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Jeffrey Hulten
Seattle, WA
Principal Consultant, Automated Labs, LLC
Information Technology
Fans (25)
Groups (23)

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Jamie Nacht Farrell I don't hate to travel, but I hate being apart from my husband. I'm unsure if its how I was raised (my parents did not travel for business and were / still are always together) or just that we've only been together for 7 years; regardless - I'm averaging traveling about 20 days out of 30 over a month time. I'm not happy about it; but at this juncture no other option. Anyone else ever feel this way? I almost beginning to resent clients that I'm traveling to; which is awful - any thoughts?

66 weeks ago from Consultants R US, Travel for Business, Entrepreneurs, Shotgun Startups and Location Independent3 more

Jamie Nacht Farrell: Apologies for taking so long to get back but I was traveling ( ; figures. To address over all first; My "home" as I consider it is in South ...MoreApologies for taking so long to get back but I was traveling ( ; figures. To address over all first; My "home" as I consider it is in South Florida - this is where we own our house. FOr the past 2 years, we've been living in Dallas. I really could care less about being tied to the community here as we are moving home over the next few months (ok, in about 6 months), but it's the 'interim' that sucks and Ihave to travel all the time. When I'm in FL, this will not happen as much, so really - all I need is to develop some patience... not my strong suit. The other side of this is that we've been spoiled; we've always worked together and thus are not only used to being together all the time at home, but at work as well; so this has been a bit more jarring. It seems that many people (I know a lot of consultants) travel from M-TH every week, but we have both made the conscious decision that we would hate that/not to do it.

@Rick - I am definitely keeping my eyes "open" for an opportunity - I actually have several of them and am acting as a COO right now for a business that is looking for me to sign on FT. That said, the job is in Chicago and I'm not willing to move there (or anywhere else but back to FL) for that matter. I've been told by several recruiters, NYU's career coach, etc. that I don't need to take a job afar because based on track record, I should be able to get whatever I want in FL; again - just no patience...and unsure I'm looking to go back to work UNLESS the "team" is the right one as I know I would be taking a large paycut going back to any company in really any role.

@Tom - you definitely dont sound like a DICK ( ; and you are 100% right on looking at different options. I've been doing so and really just need to be patient is key.

@Jen - your advice is perfect...and I'm the itiot - because I "cant say no". I guess this is one area where ambition and money is a downfall. Funny, because I thought I was at a point where I had found a solid "balance" and then BOOM - got slammed with 4 opps I couldn't say no to. What I am going to do this weekend is go through all jobs and schedule out. Good call.

@Jeff - I like the idea of the "lever", that said - unfortunately my areas of expertise are truly training and managing sales and marketing depts; I need to be there. So, while I could make the decision NOT to travel there - it would affect the company and my performance and I'm not willing to let that happen. I do like the idea though and for different types of projects, will definitely employ.

@Thelma - another great idea and we do this usually once / month. When I go to business in FL, we usually stay at the Ritz for a couple days first. In NY, we do the same. Unfortunately, I have 4 weeks of non stop right now and i like to be in Dallas on the weekends b/c I love my doggie almost as much as my husband -hahahaha.


65 weeks ago
: Have you thought about working to build a network/system that would work for you? It seems that you have a great business, but if you stop flying ...MoreHave you thought about working to build a network/system that would work for you? It seems that you have a great business, but if you stop flying around so much and in essence, "stop working", will you revenue stream still come in or would it stop? Taking the time in building such a system would allow you and your husband to enjoy life together, as it's meant to be. Don't want to sound like a salesman here, but I have such an opportunity that is extremely easy. Just takes diligence and persistence. Just something to ponder. Visit my website (http://www.blakegates.com) Or call me, 513-393-1835 if you would like more information.
65 weeks ago
 
Jamie Nacht Farrell Has Anyone else had experiences with companies / executives at companies that use "WE" instead of "I" when speaking? I contend it creates its own positive culture: The power of "WE" versus "I": http://bit.ly/cw7klf

91 weeks ago from Professional Development, Personal Development, GenYJourney: Tips, Insights, Experiences For Young Professionals, Inspiring Leadership and Consultants R US3 more

Jennifer Koren: Great Post Jamie and I 100% agree with this. It’s really interesting to see companies that don’t buy into this or don’t really see how creating a ...MoreGreat Post Jamie and I 100% agree with this. It’s really interesting to see companies that don’t buy into this or don’t really see how creating a team environment where there is only a ‘we’ instead of a bunch of ‘I’s’ is more beneficial to the succcess of the company.

