Melissa Mansfield
Fairfax - SF Bay Area, CA
Co-founder, Green Gorilla Media
Professional Services
Brazen careerist
Where ambitious young professionals connect and grow
Already a member?
Welcome to Brazen Careerist!
Melissa Mansfield is using Brazen Careerist to share ideas. Join now to become a member and start networking with Melissa Mansfield and other professionals just like you. Learn more.
All Activity
Ryan Paugh
Hey you guys. I'm putting together an official #Brazen Twitter List for members living in the San Francisco slash Bay Area. I've done it for a few of our other high-volume cities and you guys are next. This is a great way to connect w/ other local Brazen peeps, schedule meet ups and all sorts of other stuff. Leave your Twitter ID below as a reply and we will add you to the list.
95 weeks ago from Bay Area Bunch and San Francisco, CA
Elysa Rice and Paul Blackwell recommended this
Sadya Siddiqui
Friends with Money: Two friends decide to start ...well....a start-up. One says I'll put in the money , the other says I'll put in all the daily hours. They both believe this situation will work since both of them are allotting the resources that each of them has - money and time. But will this work?
I'm skeptical about this arrangement - i think the friend-with-money will demand results from the other guy & the other guy will always feel shortchanged....
96 weeks ago from GenYJourney: Tips, Insights, Experiences For Young Professionals, Slash Jobs, Entrepreneurs, Consultants R US and Ask Penelope Trunk!3 more
Dannielle Blumenthal:
Following Penelope's line of thinking...does the $ person have more say over decision-making? Or the one who is putting in the time and effort but ...MoreFollowing Penelope's line of thinking...does the $ person have more say over decision-making? Or the one who is putting in the time and effort but whose efforts may not be as visible? History shows that unless you are directly contributing money you will not have as much say...which will lead inevitably to conflict, power struggles, etc. that can hurt the business. Need more balance here.
93 weeks ago
93 weeks ago
Sadya Siddiqui:
Thank you everyone for sharing your views on this arrangement. I think the comparison of a startup with marriage was really amusing. since i do ...MoreThank you everyone for sharing your views on this arrangement. I think the comparison of a startup with marriage was really amusing. since i do not know right now what either of two feel like so i'm just gonna take it in.
90 weeks ago
90 weeks ago
Penelope Trunk
What do you guys think about Blogher? The convention. I'm supposed to be a panelist, but I'm thinking that it's full of whiny mommy bloggers who are trying to make money writing about their kids. And I should just not go. I need to decide this week. What do you think? Is anyone going?
Sarah Beckley:
@penelope I think the real question is, if you go this time, how can it be different--how can you make it a positive experience instead? Between ...More@penelope I think the real question is, if you go this time, how can it be different--how can you make it a positive experience instead? Between your actions/attitude and any changes the conference has made as well.
97 weeks ago
97 weeks ago
Danielle:
Why disrespect mom bloggers as a group and say we are all whiny? I say "we" because I blog, my family comes up frequently, and I'm not afraid to ...MoreWhy disrespect mom bloggers as a group and say we are all whiny? I say "we" because I blog, my family comes up frequently, and I'm not afraid to admit it. The experience that I have gained personally about social media and blogging has translated into marketable skills that I now use in my "day job". That wasn't my goal when I started as a mom who blogs, but it sure has been a valuable asset. I'm going to Blogher '10 in NYC and would have loved to see you there. If you decide to keep the commitment, I'd be happy to meet you in person without whining once.
96 weeks ago
96 weeks ago
Ryan Paugh
Everything that's going on with BP seems to be getting messier. I've been following what's going on day after day and it seems like nobody can come up with a solid plan + there's a lot of contradicting going on. There's a great post today on Brazen that discusses whether or not a good PR team could help BP >> http://bit.ly/b2HgYF
According to the blogger there's no PR team in the world that can help until they change how they operate as a company. Do you agree?
98 weeks ago from PR & New Media, Green and Environmental industries and Green Social Media1 more
Lindsay Browning recommended this
Raquel Elle Bell:
@Ryan - This may sound a bit sadistic and please no one take it for me to have wanted this disaster to happen, but it is things like this that ...More@Ryan - This may sound a bit sadistic and please no one take it for me to have wanted this disaster to happen, but it is things like this that insight change. Things tend to stay status quo when everything is status quo. People need to be pushed the brink and see how bad things could be if they continue before real change can happen. So with how terrible this is perhaps something really wonderful will come out of it.
