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Morana Medved

San Jose, CA

Job Captain/Interior Designer, RMW Architecture & Interiors

Architecture & Interiors

www.zagabria.net

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Following (16)

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TOP IDEA: Edward Antrobus I just took out a loan to pay for the part of the hospital bill that the insurance didn't cover. That sounds rediculous on so many levels. Would you have done the same? http://bit.ly/xSQqSX

12 weeks ago from Ask Penelope Trunk!

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Edward Antrobus: @Morana, That's a good idea. If the situation ever arises again (well for some other problem, I don't anticipate my gall-bladder growing back), I ...More@Morana, That's a good idea. If the situation ever arises again (well for some other problem, I don't anticipate my gall-bladder growing back), I will inquire. The bill provided three payment options. Pay in full immediately, pay in 4 payments, or get a loan. While the loan is through a local bank, it's actually written by the hospital.
We have an HSA as well, but also 6 other bills associated with this surgery. About a $1000 over and above what the insurance paid. Once the last of those bills is paid off, we will start using HSA funds to pay off the loan. My employer doesn't offer insurance and my wife's only offers high deductible plans. This was the first time we maxed out the deductible...or even a quarter of the deductible. So really, it was the first time it even felt like we had insurance.
@Robert, I doubt they would consider anyone with health insurance indigent. But thanks for the tip.
12 weeks ago

Pete Sehgal: Most importantly, you have your health and happiness. What's done is done! There is no reason to fret about now. However, if this situation comes ...MoreMost importantly, you have your health and happiness. What's done is done! There is no reason to fret about now. However, if this situation comes up again for you or someone you know, keep this in mind: I wouldn't have done what you did. You actually had the chance to negotiate the bill down, without providing any financial details. Furthermore, they can't charge you service fee or interest, therefore, you could have paid it in small payments, interest free.
7 weeks ago

TOP IDEA: Cameron Plommer I'm starting to realize that I don't need more information on HOW to do something. Instead what I find most useful is information (books, blogs, whatever) that inspires me to do something. Whether it's inspiration to learn a new topic, get in shape or be a better person. The How-to is only applicable at a low level because what works for one person may not work for another. With that said, what have you read or read regularly that inspires you?

67 weeks ago from Personal Development, Professional Development and Blogging Ideas 1 more

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Steve: A wise older friend once told me "Before age 30, seek to be inspired. After 30, seek to be an inspiration." The wisdom of that has played out as ...MoreA wise older friend once told me "Before age 30, seek to be inspired. After 30, seek to be an inspiration." The wisdom of that has played out as I've networked with Gen Y folks a few years younger than me (I'm in my early 30s), and constantly been inspired by their energy and enthusiasm to tackle exciting projects.
49 weeks ago

Jacqueline M. Walters: Cameron Plommer. Please accept my invitation to join and log on to MoreCameron Plommer. Please accept my invitation to join and log on to www.talentmanagementnetwork.com to read some of my post. I am Jacqueline M. Walters. I strongly believe you will appreciate it.
16 weeks ago

Danielle Wolfrom Who should you be reaching out to at a firm to land your next job? The hiring manager or a principal?

27 weeks ago from Interior Design

Morana Medved: Usually neither would be your best bet - you want to find out who your direct supervisor would be (Design Director or Senior Interior Designer) ...MoreUsually neither would be your best bet - you want to find out who your direct supervisor would be (Design Director or Senior Interior Designer) and try to get introduced to that person. Unless it's a small company, that would not be the principal and most principals are too busy to review all resumes sent to them. That said, if you can get recommended to the principal by someone who knows him personally then definitely take that route. Hiring managers only pass on resumes to principals or the supervisors needing employees, and a lot of times are not even fully aware of new positions being considered until they are officially posted. I got all my jobs through personal introductions to the principal, but know quite a few people who went through the design director and then got introduced to a principal, already as a vetted potential hire.
27 weeks ago

La Donna Lokey It's that time of year again - performance appraisal time! I've been avoiding it, but now must buckle up and just do it. I know I'm not alone here. I could give you a 75 page report on the topic of your choice, but when it comes to self-evaluation, I cringe. Why is it sometimes so hard to talk about ourselves? How do you handle it?

