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Jennifer Koren
Baltimore, MD
VP of Online Communties, Localup Solutions
Customer Service
Fans (119)
Groups (46)

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Kenji Crosland: @Zachary - I get what you mean. I too prefer the brief summation of the idea. Perhaps they could add a user preference feature that leaves it up ...More@Zachary - I get what you mean. I too prefer the brief summation of the idea. Perhaps they could add a user preference feature that leaves it up to the user whether or not he/or she would like to filter some content and not others.
107 weeks ago
Zachary Stark Jones: I'm so glad that, in my previous post, I wrote
"I'm rallying for a posting style that is self-contained to the network, with a link to a ...More
I'm so glad that, in my previous post, I wrote
"I'm rallying for a posting style that is self-contained to the network, with a link to a expanded version of the idea"

I think when we're used to shotgun conversations we can miss the humanity of a dialogue.

107 weeks ago
Carrie Clark: @JenG: Hahaha! That sure sounds like a compliment to me.
110 weeks ago
Ashley Evans: I think that being optimistic is a must. Why live a life of worry and negativity? Life wouldn't be any fun, I wouldn't have a reason to get up in ...MoreI think that being optimistic is a must. Why live a life of worry and negativity? Life wouldn't be any fun, I wouldn't have a reason to get up in the morning if there wasn't something to look forward to.
109 weeks ago
 
Jennifer Koren To anyone that works from home? Are you given guidelines by your employer on what they expect from you when you work from home? I'm looking to put together policies and procedures for a company that has a remote customer service and content staff and looking for examples of what other companies do. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!

96 weeks ago from Consultants R US, Ask Penelope Trunk!, Global Careers and Business, Community Managers and Inspiring Leadership3 more

Melissa Breau: They expect us to use our own computer/internet. not a big deal since its only 1x a week. Our associate publisher works remotely from NC tho, and ...MoreThey expect us to use our own computer/internet. not a big deal since its only 1x a week. Our associate publisher works remotely from NC tho, and I'd imagine they pay her internet / phone / fax. Though I think if I submitted an expense report no one would give me any issues.
96 weeks ago
Smith+Fritzy: Count on there being internet and power outages. For instance, when I moved into my new place, the city decided to start tearing up our road and ...MoreCount on there being internet and power outages. For instance, when I moved into my new place, the city decided to start tearing up our road and moving existing lines. I also live in the lightning capital of the world and have frequent visits by hurricanes. Things happen. My thought is supplying a back-up system for hourly distance workers wouldn't be very cost effective. I do think offering a simple incentive to the employees that if they need to be on call if needed, and make sure they know it's not going to be a frequent thing.
96 weeks ago
 
Jamie Nacht Farrell Growing up everyone told me,"you're going to be just like your father / mother". I thought to myself..LORD help me. I'm now only 29 and have combined the 2 of them into what i do. Have any of you turned into your parents as well? What have you taken from them? Who has gone the complete opposite? How heavily have your parents weighed in on your life choices? http://bizrelationships.wordpress.com/2010/05/18/ive-turned-into-my-pare...

105 weeks ago from Consultants R US, GenYJourney: Tips, Insights, Experiences For Young Professionals, Personal Development and Inspiring Leadership2 more

Jamie Nacht Farrell: @Teresa - I think its great that we recognize that we 'may' become or 'can' become our parents; but what we can also do is remember the mistakes ...More@Teresa - I think its great that we recognize that we 'may' become or 'can' become our parents; but what we can also do is remember the mistakes they made and the things we didn't like and be more cognizant of not mirroring those activities.
105 weeks ago
Tariq West: Interesting piece. I used to be powerfully motivated by the idea of being different from my parents. I've since realized though that there were ...MoreInteresting piece. I used to be powerfully motivated by the idea of being different from my parents. I've since realized though that there were powerful, worthwhile values behind a lot fo the life/lifestyle decisions that made me miserable growing up. I want a very different lifestyle than they had, but I'm more like them every day. That is, I've come to deeply appreciate their values and they guide me even as I craft a different life for myself. I think it's what they wanted.
105 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

106 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.

