Robert Sofia
Brazen careerist
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Robert Sofia
When I started this group a year ago, I had no idea how awesome it would become. Oddly, I rarely contribute anymore, but the rest of you totally ROCK it! It's nice to see all the activity happening here. You've inspired me, and I want to say thank you.
Ryan Paugh
Last night I had drinks with a friend who is a financial advisor and I was telling him about how he really should start a blog to market himself. He said that the big firms, like the one he works for, won't let their employees blog at all because of the sensitivity around providing financial advice. This seems crazy to me. Any financial advisors out there in similar situations?
56 weeks ago from Economics and Finance, FinanceAnswers, Personal Finance and Blogging2 more
Raquel Elle Bell:
** I think that while some advice is specific and if taken the wrong way can put people in a precarious state, but there are ways to give advice ...More** I think that while some advice is specific and if taken the wrong way can put people in a precarious state, but there are ways to give advice without compromising the end user.... Like don't spend more than you have and will make in the future... Pay your taxes.... etc. etc. etc.
56 weeks ago
56 weeks ago
Ryan Paugh
I just read a blog post from our friend Alexandra Levit (http://bit.ly/aNLDMx) about what it means to be a best-selling author and it got me thinking about all of you who are passionate about writing. If you're interested in writing a book, or any piece of writing for that matter, what's more important to you: acclaim or meaning? Just because a book is a best seller doesn't mean it's any good. If you could only have one of the two, which would you choose? Money or impact?
75 weeks ago from Write a Book!, Creative Writing, Professional Writers and Editors and Brazen Fiction Writers2 more
Sadya Siddiqui and Kenji Crosland recommended this
Benny:
The following comes from the perspective of someone who hasn't yet made money from writing.
I think that the web has made this extra interesting ...MoreThe following comes from the perspective of someone who hasn't yet made money from writing.
I think that the web has made this extra interesting and ambiguous. All writing is, in a way, designed to provoke some sort of conversation. The web, though, is extra-conversational. Most writing on the web is designed to provoke immediate feedback, and we've discovered that that is best accomplished by short and open-ended posts.
On the other hand, a lot of meaningful writing takes a long time to sink in and doesn't necessarily provoke a direct response. I think that it's important to separate these two types of writing. If you're making money for it and it's on the web, chances are that you are good at provoking instant feedback.
I may be going out on a limb here, but I think this is an interesting subject:
Which is more satisfying, writing something that will slowly sink in with people but not provoke instant feedback, or writing something that provokes instant feedback?
66 weeks ago
I think that the web has made this extra interesting ...MoreThe following comes from the perspective of someone who hasn't yet made money from writing.
I think that the web has made this extra interesting and ambiguous. All writing is, in a way, designed to provoke some sort of conversation. The web, though, is extra-conversational. Most writing on the web is designed to provoke immediate feedback, and we've discovered that that is best accomplished by short and open-ended posts.
On the other hand, a lot of meaningful writing takes a long time to sink in and doesn't necessarily provoke a direct response. I think that it's important to separate these two types of writing. If you're making money for it and it's on the web, chances are that you are good at provoking instant feedback.
I may be going out on a limb here, but I think this is an interesting subject:
Which is more satisfying, writing something that will slowly sink in with people but not provoke instant feedback, or writing something that provokes instant feedback?
66 weeks ago
Jake
I'm so happy with myself, these past two days I have added more to my book, arranged all of my chapters, and have created plenty new ideas and characters. I now know that it is going to be 25 chapters and is going to be roughly around 531 pages. I feel like taking a break from it but I'm too excited to stop just right now.
Jake:
I'll let you guys know when I'm about 2/3 finished with it. I'll probably release the prologue on my blog and I'll let you guys know when I do. Cya
82 weeks ago
82 weeks ago
Robert Sofia
Every time I feel exhausted, discouraged, and like giving up, if I persevere for just a little while longer, a big success always seems to be right around the corner. It's the storm before the rainbow people. Hang in there!
Robert Sofia
This is an awesome resource that provides a TON of info to help walk you through the writing and publishing process. Thought you might find it useful. http://oreilly.com/oreilly/author/index.html
Robert Sofia:
@Rebecca - Thanks for reaching out. Actually, I'm doing great. Currently on a 7 week tour of Europe. So far, we've been to Spain, France, Italy, ...More@Rebecca - Thanks for reaching out. Actually, I'm doing great. Currently on a 7 week tour of Europe. So far, we've been to Spain, France, Italy, and Hungary. We head to Vienna tomorrow. Work is finally allowing me to travel, which is a dream!