30 weeks ago from Citi, Human Resources, Ask Penelope Trunk!, Ask A Coach and inCORPorated 3 more

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Beatriz Alemar: I'd say it's hard because you want to be honest, but you also feel pressured to show yourself in the best light. Then there's the added pressure ...MoreI'd say it's hard because you want to be honest, but you also feel pressured to show yourself in the best light. Then there's the added pressure of what will your employeer think of what you put. It can be very stressful!

I'd take a few deep breaths and then get out a sheet of paper. Remind yourself that no one will see this paper - this is just a place for your notes before you actually write your review. Look over the goals you had in the year or quarter and rate yourself on how well you think you did. Then under that write bullets supporting your rating. List everything you can and get as specific as you can. You have permission to brag as much as you want (remember no on is going to see it). Look back at your work and see if what you wrote matches what you rated yourself. Do you need to adjust up or down? Only after you've written down the good, can you go back and pinpoint areas you can improve in.

It's a lot easier to praise yourself (and write an honest review) when you have concrete evidence of the things you've accomplished.
29 weeks ago

Heath Port: This can be especially tough when your job success isn't really quantifiable and depends more on softer skills. In my previous evals I tried to ...MoreThis can be especially tough when your job success isn't really quantifiable and depends more on softer skills. In my previous evals I tried to put together some narratives on how some of my soft skill sets helped the organization reach their goals. I also would reach out to others I had worked with for recommendations that they would either send directly to my management or wrote up and sent to me to be shared during my eval.
29 weeks ago

Noel Rozny Do you have a favorite power suit you wear to interviews, or a certain lucky color? Which outfits do you think work best and why? (http://bit.ly/nAZmH0 via @ Vickie Elmer)

32 weeks ago from myFootpath

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Chris Parker: If I thought it would help me, I would wear a dress and nice shoes, but that would not help I am sure
29 weeks ago

Noel Rozny: @Morana--Thanks for all of that advice!
29 weeks ago

Sadya Siddiqui Its 10th anniversary is on Sunday - so where were you when 9/11 happened? How did you find out about it?

37 weeks ago from Ask Penelope Trunk!, Brazen Careerists on Twitter, Personal Development, Slash Jobs and Ask A Coach 3 more

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Morana Medved: I was woken up by a girlfriend with the news. We had a class that morning and she asked if I thought the class was still on. Having lived ...MoreI was woken up by a girlfriend with the news. We had a class that morning and she asked if I thought the class was still on. Having lived through a war in my teens (Balkans) I found it unimaginable that an East Coast event would affect classes in California, so we went. I was wrong. Few people that showed up spent some time discussing structural implications of the crash in the typical fashion of an architectural class. Then I went home, stopping to buy a selection of my favorite foods and a bottle of wine, made myself a feast and went to bed, never turning on the TV. I did not want to deal with a potential of another war.
37 weeks ago

David Macauley: I was in a staff meeting at a federal building in Michigan. We were informed by a co-worker when the first plane hit. By the time the second ...MoreI was in a staff meeting at a federal building in Michigan. We were informed by a co-worker when the first plane hit. By the time the second plane hit, we were all in the dining area watching it happen on AV carts they brought in there...
37 weeks ago

Sara Gallagher The topic of leadership has always been popular among business writers and thinkers, but I'm wondering if the "leader" and "follower" labels are becoming increasingly inappropriate in a workplace driven by collaboration, creativity, innovation, and team orientation. What new labels do you think will define Gen Y as they mature into positions of senior management?

78 weeks ago from GenYJourney: Tips, Insights, Experiences For Young Professionals and Inspiring Leadership

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Marc Sokol: Some years back Robert Greanleaf coined the term "Servant Leadership" and a book by the same name. Leading and following dissolve when you ...MoreSome years back Robert Greanleaf coined the term "Servant Leadership" and a book by the same name. Leading and following dissolve when you pursuing a powerful vision. At the same time, organizing work around projects, teams and delegation of tasks often requires leaders and followers with respect to the higher objectives that bring them together.

