Where ambitious young professionals connect and grow

Melissa Breau
New York, NY
Associate Editor, Macfadden Communications Group
Publishing
Fans (300)
Following (236)
Groups (34)

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Mike Ambassador Bruny Looking for video blogging design and technique inspiration. Hit me with your favorite video blogging site--"Yes, I already know about Gary V and Wine Library T.V. What else you got. I just started www.ambassadorbruny.com. work in progress :-)

43 weeks ago from Wordpress Bloggers and Blogging Ideas

Melissa Breau: @Mike - the founder, Eric, is a pretty cool guy generally willing to chat. I'd recommend shooting him an email and telling him you were interested ...More@Mike - the founder, Eric, is a pretty cool guy generally willing to chat. I'd recommend shooting him an email and telling him you were interested in his process. Feel free to mention that I recommended you check him out.
43 weeks ago
Mike Ambassador Bruny: Thanks @Melissa!
43 weeks ago
: ety who have come to base their culture on what they see on TV, I think the main reason people watch these shows is that it shows something that ...Moreety who have come to base their culture on what they see on TV, I think the main reason people watch these shows is that it shows something that is "less than" what most people think of themselves as. People like to point and laugh at "stupid people". We're not allowed to do it in the "real world", so we turn to TV to provide a source of stupid people to laugh at.
58 weeks ago
Graham Burger: it's a good strategy - as long as woman believe it, we're sweet!
17 weeks ago
 
Jennifer Koren To anyone that works from home? Are you given guidelines by your employer on what they expect from you when you work from home? I'm looking to put together policies and procedures for a company that has a remote customer service and content staff and looking for examples of what other companies do. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!

81 weeks ago from Consultants R US, Ask Penelope Trunk!, Global Careers and Business, Community Managers and Inspiring Leadership3 more

Melissa Breau: They expect us to use our own computer/internet. not a big deal since its only 1x a week. Our associate publisher works remotely from NC tho, and ...MoreThey expect us to use our own computer/internet. not a big deal since its only 1x a week. Our associate publisher works remotely from NC tho, and I'd imagine they pay her internet / phone / fax. Though I think if I submitted an expense report no one would give me any issues.
81 weeks ago
Smith+Fritzy: Count on there being internet and power outages. For instance, when I moved into my new place, the city decided to start tearing up our road and ...MoreCount on there being internet and power outages. For instance, when I moved into my new place, the city decided to start tearing up our road and moving existing lines. I also live in the lightning capital of the world and have frequent visits by hurricanes. Things happen. My thought is supplying a back-up system for hourly distance workers wouldn't be very cost effective. I do think offering a simple incentive to the employees that if they need to be on call if needed, and make sure they know it's not going to be a frequent thing.
81 weeks ago
 
Jamie Nacht Farrell So...what do you do when you're consulting and people continue to do 2 things: 1) Offer to hire you FT 2) Offer to "invest" in your business? I never want to lose a client by saying just "no thank you" as they continue with "why"...But I do always feel bad....how have you guys handled?

83 weeks ago from Entrepreneurs, Shotgun Startups and Consultants R US1 more

Jamie Nacht Farrell: @Jen - First, loved the advice; thank you. I think the 'reality' is that I don't necesarily WANT to grow my business for no other reason than ...More@Jen - First, loved the advice; thank you. I think the 'reality' is that I don't necesarily WANT to grow my business for no other reason than FEAR. I've founded several successful start up businesses and am working on the consulting as an "easy" gig! This is supposed to be a "break" for me from the 90 hour work weeks - and I can see myself getting dragged back in ( ; That said, your advice is perfect.

And we're not strangers anymore, I'm a "fan" now ( ;

83 weeks ago
Jen Scaffidi: Well hello then, not-stranger! And let it be said: there's nothing wrong with keeping an "easy" gig from getting too unwieldy!

