Social Media and My Life

1) What do I use Social Media for in order to lead a Good Life?

Reasons I use Social Media:

1 - To keep in touch with extended family and friends (Facebook)

2 - To stay fresh and knowledgeable in my field of work - Fashion (Blogs, Twitter, Facebook)

3 - To make plans (Facebook)

4 - To show others what I am doing and what I look like (Facebook)

5 - To keep tabs on people I haven't spoken to in years (Facebook)

What qualifies as a good life:

- Time spent with family and friends

- Time doing activities that bring you happiness

- Working a job that you enjoy

- Eating good food

- Helping others

Looking at the 2 lists, it is difficult to say with conviction that my Social Media usage is directly related to me living out a good life. Sure, I connect with extended family and friends on Facebook, I can see pictures and read status updates, but I think that a 15 minute phone conversation will give me a much better connection with the person than creeping their profile and "liking" photos.

When I compare my list of good life qualities to my Social Media usage I don't see a strong connection. Yes, there is the viewing blogs for professional reasons but that to me is the only obvious similarity that we can compare between the lists. Posting pictures of myself, creeping profiles, and surfing blogs can be fun, but it does not lend a solid hand in my overall good life (You can't sit down and enjoy a big plate of "Tweets")

2) When did I start using Social Media and why?

I joined Facebook early in my Kwantlen career after another student showed me. I didn't use it much during the first few years. It eventually became a tool to connect with friends I had in highschool and even elementary school! My is now used more as a way to keep connected with people that A) I actually hang out with away from the computer and B) Work in my industry. I have gone away from having a friends list full of past friends to a list of friends that share similar interests and our reflective of my current life.

Twitter and blogging were things I was introduced to while I was interning for a photographer/blogger/social media expert, Kris Krug, in 2008. Looking back now, I wish that I had taken his advice more seriously about getting on broad with social media and creating an online presence. If I have a regret in my "Career Life" it would be NOT starting a blog 4 years ago and NOT realizing the opportunities that social media would of opened up for me as I ventured forward with my career goals.

3) How would I replace Social Media if it was taken away?

Social Media would be replaced with the following:

1- A Women's Wear Daily subscription

2- Increased Talk and Text plan for the cell phone

3- Email communications

4- More face to face connections

If I woke up tomorrow and Facebook, Twitter, and Personal Blogs where gone, I would be disappointed. The habits I have formed around checking various Social Media applications would take awhile to dissolve and I would crave to "be in the know" and my FOMO (fear of missing out) would flare up. But if I was to reflect back on my list of good life qualities I would see that not having my Social Media fix is not negatively affecting my quality of life. I would remind myself that I know how to speak on the phone, call up a friend I haven't seen in a while, and meet up with them over some good food and verbal conversation.

Reading Non Verbal Facial Expressions

We have talked in class about how important non verbal cues are, but can you decipher what they mean? What does it mean when someone is rubbing their eyes or pulling on their ear? The following article will tell you what some of these gestures mean.

http://selfempowermentsecrets.com/knowing-someone-by-body-language-face-edition/

If you know what they mean you are on your way to truly understanding non verbal actions. Of course not every time someone is rubbing their eyes means they doubt or do not believe something. However if you know that sometimes that what it means you can decide if this is true to the situation you are in.

Username and Password

On March 20, 2012, Metronews reported that an applicant was asked for his Facebook username and password during the interview as a step of hiring process. Also, in order to learn more about the applicant through his Facebook account.

However, on March 23, 2012, Metronews reported that Facebook warns employers not to demand for passwords to the job applicants as it is a violation of policy against sharing password.

Job seekers getting asked for Facebook passwords: http://www.metronews.ca/london/world/article/1128986--job-seekers-getting-asked-for-facebook-passwords

Facebook warns employers not to demand passwords: http://www.metronews.ca/calgary/life/article/1132601--facebook-warns-employers-not-to-demand-passwords

Plain Language Guidelines

Hi Everyone,

One of my biggest challenges for this particular class was to keep my writing selective to simple language. As university students, most of us learn several sophisticated words with every class taken. Several students, such as myself,  reiterate these words into our everyday conversations and school writing assignments. This class has taught me that it is more important for documents to be comprehensive and simple, than to be filled with big and sophisticated words.

I found this great website which contains guidelines to plain language. These guidelines are filled with tips which we can find in our text book and also things we have learned throughout this class.