For me, it's less about the language and more about how we engage with each other and some broader purpose.
67 weeks ago

Aaron Evans: I like it Marc.. keeping the thread alive! My experience shows you are absolutley right in regards with leaders and followers "dissolving".

Often ...MoreI like it Marc.. keeping the thread alive! My experience shows you are absolutley right in regards with leaders and followers "dissolving".

Often times, what separates leaders from the all the rest, is the vision. Coaches, teachers, and parents are all leaders in some respect, but the ones that have an idea, or a vision that no others can see, that is the true leader. Getting the followers on board is also very important; I think that is when we see the blurr effect between the two groups.

All the best,
Aaron
67 weeks ago

TOP IDEA: Sadya Siddiqui Has anyone read Penelope Trunk's latest post - Blueprint for A Woman's life. I'm interested in knowing how many GenY ladies (hey even men) agree or disagree with it.

40 weeks ago from GenYJourney: Tips, Insights, Experiences For Young Professionals, I am Gen Y, Slash Jobs, Brazen Careerists on Twitter and Ask Penelope Trunk!3 more

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Morana Medved: This might get long, but I feel the need to address it fully, as the post itself was very thorough:
1. Do both - you need to get involved in other ...MoreThis might get long, but I feel the need to address it fully, as the post itself was very thorough:
1. Do both - you need to get involved in other things while staying on top of homework. My highschool boyfriend was involved with everything but homework. That continued in college which he never finished. He's the cable guy now, and I did my homework, was moderately involved, and now have a career.
2. Sure, if there is something that really needs fixing, but from advice of a woman I respect who is in her sixties, this should be saved as a tool to stay "updated" later in life, while being healthy when young is more important.
3. Assuming everyone wants to go to business school or grad school? Why? And grad school is totally useless for most people unless they determined through at least 2 years of work experience what they want to do with their career.
4. I married at 26 and somewhat agree with this one. Don't be afraid of "settling down" although advice shouldn't be to "settle" as it almost seems to be.
5. Maternity leave is a joke in this country and should be addressed at government level. Most countries concede 1 year is a good time period, and USA should as well. But employing some of Penelope's advice could get you a bad reputation in your industry - bad advice.
6. I agree to a point. More and more men stay home or work part-time while taking care of home and kids. Mine does. Working on your marriage is important, and someone will always have a support role. But as a kid who asked my parents to please finally get a divorce when I was 15 I vehemently disagree that staying together is always better for the kids, and research is still split on this.
7. Good points - financial independence.
8. Really, everyone wants to do a startup? I worked for two small businesses ran by men and they were both horrible businessmen and ran them into the ground, in spite of putting in long hours. Partner with someone you can trust, sex is irrelevant.
9. Whatever.
10. Bad advice - homeschooling is a full time job that most people fail at. It is illegal in my home country. Find a good school district, there are plenty, and homeschool in addition if you deem it necessary (my grandfather did this with me and it was great).
11. & 12. While I partially agree with this I think that people in their forties and younger are ill-equipped to give advice to people in their forties and older and unlike Penelope I would hate to attempt it.
I think Penelope overstepped and while she had some good points she offered some really bad strategies. And based on her comments she seems to think she's addressing a much larger portion of population than she truly is - only a fraction of women share her goals, far from majority. I really believed she had a broader viewpoint of people, life and world, I'm sorely disappointed in her.
40 weeks ago

Christian Adams: I read it. I liked it. I haven't read this thread but wanted to say that Ms. Trunk is a great writer and in my humble opinion a brilliant thinker.
39 weeks ago

MissCheska Hello all! New to BC and this group, and need advice! I'm a first-year middle school teacher at an all-girls school and am trying to build up a professional wardrobe. My wardrobe challenge: I'm 26 yo, 4'8" tall and look quite young, which translates to often being mistaken as one of my students by everyone. How do I best create a wardrobe that allows me to look my adult age, exudes professionalism, but also doesn't make me look like an old-school marm? TIA!

