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V. Holman

Raleigh

Business Development

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Ryan Pratt Is law school worth 100k?

22 weeks ago from Legally Speaking

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Lucas Munoz: a) 100k? More like 150k-200k unless you're going to a place that offers in-state tuition or you get substantial scholarships.
b) the answer is ...Morea) 100k? More like 150k-200k unless you're going to a place that offers in-state tuition or you get substantial scholarships.
b) the answer is going to depend on many variables including your opportunity cost, and your expected retrun. If you're looking at a T15-20 school, your odds of landing a job worth the cost of law shool is much higher (assuming of course that's what you want to do). There is a lot of noise about this right now. I suggest you start somewhere like here to get a handle on making the beginning economic inquiries for your situation.

http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1957139
22 weeks ago

Ryan Pratt: Lucas, thank you for your post. The cost should be around 100k for me personally being in the military. I am going to Belmont University in the ...MoreLucas, thank you for your post. The cost should be around 100k for me personally being in the military. I am going to Belmont University in the Fall and want to hear from those who have been in my shoes. Thank you for that article, it was very informative. I am wondering what rank Belmont is going to be. Hopefully it competes with Vanderbilt once it's ABA accredited.
22 weeks ago

V. Holman I understand the importance of working with a team, within a team and in a team-driven environments. Is there too much emphasis on teaming? I get tire of seeing the word, frankly. As a working non-traditional student it is overwhelming how often I'm asked to "team up". I find that most of the time there are a select few that actually do the job. Is it me or does anyone find that 'team work' makes for lazy non-managerial employees who rely on their team to get the job done?

73 weeks ago from Entrepreneurs

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JRandom42: And Despair.Com comes through with the pithy quote:

MoreAnd Despair.Com comes through with the pithy quote:

http://www.despair.com/daretoslack.html
72 weeks ago

V. Holman: @Kevin when teamwork is necessary and the participants are willing to put in 100%. I am all for it. it's the 20/80 rule that I frown ...More@Kevin when teamwork is necessary and the participants are willing to put in 100%. I am all for it. it's the 20/80 rule that I frown at.

@Jeremy I agree.

@Jamie I do think one need to have the ability to work on a team when working on a project because they will need to see the project from every angle to implement their portion correctly. I think companies abuse the word and secretly their definition means are you going to be a yes man and do as I say for the sake of your paycheck/advancement.

@JRandom- too funny. I love Demotivator. Some of their stuff is more of a 'wake up call' than a demotivator.

Thank you all for your feedback. There are some awesome minds on this thread. Go Team!
72 weeks ago

Kate Wyman Hi all! I am currently the personal assistant to an exec in the Cosmetics industry. She has a massive list of friends, colleagues, and celebrities, in her "rolodex" and I am trying to find an efficient way to send a mass email to all requesting their most up-to-date contact information. Has anyone done this in the past? And if so, what have you found to be the most efficient way of doing so? Appreciate the help!

39 weeks ago from Executive Assistants & Admin Folks

V. Holman: I would put everyone's address in BCC and send one massive email and follow up as needed.
39 weeks ago

Nicole Bienfang One of my business mentors is starting a mastermind group. She is looking for 8 sassy WOMEN. Preferably women with a business that focuses on a tangible item, be it jewelry, clothing, children’s toys etc. This type of business is her specialty. It’s like a yearlong boot camp to get your business rocking! If you would be interested in joining this select group go to my website and register for the mailing list. More detailed information will be sent to you. www.nicolebienfang.com

41 weeks ago from Entrepreneurs

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V. Holman: on your website? ok lemme see
40 weeks ago

Nicole Bienfang: Yep!
40 weeks ago

Jim Armstrong Ever had a great idea? For those with business ideas, why didn't you act on these ideas? I'm at Boston's Startup weekend and we're looking to find reasons why people with ideas don't act on them. What are your reservations, barriers to entry, etc? Any and all feedback is much appreciated.

50 weeks ago from Young Entrepreneur Community

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Chris Diaz: Fear and doubt. Especially, when coming from a decent paying job. There is always a fear associated with leaving something steady to tread ...MoreFear and doubt. Especially, when coming from a decent paying job. There is always a fear associated with leaving something steady to tread uncharted waters. For me, my fear is situated in the possibility of failing. I like to excel in anything I do (thanks competitive sports) and coping with the possibility of failing is what holds me back the most.
43 weeks ago

Jim Armstrong: Chris,

Thanks for your comment. I completely agree, for most of us, myself included, the fear of failure and of leaving your current situation is ...MoreChris,

Thanks for your comment. I completely agree, for most of us, myself included, the fear of failure and of leaving your current situation is a difficult one to navigate. Thanks again Chris.
43 weeks ago

La Donna Lokey What's the best decision you ever made in your career?

