Private Message
- Raise my baby girl with a "can do" attitude
- Make the concept of location independence a "mainstream" career & lifestyle option
- Always enjoy life
Lea Woodward
Brazen careerist
Where ambitious young professionals connect and grow
Already a member?
Welcome to Brazen Careerist!
Lea Woodward is using Brazen Careerist to share ideas. Join now to become a member and start networking with Lea Woodward and other professionals just like you. Learn more.
All Activity
Brett Kunsch
Richard Florida writes: "It's a mantra of the age of globalization that where we live doesn't matter...It doesn't make a difference as long as we have wireless and a cell phone. It's a compelling notion, but it's wrong." After reading some insights from his book { http://bit.ly/mqQUk4 }, I began to wonder: Could it be that choosing where to live is the most important decision of your life?
54 weeks ago from Location Independent, Entrepreneurs, GenYChat, Ask Penelope Trunk! and Creating a Life You Love3 more
JRandom42:
Looking at the responses, I guess I'm a little surprised at how many of you put great emphasis on being located close to family.
I guess I'm an ...MoreLooking at the responses, I guess I'm a little surprised at how many of you put great emphasis on being located close to family.
I guess I'm an anomaly, because I wanted to go and carve out my own niche through my own efforts, away from the considerable shadow of my family, where, no matter how much I achieved, I'd always be known as "my father's son", or "my mother's son".
53 weeks ago
I guess I'm an ...MoreLooking at the responses, I guess I'm a little surprised at how many of you put great emphasis on being located close to family.
I guess I'm an anomaly, because I wanted to go and carve out my own niche through my own efforts, away from the considerable shadow of my family, where, no matter how much I achieved, I'd always be known as "my father's son", or "my mother's son".
53 weeks ago
beatriz r machado:
I would expand it: we all seek for a better quality of life so, yes it is one of the most important decisions but, in my case, my job only works ...MoreI would expand it: we all seek for a better quality of life so, yes it is one of the most important decisions but, in my case, my job only works if fits where I live. So, 20 minutes away to where my life is is the maximum for me. Same goes for kids school. I dont wana waist my precious time on commuting.'Bu as someone says above - it is all related to your circunstances.
53 weeks ago
53 weeks ago
Timothy Johnson III
Has anyone ever created, edited, and formatted email newsletters for people who use Constant Contact, Mad Mimi, etc. If so, have you had any luck turning it into a side gig? It's an idea I want to experiment with, but I wanted to solicit some advice before I dived in. I'd love some feedback, positive or negative. Thanks!
57 weeks ago from Freelancing, Young Entrepreneur Community and Location Independent1 more
Sadya Siddiqui recommended this
Lindsey Donner:
Hahaha! Hi Tim and Sadya! Glad to hear you like Jen Gresham's designs.
For my Well Versed Creative clients, I usually recommend MailChimp--the ...MoreHahaha! Hi Tim and Sadya! Glad to hear you like Jen Gresham's designs.
For my Well Versed Creative clients, I usually recommend MailChimp--the templates are so easy to use and implement that even a novice can change, edit and tweak with very little "back end" knowledge. We have also worked with Constant Contact.
Tim, I think if you can create a compelling package, you can almost certainly turn this into a tidy business. Custom design featuring client logo, a "breakdown" of reports post-send into layman's terms, and overall management of the campaign. Throwing in copywriting and subject-line editing is also a fantastic idea for serious email marketers who are trying to leverage their list for sales. The idea would be taking a task that can be time-consuming and requires a learning curve OUT of your client's hands.
The one issue I foresee is results forecasting. What results would you promise? Or would you only promise the management, setup and look/feel? Email marketing is a wide open area. I have clients who use it principally for RSS-to-email for blog traffic; others who are marketing specific concepts or products. That piece, as well as projected list size, can inform what service and what approach will work best for ya.
If any of you would like more in-depth information, you are welcome to message me or email hello AT wellversedcreative DOT com.
Thanks for the shout-outs, and Tim, good luck to you!