106 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.
106 weeks ago
 
Jennifer Koren Looking for a new virtual call center software that offers a softphone for agents. Any suggestions?

54 weeks ago

 
TOP IDEA: Jennifer Koren Confessions of a 9 year old....oy http://wp.me/pTmBm-2W

54 weeks ago from Working Moms and Power Couples

 
TOP IDEA: Jennifer Koren Why I freaked out at my first Walk for Epilepsy http://wp.me/pTmBm-2G

54 weeks ago

 
Jennifer Koren Why I freaked out at my first Walk for Epilepsy http://wp.me/pTmBm-2G

54 weeks ago

 
Tariq West I made the really tough decision in Feb to leave Booz Allen after only 6mo. I am very thankful for the opportunities and relationships I had there, and intensely aware of how questionable it looks to leave a position after only 6mo. A month into my new gig at AKQA though, I feel very much vindicated in my decision to pursue a better fit in terms of personality, career goals and ideal compensation. Has anyone here made a similar move early in their career? Have there been negative repercussions?

62 weeks ago from Young Professional Men (YPM), I am Gen Y and u30pro1 more

Ryan Healy: Congrats, Tariq! I'm sure it was a tough decision, but there is nothing wrong with leaving after 6 months if you know that it isn't for you. You ...MoreCongrats, Tariq! I'm sure it was a tough decision, but there is nothing wrong with leaving after 6 months if you know that it isn't for you. You can never achieve what you want to achieve if you are playing by other people's so called rules!
61 weeks ago
Jennifer Koren: @Ryan I completely agree and congrats Tariq!
I did the exact thing after a 6 month period for a new job and experience that I thought I really ...More
@Ryan I completely agree and congrats Tariq!
I did the exact thing after a 6 month period for a new job and experience that I thought I really wanted. Even though it was very unlike me to do anything like that I have never looked back and have actually carried that experience with me to this day. Working that job and making the decision to leave so early has made me realize exactly the type of job that I never want to work at again...so it was worth it.
Sometimes we have to take those steps to know what we really want out of our careers. It's only made me more wise in my job decisions and has never come back to haunt me.

Congrats again and good luck!

61 weeks ago
 
Jamie Nacht Farrell 23 hour car ride - driving from TX to FL leaving at 1 PM and driving through the eve. Computers will not stay juiced the whole time...any suggestions as to great articles or blog posts you have read recently that I can print out and bring with me to keep me busy????? Any good XM station recommendations?

78 weeks ago from Book Shelf, Entrepreneurs, Blogging Ideas, Creatively Inspired and Ask Penelope Trunk!3 more

Karen Tiede: Audio books let me share with the driver; knitting keeps me productive. I have trouble reading -- I get carsick. For 23 hours, you need ...MoreAudio books let me share with the driver; knitting keeps me productive. I have trouble reading -- I get carsick. For 23 hours, you need something bigger than articles or posts. One of the Harry Potter books got be back from Moscow to Raleigh several years ago. Depending on your relationship to the driver, reading aloud may work, too.
78 weeks ago
Jamie Nacht Farrell: So...for the 23 hour ride I did....NOTHING! I had a couple hours worth of business calls, but then just enjoyed surfing through the XM stations ...MoreSo...for the 23 hour ride I did....NOTHING! I had a couple hours worth of business calls, but then just enjoyed surfing through the XM stations with my better half. What can I say? I guess I've learned to relax a bit.
78 weeks ago
 
TOP IDEA: JenG I recently wrote a post on my blog talking about the importance of aptitude in choosing a career (http://su.pr/2t3FK2). But what about aptitude for leadership? We often hear the phrase "leaders are made, not born," but aptitudes suggest just the opposite. If we can accept some have more innate talent for sports or music, why not leadership? And more importantly, is this egalatarian mythology hurting our organizations?

