Brazen careerist
Where ambitious young professionals connect and grow
Already a member?
Welcome to Brazen Careerist!
Susan Johnston is using Brazen Careerist to share ideas. Join now to become a member and start networking with Susan Johnston and other professionals just like you. Learn more.
All Activity
Ryan Paugh
Even though I'm currently living in Madison, WI I'd really love to move back to the East Coast soon to be near more friends and family. I've sold my girlfriend on the idea of coming with me. Her first pick is somewhere in North Carolina. My first pick is somewhere in/around Boston, MA.
She thinks Boston is too cold + doesn't have enough of an artsy scene. I guess I'm not really sure. I figured I'd leave it up to the experts. Any thoughts guys?
83 weeks ago from Relocation, Boston, Beantown Bloggers and North Carolina Bloggers2 more
Dan Schawbel and Kristen Jeffers recommended this
Rick Wahlberg:
Despite the unemployment rate consider Providence, RI. You can still work in the Boston market.
We have a fine cluster of regional theater with ...MoreDespite the unemployment rate consider Providence, RI. You can still work in the Boston market.
We have a fine cluster of regional theater with a national reputation. And a fine local music scene.
And a cluster of excellent colleges, Brown University, Rhode Island School Of Design, Johnson & Wales...
North Carolina is nice too, different. Cost of living is less but so are salaries.
Good luck. I lived in WI for two years before returning to RI, don't regret it.
81 weeks ago
We have a fine cluster of regional theater with ...MoreDespite the unemployment rate consider Providence, RI. You can still work in the Boston market.
We have a fine cluster of regional theater with a national reputation. And a fine local music scene.
And a cluster of excellent colleges, Brown University, Rhode Island School Of Design, Johnson & Wales...
North Carolina is nice too, different. Cost of living is less but so are salaries.
Good luck. I lived in WI for two years before returning to RI, don't regret it.
81 weeks ago
Harriet May:
Yay to North Carolina! I love Charlotte. Uptown is fabulous, and getting better. We have NoDa which is our art district, and lots of nightlife ...MoreYay to North Carolina! I love Charlotte. Uptown is fabulous, and getting better. We have NoDa which is our art district, and lots of nightlife and restaurants and local events. It still feels like a small town though.
I'm working in Wilmington right now, which is a big difference... great for people watching but I haven't made my mind up about it yet!
76 weeks ago
I'm working in Wilmington right now, which is a big difference... great for people watching but I haven't made my mind up about it yet!
76 weeks ago
Susan Johnston
Hi BCers! I'm actually based in Boston, but I've been assigned to write an article about Twitter users in NC. Specifically I need to find a recent grad in NC who has found a job through Twitter or networked their way to a job through Twitter and would be up for a quick interview by phone or email before next Wedesday (I know - it's a tall order!). Does this sound like you or someone you know? Let me know - thanks!
Benjamin Paul Schuman
When you are currently employed and are going on interviews, is it best to just lie and say you are unemployed? When I tell interviewers that I am looking for a better position that is more challenging, etc (I never say anything truly negative about my current job), I feel that, rather than saying, "OK," and moving on, interviewers take me less seriously and rush through the rest of the interview.
Cheryl Roshak:
You've been given good answers here, but the question that comes to my mind, why do you think the interviewers take you less seriously when you ...MoreYou've been given good answers here, but the question that comes to my mind, why do you think the interviewers take you less seriously when you say you are employed and rush through the rest of the interview? What types of positions are you seeking and what sort of headhunters are you working with? If you've submitted a resume directly to a company and they have requested and interview, they know you are working and have found value in your resume for the job they have open. Even the same for the headhunters. So my guess, unless you have lied on your resume, and have said you are not working at present, you are saying something or giving off some vibe that is turning them off. Seriously. I don't know what that might be, you have to reflect and think about how you present yourself and what you say on interviews. Obviously you are able to get the interviews, so what goes on during those interviews????
Never lie, it will come back to haunt you, and you are always more employable when you have a job than when you don't. These are facts. So without knowing more of your situation, what you're looking for in your next job, and what you're doing now, it's hard to say what's going on with your interviews. Something for you to think about though.