54 weeks ago
For my Well Versed Creative clients, I usually recommend MailChimp--the ...MoreHahaha! Hi Tim and Sadya! Glad to hear you like Jen Gresham's designs.
For my Well Versed Creative clients, I usually recommend MailChimp--the templates are so easy to use and implement that even a novice can change, edit and tweak with very little "back end" knowledge. We have also worked with Constant Contact.
Tim, I think if you can create a compelling package, you can almost certainly turn this into a tidy business. Custom design featuring client logo, a "breakdown" of reports post-send into layman's terms, and overall management of the campaign. Throwing in copywriting and subject-line editing is also a fantastic idea for serious email marketers who are trying to leverage their list for sales. The idea would be taking a task that can be time-consuming and requires a learning curve OUT of your client's hands.
The one issue I foresee is results forecasting. What results would you promise? Or would you only promise the management, setup and look/feel? Email marketing is a wide open area. I have clients who use it principally for RSS-to-email for blog traffic; others who are marketing specific concepts or products. That piece, as well as projected list size, can inform what service and what approach will work best for ya.
If any of you would like more in-depth information, you are welcome to message me or email hello AT wellversedcreative DOT com.
Thanks for the shout-outs, and Tim, good luck to you!
54 weeks ago
Tan Nguyen
Does anyone have tips on how to handle a permanent address and tax situation if you're location independent? Would be really helpful to know as I am becoming more and more location independent and getting a little nervous about my taxes this year and in the future.
.thumbnail.jpg){kind=small}
Tony Camilli:
Given the budget crises most states are facing, I would be careful here as they are getting more aggressive. But if you have a connection to a ...MoreGiven the budget crises most states are facing, I would be careful here as they are getting more aggressive. But if you have a connection to a tax-favored state (e.g. FL), then I would try to associate as much as possible there. Change your driver's license, your voting their, your bank accounts to there, etc. The more connections you have to that state the less likely you are to be properly challenged by another greedy state.
67 weeks ago
67 weeks ago
Lea Woodward:
We have a specific service for US-based location independent entrepreneurs which may be of interest. You can see more about it here: MoreWe have a specific service for US-based location independent entrepreneurs which may be of interest. You can see more about it here: http://locationindependentservices.com/freedom-financials/
54 weeks ago
54 weeks ago
Lea Woodward
One of the benefits of running your own business, location independent or not is that you can set your own schedule. Has anyone experimented with any creative work scheduling? We've been using a 1 week on/1 week off approach for the past 2-3 months and loving it.
It's especially useful if you're location independent & travelling...
Rebecca Thorman recommended this
Lea Woodward:
Usually yes - although we don't pay too much attention to the actual days, we just decide to work for x number of days, then take x number of days ...MoreUsually yes - although we don't pay too much attention to the actual days, we just decide to work for x number of days, then take x number of days off - ot's not always 7 & 7. It's had a massive impact on our productivity and output - really recommend trying it if you're able to.
95 weeks ago
95 weeks ago
Calissa:
I used to work four or five days a week, and included the weekend as my days of work. I took Monday and Tuesday off. Or Wednesday and Monday. I'd ...MoreI used to work four or five days a week, and included the weekend as my days of work. I took Monday and Tuesday off. Or Wednesday and Monday. I'd mix it up.
I loved it because if I wanted to go to the movies, I could go early, and it wasn't crowded. The library wasn't busy. The grocery stores were empty. So were the malls and other places I would want to go.
I can't do this now under the current contract I have. I can set whatever hours I want but I have to have a certain number of hours each week. However, when this contract is up I really want to try this out. :)
95 weeks ago
I loved it because if I wanted to go to the movies, I could go early, and it wasn't crowded. The library wasn't busy. The grocery stores were empty. So were the malls and other places I would want to go.
