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Marisa Wikramanayake
Perth, Australia
Publishing
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Marisa Wikramanayake Hi guys! Long time, no speak! I haven't forgotten you all - I've just been uber busy. Doing awesome things. I have an FB page now if you would prefer to be updated that way: http://www.facebook.com/marisa.com.au . Otherwise head over to the website. :-)

16 weeks ago

 
Marisa Wikramanayake Hi guys! Long time, no speak! I haven't forgotten you all - I've just been uber busy. Doing awesome things. I have an FB page now if you would prefer to be updated that way: http://www.facebook.com/marisa.com.au . Otherwise head over to the website. :-)

16 weeks ago

Stephanie: "Kids won’t ever want to grow up if they’ve been brainwashed into thinking that once they leave school they’re destined for a life of non-fun 40 ...More"Kids won’t ever want to grow up if they’ve been brainwashed into thinking that once they leave school they’re destined for a life of non-fun 40 hours every week"

I've always been taught two things: one, that if I work hard enough at anything and become an expert in it, I can make it into my job, and two, all the work in school and at actual work is to help you get to the job or position that you want. So for instance, someone wants to write, so he/she can become an author, a blogger, a journalist, an editor, whichever job is the most appealing. Becoming the best in any of these fields can still become his/her "work," but it's also enjoyable.

Of course, you have to be realistic. There will be facets about your work (like the comedian example Marisa brought up) that you won't want to do for whatever reason: it's boring, it's tedious, etc. Well, suck it up! Life, and work, isn't going to be entertaining 24/7, and everyone should recognize that.

That being said, you have to enjoy SOME part of your job or you're in the wrong field or position.


110 weeks ago
anjum azad: Thank you dear Carlee. That was great!! God Bless you and parents and family.
100 weeks ago
 
Marisa Wikramanayake Another tip (I'm just full of them today): Have a sense of humour. Laugh at yourself.

62 weeks ago from Networking Tips

 
Marisa Wikramanayake My biggest tip is to just go in and try to make friends. I find what works best is actually building relationships with people. I tell them what I do (I don't give them an elevator/sales pitch) and then I ask them about themselves. It's out there on the table - if by chance they need my services, they can ask and vice versa. More importantly, if they are friendly towards me or like me, then if anyone they know needs a writer/journalist, their first reaction is to recommend me.

62 weeks ago from Networking Tips

 
Marisa Wikramanayake I am involved with Emergen - a networking group in Australia (open to others worldwide as well). The group focuses on creating leaders and discusses leadership and entrepreneurship. It's free to join and we have meetups on a regular basis. I have met a ton of people through it and even some proteges! The link is: http://emergen.com.au if anyone is interested.

62 weeks ago from Networking Tips

 

62 weeks ago

 
Ty Unglebower Do you get rid of "shadows" or obvious bots that follow you on Twitter? I don't follow them back, obviously, but do you keep them on just to pad your followers numbers? Or do you prefer you followers list be smaller but with legitimate people?

62 weeks ago from Brazen Careerists on Twitter

Ty Unglebower: That is how I feel. Not that the bots and the sales sleaze effects my experience personally, since I do not follow them back. But if anybody ...MoreThat is how I feel. Not that the bots and the sales sleaze effects my experience personally, since I do not follow them back. But if anybody should ever check my followers to get an idea of my type of "people", do I really want them to see a third of my list populated with losers and/or nothings?
62 weeks ago
Marisa Wikramanayake: I tend to get rid of them. I don't see the point in having them spam me or anyone else I know. It makes it harder for me to use Twitter.
62 weeks ago
 
James Thomas Does anyone have an online photo portfolio that they wish to share? Some of my best bicycle racing photos can be found at http://www.photoshelter.com/gallery-slideshow/G0000D8bb_dJ5hD0/

103 weeks ago from Photography

Profusionz: james, some excellent panning shots you got there. Great stuff. Do you primarily shoot bicycle races?
elizabeth, love the shot of the silhouette ...More
james, some excellent panning shots you got there. Great stuff. Do you primarily shoot bicycle races?
elizabeth, love the shot of the silhouette of the rack of shoes.
marisa, couldn't find your photos
kat, your website didn't load.
My photo site: http://www.edamostudios.com

86 weeks ago
James Thomas: Thanks Profusionz, I enjoyed seeing the the photos on your site too. Yes, I mainly shoot bike races, but I do some nature photography as well. It ...MoreThanks Profusionz, I enjoyed seeing the the photos on your site too. Yes, I mainly shoot bike races, but I do some nature photography as well. It is mainly just something I do for fun.
86 weeks ago
 
Jonathan van de Veen I'm thinking about writing a book, but it feels akward to write in a tool like ms word. I think i might get distracted by stuff like layout and poor performance as there is more content. Is there a more specialized tool any of you can recommend.

