Brazen careerist
Where ambitious young professionals connect and grow
Already a member?
Welcome to Brazen Careerist!
TroyW is using Brazen Careerist to share ideas. Join now to become a member and start networking with TroyW and other professionals just like you. Learn more.
All Activity
Scott Shrum
BusinessWeek just posted a study (http://ow.ly/1PKrW ) showing that the more prestigious one's business school is, the more that person will make over his or her career. (We wrote more about it on our blog: http://ow.ly/1PH0v .)
The headline takeaways may seem obvious, but it seems like this study leaves a lot of things uncovered or unsaid. The real question may be how much those grads would have made in their careers *without* their business schools. What do you think?
104 weeks ago from Veritas Prep, Salary - Negotiating & More, Personal Finance and Graduate Students2 more
Ryan Paugh recommended this
Barbara Saunders:
http://www.personalmba.com - You've got to take into ...Morehttp://www.personalmba.com - You've got to take into account the cost of any loans - the risk that after getting the MBA, you want some other kind of job and are enslaved to the debt
104 weeks ago
104 weeks ago
Scott Shrum:
@TroyW: The Statistical Abstracts approach you propose would almost certainly prove (or disprove) correlation, but what about causation? The same ...More@TroyW: The Statistical Abstracts approach you propose would almost certainly prove (or disprove) correlation, but what about causation? The same could be said about what my company does, and in fact potential clients ask us this almost every day: "Yes, your success rates are impressive, but are they getting in because of your help? Or are they getting in because they're Type-A overachievers, and those same people are the ones who tend to hire you, even though they'd get in, anyway?" In the case of using Statistical Abstracts data, one might identify a strong correlation between holding an advanced degree and making significantly more money, but does the former cause the latter. Or, are they both in fact caused by something else?
It's an interesting question. I'm not trying to cause trouble, but I don't believe that anyone has ever really been able to answer this question. How many Fortune 500 CEOs would have gotten to that same point (or an equally lucrative point), anyway? I'm not saying those CEOs threw away their money (again, I have to put food on my own table!), but I still wish someone could answer this more definitively.
104 weeks ago
It's an interesting question. I'm not trying to cause trouble, but I don't believe that anyone has ever really been able to answer this question. How many Fortune 500 CEOs would have gotten to that same point (or an equally lucrative point), anyway? I'm not saying those CEOs threw away their money (again, I have to put food on my own table!), but I still wish someone could answer this more definitively.
104 weeks ago
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...
67 weeks ago from PHP, Web Development, Drupal, Joomla! and User Experience3 more
Timothy Johnson III recommended this
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.
64 weeks ago
64 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.
25 weeks ago
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.
25 weeks ago
TOP IDEA:
Bennett Phillips
Three-part question: What do you think of the credibility of online education? Would you hire someone with a degree from an online college if you were in a position to do so? Which online institutions have the best reputation?
77 weeks ago from Professional Development, Bay Area Bunch, Business Development and Inspiring Leadership2 more
Cooper:
Some of them may have started out with good intentions but they have become for profit ventures with low grad rates who accept anyone, and they ...More
Some of them may have started out with good intentions but they have become for profit ventures with low grad rates who accept anyone, and they need increased scrutiny.
My fields don't lean themselves to online degrees and I wold not hire someone with an online degree but I understand business degrees from some of these schools do ok.
Of course all the scandal regarding the industry in recent years hasn't made my opinion any better.
31 weeks ago
Some of them may have started out with good intentions but they have become for profit ventures with low grad rates who accept anyone, and they ...More
Some of them may have started out with good intentions but they have become for profit ventures with low grad rates who accept anyone, and they need increased scrutiny.
My fields don't lean themselves to online degrees and I wold not hire someone with an online degree but I understand business degrees from some of these schools do ok.
Of course all the scandal regarding the industry in recent years hasn't made my opinion any better.
31 weeks ago
Catherine McDermott:
This is a good question that you asked. I am a graduate with a BSB/A from University of Phoenix and am currently having difficulty finding a job ...MoreThis is a good question that you asked. I am a graduate with a BSB/A from University of Phoenix and am currently having difficulty finding a job in relation to my degree. I wondered if employers were hiring more people with a degree from a traditional setting. I worked very hard online and invested a lot of time everyday and received a high GPA. I wonder if employers even care about a GPA. Phoenix is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, in comparison to other schools its accredited much the same. If I were to do it over, I would have attended in a traditional setting due to the fact that online was relatively boring and I could have learned more from the experience of a college setting.