46 weeks ago from Dress Code Personal Style

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MissCheska: Wow, thank you everyone for your replies and suggestions!

@Kelly, I haven't thought about getting a "professional haircut"; what a great idea! ...MoreWow, thank you everyone for your replies and suggestions!

@Kelly, I haven't thought about getting a "professional haircut"; what a great idea! I've mostly kept my hair in a long-layered bob for easy low maintenance, but maybe adding low lights/high lights will add some oomph into it.

I went through my closet briefly after reading the replies, and what I've noticed is that I have a lot of the basics (blazers, trousers, pencil skirts, button down shirts) but they all seem to look like a "uniform". My accessories are almost nonexistent, they mostly consist of a watch and earring studs! I'd like to inject more color and style, so I do appreciate your suggestions and I'll definitely check out those forums/blogs!

45 weeks ago

Leona: I used to feel like my clothes were a "uniform" too and I was such a minimalist with accessories - but things like scarves, belts, pins, head ...MoreI used to feel like my clothes were a "uniform" too and I was such a minimalist with accessories - but things like scarves, belts, pins, head bands, jewelry, etc help differentiate things. Also, try reading blogs which have done 30x30 clothing challenges (30 outfits with 30 clothing pieces). Kendi Everyday is not a petite blogger, but she's got an easygoing yet polished style that I love and she's done the 30x30 challenge.
45 weeks ago

Ashley With all the social networks out there, many of which we all use for professional networking (but none as good as Brazen, of course), how important is the profile picture? Do you use the same one across sites for branding purposes? We all can't hire a professional photographer, so how can we take the best amateur professional photo? In my opinion, it's super important.

48 weeks ago

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Edward Antrobus: well, I've certainly seen identifiable information like phone numbers, addresses, and schools shared online with no thought of it.
46 weeks ago

Kate Davids: @JRandon42 and @Edward, I think that privacy is a continuum not a yes/no. If it were yes/no, then letting out a name and a face would include ...More@JRandon42 and @Edward, I think that privacy is a continuum not a yes/no. If it were yes/no, then letting out a name and a face would include letting out SSNs, but one does not necessarily lead to another. I think that older generations, as well as some Gen Ys to be fair, have a lower threshold on the privacy continuum, while others, like myself, share a lot but stop before giving away location data. Finally, there are people who just give away everything (we can debate whether or not they realize the ramifications of their actions or exactly how public their postings are another day). No one is wrong, but no one is right either because it's not a yes/no. It's a "how much."
46 weeks ago

Mona Abdel-Halim How many people use online resume builders vs. Word?

62 weeks ago from Resume Feedback

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Kate Davids: Jim, would you share those resumes that are so awesome? Good exemplars are always useful.
49 weeks ago

Ben Donahower: I use Word to build my resume but I also have a number of other resumes floating out there created by different services, social resumes, etc.
49 weeks ago

Susan Hi all - I have an interview (3 separate interviews with management) tomorrow for a position, and was quite surprised to get an HR packet of forms to fill out, such as the application form and consumer reports/investigative authorization form. In the past I've received these AFTER being hired while filling out the W4 etc. Any thoughts on this? I find it slightly intimidating, and yet I wonder if they're leaning towards hiring me.

52 weeks ago from Ask Penelope Trunk!

