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Kayla Zajec

Minneapolis, MN

Communications Specialist

Kayla: Pure Reflections

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Groups (16)

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TOP IDEA: Lindsey Donner The Secret to Getting the Job You Want - http://www.brazencareerist/2010/05/25/the-secret-to-getting-the-job-you-...

104 weeks ago

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Kayla Zajec: Well spoken...I like to embrace the idea of "I had the opportunity to go to work today" when asked how work was vs complaining about it!
104 weeks ago

Lindsey Donner: Thanks, Brianne, Mark, Demetra, and Kayla!

Brianne, I agree that the formal education only goes so far. Not that I would ever knock it; I loved ...MoreThanks, Brianne, Mark, Demetra, and Kayla!

Brianne, I agree that the formal education only goes so far. Not that I would ever knock it; I loved being in academia. In one way or another I'm a permanent college student.

However, there's nothing like "making it happen," as Mark put it. It involves every critical thinking skill we have, plus execution, which is harder to master - except by trial and error.

And amen, Kayla - that's the right attitude. I try to cultivate that. Not to say I never complain, but to say that I really love my job/s. Something about hard work is satisfying unto itself!
104 weeks ago

Rebecca Thorman What do you all think about co-habitation prior to marriage? Everyone I know seems to be moving in together or already living together, although I've always had the romantic notion that I would wait until engagement/marriage. Is that outdated now?

99 weeks ago from Work/Life Blur, I am Gen Y and Ask Penelope Trunk!1 more

Sara Gallagher and renal aladin recommended this

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Heather Dziczek: @Raquel- It's not a matter of being angry or flustered. I enjoy debate, but in order to have an effective debate, debaters need to listen. I'm ...More@Raquel- It's not a matter of being angry or flustered. I enjoy debate, but in order to have an effective debate, debaters need to listen. I'm not worried about Ty thinking ill of my opinion, but he's reacting without reading and blowing out of proportion things I'm saying. When I replied to try to explain that he'd misconstrued my point, he (ironically) replied saying that I wasn't getting his point. I don't think that re-explaining what I've already explained will somehow seduce Ty into considering other points of view or thinking critically about what is being said, so instead of arguing with a brick wall, I remove myself from the debate. That's all :)
96 weeks ago

Rebecca Thorman: Hi everyone. Wanted to give you a quick update. Thank you again for all your wonderful comments. I did ultimately decide to move in with my ...MoreHi everyone. Wanted to give you a quick update. Thank you again for all your wonderful comments. I did ultimately decide to move in with my boyfriend. I published a post on it this morning - http://bit.ly/9LiSsw - I read each and every one of your comments and took each to heart, and appreciated you taking the time to have such a smart dialogue!
94 weeks ago

Kayla Zajec Hello!!!!!! Recently I have joined MIMA, NAMA, and Young Professionals of Minneapolis to expand my networking beyond the walls of my office. Where else and how else is networking nurtured in the TC?

97 weeks ago from Twin Cities Networking

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Sabera (Kapasi) Photographer: Kayla - try the MNAMA(MN Chapter of the American Marketing Association), YPCTC (Young professional communicators of TC's) and TCTHH (Twin Cities ...MoreKayla - try the MNAMA(MN Chapter of the American Marketing Association), YPCTC (Young professional communicators of TC's) and TCTHH (Twin Cities Thursday Happy hours) as well.
96 weeks ago

Kayla Zajec: thank you both so much!
96 weeks ago

Kayla Zajec Wedding planner needed in Minneapolis? For the last year, I have been planning my own wedding, for the last 2 years I have been managing corporate projects, so the idea I can not shake: Becoming a wedding planner! More specifically, tending to the day-of-needs of a beaming bride! What are some ways for me to create my own space in this market? Do you have any tips for me?