31 weeks ago
31 weeks ago
Eleni Miltsakaki
I have built a new engine that evaluates web content for schools. I have hired developers and the engine is ready. Before I go out for serious funding, though, I need to find a CEO for the start up. It's hard. I need someone who understands technology and internet but also the education/school market. Any ideas where to look?
Justin Goldman:
Eleni, are you full time on this business? If you are, then I highly recommend focusing on the Customer Development methodology by Steve Blank. ...MoreEleni, are you full time on this business? If you are, then I highly recommend focusing on the Customer Development methodology by Steve Blank. As you'll learn, start ups don't need CEO's. Your job as the founder is strictly "search for a repeatable and scalable business model." During that search you'll likely pivot several times. Once you find it, then you can start thinking about building a team which would include a CEO. Until then, there is no CEO, just a Customer Development Team and a Product Development team..... Here is a great post by Steve on raising capital: http://steveblank.com/2009/11/05/raising-money-with-customer-development/ and here is his keynote speech at last week's start up lessons learned conference: http://www.justin.tv/startuplessonslearned/b/262670582
108 weeks ago
108 weeks ago
Eleni Miltsakaki:
@Justin Goldman: Thank you for much for the pointers. Very useful advice. I know this comes late but I didn't get a notification of your post.
63 weeks ago
63 weeks ago
Heath Port
My wife passed this HBR post on to me. It does a good job of showing that the issues with our health care system are not just related to insurance; and how Health IT can help overcome the cultural/systematic issues that make it complicated and expensive today. It also touches on how generational differences among providers could cause barriers to its adoption. Would love to hear what you all think. http://tinyurl.com/4p3r6zh
65 weeks ago from Denver Careerists, Blogging Ideas, The Modern Strategist, Boulder, CO and Rocky Mountain Networking3 more
TroyW:
Excellent article. The larger point is well-taken: it's not about systems, but about people. Complex systems must be uniquely fitted to the people ...MoreExcellent article. The larger point is well-taken: it's not about systems, but about people. Complex systems must be uniquely fitted to the people who use them, and this is often difficult unless you've had training in user experience (which most IT professionals still don't, as it's pretty far outside their regular skill set). But as a user experience person, it's heartening to see that the message is finally getting out.
65 weeks ago
65 weeks ago
Heath Port:
Good point Troy. It definitely the people aspect that is often over looked when solutions are presented. It also struck me how important the ...MoreGood point Troy. It definitely the people aspect that is often over looked when solutions are presented. It also struck me how important the need for flexibility and adaptability will be as we transition from one generation of doctors who are more used to the paper based system to a generation that has grown up with technology and will expect it to be available more and more.
65 weeks ago
65 weeks ago
Kate Davids
Just read an interesting question on Linked In about whether or not it is okay to post on social media that you had a job interview and with who. Personally, I think it is alright as long as you are always complimentary. Any thoughts?
65 weeks ago from Personal Branding, Internet Marketers, Graduate Students and Advertising Professionals2 more
Kate Davids:
Wow, everyone has so different opinions. The situation is not as simple as it first seems, huh? I think in the end it depends on the nature of the ...MoreWow, everyone has so different opinions. The situation is not as simple as it first seems, huh? I think in the end it depends on the nature of the position and the nature of the company.
For instance, I tweeted about a position at a London ad agency and got in contact with other applicants (all very complimentary), but it was the grad program and so very public. I was also tweeting back and forth with one of the recruiters. I didn't get it, but learned a lot and had a great time. I think my tweeting actually helped my chances instead of hurting. But this situation is very different than an interview for a CFO position, at the other extreme.
65 weeks ago
For instance, I tweeted about a position at a London ad agency and got in contact with other applicants (all very complimentary), but it was the grad program and so very public. I was also tweeting back and forth with one of the recruiters. I didn't get it, but learned a lot and had a great time. I think my tweeting actually helped my chances instead of hurting. But this situation is very different than an interview for a CFO position, at the other extreme.
65 weeks ago
TroyW:
@Kate: Have been thinking about this thread for a while. It occurs to me that it's really about self-respect and an understanding of your ...More@Kate: Have been thinking about this thread for a while. It occurs to me that it's really about self-respect and an understanding of your self-worth (and your overall worth). You don't need to strut around telling everyone how awesome you are--I mean, come on--but I've found that lots of folks are scared of people who believe in themselves and go after what they want without waiting to follow someone's "rules." That fear reaction is fantastic, because it helps one to identify some of the biggest rocks in one's personal river--and then to steer around them. Awesomely enough, this avoid-the-fearful principle is also helpful with love, personal relationships, fulfillment, and overall happiness.
On the other hand, portraying yourself authentically like that can also bring contact with other people like you...and that's key, since individual dreams are often realized when like-minded people work together. Those are the kinds of folks I like to work for (more like, work with). And I've had a pretty great run so far.
