Jonathan Vaudreuil
Brazen careerist
Where ambitious young professionals connect and grow
Already a member?
Welcome to Brazen Careerist!
Jonathan Vaudreuil is using Brazen Careerist to share ideas. Join now to become a member and start networking with Jonathan Vaudreuil and other professionals just like you. Learn more.
All Activity
Dana Leavy
We've created a stigma in this society with prioritizing our own well-being, by taking sick or personal days. But pushing our health too far usually ends up negatively affecting our productivity, and sometimes others', in the end. Are you one of those people who's always tempted to "solider through" a workday for posterity, even when you know you are run down or sick?
58 weeks ago from Entrepreneurs, Advertising Professionals, Brazen Careerists in New York City, Career Rocketeer and Career Changers3 more
Brett Kunsch recommended this
Dana Leavy:
@Chandlee - that is so unfortunate, I'm sorry. It really is important to prioritize your body. Ironically right after I posted this question I ...More@Chandlee - that is so unfortunate, I'm sorry. It really is important to prioritize your body. Ironically right after I posted this question I came down with the flu! Luckily I work from home... and I'll probably be working anyway, like Candace said!
58 weeks ago
58 weeks ago
Vincent:
The challenge is everyone's threshold for sickness is different. I have witnessed instances when a coworker badgers another for coming in with a ...MoreThe challenge is everyone's threshold for sickness is different. I have witnessed instances when a coworker badgers another for coming in with a cough when he has come in blowing his nose every five minutes.
58 weeks ago
58 weeks ago
Harriet May
I want to get the ball rolling again on my site, www.resumemascara.com, by starting two series, one on resume horror stories (what you should never do) and one on the experiences of young professionals applying to jobs and interviewing. Would anyone be interested in contributing? Send your posts to harri.may@gmail.com!
59 weeks ago from Resume Feedback, Entry-Level Young Professionals, Career Rocketeer, Brazen Bloggers and GenYJourney: Tips, Insights, Experiences For Young Professionals3 more
Jonathan Vaudreuil recommended this
Gail GEM Morrison
I am wondering, is it rude to call people on the phone these days? I am in sales and find that most people say "email or text" me. I have really found this a stumbling block in developing relationships. And I have seen so many mistakes or miscommunications that have cost companies money because communication was via emails. What do you think?
Jonathan Vaudreuil:
Gail, if people suggest you e-mail or text them, find out why they want you to do this. If it's because they're interested in learning more about ...MoreGail, if people suggest you e-mail or text them, find out why they want you to do this. If it's because they're interested in learning more about what you have to offer and might take the next step (appointment, demo, etc), then go with it. Otherwise it's a blow-off.
Over the phone you have about 20 seconds to grab their attention, so make sure you've worked on your opening benefit statement. Otherwise you're wasting both your and their time.
60 weeks ago
Over the phone you have about 20 seconds to grab their attention, so make sure you've worked on your opening benefit statement. Otherwise you're wasting both your and their time.
60 weeks ago
La Donna Lokey:
I think it's important to acknowledge that people process information differently. Some people need to see things in writing to fully digest them ...MoreI think it's important to acknowledge that people process information differently. Some people need to see things in writing to fully digest them - especially if it's a really new concept or something they're going to spend a lot of money on. Ultimately, you have to get the interaction to a phone call or face to face meeting if you want any real progress in the sales relationship, so if the person never wants to interact that way, they probably don't want to commit.
As for whether it's rude to call people - depends on why you're calling. I encourage everyone I know to decline all cold telemarketing calls - if people stop making those calls worthwhile, they will stop happening.
60 weeks ago
As for whether it's rude to call people - depends on why you're calling. I encourage everyone I know to decline all cold telemarketing calls - if people stop making those calls worthwhile, they will stop happening.
60 weeks ago
Katie Perry
Have any of you ever felt like your current position is actually hurting your professional development because it is breaking your personality?
