James Thomas
Brazen careerist
Where ambitious young professionals connect and grow
Already a member?
Welcome to Brazen Careerist!
James Thomas is using Brazen Careerist to share ideas. Join now to become a member and start networking with James Thomas and other professionals just like you. Learn more.
All Activity
Pete Collins
Do you delete any of your blog posts? My blogging is quite variable in terms of quality, so should I get rid of some older ones that I don't really like, don't link to, and have hardly got any views? It would increase the average quality of my posts, but decrease the quantity. What do you do?
69 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas, Brazen Bloggers, European Bloggers and Wordpress Bloggers2 more
Mehul Kar recommended this
Page:
I think it is a good idea to go back and review your posts periodically, and update them to reflect your blog's focus. Perhaps you didn't have a ...MoreI think it is a good idea to go back and review your posts periodically, and update them to reflect your blog's focus. Perhaps you didn't have a clear goal in mind when you started blogging? Go back and re-focus those old posts, clean up the writing and add some SEO into them to bring them up to speed.
18 weeks ago
18 weeks ago
TOP IDEA:
Laura Kimball
What Can You Learn from Training to Become an Elite Athlete? - http://www.brazencareerist/2010/05/18/what-can-you-learn-from-training-t...
Laura Kimball:
@Beth, Thank you for your words and letting me inspire you! Glad to meet you as well!
@ James, There's a lot of focus that's involved with any ...More@Beth, Thank you for your words and letting me inspire you! Glad to meet you as well!
@ James, There's a lot of focus that's involved with any kind of athletic commitment. What I like best about CrossFit is being able to "check out" of my daily activities and "get out of my head." I do a lot of strategy in my career so it's nice to concentrate on something external and focus on something physical, my body. Thanks for your comment! I see you're an industrial bicycle designer, that's pretty exciting.
@Scott, CrossFit is amazing. I'd start by going here, http://www.crossfit.com/cf-info/what-crossfit.html, and hearing the official description. Then plug into YouTube and watch some videos. What I love about it is how it pushes you and your body to do things you never imagined. Part weightlifting, part gymnastics, part flexibility, part cardio--all pretty awesome. I'd love to chat about it more if you're interested!
@Emily, Thanks, Emily. Results, especially physical ones are probably the most incredible goals to achieve. I know you have a dancing background, so you can probably relate a lot this, especially when training for a performance? Thank you :)
105 weeks ago
@ James, There's a lot of focus that's involved with any ...More@Beth, Thank you for your words and letting me inspire you! Glad to meet you as well!
@ James, There's a lot of focus that's involved with any kind of athletic commitment. What I like best about CrossFit is being able to "check out" of my daily activities and "get out of my head." I do a lot of strategy in my career so it's nice to concentrate on something external and focus on something physical, my body. Thanks for your comment! I see you're an industrial bicycle designer, that's pretty exciting.
@Scott, CrossFit is amazing. I'd start by going here, http://www.crossfit.com/cf-info/what-crossfit.html, and hearing the official description. Then plug into YouTube and watch some videos. What I love about it is how it pushes you and your body to do things you never imagined. Part weightlifting, part gymnastics, part flexibility, part cardio--all pretty awesome. I'd love to chat about it more if you're interested!
@Emily, Thanks, Emily. Results, especially physical ones are probably the most incredible goals to achieve. I know you have a dancing background, so you can probably relate a lot this, especially when training for a performance? Thank you :)
105 weeks ago
Louise
I have two websites. My www.louisegriffiths.com acts as an online resume and www.loukmedia.com is my blog. The reason they were originally seperated is because I had my blog before my domain name. Now however my blog is starting to pick up more and my blog posts are getting published on sites like www.socialmediatoday.com, my concern is that I'm starting to have duplicate content. Would you merge them at the risk of losing people in the move and links elsewhere online to my blog becoming broken?
69 weeks ago from Personal Branding, Blogging Ideas, PR & New Media and Social Media2 more
Louise:
Thanks everyone!
I guess the duplicate content was more the stuff on me etc which I guess is ok - I don't duplicate posts as such. I;m going to ...MoreThanks everyone!
