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Lauren Shanks

Baltimore

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Carlita Pitts Has anyone had any luck using temp agencies or executive staffing firms when searching for jobs? A couple of friends have told me that they are a great resource. Any advice on going this route?

73 weeks ago from Washington D.C.

Ryan Healy, Carlita Pitts, Dan Pham and Leona and 1 others recommended this

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Ijeoma: hirestrategy is a top-ranked agency in downtown dc and reston
69 weeks ago

Rosanne Ferruggia: I've had some good experiences and some bad. I applied to a marketing position and the hiring process was handled by Positions, Inc., That company ...MoreI've had some good experiences and some bad. I applied to a marketing position and the hiring process was handled by Positions, Inc., That company was great to work with (and yes, I got that job! haha). Just keep in mind that their client is the hiring party, not the applicant, because I've had experience with some other firms who were not so great. Good luck, Carlita!
69 weeks ago

Amy Ng My new year's resolution is to get more active in social media to engage with people to help them find and land their next job. What is your resolution for 2011?

73 weeks ago from Citi

Rebecca Thorman, Mike Ambassador Bruny, Tiffany and LeeAnn Chen and 1 others recommended this

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Shanda: Amy and Kalina, that is a wonderful resolution. Most people make resolutions for themselves but the two of you have chosen to help others. That's ...MoreAmy and Kalina, that is a wonderful resolution. Most people make resolutions for themselves but the two of you have chosen to help others. That's wonderful.
70 weeks ago

Ryan Jason Mendoza: @Amy, i completely agree. There is no running away from social media even if privacy issues abound. My new year's resolution is to start trusting ...More@Amy, i completely agree. There is no running away from social media even if privacy issues abound. My new year's resolution is to start trusting social media again to find and land my next job.
70 weeks ago

Lauren Shanks An artist friend of mine told me that if something is your passion, nothing can stop you from doing it. No matter what else is going on in your life, you will make time to pursue it. Is this the case? With the pressures of daily life, how do you cultivate a passion and find time to devote to it?

72 weeks ago from Creating a Life You Love

Jamie Nacht Farrell and Robin Mills recommended this

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Lauren Shanks: Thank you @Jana! I feel like I don't have a passion right now. I have a definite interest in writing, but I'm not pursuing in with fervor, which ...MoreThank you @Jana! I feel like I don't have a passion right now. I have a definite interest in writing, but I'm not pursuing in with fervor, which led to the passion debate with the artist friend.

I'd like to develop and build this skill, but my day job keeps me busy, and I just don't feel like I have the time to devote to it. I want to be that person who does something creative and is passionate about, but I just can't seem to get there.
72 weeks ago

Jana Schuberth: @Lauren: May I ask, why would you like to develop/ have a passion (for writing or otherwise). Are you aiming to make a passion into profits? Or ...More@Lauren: May I ask, why would you like to develop/ have a passion (for writing or otherwise). Are you aiming to make a passion into profits? Or for a fuller life?
71 weeks ago

Brett Kunsch I was deeply challenged this morning by a post from Leo Baubata of Zen Habits. He proposes that the BEST goal is NO goal. He argues that most of the time you don’t achieve the goals you've defined and you blame it on yourself, but the problem isn’t you, it’s the system! Goals as a system are set up for failure. I am very tempted to follow his logic, but my gut says "No, it's not that black and white." Have a read for yourself, and let's generate a debate Brazen friends! http://bit.ly/geGYpE

72 weeks ago from Professional Development, Ask A Coach, Ask Penelope Trunk!, Productivity & Time-Management and Personal Development 3 more

Lauren Shanks and Micha Whitsel recommended this

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JRandom42: "If you don't know where you're going, you're going to wind up somewhere else."
72 weeks ago

Al Lee: Everyone does most of their lives' activities without goals. I don't have a "goal" of taking a shower in the morning, or a "goal" of going to ...MoreEveryone does most of their lives' activities without goals. I don't have a "goal" of taking a shower in the morning, or a "goal" of going to work, or a "goal" of eating lunch, etc.

I can do these activities with joy, or not, but goals are not required.

Imposing goals on top of these activities can destroy them: if my activities at work have to forward my "goals" for my career, or lunch forward my "goals" for weight loss, then what could have been an enjoyable part of life's journey can be turned into an opportunity for failure.
72 weeks ago

Sadya Siddiqui PEOPLE vs. PROJECT: Has anyone here ever been in a situation where a project offered to them was really interesting but the people with whom one has to collaborate were an absolute nightmare to work with? Would you ever choose a project that looks great on the CV but has a terrible team?