65 weeks ago
On the other hand, portraying yourself authentically like that can also bring contact with other people like you...and that's key, since individual dreams are often realized when like-minded people work together. Those are the kinds of folks I like to work for (more like, work with). And I've had a pretty great run so far.
65 weeks ago
Erika Gimbel
What do you do when a client tells you "business blogging is dead?" My client (OK, friend) who I'm helping with her blog just watched this video (http://bit.ly/fHcgj7) from an Internet marketer who killed his blog because he thinks "blogs" have all been devalued because so many are bad. And, he, himself doesn't even want to read blogs. He is moving to a 100% paid content model.
I don't even want to direct you to this guy...but felt I had to. Anyway, how would you combat this statement?
66 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas, Internet Marketers and Wordpress Bloggers1 more
Alice Wang recommended this
JRandom42:
Despair.Com on blogging:
MoreDespair.Com on blogging:
http://despair.com/blogging.html
66 weeks ago
MoreDespair.Com on blogging:
http://despair.com/blogging.html
66 weeks ago
Erika Gimbel:
I wanted to give a big THANKS for all the responses. I'm sure this will come up all the time - I've read several times that "blogging is dead" but ...MoreI wanted to give a big THANKS for all the responses. I'm sure this will come up all the time - I've read several times that "blogging is dead" but this is the first time it's been sent to me by a client. My client's business seems kind of like yours, Kim, where the purpose of her blog is to draw in readers who are fashion designers who need business help. She doesn't want to go to deep, but leave that content for her coaching sessions and seminars.
65 weeks ago
65 weeks ago
Noel Rozny
Earlier we talked about college degrees and whether they do (or don't) prepare you for your career. Regardless of how you feel about your degree, an important bridge in the college-to-career transition is the internship. But how many do you need to really be ready; how much internship experience is enough? http://j.mp/dEqVeS What do you think?
66 weeks ago from myFootpath
Cheryl Roshak:
There are internships and then there are internships. It really depends on the type of internships you get, with what type of company, your role ...MoreThere are internships and then there are internships. It really depends on the type of internships you get, with what type of company, your role in that internship and what you learned from it and come away from it that applies to the field you are in and the type of job you will be working. Other wise it could be no better than having a summer job at the 711 store.
If you get an internship with a name company in your field and your role there adds value to the team, that you are learning skills, procedures, politics, lingo and the like, you've had a great internship. But if you've gotten stuck collating reports or studies, or the internship is nothing more than a gofer job or answering telephones or filing, it's really nothing more than just a summer job.
One great internship can be a bridge in your career, 4 mediocre ones may not do anything more than show you are responsible enough to show up every day. Make sure the internship is directly related to your field, to the industry you wish to be in.Also consider it a time for exploration if your goals are still not clear or defined yet. It can't be a bad thing, ever, just depends on what you wish to get out of your internship.
65 weeks ago
If you get an internship with a name company in your field and your role there adds value to the team, that you are learning skills, procedures, politics, lingo and the like, you've had a great internship. But if you've gotten stuck collating reports or studies, or the internship is nothing more than a gofer job or answering telephones or filing, it's really nothing more than just a summer job.
One great internship can be a bridge in your career, 4 mediocre ones may not do anything more than show you are responsible enough to show up every day. Make sure the internship is directly related to your field, to the industry you wish to be in.Also consider it a time for exploration if your goals are still not clear or defined yet. It can't be a bad thing, ever, just depends on what you wish to get out of your internship.
65 weeks ago
Olga Garcia
I just published my second blog post on my new blog "beingolga.com". It was incredibly nerve racking. The irony is that I have been blogging for my clients for the past 2 years. I am wondering if anyone else has felt that find of sensation when starting their own personal blog and how you dealt with that?
76 weeks ago from Personal Branding and Blogging Ideas
Lindsay Oberst:
Blogging is hard. It usually takes much more time to become successful than you might expect. The blogging community, however, is very supportive ...MoreBlogging is hard. It usually takes much more time to become successful than you might expect. The blogging community, however, is very supportive and wants to help newbies. The best way to deal with these issues is to write about what you are passionate about and don't worry too much about who is reading it yet.