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Kim Luu: Susan,

That's normal procedures. For our firm, I don't even interview people until we've done the paperwork and background check. We have a ...MoreSusan,

That's normal procedures. For our firm, I don't even interview people until we've done the paperwork and background check. We have a preliminary meeting but the formal interview comes after the full application and deep background check.
52 weeks ago

Susan: The interview went very well, I thought. They're doing a reference check, so hopefully they'll make an offer.
51 weeks ago

La Donna Lokey Kimberly Roden asks/answers a great question in her blog: Hindsight being 20/20, what is one setback you faced in your career that ended up being a blessing in disguise? http://bit.ly/leoabI

53 weeks ago from Citi, Ask A Coach, Ask Penelope Trunk! and Corporate Talent Acquisition 2 more

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La Donna Lokey: @JRandom I can't even fathom how difficult that must have been. One of the reasons why I'm proud to work at Citi is because of our work with ...More@JRandom I can't even fathom how difficult that must have been. One of the reasons why I'm proud to work at Citi is because of our work with wounded veterans - through organizations like Wall St. Warfighters. I'm a military brat, too - so I have great respect for the lessons military service can offer.
52 weeks ago

La Donna Lokey: @Jason That's definitely brave. People often forget that sometimes you have to take a step down to take a step up.

@Megan I've never worked with ...More@Jason That's definitely brave. People often forget that sometimes you have to take a step down to take a step up.

@Megan I've never worked with a career coach, though I've thought about it. Now that I'm in my dream job, though, I guess I don't need it. Maybe a life coach, though? Still lots of room for improvement there! :)
52 weeks ago

Clara Kuo I do a lot of heavy analytical work and find that music helps me stay focused. I'm really enjoying Talking Heads and Phish today. How about all of you, what music do you enjoy while working and is it different from music you listen to while relaxing?

57 weeks ago from Bay Area Bunch, myFootpath and Generation Y Marketers 1 more

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Clara Kuo: Here's another way of looking at it, how do you listen to music at work? Right now I'm on Pandora, so I don't have to go through my iPod playlists ...MoreHere's another way of looking at it, how do you listen to music at work? Right now I'm on Pandora, so I don't have to go through my iPod playlists every hour.
57 weeks ago

Noel Rozny: @Clara--Pandora saves me every day! As much as I love iTunes, I feel like I sort of know all my lists by heart.
57 weeks ago

Noel Rozny Is work-life balance your responsibility or your employer's? I love the topic and the approach in this WSJ article: http://blogs.wsj.com/juggle/2011/04/07/no-work-life-balance-its-your-fault/

59 weeks ago from myFootpath

Jason H. Parker, Becky Benishek, Robin Mills and Diana Antholis and 1 others recommended this

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Andrew Corliss: Agree with @Diana you have to speak up for yourself and communicate when you need the time for personal life. It comes down to a question of What ...MoreAgree with @Diana you have to speak up for yourself and communicate when you need the time for personal life. It comes down to a question of What your preference is!
58 weeks ago

Chris Parker: @Noel yeah they decided to close early have it at lunch through 4 and let people leave at their normal time, that was nice no pressure to stay ...More@Noel yeah they decided to close early have it at lunch through 4 and let people leave at their normal time, that was nice no pressure to stay late or have to give up a day
58 weeks ago

Dana Leavy For job seekers and career changers, networking is at the top of the list for effective search tools, and I hear constant stories of success, both online and offline. Yet many people are intimidated by networking still, as it doesn't seem as tangible as applying to an advertised job. What have been your success stories with networking, and did you trust in the process, or was it by chance that it worked out for you?

58 weeks ago from Personal Development, Entrepreneurs, Career Changers, Brazen Careerists in New York City and Career Rocketeer 3 more

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Ty Unglebower: I honestly have not had any great success with networking so far. I dislike small talk, and I don't believe in calling people I don't know 4 or 5 ...MoreI honestly have not had any great success with networking so far. I dislike small talk, and I don't believe in calling people I don't know 4 or 5 or 6 or 10 times just to get them to talk to me and all of those other things. I am a more organic person, which yes means things can sometimes be frustrating in their slowness to develop. But I would rather it be that way then slap a plastic grin on my face and pretend I actually enjoy talking to someone I just met at an event I hate attending.