Please visit the link below if you are interested,

http://www.plainlanguage.gov/howto/guidelines/FederalPLGuidelines/TOC.cfm

Recommendations Report - Vancouver Canucks

Hey Guys,

Has anyone heard about the recommendations report in regards to avoiding another Stanley Cup riot?

Take a look at this link from CBC News.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/story/2011/09/01/bc-riot-review.html

Key recommendations include:

·         The development of a regional framework for emergency services to work together in events like a  riot

·         That RCMP and VPD tactical troops train together and develop common tactics

·         That TransLink lead a process to better control alcohol in and around the transit system

·         That the City of Vancouver form a ‘Major Events Planning Team’ drawing on experience to develop better plans for one-off celebrations

·         The development of an ‘Everyday Heroes’ plan to attract volunteers needed to help stage special events

·         That the Vancouver Canucks and the NHL both work to encourage year-round, ‘safe’ public celebrations

However, after looking at another Recommendations Report from the Globe and Mail it puts a different spin on things.

They are taking all of the fun out of the Play Offs.

Take a look at the like below.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/british-columbia/stephen-quinn/buzzkill-for-the-canucks-next-shot-at-the-cup/article2380057/

In this report, it states that this year the city will take the following measures, should the Vancouver Canucks reach the Stanley Cup final series

·         All licensed establishments and liquor outlets in Vancouver will be prohibited from selling or serving alcohol to anyone for the duration of the series.

·         Pubs that remain open will be prohibited from showing the games on TV.

·         Sky Train service will be limited to 7:30 p.m. on game nights.

·         Special police enforcement teams will patrol major streets pre-emptively, arresting anyone wearing a Canucks jersey.

However, I am sure that despite all of these extreme measures, drunken young men and women in hockey jerseys will gather in the downtown core, regardless of any rules.
Any thoughts?...

Why is social media important to me?

1) What do I use social media for in order to lead a good life?
I define a good life as myself being well informed and in constant communication with my peers. As a H.R student, it is important that I utilize social media to help advance my career so I can lead an even better life. Currently, I use Facebook to stay in touch with my personal friends - Facebook has made planning events a breeze compared to 10 years ago where you relied solely on email or phone RSVPs. I use Twitter for entertainment purposes only. I never tweet myself, however I get great enjoyment out of reading how blah celebrities are on a day-to-day basis with their meaningless posts about nothing of great importances.
For example: Paris Hilton @ParisHilton "Good morning everyone! Have a Wonderful day! Love Paris :) xoxo" - What a ray for sunshine, life is awesome when your born into billions. I use Linkedin to stay connected with companies I have worked for in the past, students who I have worked with in the past and people who I would like to potentially work for one day. In addition to these modes of social media, the degree in human resources management requires all students to keep a Mahara e-portfolio that instructors and other students can view - it comes in handy for the final practicum.

2)When did I start using social media and why? 
I started using social media (Facebook) in my first year of school at Kwantlen aprox 2008. I joined it because two class-mates kept telling me it was awesome and that I had to join it. I'm glad I did, I have been able to maintain a friendship with these two classmates since our marketing class because we checkup on each other every so often on Facebook.

3)How would I replace social media if it was taken away? 
I don't think I would function like a normal person, social media is a simple thing but the connectivity of social media is a euphoric sensation. If I was in that horrible situation, I would rely on online forums, mass-chain emails, and chat rooms to stay in touch with people. I would also resort to mass-text messages and conference calling if I needed to communicate with multiple people at one time. I would probably replace social media with other useful things such as picking up a book and reading it for fun - not because it is a required reading for class but to honestly enjoy it. Or, I would get out more and potentially get back into playing team sports - who knows, the little free time I have I spend multitasking between school emails, personal emails and social media; I don't put a lot of thought into what I would be doing instead.

Don't Use These 10 Terms In Your Resume Or Cover Letter

LinkedIn is the worlds largest professional network consisting of over 120 million members. It is a business-related social networking website. LinkedIn connects you to your trusted contacts and helps you share ideas, knowledge, and opportunities with a broad network of professionals.

LinkedIn recently released the most overused words in their user profiles and suggests eliminating them from resumes and cover letters. The terms are listed below:

1. Creative
2. Organizational
3. Effective
4. Extensive experience
5. Track record
6. Motivated
7. Innovative
8. Problem solving
9. Communication skills
10. Dynamic

LinkedIn suggests replacing these terms with specific examples of "how you're a problem solver", etc.

