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Rebecca Thorman
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Sabera (Kapasi) Photographer Have you ever taken a vacation all by yourself? Like really visiting a place all alone and being by yourself from start to finish (except for conversations / lunches / dinners with the odd fellow tourist). What was it like and where did you visit?

40 weeks ago from Travel Addicts, Travel for Business, Slash Jobs and Young Professional Women (YPW)2 more

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Maura V. Pingor: Yes! With my previous employer I had a business trip to Paris and I extended the stay to be a tourist for the weekend...all by myself! I just ...MoreYes! With my previous employer I had a business trip to Paris and I extended the stay to be a tourist for the weekend...all by myself! I just took a map of Paris and walked the whole day, ate great food, and had an amazing relaxing time!
1 week ago
Sandra Kitchen: Many times. I have had the occasion to go alone on business trips and I am not one to hold up in a hotel room, so I take advantage of the time ...MoreMany times. I have had the occasion to go alone on business trips and I am not one to hold up in a hotel room, so I take advantage of the time and go see the place whenever time permits. I enjoy the pleasure of my own company so I do not feel intimidated to do so. I've traveled alone to San Francisco, Las Vegas, New Orleans, Daytona and Minnesota - spent 4 hrs just in Mall of America alone! Whoo-hoo!!
1 week ago
 
Brett Kunsch I'm rebranding and revamping my website/blog this month. I've heard Genesis and Thesis are great, and want something that a non-developer (i.e. ME) can use. I want to be able to basically do anything my crazy mind thinks up with with an easy to use design dash that integrates with Wordpress. Any recommendations? BIG thanks all :)

56 weeks ago from Entrepreneurs, Professional Writers and Editors, Wordpress Bloggers and Blogging Ideas2 more

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Edward Antrobus: Brett, What did you ultimately choose?
13 weeks ago
Page: I looove Genesis and use them in my e-courses for teaching people how to design and market themselves. After a few years of using other premium ...MoreI looove Genesis and use them in my e-courses for teaching people how to design and market themselves. After a few years of using other premium and free themes, I've found these to be the most solid. http://pageteaches.com/
3 weeks ago
 
Pete Collins Do you delete any of your blog posts? My blogging is quite variable in terms of quality, so should I get rid of some older ones that I don't really like, don't link to, and have hardly got any views? It would increase the average quality of my posts, but decrease the quantity. What do you do?

54 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas, Brazen Bloggers, European Bloggers and Wordpress Bloggers2 more

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seanlsyy: delete old post,good idea
13 weeks ago
Page: I think it is a good idea to go back and review your posts periodically, and update them to reflect your blog's focus. Perhaps you didn't have a ...MoreI think it is a good idea to go back and review your posts periodically, and update them to reflect your blog's focus. Perhaps you didn't have a clear goal in mind when you started blogging? Go back and re-focus those old posts, clean up the writing and add some SEO into them to bring them up to speed.
3 weeks ago
 
Scott Ruttencutter I'm with IQ Foundry here in Madison as we are beginning a search to grow our studio with some additional entrepreneurial and career-minded talent. We have opportunities for creative professionals, technical development professionals, and those with a knack for promotion, sales and new business. I am primarily looking for folks who truly want to build a long-term career somewhere, and establish themselves as a key player within our small team. You can contact me directly at scott@iqfoundry.com.

42 weeks ago from We're Hiring

 
Rebecca Thorman I want to learn PHP, AJAX and how to build a CMS. How do I go about it? While I am familiar with code from my blog, I would like links to straight-up beginner resources. How do I set up a coding environment on my computer? What are the best tutorials and resources or even classes available on the web? Thanks in advance...

52 weeks ago from PHP, Web Development, Drupal, Joomla! and User Experience3 more

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Rebecca Thorman: @ Ted - Right now, I am making my way through the Head First book for PHP and MySql (think I'm on Chapter 5). I am using XAMPP as well, but only ...More@ Ted - Right now, I am making my way through the Head First book for PHP and MySql (think I'm on Chapter 5). I am using XAMPP as well, but only because the group recommended it and it ended up being easier than what the book suggested. I think the book is great and is very easy and clear - plus, there are lots of great online resources that align with each chapter. For me, I like being able to mark up the book as well. Hope that helps! After the Head First book, I also have a book called PHP and MySql for Web Devlelopment which is part of the Web Developers series. It looks pretty good, but certainly more advanced than the Head First book I'm doing now.
48 weeks ago
Ben Weller: Rebecca,

I know I'm digging up an old thread here, but how has the experience of learning PHP & MySQL been treating you?