The first thing that I did for the last job that I worked in is weeded out all the ‘I’s’ and focused on the people that would buy into the ‘we’. Our department became a unified team and we stood out to other areas of the company as being able to work together and produce great results. It was however, difficult to maintain this all the time since the rest of the company did not follow this guideline so we continued to hit negativity walls. But in the end, no one could argue with how our team performed together and we became a power house of knowledge and creativitiy that was able to implement lots of changes that were beneficial to the entire group.

Great post and glad to hear that there are companies out there that understand the value of creating a team environment.

91 weeks ago
Rebecca Thorman: I always try to use this language - especially with Gen Y and younger works who are extremely team-oriented (and I'm talking about myself here), ...MoreI always try to use this language - especially with Gen Y and younger works who are extremely team-oriented (and I'm talking about myself here), hearing "we" vs. "I" is super important.
91 weeks ago
 
Eleni Miltsakaki I have built a new engine that evaluates web content for schools. I have hired developers and the engine is ready. Before I go out for serious funding, though, I need to find a CEO for the start up. It's hard. I need someone who understands technology and internet but also the education/school market. Any ideas where to look?

96 weeks ago from Web Startups

Justin Goldman: Eleni, are you full time on this business? If you are, then I highly recommend focusing on the Customer Development methodology by Steve Blank. ...MoreEleni, are you full time on this business? If you are, then I highly recommend focusing on the Customer Development methodology by Steve Blank. As you'll learn, start ups don't need CEO's. Your job as the founder is strictly "search for a repeatable and scalable business model." During that search you'll likely pivot several times. Once you find it, then you can start thinking about building a team which would include a CEO. Until then, there is no CEO, just a Customer Development Team and a Product Development team..... Here is a great post by Steve on raising capital: http://steveblank.com/2009/11/05/raising-money-with-customer-development/ and here is his keynote speech at last week's start up lessons learned conference: http://www.justin.tv/startuplessonslearned/b/262670582
92 weeks ago
Eleni Miltsakaki: @Justin Goldman: Thank you for much for the pointers. Very useful advice. I know this comes late but I didn't get a notification of your post.
47 weeks ago
 
Emily Moore What do you guys think about working for start ups? Do you give discounts to low-budget projects?

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

Jeffrey Hulten: I am a little more strict. Assuming you are not discounting less than 50% I would get 50% of your NORMAL rate up front.
81 weeks ago
Sean Masters: I don't like discounting for any reason. If you really want my skills because you think I'm amazing, you can come up with the funds to back up ...MoreI don't like discounting for any reason. If you really want my skills because you think I'm amazing, you can come up with the funds to back up your opinion of me. If you can't do it with money there is always the equivalent in cash + equity. By the same token I never work for just equity, either: if you really believe in your company and in the value I can bring, you'll find a way to pay me.

I do agree on the payment plan or 50 front/50 back deal, those are perfectly acceptable options.

81 weeks ago
 
TOP IDEA: Jeffrey Hulten I know the prevailing logic is for SMART goals. Just make sure you have real vision for yourself, lest your goals be DUMB as well. (Depressing, Unmoving, Meaningless and Bland)

81 weeks ago

 
Amy Pschierer My business has grown the need for outsourcing. No employees yet. Just contracted outsourcing. I am looking for ideas, tips and tricks, the "need to do" from those who have gone this route.