To view the full article visit the link below,

http://www.businessinsider.com/most-overused-words-cover-letter-2011-12

Two cans and a string

Two cans and a string is an entertaining way to communicate during the 19^th century. However, the distance between two persons communicating with each other is limited. In contrast with the new media of communication (social media) such as facebook, twitter, and blogs, where the distance is not limited and the communications is not only limited between two people.

Check this site on how “two cans and a string” works: http://science.howstuffworks.com/question410.htm

Personal Competencies to Portray during a Job Interview

 This article is a very good resource should you be actively participating in interviews, or simply want to learn more about some of the things employer's are looking for in candidates.

The article basically states that there are five essential skills or competencies that every employer is looking for, and they are:

1. Organizational
2. Critical Thinking 
3. Communication 
4. Interpersonal 
5. Multi-Tasking 

These five competencies are explained in more detail, and the article highlights how exactly these can be portrayed to an employer. This is a very beneficial read, especially for students.

http://www.worktree.com/newsletter/skills-to-convey-interview.html

RIM is falling by the wayside against Samsung and Apple

This is an interesting article which speaks to the current situation Canadian mobile manufacturer (RIM), or Research in Motion, is measured up against Apple and Samsung.

When looking back roughly three to four years ago, it was clear that Blackberries were everywhere. Almost everyone had one, and the mobile market in Canada was filled with a majority of Blackberry users.  Now, looking to the future, the Canadian based company is facing some very interesting challenges against competitors.

If your interested in technology at all, or about mobile phones, this is a good read..

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/technology/a-two-horse-race-between-apple-and-samsung-makes-it-tougher-for-rim/article2381747/

How To Properly Exit A Conversation

This article I came across discusses the importance of the beginning and ending of professional conversations. The end of the conversation is quite "tricky" because whatever feeling you give the audience at the end is, ultimately, how you will be remembered.

The article states that you shouldn't wait too long to end the conversation because the audience will start to feel strain and become uncomfortable, anxious or even bored. It also states that you shouldn't end the conversation abruptly. To leave a good lasting impression, offer something of value to the audience before you leave the conversation.

Here are Four Strategic Approaches to a Graceful Exit:

1. Information- Suggest articles, books or websites you think might be of value to the audience
2. A Connection- Offer to introduce them to someone you think they should meet. Make sure you are actually able to make this introduction since it would be very awkward to promise and not deliver
3. Visibility- Invite them to speak or be a part of something you are already a part of, such as a committee or organization
4. Recognition- Discuss an award or recognition you think they should be awarded for

To read the full article visit the link below,

http://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-strategically-exit-a-conversation-and-leave-a-killer-lasting-impression-2012-1

Hi All,

I thought this was pretty funny - we've all done these presentations, we've all seen these presentations, and I am sure we all hate these presentations!  Hard to take anybody seriously when they are not prepared and don't know what they are presenting.

Enjoy

-A

How Social Media Has Changed My Life

1) I use social media for the most part in order to find workout routines, supplements and meal plans. Social Media has given me almost full access into the lives of professional bodybuilders as well as nutritionists for no cost. Youtube is my main source for searching of workout routines. My goal has been to build muscle mass as well as leading a healthy lifestyle. Sites such as bodybuildine.com are supplement stores online but also have blogs set up connected to their site and I mostly use their sites to review new products as well as existing products that have worked for others.

Many bodybuilders reach out to their fans using Youtube. I have become a fan of many bodybuilders such as:

• Jay Cutler
• Ronnie Coleman
• Branch Warren
• Phil Heath

 They are the most recognized names in the industry. From time to time they put up their entire workout on a particular day of certain muscle group. For example, Jay cutler has a chest workout on say febuarary 9 of last year up. The one thing that I really enjoy about it is that the bodybuilders really explain what workouts work for them as well as how to do do the exercise properly. Technique is everything when working out and in each video they take the time out to explain why their doing a particular exercise and how exactly to make the correct movement. This has been a tremendous help to the vast growth that I've seen in myself and what others have seen in me.

The way that bodybuilding blogs have helped has gone along way as well. Everyone that is serious about lifting weights knows that working out is only 20% of building muscle and the rest is diet. On bodybuilding.com they have a vast range of topics that are being discussed. Alot of people post their meal plans as well as what their goal is. By goal I mean what are they trying to do; lose weight, gain mass or become ripped. The blogs allow for reviews on supplements and allow users to voice their opinion good or bad.