105 weeks ago from Inspiring Leadership, Creating a Life You Love, Career Rocketeer and Ask Penelope Trunk!2 more

Luke Lloyd: Jen I don't think all people abused by bad leaders turn out to be good leaders, in fact i think most grow to imitate past examples of bad ...MoreJen I don't think all people abused by bad leaders turn out to be good leaders, in fact i think most grow to imitate past examples of bad leadership, unfortunately most forget what it was like to be treated that way. The rest have amazing potential to be exceptional leaders.
I personally think being a good leader is being a servant to the team whilst being a servant to the greater goal. Double the work ;) Maybe lazy people are bad leaders? haha

90 weeks ago
Mark W.: @JRandom42 - I think you'll like this recent article - 'Under Pressure: Learning to be a Clutch Leader' - More@JRandom42 - I think you'll like this recent article - 'Under Pressure: Learning to be a Clutch Leader' - http://bit.ly/cjDveL .
There's links to the Harvard Business Review citing a new series about leadership lessons from the military.

80 weeks ago
 
Stephen Bandrowsky The Lost finale was fantastic. It didn’t answer all the questions. Instead it focused on the characters we had grown attached to for six years. We learned about their lives, were excited when they triumphed, and saddened when they failed. And the finale continued this. It left us with the idea that these people were important to each other because of the impact they made on each other. It was about the relationships. And that, I believe, was the only true way they could end the series.

104 weeks ago from LOST Fans

Becki Howard: p.s. I think I would have been more disappointed if they had just laid out all the answers for us in the last episode. I knew that no matter what ...Morep.s. I think I would have been more disappointed if they had just laid out all the answers for us in the last episode. I knew that no matter what the last episode was like, some people were going to be disappointed. I was just glad I wasn't one of them! :)
104 weeks ago
Elizabeth Marling: I could not possibly disagree more. The finale was an un-related farce that felt like an episode of 'As the World Turns.' Truly dreadful. ...MoreI could not possibly disagree more. The finale was an un-related farce that felt like an episode of 'As the World Turns.' Truly dreadful. People should be arrested for the systematic cheesing of what could have been a truly groundbreaking network television show.
90 weeks ago
 
Rebecca Thorman Is any job better than no job? (http://nyti.ms/9QAh0k) If you were or are unemployed, would you ever consider taking a job that was seemingly beneath you? I believe that every job has a lot of learning potential, so there are few instances when you shouldn't take a position. On the flip side, I've never had to look for work (knock on wood that continues), and I can see how maybe taking a job - any job - could be bad. What do you think?

102 weeks ago from Career Changers, JobSTART 101, Slash Jobs, Creating a Life You Love and Salary - Negotiating & More3 more

Megan Stewart: this is where I am right now. No job is the right job, but I can't afford not to take what I am offered. Yes the work may be beneath me but I ...Morethis is where I am right now. No job is the right job, but I can't afford not to take what I am offered. Yes the work may be beneath me but I would rather do something than nothing.
92 weeks ago
Felicia S.: @Megan
Keeping busy is the best way to network, get the juices flowing both mentally and physically. I tried being unemployed for two weeks and I ...More
@Megan
Keeping busy is the best way to network, get the juices flowing both mentally and physically. I tried being unemployed for two weeks and I was climbing the walls. I took the first job that interested me (a non-profit gig, even though I loathe working in offices). The contacts that I made there were priceless and it led me to work another stint overseas. See, you never know where any "job" is going to take you. Like Rupaul says: " You betta' WORK!"

92 weeks ago
 
Rebecca Thorman I was in DC this wkend and was struck by how cool/important the jobs were of those I met - two people worked for the FBI in top-secret positions, many were in the Coast Guard, one girl sold weapons to other countries, several lawyers/finance, another sold jets, and yet another sold helicopters. The quality of conversation as a result seemed better than in other cities. Have you found this to be true in DC? Does a strong gov't sector create strong jobs? Are smart people concentrated there?