I guess the duplicate content was more the stuff on me etc which I guess is ok - I don't duplicate posts as such. I;m going to look into the 301 directs - thanks for the link Matthew!
68 weeks ago
I guess the duplicate content was more the stuff on me etc which I guess is ok - I don't duplicate posts as such. I;m going to ...MoreThanks everyone!
I guess the duplicate content was more the stuff on me etc which I guess is ok - I don't duplicate posts as such. I;m going to look into the 301 directs - thanks for the link Matthew!
68 weeks ago
Armin:
I have seen your webpage and your blog and they look great, good quality content and well build. Guess you missed the January PR update from ...MoreI have seen your webpage and your blog and they look great, good quality content and well build. Guess you missed the January PR update from Google, but if you follow with such good content you will be awarded with a PR gain next Googledance
68 weeks ago
68 weeks ago
Brett Kunsch
I'm in need of a better royalty-free photo database that I can search through for my blog's visuals. I'm currently using www.photoxpress.com's free version, but there just aren't enough relevant photos. I'd be willing to pay $10/month subscription, just wanted to see what others have had success with. Thanks all!!
69 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas, Wordpress Bloggers and Professional Writers and Editors1 more
Beatriz Alemar recommended this
James Thomas:
I have photos on iStock, ShutterStock, Big Stock, Dreamstime, Fotolio and other microstock sites (so I may be biased). I would check them all out ...MoreI have photos on iStock, ShutterStock, Big Stock, Dreamstime, Fotolio and other microstock sites (so I may be biased). I would check them all out if you have time. Single download prices (especially for low res web images) vary, so it is work looking around.
69 weeks ago
69 weeks ago
Brett Kunsch:
Thanks @James. Currently, I'm doing a 30-day trial with PhotoXpress.com and I've been quite happy with what they have. Nearly 10 million RF photos.
69 weeks ago
69 weeks ago
Dana Leavy
I attended a marketing seminar for freelancers and small business owners last week, and the speaker reference social media as a marketing channel 'whose effectiveness as a sales producer really hasn't been proven yet." How much business do you really get from social media and online networking?
Thanks!
Dana Leavy
www.aspyresolutions.com
Kim Luu:
I think that it depends on the industry and products that is being sold or provided. I get zero business from social media and online networking ...MoreI think that it depends on the industry and products that is being sold or provided. I get zero business from social media and online networking and I don't aim for any (industry regulations). Frankly, any heavy lifting that I need for my business is all done via the phone - personal connections and referrals.
However, my marketing manager has managed online presence for multiple companies and his efforts brings in up to $50 million in revenue a year for one company.
Social media is simply a business/advertising channel. It does not work for everyone. It's all about techniques, execution and relevance.
69 weeks ago
However, my marketing manager has managed online presence for multiple companies and his efforts brings in up to $50 million in revenue a year for one company.
Social media is simply a business/advertising channel. It does not work for everyone. It's all about techniques, execution and relevance.
69 weeks ago
James Thomas:
I agree with Kim that it really depends on the business. I know that Facebook and Twitter drive significant traffic to my blog, which translates ...MoreI agree with Kim that it really depends on the business. I know that Facebook and Twitter drive significant traffic to my blog, which translates into more advertising dollars. Traffic is key with an ad based site, but for a more traditional business model, the benefits of social media are harder to measure. I still think it is a valuable advertising tool for any small business though. Like anything else, the results are a factor of what you put into it.
69 weeks ago
69 weeks ago
TOP IDEA:
Kiyomi
Even though I've been blogging, the feed disconnected somehow and it doesn't show up here every time I post a new entry. :P
James Thomas:
I have noticed changes with the way blog feeds are handled here lately too. I am not sure where you even enter an RSS feed into a Brazen profile ...MoreI have noticed changes with the way blog feeds are handled here lately too. I am not sure where you even enter an RSS feed into a Brazen profile anymore.
69 weeks ago
69 weeks ago
Aurian Campbell:
I've noticed this happening, too. This might be something to post in the Brazen Community Feedback group (MoreI've noticed this happening, too. This might be something to post in the Brazen Community Feedback group (http://www.brazencareerist.com/network/brazen-community-feedback), Kiyomi.