2) I started using youtube as well as bodybuilding.com about 2 and half years ago. I got to a point where I wasn't happy with my physical appearance and I went from being 222lbs to 165lbs in a matter of three months. When I hit 165lbs I realized that I looked quite unhealthy being so skinny. So I decided to get a gym membership. With this I wasn't to certain on how to workout or how to achieve the goal that I had set for myself which was to gain 45lbs of only muscle. So I decided to do some research on the internet and that's where I found a link to Jaycutlertv which is Jay Cutler's channel on youtube and just started going through all his videos. Ever since then I've been hooked on searching for new ways to train as well as follow the former Mr. Olympia.

3) I think I have done enough research on training to be able to implement different kinds of workouts to achieve great results. I would have to say that I have done about 200 hours of research on various workout routines as well as creating the best meal plan for myself. I have been able to gain alot of muscle mass over the last 2 and half years and I attribute that to my detailed analysis of what has worked for me and what doesn't and then incorporating those positive items together to create an ultimate meal plan that I use today.

If I ever did need more information and social media was taken away from me then I would go on to the internet and order videos that the pros have made in order to satisfy my thirst for knowledge. But to be honest I think I am pretty well contempt with the level of knowledge that I have at the moment and I feel I'm well prepared for any situation or goal that I define for myself in the future.

England riots: Government mulls social media controls

Everyone,

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-14493497

This article as well as the events surrounding this article were during the riots that occurred last summer in England. What the article is about how the English government was assessing whether or not to "turn off social media...during times of social unrest".

The English government believed that social media as well as texting was used to orchestrate the horrific riots that occurred in the country last summer. Mr Cameron includes facebook, twitter and blackberry devices under social media.

The law side of this was whether or not the shutting down of social media during a time of unrest is a violation of civil liberties. Civil rights campaigners have attacked this proposal because they say that big events like this are used in order to control what people say and do. Jim Killock says that Cameron has to be "careful not to attack these fundamental needs because of concerns about the actions of a small minority".

John Bassett, a former senior official at GCHQ states that the government should "exert state control" over social media, but they should encourage the community itself to report any behavior that could result to the public being harmed.

This is one of many other attempts that a government has tried to strict/limit its citizens on what is said over social media. People have the right to express themselves through social media as long as it doesn't directly attack another person. Governments have the technology that can filter out social media sights for key words in order to be ready for possible social unrest. I don't believe a law could ever come into play that hinders an individuals right to express freedom of speech especially over the internet due to the actions of a select few such as the riots that occurred.

Finally, people have the right to speak and that right should not be violated.

Ramen Bath

The Best Second Language to Learn

The Best Second Language to Learn

On the Economist website today I came across and ongoing and interesting debate.

Question: What second language would be the most beneficial to learn?

Robert Lane Greene, an economist, introduces this debate series. When the Economist editor asked him how many languages he spoke, he replied "six and I'm conversant with another three." He points out, that English is the most useful global language and if you were to learn one other, he recommends French.

I completely agreed with him. Throughout elementary and high school many of us were forced to take French class every single year, as it was a mandatory credit. We were then told that it would be useful to continue it, when it was made an elective. As it is supposedly the second most important and useful language. I remember vividly being told that it would be especially useful in professional communications as I got older and would need to communicate with many different individuals. I also remember being told that being fluent in French would look ideal on my resume, when trying to get a professional job. The idea that that learning this language is imperative has been engraved in our brain since we were young.

However, after taking the poll on the Economist (see link below), it made me think otherwise.

http://www.economist.com/blogs/johnson/2012/03/language-learning

After I took the poll (see above link), and voted ‘French’ I was made aware that the top 3 voted most beneficial, as of today, were as follows

·         Brazilian Portugese - 21% (1540 votes)

·         Esperanto - 17% (1215 votes)

·         Spanish - 16% (1157 votes)

Have your say by voting in the poll below.

http://moreintelligentlife.com/page/what-best-language-learn

Public Service Renewal - Workforce challenges

This article speaks to the upcoming Federal budget in terms of the public service workforce. There is a major 'workforce adjustment' being implemented into the public service, with federal departments having major budget cuts.

What this means is that a lot of public service employees have the potential for losing their jobs due to this reduction. When big budget cuts such as this are implemented into the public service, the ones who keep their jobs are the employees that have seniority.