Clara Kuo and Sadya Siddiqui recommended this
Sid:
I work at an extremely conservative financial services company that is doing business the same way they did it 25 years ago. To say we are ...MoreI work at an extremely conservative financial services company that is doing business the same way they did it 25 years ago. To say we are forward thinking and innovative is a figment of the imagination. Being a 27 year old full of energy and creativity, I find it EXTREMELY hard to get motivated to offer up ideas that differ from the norm. When I do, the are receptive, but when you throw things up the flagpole at this place, it makes it to 1/4 staff and then it comes right back down.
I call it a cultural difference in the way business is conducted in our modern world, tagteam that with a huge aged divide between employees. It definately is tough and really does gut the insides some days, but for the time being, it suffices.
61 weeks ago
I call it a cultural difference in the way business is conducted in our modern world, tagteam that with a huge aged divide between employees. It definately is tough and really does gut the insides some days, but for the time being, it suffices.
61 weeks ago
Julie Bondy:
Be honest and genuine about sharing your personality at work. If the company culture can't handle it, it might be time to find a new environment.
61 weeks ago
61 weeks ago
Brad Hilderbrand
I'm wondering if anyone has any good resources for how to market digital products. Most of the reference materials I see talk about physical locations, actual inventory, etc. I'm having trouble translating these concepts into an all-digital world. Any suggestions?
61 weeks ago from Internet Marketers, Interactive Media and Marketing, New Media Marketing and Marketers2 more
Kirk Ackerson:
Brad - I would consider how you can build buzz about your apps offline. For example, Newsweek used to show the top ten apps (or something similar) ...MoreBrad - I would consider how you can build buzz about your apps offline. For example, Newsweek used to show the top ten apps (or something similar) on the back cover of the magazine.
Physical businesses are begining to use QR codes. I would consider, based on the specific app, which business or venue it naturally relates to and get creative in advertising your app. This could range from a formal partnership to co-advertise with a business to a viral campaign such as a QR scavenger hunt at an industry conference or within a city or town.
61 weeks ago
Physical businesses are begining to use QR codes. I would consider, based on the specific app, which business or venue it naturally relates to and get creative in advertising your app. This could range from a formal partnership to co-advertise with a business to a viral campaign such as a QR scavenger hunt at an industry conference or within a city or town.
61 weeks ago
Jonathan Vaudreuil:
Brad, I recommend researching the most influential app sites on the Internet, especially those that review apps in your genre/niche. Try to build ...MoreBrad, I recommend researching the most influential app sites on the Internet, especially those that review apps in your genre/niche. Try to build a relationship with the people who run the site long-term. In the short-term, see what it would take to get your app reviewed by them, or at least looked at.
I'd also recommend contact companies that have launched apps which sold well to see what you can learn from them.
61 weeks ago
I'd also recommend contact companies that have launched apps which sold well to see what you can learn from them.
61 weeks ago
Cameron Plommer
I've noticed that the top New Year's resolutions every year seem to be "Get organized" "Save more money/get control of finances" and "Get in shape."
I think most people don't follow through on this sorts of resolutions not because they are too difficult, but because they try to do so through will power alone. I think there are simple solutions to all of this resolutions, but people don't effectively use systems to redesign their lives to facilitate being organized, in control of # and in shape
72 weeks ago from Creating a Life You Love and Personal Development
Jason H. Parker and Brett Kunsch recommended this
 (512x640).thumbnail.jpg){kind=small}
Eric S. Mueller:
Sometimes our goals are far too vague. Other times, we need accountability or examples. I've set a goal year after year to "lose weight". I ...MoreSometimes our goals are far too vague. Other times, we need accountability or examples. I've set a goal year after year to "lose weight". I started a job in an area away from my family, and I have a few friends on that job who are taking their weight seriously. They've shown me some practical ways to diet. Suddenly, I'm losing weight without much effort or frustration.