Once you've gotten ...MoreRebecca,

I know I'm digging up an old thread here, but how has the experience of learning PHP & MySQL been treating you?

Once you've gotten some experience with the basics, I'd recommend using that experience in a true LAMP stack.

There are 2 easy (easier...) ways to move in that direction:
- virtualize a LAMP server locally (using VirtualBox, Parallels, etc.), or
- set up a virtualized server through RackSpace, AWS, or similar.

If you're planning to stick with it, it is important to break away from the Windows-based stack. Linux-based stacks tend to be more performant and robust, and don't suffer with the issues inherent in the Windows-targeted implementation of PHP. It is very likely that any professional opportunities that you'll encounter will require LAMP experience over X/WAMP experience.
10 weeks ago
 
Jim Armstrong What are your thoughts on incorporating video into your online content? My buddy and I are looking to incorporate video into our blog as a way to further drive engagement. We're looking to do this for book reviews, how-to demos and interviews. Looking forward to hearing Brazen community's thoughts on this.

21 weeks ago from Social Media Marketers, Social Media, Young Entrepreneur Community and I am Gen Y2 more

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Katrina Lennon: @Jim- I think it's an excellent idea. We have shorter attention spans with ever increasing busy lives and social platforms like Twitter (140 ...More@Jim- I think it's an excellent idea. We have shorter attention spans with ever increasing busy lives and social platforms like Twitter (140 characters). If our attention is not grabbed within 30 or less seconds we will not continue on with the content. Video is a better way to grab that attention.
14 weeks ago
Jim Armstrong: @Katrina - excellent points, thank you!
14 weeks ago
 
Heather Gaona I'm just returning to Civilian life after 8 years in the Army... and need help with the clothes! I was fashion-challenged before wearing a uniform every day. I work in a lab, so practical clothing is a must. At some point in any day I could be crawling under an instrument or climbing a step ladder. Jeans are widely accepted, but I worry I’ll look unprofessional. My biggest challenge is tops: I tend to prefer tshirts. I welcome your suggestions!

44 weeks ago from Dress Code Personal Style

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Regina Richardson: NY&Company has some really nice shawl-like cardigans, and cardigan/shell combos, as do many of the clothing stores right now. Easy-care, wash ...MoreNY&Company has some really nice shawl-like cardigans, and cardigan/shell combos, as do many of the clothing stores right now. Easy-care, wash and go... :)
11 weeks ago
kathy mcafee: Heather, I recommend that you invest in working with an image consultant. Hire a qualified one to come and do a closet audit in your home. ...MoreHeather, I recommend that you invest in working with an image consultant. Hire a qualified one to come and do a closet audit in your home. Leverage their expertise to figure out what to keep, what to tailor and what to give away. AND....get their input on what wardrobe items you need to access in your new job/career path. Your professional image is part of your visual communication. I like to think we should all strive to present our best selves (authentic and polished). Good luck in your career transition. - Kathy
11 weeks ago
 
Lydia Huerta Hi I am new to Brazen, I have a question for you all...I am a current Doctoral Candidate, ready to leave academia and explore new paths. For the past eight weeks I have been searching and actively applying to job postings with no luck. Do you all think I should take the pending PhD off the resume?

43 weeks ago from Graduate Students

Aditya Mehta: Do not take the pending PhD off your resume! You are a highly skilled person and there is no point in hiding it.
11 weeks ago
 
Erika Gimbel Has anyone found a good signup/download plugin? I'd like to offer a free report when people sign up for my mailing list. Does any of this functionality come w/mail chimp? I'm a mailing-list newbie.

45 weeks ago from Wordpress Bloggers

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Rebecca Thorman: That should be easy to do with MailChimp - just set up an autoresponder. You can live chat them with questions. If people are signing up for your ...MoreThat should be easy to do with MailChimp - just set up an autoresponder. You can live chat them with questions. If people are signing up for your site, you can connect their sign-up with the mailing list with the AutoChimp plugin, but otherwise, an Autoresponder or customizing the welcome email should do the trick.
45 weeks ago
Erika Gimbel: Thank you both so much! I signed up for MailChimp but need to sit down & figure it out. Not exactly intuitive. Josh, I will also check out ...MoreThank you both so much! I signed up for MailChimp but need to sit down & figure it out. Not exactly intuitive. Josh, I will also check out that plugin.
45 weeks ago
 
Cameron Plommer Are Wordpress blogs on the downfall? What's your take on leverage Tumblr and YouTube as a vehicle to spread your brand, company and ideas?

