Ted Thonus
Denver
President, Cottonwood Communications, LLC
Telecommunications
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TOP IDEA:
Elysa Rice
25 Questions You Should Ask Yourself Every Sunday - http://www.brazencareerist/2010/01/17/25-questions-you-should-ask-yourse...
Ted Thonus:
Here's a few additional questions:
What book am I reading now and which book will I read next?
Am I doing that thing in life that I'm ...MoreHere's a few additional questions:
What book am I reading now and which book will I read next?
Am I doing that thing in life that I'm passionate about, or just collecting a paycheck?
If the answer to the question above is no, then what steps am I taking to be in that place that I'm truly happy?
Cheers -
Ted
122 weeks ago
What book am I reading now and which book will I read next?
Am I doing that thing in life that I'm ...MoreHere's a few additional questions:
What book am I reading now and which book will I read next?
Am I doing that thing in life that I'm passionate about, or just collecting a paycheck?
If the answer to the question above is no, then what steps am I taking to be in that place that I'm truly happy?
Cheers -
Ted
122 weeks ago
Ted Thonus
Did you purchase your iPhone for business use? I've always owned Blackberry phones thinking they were better for e-mail but many of my peers are making the move to the iPhone. Interesting article from AT&T that 40% of their phones are sold to business customers: http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE64Q61G20100527
Ted Thonus
Here's a great article for those of you interested in bringing on a partner:
http://www.openforum.com/idea-hub/topics/managing/article/4-fatal-mistak...
Rebecca Thorman
Where do you draw the line w/ sharing what's going on in your personal life with people at work? Like, do you tell your boss you're going to be an hour late each day because you go to the gym every morning? How about you'll be late every Tuesday because you're seeing a therapist? What if a family member is sick? Or how about if your partner is getting an award? When personal struggles and triumphs necessitate that you shift work around, how do you communicate?
104 weeks ago from Work/Life Blur, Inspiring Leadership, Future Leaders and GenYJourney: Tips, Insights, Experiences For Young Professionals2 more
Lindsey Donner:
I agree with Kelly: it's such a fine line, and largely determined by your personality AND the personality of the manager/colleague in question. I ...MoreI agree with Kelly: it's such a fine line, and largely determined by your personality AND the personality of the manager/colleague in question. I think, however, that there is always a line - i.e., it's always possible to overstep that boundary. It's difficult to find the balance, but if your boss or colleagues begin to make assumptions about your productivity based on facts you've revealed about your personal life, then you've gone over it!
104 weeks ago
104 weeks ago
Tony Deblauwe:
It depends on your environment. Like Kenji said, some cultures have norms around this as do certain teams. If you are uncomfortable but don't want ...MoreIt depends on your environment. Like Kenji said, some cultures have norms around this as do certain teams. If you are uncomfortable but don't want to be excluded, you can focus on light things that don't pry too deep but also show you are participating in the norm.
101 weeks ago
101 weeks ago
Cameron Plommer
So I'm on the job hunt currently. When I FINALLY get an interview I - after working hard to get in applications and network - I sometimes get really scared. Why? Because I'm scared to commit to one job, coworkers, boss and overall company. What if I hate the job, the people, company? I'm essentially very scared to be doing a job that does not fulfill me like my passions do. I'm used to college, thinking in terms of months an quarter. The thought of years is scary. Anyone feel similar?
104 weeks ago from Brazen Undergrads, GenYJourney: Tips, Insights, Experiences For Young Professionals, Personal Development and Professional Development2 more
Aamer Iqbal:
Although I have soldiered on in a career that I never "owned", only now I am beginning to follow my passion. The old career, I now realize, was ...MoreAlthough I have soldiered on in a career that I never "owned", only now I am beginning to follow my passion. The old career, I now realize, was necessary to bring me the awareness, experience and knowledge which is essential for what I do now. Like most entrepreneurs, I have a thousand ideas running together in my mind, a hundred things going on and nothing really ever gets done before I get bored.
For dealing with fear, I take my inspiration from the cartoon "Courage, the Cowardly Dog." This is one character who "feels the fear and does it anyway."