72 weeks ago
72 weeks ago
Nikita T. Mitchell
I struggle with the idea of being an entrepreneur. Some days I'm like "Hell yea I need to do my own thing" and some days I'm like "Nah, that's not really for me". Now is that fear? Or is that a legit assessment of whether entrepreneurship is for me? Anyone else feel the same way?
75 weeks ago from Personal Development, Young Professional Women (YPW) and I am Gen Y1 more
Rebecca Thorman and Beatriz Alemar recommended this
Linda A. Hamilton:
In reading the posts above I sometimes wonder if people are confusing entrepreneurship with being self-employed. They have different aspects, yet ...MoreIn reading the posts above I sometimes wonder if people are confusing entrepreneurship with being self-employed. They have different aspects, yet are the same. I agree with Jaime that you can be an entrepreneur and still work for another company. This is common and in some companies it's welcome! Zuckerberg took an idea and made it work; he's both an entrepreneur and self-employed. Fred Smith had an idea that was rejected by his college professors, but moved forward with it and the rest is history. Again an entrepreneur who is self-employed. My dad was self-employed, but in a sense he was an entrepreneur because he knew how to add value to his clothing business within the farming communities and make it something substantial in the Midwest generating a customer base that spanned several states. That's pretty bold for a family business that started in 1913 and survived the Great Depression.
Being an entrepreneur doesn't mean you have to be self-employed. If that's what works, then by all means go for it. But it could mean you contribute a new idea while working within another company. Being a self-employed entrepreneur brings all kinds of other concepts into focus because now you have to generate the paycheck from scratch. It all comes down to are you willing to take the risks, perhaps partner with others to develop your ideas--like Oprah has done within her empire--and add value to your market albeit from another angle?
I personally think being an entrepreneur is separate from being self-employed. If you work for someone else and pursue your only entrepreneurial ideas on your own, go for it. However, if you step out on the platform of being a self-employed entrepreneur, you take on greater challenges. You can be both, but it's not a part of the definition... entrepreneurship is able adding value to something that hasn't already been considered. Whether you do this as part of a business or as a self-employed executive is an added choice, not part of the entrepreneurial definition -- at least not in what I think of when considering Entrepreneurship.
74 weeks ago
Being an entrepreneur doesn't mean you have to be self-employed. If that's what works, then by all means go for it. But it could mean you contribute a new idea while working within another company. Being a self-employed entrepreneur brings all kinds of other concepts into focus because now you have to generate the paycheck from scratch. It all comes down to are you willing to take the risks, perhaps partner with others to develop your ideas--like Oprah has done within her empire--and add value to your market albeit from another angle?
I personally think being an entrepreneur is separate from being self-employed. If you work for someone else and pursue your only entrepreneurial ideas on your own, go for it. However, if you step out on the platform of being a self-employed entrepreneur, you take on greater challenges. You can be both, but it's not a part of the definition... entrepreneurship is able adding value to something that hasn't already been considered. Whether you do this as part of a business or as a self-employed executive is an added choice, not part of the entrepreneurial definition -- at least not in what I think of when considering Entrepreneurship.
74 weeks ago
Edward Antrobus:
I go through the same discussion in my head sometimes. I've had a few ideas I've been interested in bringing to reality, but I also owned my own ...MoreI go through the same discussion in my head sometimes. I've had a few ideas I've been interested in bringing to reality, but I also owned my own business in the past and HATED it.
74 weeks ago
74 weeks ago
Cameron Plommer
What music do you listen to when you write?
Lately I've been using the Chopin station on Pandora.
74 weeks ago from Gen-Y Professional Bloggers, Blogging Ideas and Brazen Bloggers1 more
Charline Touchard:
My musical selection varies with my mood...some days it's classical, others country, sometimes trance...and that's just for starters! :)
74 weeks ago
74 weeks ago
Charlotte Rains Dixon:
I don't usually listen to music while I write, but when I do, I sometimes choose movie soundtracks, ones without a lot of lyrics. I love the ...MoreI don't usually listen to music while I write, but when I do, I sometimes choose movie soundtracks, ones without a lot of lyrics. I love the peaks and valleys of the soundtracks--great to write fiction by.
