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Kenji Crosland
Seattle, WA
SEO Samurai, teachstreet.com
Entrepreneurship
Unready and Willing
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View 16 older replies

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 ...MoreI'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
 
TOP IDEA: Penelope Trunk Time Magazine contacted me to write a definitive article about Gen Y at work. I had spent so many years pitching big magazines, trying to get their attention, so it was a huge deal to me that Time came to me. http://bit.ly/132g9r

115 weeks ago

View 7 older replies

: Boy, do I have a book for you.
95 weeks ago
Christina Brown: It's about Time. hehe grats! :)
74 weeks ago
Elizabeth Marling: This article makes a really good point--there is so much focus on identifying our own 'flaws' for lack of a better word and improving them that it ...MoreThis article makes a really good point--there is so much focus on identifying our own 'flaws' for lack of a better word and improving them that it takes all attention away from learning to excel in one's talents. I would argue this has a major influence on the apparent lack of excellence that is talked about a lot on this site, as it's a major issue.

It's really like I kind of knew what the article said, just from observing people, but this defines it quite well. I would recommend this to anyone who is asking the question: how do we bring excellence back to the workplace? It's so simple it's hard to see. Just stop trying to fix people and encourage them to find their own way of balancing the improvement of traits that stand as obstacles with the pursuit of what one is naturally gifted at doing.

This is based on my own belief that everyone has a talent, usually more than one. Even 'evil' people have talents of pursuasion and reading people--usually much higher than average. They misuse the skill, but it's evidence of talent regardless.
102 weeks ago
Kenji Crosland: Thanks for you comment Elizabeth. I totally agree, not only do we spend too much time trying to fix ourselves but we also try to fix others. This ...MoreThanks for you comment Elizabeth. I totally agree, not only do we spend too much time trying to fix ourselves but we also try to fix others. This is a surefire path to frustration.
102 weeks ago

View 5 older replies

Chris Williams: Jake,

I like the post, I always like to remember that just because something takes a long time and may be hard that that somehow means it's ...MoreJake,

I like the post, I always like to remember that just because something takes a long time and may be hard that that somehow means it's important and/or productive. This just reminded me to keep that in mind! Thanks!

Chris
105 weeks ago
Jake LaCaze: I'm glad you enjoyed the post, Chris. Sometimes we all need a little help keeping things in perspective.
105 weeks ago
 
Kenji Crosland As a lark we posted this somewhat risqué post on our company blog today: http://blog.teachstreet.com/learn-new-things/thursday-humor-deal-office-... It's brought more traffic to our blog than any other post, but do you think posts like this are good for a corporate brand? Could it backfire? Should other companies try this?

66 weeks ago

View 3 older replies

Cheryl Roshak: You'll never know now, will you? As they say in advertising, 50% of it works, and 50% of it doesn't, you just don't know which 50% of it is, so ...MoreYou'll never know now, will you? As they say in advertising, 50% of it works, and 50% of it doesn't, you just don't know which 50% of it is, so you have to do all of it. Perhaps you'll both attract some customers and lose some customers depending on their personal proclivities or ethics. I found it rather amusing. Was it in keeping with the rest of blog? No. You took a risk. Risks are sometimes good to take. Should other companies try this? Depends on the type of company it is, the image they wish to project, how seriously they take themselves, and for all sorts of other reasons. Relax, it's done. Would I do it? Not sure. Maybe not that particular one, but I'm not adverse to humor in the workplace, on a blog, or website. It's all in the eye of the beholder with no conclusive answer I fear.
66 weeks ago
Mark W.: I liked it. I think it's necessary to inject some humor and light heartedness in the work place. Some people will take offense to various forms of ...MoreI liked it. I think it's necessary to inject some humor and light heartedness in the work place. Some people will take offense to various forms of humor at different times. I think they need to get over themselves and lighten up - my unprofessional opinion I guess. You may want to consider setting aside one day a week on your blog for humor and let it fly (with boundaries, of course) and see if you can work it into your brand somehow. Just an idea.
66 weeks ago
 
Elizabeth Marling I have this theory that if you call yourself something, you will be that something. Example: I am an artist. I'm starting a new blog and on all the fliers I have "by Artist Elizabeth Marling." Isn't that amazing! So, based on what you WANT to do, what is your title? Why NOT put that in big bold print at the top of every resume, email, and letter? Any thoughts?