My current ...More
Well hello then, not-stranger! And let it be said: there's nothing wrong with keeping an "easy" gig from getting too unwieldy!

My current struggle involves several volunteer situations that were supposed to be small commitments but have grown into full-time projects. I don't have a problem with other people making demands; my issue is that my own excitement sometimes overrides my time-management skills (which sometimes overrides my money-management skills).

It's all a balancing act, isn't it?

83 weeks ago
 
Eric Sforza I'm currently working on 3 startup projects that are looking to create websites. Since all of these companies are lean, I'm trying to find the most cost effective solutions. Each company does something different (social venture, small business w/ online store, consulting) so I'm looking for a variety of options. For example: Is it better to use a site builder - if so, which ones and why? Is there better value at getting a freelance graphic designer to build a few pages? Thanks in advance!

38 weeks ago from Shotgun Startups, Freelancing, Social Entrepreneurs, Web Development and Web Startups3 more

Kelly Seiler: @Eric - you might need to tweak the CSS in your theme so that content shows up the way you want (fonts, size, center, left, etc) consistently ...More@Eric - you might need to tweak the CSS in your theme so that content shows up the way you want (fonts, size, center, left, etc) consistently across the site. When you update you shouldn't be doing much - if any formatting.

Of course I'll caveat that with the advice to never copy stuff out of Word directly into Wordress. They don't play nice. Copy text into Notepad or a similar program that strips away the formatting then copy into Wordpress.

35 weeks ago
Sadya Siddiqui: Outsource it, so that you can focus on building your business and your clients. Try out Brazen Careerist Lindsey Donner
35 weeks ago
 
Timothy Johnson III Do any of you folks have experience pet sitting? Do you do it on a regular basis, as a side gig? If so, I'd love to chat with you, and get some feedback. I'm curious as to: How you started? How'd you find your clients?, etc. If you could respond in the comments, I'd greatly appreciate it. Thanks!

40 weeks ago from Freelancing, Creatively Inspired, Location Independent and Young Entrepreneur Community2 more

Ruth A. Harper: My mom, who's a full-time school nurse, pet sits dogs, and I help her occasionally. She uses it as a side gig to make some extra money, especially ...MoreMy mom, who's a full-time school nurse, pet sits dogs, and I help her occasionally. She uses it as a side gig to make some extra money, especially during the summer when she's off from school. She really likes it because it doesn't tie her down as much as other jobs, like babysitting would, because if she has to run out she can put the dog in the cage or just leave him/her at home if old enough.

She got started just to help out a couple of friends, but then she realized it's a real need that a lot of people have: They can't bring their dogs or pets with them on vacation, trips, etc., but they don't want to put them in a kennel. My mom loves dogs almost as much as humans (probably even more) and we have a fenced yard where they can run around, so it's a lot more comfortable for the dog. Plus, she only ever has two or three at a time max.

Once she decided to expand beyond just friends, she reached out to a few local pet grooming places and left business cards with them. Every now and then a new person will call to see if she can watch their dog. It's informal, but it works.

I hope that helps. I'd be happy to talk about it more with you if you'd like!!

40 weeks ago
Corbin Haresnape: @Timothy Referrals! Ask your regular customers to refer you to their friends, its the best way!
40 weeks ago
 
La Donna Lokey What was your worst ever interview experience? What went wrong, and what, if anything, did you learn?

43 weeks ago from Ask A Coach, Ask Penelope Trunk!, We're Hiring, Career Changers and Career Rocketeer3 more

Ji Hyun Lee: Thx LaDonna. It's funny bec my blog started out as workplace issues but as I made my way through the job search process, I was absolutely stunned, ...MoreThx LaDonna. It's funny bec my blog started out as workplace issues but as I made my way through the job search process, I was absolutely stunned, horrified at the overt acts of rudeness and bad manners by hiring mgrs. I don't remember ppl being this openly cruel in the past so I decided to chronicle it.