Now online "networking" has been a bit more effective for me. BC has been the most effective probably. Twitter, too. Some help from readers of my blog. I have never landed a job from these connections, and I have even had to end a few because they ended up not wanting to help me out, as much as they wanted help FROM me. (A very common problem these days.) But nonetheless, information and connections have been more forthcoming online than in person.
58 weeks ago

Morana Medved: I got all of my professional jobs through networking, so I guess you can call me a success story. But most of my networking happens away from ...MoreI got all of my professional jobs through networking, so I guess you can call me a success story. But most of my networking happens away from "networking events", through joining and being active with professional organizations, volunteering at my alma mater, keeping in touch with people I went to school with and worked at different positions or collaborated with on projects. I truly enjoy interacting with people in my network, so it's not a chore, and this allowed me to grow a circle I can reach out to when I need help. I am also continuously involved with helping people in my network. And one secret of networking is that when you get a good base group of people it starts growing exponentially as these people introduce you and recommend you in their own circle.
So don't go out there looking for people who can help you land a job - go out there with intention of meeting people who are interesting and finding out more about what they are doing, and also with intention to help out others through volunteering. Eventually it will lead to opportunities.
58 weeks ago

Harriet May Do you have the recommended 8 month emergency fund? Now that I've been on a salaried income for seven months, it's my first big savings goal. Do you treat your savings like an extra bill or do you struggle to put away money every month?

62 weeks ago from Young Professional Women (YPW), Personal Finance, Entry-Level Young Professionals, GenYJourney: Tips, Insights, Experiences For Young Professionals and Personal Development 3 more

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LadyBlueShame: I think that in order for me to save the amount I deem necessary, I will have to treat it like a bill :-/, which sucks because I hate bills.
59 weeks ago

peterb6086: Paying yourself first via automated savings is the wayt to go. After a while, you won't even miss it.My emergency fund is roughly 1 years salary. ...MorePaying yourself first via automated savings is the wayt to go. After a while, you won't even miss it.My emergency fund is roughly 1 years salary. Doesn't need to be that high when starting out, but as we get raises, and homes, the risk of being laid off creates much more of a problem

http://www.trendlinefinancialsolutions.com/april-2011-trendline-financia...
59 weeks ago

Kate Davids I'm toying around with writing a paper on Kindle vs. Nook vs. iPad. Which do you think you'd get (if you haven't already) and why? I'm a total Nook-lover, for instance. Got it because it is pretty, cheaper, and actually attached to a store (go in and buy vs. mail away). You?

65 weeks ago from Tech Gurus, Internet Marketers, PR & New Media, Blogging Ideas and Book Shelf 3 more

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Alicia Young: I must agree, I have a Sony and it is incredible!
62 weeks ago

Anoop Kansupada: I bought a Kindle in December of 2009. Its an older model but Amazon customer service is unbeatable. I was backpacking Asia at the time and had ...MoreI bought a Kindle in December of 2009. Its an older model but Amazon customer service is unbeatable. I was backpacking Asia at the time and had some issues with Thai sand getting in the device. They overnighted a new one to me when I ended up in Mumbai India for free. In Rajasthan India a camel decided that stepping on my kindle was a good idea, and once again, Amazon overnighted a new one to me (this time it was my fault though so it wasn't for free.)

I have a Kindle and my father has an iPad. I like browsing the internet, but not much else with my iPad. Reading is just amazing on the Kindle and battery life lasts forever.
62 weeks ago

Kent Healy What does being uncommon mean to you? I came up with 53 things... http://www.theuncommonlife.com/blog/being-uncommon-means/

63 weeks ago

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Kent Healy: Thanks for the thoughts guys! Both great points.
63 weeks ago

JRandom42: Definition of UNCOMMON

1: not ordinarily encountered : unusual

2: remarkable, exceptional

— un·com·mon·ly adverb

— un·com·mon·ness ...MoreDefinition of UNCOMMON

1: not ordinarily encountered : unusual

2: remarkable, exceptional

— un·com·mon·ly adverb

— un·com·mon·ness \-mən-nəs\ noun

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/uncommon

62 weeks ago

Caroline Ceniza-Levine What is the biggest mistake people make when they’re let go? http://ow.ly/49c7C