102 weeks ago from Professional Writers and Editors

Steve St. Clair: Jonathan, a Ph.D. friend recently published his thesis on freeware called Scribus (I think), and it was super easy for him. You can re-order ...MoreJonathan, a Ph.D. friend recently published his thesis on freeware called Scribus (I think), and it was super easy for him. You can re-order sections and it pulls your footnotes and pic references with it automatically. I'll check with him to confirm the name.
100 weeks ago
: There's Write or Die (a free and upgraded paid version, I believe). MoreThere's Write or Die (a free and upgraded paid version, I believe). http://writeordie.drwicked.com/
100 weeks ago
 
Ryan Paugh What's your relationship like with your parents now that you're a member of the working world? Has it changed? When we started Brazen Careerist I moved from the East Coast (where I grew up) to the Midwest. I only get to see my family a couple times a year and it's hard on me. Is anyone else in a similar situation? How do you stay connected? I feel like some of my Location-Independent peeps on Brazen must deal with this problem a lot ...

103 weeks ago from Work-Family Balance, Work/Life Blur and Location Independent1 more

Scott Rafferty: About a year ago, I moved from the beauty of the Utah mountains to Philadelphia for my current gig, and that has greatly changed my relationships ...MoreAbout a year ago, I moved from the beauty of the Utah mountains to Philadelphia for my current gig, and that has greatly changed my relationships with family members for the better. Particularly, I have a greater understanding of my dad and his experiences, which has brought us closer. Like you, I get to see my family a couple of times a year, but I have contact with someone in my family at least once a day. I make a concerted effort to stay in their lives, and keep them in mine.

One thing that has been awesome for all of us to stay connected is Google Wave. Even my parents use it and we all chat, share videos and pics, and hang out using the Wave.

103 weeks ago
Ryan Paugh: @Scott -- Never thought of getting my family on Google Wave before, but I think you're right that it could be useful.

My Mom's side of the family ...More
@Scott -- Never thought of getting my family on Google Wave before, but I think you're right that it could be useful.

My Mom's side of the family is in Philly. I try to make it up to see my aunts, uncles and cousins at least once a year. Next time I'm in the area we'll have to try to organize a Philly meet up.

103 weeks ago
 
Rebecca Thorman I had a really great conversation with my boss earlier today, and it occurs to me that really great bosses are part-mentor. My boss is really good at giving constructive advice and encouraging me. He's also super nice and I look up to him b/c he's so positive. Something I really liked was that he said you'll probably be successful no matter what because your work is so good and you're relentless, but you might work on xyz anyway. Does your boss give good feedback? Is he like a mentor to you?

103 weeks ago from The Boss-Employee Relationship, Mentors & Mentees and Inspiring Leadership1 more

Curtis Johnson: I just returned from Africa so I am just now getting back into my "real time zone"- I made a post on mentoring. A lot of great comments but no one ...MoreI just returned from Africa so I am just now getting back into my "real time zone"- I made a post on mentoring. A lot of great comments but no one has mentioned one of the down sides. It's all roses when you have a great relationship with positive feedback. Sometimes though, let's face it, we "step in a pile" and our wonderful mentor who has been so supportive, has to reprimand us. And the truth is, we need a hard "slap in the face" (figuratively). This can be hard to take. We end up taking it personally. It's important to understand that discipline comes from caring.So we have to remember the "why" of the mentoring process. We're being mentored to grow and develop. The mentor is doing it because they care! Sometimes we forget and let the warm and fuzzy get too prominent in our thought processes. Just a thought!
101 weeks ago
Tony Deblauwe: Balance is important - still many managers adhere to the Theory X management style which typically is to give feedback (usually harsh) when you do ...MoreBalance is important - still many managers adhere to the Theory X management style which typically is to give feedback (usually harsh) when you do something wrong and silence when you do something well.
101 weeks ago
 
Cameron Plommer I'm wondering how do those of you that are employed handle social media use at work? Do you not tweet because you are afraid your employer will think you aren't working hard? How to do balance working with using Brazen Careerist? I ask this question because I'm hoping to be employed full-time very soon and wondering how I'm going to handle toning down my social media use. Thoughts?