I understand wht happened to Jason. You apply for one position and then call u in for something else. the "job title" switcheroo is what I call it. I wrote about that too bec it also happened to me. They don't tell you that they're interviewing u for a different position until u get there.

42 weeks ago
Kera Espinoza: I had a bad experience in a job interview just last week. It was completely unprofessional from start to finish. The woman conducting the ...MoreI had a bad experience in a job interview just last week. It was completely unprofessional from start to finish. The woman conducting the pre-interview didn't even know what position I was interviewing for, and when I told her she literally laughed and said that her boss "liked to get creative with the job titles, that position doesn't even exist." She then tried to convince me that I wouldn't like the job.
The interview that followed with said boss didn't go much better. When he saw that my degree was in Political Science he asked me if I was liberal or conservative. I managed to dodge the question but this was by far the worst interviewing experience I have ever had.

42 weeks ago
 
Melissa Breau So I've been struggling to find someone interested in publishing for an unpaid internship at our company... the shame of it is, that there is a god change of a job opening up in the near future for that person should they be a good fit. Any ideas for finding a college student who might be interested in learning a bit about publishing? (I've already submitted information to a number of local schools & Craigslist)

46 weeks ago from Brazen Careerists in New York City

Melissa Breau: @Ashley - as much as I wish I could offering it to someone who telecommutes, my boss requires interns to be in the office 2x a week.
43 weeks ago
Ashley Feader: No problem, Melissa. Thank you for the response!
43 weeks ago
 
Amanda Torres Any tips on how an introvert can network and feel at ease in large social settings, such as business mixers?

46 weeks ago from College Grads with jobs not in their field., GenYJourney: Tips, Insights, Experiences For Young Professionals, Networking Tips and I am Gen Y2 more

Kevin Li: Just start with a simple "hi, what do you do?" and let them talk.
46 weeks ago
Melissa Breau: My fav. 2 tips are: 1) prepare your answer for "what do you do" ahead of time; make it more than a one-liner, and make it something that allows ...MoreMy fav. 2 tips are: 1) prepare your answer for "what do you do" ahead of time; make it more than a one-liner, and make it something that allows the person to ask another question.

2) if you're at a loss for people to talk to, find someone who looks alone. They're prob an introvert too and will appreciate you making the first step!

46 weeks ago
 
Kristen Creager I would love to start guest posting in blogs about Gen-Y, work/life, MBAs, women in business, and other topics. If anyone has a blog and is looking for content, please let me know--see my samples at http://kristencreag.wordpress.com. Thanks!!

44 weeks ago from Brazen Bloggers, SoCal Bloggers, Wordpress Bloggers and GenYJourney: Tips, Insights, Experiences For Young Professionals2 more

Noel Rozny: We would love to have you guest post on MoreWe would love to have you guest post on http://www.myfootpath.com/mypathfinder! I'll email you some specs!!
44 weeks ago
Kristen Creager: Thanks all!! I will reply to each of you ASAP and we can work out some topics!!
44 weeks ago
 
Ryan Healy Fascinating quote from Peter Thiel about the ridiculousness of today's higher ed system ""People can't do anything entrepreneurial or innovative or even nonprofit—anything that's not safe and well-paying—because they have this mountain of debt. And so education is something that has become a retardant to technological innovation and progress, even though the common perception is the exact opposite." I completely agree. What are your thoughts? Full post here http://bit.ly/eoL0tg

52 weeks ago from Education, Entrepreneurs and Upstarts!1 more

Patrick Skelley: I read an article a while back about a study done that followed college students and discovered that they really aren't any better off after the ...MoreI read an article a while back about a study done that followed college students and discovered that they really aren't any better off after the degree.

Here's the link: http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2011/01/18/106949/study-many-college-students...

