Questions for You and Me

1. My life has improved dramatically. Income is up (good thing), debt is going down (good thing). I’ve matured a lot (many things working together just finally clicked). I’ve found a way past one of my most consistent problems (yahoo!).

2. Free time down a bit due to travel back and forth from the office. Plus side – when I’m home, I’m home now and weekends are for the family.

3. Next move is – uh four- things. (1) Get funding for my startup. Business plan is prepped, doing a course on fund raising now to put on last touches and start submitting to Angel groups. (2) Totally rock the stuff I’m working on in my consulting gig and provide opportunity for upgrade in hourly or exposure. (3) Start doing the seminars that I’m supposed to be doing on destiny. The series rocks. (4) Either join a podcast network or find a sponsor for my podcast – which is starting to get some pretty darn good numbers.

4. Teach you? Peace. Perspective. Encouragement (something I’m terribly good at). Failure – as in what has failed in my first go at starting up a business from scratch – so you won’t have to repeat it. But really – a lot – peace. The ability to rest in the moment you’re in, know that you’re going in the right direction. Spiritual rest.

What can you teach me? I’m always learning.

1. My life has improved dramatically. Income is up (good thing), debt is going down (good thing). I’ve matured a lot (many things working together just finally clicked). I’ve found a way past one of my most consistent problems (yahoo!).

2. Free time down a bit due to travel back and forth from the office. Plus side – when I’m home, I’m home now and weekends are for the family.

3. Next move is – uh four- things. (1) Get funding for my startup. Business plan is prepped, doing a course on fund raising now to put on last touches and start submitting to Angel groups. (2) Totally rock the stuff I’m working on in my consulting gig and provide opportunity for upgrade in hourly or exposure. (3) Start doing the seminars that I’m supposed to be doing on destiny. The series rocks. (4) Either join a podcast network or find a sponsor for my podcast – which is starting to get some pretty darn good numbers.

4. Teach you? Peace. Perspective. Encouragement (something I’m terribly good at). Failure – as in what has failed in my first go at starting up a business from scratch – so you won’t have to repeat it. But really – a lot – peace. The ability to rest in the moment you’re in, know that you’re going in the right direction. Spiritual rest.

What can you teach me? I’m always learning.

Oohh! I like games!

Between this time last July and now, I’ve done a whole career change! I was “let go” from my retail management “career” at the end of July 2006 and began building my own web design and consulting business almost immediately. Since then, I’ve settled in to a wonderful spot with TalkShoe.com and couldn’t be happier with the change. The move to my own freelancing+TalkShoe has definitely affected (read: decreased) my free time, but I’m doing what I love, and loving every minute of it.

I’m getting married in a few weeks, too, and am pretty excited about that. Following the honeymoon, I’ll be hitting the pavement locally to find more local clients and build the business locally.

As for teachings, I’ve always been a pretty avid hobby bowler, and my career before the web was in retail. Take your pick?

My turn!

What was your first Job, Chris, and what have you pulled from it in your current role(s)?

Do you find, working in the social web, that you’re doing more people watching or eavesdropping? How has your work changed your non-work day-to-day?

What color is your toothbrush?

Oohh! I like games!

Between this time last July and now, I’ve done a whole career change! I was “let go” from my retail management “career” at the end of July 2006 and began building my own web design and consulting business almost immediately. Since then, I’ve settled in to a wonderful spot with TalkShoe.com and couldn’t be happier with the change. The move to my own freelancing+TalkShoe has definitely affected (read: decreased) my free time, but I’m doing what I love, and loving every minute of it.

I’m getting married in a few weeks, too, and am pretty excited about that. Following the honeymoon, I’ll be hitting the pavement locally to find more local clients and build the business locally.

As for teachings, I’ve always been a pretty avid hobby bowler, and my career before the web was in retail. Take your pick?

My turn!

What was your first Job, Chris, and what have you pulled from it in your current role(s)?

Do you find, working in the social web, that you’re doing more people watching or eavesdropping? How has your work changed your non-work day-to-day?

What color is your toothbrush?

Oooops. I almost forgot. I can share with you how to be a great dad (though it “sounds” like you’re already working on that) and a great husband as well. In fact, you could throw all the rest out (except for PEACE) and it would be worth the time.