91 weeks ago from Screw the System

View 2 older replies

: Be careful of labels. If you are successful in getting everyone to know that you are an Artist and that's what you do, then great. But what ...MoreBe careful of labels. If you are successful in getting everyone to know that you are an Artist and that's what you do, then great. But what happens if the box you've put yourself in becomes too small and you can't break out?
89 weeks ago
Diggory Apostolos: If you've been doing something long enough, perhaps it's for a reason, and possibly that you're capitalizing on a knack you have for that 'box'... ...MoreIf you've been doing something long enough, perhaps it's for a reason, and possibly that you're capitalizing on a knack you have for that 'box'... you can break out if you really want to, but perhaps you have to not discount all that time you spent honing that particular expertise, perhaps there are aspects of that life you can bring to your new direction - and people will appreciate the hybrid. Perhaps there are no labels, just peaks of expertise, with blurry continua in between. I think some folks want to see / act in clear ways about where they are in their life, but it's a constant state of personal evolution where the sum total of your experience manifests itself in everything you do in the current moment. Trust yourself and keep an open mind - even if others don't. You can't change what you've done in life, but calling upon everything to date and applying it in new situations can only be a good thing.
73 weeks ago

View 24 older replies

alexjon: Thanks. I get some useful information about this. Good work.

This is really nice...please read this article... very good...thanks for ...MoreThanks. I get some useful information about this. Good work.

This is really nice...please read this article... very good...thanks for posting....

SEO Services UK| SEO Company UK
80 weeks ago
roxxky: I always follow all your news but this one I have missed. It is really a new fact for me about Trojans and I will definitely try to find more ...MoreI always follow all your news but this one I have missed. It is really a new fact for me about Trojans and I will definitely try to find more publications about her. Well, I have to admit that she is really a beautiful woman and personally I think that she is very similar like Alexis Texas! Look at her. Anyway thanks a lot for sharing these wonderful news! seo


78 weeks ago
 
Ryan Paugh I just read a blog post from our friend Alexandra Levit (http://bit.ly/aNLDMx) about what it means to be a best-selling author and it got me thinking about all of you who are passionate about writing. If you're interested in writing a book, or any piece of writing for that matter, what's more important to you: acclaim or meaning? Just because a book is a best seller doesn't mean it's any good. If you could only have one of the two, which would you choose? Money or impact?

90 weeks ago from Write a Book!, Creative Writing, Professional Writers and Editors and Brazen Fiction Writers2 more

View 21 older replies

Benny: The following comes from the perspective of someone who hasn't yet made money from writing.

I think that the web has made this extra interesting ...MoreThe following comes from the perspective of someone who hasn't yet made money from writing.

I think that the web has made this extra interesting and ambiguous. All writing is, in a way, designed to provoke some sort of conversation. The web, though, is extra-conversational. Most writing on the web is designed to provoke immediate feedback, and we've discovered that that is best accomplished by short and open-ended posts.
On the other hand, a lot of meaningful writing takes a long time to sink in and doesn't necessarily provoke a direct response. I think that it's important to separate these two types of writing. If you're making money for it and it's on the web, chances are that you are good at provoking instant feedback.
I may be going out on a limb here, but I think this is an interesting subject:
Which is more satisfying, writing something that will slowly sink in with people but not provoke instant feedback, or writing something that provokes instant feedback?
81 weeks ago
Laura Scheppler: Impact.
76 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

View 16 older replies

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
 
Kenji Crosland So we have this company twitter account which we use to promote members of our community and we also use for general announcements etc. I think we're doing good things with it, but we could always improve. What are some companies you know that use twitter effectively? What do you think is particularly effective about what they do?

81 weeks ago from Social Media Marketers, Social Media, Web 2.0, Company Culture and Entrepreneurs3 more

View 3 older replies

Negar Saei: Surprisingly, PepsiCo does a great job.
81 weeks ago
Kenji Crosland: @Amanda Zappos is amazing. I mentioned how much I liked CEO Tony Hsieh's book "Delivering Happiness" and I got a response back from them. ...More@Amanda Zappos is amazing. I mentioned how much I liked CEO Tony Hsieh's book "Delivering Happiness" and I got a response back from them. Incredible.

I'm not sure we'd be able to do that so much since we have a limited team (So no full time tweeter). But we could be more engaging. Perhaps some real time comments about what is going on at the office...make it seem more engaging. Like there is a real person behind the twitter account.

Can this backfire though? Might we say something inappropriate for general audiences? Or is the reward worth the risk?
81 weeks ago
 
Cameron Plommer I'm about to a full-time job after months of unemployment and part-time work. While working part-time I've put a lot of time and effort into blogging. With decreased amount of time I am trying to figure out how to find time for blogging. So in general, how do you find time to work a full-time job and nurture your personal relationships with friends and significant others, while doing a side project like blogging?