102 weeks ago from Government and Public-Sector, Washington D.C., Travel for Business, Military and Networking Tips3 more

Jay Hepner: Arguably the BEST thing about DC, and MoCo compared to any other county in MD, is the incredible diversity. People from virtually every country ...MoreArguably the BEST thing about DC, and MoCo compared to any other county in MD, is the incredible diversity. People from virtually every country in the world, every state in the country. That's the real romance of DC and MoCo. NoVa, too.
101 weeks ago
Ken: @Kathleeen Kurke--ditto. Lived in NOVA 3 years and now live in Tampa area. I slugged in/out of the district the whole time and by and large had ...More@Kathleeen Kurke--ditto. Lived in NOVA 3 years and now live in Tampa area. I slugged in/out of the district the whole time and by and large had better conversations with paralegals than I did with some with "important" job titles.
100 weeks ago
 
Jennifer Koren Anyone have experience they can to share w/ doing live chats in communities? The live chat is used for social and support purposes. Any experiences you have w/ managing this type of feature would be great to hear!

94 weeks ago from Community Managers

Stephen Spector: @Rebecca - I was totally addicted and had it running all day long while at work and even was on for the great car giveaway. It was terrible when ...More@Rebecca - I was totally addicted and had it running all day long while at work and even was on for the great car giveaway. It was terrible when MSFT bought them as I had to work again.
94 weeks ago
Rebecca Thorman: @ Stephen - Haha, that's how the co-founders felt! No, they loved Microsoft, but did leave early to start Alice. It's funny how even online, it's ...More@ Stephen - Haha, that's how the co-founders felt! No, they loved Microsoft, but did leave early to start Alice. It's funny how even online, it's a small world :)
94 weeks ago
 
Rebecca Thorman My friend Nisha just posted on a study that found that children who grew up in a house with 500+ books stay in school three years longer than kids who grew up in homes with fewer books. (http://ow.ly/1SFEL) Like Nisha, this was certainly true in my case. I was a book worm (I even won an award for reading the most books in kindergarten and was totally down with the Pizza Hut Book It! program) :) and still love to read to this day. What about you?

103 weeks ago from Education, Education Conversations, Book Shelf and Brazen Reads - Virtual Book Club2 more

Becky Benishek: @Lee, that's awesome -- and if kindergarten is anything like I remember, it'll be great fun for your oldest to read to the other kids in class.
97 weeks ago
Rick Wahlberg: The program David Brooks writes about is excellent.
More
The program David Brooks writes about is excellent.
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E0DEFD81E39F93AA35754C0A...

I came from a family of readers and we all did well. As did my own children.

96 weeks ago
 
Jennifer Koren Do you think that being successful at your career prepares you for being a successful parent? http://wp.me/pTmBm-2c

97 weeks ago from Inspiring Leadership, Working Moms, Personal Development and Professional Development2 more

Paula Duarte: I agree with Cameron - it's the foundation you have in your personal life that informs your work life. I'm wondering if you're being too harsh on ...MoreI agree with Cameron - it's the foundation you have in your personal life that informs your work life. I'm wondering if you're being too harsh on yourself (you? workaholic? harsh on yourself? say it ain't so!) :) You seem to have a well-adjusted work life. And your daughter seems pretty well adjusted for someone you think you've left to fend for herself. I bet she sees you in a totally different light than you see yourself. Maybe you could try to walk in her shoes a little and let that pixie dust rub off on you.
97 weeks ago
Trish Cardona: Loved your post, mostly for the fact that it helps me (and other parents) knw that we're not alone. We all make mistakes. IT's hard to let work ...MoreLoved your post, mostly for the fact that it helps me (and other parents) knw that we're not alone. We all make mistakes. IT's hard to let work go because it is such a huge part of our identity, even before the kids came along. At the same time, we need to remember that the kids will be there (and our kids' kids) long after the career is over.
96 weeks ago
 
Ryan Paugh So my Mom just called to tell me that she's mentoring someone on Brazen Careerist now. I think that's pretty awesome. I've always thought that Brazen was a great place to bridge the Generation Gap. So I'm wondering if more parents of Gen-Y professionals might start popping up here and mentoring the younger members of the community. What do you think? Would your parents consider joining Brazen? Would they like it? Would they understand how to use it?