52 weeks ago
Never lie, it will come back to haunt you, and you are always more employable when you have a job than when you don't. These are facts. So without knowing more of your situation, what you're looking for in your next job, and what you're doing now, it's hard to say what's going on with your interviews. Something for you to think about though.
52 weeks ago
Jake:
Well, I hear that sharing you're unemployed is actually a detriment. Word I'm hearing is that companies generally are looking at layed off people ...MoreWell, I hear that sharing you're unemployed is actually a detriment. Word I'm hearing is that companies generally are looking at layed off people as damaged goods. I saw an article in the paper the other day about companies actually posting wanted adds with stipulations that the candidate must be currently employed because they have the opinion that unemployed people bring too much baggage. And, from experienced, I was unemployed and shared that on an interview--I think it cost me the job. Just my opinion. But, the bottom line is if you are qualified, the right fit, and those interviewing you "like you" you'll get an offer no matter if you are unemployed or employed.
52 weeks ago
52 weeks ago
Ryan Paugh
Can you be a good writer, but not be good at proofreading and editing? I like to think of myself as a good writer, but when it comes to the details of proofreading and editing I'm really bad.
56 weeks ago from Creative Writing and Professional Writers and Editors
Ryan Paugh:
This is all really good advice for me. Thanks. I think if I want to be a good writer I need to be focused on just getting my words down on paper ...MoreThis is all really good advice for me. Thanks. I think if I want to be a good writer I need to be focused on just getting my words down on paper and then worry about editing/proofreading later. Whether I'm doing the editing myself or passing it off to somebody who is better at it than I am. That's probably good advice for anyone who is trying to become a better writer.
56 weeks ago
56 weeks ago
Jake LaCaze:
To me, "writing" is all about the content or the story. Save that grammar crap for the editors.
56 weeks ago
56 weeks ago
Hannah Kane
I'm running into some resistance at my internship for my MSW program-- I have a lot of cool ideas that I think would really enhance my role and the organization's work, but my supervisor never goes for my ideas, even though my current role leaves me with a lot of down time that I think I could fill with my projects. Should I just drop it? How could I implement my ideas without causing problems with my supervisor?
60 weeks ago from Graduate Students, Nonprofiteers, Immigration Professionals, Social Workers and Young Professional Women (YPW)3 more
Amy Haffner:
Hi Hannah -- I can empathize. I run into this issue as a recent graduate who was an intern in the same department at the same company where I now ...MoreHi Hannah -- I can empathize. I run into this issue as a recent graduate who was an intern in the same department at the same company where I now work full-time. I think Kimberly has a great point, though. I'd focus on communicating that you need more x - challenging projects, exposure to improving process, etc - and ask in what ways your boss thinks you can get that experience. Let us know how your "negotiation" with him/her goes!
60 weeks ago
60 weeks ago
cynthia phillips:
I have always found that by posing your ideas as a question, rather than an idea, has worked for me. For example "Do you think XYZ might be a ...MoreI have always found that by posing your ideas as a question, rather than an idea, has worked for me. For example "Do you think XYZ might be a viable alternative?". Then be sure to ask why it will or will not work. Gets your ideas out there in a way that appears deferential to your superiors without sounding like you think you know more than they do.
60 weeks ago
60 weeks ago
Jake Poinier
As a freelancer, you're always hopeful that a query letter is going to land an assignment. At the same time, it's easy to be paranoid that your fantastic story idea is going to be 1) appropriated and written in house or 2) assigned to another freelancer. One of my readers had a recent bad experience, detailed here: http://bit.ly/b5BR5e I'm curious to know your experiences -- on either side of the desk. Are freelancers right to be paranoid?
64 weeks ago from Copywriters, Freelancing and Professional Writers and Editors1 more
Therese Pope:
Hi fellow copywriters, I'm new to Brazen Careerist and this group. Jake, I found you via another site and like your Dr. Freelance site.
I've ...MoreHi fellow copywriters, I'm new to Brazen Careerist and this group. Jake, I found you via another site and like your Dr. Freelance site.
I've heard similar stories over the years, and I'm sure some of the article pitches that were rejected by newspapers and magazines ended up in their editorial calendar.