104 weeks ago
For dealing with fear, I take my inspiration from the cartoon "Courage, the Cowardly Dog." This is one character who "feels the fear and does it anyway."
104 weeks ago
Dawn Lennon:
It's a myth that a career is about the job we do to make a living. A career is about ultimately the way we integrate and operationalize our ...MoreIt's a myth that a career is about the job we do to make a living. A career is about ultimately the way we integrate and operationalize our talents. I'm actually a big proponent of working at a career-centered job and, at the same time, undertaking other career avenues which in the early going may or may not be for money. That's where you can pursue your passions, test innovative ideas, and amass experiences. All I can say is, that formula worked for me. That said, it's about being willing to work...really work!
104 weeks ago
104 weeks ago
Rebecca Thorman
Just read some interesting research about the science of commitment (http://nyti.ms/bMpCjV). The most interesting bits to me were when they talked about how scientists speculate that your level of commitment may depend on how much a partner enhances your life and broadens your horizons. They theorize that couples who explore new places and try new things will tap into feelings of self-expansion, lifting their level of commitment. Sounds like a ringing endorsement for power couples to me!
Brandy Brown:
I think the traveling together thing is the least interesting point to this research personally - we've all heard that before haven't we?? Here ...MoreI think the traveling together thing is the least interesting point to this research personally - we've all heard that before haven't we?? Here was my favorite part, "To measure this quality, couples are asked a series of questions: How much does your partner provide a source of exciting experiences? How much has knowing your partner made you a better person? How much do you see your partner as a way to expand your own capabilities?"
I used to say I wanted a symbiotic relationship - just because AP BIO II was my favorite class. Then I finally had one - and that to me tells me why this time I'm deeper in love than I have ever been, happier, feel like a better person who is more productive than I have ever been before, and am more willing to compromise etc. in this relationship. Because he does constantly expand my capabilities - and I know it, and I value that so very much I'd never want to give him up.
106 weeks ago
I used to say I wanted a symbiotic relationship - just because AP BIO II was my favorite class. Then I finally had one - and that to me tells me why this time I'm deeper in love than I have ever been, happier, feel like a better person who is more productive than I have ever been before, and am more willing to compromise etc. in this relationship. Because he does constantly expand my capabilities - and I know it, and I value that so very much I'd never want to give him up.
106 weeks ago
Rebecca Thorman:
I totally agree Brandy. My favorite part of the article, but I couldn't fit it in my first comment was that couples who succeed in challenges ...MoreI totally agree Brandy. My favorite part of the article, but I couldn't fit it in my first comment was that couples who succeed in challenges together are more apt to stay committed. So the new stuff doesn't just have to be fun stuff like travel, but perhaps helping each other succeed in business which is why I thought it was relevant to the Power Couple network :)
106 weeks ago
106 weeks ago
paulmacp
Do Ask! Do Tell!
Why does everyone act like people don't have sex (date) in the work place?
Emily Jasper:
My organization is FILLED with couples, many of whom met here. I think the difference was that most of them worked for different parts of the ...MoreMy organization is FILLED with couples, many of whom met here. I think the difference was that most of them worked for different parts of the company and in different locations. Now, it could be that everyone was fortunate and found their soulmate. Casual hook ups, on the other hand, usually come with more issues.
106 weeks ago
106 weeks ago
Angelo Recaman:
@Paul Great Question! Now I am wondering how big companies such as Google, Merryl Lynch & Co, Microsoft and etc handle with situations like ...More@Paul Great Question! Now I am wondering how big companies such as Google, Merryl Lynch & Co, Microsoft and etc handle with situations like that. Does somebody have a good answer about that?
103 weeks ago
103 weeks ago
Rebecca Thorman
So, here's a common story. A woman leaves her secure fancy-pants career on Wall St. to open an online clothing business. Are traditional careers taking a hit? If you were going to switch careers or start something new, what would you do? What if your boyfriend wanted to quit his job and start over — would it freak you out? Do you like to take risks? Or do you crave security?