In my experience the best business educators are not in the classroom unless you go to an elite school. They are partners of companies you used to work for. A former manager who started a consulting firm. A friend's coworker who has been running a startup for a year. A ex-class mate who has worked in ibanking for 5 years. Even a venture capitalist who blogs every day. So to say that education is a golden ticket I think is far from the truth... but this is business education I'm talking about. Granted there are some great baseline theories that b-school teaches.

IMHO I disagree that you need education in the subject matter in which you are going to conduct your startup, it doesn't have to be institutional education, you can teach yourself.

Note: I'm referring to business education, not tech/science education which is absolutely necessary for those types to know, it's much more of a specialty.

46 weeks ago
Patrick Skelley: Sorry, the last part of that link didn't go through...

it ends like this after mcclatchydc.com: ...More
Sorry, the last part of that link didn't go through...

it ends like this after mcclatchydc.com:

/2011/01/18/106949/study-many-college-students-not.html

46 weeks ago
 
TOP IDEA: Jon Bishop I'm pursuing my first big side project and would love some Brazen peeps to be a part of it. I spend all of my time helping businesses leverage WordPress for their website. I want to take everything I've learned and share it in a weekly/bi-weekly newsletter. I've worked with companies like HubSpot, DataXu and Canon USA on WordPress. The newsletter is free and I ultimately want to make a book out of it when I finish on all things WordPress for businesses. Please Subscribe! http://wpbusiness.info

44 weeks ago from Wordpress Bloggers

Jon Bishop: @Jana Thanks Jana. Please let me know what you think.

@Melissa Thanks, I might take you up on that. I wan't to get a few issues under my belt so ...More
@Jana Thanks Jana. Please let me know what you think.

@Melissa Thanks, I might take you up on that. I wan't to get a few issues under my belt so I'll have more to write about.

Thanks again everyone.

44 weeks ago
Vickie Elmer: Subscribed. What a great idea. If you ever want to brainstorm on ideas, or ways to grow it into a book, let me know.
44 weeks ago
 
Katie Konrath Anyone out there who has a flexible schedule and lots of ideas? My company (Ideas To Go, an innovation consultancy) is auditioning creative people to bring in for our client projects. This isn't a job - it would be about 1x/month on an as-needed basisi, but it's a lot of fun and pays well. So if you're between 22-35 and want to get paid for having ideas, I'd suggest you check it out! http://newyork.craigslist.org/jsy/etc/2299564423.html

44 weeks ago from Brazen Careerists in New York City

Melissa Breau: Katie, if you're still looking for people toward the end of August let me know... my schedule's pretty tight now but should be fairly flexible ...MoreKatie, if you're still looking for people toward the end of August let me know... my schedule's pretty tight now but should be fairly flexible then...
44 weeks ago
 
Mike Dammann Doing a little mini survey: How many of you know your blood type? If you can do me a favor, simply state below "I know" or "I don't know". Thanks!

46 weeks ago

Brett Kunsch: I don't know :/
46 weeks ago
Megan Atkinson: I "know" it but I forget it. Not sure which of the two categories that fits in to.
46 weeks ago
 
Melissa Breau I was thinking about the role of the internet and its influence on the types of content created; I think web writing inspires two particular types of content -- immediate content and evergreen content. People either tend to write something so news worthy and "right now" that by tomorrow it'd be obsolete (except as history) or they write something generic (how many posts are there on fav. wordpress plugins). Thoughts?

46 weeks ago from Journalism and Journalists

Mehul Kar: That's interesting (the history of journalism).
I don't agree with the other point though. I think validation or review from others actually ...More
That's interesting (the history of journalism).
I don't agree with the other point though. I think validation or review from others actually compromises original thought.

There are obviously exceptions and half-assing can readily be the excuse for "original thought".

46 weeks ago
Melissa Breau: While I think there is, of course, a point when you reach too many cooks in the kitchen, I think debate inspires stronger reasoning. So having ...MoreWhile I think there is, of course, a point when you reach too many cooks in the kitchen, I think debate inspires stronger reasoning. So having someone else look over and discuss your ideas can strengthen the way that you write them.