83 weeks ago from Career Changers, Creating a Life You Love and Blogging Ideas1 more

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Bryon Ownby: First, congrats @Cameraon on the full-time job! I am struggling with blogging time as well due to work and other outside of work commitments. ...MoreFirst, congrats @Cameraon on the full-time job! I am struggling with blogging time as well due to work and other outside of work commitments. For me, I am finding that the note pad on my smart phone is becoming very useful to either note blog topics, I haven't used yet to do a complete blog post though.
83 weeks ago
Benjamin Paul Schuman: The last time I was busy enough to not have time for blogging, my blog actually got better. At first, I was disappointed at the lack of attention ...MoreThe last time I was busy enough to not have time for blogging, my blog actually got better. At first, I was disappointed at the lack of attention I could give it. But then I realized that I didn't actually need that much time. I'd write something quickly and then not be satisfied with it and grumble that I didn't have more time for it. Then I'd go back to it at my next window of time and think, "Oh, it's not so bad," and then edit it and it'd be ready for publishing.
I still posted less, though. But not even THAT much less.
83 weeks ago
 
Kenji Crosland I'm 27, and have prematurely gray hair. I just started working at a web startup where it's not unusual for CEOs to be younger than I am. My parents suggested that I should dye my hair to get rid of all the gray and "look more my age." Not for vanity reasons, but for professional reasons. If I dyed my hair I could look at least five years younger if not more, which could be an advantage in a young industry. Do you think it even matters?

83 weeks ago from Upstarts!, Web Startups, Office Politics, Entry-Level Young Professionals and Company Culture3 more

View 22 older replies

Aiden Schade: People generally don't make judgments based on things that are out of your control like balding, greying, the shape of your face, etc. If you have ...MorePeople generally don't make judgments based on things that are out of your control like balding, greying, the shape of your face, etc. If you have grey hair and don't want to dye it, then don't.

Once you start dying your hair you have to deal with your roots as the dyed hair grows out. As you get more grey, you'll look funny. Best to just accept it now.
83 weeks ago
L.J. Acker: Two words for hot grayness: Anderson Cooper
83 weeks ago
 
Jason Unger Just looked at the last time I updated one of my blogs, and it has been way too long. It's good to be too busy to keep up with them, but unless I'm letting my readers and visitors know where I'm at, it looks like I'm doing nothing! It's almost a catch 22, you know?

83 weeks ago

Kenji Crosland: You may want to start a tumblr mini-blog with super short updates about what you are doing and mention it on your blog. That way people know ...MoreYou may want to start a tumblr mini-blog with super short updates about what you are doing and mention it on your blog. That way people know you're still alive.
83 weeks ago
Jason Unger: Thanks Kenji, not a bad idea. The only issue is that that's one more thing I need to update!
83 weeks ago
 
TOP IDEA: Kenji Crosland Oftentimes the comments I see in blogs are along the lines of "good post!", or "Good post, and this is what I think about [the topic]". There seem to be very few instances of "What do you mean by [x]?" or "Could you tell us a little more about [x]?" It as though people were just waiting for their turns to speak their piece. The conversation hardly evolves as it would through normal conversation. It's as though the medium itself discourages the practice of active listening. What do you think?

83 weeks ago from Gen-Y Professional Bloggers, Creatively Inspired and Blogging Ideas1 more

View 20 older replies

Jenna Langer: I agree with @Linda - if someone leaves a comment saying great post, why not engage them and ask for more commentary?

@Kenji - not sure if this ...MoreI agree with @Linda - if someone leaves a comment saying great post, why not engage them and ask for more commentary?

@Kenji - not sure if this is what you're looking for, but have you seen any twitter chats? I regularly participate in #cmgrchat and #journchat. They are great conversations between twitter users. Check out the full schedule of chats here: http://bit.ly/ChatSched
83 weeks ago
Scott Asai: I like blogging, but it's not the same as a conversation. A lot can be determined by how engaging the writer is. I admit I do tend to skim over a ...MoreI like blogging, but it's not the same as a conversation. A lot can be determined by how engaging the writer is. I admit I do tend to skim over a longer article and put my two sense at the end.
83 weeks ago
 
TOP IDEA: Sid I can read, honestly. I read blogs, newspapers, twitter feeds, and anything else online. But why the hell do I have so much trouble reading a physical book? I recently bought a book and started reading it and found myself going back every paragraph or every page questioning myself "Whats being said here?" My reading comprehension right now wouldn't get me an SAT score for community college right now. Anyone else have this problem? Read the post and join the discussion http://bit.ly/9SXlqi

84 weeks ago from u30pro, Entrepreneurs, Job Resources and Career Coaching and Brazen Bloggers2 more

View 12 older replies

Benjamin Paul Schuman: Sometimes I think that technology has "inflicted" us with ADHD. But recently I've gotten some new ideas about how it all works.

First, I think ...MoreSometimes I think that technology has "inflicted" us with ADHD. But recently I've gotten some new ideas about how it all works.