109 weeks ago from Career Changers, JobSTART 101, Location Independent and I am Gen Y2 more
Darren Saul - "Best Job Coach in OZ!" (self-awarded..) - Italian enthusiast - Avid observer of human interaction - Helpless coffee junkie! recommended this
Jamie Nacht Farrell:
@Jennifer - great point and one that none of us pointed out before, thank you.
My husband and I did something to 'combat' the issue of ...More@Jennifer - great point and one that none of us pointed out before, thank you.
My husband and I did something to 'combat' the issue of 'children', 'security', etc. BUT I was lucky enough to find out early on in my career that I was a risk taker / start up junkie. I believe the quote is, "proper planning prevents poor performance". Plan for your personality. So, knowing I'm a risk taker, we not only spent less and saved more when we were 'younger' (22-28), we also ensure that my husband (who is much more of a 'corporate' player) always has his job as well as a back up plan of somewhere he can go to make a steady salary.
I take the risks; and thus far they've paid off and when I was working (up until about 3 months ago) for start ups, I made far more $$$; and now consulting - it's very risky, but if anything happens - we have 2 savings accounts. 1 of which - we never touch and the other is "just in case" money. We plan to be pregnant this year, but have budgeted exactly what we 'think' we will need for a baby / child into each month and put that away.
Of course - this all sounds great in theory and when we actually do have 2 children ( ; things may be very different; but we're "trying" to plan...Nothing ever goes according to plan, but candidly, this is how I look at the situation. He makes 6 figures in his job and I make 6 figures / year consulting. If we can't make it work with those salaries, we probably need to re-evaluate / change our lifesytle.
109 weeks ago
My husband and I did something to 'combat' the issue of ...More@Jennifer - great point and one that none of us pointed out before, thank you.
My husband and I did something to 'combat' the issue of 'children', 'security', etc. BUT I was lucky enough to find out early on in my career that I was a risk taker / start up junkie. I believe the quote is, "proper planning prevents poor performance". Plan for your personality. So, knowing I'm a risk taker, we not only spent less and saved more when we were 'younger' (22-28), we also ensure that my husband (who is much more of a 'corporate' player) always has his job as well as a back up plan of somewhere he can go to make a steady salary.
I take the risks; and thus far they've paid off and when I was working (up until about 3 months ago) for start ups, I made far more $$$; and now consulting - it's very risky, but if anything happens - we have 2 savings accounts. 1 of which - we never touch and the other is "just in case" money. We plan to be pregnant this year, but have budgeted exactly what we 'think' we will need for a baby / child into each month and put that away.
Of course - this all sounds great in theory and when we actually do have 2 children ( ; things may be very different; but we're "trying" to plan...Nothing ever goes according to plan, but candidly, this is how I look at the situation. He makes 6 figures in his job and I make 6 figures / year consulting. If we can't make it work with those salaries, we probably need to re-evaluate / change our lifesytle.
109 weeks ago
:
I think where you are in life does have alot to do with whether or not this is a valid choice for you. If you have a family or don't know about ...MoreI think where you are in life does have alot to do with whether or not this is a valid choice for you. If you have a family or don't know about the funds you have available then it might not be the right decision for you right then. I think saving and managing your money correctly when you are young especially has a huge impact on what you are able to do as well as the stability you will have in later life. However, you should always follow your dreams and if embarking on something like this is something that you really want to do then I think you should try whatever you have to in order to make it happen.
109 weeks ago
109 weeks ago
Cameron Plommer
I'm curious if you guys have multiple blogs that serve different purposes. I started out blogging about everything and soon realized that isn't a smart strategy. And isn't really a strategy at all.
I have two blogs: one Wordpress and one Tumblr. My WP blog is mainly for longer posts where I am more analytical and pragmatic, serious. My Tumblr is for my random thoughts that aren't really appropriate for a my WP blog theme and direction.