Oooops. I almost forgot. I can share with you how to be a great dad (though it “sounds” like you’re already working on that) and a great husband as well. In fact, you could throw all the rest out (except for PEACE) and it would be worth the time.

1) My life has drastically improved. I lost my home to flooding, my job and more. Why improved? Because of the motivation that these things have provided to my life. I’m happier and headed in directions I thought were at least another 3-5 years down the road: self-employed, making contacts and living in a neighborhood where I don’t worry about my tires getting slashed. I also have more time and less stress to play with my 5-yr old son.

2) My chosen career has been graphic arts, however I’m considering the move into audio production within sales and advertising. Lots and lots of footwork will get me there. Communication is key.

3) I can teach you that if you never give up, you’ll never truly fail.

Here are my questions for you:
1: What do you do with your free time that isn’t a hobby but is purely self-serving and for YOUR relaxation?

2: What are your answers to your own questions?

3: Pursuing a career is mostly about creating an income that can help us to survive and hopefully to retire easily when the time comes. Are you happy with your career and will it help you meet those “standard” goals?

1) My life has drastically improved. I lost my home to flooding, my job and more. Why improved? Because of the motivation that these things have provided to my life. I’m happier and headed in directions I thought were at least another 3-5 years down the road: self-employed, making contacts and living in a neighborhood where I don’t worry about my tires getting slashed. I also have more time and less stress to play with my 5-yr old son.

2) My chosen career has been graphic arts, however I’m considering the move into audio production within sales and advertising. Lots and lots of footwork will get me there. Communication is key.

3) I can teach you that if you never give up, you’ll never truly fail.

Here are my questions for you:
1: What do you do with your free time that isn’t a hobby but is purely self-serving and for YOUR relaxation?

2: What are your answers to your own questions?

3: Pursuing a career is mostly about creating an income that can help us to survive and hopefully to retire easily when the time comes. Are you happy with your career and will it help you meet those “standard” goals?

Err.. that should say in answer 1):
I lost my home to flooding, lost my job and more. Why improved? …

Err.. that should say in answer 1):
I lost my home to flooding, lost my job and more. Why improved? …

#1 Between now and last July, my life improved by meeting hundreds of other bloggers, video producers and other social media creators — and fans — face to face. My free time, surprisingly, is now richer because I’m working that much more.

#2 My next move for my career is settling my massive financial imbalance. I’ll get there by taking several private steps to clear up existing debt and then begin living like a financially responsible adult instead of someone who’s expecting a market to appear overnight.

#3 I can teach Chris Brogan how to edit on Final Cut, how to attract and retain passionate collaborators, and how to win at NBA Live 2004 for the PS2.

#1 Between now and last July, my life improved by meeting hundreds of other bloggers, video producers and other social media creators — and fans — face to face. My free time, surprisingly, is now richer because I’m working that much more.

#2 My next move for my career is settling my massive financial imbalance. I’ll get there by taking several private steps to clear up existing debt and then begin living like a financially responsible adult instead of someone who’s expecting a market to appear overnight.

#3 I can teach Chris Brogan how to edit on Final Cut, how to attract and retain passionate collaborators, and how to win at NBA Live 2004 for the PS2.

Between last July and now, has your life improved?
- I’ve become contented on a personal level, finally figured out who I am and that sort of thing.
- My job has become more challenging and rewarding, I’m learning more things.
- I finally figured out what my podcast is and what its purpose is

How about your free time?
What is this “free time” you speak of? Between work and personal projects I have none now.

What is your next move for your career?
Be a better Information Architect and build out the web app I’m working on

How will you get there?
I need to read more and maybe go to school again. Need to think like a coder again for that web app though.

What can you teach me?
A million things that seem useless until that moment where it’s crucial and relevant.

Also I’ve come to realize that I got a hell of a lot to teach about web development, usability and accessibility.

Between last July and now, has your life improved?
- I’ve become contented on a personal level, finally figured out who I am and that sort of thing.
- My job has become more challenging and rewarding, I’m learning more things.
- I finally figured out what my podcast is and what its purpose is

How about your free time?
What is this “free time” you speak of? Between work and personal projects I have none now.