97 weeks ago from Entrepreneurs

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Rebecca Thorman: I have been thinking in this vein as well - I think there are a lot of wedding planners. What's missing is an online site where you can plan and ...MoreI have been thinking in this vein as well - I think there are a lot of wedding planners. What's missing is an online site where you can plan and rent all your needs for do-it-yourselfers. So here's my idea that you're free to steal - create a site, like SomethingBorrowed.com and list all the items that one needs for a wedding (place settings, table cloths, candles, lights, etc. etc.) that people can rent (ala RentTheRunway.com) for a specified time period and return when they're done. Supplement it with a lot of wedding content and ideas/inspiration.
96 weeks ago

Marie McKinney-Oates: I work with lots of engaged couples and wedding vendors here in Nashville, and a site like Rebecca is talking about is a really good idea. I know ...MoreI work with lots of engaged couples and wedding vendors here in Nashville, and a site like Rebecca is talking about is a really good idea. I know that The Thirty Something Bride is thinking about a site similar to that (www.thethirtysomethingbride.com)

As for creating a space in this market blog, blog, blog. Seriously. I don't know anyone more addicted to blogs than brides.
96 weeks ago

Kayla Zajec joined the groups We're Hiring and Write a Book!

96 weeks ago

Kayla Zajec Hello everyone!!!! Next spring I want to relocate to the Denver metro area. By then I will have finished my Master's and have 3 years of progressively added responsibility. What is your advise for relocating to the beautiful Rockies?

97 weeks ago from Rocky Mountain Networking

Travis Power: Most desirable areas to live are NW of Denver: Boulder, Westminster, Wheatridge. Highlands Ranch is nice too but less business down there. ...MoreMost desirable areas to live are NW of Denver: Boulder, Westminster, Wheatridge. Highlands Ranch is nice too but less business down there. Colorado Springs is closer to the mountains and has some good engineering. Denver is of course where everything is, especially if you're single. What are you really interested in learning?
97 weeks ago

Kayla Zajec Hello everyone!!!! Next spring I want to relocate to the Denver metro area. By then I will have finished my Master's and have 3 years of progressively added responsibility. I have heard that Denver is difficult to successfully relocated to. Do you have any advise or guidance to assist in my desired relo?

97 weeks ago from Denver Careerists

Kayla Zajec joined the groups Twin Cities Networking, Rocky Mountain Networking, Entrepreneurs, I am Gen Y and Denver Careerists 3 more

97 weeks ago

Kayla Zajec This morning I received a call from my old boss. I disclosed this with a colleague of mine. His face looked repulsed.The entire time I have known this colleague, he has been very focused on the importance of relationships. I was a bit shocked at his reaction. His exact words were, “he left, he is dead to me.” Just because an individual chooses to change companies for his or her own needs does not remove that individual from any frame of reference. Or does it? http://kaylapurereflections.com

99 weeks ago from Professional Development

Ashley A. Reed, PHR recommended this

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Rebecca Thorman: I think it depends. You might not be fully aware of their relationship, but granted, that is a strange thing to say. I have "burned bridges" as ...MoreI think it depends. You might not be fully aware of their relationship, but granted, that is a strange thing to say. I have "burned bridges" as they say and have not regretted it. In my case, an old boss was often badgering and abusive. I will never say anything bad about him in public (since he is a very public figure), but I saw no reason to keep responding to his texts, emails or stay friends with him on Facebook. I think that's where I draw the line. I'll do what's good for me in private, but won't speak badly about someone in public.
99 weeks ago

Ashley A. Reed, PHR: Once upon a long time ago, I worked for a company that I loved but ended up leaving because of one particular manager that I believed was both ...MoreOnce upon a long time ago, I worked for a company that I loved but ended up leaving because of one particular manager that I believed was both abusive and a walking lawsuit. My bosses knew this and I respected them despite how long it took for them to let this manager go (loong after I left the company). However, I maintained my relationships with those two bosses and helped them out numerous times months after leaving to be on call to answer questions for the person who took my position. Years later, I get one job interview in the week I found out I was getting laid off(I saw the writing on the wall and started the job hunt), and lo and behold, my interviewer knew one of my former bosses personally. He called her and she raved about how fabulous I was, and I got the job - when otherwise I might be among the unemployed in this economy. In my mind, just because someone leaves a company doesn't mean they should be dead to their previous colleagues. That's taking it too personally - and business is business - and people leave for personal and career growth. Unless its an abusive individual you choose to disconnect from for a good reason, I'd also say never to burn bridges. You never know when your past will come back and make or break a current opportunity.
99 weeks ago

Kayla Zajec Relocating to a new city. In one year I will be finished with Graduate School. Upon my graduation, I want to relocate. What are the best practices to secure a job in a city that you do not currently live in? How have you successfully relocated?