I guess as a copywriter this doesn't really phase me since I write for others in their "voice" and have taken on ghostwriting projects. It just doesn't happen with article queries/pitches. It happens in marketing, PR, sales - you name it. Ideas are stolen all the time. Look at Mark Zuckerberg. He was sued for allegedly stealing the original Facebook idea from those twins.
61 weeks ago
I've ...MoreHi fellow copywriters, I'm new to Brazen Careerist and this group. Jake, I found you via another site and like your Dr. Freelance site.
I've heard similar stories over the years, and I'm sure some of the article pitches that were rejected by newspapers and magazines ended up in their editorial calendar.
I guess as a copywriter this doesn't really phase me since I write for others in their "voice" and have taken on ghostwriting projects. It just doesn't happen with article queries/pitches. It happens in marketing, PR, sales - you name it. Ideas are stolen all the time. Look at Mark Zuckerberg. He was sued for allegedly stealing the original Facebook idea from those twins.
61 weeks ago
Aaron Evans:
Recently, prominent aviators and builders got together in honor of the anniversary of the Wright Brother's flying invention. The idea was to ...MoreRecently, prominent aviators and builders got together in honor of the anniversary of the Wright Brother's flying invention. The idea was to recreate the invention, with the same materials and technologies, and make it fly. They failed.
These were the top minds in aviation and flight building, and they could not reproduce the result of the Wright brothers.
As a society we are constantly fine tuning other's ideas in a way that is more convenient, better, more marketable, etc. sometimes not even knowing or being able to reproduce the original idea. I don't know if this is good or bad, but it is happening.
Ideas can be stolen or reimplemented, but PASSION and EMOTION are yours and yours only. Doing the right thing is what sets people apart from the others today.
Zuckerburgs are everywhere, and occasionaly (as often as winning the lottery) they get lucky with another's idea, but it's not just the idea, it is how it is implemented.
Don't worry about whether others steal your ideas, just be passionate about your idea and implement better than anyone else. It is not worth the stress that it brings, is it?
All the best,
Aaron
61 weeks ago
These were the top minds in aviation and flight building, and they could not reproduce the result of the Wright brothers.
As a society we are constantly fine tuning other's ideas in a way that is more convenient, better, more marketable, etc. sometimes not even knowing or being able to reproduce the original idea. I don't know if this is good or bad, but it is happening.
Ideas can be stolen or reimplemented, but PASSION and EMOTION are yours and yours only. Doing the right thing is what sets people apart from the others today.
Zuckerburgs are everywhere, and occasionaly (as often as winning the lottery) they get lucky with another's idea, but it's not just the idea, it is how it is implemented.
Don't worry about whether others steal your ideas, just be passionate about your idea and implement better than anyone else. It is not worth the stress that it brings, is it?
All the best,
Aaron
61 weeks ago
Page
I've been asked by a start-up non profit to format and edit their monthly online newsletter. I've done some copywriting and have web design experience, but this is be the 1st time I've charged for the service. Does anyone have some $$ #'s hey could throw out, or resources to review to get a better idea of how to answer the dreaded "how much do you charge" question? I've worked for myself for years in another field as designer or consultant, but need guidance in this new venture.
Susan Johnston:
Whether you're charging a flat fee, by the word, or by the hour, make sure that whatever fee you agree upon is worth your time.
Here are a ...MoreWhether you're charging a flat fee, by the word, or by the hour, make sure that whatever fee you agree upon is worth your time.
Here are a couple of links you may find helpful:
http://theadventurouswriter.com/blogwriting/how-much-do-freelance-writer...
http://freelanceswitch.com/rates/
http://www.urbanmusewriter.com/2009/11/great-debate-flat-rates-vs-hourly... (<--this one is my own blog, just an FYI)
Good luck!
63 weeks ago
Here are a ...MoreWhether you're charging a flat fee, by the word, or by the hour, make sure that whatever fee you agree upon is worth your time.
Here are a couple of links you may find helpful:
http://theadventurouswriter.com/blogwriting/how-much-do-freelance-writer...
http://freelanceswitch.com/rates/
http://www.urbanmusewriter.com/2009/11/great-debate-flat-rates-vs-hourly... (<--this one is my own blog, just an FYI)
Good luck!