104 weeks ago from Work/Life Blur and Professional Development

Connie Roman: Enough is enough. There is no reason you should not be able to do some tweeting and socializing on company time when you have a few moments of ...MoreEnough is enough. There is no reason you should not be able to do some tweeting and socializing on company time when you have a few moments of down time. Lets face it...its whats happening in our world today. Of course, when it interferes with work, well then there is a problem. A responsible employee is capable of getting the job done and enjoy a few extra benefits. Keep your employees happy...key to success.
103 weeks ago
Patrick Pho: I'm in a lucky position where social media is my job!
103 weeks ago
 
Heather Conroy I've just witnessed (and followed with interest) an epic blogging flame war. What are your rules for blogging with integrity. What about commenting? What's your personal commenting policy-do you advertise that on your blog? Many questions!

104 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas

Marisa Wikramanayake: All comments have to come through me. I don't comment on blogs that have a flame war going on because I don't want the flaming to come back to my ...MoreAll comments have to come through me. I don't comment on blogs that have a flame war going on because I don't want the flaming to come back to my blog and make the readers I do have feel uncomfortable about commenting.

Anything with a swear word in it goes into spam automatically. I don't even see it. I feel it is possible to express your opinion without resorting to swearing, no matter how intensely you feel about what you have to say.

I make a point of stating that I am open about whatever someone has to say as long as they are polite about it.

104 weeks ago
Vanessa Alvarado: I delete comments that are from shameless advertisers. I leave others intact. I'm not monetizing my blog yet but maybe in the future...only ...MoreI delete comments that are from shameless advertisers. I leave others intact. I'm not monetizing my blog yet but maybe in the future...only allowing certain ads.
103 weeks ago
 
Kerry Hi everyone! I currently live in the U.S., but have always wanted to move to Australia. Are there any Americans in this network that now live in Australia that could give me a few pointers on making my way "Down Under"?

104 weeks ago from Australia

Marisa Wikramanayake: I am not an American but I lived in the US and moved to Australia as a foreigner (I am now a citizen). My first tip would be to save up and come ...MoreI am not an American but I lived in the US and moved to Australia as a foreigner (I am now a citizen). My first tip would be to save up and come as a backpacker and make your way around the country over a period of a few months because this will help you get a feel of Aussie culture and how it changes from location to location. You will also understand the language a bit better, the approach to life and niggly little things like currency. You will also have a better idea of where in Australia you'd like to live. You might assume for instance that you'd prefer Sydney and Melbourne and then find that really Hobart or Darwin suits you better for some reason if you visit and take the time to stay in each place for a bit. You'd also get a better idea of where the jobs are and make quite a few contacts.

Then make the decision to move and apply for work in your field in the location you want to live in and apply to get a visa sponsored by your employer. The contacts you made will then be able to help you settle in, find a place to live and possibly get you the job as well.

Apart from that, let me know what other sort of information you need. Seek.com.au will give you a lot of information on what jobs there are in your field and how much you can expect to be paid and where they are located and what qualifications you need.

104 weeks ago
Kerry: Thanks! That is great info! How difficult was it to get a work visa? How long did your visa last? How difficult was it to become a citizen?
103 weeks ago
 
Carmille Top 10 web hosting sites under $10: http://ow.ly/1Qlf7 ~deciding between GoDaddy and Gmail (not on list). Which do you use? #tech #tools

104 weeks ago from Shotgun Startups, Entrepreneurs and Productivity & Time-Management1 more

Marisa Wikramanayake: I use Crucial Paradigm. They cost $60 USD a year which is less than $10 per month. And they are really awesome especially if anything does go wrong.
104 weeks ago
 
TOP IDEA: Marisa Wikramanayake How to get a good job & keep it: 1) Be nice. 2) Work hard at what you do. Why does Seth Godin have to tell you this? It's called having a good work ethic. 3) Know yourself - do what you love as a hobby & make time for it even if it cannot be what you do as a career. 4) Expect to start at the bottom & be happy to learn. College doesn't teach you everything. 5) Volunteer. 6) Say no to some things when they impose on friends & family time. 7) Say yes to scary things. 8) Be humble.