69 weeks ago
69 weeks ago
TOP IDEA:
James Thomas
Hopefully you have signed the People for Bikes pledge (http://www.peopleforbikes.org). The next step is to send a short email to your Representative asking him of her to support ongoing funding for bike projects and programs such as Safe Routes to School. People for Bikes makes it easy to do...more here:
http://www.peopleforbikes.org/page/speakout/takeastand
70 weeks ago from Alternative Transportation and Bicycles + Fashion
Bradley Bravard:
This is very timely. Here in the Tampa Bay Area, roads are very dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists alike. I speak up often for safer roads ...MoreThis is very timely. Here in the Tampa Bay Area, roads are very dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists alike. I speak up often for safer roads and always appreciate others doing the same. If you're not already familiar with Alan Snel's road-sharing efforts, his blog is here: http://alansnel.blogspot.com/
69 weeks ago
69 weeks ago
James Thomas:
Thanks for the link, Scott. I was not familiar with Alan's blog, but I just added it to my feed reader. Looks like great advocacy focused content.
69 weeks ago
69 weeks ago
James Thomas
I recently resurrected my Bike Greenville blog (http://bikegreenville.blogspot.com), which had been sitting idle for a couple years. It is focused on bicycle transportation and advocacy issues, mainly in the local area, but much of the content will be of interest to anyone who promotes alternative transportation.
James Thomas
I rode on a fast express train in China a couple of weeks ago, but it was nothing compared to the new 300 mph passenger train between Beijing and Shanghai that is making news today (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101203/ap_on_hi_te/as_china_high_speed_rail). Let's hope this story generates some interest in high speed rail here in the US. We really need it going forward.
TOP IDEA:
Annabel Candy
Like Rebecca I'm also REALLY excited. I've launched an ebook and audiobook called Successful Blogging in 12 Simple Steps to help people get results from their blogs at Successful Blogging.com http://successfulblogging.com/
James Thomas recommended this
James Thomas
joined the groups Personal Branding, Green Design Furniture and DIY Designers & Upcyclers1 more
82 weeks ago
Mark W.
Bicycling is easily my favorite exercise as well as a greatly enjoyable and rewarding experience. People for Bikes ( http://spedr.com/5gdin ) is trying to improve the future of bicycling. One of their goals is to gather a million names of support to speak as one voice to make bicycling safer, more convenient and appealing for everyone. I gave them my support and hope they succeed. They came out with a short video that I think is really great and well worth viewing - http://spedr.com/2t7la .
88 weeks ago from Fit Freaks
James Thomas recommended this
James Thomas:
I gave them my support as well. It is a great initiative...and I really appreciate the fact that they have a link to my blog on their blog page- ...MoreI gave them my support as well. It is a great initiative...and I really appreciate the fact that they have a link to my blog on their blog page- http://www.peopleforbikes.org/blog
82 weeks ago
82 weeks ago
James Thomas
The Pedal Savvy bike fashion show (http://pedalsavvy.com/) is coming up soon as part of the SF Bike Expo. It sounds like fun. Are any of you west coasters planning to attend?
James Thomas
Does anyone have an online photo portfolio that they wish to share?
Some of my best bicycle racing photos can be found at http://www.photoshelter.com/gallery-slideshow/G0000D8bb_dJ5hD0/
103 weeks ago from Photography
Profusionz:
james, some excellent panning shots you got there. Great stuff. Do you primarily shoot bicycle races?
elizabeth, love the shot of the silhouette ...Morejames, some excellent panning shots you got there. Great stuff. Do you primarily shoot bicycle races?
elizabeth, love the shot of the silhouette of the rack of shoes.
marisa, couldn't find your photos
kat, your website didn't load.
My photo site: http://www.edamostudios.com
86 weeks ago
elizabeth, love the shot of the silhouette ...Morejames, some excellent panning shots you got there. Great stuff. Do you primarily shoot bicycle races?
elizabeth, love the shot of the silhouette of the rack of shoes.
marisa, couldn't find your photos
kat, your website didn't load.