76 weeks ago
76 weeks ago
Olga Garcia:
@Elizabeth: Those are excellent questions. For now I am focused on developing my style of prose and focusing on the subjects of travel, young ...More@Elizabeth: Those are excellent questions. For now I am focused on developing my style of prose and focusing on the subjects of travel, young professional life and marketing. I know those are spread out, but I am addicted to talking about that stuff :)
@Lindsay: You are soooo right. I am writing a post that is going live on Saturday about my blogging experience so far. It is incredible the help and warmth I have received. What's crazy to me is that it took so long to jump in because I was scared, while all along, it is an amazing place that is not scary at all! :)
75 weeks ago
@Lindsay: You are soooo right. I am writing a post that is going live on Saturday about my blogging experience so far. It is incredible the help and warmth I have received. What's crazy to me is that it took so long to jump in because I was scared, while all along, it is an amazing place that is not scary at all! :)
75 weeks ago
Ian Ford
I've been writing software for 20 years, and completed hundreds of contracts. It's high time to get into bigger things. I find that people overvalue superficial exposure to buzzword technologies and undervalue engineering experience. (For example, what's the value of making sure a billing algorithm is threadsafe?) How do I find the capital and marketing expertise to mix with my "old-fashioned" project management expertise to create a super-efficent super-profitable business?
75 weeks ago from Web Startups
Brittany Thompson recommended this
TroyW:
What IS the value of making sure a billing algorithm is threadsafe? Finding out, and expressing that as a value proposition, is the first step. Is ...MoreWhat IS the value of making sure a billing algorithm is threadsafe? Finding out, and expressing that as a value proposition, is the first step. Is this a common problem? What will be lost if the problem occurs? Who would care about this problem? Do the people who would really care have the power to do anything about it (such as buy your solution)? If not, how can you retool it so that buyers will find it a good idea to buy?
It sounds like you're presenting high quality as a value proposition. Quality itself never sells; rather, the problems you avoid with quality, and possibly the prestige you accrue with quality, are things to think about.
75 weeks ago
It sounds like you're presenting high quality as a value proposition. Quality itself never sells; rather, the problems you avoid with quality, and possibly the prestige you accrue with quality, are things to think about.
75 weeks ago
Ken:
I think Troy is on the right path. As you know with any IT development project, the business need must drive the IT solution. When you make your ...MoreI think Troy is on the right path. As you know with any IT development project, the business need must drive the IT solution. When you make your marketing pitch, I'd suggest that you work from your business value in terms of skills and abilities. The tech stuff is in the documentation (ie. your CV).
75 weeks ago
75 weeks ago
Sal Pellettieri
Does anyone have any data on the relationship between number of users for a site and advertising revenues? I'm just wondering how much traffic one needs to make money from advertising.
75 weeks ago from Web Startups
Jamie Wilson:
@Sal: I never said advertising wasn't viable. In fact, I said the opposite. I just pointed out that there are more factors involved than simply ...More@Sal: I never said advertising wasn't viable. In fact, I said the opposite. I just pointed out that there are more factors involved than simply throwing ads on a page.
75 weeks ago
75 weeks ago
Sal Pellettieri:
Sorry Jamie, my mistake. Yes I wonder the effectiveness of Adsense as opposed to choosing your own ads on an affiliate network.
75 weeks ago
75 weeks ago
Kevin Li
So need some help from you BC bloggers: how do you manage your blog(s) when your interests span across many things that don't relate to each other at all? For example, my full-time job is at a marketing analytics tech company (so blogging here would be more on what you'd see from AdAge) but I'm also interested in general career advice, micro-insurance (what?), etc. as other topics. I don't like the idea of jamming it together since they are not the same topic. What would you do?
76 weeks ago from Wordpress Bloggers and Blogging Ideas
Lindsay Oberst:
Yes for personal branding! You can always have a personal blog that fits your career or one of your interests (can be broad, such as personal ...MoreYes for personal branding! You can always have a personal blog that fits your career or one of your interests (can be broad, such as personal development blogs) and then you can write for other blogs that cover other topics that interest you.
76 weeks ago
76 weeks ago
Lauren Shanks:
I think Penelope Trunk is a great example of doing this. She has interest in many topics, but it all leads back to a central theme - her! I mean ...MoreI think Penelope Trunk is a great example of doing this. She has interest in many topics, but it all leads back to a central theme - her! I mean this in a good way! Think about why you like each thing and look for a common theme. It may very well just be about you, and that is OK.
76 weeks ago
76 weeks ago
Sal Pellettieri
I just launched http://Enterthegroup.com, a free site for students to manage group projects online, and I am wondering if anyone has any suggestions on how to attract students to the site? It seems that teachers are more interested in it than students.
76 weeks ago from Web Startups
Sal Pellettieri:
Great points Troy. I'm treating the site as a work in progress and I want to make it user friendly so I will try get more feedback from students ...MoreGreat points Troy. I'm treating the site as a work in progress and I want to make it user friendly so I will try get more feedback from students as to what they think. Project Basecamp isn't my competition since they are a paid service geared towards business. My site is geared toward students, nonprofits, clubs etc anyone who needs a boost with project management and can't pay a lot for it. It's a big market.