105 weeks ago

Jennifer Koren: *see a lot of people missing in the work place
105 weeks ago
Doug Mitchell: I read Seth Godin everyday. It is interesting that he has to state what is obvious (to me) so early and so often. Still, it's solid advice in ...MoreI read Seth Godin everyday. It is interesting that he has to state what is obvious (to me) so early and so often. Still, it's solid advice in it's clarity and simplicity. If we followed through with simplicity and clarity just imagine what the world would be?
105 weeks ago
 
Cameron Plommer I came across the blogosphere very recently: last summer 2009. I dived in big time. I introduction was through Penelope's blog, which I found while doing an internship (that was kinda boring). After I read every article I moved on to Jamie Varon's blog and a bunch of other great Gen Y type bloggers: Ryan Stephens, Life Without Pants, Owl Parks, Modite, Jenny Blake, the list goes on. These were my blogging heroes, people I looked up to and wanted to be like. Do you have similar blog heroes?

106 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas and Brazen Bloggers

Cameron Plommer: @Annabel Really?! That's awesome...if you are doing your best to put out useful content, your a hero in my book.
105 weeks ago
Annabel Candy: Lol. Yes, that's what it comes down to. Writing your best stuff again and again and again. Definitely heroic in my book too.
105 weeks ago
 
Jake It's so hard for me to do something once I have an idea for my book, I have a brainstorm page on my computer where as I put down simple ideas and facts that I can use for my book but I seem to never be able to take them any further. Anything you guys could suggest for me.

106 weeks ago from Write a Book!

Marisa Wikramanayake: @Jake also Jake. Try the yWriter 5 software to organise the book but write on paper and then type everything into MS Word or yWriter5. It really ...More@Jake also Jake. Try the yWriter 5 software to organise the book but write on paper and then type everything into MS Word or yWriter5. It really helps. The yWriter5 is also for brainstorming and organisation. What is your book about?
105 weeks ago
Jake: Thanks to all of you, @Bee I'd say maybe I'm 2, maybe I'll have to take you up on that accountability person. @Rodney I'll have to take a deep ...MoreThanks to all of you, @Bee I'd say maybe I'm 2, maybe I'll have to take you up on that accountability person. @Rodney I'll have to take a deep look at your site. @Marisa I don't know, writing it all down and then typing it sounds like a bit too much of my time, I'll give it a shot in a chapter and compare and contrast, lets hope it works. @Marisa and @Karolyn I'll have to let you guys know what my book is about some other time, maybe I'll post the prologue on my blog and post a link to "Write A Book".
@Josh I could try that.
Thanks to all of you again

105 weeks ago
 
Cameron Plommer This past week I worked for my dad doing hard labor, grunt work as I call it. The kind of work that requires no brain power at all. I'm used to using my brain for just about everything I do, so this was actually a nice break from thinking. It gave a chance to sit and rest with my thoughts, while my body did most of the work. What do you do to give your brain a break? Work out? Cooking? Playing with your kids?

106 weeks ago from Productivity & Time-Management

Cameron Plommer: It's surprisingly refreshing to do some hard work. And it doesn't have to be labor. For me just getting outside and running or playing ...MoreIt's surprisingly refreshing to do some hard work. And it doesn't have to be labor. For me just getting outside and running or playing basketball puts me in a better mood when I can't figure something out.
106 weeks ago
Emily Jasper: I paint a lot, sometimes go for walks. And of course, there's always reality tv :)
106 weeks ago
 
Ryan Paugh I'll be working a little bit this weekend. What rules do you set up for yourself when working on the weekend? We all have to do it sometimes. How do you balance work with other weekend priorities, like spending time with family and friends? Where do you draw the line?

106 weeks ago from Productivity & Time-Management and Work/Life Blur

Paula Duarte: I compartmentalize. I've been working full-time for a long time, and always had something else going on (undergrad, law school, and many jobs ...MoreI compartmentalize. I've been working full-time for a long time, and always had something else going on (undergrad, law school, and many jobs I've been salaried and thus free to work as many hours as I like). A designated physical space works best for me: go into the office, your "office space" at home, a local cafe or the library, etc. Everyone needs to be clear that I'm working; for me at home, this means saying repeatedly, "Not now honey, Mommy is working," to my toddler, who will actually go away for a while and do something else, and sometimes helps by telling other people, "Not now, Mommy is working." :)
106 weeks ago
Jonathan van de Veen: One rule is that I don't work for my boss on the weekends on request. If I want to spend time with work for my boss on the weekend it has to be ...MoreOne rule is that I don't work for my boss on the weekends on request. If I want to spend time with work for my boss on the weekend it has to be because I want to. This hardly ever happens, because I also run a blog and write for a website in my free time. When it comes to making sure it doesn't interfere with other activities and just being lazy, I agree with Erin and Amy. Put your private/leazure activities first.
105 weeks ago
 
Marisa Wikramanayake Why do you do what you do? I am a freelance journalist and editor and during a reply on another post today, I said something rather surprising. I said I was happy with what I did because I liked discovery, education and being of service to people. I like meeting people and informing others. I like teaching and helping people communicate what they want to. For example: I like talking to scientists, and I like informing others about science and how it works. So why do you do what you do?