My photo site: http://www.edamostudios.com
86 weeks ago
James Thomas:
Thanks Profusionz, I enjoyed seeing the the photos on your site too. Yes, I mainly shoot bike races, but I do some nature photography as well. It ...MoreThanks Profusionz, I enjoyed seeing the the photos on your site too. Yes, I mainly shoot bike races, but I do some nature photography as well. It is mainly just something I do for fun.
86 weeks ago
86 weeks ago
Will Marlow
I assume that it's bad form to "Recommend" your own blog posts on Brazen. Thoughts?
Melissa Breau:
I haven't recommended my own posts, but sometimes I'll post a link in a specific group that I think might be particularly interested in its ...MoreI haven't recommended my own posts, but sometimes I'll post a link in a specific group that I think might be particularly interested in its content, along with a few sentences to hook their interest (and typically a question). I love the discussion that results in the group and sometimes it leads to the creation of a second blog post on the topic.
88 weeks ago
88 weeks ago
Katie Weilbacher:
Well, you're can "Like" yourself on Facebook, I don't see why you couldn't "recommend" yourself here. (But please use both sparingly so it doesn't ...MoreWell, you're can "Like" yourself on Facebook, I don't see why you couldn't "recommend" yourself here. (But please use both sparingly so it doesn't smack of desperation!). If your post/idea gets the right visibility by submitting it to the appropriate network or targeted audience, then recommending it yourself shouldn't need to be a norm.
88 weeks ago
88 weeks ago
Ryan Paugh
Lately I've been thinking about riding my bike to work. I found a great trail that would take me right into downtown Madison and would only take me about 45 minutes. I'd love to start every day off with a nice bike ride. The only thing that I don't think I would like is working in sweaty clothes all day. Do you blend exercise into your workday? Any tips for me?
99 weeks ago from Alternative Transportation, Bicycles + Fashion and Fit Freaks1 more
James Thomas:
This is an old post, but I'll chime in. I ride to work about 3 days a week on average. My commute is only about 7 miles, so sometimes I take a ...MoreThis is an old post, but I'll chime in. I ride to work about 3 days a week on average. My commute is only about 7 miles, so sometimes I take a longer route home to get a little more exercise in the afternoon. I keep shoes and belts in a drawer at my office, so I don't need to carry those heavy items every time I ride in (I also keep extra socks and underwear in case I forget). In the morning, I ride with just my clothes for the day and my lunch in a trunk pack on my rear rack…not a very heavy load. I am lucky to have facilities to shower and change at work, but I have worked other places where I had to just clean up in the sink. That’s doable once you get used to it.
I have been bike commuting for a long time, and I have found that the key is organization. Once it becomes a routine, it is pretty easy, but getting into the swing of it takes a little planning.
88 weeks ago
I have been bike commuting for a long time, and I have found that the key is organization. Once it becomes a routine, it is pretty easy, but getting into the swing of it takes a little planning.
88 weeks ago
Pete Collins:
Ryan, since this thread is from a while ago I hope you are now well in to your cycling regime! Saves money, allows you to exercise without taking ...MoreRyan, since this thread is from a while ago I hope you are now well in to your cycling regime! Saves money, allows you to exercise without taking a chunk out of your day, peps you up in the morning, what's not to like?
I started riding to work recently and am now fully converted!
http://petejamescollins.wordpress.com/2010/09/13/getting-rid-of-mornings/
http://petejamescollins.wordpress.com/2010/08/27/saving-money-and-riding...
As far as going home is concerned, it's an absolute pleasure to get on your bike at the end of the day, and not have to wait for a bus/train and/or get stuck in traffic. Embrace the bike and thrive my friend!
88 weeks ago
I started riding to work recently and am now fully converted!
http://petejamescollins.wordpress.com/2010/09/13/getting-rid-of-mornings/
http://petejamescollins.wordpress.com/2010/08/27/saving-money-and-riding...
As far as going home is concerned, it's an absolute pleasure to get on your bike at the end of the day, and not have to wait for a bus/train and/or get stuck in traffic. Embrace the bike and thrive my friend!
88 weeks ago
James Thomas
I got my media credentials lined up for the US Pro Cycling Championships this weekend- http://www.usacyclingchampionships.com/ . Can't wait to get out there and photograph the races again (and get some riding in as well).