100 weeks ago from Professional Development

Rebecca Thorman: Hi Kayla! Check out this conversation on Brazen that occurred just a few days ago. Another member asked a similar question and received some great ...MoreHi Kayla! Check out this conversation on Brazen that occurred just a few days ago. Another member asked a similar question and received some great replies - http://www.brazencareerist.com/conversation/527474 - perhaps some of the answers will be relevant to your situation as well? Hope that helps!
100 weeks ago

Kayla Zajec As long as I can remember the saying "suck in and smile," has outlined many experiences in my life. From showing horses to being in the corporate world, the saying still works. Yet I have found that this method is not cohesive for creating real relationships. How do you expose yourself enough to create a real relationship today?

100 weeks ago from Relationships: How do we create great ones?

Kayla Zajec When the opportunity for a promotion was offered to me in January, I jumped at it. As any prepared, dedicated, and career focused individual, I did my homework. Clearly knowing my current role, the role I was acting at, and the role that I was being offered. Yet when the "Promotion" came to offer, it was not an increase in compensation, simply a title change. what have you done in this situation?

101 weeks ago from Professional Development

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Kayla Zajec: Thank you all so much for your perspective and advice! I will definitely utilize your wisdom!
101 weeks ago

Aurian Campbell: Zayla - one of my fave posts on the topic is this one by Sam Davidson - MoreZayla - one of my fave posts on the topic is this one by Sam Davidson - http://bit.ly/c2Zmr4 - it is short, sweet and to the point.

101 weeks ago

Kayla Zajec All relationships change. The natural flow of life creates many adjustments. How have your relationships with mentors changed?

103 weeks ago from Mentors & Mentees

Sadya Siddiqui recommended this

Rebecca Thorman: I think you can outgrow your mentors, certainly. There are several people I used to look to for advice, but wouldn't trust now just because we're ...MoreI think you can outgrow your mentors, certainly. There are several people I used to look to for advice, but wouldn't trust now just because we're both in such different positions now. I think the good thing about business relationships, unlike personal relationships, is that you don't have to be close all the time - you can let it ebb and flow.
103 weeks ago

Kayla Zajec Hello!!!! I learned a very important lesson yesterday in professional development. How to resign with dignity. How have you left a job role? If so how? How have you seen this done appropriately with no drama and no burned bridges? more details @ http://kaylapurereflections.blogspot.com/

103 weeks ago from Professional Development

Sadya Siddiqui recommended this

Lindsay Browning Hi everyone! Lindsay here from Google Staffing in Dublin. I'll be hosting this page so really looking forward to plenty of discussions and content. This month Google was voted most reputable company in Ireland! http://bit.ly/9PQz3T What is it that makes a company reputable?

104 weeks ago from Google, u30pro, I am Gen Y, Professional Development and Employee Benefits 3 more

Ryan Healy, Ryan Paugh, Olga Garcia and Wanda and 1 others recommended this

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Steve Wright: Robin is right; it starts with people. Your managers, supervisors, and even your board of directors need to first think how to best serve their ...MoreRobin is right; it starts with people. Your managers, supervisors, and even your board of directors need to first think how to best serve their customers so that they are truly helping and appreciative. Second, they need to help and be appreciative of their employees.
102 weeks ago

Steve Wright: Google seems to excel in both of these areas
102 weeks ago

Cameron Plommer I've finally got it through my head that I cannot be good at everything I think is cool. I still think of things I'd like to get better and learn about, but there is only so much time and energy available everyday. This is why I've decided to focus on my strengths. Making my strengths so good they can't be ignored. I wrote more about this yesterday and I'd love your thoughts: http://www.econapps.com/2010/05/dont-hate-appreciate/