Ted Thonus:
I agree with Ann - I target blogs that have a technical theme related to my industry (IT & telecommunications) but then also ones where ...MoreI agree with Ann - I target blogs that have a technical theme related to my industry (IT & telecommunications) but then also ones where individuals have a certain style and attitude. It keeps me fresh both professionally, but also socially.
113 weeks ago
113 weeks ago
Valentina Thörner da Cruz:
Hi Cameron, I also belong to the group of having multiple blogs, which is also due to language issues. My "professional" blog is in Spanish and ...MoreHi Cameron, I also belong to the group of having multiple blogs, which is also due to language issues. My "professional" blog is in Spanish and treats about sustainability and efficiency, mainly for businesses. My English blog has some similar topics, but a more personal note. And the third blog is my dog`s blog. Just for fun and for the photos ;)
112 weeks ago
112 weeks ago
Rebecca Thorman
Two new services that I'm loving lately - 1) Tungle.me - they let you mark when you're open, and then others can schedule app'ts so there's less back and forth, "scheduling made easy," and 2) Teux Deux (To Do, get it?) - super simple list-making for your to-do list. Great interface and I can't wait for their iPhone app!
Lori Fagerholm and Alison Rayner recommended this
Rebecca Thorman:
I used Remember the Milk a couple years ago. The configurable aspect was ultimately my downfall with it. I made it too complicated when I'm really ...MoreI used Remember the Milk a couple years ago. The configurable aspect was ultimately my downfall with it. I made it too complicated when I'm really a paper and pen kind-of girl w/ my to do lists. That's why I think Teux Deux is so cool - it mirrors the simplicity of paper and pen, but still has the usefulness of an app online. I also like the way it's laid out by week/day - very much in sync with how I plan.
113 weeks ago
113 weeks ago
Alison Rayner:
I also really like the someday field on TeuxDeux too. I constantly get ideas I don't know how to categorize because they aren't a "now" idea.
113 weeks ago
113 weeks ago
Ted Thonus
What impact will cloud computing have on carriers - will customers need bigger, fatter pipes to the Internet or between offices to facilitate cloud functionality?
Dave Salamack:
John and Jonathan, one thing consumers of cloud applications always forget to build in to their plans and one thing SaaS providers will never ...MoreJohn and Jonathan, one thing consumers of cloud applications always forget to build in to their plans and one thing SaaS providers will never caution you to have is an exit plan. Consumers spend large amounts of "ramp-up" resources on getting their on-premises application to the cloud, but they never spend any resources on figuring out how to get it back. A major benefit of cloud computing is the switch-ability. If you don't like vendor A after a year, move your stuff to vendor B and give your users a new URL to point to for that application. It should be that easy. SaaS vendors never want to tell you how easy it is to move FROM them. Most consumers are still on their first SaaS vendor so they have not experienced the pain of getting their data back out of the cloud. The truth is data in the cloud, under the right circumstances, is safe enough. Convincing customers that it is is only half the battle. The other half is convincing them that the data is always theirs to take back at any time they feel it's unsafe, but providing enough excellent service that they never want to.
112 weeks ago
112 weeks ago
Jonathan van de Veen:
I absolutely agree that is an important point and it's easily missed. And yes, we do have an easy exit in terms of just the data. We can simply ...MoreI absolutely agree that is an important point and it's easily missed. And yes, we do have an easy exit in terms of just the data. We can simply create a backup of the database or create a large export. However moving it to another vendor, in our case means moving it to another application all together. This means doing a conversion of the data, which is going to be not so easy. Then you would need to train your people to use that other application and also you'd need to spend time getting the application to fit your processes or the other way around.
My point is, sure you can get your data back, but is it going to do you any good?
We have customers that do this, but they are willing to spend the money to either keep their data available in our application, or to have us support them with converting it for another application.
112 weeks ago
My point is, sure you can get your data back, but is it going to do you any good?
We have customers that do this, but they are willing to spend the money to either keep their data available in our application, or to have us support them with converting it for another application.
112 weeks ago
TOP IDEA:
Ted Thonus
Take time to see things from others perspective to get a better view.
TOP IDEA:
Ted Thonus
Stay open minded throughout life to learn from anyone and everyone.