88 weeks ago from Fit Freaks
Mark W.:
Thank you. You have a lot of great photos there. The high resolution and detail of the photos is also great. What camera are you using?
88 weeks ago
88 weeks ago
James Thomas:
Thanks! It is an older 6 MP Nikon D50. I am looking to get a new camera soon, but I am still making do with that one for now.
88 weeks ago
88 weeks ago
Jen Woodall
Help needed - I'm a blogger, artist, adv prof and most importanly a Mad Men junkie. So much in fact, I entered their contest. If I win, I'll have a chance to be on the show!!
What I'm hoping I can get from you guys:
1) a vote
2) more votes (you can vote daily)
3) utilizing your social networks to help me get more votes - I entered yesterday and some pple have over 300,000 votes so I need to catch up!
The link - http://madmencastingcall.amctv.com/browse/detail/MVB51G - Plz shr!
Thx! @jennyus
James Thomas
joined the group Artists as Entrepreneurs
95 weeks ago
James Thomas
Do any of you sell some of your photos on microstock sites? I have been using iStock for a while, and just started with Shutterstock and Bigstock. Just curious what others you would recommend.
95 weeks ago from Photography
James Thomas
Has anyone upgraded to Wordpress 3.0 yet? I know someone who upgraded over the weekend and ran into problems, so I plan to hold off for a little while to make sure my theme and plug-ins are compatible. Just curious to find out if others are taking the same approach.
James Thomas:
I finally upgraded to 3.0 as well with no problems at all. I really like the new cleaner dashboard interface.
98 weeks ago
98 weeks ago
James Thomas
My blog just passed the 10,000 RSS subscribers mark today. I am not really a numbers focused blogger...I would much rather work on connecting with readers who are genuinely interested in my content. That said, it is still a pretty nice milestone to pass. I can say those numbers don't matter, but I am still pretty happy to watch the blog grow.
Hannah Kane
No matter how much you try to stay positive, the job search can sometimes really get you down. When you get stuck in a rut, how do you cheer yourself up and get motivated?
100 weeks ago from Young Professional Women (YPW), Nonprofiteers, Non-Profit Management and Personal Development2 more
Danver Chandler:
I READ This little book called : "Who Moved My Cheese" (you can finish it in about an hour, and every public library is bound to carry it because ...MoreI READ This little book called : "Who Moved My Cheese" (you can finish it in about an hour, and every public library is bound to carry it because it was a best seller--it's about two humans and two mice and they're in a maze...someone moved their "cheese"! It made me feel a billion times better...
100 weeks ago
100 weeks ago
Christina:
I meet with people that I admire. sometimes they see things you don't and can put things in perspective
100 weeks ago
100 weeks ago
Miri McDonald
Today marks my 2 month anniversary blogging on mirimcdonald.com. I'm curious, what do people think is expected in terms of blogging regularity? I've been doing 1x a week. Too infrequent? Opinions. I'd also welcome any feedback on my blog voice/topics, etc.
Ryan Healy recommended this
Paul Balcerak:
@Miri- I second Tim's point—I think quality and consistency are the two most important aspects of blogging. I've built up an expectation of one ...More@Miri- I second Tim's point—I think quality and consistency are the two most important aspects of blogging. I've built up an expectation of one post per day, so when I miss a day...that sucks. But if you're posting once a week, as long as you don't miss a week, I think you can do just fine.
102 weeks ago
102 weeks ago
James Thomas:
Many of the blogs that post very frequently are just putting out short snippets of content (the written equivalent of soundbites).If you are ...MoreMany of the blogs that post very frequently are just putting out short snippets of content (the written equivalent of soundbites).If you are writing longer, well thought posts, I think once or twice a week is quite enough.
I have been blogging for years and have built a pretty good following averaging just two posts a week. As others have stated, it really all depends on your content and the target audience you wish to reach.
101 weeks ago
I have been blogging for years and have built a pretty good following averaging just two posts a week. As others have stated, it really all depends on your content and the target audience you wish to reach.
101 weeks ago
Private Message
Facebook
LinkedIn
Following (76)