The article is basically highlighting the fact that with these budget cuts, the workforce of hte public service needs also to be renewed / refreshed. Young and energetic employees want to take more responsibilities, and at the same time, their current responsibilities could be stripped away from them. The article is arguing that in order for the future of the public service to continue its service standards, the federal government shouldn't let go of all the young workers.

Worth a read if your interested in the public service, or what's happening currently in terms of the federal budget (which is being released end of March).

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/john-ibbitson/public-service-must-be-renewed-even-as-it-is-thinned/article2369867/?utm_source=Shared+Article+Sent+to+User&utm_medium=E-mail:+Newsletters+/+E-Blasts+/+etc.&utm_campaign=Shared+Web+Article+Links

Segregated Funds - Low risk investments

Here is an article which basically gives an overview of the benefits of segregated funds. For those of you who are interested, or have thought about investing in the stock market, seg funds are low-risk solutions.

I first was introduced to segregated funds by my best friends brother, who is a Financial Advisor. He informed me of segregated funds because i was looking for a good way to invest some money while going to school, and at the same time, get my feet wet into the stock market and not take huge risks.

Segreated funds are a great way to introduce yourself to the stock market, and to get you started in your quest to financial freedom. Though the average returns on segregated funds aren't huge, they are still better then putting your savings into GIC's or other government related investment vehicles (you're actually better off putting your money under your pillow instead of those).
Definately worth a read. Enjoy.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/investor-education/how-do-segregated-funds-work/article657253/

Sustainable Development

Sustainability is a word that is thrown around a lot these days, from sustainable food production to sustainable lifestyles. But what does this term really mean? It is defined as having long term resilience in a specific area, whether that is economics, lifestyle, environment, etc.

One interesting concept is the is sustainable development. This is the idea of developing buildings, communities, with the long term in mind and minimal ecological impact.  I have provided an interesting video from the TED website that depicts a idealistic view on sustainable development.

This video is an interesting take take on sustainable development or as Bjarke Ingels says "Hedonistic Sustainability," and shows some intuitive, innovative ways that communities could be developed in the future.

Infographic: Reevaluating The Costs And Benefits Of (Debt Bubble-Funded) Higher Education

While the college debt bubble has been extensively discussed on Zero Hedge (here, here and here) and elsewhere, the reality is that without college student loans, as cheap as they may be, the vast majority of students would not be able to afford going to college, untenable (and non-dischargeable) post-graduation leverage be damned. Please ignore for a second the reflexivity of this symbiotic relationship - that college is so expensive only because college debt is so easily obtainable (and as noted here, between car loans and student debt, is the primary source of consumer debt in the past year). There is a reason why NINJA loans led to the biggest housing bubble of all time; also we wonder - in 5 years when this bubble also pops, how many congressional hearings will there be on the topic of just who allowed all these student to drown in debt that most of them would never be able to repay?

That said there are two sides to every story: on one hand students are conditioned to believe that they need college to survive in the current world (with statistics such as these floating out there: drop outs since 2002 have "cost" the nation $3.8 billion in lost income and over $700 million in lost taxes), while on the other hand, the burden of a massive debt load, even if with manageable interest expenses, leave the student burdened with principal amortization which alone has a crippling effect on the individual psychology. Is it time to reevaluate higher education? Look at this infographic from OnlineCollege, which summarizes the side effects of soaring college costs, and decide for yourselves.

http://www.zerohedge.com/news/infographic-reevaluating-costs-and-benefits-debt-bubble-funded-higher-education

Free Hug?

Hey Everyone,

A week ago I was going downtown to meet with my HR team.  When I got off of the skytrain at Vancouver City Centre there were 3 people holding free hugs signs.  I had completely forgotten about the 2007 Free Hugs Campaign that was started in Australia. 

I’m not really a touchy-feely person but I like the overall message of the Free Hugs Campaign.  Brighten your day and the day of someone else by sharing a hug and a smile.  When I came out of the skytrain station my first instinct was to avoid the huggers.  But I decided to engage in a little experiment – what if I let my guard down for just a second and hugged one of these strangers?  I changed my course and walked toward the nearest hugger. 

“Free Hug?” she asked.

I shrugged, “why not?”  I was surprised to find that hugging even a complete stranger made a difference in my day. 