I can't do this now under the current contract I have. I can set whatever hours I want but I have to have a certain number of hours each week. However, when this contract is up I really want to try this out. :)
95 weeks ago
TOP IDEA:
Lea Woodward
Released a DIY Guide To Design & Branding - ideal for bootstrapping entrepreneurs who still want to know how to make their stuff look good http://kinetiva.com/tools/diy-design-branding-toolkit/
Alyson Kilday
Looking to set up our "Home & Business Base" overseas. We are setting up our ad agency to be location independent. The next question is where to be based in! We are considering Colombia or Arg as an option. Our requirements are: affordable, relatively safe, rich culture, visually inspiring (either natural or great architecture), and it needs to be near or in a city to help grow our business. Where would you say we set up shop and home? What would you look for? Where would you go and why?
Ciara:
interesting... I may possibly be moving to Guatemala in the next year or so and I'm looking to become location independent. Will most likely be ...Moreinteresting... I may possibly be moving to Guatemala in the next year or so and I'm looking to become location independent. Will most likely be living near Quetzaltenango (xela) which isn't incredibly close to Antigua but since you guys recommend it we may move there if it is a possibility. If anyone knows more about this area please please message me.
108 weeks ago
108 weeks ago
Alyson Kilday:
When your looking at the world with no restrictions other than the rule of "can we not only survive but thrive there" lens the possibilities seem ...MoreWhen your looking at the world with no restrictions other than the rule of "can we not only survive but thrive there" lens the possibilities seem limitless. We are however narrowing the list down. Buenos Aires keeps popping up near the top of the list, I used to live there with family as a teen but has anyone any recent experience in the city?
106 weeks ago
106 weeks ago
Lea Woodward
We're launching the 12 week challenge for anybody who is struggling to become location independent/set up a location independent business. It's free to join, the only thing we ask is that you commit to take action & do yourself proud! More details here: http://locationindependent.com/the-12-week-challenge/
Elizabeth Williams, Stanley Lee, Ryan Paugh and Lori Fagerholm and 1 others recommended this
Lea Woodward:
Great Wilson - make sure you check out the blog/site for updates and if you want to be featured in a post with other participants, complete this ...MoreGreat Wilson - make sure you check out the blog/site for updates and if you want to be featured in a post with other participants, complete this form by Wednesday 31st (tomorrow!) http://bit.ly/9Fw5Qh
112 weeks ago
112 weeks ago
Karolyn Chowning
Apologizing pre-emptively for the spam: Here's a location group for Oklahoma http://www.brazencareerist.com/network/oklahoma-its-ok
Karolyn Chowning:
To reach Oklahomans who have joined "Location Independent" because there wasn't a location group for them! The pre-emptive apology is for ...MoreTo reach Oklahomans who have joined "Location Independent" because there wasn't a location group for them! The pre-emptive apology is for everyone else who read this even though it didn't apply to them. Like you, I think :)
114 weeks ago
114 weeks ago
Jamie Nacht Farrell:
It's possible; even probable if you have the right connections and people trust you. It depends how you structure initial deals. If I'm acting ...MoreIt's possible; even probable if you have the right connections and people trust you. It depends how you structure initial deals. If I'm acting as a consultant to company "A" and I broker a deal with Company "B", I may structure the deal so I get 4% of revenue from company A every month for a year. Hence, I have a couple of accounts by which I am making $5K / $7K / month and I signed the deal months ago. No work on my end.
109 weeks ago
109 weeks ago
Juha Liikala:
Passive income is a seductive phrase. It's one of the things I'm talking on my own blog (through digital products, membership sites and course ...MorePassive income is a seductive phrase. It's one of the things I'm talking on my own blog (through digital products, membership sites and course packages). But taken out of the context where it's used, it can also be a very delusive phrase. Every product, website, course package, you name it; requires a lot of work to get them done and sold.
- First, you should know if there's a market (audience) for the product, before you create it. This takes some serious market research and time.
- Second, marketing and the selling part. One more thing you need to put a lot time and energy.
- Third, if the market is there and you got enough opt-in leads, you have to spend time on creating the product and then finally: distribute and sell it. More time & energy.
Of course you could outsource it all? Sure. But ONLY after you've found the right people that know exactly what you want out of your products, how you want them to be done and who you're targeting your marketing towards. So, in reality: You have to train them.