92 weeks ago from Freelancing

Justin Cooke: I run a smaller outsourcing company in the Philippines that is designed to fit small/medium sized businesses at TryBPO.com. We've written a few ...MoreI run a smaller outsourcing company in the Philippines that is designed to fit small/medium sized businesses at TryBPO.com. We've written a few articles on our blog...here are a couple of tips/suggestions:
http://www.trybpo.com/3-it-outsourcing-philippines-models/
http://www.trybpo.com/4-ways-philippines-outsourcing-benefits-small-and-...
http://www.trybpo.com/it-outsourcing-philippines-8-dos-and-donts/

Additionally (self promotion here) We'd be happy to help you ourselves if your project fits our strengths...feel free to contact us!

92 weeks ago
Justin Cooke: Additionally... www.odesk.com is a great resource. I would also ...MoreAdditionally... www.odesk.com is a great resource. I would also recommend checking out www.elance.com and www.freelancer.com as well. If you're looking for one-off projects or you don't need projects to be coordinated these sites would probably be best for you.
92 weeks ago
 
Ryan Healy I'm curious, how many hours do you guys spend working per week? Being entrepreneurs, I'm sure we're always thinking about work, but how many hours do you actually spend working?

93 weeks ago from Entrepreneurs and Shotgun Startups

David Dotson: 40 hours a week at the day job, and another 20 or so on my own projects.
92 weeks ago
Doug Mitchell: I start at 7:30 am and my phone and computers are timed to turn off at 9pm. 90 percent of the time, that works. I had to "check myself" from the ...MoreI start at 7:30 am and my phone and computers are timed to turn off at 9pm. 90 percent of the time, that works. I had to "check myself" from the start so I would sleep and remember I have a family :)
92 weeks ago
 
Regina Twine Question: BF was laid off from his job but signed a nondisclosure contract. What are some suggestions he could use to describe his position?

94 weeks ago from Ask Penelope Trunk!

Jeffrey Hulten: He can say what he did without saying why he did it. "Wrote complex game-theory algorithms in C#" is different from "Wrote the analysis code for a ...MoreHe can say what he did without saying why he did it. "Wrote complex game-theory algorithms in C#" is different from "Wrote the analysis code for a predictive stock price analyzer".

What did he sign? Is it the standard "business plans and intellectual property" type of NDA? If so he can lay out what he did as long as it is not revealing anything someone couldn't figure out from public sources.

Plus, what state does he work for? Many states will not allow a level of non-disclosure or non-compete that prevents getting more work.

94 weeks ago
Penelope Trunk: This is actually a similar question to Isabelle's, above this one. It's similar because people don't care what the company does, people care what ...MoreThis is actually a similar question to Isabelle's, above this one. It's similar because people don't care what the company does, people care what the person interviewing does. So your BF should talk in terms of beating goals, solving problems, overcoming interpersonal challenges. All the stuff that people ask in every interview. It's not industry specific. In a good interview you don't need to reveal anything about a company, really.
94 weeks ago
JenG: Terrific response, Jeff. As a fellow fan of Switch, I think you really distilled some good personal development nuggets there. Thanks!
94 weeks ago
Sadya Siddiqui: Hey Jamie, i agree with Mehul.

and let me tell you that i was/ have just about been going thru the same thing. i do have a long-term goal , but ...More
Hey Jamie, i agree with Mehul.

and let me tell you that i was/ have just about been going thru the same thing. i do have a long-term goal , but its taking too long. and im bored, and i listed all the reasons u did, and guess what, those are absolutely the essentials that are missing.

so here's what i did - i said i will say yes to anything that comes my way. i saw an ad for paragliding on facebook and said yes! i loved it ! it was rough , painful & thrilling i ended up with so many bruises ,but i went back again.

Now im thinking of taking up a musical instrument. my family tells me that i checking off my bucket list , well yeah and heck why not - im bored arent i.