Andrea V. Lewis recommended this
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Ted Thonus
With the help of a friend I've set up www.cottonwoodcomm.com for our consulting business, but I can't figure out how to get auto movement on the left-right window off the home page. I've seen this done on a number of your sites. Any ideas?
Ted Thonus:
Paul - thanks for your time and input - I'll relay this to my friend and see if he can implement what you've suggested. Have a great weekend!
114 weeks ago
114 weeks ago
Nidal
There is always a payoff between gainnig business experience in a field before starting a business or starting right ahead. i think whats important is developping the skills you need for your business, while some of those skills will come through working for someone else. Allot of it will come through trial and error and life experiences.
What do you guys think about the topic? Is "business experience" necessary?
Carol Harris:
I started a home staging business in Buffalo, NY and while I know that I can make it succeed, I also know that having more business savvy would ...MoreI started a home staging business in Buffalo, NY and while I know that I can make it succeed, I also know that having more business savvy would have helped. I have learned two costly lessons already. Although I am a quick study, I shall never forget those lessons.
113 weeks ago
113 weeks ago
Nidal:
@Carol, What were those lessons exactly?
@ Ted, I face this problem at the moment, i went into a field and realized that Its not the one for me, ...More@Carol, What were those lessons exactly?
@ Ted, I face this problem at the moment, i went into a field and realized that Its not the one for me, I am in it just to get some "professional" experience, I have decided to go into a different field. even though the professional experience has nothing to do whith the businesses i plan to start, and i see no value of such experience. Times are tough, and the luxury of being picky about where i would work does not exist at the moment.
however, surprisingly, Working for someone else has given me time to think about my plans for the future, and research thoroughtly the ideas i want to develop.
113 weeks ago
@ Ted, I face this problem at the moment, i went into a field and realized that Its not the one for me, ...More@Carol, What were those lessons exactly?
@ Ted, I face this problem at the moment, i went into a field and realized that Its not the one for me, I am in it just to get some "professional" experience, I have decided to go into a different field. even though the professional experience has nothing to do whith the businesses i plan to start, and i see no value of such experience. Times are tough, and the luxury of being picky about where i would work does not exist at the moment.
however, surprisingly, Working for someone else has given me time to think about my plans for the future, and research thoroughtly the ideas i want to develop.
113 weeks ago
Scott Rossow
As salespeople, what are your biggest day-to-day frustrations with selling?
Mine is definitely the trend of people not answering their phones. I leave voicemails to try and combat this inevitable theme but voicemails can only be so effective and even the best voicemails have a tiny response-rate.
Other frustrations?
:
Laura --- I like your "it's not for you" method. This definitely makes people go wtf?
113 weeks ago
113 weeks ago
Laura McCallum:
Thanks, Sam, I certainly can't claim it for my own, and it actually goes against my nature to do this, but I can't argue with the results I am ...MoreThanks, Sam, I certainly can't claim it for my own, and it actually goes against my nature to do this, but I can't argue with the results I am getting. I learned it from Mike Dillard here:
http://nmccallum.blackbeltrecruiting.com
If you want to opt in to the free intro messages you will find value in them. The Blackbelt Recruiting course is well worth the $125 or so if you decide to go and buy the actual course. Money back if you don't think so. This course changed my business overnight- because it brought a change between my ears.
It has to do with control, posture, and human psychology. When you do the "take away", people realize they are not in control, and then they wonder what they are possibly missing out on. I tell people no all the time and I love it. Works for me and thousands of others who are using it!
113 weeks ago
http://nmccallum.blackbeltrecruiting.com
If you want to opt in to the free intro messages you will find value in them. The Blackbelt Recruiting course is well worth the $125 or so if you decide to go and buy the actual course. Money back if you don't think so. This course changed my business overnight- because it brought a change between my ears.
It has to do with control, posture, and human psychology. When you do the "take away", people realize they are not in control, and then they wonder what they are possibly missing out on. I tell people no all the time and I love it. Works for me and thousands of others who are using it!