55 weeks ago from Citi, Career Rocketeer, Career Changers, Breaking Into Banking and Personal Branding 3 more

Rebecca Thorman recommended this

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Noel Rozny: I agree with Mona--I've turned down some jobs that others thought I should take and it really worked out. Also, last year I made a move from print ...MoreI agree with Mona--I've turned down some jobs that others thought I should take and it really worked out. Also, last year I made a move from print publications to social media, and I couldn't be happier.
54 weeks ago

Arshad Ali: Taking a sales job that did not require a college degree after I graduated college. After one year, I feel that I learned twice as much as i did ...MoreTaking a sales job that did not require a college degree after I graduated college. After one year, I feel that I learned twice as much as i did in the classroom, and consider myself on the level of MBA graduates.
54 weeks ago

Kristen Creager Do you guys ever hesitate to share where you're at on Foursquare on Twitter? I always feel like it's kind of a stalker-y idea.

56 weeks ago from FourSquare for Business, Social Media Marketers, Social Media and Brazen Careerists on Twitter 2 more

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Charlie Anderson: Oh -- also, FourSquare doesn't give your GPS location, just where you checked in. And you can check in to places without being there (which is ...MoreOh -- also, FourSquare doesn't give your GPS location, just where you checked in. And you can check in to places without being there (which is weird, but true), and you don't check out. So if you looked at my profile right now, you'd think I was at the bar I had happy hour at last night. I don't think anyone trusts FourSquare to accurately tell where anybody is. They use it to launch a text conversation asking if they're still there, etc.
56 weeks ago

Corbin Haresnape: @Charlie thanks for this! I didn't know that FourSquare only gave a general location!
56 weeks ago

Allison Cheston Today's NYT article about college debt will make you mad, especially with more government education cuts coming our way. Do you have college debt? If you could do it over, would you attend a less expensive school? Here's my two cents: http://www.allisoncheston.com/blog/jobs-and-the-economy/gen-ys-college-d...

58 weeks ago

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Heather Gaona: I joined the Army after completing college, so my student loans were repaid. Now I have Post-9/11 GI Bill and VA benefits to cover grad school, ...MoreI joined the Army after completing college, so my student loans were repaid. Now I have Post-9/11 GI Bill and VA benefits to cover grad school, and I have served my country.
57 weeks ago

Corbin Haresnape: @Allison Good stuff! It is frustrating to me that every time a university student is able to borrow more money the cost of school magically increases!
57 weeks ago

La Donna Lokey What, if anything, will replace the resume in the digital age?

58 weeks ago from Ask A Coach, Citi, Career Changers, Career Rocketeer and We're Hiring 3 more

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Bill kaminski: Chris - I think you're right on, but I would be interested in your perspective on how we learn about a candidate's character, attitude, ability to ...MoreChris - I think you're right on, but I would be interested in your perspective on how we learn about a candidate's character, attitude, ability to collaborate, etc.... how honest will our peers and friends be online?? Hire for attitude, train for skills.
57 weeks ago

Chris Spizzirri: Bill, I'm not suggesting an online profile can replace the interview process, only the paper resume. The interview process is where we *hope* to ...MoreBill, I'm not suggesting an online profile can replace the interview process, only the paper resume. The interview process is where we *hope* to determine the things you mentioned, and, at this point, I'm not aware of any suitable replacement for the in person interview. Maybe in 5-10 years when we develop reliable, verifiable, hi-resolution holographics. I keep my eyes trained on MIT's Media Lab for that...
57 weeks ago

Dana Leavy We've created a stigma in this society with prioritizing our own well-being, by taking sick or personal days. But pushing our health too far usually ends up negatively affecting our productivity, and sometimes others', in the end. Are you one of those people who's always tempted to "solider through" a workday for posterity, even when you know you are run down or sick?