94 weeks ago
 
Alison Rayner In my pursuit to learn more about myself I took the Myers-Briggs personality test. The results were bang on. Read more about INFJs: http://alirayner.blogspot.com/2010/04/whats-infj.html

94 weeks ago from Ask A Coach

NicoleJButler: Hi Alison - the MBTI is interesting isn't it? I'm an INFJ too. We're a rare breed...
94 weeks ago
Jeffrey Hulten: I am an ENFJ, but I score E over I by 1 point...
94 weeks ago
Sadya Siddiqui: good stuff "You must never confuse faith that you will prevail in the end — which you can never afford to lose — with the discipline to confront ...Moregood stuff "You must never confuse faith that you will prevail in the end — which you can never afford to lose — with the discipline to confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they might be.”
94 weeks ago
 
Carmille Worth looking into for small business and nonprofit management; offers free invoicing, bill/ expense mgt, bookkeeping: http://bit.ly/aHPyIQ

94 weeks ago from Community Managers, Productivity & Time-Management and Non-Profit Management1 more

Jeffrey Hulten: I use FreeAgent and like it a lot. Just the right combination of invoicing, estimating, bank accounts and bookkeeping. MoreI use FreeAgent and like it a lot. Just the right combination of invoicing, estimating, bank accounts and bookkeeping. http://www.freeagentcentral.com/?referrer=350jdl1m
94 weeks ago
Carmille: Ohhhh. I've got to look into those two. Thanks much.
94 weeks ago
DonnaGrace: You always need to chalange yourself to get the sucsess
94 weeks ago
Richard Riley: I would have to agree to a point. As a small business owner you either become comfortable because you've become the best you can be in your niche ...MoreI would have to agree to a point. As a small business owner you either become comfortable because you've become the best you can be in your niche or your comfortable because someone else is doing all the work!
94 weeks ago
 
Dave Salamack my new sig -> sent from my newton

95 weeks ago from 42 and Tech Gurus

Jeffrey Hulten: You're a strange man, Dave. I approve!
95 weeks ago
 
Tariq West Currently reading "Switch" by Chip and Dan Heath (of "Made to Stick" fame) and a poetry collection by Jack Gilbert titled "The great Fires".

95 weeks ago from Book Shelf

Jeffrey Hulten: I love the example of the gloves on the table. What problems are people trying to solve that could use a visceral demonstration?
95 weeks ago
: loved the great fires
95 weeks ago
 
Cameron Plommer So I check out Seth Godin's new book Linchpin and have read the intro and first five or so pages or the first chapter. As an "economist" I love how he describes the interchangable-worker paradigm of our society. And i can tell I'm going to really enjoy the book. The only problem is that it makes me want to do what the book is preaching so much that I stop reading and go do stuff do make myself indispensable. But I guess that the point right?

97 weeks ago from Book Shelf, Economics and Finance and Untemplater1 more

Ed Barrientos: Cameron, I did the same thing with Seth's book Purple Cow. There was so much to think about on each page, that it took me a long time to read ...MoreCameron, I did the same thing with Seth's book Purple Cow. There was so much to think about on each page, that it took me a long time to read what is a very thin book. I would read a few pages and then go off brainstorming about some point he makes...have not yet read Linchpin...will have to buy it.
96 weeks ago
Marie Williams: Ha, I didn't see this thread before I posted I was reading Linchpin. I agree, it is a great, inspiring read. I really want to put it into practice.
95 weeks ago
 
Elizabeth Williams Do link exchanges work as marketing tools? I'm a photographer who just launched my own studio, Girl + Camera LLC, and a few wedding and baby-related shops have agreed to do link exchanges/tweet exchanges with me, but I'm wondering if I'm maybe putting my energy into something with a low ROI?

98 weeks ago from Upstarts!

Jeffrey Hulten: It depends on your intent. As a tool to increase SEO (page rank in search engines), link exchange is useless. It used to be that rank was based on ...MoreIt depends on your intent. As a tool to increase SEO (page rank in search engines), link exchange is useless. It used to be that rank was based on number of incoming links, but spammers, scammers and unethical marketers ruined that for the rest of us. Now a reciprocal link is the same as no link. If you have services that others are interested in then there is a chance you will attract customers that way. However your company is more geographically constrained than the shops (they can ship products, your skill doesn't fit in a UPS truck). This means that most likely the link exchanges benefit them more than you.