As am editor, I also think that grammar and sentence structure can play a big part in the ability to convey a message in a clear convincing way; so I believe that having articles checked for those things is a benefit.

Clearly, when there is so much red tape that you can't get an original idea to final edition, there's a problem. But I think small groups and editing can create much stronger work. It's a rare writer indeed whose work is flawless.

46 weeks ago
 
Melissa Breau What do you think of micro-funding your business? I'm currently running an online magazine (moxymag.com) for women with big cojones and bigger dreams; I came across the idea of asking folks to donate $5 or $10 to help fund a project and was wondering if it would be a successful strategy to add a donate button to the site with a list of projects we're currently working on that the money would go toward (ex. a few changes to the code, hiring legal folks to help do some paperwork, etc).

46 weeks ago from Entrepreneur

Clara Kuo: @Melissa, are you saying you want to set up a non-profit with a profit component? Careful there...legal matters could arise. But you could use the ...More@Melissa, are you saying you want to set up a non-profit with a profit component? Careful there...legal matters could arise. But you could use the donation as a way for people to vote for projects they like.
46 weeks ago
JRandom42: No suggestions, just wondering why someone would donate money without any visible return other than a warm fuzzy feeling. I think, if you really ...MoreNo suggestions, just wondering why someone would donate money without any visible return other than a warm fuzzy feeling. I think, if you really want donors, you need to think about it from their point of view of WIIFM (What's in it for me?)
46 weeks ago
 
Sara I am launging a new blog for a charity on how to help children in need. What kind of topics would a reader like to find in a blog like this? What needs do children under 10yrs have? Other than linking readers to donation sites, what methods can I promote to help cover their needs?

48 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas

Melissa Breau: @Sara - let me know when it's up I'd be happy to check it out and share it with my network to get you some feedback.
46 weeks ago
Sara: Thanks Harriet, i will contact Maggie as well. Very useful info.
46 weeks ago
 
Mrs Macalister Interviews- what to do when the interviewer puts a question mark next to your Language skills? My CV/Resume says: Languages: English - Proficient. Spanish - Native. However, the interviewer decided to write English - "fluent ?", this was during the interview. How should I take this? I studied English in London for 3/4 years, Lived in London for 10 years and I have a Cambridge English Advance certificate. I have an accent but I can assure you, you can understand me when I speak.

46 weeks ago from Professional Development

Mrs Macalister: That's so interesting, Melissa. A few other people have seen it the way I took it. But your comment makes me hopeful.
46 weeks ago
Harriet May: Why don't you change your CV to say English - Fluent? That way it's clear. It will be obvious from the other experiences indicated on your CV ...MoreWhy don't you change your CV to say English - Fluent? That way it's clear. It will be obvious from the other experiences indicated on your CV that you have spent a lot of time in England. Do you put your Cambridge English Advance certificate on your CV?
46 weeks ago
Jake: President George W. Bush's book Decision Points...
51 weeks ago
Melissa Breau: @Nikita - Stoner. It's not about pot, i promise. It's about a man and his life. And it's an amazing moving novel, but ultimately, it's about ...More@Nikita - Stoner. It's not about pot, i promise. It's about a man and his life. And it's an amazing moving novel, but ultimately, it's about failure. I highly recommend it. It really makes you question the meaning of "a good life."
46 weeks ago
 
Meghan Skiff Why are 20-something men getting picked on so much lately?! Fellow Brazen Member Albert Ciuksza wrote this post in response to an article that appeared in the WSJ last week claiming that men aren't stepping up to "adult responsibilities". Thought that you all might be interested in weighing in on this conversation. http://abcjr.me/4i

49 weeks ago from I am Gen Y, GenYJourney: Tips, Insights, Experiences For Young Professionals, Young Professional Women (YPW) and Power Couples2 more