72 weeks ago from Ask Penelope Trunk!, Brazen Careerists on Twitter and GenYJourney: Tips, Insights, Experiences For Young Professionals 1 more

Robin Mills and Katie Perry recommended this

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Katie Perry: @Nina - I agree that it can certainly damage the project. Projects take time and effort, and if you don't like who you're working with, that can ...More@Nina - I agree that it can certainly damage the project. Projects take time and effort, and if you don't like who you're working with, that can certainly be lacking with the final product.

@Sadya - I don't know if I would "choose" to work on the project if I knew I "hated" the team members. If I had to do it though, I would keep my head up and just do it. As awful as it sounds, it just adds more to your interview answers to questions of "How do you deal with a difficult team," "Do you stay professional in any situation," etc.
72 weeks ago

Dawn Lennon: A terrific question Sadya. Just as @Nina says, sometimes we have no choice about the teams we're assigned to. Echoing her and @Katie,sometimes ...MoreA terrific question Sadya. Just as @Nina says, sometimes we have no choice about the teams we're assigned to. Echoing her and @Katie,sometimes we're assigned to a "bad team" to "save it" from itself. I don't think we should overlook the fact that the powers that be mayh put us on these teams an opportunity to showcse our ability make difference and/or provide leadership with a group that will need it. That's happened to me plenty of times.

Regarding the CV, @Katie is right. Every experience is a learning experience. We may not like how it felt at the time, but we always walk away with insights that enrich us as internal or external candidates. I've often asked candidates this question: "Sometimes the work we do in teams doesn't come out as planned. Has this every happened to you? If so what were your lessons learned?"

72 weeks ago

Lauren Shanks Watched 'Splice' OnDemand this weekend... very disturbing on many levels.

72 weeks ago from Movie Critics

Ryan Paugh How much work are you doing between Christmas and New Years? I'll be online every day until New Year's Eve, but I'm probably working at about 50% capacity as I'll also be spending time with family and friends that I haven't had time to see yet.

73 weeks ago from Work/Life Blur

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Diane: I'm on vacation, but I check my work email every day. Everything can wait until I get back.
73 weeks ago

Scott Messinger: I've been on vacation since the 23rd, and I won't be back in the office until the 3rd. I've answered about 2 phone calls from people who just ...MoreI've been on vacation since the 23rd, and I won't be back in the office until the 3rd. I've answered about 2 phone calls from people who just couldn't find anyone else at the office, but other than that I haven't even thought about work.
73 weeks ago

Ryan Paugh Do you do any good deeds over The Holidays that you normally wouldn't do? I've done things ranging from Toys for Tots to making Thanksgiving dinner for the Coast Guard. I'm realizing that I haven't made much time this holiday season to do something nice for people that I don't know. I'm feeling kind of selfish ... Maybe you guys can help me think of some ideas.

73 weeks ago from Community Karma

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Ryan Paugh: That's a great idea Vickie, and it makes sense that more charities need help in January after the Holidays have ended. I'm going to figure out ...MoreThat's a great idea Vickie, and it makes sense that more charities need help in January after the Holidays have ended. I'm going to figure out something good to do then. I love the idea of doing something related to animals since I just adopted a 3-year-old English Bulldog.
73 weeks ago

Patrick Pho: At my old office we went on shopping trips to buy toys to donate to those who needed them. Our CEO would pay for all the toys- we just had to pick ...MoreAt my old office we went on shopping trips to buy toys to donate to those who needed them. Our CEO would pay for all the toys- we just had to pick them out and pack the trucks.

Check out this video of a past trip: http://youtu.be/cUznZ0GkN58
73 weeks ago

Lauren Shanks joined the groups Horror Movie Buffs and Interior Design

73 weeks ago

Lauren Shanks While it is between seasons right now, please do yourself a favor and catch up on "The Fabulous Beekman Boys" on Plant Green OnDemand. Manhattanites moving to the country to start their own eco-friendly personal brand is absolute Brazen-bait!

73 weeks ago from Television (Couch Potatoes)

Lauren Shanks 'I Love You Phillip Morris' was outstanding! Anyone with a dark sense of humor will truly appreciate this movie.

73 weeks ago from Movie Critics

Diana Antholis I've been thinking a lot about if I play the same role at home as I do at work. The question sparked earlier this year in my grad school class - "At home, are you a leader or a manager?" What do you think? Have you assessed your actions and reactions at work vs. at home? Is your life role your work role? http://bit.ly/gRu2Mk [includes self assessment questions to get you thinking!]