Before the hug I was feeling stressed out as I had 2 major projects due and a workshop to present in the next 45 hours.  After the hug I felt better, like I would be able to complete all my tasks.  I thanked the stranger, wished her a pleasant evening and walked down Granville St. 

A 5 second connection with a complete stranger had a very positive affect on me.  I performed a search through Google and discovered that the hormone oxytocin is released during hugs.  A hormone is a chemical messenger that controls and regulates the functions of cell and organs.  Oxytocin is known as the “bonding” hormone – it is released during social and physical contact.

My point is this: connect with people in a positive way, a stranger, a friend, your dad, anyone you can even for 5 seconds.  It will help you and it will help them.

If you’d like to check out the Free Hugs Campaign or read about the psychology of hugs the links are below.

http://www.freehugscampaign.org/index.php?categoryid=1

http://www.sixwise.com/newsletters/06/07/26/how_hugs_are_proven_to_help_your_health_have_you_been_hugged_today.htm

Don't know how to say no at work, follow the five tips created by Diana Booher, author of the new book "Communicate with Confidence: How to Say It Right the First Time and Every Time,"

Tips: 

1.       Start on positive note
2.       Learn to say "Yes, and..."
3.       Offer explanations
4.       Provide alternative solutions
5.       End with goodwill 

Click on the link to further go into details for each steps.


http://msn.careerbuilder.ca/Article/MSN-738-Workplace-Issues-How-to-tactfully-say-no-at-work/?lr=int_camsn&SiteId=INT_MSN_Articles_CA_EN738&sc_extcmp=INT_MSN_Articles_CA_EN738&cblang=CAEnglish

Have you been cheated by someone by giving you counterfeit money?

The Canadian dollar bills are changing and the government has started the new bills. The $100 bill already in market and the $50 to launch this month. The link below shows how to make sure that the bills are real. The link is directly from Bank of Canada. Check it out, as it has great information.


Bank of Canada: http://www.bankofcanada.ca/banknotes

Better Ways to Handle Business Conflict...

Hi Everyone,

Businessweek put out an article last year about better ways to handle conflict. We talked about this in class and came to the conclusion that should conflict arise it would be best to go to mediation or some other intermediary to figure things out. But to enable a company not to get to that point, there are ways to overcome and mitigate any conflict in a workplace.
This article points out that it is also helpful to have a process to calm things down, much like the grid, that Bob posted on his fridge for some time, then handed out to us about the different ways to resolve conflict. Building and maintaining relationships rather then let those issues get in the way.

Link:
http://www.businessweek.com/smallbiz/content/feb2011/sb2011024_744270_page_2.htm

A modest proposal for an interstellar communications network

A modest proposal for an interstellar communications network

Talking to the Neighbors

The link below is to a recent article posted on The Economist website.

http://www.economist.com/node/18526871

Astrophysics and alien intelligence

This article talks about the modern day civilization using technology in order to connect with extraterrestrial civilizations.

Since early 1960s attempts have been by humans to connect with these so-called aliens. However, more recently, the use of lasers in telecommunications has suggested to some that there might be a better way to communicate with these beings, such as searching for telltale flashes from the sky.

I’m not really a believer in another form of life, or anything of that sort. However, I do believe this article is quite amusing when in comparison with what we have been learning in class. Something that we had learnt in the first week was that communication is not just spoken words. It includes things such as written communication and body language,. However, in this case it also includes lasers as well as flashes – something Bob forgot to mention?

Interveiw Tips

Dear Everyone,

Thought I would share an example of what Bob talked about earlier on this semester about what is important when going into an interview.

After talking to a relative of mine who has recently become employed at PWC which is one of the big four in Canada.  So I thought I would share his interview adventure from the year leaving school to the next year when he got his article job with PWC.

In his first year of trying to get a job with an accounting firm, he received four job interviews. Going into each  one he really did not know what to expect because he had never been in an interview that was as professional or as important to his career before. He had done research on the background of the companies but not an in-depth look at the actual culture as well as there client list. Also during the interviews where he felt he like talked about 50% of the interview and the interviewers talked the other 50%. He did not receive a job offer during his first year of interviews.

The following year he was able to get 5 interviews with good firms. One of those firms was PWC. He told me that this time around he really focused on being more engaging and taking over the interview its self by making it more 70 to 30 % within him talking 70% of the time. So what he felt that helped him get over the hump and get a job was going into depth about what the culture is like inside of PWC as well as looking at who their clients are.