What is your next move for your career?
Be a better Information Architect and build out the web app I’m working on

How will you get there?
I need to read more and maybe go to school again. Need to think like a coder again for that web app though.

What can you teach me?
A million things that seem useless until that moment where it’s crucial and relevant.

Also I’ve come to realize that I got a hell of a lot to teach about web development, usability and accessibility.

My life has indeed improved, because I like who I am more everyday. I’m finding my feet and walking on them. Nope, I have less time. A LOT less, but I’m living more inside every minute and plan to do even more than that. :)

I’m already doing a WHOLE lot with my career — folks are catching on the mix that allow me to focus their business and put them together with other folks they can work with.

Chris,
Whatdya wanna be if ya grow up? If you could go back and pick up a skill what would it be? Why aren’t you a ballerina?

My life has indeed improved, because I like who I am more everyday. I’m finding my feet and walking on them. Nope, I have less time. A LOT less, but I’m living more inside every minute and plan to do even more than that. :)

I’m already doing a WHOLE lot with my career — folks are catching on the mix that allow me to focus their business and put them together with other folks they can work with.

Chris,
Whatdya wanna be if ya grow up? If you could go back and pick up a skill what would it be? Why aren’t you a ballerina?

1. Since last July, like Justin, a whole new set of social media connections, though not yet face-to-face.

2. Free time has been diminishing, or perhaps just getting more focused on using it.

3. I have no clue what the next career step is. I see a bunch of really cool pieces, but have no clue how they stitch together. And as for getting there, I wait with an active inquisitive wait.

4. Teach you? What do you WANT to learn, since that where teaching starts.

And for you? If you could ask God (assuming existence of same (which, of course, I do)) 15 questions, what would one of them be?

Between last July and now, has your life improved? How about your free time?

I’ve gone from a job I loved but where I’d stopped learning to a job I love where I learn every day. I’m blogging, podcasting, developing, and building community as part of my work, and I love it. “Free time” was always “play with projects” time anyway, so now it’s just generally work related.

What is your next move for your career? How will you get there?

Some of this depends on the magic start-up 8ball, but one thing is certain: what I’ve been learning these past few months opens up a lot of avenues I didn’t have before.

What can you teach me?

I seem to learn an awful lot from you, Mr. Brogan, so I don’t know about teaching you per se, but as for what knowledge do I have to share, I’ve been toying around with a few things. I feel as though I’ve got an interesting perspective on validation and how it affects our personal and professional lives.

I’ve also tried a great many things over the past 15 or so years and found out that once you try it, they’re not rocket science. I’d like to spread that meme around a bit, and help people get over that “But I don’t know how” hurdle and just start trying stuff.

If I had unlimited time and funds, I’d likely start something like a “NotRocketScience.com” screencast/videoblog covering everything from XHTML/CSS to video editing to flash, and a separate blog about validation and how it affects life and things like product and UI design, advertising, and how to recognize validation based manipulation.

Between last July and now, has your life improved? How about your free time?

I’ve gone from a job I loved but where I’d stopped learning to a job I love where I learn every day. I’m blogging, podcasting, developing, and building community as part of my work, and I love it. “Free time” was always “play with projects” time anyway, so now it’s just generally work related.

What is your next move for your career? How will you get there?

Some of this depends on the magic start-up 8ball, but one thing is certain: what I’ve been learning these past few months opens up a lot of avenues I didn’t have before.

What can you teach me?

I seem to learn an awful lot from you, Mr. Brogan, so I don’t know about teaching you per se, but as for what knowledge do I have to share, I’ve been toying around with a few things. I feel as though I’ve got an interesting perspective on validation and how it affects our personal and professional lives.

I’ve also tried a great many things over the past 15 or so years and found out that once you try it, they’re not rocket science. I’d like to spread that meme around a bit, and help people get over that “But I don’t know how” hurdle and just start trying stuff.

If I had unlimited time and funds, I’d likely start something like a “NotRocketScience.com” screencast/videoblog covering everything from XHTML/CSS to video editing to flash, and a separate blog about validation and how it affects life and things like product and UI design, advertising, and how to recognize validation based manipulation.