58 weeks ago from Entrepreneurs, Advertising Professionals, Brazen Careerists in New York City, Career Rocketeer and Career Changers 3 more

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Dana Leavy: @Chandlee - that is so unfortunate, I'm sorry. It really is important to prioritize your body. Ironically right after I posted this question I ...More@Chandlee - that is so unfortunate, I'm sorry. It really is important to prioritize your body. Ironically right after I posted this question I came down with the flu! Luckily I work from home... and I'll probably be working anyway, like Candace said!
58 weeks ago

Vincent: The challenge is everyone's threshold for sickness is different. I have witnessed instances when a coworker badgers another for coming in with a ...MoreThe challenge is everyone's threshold for sickness is different. I have witnessed instances when a coworker badgers another for coming in with a cough when he has come in blowing his nose every five minutes.
58 weeks ago

Brett Kunsch If you're on Brazen, you're networking with purpose. For my fellow New Yorkers, you can take the networking offline for the "Make the Change You Want Networking Event" I am co-hosting with Tracy Brisson of the Opportunities Project on Tuesday, 4/19, 7-9pm, 3 West 46th, NYC. It's FREE, it's fun, and it's a great way to meet some fellow change-makers in NYC! http://bit.ly/i8920I

59 weeks ago from Brazen Careerists in New York City and Networking Tips

V. Holman, rian, Tracy Brisson and Diana Antholis and 1 others recommended this

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Vincent: Hi Brett, Looking forward to meeting you and thanking you in person for your help with my org's FB page.
58 weeks ago

Brett Kunsch: Excellent, Vincent. Excited to meet you and see what you've been up to!
58 weeks ago

Dana Leavy For job seekers and career changers, networking is at the top of the list for effective search tools, and I hear constant stories of success, both online and offline. Yet many people are intimidated by networking still, as it doesn't seem as tangible as applying to an advertised job. What have been your success stories with networking, and did you trust in the process, or was it by chance that it worked out for you?

58 weeks ago from Personal Development, Entrepreneurs, Career Changers, Brazen Careerists in New York City and Career Rocketeer 3 more

V. Holman recommended this

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Ty Unglebower: I honestly have not had any great success with networking so far. I dislike small talk, and I don't believe in calling people I don't know 4 or 5 ...MoreI honestly have not had any great success with networking so far. I dislike small talk, and I don't believe in calling people I don't know 4 or 5 or 6 or 10 times just to get them to talk to me and all of those other things. I am a more organic person, which yes means things can sometimes be frustrating in their slowness to develop. But I would rather it be that way then slap a plastic grin on my face and pretend I actually enjoy talking to someone I just met at an event I hate attending.

Now online "networking" has been a bit more effective for me. BC has been the most effective probably. Twitter, too. Some help from readers of my blog. I have never landed a job from these connections, and I have even had to end a few because they ended up not wanting to help me out, as much as they wanted help FROM me. (A very common problem these days.) But nonetheless, information and connections have been more forthcoming online than in person.
58 weeks ago

Morana Medved: I got all of my professional jobs through networking, so I guess you can call me a success story. But most of my networking happens away from ...MoreI got all of my professional jobs through networking, so I guess you can call me a success story. But most of my networking happens away from "networking events", through joining and being active with professional organizations, volunteering at my alma mater, keeping in touch with people I went to school with and worked at different positions or collaborated with on projects. I truly enjoy interacting with people in my network, so it's not a chore, and this allowed me to grow a circle I can reach out to when I need help. I am also continuously involved with helping people in my network. And one secret of networking is that when you get a good base group of people it starts growing exponentially as these people introduce you and recommend you in their own circle.
So don't go out there looking for people who can help you land a job - go out there with intention of meeting people who are interesting and finding out more about what they are doing, and also with intention to help out others through volunteering. Eventually it will lead to opportunities.
58 weeks ago

V. Holman This may have been a topic already but I missed it. Is there a difference between being business for yourself and being an entreprenuer?

59 weeks ago from Entrepreneurs

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Sean Masters: Sounds like semantics to me, or yet another case of people trying to redefine things for no reason. Entrepreneurs, by definition, are business ...MoreSounds like semantics to me, or yet another case of people trying to redefine things for no reason. Entrepreneurs, by definition, are business owners/operators.
58 weeks ago

Diane L: There is a term the private equity folks use when they are assessing companies to buy out...they check if this is a company with potential ...MoreThere is a term the private equity folks use when they are assessing companies to buy out...they check if this is a company with potential large-enough future earnings, or a "lifestyle business". I know at least one PE firm that avoids the lifestyle types because of the same reason you state...that the lifestyle types are at stagnating point, have not innovated, and have no sustainable future 10-20 years down. The firm that declines to buy the "lifestyle" business is not knowledgeable about the industry, prefers to spend its time elsewhere, and not into the buying out of "subpar-managed" businesses to reinvent and sell for higher price.

Don and Kim answer your question well. 2 types of successful business owners: the entrepreneurs that make the big (quick is possible but is not a prerequisite) buck and sell their company, and those that keep building a larger empire.
58 weeks ago

Veronica I'm in the process of starting a small business. I finished my business plan. Now, I'm wondering if the next step is to get on television so I can promote my book and earn some income.