So just to recap, what are some of the helpful tips?

• Know the company
• Take control of the interview by ensuring that you are speaking more
• Be confident
• If your not, their are interview coaches that you could possibly hire in order to strengthen your self-esteem as well give you coaching tips on what to focus on in the interview

Hopefully all of you find this helpful.

Earn Your Way In!

One aspect of doing business is your connections: the people that you know. There may be the occasional question "how do I connect and talk with somebody that I don't know?". If you already have their contact, questions such as "How do I maintain that contact, and what do they need from me?" may arise. This article talks about what you need to know to "earn your way in", and to maintain that access of communication.

He lists off some of the methods to "earn your way in". These include saying hi at an event, social network, text message/phone, and meetings (just to name a few).

The author offers some important rules and tips to this, such as ALWAYS giving more more than you take and keeping the contact alive.

The article can be found here: http://coworkingvancouver.visibli.com/share/8OdYJ2

Social Media crosses paths with Financial Industry

This blog post details how social media has found its way to the financial industry. As promising as it sounds, there are still risks involved with it. Listed below are a couple of risks associated with using social media with financial industries:

1. Requests to financial services firms for social media data during regulatory examination in 2010 rose to 65% over previous years

2. 63% of IT and IT security practitioners agree that employee use of social media puts their organization's security at risk

The rest of the article can be found here: http://www.cmswire.com/cms/customer-experience/social-media-mixes-with-financial-industry-014903.php

Tell Everybody About Your Business Idea - Don't Keep It A Secret!

This was an interesting read from the blogger 'Entrepreneurship As An Adventure Sport". This blogger posts 5 reasons why you should tell everybody about the business idea that you have, since it is much "healthier" to do so. He covers the 5 following points on why you should not keep your idea a secret:

1. In order to learn more about your concept, you need to talk to people to see what they think.

2. If Apple can keep things a secret, why can't I?

3. Your original idea isn't that good anyway.

4. The chances that someone will be able to successfully copy your idea before your launch will be impossible.

5. Your idea isn't original anyway.

The reasoning to those five points can be found here: http://eaaasyusuf.blogspot.ca/2012/03/tell-everyone-about-your-business-idea.html

10 Tax Filing Myths

The following link is about 10 tax filing myths, which could foul up your return. It states the myth-busting facts that could make you money, or possibly even save you from a big tax penalty.

I personally though Myth 10: You can often make a deal with the CRA to pay less tax than you owe, was interesting. I didn’t think the CRA was ever forgiving.  However, in most cases you have to present all the facts surrounding the need to pay less taxed. Therefore, an in depth audience analysis would need to be done in regards to the CRA, as well as a very well prepared presentation. I think when personal expenses are involved, every student would take the necessary precautions.

As tax season is coming up, I though the following link would be useful to absolutely everyone!

http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/taxseason/story/2012/03/11/f-taxseason-filing-myths.html

Non-Violent Communication

Hi Everyone,

After our class on conflict resolution I remembered a way of using empathy when engaging in conflict resolution.  It’s called Non-violent communication.  NVC is, as Marshall Rosenberg describes, “…founded on language and communication skills that strengthen our ability to remain human, even under trying conditions.”  Like myself I’m sure you’ve all lost your temper during a conflict and been unable to articulate your point of view.  Non-violent communication allows us to express ourselves so that we are aware of what we are saying and that we hear other people.

NVC can be used during a situation of rising conflict to accomplish the following:

• Diffuse the conflict
• Reframe emotions so both parties can begin to build a common understanding
• Create a connection between 2 parties so that they can foster and maintain relationships

There are 4 elements to NVC

• Observation: What’s going on?  What are the behaviours of other’s?
• Feelings:  What are your feelings?
• Needs:  What needs are the roots of your feelings?
• Requests:  Ask the other party to fulfill our needs.