76 weeks ago from Inspiring Leadership

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Diana Antholis: @Lauren - It is definitely situational. I agree, sometimes you just want someone to make the decision for you.
@Linda - Great advice for those who ...More@Lauren - It is definitely situational. I agree, sometimes you just want someone to make the decision for you.
@Linda - Great advice for those who are self-employed.
@Jonathan - Ah yes, same person but different things to deal with. So you handle business transactions as you would personal relationships - only with different goals?
@Hannah - Haha! Everyone needs someone to help them too!

75 weeks ago

Jonathan van de Veen: @Diana: Well, when dealing with personal interactions, emotions obviously become more important then money, which should be a driving force when ...More@Diana: Well, when dealing with personal interactions, emotions obviously become more important then money, which should be a driving force when doing business. Also at home I'm not deliberatly working on achieving certain goals, which I do try to at work.
75 weeks ago

Rebecca Thorman Encapsulate the year 2010 in one word. Now, imagine it’s one year from today, what would you like the word to be that captures 2011 for you? I'm participating in #reverb10 and my word for 2010 was "Confidence" and for 2011 was "Follow-Through" (http://bit.ly/gfwOWn). What would your words be?

76 weeks ago from Creating a Life You Love, Creatively Inspired, I am Gen Y, Work/Life Blur and Blogging Ideas 3 more

Sadya Siddiqui and Jamie Nacht Farrell recommended this

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Scott Messinger: 2010 - Employed, 2011 - Ditto
76 weeks ago

Motronea Doru Florin: 2010 - Trust, 2011 - Love.
76 weeks ago

Lauren Shanks What is everyone watching right now? My husband and I looked at theatre listings last weekend and couldn't come up with one thing we both wanted to see. This time five years ago, I feel like we were at the movies almost every weekend. Are movies getting worse?

77 weeks ago from Movie Critics

Riley Carson recommended this

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Linda A. Hamilton: I'm not exactly a theater goer right now, but I do recommend Secretariat. I've seen it twice and while it appears to be a normal horse story it's ...MoreI'm not exactly a theater goer right now, but I do recommend Secretariat. I've seen it twice and while it appears to be a normal horse story it's about Penny Chenery and how Secretariat almost didn't become the Triple Crown winner. The movie will put people on the edge of their seats before the races even though you eventually realize you now the outcome of each race and the photography of the races puts you on the horse's backs and on the track. I'm a horse person, so that may be more appealing to me. It's done very well, and I understand Diane Lane is up for possible Oscar. The other ones I'm interested in are Red, Harry Potter (sorry to hear it's a bomb), The Fighter with Christian Bale and Matt Damon, and Disney's Tangled.
77 weeks ago

Brett Kunsch: On an entirely different note - TV is experiencing a renaissance!

Breaking Bad, Dexter, The Tudors, Mad Men, 30 Rock, LOST - the list goes on. ...MoreOn an entirely different note - TV is experiencing a renaissance!

Breaking Bad, Dexter, The Tudors, Mad Men, 30 Rock, LOST - the list goes on. If you can't find engaging entertainment at the theater, drop by Netflix :)
76 weeks ago

Kevin Li So need some help from you BC bloggers: how do you manage your blog(s) when your interests span across many things that don't relate to each other at all? For example, my full-time job is at a marketing analytics tech company (so blogging here would be more on what you'd see from AdAge) but I'm also interested in general career advice, micro-insurance (what?), etc. as other topics. I don't like the idea of jamming it together since they are not the same topic. What would you do?

76 weeks ago from Wordpress Bloggers and Blogging Ideas

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Lindsay Oberst: Yes for personal branding! You can always have a personal blog that fits your career or one of your interests (can be broad, such as personal ...MoreYes for personal branding! You can always have a personal blog that fits your career or one of your interests (can be broad, such as personal development blogs) and then you can write for other blogs that cover other topics that interest you.
76 weeks ago

Lauren Shanks: I think Penelope Trunk is a great example of doing this. She has interest in many topics, but it all leads back to a central theme - her! I mean ...MoreI think Penelope Trunk is a great example of doing this. She has interest in many topics, but it all leads back to a central theme - her! I mean this in a good way! Think about why you like each thing and look for a common theme. It may very well just be about you, and that is OK.
76 weeks ago

Lauren Shanks We've finally caught up on House after watching via Netflix for a year. What should our next long term investment in television be? Previous series include The Wire and Extras, both of which were awesome.

77 weeks ago from Television (Couch Potatoes)

Ryan Healy: I highly recommend Dexter. Another that is not on DVD yet is Boardwalk Empire. But Dexter is in season 6, so there are plenty of episodes to watch!
77 weeks ago

Kim Luu: We're watching M-I5. First season ok. Rest of seasons has annoyance about the incompetencies of the spies.