63 weeks ago
Rebecca Thorman
My boyfriend is jealous that I can eat so much cheese. I just read that according to The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, women who ate an ounce of full-fat cheese daily stayed slimmer then their not-so-cheese-friendly peers. How delicious! What's your favorite cheese? Right now, I've just been craving the basic Muenster. Perfect for my quesadillas!
79 weeks ago from Fit Freaks, I Love to Cook!, Brazen Foodies and Cheeseheads (Wisconsinites)2 more
Elysa Rice recommended this
Leslie Juvin Acker:
Fondue - mix of cheeses local to the Rhone-Alpes. We eat too much of it here in Annecy!
64 weeks ago
64 weeks ago
Susan Johnston
Hello, fellow Careerists! I'm work on an article for a new lifestyle magazine based in Staten Island & I'm looking for SI-area women to interview for a piece on inexpensive indulgences. How do you unwind after a stressful day? Chocolate? Yoga? Something else? If you know any women on SI who'd be interested in being interviewed, please email me at Susan AT Susan-johnston.com. Thanks!
Susan Johnston
joined the group Brazen Careerists in New York City
65 weeks ago
Kelly N. Perry
What are some books that you have read which helped you in your career?
65 weeks ago from GenYJourney: Tips, Insights, Experiences For Young Professionals
Miranda Brock:
My picks are The Wealthy Freelancer, Never Eat Alone and Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Office. I really want to check out Rework.
65 weeks ago
65 weeks ago
Adam Porche:
Coach anyone about anything 1 and 2 by Jed and Germaine Niederer. They are amazing and help anyone learn how to speak, manage, and coach. Great ...MoreCoach anyone about anything 1 and 2 by Jed and Germaine Niederer. They are amazing and help anyone learn how to speak, manage, and coach. Great reads for anyone in any field.
65 weeks ago
65 weeks ago
Susan Johnston
Hey, Bostonians and NYCers! I'm contributing to a website called CityRover. It's a DailyCandy/UrbanDaddy-like city guide but with an emphasis on affordable indie spots instead of the over-priced, over-hyped venues. I think it's going to be super-cool, so I'd love for you to sign up: http://cityrover.com/the-newsletter/ Because it's a startup, I'm getting a certain fee per article and once they reach certain subscriber milestones, my fee gets bumped up. So, help me out and support a new startup!
76 weeks ago from Beantown Bloggers and Boston
Mike Ambassador Bruny:
I got you Susan. I'll sign up right now.
Your Ambassador,
Mike Bruny
65 weeks ago
65 weeks ago
Susan Johnston
joined the group Brazen Undergrads
66 weeks ago
Timothy Johnson III
Hi Brazens! Wondering if you can help me out. I'm looking for a marketing job that will allow me to work with/influence/manage people. I'd like to work in accounts management or client relations. Fields of interest include healthcare/life sciences, technology, and personal products. Do you know anyone I should connect with or know of opportunities I should be aware of? Please let me know. Thanks in advance! Looking forward to hearing from you :-)
66 weeks ago from Philadelphia Lovers, Brazen Careerists in New York City, We're Hiring, Boston and JobSTART 1013 more
Ryan Healy recommended this
Brenda B. Grove:
Here is a link to many area transition and professional groups whre you can network like crazy. Two not listed are the Direct Marketing ...MoreHere is a link to many area transition and professional groups whre you can network like crazy. Two not listed are the Direct Marketing Association and another is SMEI (Sales Markeitng Executives)
http://www17.homepage.villanova.edu/brenda.grove/transition_groups_2010.htm
66 weeks ago
http://www17.homepage.villanova.edu/brenda.grove/transition_groups_2010.htm
66 weeks ago
Olga Garcia
Hi travel addicts!
As the social media community manager for Goinglobal, I am constantly looking at information for expats and living abroad. What I have yet to find is information about young professional expats. I am curious if anyone here is or was an expat in their young professional career. I would love to hear about your experience and share it on our blog.
78 weeks ago from Travel Addicts, Young Professional Women (YPW), Professional Writers and Editors and Location Independent2 more
Anna Manasova:
Hi Olga, just wanted to offer my help as well as I'm from the Czech Republic and just started my career in Britain. Message me here or on twitter ...MoreHi Olga, just wanted to offer my help as well as I'm from the Czech Republic and just started my career in Britain. Message me here or on twitter @annamanasova if you'd like to chat.