About the book - yes - I am working on my second book. My first one was released in November (http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Idiots-Guide-Business-Success/dp/15925793...), and my second is almost finished. I hope to see it in stores by early next year. So that's the update.
It was so great to meet you at SXSW! I love being able to put real handshakes with the faces I know online. So how are things for you? With Alice? I'd love to get an update. Message me sometime.
90 weeks ago
About the book - yes - I am working on my second book. My first one was released in November (http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Idiots-Guide-Business-Success/dp/15925793...), and my second is almost finished. I hope to see it in stores by early next year. So that's the update.
It was so great to meet you at SXSW! I love being able to put real handshakes with the faces I know online. So how are things for you? With Alice? I'd love to get an update. Message me sometime.
90 weeks ago
Rebecca Thorman:
Awesome, Robert. Your book will be fabulous! Things are all well here. In CT for the weekend to visit with Ryan's family. And will be real busy at ...MoreAwesome, Robert. Your book will be fabulous! Things are all well here. In CT for the weekend to visit with Ryan's family. And will be real busy at Alice soon which I'm looking forward to :)
89 weeks ago
89 weeks ago
Jake
Has anyone ever made some serious cash from any books they have published?
Robert Sofia:
I used the following website. It has the most comprehensive list of agents I know of. MoreI used the following website. It has the most comprehensive list of agents I know of. http://pred-ed.com/peala.htm
87 weeks ago
87 weeks ago
Joy Kennelly:
Robert, Does not recommended mean they haven't received any recommendations? Or that we should avoid them? Thanks for the resource.
87 weeks ago
87 weeks ago
TOP IDEA:
Elysa Rice
Lindsey Pollak posted 10 Great Career Books for Young Professionals http://bit.ly/bAuWB0 - I am odd in that I love career/business books. I'm currently reading They Don't Teach Corporate in College which is on this list. Do you have a career book you'd recommend to young professionals?
92 weeks ago from Inspiring Leadership, I am Gen Y and Write a Book!1 more
Rachel Lawley:
Great list. I continually reference "Who Moved My Cheese" and "One Minute Salesman." For the latter, it's not just for people in a literal sales ...MoreGreat list. I continually reference "Who Moved My Cheese" and "One Minute Salesman." For the latter, it's not just for people in a literal sales job. Everyone has something to "sell" - an idea to your boss, homework being done by your kids, or dealing with customer service people. "One Minute Manager" and "How to Manage Your Boss" (an old little spiral book - not sure if it's still around) were quite helpful to me as I got into mid-management.
89 weeks ago
89 weeks ago
Olga Garcia:
Absolutely. I highly recommend "Never Eat Alone" by Keith Ferrazzi.It has helped me so much in my career already by understanding that business ...MoreAbsolutely. I highly recommend "Never Eat Alone" by Keith Ferrazzi.It has helped me so much in my career already by understanding that business relationships are to be treated like a luxury, not a commodity. Fostering and building your network with meaningful relationship is so much more beneficial than just collecting business cards.
89 weeks ago
89 weeks ago
Marine Serré
I watched Seth Godin webinar today and I will follow his advice. Here is my public statement : I will put on sales my ebook on June, 15th at 8pm.
Robert Sofia
Here's a great new resource I found for writing and publishing news, marketing, e-books, etc. Check out www.authorlink.com Hope this helps some of you!
:
Robert, so true. Thank you for the link! What's your book about? And is it your reality? :)
98 weeks ago
98 weeks ago
:
I'm thinking about two memoirs in short story form that I wrote for a course I took. Both were about people I loved. I spent an enormous amount ...MoreI'm thinking about two memoirs in short story form that I wrote for a course I took. Both were about people I loved. I spent an enormous amount of time on one with about 9 drafts, and one I knocked off spontaneously in two hours. The two hour one came out much better. Inspiration is an unpredictable commodity as best I can tell. What I've read in writers' magazines though seems to be sit down and force yourself to write. It's not an easy approach for me, but maybe that's why I haven't turned pro yet. Good luck.