My $.02...

98 weeks ago
Brett Kunsch: One thing I'd definitely do is get listed (for free) through Google's Local Business Center: Google.com/LocalBusinessCenter
You can even create ...More
One thing I'd definitely do is get listed (for free) through Google's Local Business Center: Google.com/LocalBusinessCenter
You can even create coupons to generate business through it!

Within 2 weeks, I was number one on the google search rankings when someone typed in my line of work plus my location. It's free, easy to set up, and establishes a much better presence for you than link exchanges in my opinion.

98 weeks ago
 
TOP IDEA: Elizabeth Williams Creating a Network in MySpace is like opening a new, posh boutique in Camden, NJ or Detroit, MI: you COULD do it if you wanted, but why would you? MySpace is the ghetto of social networking -- even teens and tween devotees have moved to Facebook.

98 weeks ago

Jeffrey Hulten: Worse than the ghetto, its the new GeoCities!
98 weeks ago
 
Nidal I have a New Website startup in mind. I am not technically good enough to Develop the site myself. I am looking for someone to help me with the technical side while i take care of the marketing, strategic and business development aspect to it. Any ideas on where to start?

98 weeks ago from Web Startups

Eleni Miltsakaki: Try to stay involved with the development side, too. You don't have to do it yourself but stay on top of what's going on.
95 weeks ago
Boris Rozman: Our start up Loginaut is exactly about connecting people like you, we connect technical/programming and creative freelancers and freelance teams ...MoreOur start up Loginaut is exactly about connecting people like you, we connect technical/programming and creative freelancers and freelance teams with sales/marketing freelancers, project managers, etc, whoever is needed depending on the scope of the project. Contact me at boris@loginaut.com if you're interested.
95 weeks ago
 
elizabeth How does one who has a job on the internet at home make themselves work a productive day and not make themselves get distracted by things going on at home and/or the limitles internet world. What goes through my mind I don"t think untypical. So what if I spend 30 minutes to an hour looking up worthless info on t internet? 30 minutes turns into 2 hrs and 2 hrs turns into all day? what is wrong w me and how do i get past my tendancy to get easily distracted and my procrastination habits?

98 weeks ago from Productivity & Time-Management

Amy Curley: Just joined and have to say that this same exact issue is haunting me right now...pretty soon my distractions are 2 hours+. Thought I may be ...MoreJust joined and have to say that this same exact issue is haunting me right now...pretty soon my distractions are 2 hours+. Thought I may be getting lazy in my work, but I think the main issue for me is that my work is self-paced, deadlines are soft, and nobody really hold me accountable. I have to hold myself accountable! Get going! See results! Wake up with a mission, and (maybe) load a software that can babysit me. :) Thanks to all of you, I feel that I am not the only one out there! We all have to overcome our brains and stay on task- be thankful that we have flexible jobs and even have a job at all these days. Now I'm getting back to work.
98 weeks ago
Alison Rayner: I think it's great that we can openly talk about the fact that when we work at home it can be a challenge to stay focused. In a traditional ...MoreI think it's great that we can openly talk about the fact that when we work at home it can be a challenge to stay focused. In a traditional workplace there is a lot of pressure from expectations to stay focused and "work" and that if we're not focused we're not productive. I know from myself that I put a lot of pressure on myself to be focused when I'm working at home and the reality is that I too fall prey to distractions of all varieties. I really enjoy the tips & tools that people have been posting. I've checked out a number of them & I think they will really make a difference in my life & productivity. My favs so far: Tungle.me & TeuxDeux. : ) Thanks!
98 weeks ago
 
Keith Morris Hey folks! A colleague of mine is interested in profiling an interesting young entrepreneur for our finance blog. Someone off the beaten path, and preferably not tech-related. Does anyone have any recommendations? :)