106 weeks ago

Marisa Wikramanayake: @Ty By no means was I suggesting that what we do is borne purely out of what we want to do in all cases. That was why I asked for the "why". I ...More@Ty By no means was I suggesting that what we do is borne purely out of what we want to do in all cases. That was why I asked for the "why". I want to know the reasons people do what they do whether it is related to circumstance or passion or both. And yes there is a difference between being happy and being made happy. I like your compulsion to improve the world somehow. It reminds me of a Peanuts strip with Lucy making lists of other people's flaws so that they could improve themselves and she would get a better world for her to live in. :-D

@Kenji I am glad that you have discovered such a theme in all the work you have done. Is it an easy or hard effort to continue with that theme in what you currently do?

106 weeks ago
Kenji Crosland: @Marisa
The actual work itself isn't any easier. There's a lot of uncertainty and self-doubt, not to mention a lot of frustration. But I've found ...More
@Marisa
The actual work itself isn't any easier. There's a lot of uncertainty and self-doubt, not to mention a lot of frustration. But I've found that the meaning I have found in the "theme" helps me through the tough parts.

105 weeks ago
 
paulmacp If you could emulate or be compared to any fictional character... who would you want it to be? I would like to be Aticus Finch

106 weeks ago from Personal Branding and Personal Development

JRandom42: Master Chief John-117. Peace and security through superior firepower! :)
106 weeks ago
Jamie Nacht Farrell: Dagny Taggart from ATlas Shrugged
106 weeks ago
 
TOP IDEA: Kim N. Campbell Does the "follow your passion" edict really apply to everyone? GenY is such a huge fan of going for what you love whether its lucrative or not, but how many people who are doling out that advice are poor or lower middle class, immigrants or people of color? Are we COMPLETELY ignoring how privilege plays into our ability to survive the path less taken? Are people buying into a dream that doesn't exist? What are your thoughts?

106 weeks ago from Non-Profit Management, Ask Penelope Trunk!, Brazen Undergrads and Brazen Careerists on Twitter2 more

Barb G: Rishona, check out IATF, the International Association for Teamwork Facilitators. It's a great virtual group where you can learn a lot.
106 weeks ago
Tariq West: A lot has been said here, and I think Kim and Maureen captured many of the key points around privilege and how it powerfully marks peoples lives. ...MoreA lot has been said here, and I think Kim and Maureen captured many of the key points around privilege and how it powerfully marks peoples lives. I will add the following: The theme that has run through many of these comments is the idea of "what is possible" with hard work and perseverance.

It is as quintessentially American as the American Dream itself for people of privilege to overlook the difference between the possible and the plausible, and the disjoint between the mythology of "hard work" as a guarantor of success and the fact that the American Dream is implausible for many hard working people.

Returning to the original qs though - It is possible that anyone might achieve the lifestyle they desire while pursuing their passions. It is significantly more plausible, however, that people who have certain privileges will achieve the lifestyle they desire while pursuing their passions. Kim is absolutely right to ask the question of whether privilege plays into

Also, I really hope everyone here takes a moment to read this excerpt (especially pgs 8-9 http://bit.ly/9BdMwe) from Tim Wise's book "White Like Me" - it is framed around race, but it features extraordinarily lucid analysis of privilege that are very relevant to questions of class, gender etc... Every freshman in America should be required to read this book as a basic primer on privilege dynamics.

105 weeks ago
Goals
  1. Finish the novel I am writing
  2. Experience new things in life
  3. Keep learning
  4. Help others communicate
  5. Inform and pass on information
Favorite Quote
"An interesting life will not fall into your lap and it will never be what you expect it to be." - Marisa Wikramanayake
Specialties
Creative writing, science journalism, travel writing, government and corporate documentation editing,

Groups (69)

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Fans (127)

Becky Seime
Crystal
Nicole
Brian
mark
Website Designer
Ryan Paugh
Sam Walters
Ebuka Okonkwo
Kylie Lacey

Following (7)

Ty Unglebower
Ryan Paine
Melani Ward
Rebecca Thorman
Ryan Paugh
Kenji Crosland
Sharalyn Hartwell