Welcome to Brazen Careerist!

About Me

Background: Vanessa loves sour candy, romantic comedies and her Panini maker. She graduated from Emory University in 2007 with a degree in Mandarin and International Studies. She was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. She speaks Spanish, French, Chinese and English and often plays translator on Scott and Vanessa’s trips. She wishes Scott would let her get a puppy. She runs a number of websites and small companies; the most popular being Radical Parenting.com which is a parenting advice blog written by kids.Vanessa Van Petten

Her Passions: Vanessa loves writing of all kind–novels, short stories, self-help and non-fiction. She also enjoys creative strategy and technology such as guerrilla marketing ideas, new ways to brand and how online technology is changing offline life. And (of course) she is addicted to travel.

How She Makes Money:

1. Book sales: Vanessa has written 2 books:

- You’re Grounded! A parenting book from the kid’s perspective, which Vanessa wrote when she was 17.

- Dirt-E Secrets of an Internet Kid an ebook for parents on keeping their kids safe online and understanding the technological world of teens today.

2. Consulting and Speaking: Vanessa works with bloggers and small companies on blog monetization, gaining traffic and social media. She also speaks to companies, at schools and organizations on her career, the internet and teen/parent communication (one of her passions). In addition, Vanessa helps companies develop all technology platforms and marketing plans such as iPhone app development and private social network building.

3. Blogging: Vanessa keeps a number of blogs (anonymous and public) where she sells ad space, sponsorships and gets free products.

4. Affiliate Sales: Vanessa sells a number of affiliate products on her various websites through Amazon and private companies.

5. Webinars and E-Products: There are a few different e-products that Vanessa sells. Many of our articles go into how, why and what our online products are. Some examples include a Study Skills Bootcamp Webinar, a Mom Blogger Teleseminar and an ebook on Self-Publishing. She also has a number of iPhone applications.

6. Trendspotting and Focus Groups: Vanessa is able to monetize her travels by doing trendspotting for companies and conducting focus groups around the world.

7. Youthology: Vanessa works with youth on self esteem, career development and pursuing their passions. She also developed a training program for Youthologists to work with teens and families all over the world.

Van Petten is now on a national speaking tour, and has been featured on CBS 4 Miami and Fox 5 New York and has been in the Wall Street Journal, MSN Money, Good Housekeeping Online, Atlanta Insite Magazine and the World Journal. She has been an expert on Playboy Radio, KBUR, WCOJ Philadelphia and more for giving a young perspective on awesome parenting.

Check out her blog and videos at: !