97 weeks ago
97 weeks ago
Ryan Paugh:
I was thinking the same thing, but was afraid to say it. You're right that sometimes it takes something terrible to incite change. My fingers ...MoreI was thinking the same thing, but was afraid to say it. You're right that sometimes it takes something terrible to incite change. My fingers are crossed that something wonderful does come out of this whole mess.
97 weeks ago
97 weeks ago
Raven Moore
I've been volunteering as a social media/communications manager for a start up arts nonprofit for 2 years. It almost feels like a 2nd job. How can I best convey this to potential employers. There seems to be a bias against "paid" work and work you do on a volunteer basis.
Sadya Siddiqui recommended this
Melissa Mansfield:
It sounds like what you're doing for this non-profit requires skills at a much higher level than the typical volunteer position. Instead of ...MoreIt sounds like what you're doing for this non-profit requires skills at a much higher level than the typical volunteer position. Instead of calling it 'volunteer work', refer to it as 'pro bono' work that you do as a social media and communications consultant.
Present it as a job or consulting project, and highlight your responsibilities and your accomplishments, just as you would for any other paid position.
100 weeks ago
Present it as a job or consulting project, and highlight your responsibilities and your accomplishments, just as you would for any other paid position.
100 weeks ago
Penelope Trunk:
I agree with Rebecca - don't even say it's volunteer. Say it's a second job. Also, this underlines how easy it is to *create* a job for yourself ...MoreI agree with Rebecca - don't even say it's volunteer. Say it's a second job. Also, this underlines how easy it is to *create* a job for yourself that will improve your resume a lot. You do not need permission to do work to put on your resume. Do the work, unpaid, and put it in your resume as experience that is key to getting your next job.
100 weeks ago
100 weeks ago
Alejandra
Have you read Clay Shirky's "A Rant About Women"? http://www.shirky.com/weblog/2010/01/a-rant-about-women/
I feel like women could be all the things he says we should be (more like men) but in my experience, it just makes doing your job effectively, and well, much harder. Thoughts?
Rachel Vincent:
So, interestingly, I used to work for a company where it was exactly this typically male characteristic (to be arrogant or willing to lie and say ...MoreSo, interestingly, I used to work for a company where it was exactly this typically male characteristic (to be arrogant or willing to lie and say their capabilities are more than they are), that led to many men not being offered the job. So while in some cases this may help guys, in others in is actually a detriment.
122 weeks ago
122 weeks ago
Penelope Trunk:
Here's the problem with that post. The post is about what women can do better at work, right? But right now men are getting laid off at twice the ...MoreHere's the problem with that post. The post is about what women can do better at work, right? But right now men are getting laid off at twice the rate of women, women in their 20s are outearning men, and women in their 30s are dropping out of the workforce or downshifting to be with their kids. So I don't think women have a problem that Clay needs to help us with. We're doing what we want, getting paid fairly, and we're doing fine.
121 weeks ago
121 weeks ago
Penelope Trunk
And. One more thing. I think everyone should try both: Staying at home with kids and not. It's like everyone should try being a cashier or a waitress. The more different types of work you have done, the more empathy you have in the world for people who do work that you don't do. We should use our work to understand other people and ourselves better so that we can be more kind. If we are not aiming to use our 8 hours a day (or whatever) to make us better people then what are we doing????
Honey:
@ Penelope - Well, I knew having kids was irrational because I keep turning it over and over in my mind and can't come up with a single reason why ...More@ Penelope - Well, I knew having kids was irrational because I keep turning it over and over in my mind and can't come up with a single reason why anyone has them. All the reasons you've mentioned, the reasons I've mentioned, as well as the fact that it doesn't even sound interesting. "Oh, look, my kid did exactly the same things in exactly the same order as every other kid ever!" What's so neat about it?
128 weeks ago
128 weeks ago
Bennett Kanhai:
Many many people have children because they feel that nobody loves them. A child will love his/her mother unconditionally.