76 weeks ago
76 weeks ago
Sal Pellettieri:
Rebecca, you're exactly right. When I was developing this thing I had the idea to add another feature which would be a virtual classroom. I think ...MoreRebecca, you're exactly right. When I was developing this thing I had the idea to add another feature which would be a virtual classroom. I think teachers are able to 'get it' more easily since they're the ones that design the class work. Teachers can also encourage (i.e. force) their students to use this since it will enable teachers to monitor and help students with their work.
76 weeks ago
76 weeks ago
Clara Kuo
OK: Age old question. What is the difference between Form and Function in product design? How does this influence usability?
TroyW:
Form is how it is; function is what it does.
In terms of influencing usability, perhaps it is best to ask
What needs to be done?
What is ...MoreForm is how it is; function is what it does.
In terms of influencing usability, perhaps it is best to ask
What needs to be done?
What is important about that?
What is extraordinary about that?
Functions solve user tasks. But form solves emotional needs, many of which are quite specific.
For instance: the iPod worked so well because--unlike other, functionally better MP3 players--women agreed to carry it. It didn't look like some blocky, chunky, ubergeek-engineer kind of product.
83 weeks ago
In terms of influencing usability, perhaps it is best to ask
What needs to be done?
What is ...MoreForm is how it is; function is what it does.
In terms of influencing usability, perhaps it is best to ask
What needs to be done?
What is important about that?
What is extraordinary about that?
Functions solve user tasks. But form solves emotional needs, many of which are quite specific.
For instance: the iPod worked so well because--unlike other, functionally better MP3 players--women agreed to carry it. It didn't look like some blocky, chunky, ubergeek-engineer kind of product.
83 weeks ago
Kenji Crosland
I'm 27, and have prematurely gray hair. I just started working at a web startup where it's not unusual for CEOs to be younger than I am. My parents suggested that I should dye my hair to get rid of all the gray and "look more my age." Not for vanity reasons, but for professional reasons. If I dyed my hair I could look at least five years younger if not more, which could be an advantage in a young industry. Do you think it even matters?
83 weeks ago from Upstarts!, Web Startups, Office Politics, Entry-Level Young Professionals and Company Culture3 more
Aiden Schade:
People generally don't make judgments based on things that are out of your control like balding, greying, the shape of your face, etc. If you have ...MorePeople generally don't make judgments based on things that are out of your control like balding, greying, the shape of your face, etc. If you have grey hair and don't want to dye it, then don't.
Once you start dying your hair you have to deal with your roots as the dyed hair grows out. As you get more grey, you'll look funny. Best to just accept it now.
83 weeks ago
Once you start dying your hair you have to deal with your roots as the dyed hair grows out. As you get more grey, you'll look funny. Best to just accept it now.
83 weeks ago
Sean Wilkins
Any thoughts on FB Connect or Twitter Connect log-ins popping up all over the place with new sites? I'm mostly concerned with privacy issues for the user AND their networks since some ask for access to their information as well through your profile.
I'm seeing a trend where some sites seem to only allow FB Connect log-ins and not supporting direct sing-ups, or the bury it. This is a turn-off for me as a user/consumer, but I totally understand it as a marketing and business person.
TroyW:
I can tell you that users pretty much universally ignore these signups in usability tests; most don't even see them. They are also pretty ...MoreI can tell you that users pretty much universally ignore these signups in usability tests; most don't even see them. They are also pretty universally despised, if you do direct attention to them when doing the test. They're not seen as part of a user's task flow, generally. One question always to keep in mind is, is this nifty feature causing my other business goals to suffer?
As far as privacy...well. FB doesn't get it, and has repeatedly not gotten it (see today's Journal, for instance). I'd be careful about trusting them...and I'd be careful about possible fallout effects on my brand as well.
83 weeks ago
As far as privacy...well. FB doesn't get it, and has repeatedly not gotten it (see today's Journal, for instance). I'd be careful about trusting them...and I'd be careful about possible fallout effects on my brand as well.
83 weeks ago
elizabeth
Okay, so I started a website and I am paranoid to make a fan page on facebook in the fear that people will copy it. is anyone else ever fearful of this or should I just get over it and just do it?
94 weeks ago from Web Startups
Ben Donahower:
why not hold off on creating the FB page? since your website is new you are likely doing a number of things all at one time already, unless you ...Morewhy not hold off on creating the FB page? since your website is new you are likely doing a number of things all at one time already, unless you are certain that an FB page would provide a lot of value (doesn't sound like it!) you may be better off waiting to see how things shake out with what you have.