1)My life has much improved between july of last year and now. I quit a 70 hour work week to just bum around the house with the kids. I have no schedule *only b/c it’s the summer* but that’s heating up due to cheerleading and football. I actually have free time now as opposed to the last 4 years that I’ve had none.
2) I’m considering taking my career further. I’m an EMT and I’m considering getting my RN and becoming a labor and delivery nurse. I love the babies. I have to get the kids schedules straightened out, come up with some cashola and figure out which school is the best for me to achieve this.

3) I can teach you the fine are of making cinnamon rolls and homemade bread, and how to throw a PARTY for 100 of your closest friends with virtually no stress.

My turn!
Boxers, briefs, boxer briefs, or none?
*I always like asking the slightly off questions*

1)My life has much improved between july of last year and now. I quit a 70 hour work week to just bum around the house with the kids. I have no schedule *only b/c it’s the summer* but that’s heating up due to cheerleading and football. I actually have free time now as opposed to the last 4 years that I’ve had none.
2) I’m considering taking my career further. I’m an EMT and I’m considering getting my RN and becoming a labor and delivery nurse. I love the babies. I have to get the kids schedules straightened out, come up with some cashola and figure out which school is the best for me to achieve this.

3) I can teach you the fine are of making cinnamon rolls and homemade bread, and how to throw a PARTY for 100 of your closest friends with virtually no stress.

My turn!
Boxers, briefs, boxer briefs, or none?
*I always like asking the slightly off questions*

didn’t spell check my work..lol…that should read fine ART of making cinnamon rolls..

didn’t spell check my work..lol…that should read fine ART of making cinnamon rolls..

Great great GREAT answers, everyone. So here are my answers to your questions:

@Tommy Vallier- My first ever job was at Stevens Memorial Library in North Andover, MA. I was the guy who put books away, but always got special projects because I was clever.

I don’t consider social media/networking eavesdropping or people watching. Instead, I feel like I’m one of the gang.

My toothbrush is dark blue.

@Kim Fenolio – In my free time for relaxation, I hang out at bookstores and libraries.

I’ll answer my own questions in a bit, if that’s okay. : )

Am I happy that my career will help me retire? No. Because I’ve got financial issues that are my own doing. I make great money. I just have to plug my debt holes, pay it off, and then get smarter. In lieu of that, I intend to become slightly more wealthy and negate the issue that way.

@Liz Strauss- When I grow up, I want to be living off my own books, speaking tours, and seminars.

I wish I had an education in journalism.

I’m not a ballerina because my pliet is very messy.

@Jon Swanson- I’d ask God how to convert people’s good will into initiative, as I seem to fail at that.

@LizaJne – boxer briefs.

Okay, Kim asked about my own questions:

1.) Between last July and now, my entire life rebooted. PodCamp, new career, tons of new stuff.

2.) Next phase in my career is to be an author/speaker/educator on topics similar to what I cover here, and to run events around that platform as well.

3.) I can teach myself to accept my flaws.

–

I hope more people play. : )

Great great GREAT answers, everyone. So here are my answers to your questions:

@Tommy Vallier- My first ever job was at Stevens Memorial Library in North Andover, MA. I was the guy who put books away, but always got special projects because I was clever.

I don’t consider social media/networking eavesdropping or people watching. Instead, I feel like I’m one of the gang.

My toothbrush is dark blue.

@Kim Fenolio – In my free time for relaxation, I hang out at bookstores and libraries.

I’ll answer my own questions in a bit, if that’s okay. : )

Am I happy that my career will help me retire? No. Because I’ve got financial issues that are my own doing. I make great money. I just have to plug my debt holes, pay it off, and then get smarter. In lieu of that, I intend to become slightly more wealthy and negate the issue that way.

@Liz Strauss- When I grow up, I want to be living off my own books, speaking tours, and seminars.

I wish I had an education in journalism.

I’m not a ballerina because my pliet is very messy.

@Jon Swanson- I’d ask God how to convert people’s good will into initiative, as I seem to fail at that.

@LizaJne – boxer briefs.

Okay, Kim asked about my own questions:

1.) Between last July and now, my entire life rebooted. PodCamp, new career, tons of new stuff.

2.) Next phase in my career is to be an author/speaker/educator on topics similar to what I cover here, and to run events around that platform as well.

3.) I can teach myself to accept my flaws.

–

I hope more people play. : )