44 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas, Wordpress Bloggers and Personal Branding1 more

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Andrew Shell: There does seem to be an increased willingness for people to become digital sharecroppers. I personally believe that people should take ownership ...MoreThere does seem to be an increased willingness for people to become digital sharecroppers. I personally believe that people should take ownership of their content and running their own blog whether that's WordPress, Drupal or whatever. It's just important not to create all your content inside of corporate silos. It's better for someone to publish on a WordPress blog with a plugin that pushes their posts to Tumblr, Facebook and Twitter.

YouTube is a little different because 1) it's hard for average people to encode and publish video on the web without the help of a YouTube, Vimeo, or the like. 2) They aren't creating their content on YouTube, but rather they are just publishing it. In theory they could cross post to Vimeo if YouTube banned them.
44 weeks ago
Ricardo: I think they are getting better
44 weeks ago
 
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

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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
 
Megan Atkinson I have a few questions during my attempt to integrate some things into my blogging adventure. Any Wordpress proficient Brazenites out there that speak fluent 'moron'ese? I really need some help/answers and the forums are a bit over my head. Please don't make me give you puppy dog eyes - it's been known to be fatal.

32 weeks ago from Wordpress Bloggers

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Megan Atkinson: I think I got all straightened away between you wonderful folks. Thanks so much, especially to Mehul!
32 weeks ago
Matthew Everett: Like Edward said, WP.com is pretty limited in what they let you do. Also, I agree with Kelly. GoDaddy just didn't do it for me as far as hosting ...MoreLike Edward said, WP.com is pretty limited in what they let you do. Also, I agree with Kelly. GoDaddy just didn't do it for me as far as hosting was concerned.

If you want a recommendation, I moved my sites to a Baby Plan on HostGator and I'm quite happy with it. It's much more flexible than my previous GoDaddy hosting and cheaper. It does add-on domains and supports a lot of popular software like Wordpress and Drupal.

I set up a 25% off coupon for interested parties. Just enter BCGET25OFF on step 1.
32 weeks ago
 
Nikita T. Mitchell I recently wrote a post called 3 Reasons Why Every Young Professional Should Serve on a Nonprofit Board (http://bit.ly/kxvmge). I'm now working on a follow-up post b/c of how many people have asked for advice in response, and I would love to know more about your experiences: Have you ever served on a nonprofit board? If yes, what advice do you have for other young professionals looking for such an opportunity. If no, why not?

30 weeks ago from Global Careers and Business, Nonprofiteers, Young Professional Women (YPW) and Entry-Level Young Professionals2 more

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Katrina Lennon: This is something that my old employer suggested I do as a way to build up my professional skills while giving back to a cause that means ...MoreThis is something that my old employer suggested I do as a way to build up my professional skills while giving back to a cause that means something to me. I have yet to go forward with it because I am in transition right now, living at home until I find a full time position. I want it to be a short-term thing so I do not want to fully dedicate myself to something only to have to turn around and leave them.
14 weeks ago
Regina Richardson: I currently serve on 2 boards...my main piece of advice...be prepared for the time, energy, and effort commitment -- and don't agree until you've ...MoreI currently serve on 2 boards...my main piece of advice...be prepared for the time, energy, and effort commitment -- and don't agree until you've looked at this commitment in relation to EVERYTHING else you do, from hitting the gym to having to stay late at work.
14 weeks ago
 
Kaitlin Luna I am not sure is this is the right venue for my question, but I would like to know your thoughts on webinars. I work for a university career center and we are exploring the possibility of offering our presentations through webinars that students can access anytime. Are college students using webinars or is this more of a professional tool?

16 weeks ago from Ask Penelope Trunk!

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Steve Lasiter: Kaitlin, I use webinars almost weekly. I'm a DBA and often listen/watch as I work at my desk. It's a great learning tool.
15 weeks ago
William Platt: Webinars are are a fantastic method to transfer information. I have developed, presented and attended many webinars. My daughter attends Rochester ...MoreWebinars are are a fantastic method to transfer information. I have developed, presented and attended many webinars. My daughter attends Rochester Institute of Technology. She has taken several of her classes on line due to scheduling conflicts. Having the lectures available as a recorded webinar allow her to fit the lecture in when she has time. Her comments also share that those with learning disability issues can replay the webinar as necessary. My experience in delivering and attending them is that is EXTREMELY important to keep learners involved. There is nothing worse then having learners tune you out by looking at email or walking away from the screen during the webinar. Good luck!
15 weeks ago
 
Kristen Creager Anyone else on Dailymile? It's the best way to keep track of your workouts, in my opinion. http://dailymile.com

49 weeks ago from Fit Freaks

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Casey Holbrook: I've been using it since November when a group of friends and I trained for a race together. I miss having a calendar on the wall where I checked ...MoreI've been using it since November when a group of friends and I trained for a race together. I miss having a calendar on the wall where I checked things off and saw a month at a time, but the community side of Daily Mile helps keep you inspired.