93 weeks ago
93 weeks ago
elizabeth:
very interesting point! It makes perfect sense. Whenever anyone makes a website, the first thing that I get told is make the FB page. If you ...Morevery interesting point! It makes perfect sense. Whenever anyone makes a website, the first thing that I get told is make the FB page. If you dont do that, than what are the other ways of promoting it? I am so new to this game.
93 weeks ago
93 weeks ago
Jenn Pedde
Hey guys - so I'm in the middle of launching a web start-up. My biggest thing to tackle is getting some press. What are some good sites to contact? The company is called "Eat Your Serial" and it will be a platform for fiction/non-fiction/creative writers to showcase their work for free. (eatyourserial.wordpress.com & www.eatyourserial.com) Any help would be appreciated! Thanks :)
96 weeks ago from Web Startups
Jenn Pedde:
That's helpful. Thank you! I figured starting with the big ones is probably a bit of a stretch, but starting small really does seem to be the ...MoreThat's helpful. Thank you! I figured starting with the big ones is probably a bit of a stretch, but starting small really does seem to be the way to go. Just need to invest time. Thanks Troy! :)
96 weeks ago
96 weeks ago
Rebecca Thorman:
Jenn - Not sure if you have funding, but if you can afford a PR firm, they're the most helpful at helping you gain press without draining your own ...MoreJenn - Not sure if you have funding, but if you can afford a PR firm, they're the most helpful at helping you gain press without draining your own time. You can also hire a PR consultant at a cheaper rate. I manage PR for my company (alice.com), but occasionally take on side projects that sound interesting (and yours sounds awesome!) - if you want to chat - rlthorman (at) gmail [dot] com.
95 weeks ago
95 weeks ago
Andrew Shell
According to Thomas Thurston as a startup you are 30 to 40 percent more likely to survive with a disruptive strategy which he defines as cheaper and worse in performance then the existing competition. http://bit.ly/9SCRXk
What do you think of his “Lower cost, lower performance, and gets better over time” strategy?
104 weeks ago from Upstarts!, Entrepreneurs, Innovation and Trends Group and Web Startups2 more
Ryan Healy, Photis Patriotis and Alan Koskelin recommended this
Nathan Snell:
I'm in the process of starting my own SaaS business. I personally think the 37Signals approach would ultimately be more effective, both for sales ...MoreI'm in the process of starting my own SaaS business. I personally think the 37Signals approach would ultimately be more effective, both for sales and brand building, than what's described in the article (low performance low cost). Esp low cost. Pricing, to me, is probably the most difficult to determine.
Eg: Don't focus on doing everything. Focus on making 1 or 2 core features super simple, intuitive, and super helpful. If you can get people in the door doing those, then you can begin to slowly build your product out more and get even more people in the door because you can rely on your core being kickass.
103 weeks ago
Eg: Don't focus on doing everything. Focus on making 1 or 2 core features super simple, intuitive, and super helpful. If you can get people in the door doing those, then you can begin to slowly build your product out more and get even more people in the door because you can rely on your core being kickass.
103 weeks ago
TroyW:
@Nathan--Remember, 37signals IS lower performance...it's competing with things like MS Project, and has seized a (large) market that needs ...More@Nathan--Remember, 37signals IS lower performance...it's competing with things like MS Project, and has seized a (large) market that needs project-planning software, but that isn't building a skyscraper (for which only MS Project, at a minimum, would work). You gotta be very careful to ID what your product is *really* about and what its *true* competition and target is. In my experience (I'm the guy that does this for people), founders/engineers sometimes have a hard time with this.
Basically, you're best off by appealing to nonconsumers, at least at first. In the above example, people who would never dream of buying MS Project (and here's the challenge: they probably don't know MS Project exists, or could exist, and they are pretty technologically inept...let's go ahead and say profoundly inept).
I urge and exhort everyone on this thread to read Crossing the Chasm by Geoffrey Moore. This is a foundational model of technology sales that should be taken into account by anyone trying to wrestle a startup into being. Nathan, you're right: pricing is very tricky. But there's a lot of frameworks and research on this out there...check it out, starting with Moore.
103 weeks ago
Basically, you're best off by appealing to nonconsumers, at least at first. In the above example, people who would never dream of buying MS Project (and here's the challenge: they probably don't know MS Project exists, or could exist, and they are pretty technologically inept...let's go ahead and say profoundly inept).
I urge and exhort everyone on this thread to read Crossing the Chasm by Geoffrey Moore. This is a foundational model of technology sales that should be taken into account by anyone trying to wrestle a startup into being. Nathan, you're right: pricing is very tricky. But there's a lot of frameworks and research on this out there...check it out, starting with Moore.