Os is the whole phrase just some dream? Well, no. You can have all these steps automated within your business, but it does take some serious input and sweat and tears before that day comes. This is why it usually takes quite long time before people start seeing some good (and passive kind of) results from their online endeavors. Passive income is very possible, but before you get there - prepare to work your butt off and really think your processes through. I think Corbett Barr (freepursuits.com) said it well: "I’ll cut through all of the get-rich-quick B.S. right now and tell you that it takes a whole lot of 80-hour workweeks to create a 4-hour workweek." To my experience, this is EXACTLY the case.
What are your experiences on passive income products?
102 weeks ago
- First, you should know if there's a market (audience) for the product, before you create it. This takes some serious market research and time.
- Second, marketing and the selling part. One more thing you need to put a lot time and energy.
- Third, if the market is there and you got enough opt-in leads, you have to spend time on creating the product and then finally: distribute and sell it. More time & energy.
Of course you could outsource it all? Sure. But ONLY after you've found the right people that know exactly what you want out of your products, how you want them to be done and who you're targeting your marketing towards. So, in reality: You have to train them.
Os is the whole phrase just some dream? Well, no. You can have all these steps automated within your business, but it does take some serious input and sweat and tears before that day comes. This is why it usually takes quite long time before people start seeing some good (and passive kind of) results from their online endeavors. Passive income is very possible, but before you get there - prepare to work your butt off and really think your processes through. I think Corbett Barr (freepursuits.com) said it well: "I’ll cut through all of the get-rich-quick B.S. right now and tell you that it takes a whole lot of 80-hour workweeks to create a 4-hour workweek." To my experience, this is EXACTLY the case.
What are your experiences on passive income products?
102 weeks ago
Lea Woodward
Location Independent is having an SXSWi meet-up in Austin on Sunday 14th March at brunch time (around 11am). Will post venue & details asap and send invites out here & on Facebook so make sure you're with us there too (www.facebook.com/locationindependent).
Heather Conroy
Biggest message for me from the LI webinar was work out the scenario where you are your best self and then move towards it. Ask yourself what am I doing about it this week? month? Find your sweetspot. Loved the webinar!
Delta Waters:
ryan, ;) i really like it here on BC...i did find you guys a hoot to watch whatever the topic...
119 weeks ago
119 weeks ago
Ryan Paugh:
Delta, that's important to us too! If nothing else, I hope to always be providing entertainment value to our members :)
119 weeks ago
119 weeks ago
Karen Au
I'm considering setting up online English courses, done through Skype. Anyone have any tips about how to set up payment online? I was thinking about PayPal. Any other options that work for you?
T. Hunt:
I've been using Paypal for a few years now, and yes they have fees - but any system you use will have those, there's no way to get it for free. ...MoreI've been using Paypal for a few years now, and yes they have fees - but any system you use will have those, there's no way to get it for free. Its good for starting out though, as you don't have to commit to a contract with them, and its easy to make your payments integrate with your own site. Plus your customers don't need a paypal account themselves in order to pay, unlike Google checkout where they need to sign up first.
120 weeks ago
120 weeks ago
Lea Woodward:
Hi Karen - as T. Hunt said, most systems will levy fees of some sort. We've also used Paypal for a few years now and so far, have found it to be ...MoreHi Karen - as T. Hunt said, most systems will levy fees of some sort. We've also used Paypal for a few years now and so far, have found it to be the most widely accepted & recognised. Are they "live" lessons or downloadable?
120 weeks ago
120 weeks ago
Stanley Lee
I have tremendous respect for those of you who live on a nomadic lifestyle, as I personally would be entering such lifestyle myself fairly soon. Do you have any tips in general for looking for jobs remotely (assuming local options are not going to work out one way or the other)?
Brittany Thompson:
I'm also interested in hearing what others have found to work in terms of remote jobs. I'm in a fairly good situation right now (more than half my ...MoreI'm also interested in hearing what others have found to work in terms of remote jobs. I'm in a fairly good situation right now (more than half my time is spent being location independent.. only have to report to an "office" 2 - 3 days per week) but am looking for options for being 100% location independent and hopefully having the ability to work while traveling the world. Any particular areas of the world that are friendliest to location independent careers?