First, I think that the internet is not "the problem," the problem is that the internet makes it easy for us to forget that it takes focus to truly grasp a subject. I think we all like the feeling that we can master a subject from skimming a few paragraphs on it. The internet enables that. I don't think the internet causes it in any way.

Second, I think that the internet has helped me to determine more easily the quality of a book. The thing is, I used to think, "Oh shit, I can't sit still long enough for a book anymore!" But then I realized that I've always had a variable attention span when it comes to books. It's just that, before we had all these distractions, it was easier to read books that bore us. It's bizarre. Many new books make me want to surf the web. But Frankenstein can still hold my attention.

I feel like we're in an era where the measure of quality in books is "Is this book better than the internet?" The good thing is that the best books are!
83 weeks ago
Page: um, bad habits is the answer. Habits that encourage the slave-mentality to text-twitter can convert even the most devout english major. ...Moreum, bad habits is the answer. Habits that encourage the slave-mentality to text-twitter can convert even the most devout english major. Sit...read...reflect--repeat. You will be out of re-hab before you know it.
83 weeks ago
 
Kenji Crosland Great talk by Dave McClure about why NOT to do a startup: http://www.seattle20.com/blog/Why-Not-To-Do-a-Startup-By-Dave-McClure.aspx . The Gist: You WILL fail. You WILL lose touch with friends and family, and you WILL miss a payroll. Stick to your day job unless you can't imagine yourself doing anything else. Strangely, I felt more motivated to keep my startup going after hearing this talk. How about you?

84 weeks ago from Career Rocketeer, Slash Jobs, Entrepreneurs, Shotgun Startups and Upstarts!3 more

View 4 older replies

Linda A. Hamilton: Raquel, I agree. While a downturn may be difficult for many, for some it is an opportunity to become resourceful, strengthen your business, learn ...MoreRaquel, I agree. While a downturn may be difficult for many, for some it is an opportunity to become resourceful, strengthen your business, learn the ropes, and branch out and diversify. While you work lean and strive for bigger personal and professional rewards, you prepare for the future so when it stabilizes and upturns, you can rock the world.
84 weeks ago
Sunny Shakula: If life was perfect - and we were all employed with great pay and positions we love - the motivation to take risks involved with start ups would ...MoreIf life was perfect - and we were all employed with great pay and positions we love - the motivation to take risks involved with start ups would be eliminated.
84 weeks ago
 
Kenji Crosland Hey folks. The startup down the hall from our office, estately.com, is looking for an all around admin-type person to pick up all the extra work that startups have to contend with. It's not a glorious job, but it's a great way to break into the Seattle startup community. I've met the CEO and he seems like a great guy to work for. What's more, we get to be neighbors! If you're interested either message me or leave a comment. I'll put in a good word for you.

85 weeks ago from Career Changers, Career Rocketeer, Entry-Level Young Professionals, Seattle Careerists and Shotgun Startups3 more

View 1 older reply

Terrell: Do you know if it's full or part time? I'm looking for a part-time job to supplement my freelance income. Thanks!
84 weeks ago
Kenji Crosland: The posting is no longer there. Looks like someone got the job already. Whew! That was quick!
84 weeks ago
 
Elizabeth Marling I am about to become really unpopular, but does anyone notice this forum sliding towards solicitations (for blog contributions, feedback, answers to questions, be part of a study, etc)? Where are the ideas? All I see are people asking for things. Quid pro quo: let's get some of your ideas too!

84 weeks ago

View 8 older replies

Elizabeth Marling: Yes, Ryan, I completely agree (forgot to include--the above is primarily a response to your comments here). Thanks for looking at this! I ...MoreYes, Ryan, I completely agree (forgot to include--the above is primarily a response to your comments here). Thanks for looking at this! I wouldn't want anything to discourage people from coming to this forum, and I do understand that this type of thing is going to happen periodically on a site like this.

I really just wanted to get people thinking about what they are adding to the forum and not just what they can take from it.
84 weeks ago
Elizabeth Marling: Oh, sorry to post 3 in a row, but just to clarify, I'm not arguing for any changes on the part of Brazen or how it is run. My comment is meant ...MoreOh, sorry to post 3 in a row, but just to clarify, I'm not arguing for any changes on the part of Brazen or how it is run. My comment is meant for community members. It is our responsibility to read and respond to good content, and to ignore a question from a random person looking for the equivalent of survey information.
84 weeks ago
 
Kenji Crosland Some fun ideas here on how to make a startup office a great place to work on a low budget. Hard to imagine that we get any work done here, but we do...really: http://wp.me/p116I8-1dzCor . What are some things that you do a little differently at your office to mix things up?

84 weeks ago from Shotgun Startups, Entrepreneurs, Entry-Level Young Professionals and JobSTART 1012 more

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