67 weeks ago
67 weeks ago
Gauri Nawathe:
Hi! I'm an Indian working in France. Feel free to contact me! You can also check out my blog indiangirlinparis.wordpress.com.
67 weeks ago
67 weeks ago
Susan Johnston
Hello, fellow careerists! I'm working on an article for Monster.com about jobs that give back, and I'm especially looking to interview someone who works full-time as a grants writers or administrator for a nonprofit or similar organization. I have several socially conscious marketers lined up as sources, but I'd love to hear from people with other socially conscious jobs outside of the marketing realm. Anyone? Thanks!
Rebecca Thorman and Ryan Paugh recommended this
Susan Johnston:
Thanks for all the replies! I fanned a few of you along with a personal message (I can't message you unless you're my fan), so be sure to check ...MoreThanks for all the replies! I fanned a few of you along with a personal message (I can't message you unless you're my fan), so be sure to check your mailboxes. :)
Still looking for a grant writer, though. Anyone??
68 weeks ago
Still looking for a grant writer, though. Anyone??
68 weeks ago
Leslie Juvin Acker:
Ana Gomez at the Miami World Cinema Center. She's my best friend, she'd love to talk with you. (305) 433-5848
68 weeks ago
68 weeks ago
Pete Collins
Hello all,
I just wondered if any of you have used or deliberately not used the Demand Media Blog Distribution Network, or any similar distribution network.
http://www.demandstudios.com/freelance-work/bloggers.html
Worth it? Not worth it? Limiting on what you can write? Any thoughts welcome!
68 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas, Brazen Bloggers, European Bloggers, Wordpress Bloggers and Freelancing3 more
Ryan Healy recommended this
Erica Ruedas:
I've used Demand. It's good for a quick buck, but the biggest complaint I've seen is the difference between editors. Some editors will be fine ...MoreI've used Demand. It's good for a quick buck, but the biggest complaint I've seen is the difference between editors. Some editors will be fine with a particular format, and other will reject your article in that same format. There's no consistency. It's also difficult to search for titles because their organization is terrible.
68 weeks ago
68 weeks ago
Pete Collins:
Thanks both. I do write some articles for DS; I was more specifically wondering about their blog distribution network than the article writing though.
68 weeks ago
68 weeks ago
Susan Johnston
joined the groups Nonprofiteers, Non-Profit Management and Fundraising/ Development1 more
68 weeks ago
Ryan Healy
Hey everyone, I'm looking for a freelance writer to help us out with an interesting project for brazen. PM me or reply here to let me know if you are interested!
72 weeks ago from Freelancing
Susan Johnston and Patrick Pho recommended this
Dr. Woody
Exciting News!!! My new career book "The YOU Plan" just hit #27 on Amazon's Top 100 Job Hunt books!!! I had to share with my Brazen friends!!! http://www.amazon.com/YOU-Plan-5-Step-Taking-Economy/dp/1599321750/ref=p...
72 weeks ago from The Career Hot Seat!, Personal Development, Professional Development, GenYJourney: Tips, Insights, Experiences For Young Professionals and Gen-Y Professional Bloggers3 more
Bryon Ownby and Hannah Kane recommended this
Sadya Siddiqui
Susan Johnston - my inspirational BC person of the week:
She's here on BC and I keep seeing her blog posts. What I like about her is that it doesnt matter to if her posts get featured / recommended/ commented on ... she blogs anyway and she stays on BC anyway. Blogging is like life- 70% of it, is about showing up ( the rest 30% is showing off I guess) . As a failed blogger , I think I can look at Susan to be inspired to try again. Brazen peeps, raise your glasses to Ms. Johnston.
73 weeks ago from Brazen Careerists on Twitter, GenYJourney: Tips, Insights, Experiences For Young Professionals and Ask Penelope Trunk!1 more
Ryan Healy, Susan Johnston and Bryon Ownby recommended this
Ryan Healy:
Agreed! Susan, you're one of the best bloggers out there, and you've been a Brazen die hard since day one, which you know I appreciate!