97 weeks ago
97 weeks ago
Tricia Hamilton
I have ideas for writing 2 books but I have no idea how to go about doing this. Do I just start writing and see where it goes? Any advise?
Jason:
If it's your first book, work on getting those 50k words out first. Figure out what kind of writer you are and how much help you're going to need. ...MoreIf it's your first book, work on getting those 50k words out first. Figure out what kind of writer you are and how much help you're going to need. 500 words per day x 100 days = 50k words. Only three months
98 weeks ago
98 weeks ago
Rodney J. Moore:
Robert's right. You really have to do a proposal. The other part is just as hard—you have to actually put your butt in the chair and write it. ...MoreRobert's right. You really have to do a proposal. The other part is just as hard—you have to actually put your butt in the chair and write it. Best of luck!
90 weeks ago
90 weeks ago
Robert Sofia
Good news: Job market stabilizing for business students: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/08/education/08banking.html
David Spinks
By show of hands, how many of you are going to SXSW?
101 weeks ago from u30pro
Robert Sofia:
Hand! I'm speaking too (MoreHand! I'm speaking too (http://my.sxsw.com/events/event/7437#). I can't wait to see you all there!
101 weeks ago
101 weeks ago
Robert Sofia:
Oh - and here's a link to the Brazen SXSW group MoreOh - and here's a link to the Brazen SXSW group http://www.brazencareerist.com/network/2010-sxsw-interactive-networking
101 weeks ago
101 weeks ago
Robert Sofia
Here's a list of some of the side parties happening at SXSW, and in many cases, a way to RSVP. http://www.austin360.com/music/sxsw-on-the-side-official-and-unofficial-...
101 weeks ago from SXSW
paulmacp
Hi I am looking for some reconditions on professional editors... who you have used, who you have liked... who to stay away from?
I have taken my manuscript to the third draft and is about as good as I can make it. I am looking for a pro to polish it up and make me look literate (catch the bad grammar and language usage mistakes that I can no longer see).
As a but of background... the book is called "The Wealthy Blogger: The Common Sense Guide To Successful Financial Planning"
Robert Sofia:
@JenG I just checked out elance. That's a really great site. Thanks for the tip!
101 weeks ago
101 weeks ago
Robert Sofia
This group is really growing! Every day it seems like 3 or 4 new members are plugging in - which is awesome. Here's the problem though: Their isn't much interaction happening. To remedy this, I'd like to start a discussion about overcoming obstacles. Reply to this comment and tell us the #1 obstacle between you and your next book. Let's help each other. Ready? Go!
Robert Sofia
COME SEE ME! I'm going to be speaking on Monday the 15th from 10:30 to 11:00 at the Adobe Day Stage. Topic: Making and Sustaining Valuable Connections through Networking. I want to see all my Brazen peeps there! Are you in?
103 weeks ago from SXSW
Zohaib R recommended this
Sarah Blue:
Yeah, sweet! If anyone on hear is speaking, I'll totally make the effort to come out and see them.
102 weeks ago
102 weeks ago
Robert Sofia:
Thanks so much! I look forward to meeting you. Here's a link to my spot: MoreThanks so much! I look forward to meeting you. Here's a link to my spot: http://my.sxsw.com/events/event/7437#
101 weeks ago
101 weeks ago
Robert Sofia
For all my fellow iPhone junkies, you should know there's an awesom sxsw app called my.sxsw that helps you plan your time at the conference. Check it out!
104 weeks ago from SXSW
Ian Loomer:
Is it this one? MoreIs it this one? http://my.sxsw.com/events/event/723 If so, that panel is Monday at 12:30 unless the sxsw website has it wrong.
104 weeks ago
104 weeks ago
Ryan Paugh:
Ian, that's it. We just got word from the head honcho at SXSW that our panel was moved to 3:30 ... Guess they haven't updated the site yet.
104 weeks ago
104 weeks ago
Heather Conroy
I am working on a book idea. What I want to do is write one chapter and then see if anyone is interested. My question is who should I submit this first chapter to? I am currently researching to make sure my idea hasn't already been published. Any ideas for the best way to do this? I don't want to reinvent the wheel so I would appreciate any advice you all have to offer.
