me include them in the main thread.
97 weeks ago
 
Ty Unglebower Do any freelancers here have any experience using Odesk.com? I am looking for more social media/internet platforms, (or whatever you would call them) that can be utilized to bring me more clients directly. It seems workable, but I'd like to hear first hand from a user, is possible.

97 weeks ago from Freelancing, Professional Writers and Editors and Copywriters1 more

Delta Waters: wow, the post by susan is a real eye-opener. has anyone had experience with demand studio? how about suite 101?
97 weeks ago
Pete Collins: Hello Ty, and everybody. I am currently dipping my toe in the freelance waters - I created profiles on elance and oDesk. I soon ditched elance ...MoreHello Ty, and everybody. I am currently dipping my toe in the freelance waters - I created profiles on elance and oDesk. I soon ditched elance because you need to pay a monthly fee to have any chance of winning work, so there is a regular outgoing even if you win no work. With oDesk, they just take a cut of your pay so you will not be out of pocket.

With regards to Susan's link - as I understand it you are allowed to delete screenshots, and also book "off line" time. You can also do jobs for a fixed fee (so no logging time required), although oDesk discourage this because they will not guarantee payment which they do for per-hour work. Besides, I would expect that any client worth working for would understand that work isn't all about typing!

I have worked for one client on oDesk (who was very savvy) and I have had no problems with it in this limited experience. I would imagine that most of the problems with a client would be fairly independent of the medium and more to do with the contractor-client relationship - so a good client on oDesk is a good client anywhere, and a bad one on oDesk a bad one anywhere.

My only warnings about oDesk are that you absolutely can't compete on price, as there are a lot of providers from developing countries; and that there are a lot of buyers who want a lot for virtually nothing. For the first issue you need to concentrate on quality, and in the second case these chancers are easy to identify and avoid. But I imagine those two things are the same on all online platforms and in the real world too!

Thanks all,
Pete

97 weeks ago
 
Racheal O. Mack Please critique my resume...

98 weeks ago from Resume Feedback

Racheal O. Mack: Have it posted at MoreHave it posted at www.rachealomack.yolasite.com

98 weeks ago
Racheal O. Mack: I agree with you Isao I will make those changes! :) thank you
98 weeks ago
Interests
Reading, Blogging, Scuba diving
Goals
  1. Provide one-stop technical writing workshop
  2. Work in 4 languages (Japanese, English, Chinese, Spanish)
Favorite Quote
http://isaokato.tumblr.com/
Specialties
• Technical Writing/Documentation • Technical Illustration/Translation • Information Design/Architecture

Groups (29)

Bosses.jpg
resume.jpg
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