103 weeks ago
Alex Medvedovski
How to increase number of repeated users into our site?
Our company, Supercool School, attracted a lot of people to our site. Many users opened on-line schools and use our system very effectively. However, there is a group of people who opened trial schools, tried it several times and never came back.
What would be the best way to find out why they didn't come back and ideally make them return and start using the system?
105 weeks ago from eLearning, Upstarts!, Web Development, Web Startups and PR & New Media3 more
Julia Stone:
You might want to consider going the extra mile & actually talk with some of them. They clearly had an interest in your site, visited it many ...MoreYou might want to consider going the extra mile & actually talk with some of them. They clearly had an interest in your site, visited it many times, and would probably want to help you succeed. I create all of my survey's on www.surveymonkey.com & they have a great free account, but people are tired of surveys so I would be surprised if you get the results you want.
104 weeks ago
104 weeks ago
Erin Lariviere
Does your organization have an official social media policy? If so, what's the focus - what you CAN do, or what you CAN'T? If you were crafting a social media policy, what would your top 3 points be?
105 weeks ago from Social Media, Social Media Marketers, New Media Marketing and PR & New Media2 more
Rebecca Thorman, Elysa Rice and Team Brazen recommended this
David Sandusky:
Erin - your indecisiveness is very decisive! Sound like solid training on brand values and part of expectations. Cool!
104 weeks ago
104 weeks ago
Lucas:
@Erin & @David - To add to the indecisiveness, I don't think anyone's wrong here. David is correct - hiring employees that can be trusted ...More@Erin & @David - To add to the indecisiveness, I don't think anyone's wrong here. David is correct - hiring employees that can be trusted within a culture of autonomy is ideal. In reality, however, things happen: employees go rogue; they get caught up in the mystique that is online dialogue and forget their manners, etc. The goal of an organization's social media policy (or at least the few I've created) is to create a framework that is extremely vague and basically lays out common sense. The real value in such a policy comes out when things go south. In a lot of the situations I've seen (but not been involved with) is borderlines of plausible deniability. ;-)
Regardless, I agree with David that it's better to keep teams/groups small and hire well.
104 weeks ago
Regardless, I agree with David that it's better to keep teams/groups small and hire well.
104 weeks ago
TOP IDEA:
Robin Mills
After reading "The Dip", I've spent some time lately re-defining how failure fits into my life. I've been taught, either from family and friends or from media or society, that failure isn’t an option - that we must be good at everything we do or face being a“loser”, “unpopular” or “poor”. However, I have failed at a ton of things and am still standing….sometimes barely, but standing nonetheless. So I ask the question - is failure such a bad thing? What do you think?
105 weeks ago from Ask Penelope Trunk!, Career Changers, Brazen Careerists in New York City and The Modern Strategist2 more
Sadya Siddiqui recommended this
Tom Agler:
Most of us are conditioned to set a goal and make it happen. The implication is if you work hard enough it will happen. Guess what? someone forgot ...MoreMost of us are conditioned to set a goal and make it happen. The implication is if you work hard enough it will happen. Guess what? someone forgot to talk about all the twists and turns along the way. Working hard and smart and being persistent will get you there, but it will not be a straight path. Go easy on yourself. Expect to have setbacks, but keep moving forward. Stop only when you are satisfied with where you have landed.
tomterrific.
104 weeks ago
tomterrific.
104 weeks ago
Sara Gallagher:
There is a great blog focused on just this concept...principlesoffailure.blogspot.com. It is written by a friend of mine who chairs the ...MoreThere is a great blog focused on just this concept...principlesoffailure.blogspot.com. It is written by a friend of mine who chairs the Leadership department at the Naval Academy. Another good person to check out is David Burkus. He puts together a publication called LeaderLab (leaderlab.org) and a personal blog (davidburkus.com) and speaks publicly about "How to Fail" to improve performance. Recently heard him speak about "How to Fail at Meetings." Was great info!
104 weeks ago
104 weeks ago
Alex Medvedovski
Our company, Supercool School, built an online school platform that empowers everyone to create customized education environments for live online learning. If you have any comments or suggestions on this please let me know. Any advice is greatly appreciated! See www.supercoolschool.com
TroyW:
To what extent are you tied to your current model? Schools don't need democratizing, by and large. This is because most of the cost of education ...MoreTo what extent are you tied to your current model? Schools don't need democratizing, by and large. This is because most of the cost of education comes from accreditation--how well a school does what it promises to do. If you don't have accreditation, it's dramatically less likely that anyone will pay for your "classes," as even the University of Phoenix is discovering when it comes to corporate tuition reimbursement.