99 weeks ago from Entrepreneurs

Alyson Kilday: My partner and I just started a design agency in combination with our travel blog, we're 25 & 27 and are working towards becoming location ...MoreMy partner and I just started a design agency in combination with our travel blog, we're 25 & 27 and are working towards becoming location independent. If you're interested loved to be interviewed :)
99 weeks ago
Keith Morris: Hi Scott and Alyson! I will forward your comments to my colleague and will get in touch when she is ready to interview. Thanks! Jeff, if your ...MoreHi Scott and Alyson! I will forward your comments to my colleague and will get in touch when she is ready to interview. Thanks! Jeff, if your friend falls into the demographic, would you introduce me?
99 weeks ago
 
Alyson Kilday My partner and I have just opened up our own design agency. Though our new site is just going live as I type this we have had pretty good word of mouth and have kept busy. When we got our LLC we actually bartered with the lawyer in exchange for design work for his website, which saved us a bundle. Now the question I would like to post here is when and if a professional accountant is needed. And what should we look for?

99 weeks ago from Entrepreneurs

elizabeth: How exactly do you do word of mouth? I am aware that it is self explanatory for the most part. I am just wondering if their are any tricks that ...MoreHow exactly do you do word of mouth? I am aware that it is self explanatory for the most part. I am just wondering if their are any tricks that the general pubic doesnt know.
99 weeks ago
Alyson Kilday: Well we are in a pretty small town right now. It started by getting on the front page of a local paper when we got back from our 9 month sailing ...MoreWell we are in a pretty small town right now. It started by getting on the front page of a local paper when we got back from our 9 month sailing and backpacking adventure through the Caribbean and Colombia. Next to the story about a lady getting lost in the woods...slow news day! :) Then we did a couple of small projects for people such as baby shower invites, birthday party cards, small stuff but it got sent to 200+ ppl around town. It's a trickle up effect where we are starting to see people now seeking us out for bigger and bigger projects. On the web we have a blog, use twitter heavily, and a facebook fan page where we network with a whole different group of people.
99 weeks ago
 
JenG Feeling a bit defeated tonight. I was just reading about the Blogging Bootcamp at Write to Done, and the testimonials that discuss how to increase readership. I was feeling pretty happy my views had gone up to around 30/day recently, but after reading the Word to Done site, it just seems so puny! How do you deal with the "I'm not worthy" issues that come with beginning blogging?

100 weeks ago from Brazen Bloggers

kathleen fasanella: Ugh, many apologies to all for my errant redundancy. Thanks for the clarification Mehul.
99 weeks ago
JenG: Mehul- THANKS for the Seth article. I do subscribe to his blog, but hadn't read that one yet. Perfect!!

Kathleen- Thanks for taking the time to ...More
Mehul- THANKS for the Seth article. I do subscribe to his blog, but hadn't read that one yet. Perfect!!

Kathleen- Thanks for taking the time to look the blog over and give me some constructive criticism. I'm still finding my way for sure. It's likely too early to be worried about readers because the topic of the blog and how I write about it is clearly evolving.

Speaking of which, I have to go write a post. But truly, thanks for all the great feedback I've gotten here. What a caring group!

99 weeks ago
Goals
  1. Establish my consulting business
  2. Present at technical conferences
  3. Be indispensable
Specialties
IT and Business Automation Cloud Computing Development Tooling and Automation

Groups (23)

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Fans (25)

Cameron Plommer
Lindsey Donner
Tanner Maluchnik
Photis Patriotis
Scott Rossow
Neeraj Bhushan
Andrea V. Lewis
Dave Salamack
Katherine Brey
Patricia Hudak

Following (24)

Emily Jasper
Caroline Ceniza-Levine
Donna Fenn
Annabel Candy
paulmacp
Elizabeth Williams
Sadya Siddiqui
Lindsey Donner
Dave Salamack
Boon Chew