128 weeks ago
128 weeks ago
Penelope Trunk
Wow. I'm gone for half a day, and look what happens. Okay. Look. I think the time of dividing the world into people who stay home with their kids and people who work is just totally over. First of all, only the very rich have the luxury of not having to do one of each at some point in their life. Second, the world is not so simple that there is a good and bad way to run life. We would all be in great shape if the world were this simple. We could just pick good.
Melissa Mansfield:
Totally agree. I'm hopeful that we're in the beginning stages of creating a system that nurtures all the different kinds of 'work' we do. I really ...MoreTotally agree. I'm hopeful that we're in the beginning stages of creating a system that nurtures all the different kinds of 'work' we do. I really want to see more family-friendly policies in place for women AND especially men so we can have equal chances to contribute our talents and passions professionally and personally. E.g. men can take time off to care for their kids, women can run for office.
128 weeks ago
128 weeks ago
Anna:
My problem with the "housewives do this and that and that so they do work" talk is that women who have jobs also have the "this and that and that" ...MoreMy problem with the "housewives do this and that and that so they do work" talk is that women who have jobs also have the "this and that and that" that housewives do.
128 weeks ago
128 weeks ago
Catherine Storing
Yoga virgin here. 2010 resolution: to try yoga. it is all too overwhelming. Hhow do I get started the right way?
Catherine Storing:
Thanks Melissa that is exasctly what I was looking for, I might start with Kundalini and then move on to Ashtanga. I will repport back with ...MoreThanks Melissa that is exasctly what I was looking for, I might start with Kundalini and then move on to Ashtanga. I will repport back with progress. Thanks again.
128 weeks ago
128 weeks ago
Lindy Gulanes:
Congrats on dipping your toes in the ocean of yoga! Most important thing to remember: enjoy!
128 weeks ago
128 weeks ago
Penelope Trunk
Warning. I'm about to do a very bad personal branding move. Do not try this at home....
I'm so sad today that I can't think straight. And I can't get any work done. But then I thought, well, maybe if I were chatting in my group then that would
1. distract me from being sad and
2. count as me working, since really, on some level, it is my job to be doing this group. I mean, even when we are talking about Lance's (questionable) dating tactics, it still counts as work for me.
Is anyone there?
B Maddigan:
Dear Sister Penelope,
Besides a lot of guys Are real Turds...
They feel that women are like cattle or property
and think who cares I'll just ...MoreDear Sister Penelope,
Besides a lot of guys Are real Turds...
They feel that women are like cattle or property
and think who cares I'll just get Another one
I feel that what Ruins a lot of relationships Is smothering
It's You & I, and You & I that's all
Familiarity Can/Does Breed contempt
The Best policy Is to Each have time with Your own friends
as well as with each other
Hmmm... sounds like a Plan :-)
128 weeks ago
Besides a lot of guys Are real Turds...
They feel that women are like cattle or property
and think who cares I'll just ...MoreDear Sister Penelope,
Besides a lot of guys Are real Turds...
They feel that women are like cattle or property
and think who cares I'll just get Another one
I feel that what Ruins a lot of relationships Is smothering
It's You & I, and You & I that's all
Familiarity Can/Does Breed contempt
The Best policy Is to Each have time with Your own friends
as well as with each other
Hmmm... sounds like a Plan :-)
128 weeks ago
Claire Veuthey:
P- not sure you need to pick a set #of days. Take a few, then try to go in the office. If it's not working, leave. I find if work is busy it ...MoreP- not sure you need to pick a set #of days. Take a few, then try to go in the office. If it's not working, leave. I find if work is busy it distracts me (thank god), but then smthing happens &I lose my shit. Week after week, though, I stay longer, get more done, &enjoy it more. I am so thankful my workplace is flexible enough that if I leave at 2pm, no-one bats an eye.
That said: I am so sorry. Obviously this doesn't in any way make YOU a less smart, witty, fun, desireable, loveable person.
128 weeks ago
That said: I am so sorry. Obviously this doesn't in any way make YOU a less smart, witty, fun, desireable, loveable person.
128 weeks ago
Lindy Gulanes
Namaste, fellow yogis!
I am working on my small business plan, hoping to open my own studio. What do you look for in a yoga studio? What do you like best in a yoga teacher?