120 weeks ago
120 weeks ago
Lea Woodward:
One thing you'll have to consider are the visa requirements around the world. Most countries will require you to get a work visa if you plan to ...MoreOne thing you'll have to consider are the visa requirements around the world. Most countries will require you to get a work visa if you plan to work within their country. If you're looking to apply for online jobs in other countries while living somewhere else, you may not need a visa but it's always worth checking.
If you have the skills, many of the freelance job boards are worth looking at e.g. the Freelance Switch one. Many of those jobs are location independent/work from anywhere ones.
120 weeks ago
If you have the skills, many of the freelance job boards are worth looking at e.g. the Freelance Switch one. Many of those jobs are location independent/work from anywhere ones.
120 weeks ago
JR Moreau
Generally speaking, when you're location independent, does having a coworking space available make things much easier? Or, do you still prefer the coffee shop or public library?
http://www.brazencareerist.com/network/coworking
Brittany Thompson:
As someone who plans on co-working for the next few months (years?) I don't know that there's a yes-or-no answer to this. I love my local coffee ...MoreAs someone who plans on co-working for the next few months (years?) I don't know that there's a yes-or-no answer to this. I love my local coffee shops. It's convenient to grab lunch, caffeine and surf the web simultaneously. However, co-working spaces offer networking opportunities and often provide a business address, which makes things seem more legit on a website or if you list your business on Google, etc... Just have to find a place that has the right price & right co-working office mates.
120 weeks ago
120 weeks ago
Lea Woodward:
Would love to have co-working spaces wherever we travel but sometimes the cost outweighs the benefit, especially when you can get free wi-fi in a ...MoreWould love to have co-working spaces wherever we travel but sometimes the cost outweighs the benefit, especially when you can get free wi-fi in a comfy coffee shop and pastries on tap :)
Thailand definitely needs more co-working spaces - especially given the number of location independent people out here.
120 weeks ago
Thailand definitely needs more co-working spaces - especially given the number of location independent people out here.
120 weeks ago
JR Moreau
Do you think a certain level of minimalism is required to be a successful location independent professional?
Lea Woodward:
And the other thing that helps us, is that every place we go we figure out a weekly budget that we want to stick to.
Not only does this help us ...MoreAnd the other thing that helps us, is that every place we go we figure out a weekly budget that we want to stick to.
Not only does this help us avoid currency mistakes & easily compare costs of living in each place, it also makes us conscious of what we spend our money on. This helps prevent buying things we really don't need!
And when you know you'll have to pay excess luggage charges, it's another incentive *not* to pick up stuff wherever we are :)
120 weeks ago
Not only does this help us ...MoreAnd the other thing that helps us, is that every place we go we figure out a weekly budget that we want to stick to.
Not only does this help us avoid currency mistakes & easily compare costs of living in each place, it also makes us conscious of what we spend our money on. This helps prevent buying things we really don't need!
And when you know you'll have to pay excess luggage charges, it's another incentive *not* to pick up stuff wherever we are :)
120 weeks ago
Brianne E. Villano:
Lea's post made me remember something that I read, although I couldn't cite it now if you paid me. It's "Just in Case" vs. "Just in Time."
Just ...MoreLea's post made me remember something that I read, although I couldn't cite it now if you paid me. It's "Just in Case" vs. "Just in Time."
Just in case = hoarding, building up stock, fear of the future and being left in the lurch.
Just in time = minimalism, realizing that in our society we are rarely without what we need, paring down and purchasing things when you need them and only when you need them.
Love it.
120 weeks ago
Just ...MoreLea's post made me remember something that I read, although I couldn't cite it now if you paid me. It's "Just in Case" vs. "Just in Time."
Just in case = hoarding, building up stock, fear of the future and being left in the lurch.
Just in time = minimalism, realizing that in our society we are rarely without what we need, paring down and purchasing things when you need them and only when you need them.
Love it.