73 weeks ago
73 weeks ago
Sadya Siddiqui:
@Susan Good to see that coincidentally your post has been featured this week on BC. I thought of you when replying to a conversation thread that ...More@Susan Good to see that coincidentally your post has been featured this week on BC. I thought of you when replying to a conversation thread that Will Marlow started on whether it is okay to recommend your own blog post on BC. I thought wait there's Susan Johnston who looks beyond any recommendations ....
@Ryan & @Bryon thanks for agreeing
73 weeks ago
@Ryan & @Bryon thanks for agreeing
73 weeks ago
Mike Ambassador Bruny
Need some brazen feedback; What words first come to mind when you look at the following image (I'm working on a logo contest so I may have to call on my Brazen Family from time to time): https://files.me.com/runthepoint/d6v6kg
75 weeks ago from Music, Personal Branding, Boston, Blogging Ideas and Upstarts!3 more
Meridith Hall, PMP:
@Donna (others) - I agree, the first thing that came to my mind was the Black Power image. But I am definitely not fromt he sixties. I am a Gen ...More@Donna (others) - I agree, the first thing that came to my mind was the Black Power image. But I am definitely not fromt he sixties. I am a Gen Y, but I tend to be an "old soul". Beyond this, my initial impression was anger or rebellion. It would be interesting to see in a different color to see if I got the same impression though. I think if it was in a cooler color, like a blue, it would probably have a different feel.
73 weeks ago
73 weeks ago
Susan Johnston
Hello, fellow careerists! I'm working on an article for Monster.com, and I'm looking to interview a professional about how he/she successfully navigated the annual review process. Maybe you figured out how to position yourself for a promotion or found a great way to document your achievements? Already have my expert sources, so I'm looking for anecdotes. Anyone interested? Thanks!
74 weeks ago from Boston, GenYJourney: Tips, Insights, Experiences For Young Professionals, Generation Y Marketers and Beantown Bloggers2 more
Ryan Healy and Rebecca Thorman recommended this
Rebecca Thorman:
Well, not recently hired, but I did get the raise about six or seven months after being hired (will have been working here two years in Jan). Hope ...MoreWell, not recently hired, but I did get the raise about six or seven months after being hired (will have been working here two years in Jan). Hope you're well!
74 weeks ago
74 weeks ago
Lindsey Sparks:
I'm interested if you're still looking for people. I usually do very well at review time. I keep both a hard copy and electronic folder with ...MoreI'm interested if you're still looking for people. I usually do very well at review time. I keep both a hard copy and electronic folder with achievements and compliments I've received. When review time comes, I pull those out and incorporate those into my self-review and bring some of the best compliments and successes to my review. That way I have a lot of concrete examples with third-party testimonies to back me up. When trying for a promotion, I would usually come up with ideas for projects in the new position and even mocked up a campaign once, which got me the promotion. To move into management, I volunteered to take over the intern program and mentor two newer employees.
74 weeks ago
74 weeks ago
Ty Unglebower
Is it better to submit a query even the magazines that say you can just submit your manuscript out right? I have heard both and done both, but I want a more definitive answer. So, if a magazine tells you where to send you proposed submission on their website, is that essentially saying, "please skip the query"? Or should you always query first?
74 weeks ago from Professional Writers and Editors, Washington D.C., Baltimore Brazen and Entry-Level Young Professionals2 more
Susan Johnston:
Unless it's an essay (which is customarily submitted on spec), I'd pretend I hadn't seen that instruction and submit a query anyway to gauge ...MoreUnless it's an essay (which is customarily submitted on spec), I'd pretend I hadn't seen that instruction and submit a query anyway to gauge interest. I'm really not a fan of those publications that expect all articles submitted on spec. It's a lot of work to do, only to learn that they've scheduled a similar article for an upcoming issue or something like that. I'll be interested in what others have to say on this topic.
74 weeks ago
74 weeks ago
Vickie Elmer:
I'd go with the query only for three reasons: First, it's easier to get editors interested and engaged with a quick carefully crafted query - the ...MoreI'd go with the query only for three reasons: First, it's easier to get editors interested and engaged with a quick carefully crafted query - the appetizer portion. Second, it allows you to craft the story to the editor's suggestions and instructions. Third, why give them a finished story that may be easier for the editor to spot faults or holes and reject it?
74 weeks ago
74 weeks ago
Private Message
Following (96)