The Walking Dead on AMC started ...MoreWe're watching M-I5. First season ok. Rest of seasons has annoyance about the incompetencies of the spies.

The Walking Dead on AMC started excellent but recent episodes fell back on some conventional script writing.

Dexter was excellent. You can catch 3 seasons on streaming.

Modern Family. Can't praise this highly enough. Very funny and willing to be un PC.
77 weeks ago

77 weeks ago from Television (Couch Potatoes)

Ai Da I'm barely into my first week at a new workplace and I have this gut feeling that I won't fit into the working environment. There is a lack of respect for each other's time and resources, and I soon found out that projects tend to overrun and over-budget here. Is it wrong for me to cut line now before I got in too deep or stayed longer?

92 weeks ago from Ask Penelope Trunk!

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Katie Weilbacher: Yes, trust your gut. Is there someone that you might feel comfortable asking "Is this the norm around here?" You can be nonchalant & try to ...MoreYes, trust your gut. Is there someone that you might feel comfortable asking "Is this the norm around here?" You can be nonchalant & try to sound as conversational as possible, just to get some feelers. Maybe it's a uniquely stressful time in the company, or maybe that's just how it is. Joblessness IS terrifying, so I say return to your job hunt & try to find something else while you're still earning a paycheck in Chaos City. Then when you leave, you can at least tell them you stayed long enough to give it a fair shot & that it's just not the right match for you. HANG IN THERE!!!!
91 weeks ago

Elizabeth Marling: I would identify what specifically happened to give you this insight. Just to be devil's advocate, every workplace has faults and strengths. It ...MoreI would identify what specifically happened to give you this insight. Just to be devil's advocate, every workplace has faults and strengths. It is possible that you are the type of person who is keenly sensitive to potential dangers, so the faults are smacking you in the face. There is nothing bad about that, but it's possible that if you look past the negative aspects you may see a way to fit in that you haven't noticed yet. Hope that helps. I know that I am the type of person who is very sensitive to potential pitfalls and I have to 'get over it' to see the positive, so I'm just speaking from my own experience.
91 weeks ago

Lauren Shanks Anyone else psyched for the Emmy's this weekend? I'm looking for Glee and Modern Family to take home some gold. Who are you rooting for?

91 weeks ago from Television (Couch Potatoes)

Lauren Shanks Reading 'My Fair Lazy' by Jen Lancaster. I love how she trancends genre by blending memoir, chick-lit and humor. She really is an awesome example of someone was laid off and found their calling, too.

106 weeks ago from Book Shelf

Lois Wilson: I love Jen Lancaster books. I always catch myself laughing out loud to her books.
96 weeks ago

Lauren Shanks Anyone else gearing up for the Mad Men premiere? I can't wait!!!

100 weeks ago from Television (Couch Potatoes)

Ryan Paugh What are you guys watching on TV now that LOST is over? I've been watching a lot of Reality TV actually. My new guilty pleasure is Billy The Exterminator. No joke. I love this show. I think it's because he loves his job so much and I love seeing that. What's your guilty pleasure?

102 weeks ago from Television (Couch Potatoes) and LOST Fans

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Ryan Stephens: For those who enjoyed LOST I can recommend: Dexter, Mad Men, The Wire, Friday Night Lights, and to a lesser extent Fringe and Justified.
101 weeks ago

Chris Paugh: Not much on TV so catching up on my reading!!!
100 weeks ago

Vincent Glee Season Finale. Thoughts? To Sir With Love is one of my favorite movies and movie songs.

102 weeks ago from Television (Couch Potatoes)

Lauren Shanks: Didn't love the back nine episodes as much of the first half of the season, but I was pleased overall with the finale. I can't wait for Kurt to ...MoreDidn't love the back nine episodes as much of the first half of the season, but I was pleased overall with the finale. I can't wait for Kurt to get a boyfriend next year, and for John Stamos to play Emma's dentist!
102 weeks ago

Vincent: Did you see this article in the LA Times? What do you think? I share the same concerns that the next season might try too hard and fizzle. MoreDid you see this article in the LA Times? What do you think? I share the same concerns that the next season might try too hard and fizzle. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/showtracker/2010/06/tips-on-how-glee-can...
101 weeks ago

Emily Moore Hey folks -- I just had a great information interview with a friend of mine who was able to make some money publishing movie reviews for local news papers. Do you have any experience with this?

102 weeks ago from Movie Critics