104 weeks ago from Personal Development, Productivity & Time-Management, Professional Development and GenYJourney: Tips, Insights, Experiences For Young Professionals 2 more

Sadya Siddiqui recommended this

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Kayla Zajec: I once worked with an individual who had the motto: "I am brilliant at one thing, and average at everything else." Perhaps this is the right way ...MoreI once worked with an individual who had the motto: "I am brilliant at one thing, and average at everything else." Perhaps this is the right way to approach it. Being amazing at everything simply does not happen. Having one, or a hand full of, killer abilities and being able to complete others is actually quite a strength!
103 weeks ago

Cameron Plommer: @Bradley thanks for the resource, I'll look into it.

@Kayle it's weird how we forget about what we are really good at and move on to something ...More@Bradley thanks for the resource, I'll look into it.

@Kayle it's weird how we forget about what we are really good at and move on to something new to become better at.
103 weeks ago

David Spinks I believe that mentorships should be grown naturally. I know that some of my peers will disagree... I just think that asking someone to be your mentor sounds like asking for a lot, without really offering much in return. I think if you keep networking, and when a relationship is really "clicking" you should pursue it. Let it develop naturally.

105 weeks ago from Mentors & Mentees

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Kayla Zajec: I have heard of companies that pair new hires-generally younger new hires-with more seasoned individuals as mentors. Does this work? My reason ...MoreI have heard of companies that pair new hires-generally younger new hires-with more seasoned individuals as mentors. Does this work? My reason falls with the natural development of relationships. Being told-or asking-for that matter could bring unforseen implications from the relationship. is this worth it?
Evolving relationships give both individuals ownership and desire rather than dictation and obligation.
104 weeks ago

Aurian Campbell: I completely agree with you, David. I feel the same way about 'mentor' as a title as I do about 'networking' as a title. The reality is that ...MoreI completely agree with you, David. I feel the same way about 'mentor' as a title as I do about 'networking' as a title. The reality is that both simply refer to making friends who (a) you want to see succeed and (b) want to see you succeed.

Once you put a label on it, many people are scared off. It's much nicer to simply value someone's input into your career (whatever that might be), and try to do your best to enhance theirs.
104 weeks ago

Erin Lariviere Does your organization have an official social media policy? If so, what's the focus - what you CAN do, or what you CAN'T? If you were crafting a social media policy, what would your top 3 points be?

105 weeks ago from Social Media, Social Media Marketers, New Media Marketing and PR & New Media 2 more

Rebecca Thorman, Elysa Rice and Team Brazen recommended this

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David Sandusky: Erin - your indecisiveness is very decisive! Sound like solid training on brand values and part of expectations. Cool!
104 weeks ago

Lucas: @Erin & @David - To add to the indecisiveness, I don't think anyone's wrong here. David is correct - hiring employees that can be trusted ...More@Erin & @David - To add to the indecisiveness, I don't think anyone's wrong here. David is correct - hiring employees that can be trusted within a culture of autonomy is ideal. In reality, however, things happen: employees go rogue; they get caught up in the mystique that is online dialogue and forget their manners, etc. The goal of an organization's social media policy (or at least the few I've created) is to create a framework that is extremely vague and basically lays out common sense. The real value in such a policy comes out when things go south. In a lot of the situations I've seen (but not been involved with) is borderlines of plausible deniability. ;-)

Regardless, I agree with David that it's better to keep teams/groups small and hire well.

104 weeks ago

Interests

Working out, reading, dancing, traveling, living each moment to the fullest.

Goals

Embrace the happiness in the everyday
Have a fulfilling, successful career
Live a centered life

Favorite Quote

A woman who is convinced that she deserves to accept only the best challenges herself to give the best. Then she is living phenomenally. --Maya Angelou

Specialties

-Bringing the human touch back to communication. -Leading business trainings -Marketing and communication project planning and leadership