99 weeks ago from Helicopter Parents, Mentors & Mentees and Work-Family Balance1 more

Kristen Jeffers: I'd like to see that too. I can't get my mom to get on any social media, but some of her siblings have, but mostly to monitor my younger cousin's ...MoreI'd like to see that too. I can't get my mom to get on any social media, but some of her siblings have, but mostly to monitor my younger cousin's activities
98 weeks ago
Suzanne Swint: i have been a member of BC since its launch & i am the mom of two gen-y daughters, neither of them use it or even know what is it.

i love the ...More
i have been a member of BC since its launch & i am the mom of two gen-y daughters, neither of them use it or even know what is it.

i love the concept & think that it can be a great platform for non-traditional types like myself...i don't fully participate because i am busy & a lot of stuff does not interest me.

i did, however catch the webinar with seth godin and i was quite impressed how impatient y'all were with the tech difficulties..i also rushed home (skipped the wine shop) to get here in time, but
you guys were brutal in the chatroom..

i am also signed up to hear guy kawasaki..

98 weeks ago
 
Ryan Paugh What do you love most about being a Community Manager? My favorite part of being a Community Manager is connecting with new people every day and finding ways to help each other. If I could, I would let that part of the job consume my entire day. Of course, there are other less interesting things that need to be done. How do you balance the fun stuff w/ the not-so-fun stuff? Do you get as easily distracted as I do???

100 weeks ago from Community Managers

Ryan Paugh: @Jenn -- What kind of music do you listen to when you're working?

@Jennifer -- I love surprises. Seeing community members go above and beyond is ...More
@Jenn -- What kind of music do you listen to when you're working?

@Jennifer -- I love surprises. Seeing community members go above and beyond is the best, especially when it comes to giving feedback. We're lucky here on Brazen because you guys are so willing to tell us what we can improve upon.

98 weeks ago
Jenn Pedde: Hmm good question. I usually just put it on shuffle... but 80% of the time its something upbeat. Maybe a bit poppy/dancy. Just keeps me on ...MoreHmm good question. I usually just put it on shuffle... but 80% of the time its something upbeat. Maybe a bit poppy/dancy. Just keeps me on task.
98 weeks ago
 
Rebecca Thorman Hope you all had a fabulous 4th of July weekend! Loved mine - it's one of my favorite holidays! Who's working today? I have today off as a flex holiday, but will work enough so I can take it off another day. If you're working, are you at the office? Or are you just doing a bit from home?

98 weeks ago from Productivity & Time-Management, Human Resources, Madison MAGNET, The Madtown Crew and Work/Life Blur3 more

Jonathan Yankovich: I took the day as not much was going on, but I'm really looking forward to re-engaging this week. 4 days feels more like a sabbatical than a ...MoreI took the day as not much was going on, but I'm really looking forward to re-engaging this week. 4 days feels more like a sabbatical than a weekend! I am a freelance web developer and run the risk of forgetting that I have a job :) Currently opening up the week at Barriques in Fitchburg, looking at a grey sky and listening to old ladies eat scone.
98 weeks ago
Rebecca Thorman: Thanks for that picture, Jonathan. :) I'm looking forward to re-engaging fully today, but did quite a bit yesterday as well. Today is still ...MoreThanks for that picture, Jonathan. :) I'm looking forward to re-engaging fully today, but did quite a bit yesterday as well. Today is still "Monday" for me though, so it just feels like I was able to get ahead yesterday which is nice.
98 weeks ago
Interests
reading, writing, sushi, expensive dinners, running, yoga
Goals
  1. To overcome my fear of flying - DONE!
  2. To figure out the meaning of LOST before the last episode - ALMOST THERE!
  3. Go back to school
  4. Taking horse riding lessons with my daughter
  5. Become a yoga instructor
Specialties
Customer Service & Call Center Management, Community Management

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Emily Jasper
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Johnfencer
NARUTO
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Brent Norris
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Lee Huang
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