120 weeks ago
Lea Woodward
A primer article for the new guide we'll soon be launching about tax & finance: Why You Need To Sort Out Your Location Independent Tax & Finances Now http://bit.ly/8mosp5
Lea Woodward
Any parents out there interested in living the location independent lifestyle (or variations on it) might be interested in the new site we've just launched: www.LocationIndependentParents.com :)
estavla:
Thanks for the website. Location independence for parents is EXACTLY what I was looking for!!! I'm sooooo glad you shared with us. Location ...MoreThanks for the website. Location independence for parents is EXACTLY what I was looking for!!! I'm sooooo glad you shared with us. Location independence for most people could be a challenging change, and it's even more so for parents with young kids.
122 weeks ago
122 weeks ago
Kerry McKeever
What do you think is the best method of presenting the idea of working your position remotely to your boss when you know very well that you can maintain just as much -- if not more -- productivity at home as you can in the office?
Pamela J Carter:
Present it like any other business idea. PowerPoint, or Flash it and get the facts to back it up in the presentation in the most professional way. ...MorePresent it like any other business idea. PowerPoint, or Flash it and get the facts to back it up in the presentation in the most professional way. Back it up w/ media clips of other cos that work this way + feel it improves the bottom line.
131 weeks ago
131 weeks ago
Lar Van Der Jagt
Location Independent lifestyle is great! I've spent the last month or so working on a small island off the coast of Panama. There is a co-working place here called Coco Vivo, check it out!
James Schipper:
I told LadyFriend a few days ago that we are going to Coco Vivo! That place looks just about perfect for what we want. We can't wait to see it. ...MoreI told LadyFriend a few days ago that we are going to Coco Vivo! That place looks just about perfect for what we want. We can't wait to see it. Fantastic idea and setup.
134 weeks ago
134 weeks ago
Lea Woodward:
Bocas del Toro is great (especially out of season) - just watch out for the chitras (sandflies) which are voracious.
134 weeks ago
134 weeks ago
barce
Hi, I've achieved location independence and am currently planning on being in Santiago, Chile in March. What city is your next city?
Lea Woodward:
How are you finding Chile? I've heard it's beautiful. We're heading to Thailand (Phuket) next for a few months :)
135 weeks ago
135 weeks ago
Kerry McKeever
Currently working toward my pro. goal of web programmer. Mostly so I can work remotely off my macbook wherever I please! Like, say, EU?
Lea Woodward:
Did you see the latest post on our blog? It's a good interview for software/web developers looking to become entrepreneurs.
135 weeks ago
135 weeks ago
Ed Barrientos
Loved living in Stuttgart/Munich in the 90s. Would love to live in the south of France, Macbook in one hand, phrase book in the other
Lea Woodward:
Munich is a fantastic city, as is Stuttgart. South of France is also not bad :) Why not?
135 weeks ago
135 weeks ago
Niki Torres
I've always wanted to be location dependent. One of my biggest hurdles: carrying a very limited passport. There's red tape everywhere.
Niki Torres:
@Pamela: Of course. Although I'm more interested in dual citizenship. Here's to a better passport – soon!
135 weeks ago
135 weeks ago
Lea Woodward:
JR is right - where there's a will there's a way! It sounds like you've got the will, now you just need to find the way :)
135 weeks ago
135 weeks ago
Sean Canton
Well, yes, globe-trotting while ladder-climbing seems like a dream. What's the reality of the situation? Few employers will do flex time...
Lea Woodward:
True altho you'd be surprised how many will react positively if asked. My husband & I both negotiated remote/flex working in the corp world
135 weeks ago
135 weeks ago
Beth Oppenheim-Chan
I was wondering how people thought was the best way of introducing this idea to an org? Many are resistant even in the nonprofit sector.
Pamela J Carter:
Look up success stories about L.I. employees that made positive changes in their co's and present your situ to them in Ad co. style pitch!
135 weeks ago
135 weeks ago
Lea Woodward:
We had an article on this on our site http://bit.ly/qCs4J (see ...MoreWe had an article on this on our site http://bit.ly/qCs4J (see comments also)
135 weeks ago
135 weeks ago