61 weeks ago from Entrepreneurs

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V. Holman: If you want to be on television you can start by using local community access programs, they are usuallly free to use after paying for training. ...MoreIf you want to be on television you can start by using local community access programs, they are usuallly free to use after paying for training. I know it is here in NC. Or do a vlog and promote it yourself no training fees, annual fee or anything.

Also, like clay said depending on who the target market is for your book is the next step in where you would go with developing media for that target market.
61 weeks ago

LY Gian: When you say go on television, are you referring to attending television talk show or a TV advertisement? If it is talk shows it might be more ...MoreWhen you say go on television, are you referring to attending television talk show or a TV advertisement? If it is talk shows it might be more effective.
However, social medias e.g. blogs, a book club at facebook are also a good place to promote your books.
59 weeks ago

V. Holman I need to stay on Brazen C. more... so much info.!

59 weeks ago

Isra Pananon Any military folks out there? Check out the Employer Partnership: http://www.employerpartnership.org/ Good way to be seen and expand your network, virtually.

59 weeks ago

V. Holman recommended this

Jason H. Parker I have a few close friends whose companies are hiring Jr. and Sr. level recruiters. DC and other locations available. Let me know if you'd be interested!

59 weeks ago from We're Hiring, Recruiters Unite! and Human Resources 1 more

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Chris Parker: @Jason Alas I am not near any of those, let me know if it hits Indiana
59 weeks ago

V. Holman: Hey Jason I would be interested in the working from home position. Please provide more information, I would definitely be interested.
59 weeks ago

Vickie Elmer What's your most valuable question for leading a team? What queries do you ask again and again? My new piece for Fortune.com looks at the questions leaders use - http://management.fortune.cnn.com/2011/03/21/the-one-question-every-boss... So what's your favorite question? How do you use questions to lead?

61 weeks ago from Entrepreneurs and Inspiring Leadership

William Bryan and Allies Team recommended this

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Vickie Elmer: @Les, I agree with you, and the body of the article reflects that the questions are varied depending on circumstances.
@William, for some reason I ...More@Les, I agree with you, and the body of the article reflects that the questions are varied depending on circumstances.
@William, for some reason I couldn't get that blog post to show up. Who wrote it or what's the title? (Thanks for sharing!)
61 weeks ago

William Bryan: Vickie hopefully this works. I think it should. MoreVickie hopefully this works. I think it should. http://blogs.hbr.org/hmu/2011/02/making-sure-your-employees-suc.html
61 weeks ago

Bonnie Jeffers Now Hiring - HR Manager, manufacturing industry, South Jersey, $50k. Looking to interview next week. Contact me bjeffers@emersonpersonnel.com

59 weeks ago from We're Hiring

V. Holman: sent out to my twitter list.
59 weeks ago

Sal Pellettieri I have a site which I think will benefit schools greatly (and it's free). I'm having a hard time getting through to Principals, Superintendents and IT people though. I've tried emailing with little success and now am doing cold calling (which I hate). What do you think is the best strategy to get people to know about a website? and specifically to get through to schools?

61 weeks ago from Entrepreneurs

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Kate Hutchinson: What kind of pitch do you have for them? How will your site benefit a school? What you've shared so far is very vague, so I can't tell what you're ...MoreWhat kind of pitch do you have for them? How will your site benefit a school? What you've shared so far is very vague, so I can't tell what you're trying to sell.

Keep in mind a few things about marketing to schools: unless you're looking at a private school, there is very little in a public school's budget for new tools, particularly IT. Secondly, schools have real obligations where privacy and care of students is concerned, and the Internet, any Internet is often an obstacle to the directives of educators. Be careful to share that you are offering a real tool/benefit and not just some gadget that looks cool but goes outside what students are obligated to learn in the classroom.
61 weeks ago

Mike Ambassador Bruny: Sal,
Great suggestions and questions already on the table. I would add, start by using your network. Do you know someone, who knows someone? ...MoreSal,
Great suggestions and questions already on the table. I would add, start by using your network. Do you know someone, who knows someone? What school did the folks you are trying to connect with attend? You might have a connection there (I usually start with a bit of research / networking when I'm trying to reach folks). The other thing you could try is....just swing by when you are in the neighborhood (has worked very well for me to just introduce myself and connect later on).

Your Ambassador,
Mike Bruny
61 weeks ago

wendy aron Have you ever decided to hate a boss based on his or her movie preferences? One of my favorite Indie films of all times was "LIttle Miss Sunshine," and when my boss announced she hated it, I had a vendetta against her for the rest of my time at that particularly company. It did not serve me well. How about you?

