http://vanessarhinesmith.com/blog Wed, 17 Mar 2010 10:58:10 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Introducing Lucille "Lucy" Rose Rhinesmith! Lucy was born on March 6, 2010 at 8:34 PM, weighing in at 6 pounds 2 ounces and 18 1/2 inches.  We are smitten with our newest addition! To fully enjoy every moment I will be on maternity leave from all social networks (other than to gush ... http://vanessarhinesmith.com/blog/2010/03/17/look-what-we-made-maternity-leave-until-april/ Oh come on, we've all been there. You know, in one of those situations where you're not quite on the same page as your client regarding next steps, a particular item and/or the way to achieve the primary project objectives. It happens to all of us. So once it's been determined ... http://vanessarhinesmith.com/blog/2010/02/12/navigating-client-expectations/ Whether you're a freelancer, contractor or simply work remotely it can be both convenient and uniquely challenging to work in an nontraditional office. My "office" has been anywhere from the Cambridge Public Library to my current location, the dining room table. The perks of a nontraditional workspace seem almost endless - ... http://vanessarhinesmith.com/blog/2010/02/09/how-to-establish-a-productive-distraction-free-workflow/ If you're reading this post, then you probably came here via Twitter. You're on Twitter, I'm on Twitter, but who isn't on Twitter - or who's on Twitter, but not really here (meaning inactive). This (slightly snarky) thought process was sparked by reading, 80%+ Twitter accounts inactive, but core users ... http://vanessarhinesmith.com/blog/2010/02/04/im-sorry-your-audience-isnt-here-to-play/ It's often more natural to assess and identify areas of improvement in others, especially when working with a client or if strategic assessments are part of your professional portfolio - but what about when it comes to you. A personal heart-to-heart. Have you checked in with yourself lately to identify areas ... http://vanessarhinesmith.com/blog/2010/02/03/self-assessment-identifying-areas-of-improvement/ With all that tweeting, it's easy to forget about email. Email has become one of many communication options, but is still a primary mean leveraged by many, especially when it comes to project-oriented communication. More of us are working independently and remotely with email critical to our working relationships. I'm a ... http://vanessarhinesmith.com/blog/2010/01/31/project-oriented-communication-ways-to-maximize-email-and-minimize-frustration/ Sometimes time completely escapes me - and posts or items that I had every intention of sharing completely get missed. This is one such case. A couple of months ago I wrapped up a project for an outstanding nonprofit organization, Freedom States Alliance (FSA). Like many nonprofits, they were trying ... http://vanessarhinesmith.com/blog/2010/01/26/sequence-of-execution-and-the-development-of-a-social-media-strategy/ After many hours of thinking, planning and soul searching, I have made the decision to go freelance and Left Behind Bottle Caps is coming with me. I am proud to introduce a slightly updated blog and Left Behind Bottle Caps Communications. The decision to make this blog more a professional think ... http://vanessarhinesmith.com/blog/2010/01/22/the-freelance-plunge-introducing-left-behind-bottle-caps-communications/ Yesterday was a big day in Massachusetts, but this isn't a post about the outcome. Rather, it's about a valuable reminder and lessons learned while chatting nervously on Twitter last night prior to the announcement of the election results. Choosing to respond. The typical feeling in social media these days is ... http://vanessarhinesmith.com/blog/2010/01/20/mums-the-word-chosing-to-not-respond/ This year has held moments of laughter, joy, tears, sorrow and so, so much more. - I have learned that change is hard. - Sometimes it is okay to walk away. - Losing someone you love is never easy. - Grieving is even harder. - Old habits are hard to break. If this year taught ... http://vanessarhinesmith.com/blog/2009/12/29/ambiguous-clarity-be-back-in-2010/