Melissa Mansfield:
I like a variety of yoga styles ranging from physical-focused to very spiritual. I appreciate teachers who can teach to different levels of ...MoreI like a variety of yoga styles ranging from physical-focused to very spiritual. I appreciate teachers who can teach to different levels of students w/ different limitations (esp. to beginners). Deals for month class passes, etc. are nice too :)
130 weeks ago
130 weeks ago
Beth Oppenheim-Chan
I am doing 2 peoples jobs at my nonprofit. They have just decided after having me here 4 months that they want to hire a director level person to do the same thing i have been doing all along. in addition, i have a masters degree and 4 years experience. i have been trying to debate whether to duke this out with my boss. Should I?
Melissa Mansfield:
I definitely agree with Penelope - no "duking it out" ;) But, could you schedule a non-confrontational meeting with your boss and get feedback on ...MoreI definitely agree with Penelope - no "duking it out" ;) But, could you schedule a non-confrontational meeting with your boss and get feedback on your performance thus far? If s/he has been happy with you, maybe you can discuss why you'd like the director's position and how that could benefit the nonprofit. If s/he didn't think you did a good enough job, then you could find out why and make improvements or shift to another department/position better suited to you.
132 weeks ago
132 weeks ago
Beth Oppenheim-Chan:
I see the point in what you are saying. I definitely think it is important to have a good relationship with your boss, and I am not really even a ...MoreI see the point in what you are saying. I definitely think it is important to have a good relationship with your boss, and I am not really even a "duke it out" kind of person. I guess I just needed to know how to frame it. I know he considers my work good and valuable so I hope to figure out how to make our relationship communicate better.
Thanks!
132 weeks ago
Thanks!
132 weeks ago
Lance
Ok, you people were right. I invited her for dinner but she said no-go, we're doing drinks at a local joint. She did say she was impressed that I cook. For the record, I think it's lame that women won't come over for dinner on a first date. And don't give me that safety crap. If you want to get to know someone, you break bread with them.
Melissa Mansfield:
Men Can Stop Rape is an excellent organization doing just that.
"Men Can Stop Rape mobilizes male youth to prevent men's violence against women. ...MoreMen Can Stop Rape is an excellent organization doing just that.
"Men Can Stop Rape mobilizes male youth to prevent men's violence against women. We build young men's capacity to challenge harmful aspects of traditional masculinity, to value alternative visions of male strength, and to embrace their vital role as allies with women and girls in fostering healthy relationships and gender equity."
http://www.mencanstoprape.org/
134 weeks ago
"Men Can Stop Rape mobilizes male youth to prevent men's violence against women. ...MoreMen Can Stop Rape is an excellent organization doing just that.
"Men Can Stop Rape mobilizes male youth to prevent men's violence against women. We build young men's capacity to challenge harmful aspects of traditional masculinity, to value alternative visions of male strength, and to embrace their vital role as allies with women and girls in fostering healthy relationships and gender equity."
http://www.mencanstoprape.org/
134 weeks ago
Erin Murtagh:
I just hope people will use good judgement when it comes to their own safety, and that they won't feel pressured to take chances in order to be ...MoreI just hope people will use good judgement when it comes to their own safety, and that they won't feel pressured to take chances in order to be socially/romantically accepted. I don't think Lance meant to be offensive or insensitive, but its important to address comments about rape/safety that negate the seriousness of the issue. As Amy said it would serve *you* well to respect other people's personal choices when it comes to their boundaries and safety.
134 weeks ago
134 weeks ago
Melissa Mansfield
What do you think re:Deepak Chopra's global action effort Vow of Nonviolence? http://bit.ly/3PdhW Do you apply this yogic ideal at work?
Lindy Gulanes:
Ahimsa is vital in my workplace because the ripple effect in a small group is enormous. I ask myself, is this worth getting angry at?
135 weeks ago
135 weeks ago
Penelope Trunk
Okay. I decided to take a risk here today. And play a game. I need to write a blog post. Now. So...
Penelope Trunk:
Karen and Mara - I link to you in today's post. Thanks for asking why we link to Facebook profiles here. I predict that soon we won't.
136 weeks ago
136 weeks ago
Mara L:
Thanks for linking me, though my comment was about fb being used for prof reasons less than why theres a link brazen if that makes sense..
136 weeks ago
136 weeks ago
Private Message
Following (10)