Kristen Creager: This is a common Gen-Y perception: laziness. And without going into a long drawn-out essay, it's just not true.
49 weeks ago
Melissa Breau: Are you familiar with the Good men project? It's all about the opposite; and it's amazingly well written and put together.
More
Are you familiar with the Good men project? It's all about the opposite; and it's amazingly well written and put together.
http://goodmenproject.com/

46 weeks ago
 
Melissa Breau I was thinking about the role of the internet and its influence on the types of content created; I think web writing inspires two particular types of content -- immediate content and evergreen content. People either tend to write something so news worthy and "right now" that by tomorrow it'd be obsolete (except as history) or they write something generic (how many posts are there on fav. wordpress plugins). Thoughts?

46 weeks ago from Magazine Professionals

 
Adam Toren Self-Made Magazine is now up featuring the Top 50 Women Entrepreneurs Who Inspire Us! View it online here: http://www.SelfMadeMagazine.com Spread the word about these extremely empowering Women!

66 weeks ago from Entrepreneur

 
Anne Sutton Yes, one of the biggest hurdles for start-ups is FUNDING. So.......I started a financial empowerment club for women entrepreneurs. I'd like some feedback on the intro video and ideas of reaching out to build membership. Here's the url: http://miracleandeve.com/club, thanks everyone!

54 weeks ago from Entrepreneur

Melissa Breau: Hi Anne,

Are you still looking for feedback? I'd love to chat... I'm the founder of Moxy Magazine (More
Hi Anne,

Are you still looking for feedback? I'd love to chat... I'm the founder of Moxy Magazine (www.moxymag.com) and think our goals are very complementary.

46 weeks ago
 
TOP IDEA: Sufi M I am looking to develop my resume further and looking for volunteering opportunities. Would you like me to consult on your website, your design, and your SEO for free? I can SEO optimize and ensure your website is Search Engine Friendly. I can also work on your coding and provide excellent suggestions to achieve top rankings in the search engines. Please send me an e-mail at theglaringfacts@gmail.com if you are interested in a consultation and free SEO optimization to enhance my resume. Thanks!

48 weeks ago from Social Media, Search Engine Optimization, Wordpress Bloggers and Blogging Ideas2 more

Melissa Breau: @Sufi - are you still looking for projects?
46 weeks ago
 
Vickie Elmer Magic moments in movie careers. Which jobs did you see in the Oscar-winning films? I wrote about a handful I spotted in The King's Speech in my latest blog post: http://workingkind.com/2011/02/oscars-kings-speech/ Only one of them is a speech coach / speech pathologist.

49 weeks ago from Creatively Inspired, Wordpress Bloggers, Blogging Ideas, Career Rocketeer and Career Changers3 more

Vickie Elmer: Arlene, I'll see about getting those installed on my blog.
Lilli, Brett and Patrick - Those movies had some great careers highlighted in them. I ...More
Arlene, I'll see about getting those installed on my blog.
Lilli, Brett and Patrick - Those movies had some great careers highlighted in them. I especially liked the look "behind the curtain" at Facebook and at the ballet troupe.

48 weeks ago
Melissa Breau: @Vickeie - do you use a wordpress software? If so adding the buttons is pretty easy. I'd be happy to direct you to some resources...
46 weeks ago
Interests
Publishing, Freelancing, Writing, Networking, Good Design, and Gen-Y
Favorite Quote
"It is a job that is never started that takes the longest to finish" - Tolkien

Groups (34)

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Fans (300)

Jesse Shy
Emily Jasper
A Malik Imran
Linda A. Hamilton
Liudmila
Cameron Plommer
Steve Campbell
Christie Scott
Michael LaPenna
Phil Tomas

Following (236)

Emily Jasper
Christina
Emily Moore
Dr. Woody
Andrew Norcross
Sadya Siddiqui
Smith+Fritzy
Karolyn Chowning
Joe Osborne