63 weeks ago from Ask A Coach

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Dana Leavy: Great point Regina, about grieving. Corbin makes a good point about allowing yourself to do so, so that you don't slip into victim mentality. ...MoreGreat point Regina, about grieving. Corbin makes a good point about allowing yourself to do so, so that you don't slip into victim mentality. Acknowledge your losses, cut them...and move on to the next positive opportunity.
63 weeks ago

Morana Medved: I think being unprepared is a mistake upon itself - it's just not an option in today's world - everybody should have a plan on what to do if you ...MoreI think being unprepared is a mistake upon itself - it's just not an option in today's world - everybody should have a plan on what to do if you get fired/laid off today, resume ready, contacts lined up. Even if you don't burn bridges, getting laid off/fired is not a good time to cry or get in any way emotional. There are so many questions you need to ask then and there because it will be more difficult later.
I got laid off when the economy tanked, I was gracious, I made a joke, I inquired on how to take care of my ongoing projects and clients, and discussed severance, recommendations, portfolio materials the employer could provide. I made my boss tear up. Two weeks later I had a job, and two years later I'm back at that old job because they really wanted me back. My job is more secure than ever, but my resume is ready, my contact list is up to date, and I have two back-up plans.
63 weeks ago

TOP IDEA: Jennifer Liu What are some common misconceptions about your job? Is your job not as glamorous or high paying as some people may think? Does your job require tasks or responsibilities that people are not aware of? Do people attribute certain professions with certain traits? I've wanted to say once and for all that not all engineers are socially awkward. And! we can't fix everything around the house for you.

63 weeks ago

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Morana Medved: Architecture is viewed as this glamorous, sophisticated and well-paid profession. In reality, it's poorly paid (engineers make way more money ...MoreArchitecture is viewed as this glamorous, sophisticated and well-paid profession. In reality, it's poorly paid (engineers make way more money than architects or designers), it includes a lot of long hours, a lot of time put in you cannot bill for, and all of the blame for anything that goes wrong. We rarely build beautiful models and we never draw anything by hand anymore - no clients want to pay for it. And our houses are usually a mess because we never have time to spend on them.
63 weeks ago

Megan Atkinson: Being in the energy industry, a lot of people automatically assume I'm a radical environmentalist - when in reality, my company is contracted by ...MoreBeing in the energy industry, a lot of people automatically assume I'm a radical environmentalist - when in reality, my company is contracted by utility companies.
63 weeks ago

Ann Ellingham Crutchfield I wear skirts and dresses more than slacks. I like the look AND find it near impossible to find slacks that fit right...the waist is always way to big. Am I showing my age by not wearing slacks more? Do I need to try harder to find some that fit?

79 weeks ago from Dress Code Personal Style

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JRandom42: @Edward, at 6 ft and 200 lbs, my wife has similar problems finding clothes that fit anyway, let alone businesswear. She's been reduced to making ...More@Edward, at 6 ft and 200 lbs, my wife has similar problems finding clothes that fit anyway, let alone businesswear. She's been reduced to making nearly all of her own clothes.
65 weeks ago

Justine Smith: You always look your best when you wear clothes that fit well and you feel comfortable. I don't think dresses vs slacks make you look younger or ...MoreYou always look your best when you wear clothes that fit well and you feel comfortable. I don't think dresses vs slacks make you look younger or older. Both are determined by how you style your outfit. If you want pants that fit (as with most clothes) the best path is to go to a good department store and find some nice slacks and have them altered to fit your body. The investment will be worth every penny.
64 weeks ago

Katie Perry Have any of you relocated before? I am thinking about possibly relocating, and am curious as to how you went about it.

67 weeks ago from Professional Development

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Hannah DeMilta: Hey Katie -- if you have relocation on the mind I would encourage you to go for it. Don't regret not leaving or taking the opportunity to leave ...MoreHey Katie -- if you have relocation on the mind I would encourage you to go for it. Don't regret not leaving or taking the opportunity to leave when you had it. I moved from Cleveland, Ohio to Sydney last year and couldn't be happier. I wrote a guest post on "moving abroad in a digital age" you may enjoy and please free free to get in touch if you would like to chat! http://www.volunteerglobal.com/blog-101018
66 weeks ago

JRandom42: No matter where you relocate, have funds available, just in case that dream job doesn't turn up in few day/weeks/months. Not planning for that has ...MoreNo matter where you relocate, have funds available, just in case that dream job doesn't turn up in few day/weeks/months. Not planning for that has wrecked uncounted numbers of relocations.