74 weeks ago
74 weeks ago
Hannah Kane
I'm running into some resistance at my internship for my MSW program-- I have a lot of cool ideas that I think would really enhance my role and the organization's work, but my supervisor never goes for my ideas, even though my current role leaves me with a lot of down time that I think I could fill with my projects. Should I just drop it? How could I implement my ideas without causing problems with my supervisor?
75 weeks ago from Graduate Students, Nonprofiteers, Immigration Professionals, Social Workers and Young Professional Women (YPW)3 more
Amy Haffner:
Hi Hannah -- I can empathize. I run into this issue as a recent graduate who was an intern in the same department at the same company where I now ...MoreHi Hannah -- I can empathize. I run into this issue as a recent graduate who was an intern in the same department at the same company where I now work full-time. I think Kimberly has a great point, though. I'd focus on communicating that you need more x - challenging projects, exposure to improving process, etc - and ask in what ways your boss thinks you can get that experience. Let us know how your "negotiation" with him/her goes!
75 weeks ago
75 weeks ago
cynthia phillips:
I have always found that by posing your ideas as a question, rather than an idea, has worked for me. For example "Do you think XYZ might be a ...MoreI have always found that by posing your ideas as a question, rather than an idea, has worked for me. For example "Do you think XYZ might be a viable alternative?". Then be sure to ask why it will or will not work. Gets your ideas out there in a way that appears deferential to your superiors without sounding like you think you know more than they do.
75 weeks ago
75 weeks ago
Brett Kunsch
Is there a point where you have to stop when you have enough information? There is just SO much of it out there that it all competes for my attention and the limited hard drive space I have in my brain. When new information comes in, it can synthesize with the old, but many times I find it just hurts my memory and deludes my knowledge. So, is there a stopping point?
77 weeks ago from Entrepreneurs, Ask A Coach, GenYJourney: Tips, Insights, Experiences For Young Professionals, Professional Development and Personal Development3 more
Dana K. Dwyer:
Always pay attention to that point where information gathering is keeping you from taking action. Ere on the side of action.
76 weeks ago
76 weeks ago
Brett Kunsch:
@Ben - I'm finding that my greatest asset is Google. I can let go of the need to hoard information, especially that which is not actionable NOW. ...More@Ben - I'm finding that my greatest asset is Google. I can let go of the need to hoard information, especially that which is not actionable NOW. Google is always there for me, as is Delicious.
Right now, the only info I have written down are my action items for the day on a 3x5 index card next to my keyboard :)
I know the information will be there when I need it.The highly contributive internet community doubles the amount of information every two years. Extraordinary!
76 weeks ago
Right now, the only info I have written down are my action items for the day on a 3x5 index card next to my keyboard :)
I know the information will be there when I need it.The highly contributive internet community doubles the amount of information every two years. Extraordinary!
76 weeks ago
Alexandra Levit
If you could choose one workplace skill you wish you'd learned while you were in college, what would it be?
81 weeks ago from JobSTART 101
Ryan Healy, Ryan Paugh, Rebecca Thorman, Brett Kunsch and Benjamin Paul Schuman and 2 others recommended this
Brett Kunsch:
I wish I had learned that doing the uncomfortable was the best pathway to becoming indispensable. Doing the tough things no one wants to do (or ...MoreI wish I had learned that doing the uncomfortable was the best pathway to becoming indispensable. Doing the tough things no one wants to do (or doesn't think to do because it's "outside of their job description") secures your place in the workplace, and leads to great possibilities and fulfillment. The BA or MA doesn't teach that.
81 weeks ago
81 weeks ago
Private Message
Following (40)