61 weeks ago from What I Wish I Knew Then, Professional Writers and Editors, Creatively Inspired and Legally Speaking 2 more

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Mozart: This is hilarious!
61 weeks ago

V. Holman: This is why I became a fan of JRandom....LMBOOOOOOOOOO!!
61 weeks ago

Iris Aikins-Afful If anyone is interested in a fellowship being offered in D.C. in the Department of Health and Human Services, please reply to this as I was unable to post it on here b/c of its length and didn't know how to attach a word document to a posting. Best wishes!

61 weeks ago from We're Hiring

V. Holman: I would be interesting in know what the fellowship is about.
61 weeks ago

Shun Jackson How do you take, what you think is a great business idea, and turn it into an actual product? I have a great idea that I think can be useful to millions. However, I don't know how to get this idea into the right hands of someone who is ethical and wouldn't steal the idea as their own. But without help, I don't really know how to develop this idea.

62 weeks ago from Entrepreneurs

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Kevin Li: Came across this blog post today... pretty relevant to your situation.

MoreCame across this blog post today... pretty relevant to your situation.

http://blogs.forbes.com/jeffbercovici/2011/03/11/excerpt-maxim-founder-f...
62 weeks ago

Jamie Nacht Farrell: Even if your idea is unique and you can't find anyone else out there that is it or is doing what you intend to do - it's still all in the ...MoreEven if your idea is unique and you can't find anyone else out there that is it or is doing what you intend to do - it's still all in the execution. For example, if you ask a VC investor if they would rather have a "C" product and an "A" team or an "A" product and a "C" team - they would rather have the C product / A team - as they know the A team will execute.

I don't think you need to get an NDA. Put together an executive summary for your product and network around until you find someone whose a "mover and a shaker". This doesn't usually mean someone who can code or who has a "skill set" - you are looking for an "operator" or "general manager" who has taken something from idea to execution and been successful doing so.

I've been where you are - I trusted the right people - and the company is worth millions today. Take a chance, go with your gut.
62 weeks ago

Mona Abdel-Halim Does anyone have recommendations for creative tactics to spread the word about a site pre-launch?

63 weeks ago from Young Entrepreneur Community

V. Holman: Good question. I would be interested also.
63 weeks ago

Cormac Foster: I think it really depends on the site. While it probably sounds overly basic, you only need to market to your target market. A friend of mine is ...MoreI think it really depends on the site. While it probably sounds overly basic, you only need to market to your target market. A friend of mine is a reasonably successful actress within a very specific demographic (gamers between 18 and 35) that spends an awful lot of money on technology. She refers to herself as a "micro-celebrity." I'd venture to say that she makes almost as good a living promoting products through various Web contests, trade shows, etc. as she does off actual paying roles.

Years ago, Coke spent an awful lot of money pushing a not-really-viral IYDKYDG ("If you don't know, you don't go") campaign. the concept, down to the name, was to push a sense of exclusivity. It generated a lot of buzz and traffic, but eventually, visitors figured out it was some sort of bottle cap loyalty program, and they moved on. Horrible conversion rates, and, IMO, a big waste of time and money, They would have been better off targeting a demo in some contested ground or enemy territory (next to Pepsi displays in grocery stores?) and hitting them with really good, value-driven information about their promos.

The advertising industry has learned those lessons in the last 10 years, obviously, but I think they're good to internalize for all forms of promotion. What's your target market? I'm sue there are tons of very specific, inexpensive ways to create buzz within it.
63 weeks ago

Alexis Dubief What are your thoughts on blog directories? Are they a good plan or waste of time? Which ones do you recommend submitting your site to? Advice is welcome! Alexis www.troublesometots.com

64 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas, Wordpress Bloggers and Brazen Bloggers 1 more

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Sufi M: Blog Directories are a TOTAL waste of time. I submitted mine to 500 directories and I didn't get ONE visitor from them, nor have they even ...MoreBlog Directories are a TOTAL waste of time. I submitted mine to 500 directories and I didn't get ONE visitor from them, nor have they even appeared as backlinks on Google Webmaster Tools. Most of the directories charge you, have extremely long waiting times, AND the links are nofollow, meaning that people can click on it, but Google wont' consider that a link worth making a backlink. Sometimes even the featured links are nofollow.

Sincerely,
The Glaring Facts
http://www.theglaringfacts.com
64 weeks ago

Alexis Dubief: @Sufi - thanks for the info! I suspected this was the case but you just saved me a whole bunch of time and effort.
64 weeks ago