66 weeks ago

Sam Rye Cradle to Cradle Deisgn - the next big development in our global community's thinking/action? Does any one have any experience / know of any products that adopt C-2-C design principles? http://bit.ly/cizGYn

66 weeks ago from Innovators Incubation, Social Enterprise Entrepreneurs, Creatively Inspired, Green Social Media and Creating a Life You Love 3 more

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Sam Rye: Great Morana! Thanks for getting in touch. I'm really happy to hear C2C has been part of your vocab for awhile; sadly I've only just become aware ...MoreGreat Morana! Thanks for getting in touch. I'm really happy to hear C2C has been part of your vocab for awhile; sadly I've only just become aware of it properly (been planting trees for the last 4 years - not much more C2C than that!) but I'm interested as to how I can adopt it into the business I'm working with for the creative team.

I've had a look around on the C2C portal but I'd love it if you have any hints/tips on good articles to read / who I should talk to about adopting it into product design / how it can lead design thinking as an ideology?

Really interested in how it can be developed into other industries as well as architecture too - social enterprises and the like - bringing it into realms of 'mass consumption' to drive a wedge into the unsustainable habits of the human race...
66 weeks ago

Morana Medved: Hi Sam. I've scanned your resume, it's impressive that you've actually spent time on the "front lines" so to say. Cradle to Cradle is ...MoreHi Sam. I've scanned your resume, it's impressive that you've actually spent time on the "front lines" so to say. Cradle to Cradle is specifically meant for products, so as such my contact with it has been through product manufacturers. I think Steelcase is really on the forefront of environmental movement as a manufacturer and through its company culture as well. They have a learning section on their website, check it out: http://www.steelcase.com/en/company/sustainability/pages/share-learn.aspx. For an example of a smaller company that's been an innovator with C2C, check out Mechoshade - my copy of C2C actually came from them, it's a small family-owned business and it brings a new perspective on how window shading affects human environment, www.mechoshade.com. They also love talking about it so feel free to contact them directly. Finally, if you are looking to apply environmental principles to the built environment (company offices for example), check out LEED, www.usgbc.org.
All of these have their pluses and minuses but just being aware of possiblities and implementing some of the principles gets us ahead on living better and more sustainably.
66 weeks ago

Peter Burgin I'm thinking of approaching local business organizations (chambers of commerce) about offering presentations to their members about internet technology. I've given presentations before (through the library) but those haven't reached the people I was hoping to get to. Does anyone have any tips or advice about doing this?

71 weeks ago from Freelancing and Ask A Coach

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Peter Burgin: In follow-up, I contacted several chamber of commerces, just saying that I had an idea for a presentation that I believed would be beneficial to ...MoreIn follow-up, I contacted several chamber of commerces, just saying that I had an idea for a presentation that I believed would be beneficial to their members and what would be the best way for me to send them this information. I've gotten two replies, one was that I needed to be a member (not something currently in my plans). The other chamber was much more receptive and I'm currently gathering materials to send over. I suppose the lesson from all this is simply to get going and ask.
66 weeks ago

Megan Atkinson: Peter, I've also dealt with a lot of chambers and professional associations through my line of work. If you're looking to perfect the pitch and ...MorePeter, I've also dealt with a lot of chambers and professional associations through my line of work. If you're looking to perfect the pitch and get more open doors, my experience has been that a one page sell-sheet summarizing what you're offering in your presentation (as mentioned above) is the most effective to pry the door open. I also ask for a quick 15 minute meeting where I provide a separate presentation with why my information will benefit their members and why *that* will benefit them as a chamber or association.
66 weeks ago

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