Robert Sofia:
If your book is non fiction, this is a relatively easy question to answer. If it's fiction, the answer is a little more complicated. May I ask ...MoreIf your book is non fiction, this is a relatively easy question to answer. If it's fiction, the answer is a little more complicated. May I ask which it is?
If your work happens to be non-fiction, here is a free resource to help you with that: http://www.hiwrite.com/
Or, you can just cut to the chase and buy this book that helped me get published: http://www.amazon.com/Book-Proposals-That-Sell-SECRETS/dp/1932124640/ref...
105 weeks ago
If your work happens to be non-fiction, here is a free resource to help you with that: http://www.hiwrite.com/
Or, you can just cut to the chase and buy this book that helped me get published: http://www.amazon.com/Book-Proposals-That-Sell-SECRETS/dp/1932124640/ref...
105 weeks ago
Heather Conroy:
Thanks Robert! My work is non-fiction and both of your resources are just what I was looking for.
105 weeks ago
105 weeks ago
Robert Sofia
There's not much going on in this network. We're making Central Florida look bad. What are we going to do about this? You guys want to have a tweet-up or what?
Sara Rosenblad:
Vanessa, that may be it ;) I, for one, get to be quite the hermit when it gets this way. It's pretty nice today, though. I think I'm going to ...MoreVanessa, that may be it ;) I, for one, get to be quite the hermit when it gets this way. It's pretty nice today, though. I think I'm going to go for a run.
103 weeks ago
103 weeks ago
Vanessa Alvarado:
I might actually make a pilgrimage to a snowy state a weekend. May as well, it's almost that cold here these days.
103 weeks ago
103 weeks ago
Marwa Ayad
I'm currently in the process of writing my second novel (women's fiction with a bit of romance) which I hope will help me get a nice agent as well.
Thankfully, I've already had my debut novel published (and it's become a national bestseller in my country Egypt *grin*).
The problem I'm mainly facing nowadays is lack of time and focus...not really writer's block. Would love to hear from other writers, published and unpublished.
Presh Talwalkar:
As a blogger, I get out of a rut by retracing my initial steps. I try to read, listen, or watch similar works to remember my initial motivation ...MoreAs a blogger, I get out of a rut by retracing my initial steps. I try to read, listen, or watch similar works to remember my initial motivation for writing. Often it's anger that current material is lacking or misguided! That gets me going in a hurry.
106 weeks ago
106 weeks ago
Mehnaz Thawer:
If you've been working on it for a while, perhaps you need to go away for a bit, and then come back to it. That might help. Also I find if you ...MoreIf you've been working on it for a while, perhaps you need to go away for a bit, and then come back to it. That might help. Also I find if you find an optimal block of time in the day (for me It's between 8 and 9 AM) in the morning, then you'll have a better shot at it.
106 weeks ago
106 weeks ago
Robert Sofia
Looking to get your book published? Here's a long list of agents you can submit your work to. Of course, there are a lot of unscrupulous agents out there, so what I like about this site is that it also gives you ratings and warnings about those you should stay away from. It's not a pretty site, but it's a good resource.
http://anotherealm.com/prededitors/pubagent.htm
Kevin Currie
I found Lulu.com is a nice place to start while you are shopping your book to publishers.
Kevin Currie:
Hi Robert,
Actually it's a nice to start so you can get some great feedback about your story and if need be make some changes as you send out ...MoreHi Robert,
Actually it's a nice to start so you can get some great feedback about your story and if need be make some changes as you send out your book to publishers. Lulu is for self publishing but in my case I wanted to get my book out there and test the waters. It was a great help to improve on my ideas as a writer. Now my book is selling quite well, but I know a publisher can take it to the next level.
109 weeks ago
Actually it's a nice to start so you can get some great feedback about your story and if need be make some changes as you send out ...MoreHi Robert,
Actually it's a nice to start so you can get some great feedback about your story and if need be make some changes as you send out your book to publishers. Lulu is for self publishing but in my case I wanted to get my book out there and test the waters. It was a great help to improve on my ideas as a writer. Now my book is selling quite well, but I know a publisher can take it to the next level.
109 weeks ago
claire stokoe
I love the idea of this, i have so many ideas for promoting peoples novels via twitter also.
Robert Sofia:
That's great Claire. Do you think you could share some of them with the group?
109 weeks ago
109 weeks ago
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