113 weeks ago
Patrick Ambron
Are resumes worthless? 80% of jobs are unadvertised today. Personally I think resumes are quickly losing their value. With the advent of social technologies there are much more thorough, effective ways to showcase your skills and work. A 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper simply doesn't make sense anymore. I think they will be extinct within the decade. What do you guys think? Have u guys found or lost jobs because of your resume? Have u found jobs without one? http://su.pr/4hYC1S
Ryan Rancatore:
Thanks for sharing my article, Patrick. Zak makes a good point below that a resume is fine as one tool in a set of many - unfortunately, for most ...MoreThanks for sharing my article, Patrick. Zak makes a good point below that a resume is fine as one tool in a set of many - unfortunately, for most jobs I see it is the only option.
118 weeks ago
118 weeks ago
Melissa Breau:
I completely disagree. While it is important to have an online presence, recruiters / HR managers etc want to be able to have something printed ...MoreI completely disagree. While it is important to have an online presence, recruiters / HR managers etc want to be able to have something printed out that they can file - it is WAY too much work to track multiple online links to different profiles for multiple jobs at once. Have standardized documents that are the same for everyone gives them a jumping off point. I don't think resumes are going anywhere in the foreseeable future.
118 weeks ago
118 weeks ago
Ted Thonus:
Finally back on Brazen - been a crazy busy month. Thanks for your comment. Some call it brave, some call it stupid. If going out on our own as ...MoreFinally back on Brazen - been a crazy busy month. Thanks for your comment. Some call it brave, some call it stupid. If going out on our own as entrepreneurs works it's viewed as "brave" - if one fails I guess it can be looked at as stupid. I survived a scary health issue a number of years ago - and it put things in perspective. Stick to your guns and plan things out - you'll be great!
114 weeks ago
114 weeks ago
Ted Thonus
The answer to this for me comes in two areas:
1.) Convincing my family that this was the best decision for us, and for me long term, then backing up that claim and putting the work in to make that a reality....
2.) Managing the financial aspects and funding for the new venture. Taking a second mortgage on our home had to be done in order to allow us some room to grow.
I think as entreprenurs we all have to make our own success - jump the tough hurdles on the front end and stick to your guns.
Ted Thonus
The answer to this for me comes in two areas:
1.) Convincing my family that this was the best decision for us, and for me long term, then backing up that claim and putting the work in to make that a reality....
2.) Managing the financial aspects and funding for the new venture. Taking a second mortgage on our home had to be done in order to allow us some room to grow.
I think as entreprenurs we all have to make our own success - jump the tough hurdles on the front end and stick to your guns.
Travis Power
What groups are you involved in around Colorado?
I'm looking to join the Product Development and Management Association Colorado chapter and sometimes go to The Association of Business Process Management Professionals (ABPMP) meetings.
Ted Thonus:
CSIA - The Colorado Technology Association is for anyone involved in IT, telecom or the software industry. Great event coming up in March called ...MoreCSIA - The Colorado Technology Association is for anyone involved in IT, telecom or the software industry. Great event coming up in March called "C-Level". It would be a fantastic way to be introduced to the community. If anyone is interested, let me know - I'm a Co-Chair volunteer for the event.
124 weeks ago
124 weeks ago
Jessica Dickinson Goodman
Is anyone here running their own consulting businesses?
Ted Thonus:
Cottonwood Communications is a consultant in the telecommunications space. We help business customers nationwide with their voice and data ...MoreCottonwood Communications is a consultant in the telecommunications space. We help business customers nationwide with their voice and data decisions. Are you happy with the Internet service you receive at your business?
132 weeks ago
132 weeks ago
Ronald A. Hayes, C.P.M.:
I am struggling to start OTB Zolutionz, intended to be a firm which specializes in providing Purchasing, Sourcing, Supply Chain services to ...MoreI am struggling to start OTB Zolutionz, intended to be a firm which specializes in providing Purchasing, Sourcing, Supply Chain services to companies who lack the staff or the skills to accomplish critical tasks and projects.
132 weeks ago
132 weeks ago
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