I'm Casey H., a runner in Knoxville, TN -> add me as a friend!
49 weeks ago
Bill Scott: I use cardio trainer on my android phone.
19 weeks ago
 
Faith C Hey folks, anyone here in Career Changers transitioned onto a completely new plane (different from what you were trained in), or moved on to different paths in the same field? Please share on your challenges, motivations, and thoughts. Thanks!

94 weeks ago from Career Changers

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JenG: I'm in the midst of changing from biochemistry to (mostly) full-time writer/blogger. The hardest part for me is letting go of my old identity, ...MoreI'm in the midst of changing from biochemistry to (mostly) full-time writer/blogger. The hardest part for me is letting go of my old identity, even though I'm incredibly excited about the future. It's hard to say no to projects you know you'd be good at, even if they are no longer the right fit for you.
93 weeks ago
amanda cabrera: I'm a licensed RDA and have been in the dental field for about 6 years. I decided to go back to school and finish my bachelor's degree in ...More I'm a licensed RDA and have been in the dental field for about 6 years. I decided to go back to school and finish my bachelor's degree in Communications to get a career in recruitment. Talk about a switch!
However, I am ready for the drastic change to take flight. I have friends and family supporting my decision to take on a new venture.
The challenge is probably the most attractive attribute to my switching careers. I have been feeling stagnate at my place of work. Being the social person that I am, I feel this will be better suited for me, and has more room for growth.

Best advice I can give someone in a career change, is that you never know until you try. You live once, so take on what it is you dream of doing. No regrets! Work hard! You can achieve happiness at a work place if you follow your desires.

-AC

93 weeks ago
 
Megan Atkinson Absolutely love the new "notes" feature at Network Roulette! Much easier to manage and access than the multiple notepad files I've got saved from past NR events. Great idea, Team Brazen!

40 weeks ago from Brazen Community Feedback

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Noel Rozny: Ditto!
40 weeks ago
Edward Antrobus: Still waiting for the feature to hide it, or at least clear out the connections I'm never going to connect to. It's great that people get value ...MoreStill waiting for the feature to hide it, or at least clear out the connections I'm never going to connect to. It's great that people get value out of NR, but I don't
16 weeks ago
 
Ryan Healy Is it just me or do you guys think "work/life balance" is a totally outdated paradigm? Why would you want to separate work from your life?

139 weeks ago from Work/Life Blur

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Edward Antrobus: I was just having this conversation with a friend yesterday. The important thing is to remember that there is a difference between "work" and ...MoreI was just having this conversation with a friend yesterday. The important thing is to remember that there is a difference between "work" and "vocation." For those with a vocation, I can see how it might be easy for lines to blur. But I believe that the majority of the population does not have a vocation. And if you only work, even if you consider it a career, then your fulfillment will come from outside of your job and it makes sense to keep the two separate.
16 weeks ago
Alex Dea: I like to view it as a sliding scale. At times, I think I have balance in my life. I am able to adequately manage the things at work while still ...MoreI like to view it as a sliding scale. At times, I think I have balance in my life. I am able to adequately manage the things at work while still maintaining my lifestyle (ex: going to the gym, seeing friends, traveling etc) but there are also times when I don't have it and am not able to do those things. While its not ideal, I know that when I don't have great balance that it will come back, but if it goes on for too long of a stretch then I know I need to either do or say something to fix it.
16 weeks ago
 
Natasha Smith How did you go about building your portfolio when you started copywriting professionally? Did you do a lot of volunteer work? Did you do speculative work for potential (paying) clients?

20 weeks ago from Copywriters and Freelancing

Ben Locker: I tried to build a broad portfolio across different industries, so I was never dependent on any one. I did do speculative work, but it was ...MoreI tried to build a broad portfolio across different industries, so I was never dependent on any one. I did do speculative work, but it was normally a mistake in the long run.
17 weeks ago
 
Jason H. Parker I worked from home yesterday morning and accomplished a ton of work. Seems like I'm always able to focus when I'm working from home. Is this rare--I feel like I'm in the minority here?