Similarly, nearly all information of value is very cheap and getting cheaper. If you're going to have to pay for some guy's online school, it might make more sense to DIY or pay a little more and go to an accredited school.
On the other hand, using this as a platform for schools who wish to offer online courses might be a bit more reasonable. Corporate consultants and trainers are probably your real market, though, as they don't have to worry about the "free info" or accreditation problems. That's a pretty big market, too. Have you thought about this?
Also: your PR links on your site all repeat the same information, which you paid to place. This is not nearly as convincing as more organic coverage. Consider playing that down until you get more variety of coverage, as it hurts your credibility.
108 weeks ago
Similarly, nearly all information of value is very cheap and getting cheaper. If you're going to have to pay for some guy's online school, it might make more sense to DIY or pay a little more and go to an accredited school.
On the other hand, using this as a platform for schools who wish to offer online courses might be a bit more reasonable. Corporate consultants and trainers are probably your real market, though, as they don't have to worry about the "free info" or accreditation problems. That's a pretty big market, too. Have you thought about this?
Also: your PR links on your site all repeat the same information, which you paid to place. This is not nearly as convincing as more organic coverage. Consider playing that down until you get more variety of coverage, as it hurts your credibility.
108 weeks ago
Kenji Crosland
I've just programmed a prototype of a web app that I hope will be successful, but it may not. I am a novice programmer with 7 months of self-taught experience and a voracious appetite for learning new things. I love making my ideas real and was thinking about joining a startup to learn more about the business if my first web application fails. I feel like my level of knowledge in web development has reached a plateau that could only be surmounted by working with experienced individuals. Ideas?
TroyW:
Kenji--what you're talking about is user experience design, which is my area of expertise. Red-hot field, going to really take off in an app ...MoreKenji--what you're talking about is user experience design, which is my area of expertise. Red-hot field, going to really take off in an app world. I strongly recommend you read About Face 3.0 (Cooper) and Designing in the Digital Age (Goodwin), in that order. That should give you an idea of the scope and the unique capabilities of UX. In a nutshell: it's not about what something can do, or even what it does, but whether what it does matters to people. Finding that out is surprisingly tricky and yet incredibly valuable.
Any startup will hire a sales guy, but you probably won't have time to do anything else...and I feel that's not really where your heart is at anyway. Try looking for very embryonic startups that are working on defining their products...use your Rails as your fast-prototyping thing and leverage what you've learned about UX. Most startup guys are engineers who have come up with a cool functionality. Shaping it into a real product is usually not their forte.
111 weeks ago
Any startup will hire a sales guy, but you probably won't have time to do anything else...and I feel that's not really where your heart is at anyway. Try looking for very embryonic startups that are working on defining their products...use your Rails as your fast-prototyping thing and leverage what you've learned about UX. Most startup guys are engineers who have come up with a cool functionality. Shaping it into a real product is usually not their forte.
111 weeks ago
Kenji Crosland:
Thanks, Troy. This is a great help. I'm going to order those books right now.
111 weeks ago
111 weeks ago
Scott Rossow
I've been pretty inactive in this group (sorry) but here's step 1..
Check this out: 2010: The year video comes to life in e-mail, study says http://www.internetretailer.com/article.asp?id=34197
I represent a technology that helps companies ADD videos to Email Marketing campaigns and this article affirms everything I've seen.
Has anyone had experience with video screenshot in an Email Campaign concept yet? Any thoughts from a consumer standpoint? I'm curious to hear some feedback.
TroyW:
A video still image, hmm? That might be more effective...it sounded like playing video in an email, which should fill us all with horror.
It ...MoreA video still image, hmm? That might be more effective...it sounded like playing video in an email, which should fill us all with horror.
It would be interesting to daypart it though, to see how BAW affects it.
As always, it's in the numbers, of course, something I believe in. Makes more sense now.
112 weeks ago
It ...MoreA video still image, hmm? That might be more effective...it sounded like playing video in an email, which should fill us all with horror.
It would be interesting to daypart it though, to see how BAW affects it.
As always, it's in the numbers, of course, something I believe in. Makes more sense now.
112 weeks ago
Scott Rossow:
Agreed again. I guess the idea is that people now want their messages in video form...whether our generation is lazier, more used to video, or ...MoreAgreed again. I guess the idea is that people now want their messages in video form...whether our generation is lazier, more used to video, or want to avoid reading at all costs. The triangle play button, for whatever reason, is just more likely to be clicked than a normal image or boring link.
Anyone have any experience with this? Thoughts?
112 weeks ago
Anyone have any experience with this? Thoughts?
112 weeks ago
Private Message
Following (4)