43 weeks ago from Freelancing, Location Independent and Washington D.C.1 more

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Pamela J Carter: I don't think so...if you're comfortable in your home and have work space set aside there, often you'll find you're more productive there than at ...MoreI don't think so...if you're comfortable in your home and have work space set aside there, often you'll find you're more productive there than at the office. And you don't have the drive time there and back to worry about daily.
18 weeks ago
JRandom42: Here's the thing: I'm an infrastructure engineer, which means I work on and with the company's infrastructure, which includes, switch, routers, ...MoreHere's the thing: I'm an infrastructure engineer, which means I work on and with the company's infrastructure, which includes, switch, routers, servers, cabling and so on. Kinda hard to do from home, especially when a lot depends on the high-end hardware and software that never leaves the facility, not to mention the 10Gbit network throughout the facility. Remote connections suck, especially with the security involved and the narrowness of the bandwidth pipe.
18 weeks ago
 
Ryan Stephens What book(s) are you currently reading? I'm on a Stoicism kick and reading The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius among others.

140 weeks ago from Book Shelf

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Beatriz Alemar: Currently reading: Steering by Starlight (by Martha Beck) and the Gift of Fear (by Gavin de Becker)

@Ben - I loved How We Decide. I still use ...MoreCurrently reading: Steering by Starlight (by Martha Beck) and the Gift of Fear (by Gavin de Becker)

@Ben - I loved How We Decide. I still use some of the tips to help me make difficult decisions.
19 weeks ago
Lori Ruff: Rock The World with your Online presence... we're getting ready to release the 3rd edition so this is my focus until I deliver it to the publisher!
19 weeks ago
 
Kate Davids So I'm moving to New York. I need to find a flat. Any suggestions (other than Craigslist!) on how to do that?

24 weeks ago from Brazen Careerists in New York City, Multilingualism Enthusiasts and Advertising Professionals1 more

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Thelma: Create a message with what you are looking for and send it to anyone you know who may know someone in New York. Just find a month to month room, ...MoreCreate a message with what you are looking for and send it to anyone you know who may know someone in New York. Just find a month to month room, then once you are settled with your job and what areas you like in NYC, search for something more permanent.
23 weeks ago
Kate Davids: Thank you for your help! I managed to find a place in Manhattan for at least the first 6 months, which is about what I'll need to figure out where ...MoreThank you for your help! I managed to find a place in Manhattan for at least the first 6 months, which is about what I'll need to figure out where I want to live next.
19 weeks ago
 
Natasha Smith I recently got a Kindle, but I still buy some books in paper format. Has anyone completely switched over to e-reading? How have your book-buying habits changed?

21 weeks ago from Book Shelf

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Edward Antrobus: @Noel, I would recommend getting a Nook instead of a Kindle. Nook does everything the Kindle does, but uses the industry standard epub format ...More@Noel, I would recommend getting a Nook instead of a Kindle. Nook does everything the Kindle does, but uses the industry standard epub format instead of the mobi format that Amazon bought.
20 weeks ago
Noel Rozny: Oh, good to know, thanks! :)
20 weeks ago
 
Mike Dammann Other than Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, which is your favorite social media network?

22 weeks ago from Social Media

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Natasha Smith: Jim, Ben, and everyone else who mentioned LinkedIn - I share Patrick's curiosity. How do you make the most of LinkedIn? In what ways have you ...MoreJim, Ben, and everyone else who mentioned LinkedIn - I share Patrick's curiosity. How do you make the most of LinkedIn? In what ways have you found it especially beneficial, and what are your primary activities on the site?
20 weeks ago
Jim Armstrong: Connecting with others and continuing to build my personal brand - these are my top two reasons for being on LinkedIn. It serves as my central ...MoreConnecting with others and continuing to build my personal brand - these are my top two reasons for being on LinkedIn. It serves as my central repository (until I finish my personal website) for housing all of my professional credentials and information. I include loads of links to my current projects and activities. Hope this helps Natasha!
20 weeks ago
 
Amanda Veinott Join two of my colleagues in Washington DC on 9/21 for a complimentary Employee Engagement event @ National Geographic! This event will highlight common engagement pitfalls, like teaching to the test, gaming the system, and analysis paralysis; provide an interactive forum to learn from other companies’ mistakes and best practices; and shift the conversation from number crunching to creating a leader-led culture of engagement (leaders seeing beyond the numbers). http://tinyurl.com/921event

20 weeks ago from Human Resources and Washington D.C.

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Interests
Friends, Family, Reading, Blogging, Photography, Dancing, Art, Travel, Eating, Walking
Goals
  1. Be brave. Be thankful.
  2. Write a book. A really good one.
  3. Be a thought-leader.
  4. Eat more sushi.
  5. Love.
Favorite Quote
"Yes we can."
Specialties
Generation Y, Social Media, Career Management, Public Speaking, Blogging, Attracting and Retaining Talent, Generational Differences, Cities

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