For NVC to work both parties have to be willing to listen and adhere to the 2 parts of NVC:

1. Honest expression using the 4 elements of NVC
2. Using empathy to receive the 4 elements of NVC

As business students we will one day be running our own business, our own department, or managing something.  What is certain is that we will be doing this with other people and that there will be conflict.  NVC is important for all business students because it teaches us to:

• Maintain our composure in a heated situation
• Express ourselves professionally and in a manner that others understand
• Helps us reach a common ground with people we may be in conflict with

NVC is a rather touchy-feely communication method.  But in terms of following the rules of “effectively fostering and maintaining relationships,” NVC is one of the most widely used forms of conflict resolution in business, in psychology, and in peace-talks in conflict ridden regions (Rwanda, Serbia, Ireland).  For more information you can go to the below link.

http://www.cnvc.org/Training/nvc-chapter-1

U.S Humane Society Targets Tim Hortons

Hi Everyone,

         My current place of employment subscribes to Macleans magazine. Macleans magazine is Canada's only national weekly current affairs magazine and is full of many interesting articles. As a university student, coffee has become a regular part of my school routine. I came across an article about Tim Hortons and found it interesting since, just like many Kwantlen students,  I am an avid purchaser of Tim Hortons products. Also blogger "100220470" might find this interesting since he/she is an animal lover.

The U.S Humane Society's newest target is Canada's Tim Hortons. The society is trying to pressure Tim Hortons into eliminating the use of pork products which come from crate-bred pigs. Burger King and MacDonald's have already made efforts to move away from the use of crate-bred pig products. This is an awkward issue for Tim Hortons since they are in the middle of a major U.S expansion. The expansion hasn't pushed through yet because the company has been without a permanent CEO since last May. The U.S Humane Society  can generate a large scope of bad publicity for Tim Hortons, which will be a major problem for Tim Hortons and their choice to establish a brand in the U.S.

To read the full article please visit the link below,

http://www2.macleans.ca/2012/03/15/always-fresh-but-cruel/

"Five Tips to Avoid Unhealthy Conflict and Improve Work Relationships"

Hi everyone,

As you should recall, we talked a lot about conflict resolution during our last communications class. So, I want to share with you a little about healthy and unhealthy conflicts and means to avoid them in a workplace.

Unsettled workplace disputes can cause stress and anxiety both for the management and fellow co-workers. This being said, conflict is frequent in the workplace, based on the fact that everyone has a different view of the world. Not everyone’s opinions are compatible with each other. For the most part, we do not have the choice of who we work with (just as we cannot choose who we are related to). Thus, be successful in the modern work environment, one must find a way to deal with disputes and workplace disagreements.

Firstly, we must establish the difference between healthy and unhealthy conflict. Healthy differences of opinions on work-related topics can actually be beneficial to the improvement of the project in question. Being accountable could lead other co-workers to question your judgement and, hence, push you to better your performance; in these cases, there should be no reason to contact the human resources department. On the other hand, unhealthy conflict can be detrimental to the workplace environment by standing in the way of people doing their work (and in certain cases could even involve abuse). 

What can pose the greatest challenge is assessing when and how to properly intervene. Dodging the problem will not resolve the conflict, leaving it to grow and return at a later date. In certain situations, management may need to set certain guidelines of inappropriate behaviour. Workers who add to these problems must be dealt with in a speedy and efficient manner. Management has the duty to ensure a safe and productive workplace environment; hence, it is their job to deal with any conflict that could potentially disturb this delicate balance.

Following yet another Kathie Must’s blog post, she offers five tips to actually avoid unhealthy conflict and improve work relationships. Here is what Must has to say:

1. “Keep in mind all of the environmental factors above that contribute to workplace conflict. Recognizing the many influences that create workplace disparities helps us to be more understanding of different opinions and contrasting approaches. We are often quick to personalize and interpret all sorts of meaning which may be completely off base. Withhold judgement and adopt a problem-solving attitude.
2. Don’t ignore conflict. Conflict seldom resolves itself. Ask for help. Your organization may have supports and a reporting process.
3. Be alert and watchful of your own style and approach. So often, as a conflict is debriefed, individuals are initially surprised at the impact they have had, but after reflection, they develop an understanding. Be pro-active and recognize the influence you have.
4. Hone your own conflict management skills. This skill set will serve you wherever you go and will enhance both your effectiveness and your enjoyment of the work you do.
5. Remember that you are not an island. While it might be less problematic if you could pursue your own ideas and set your own priorities, to accomplish organizational goals, we need to work together and consider the ideas and priorities of the team” (Must, 2012).

Kathie Must's blog is available at:
http://blog.mosaiconline.ca/five-tips-to-avoid-unhealthy-conflict-and-improve-work-relationships/

"3 Tips to Improve Face-to-face Communication in the Workplace"

Hey Everyone,

Recently I can across a blog posted by Kathie Must regarding the ways to improve the face-to-face communication in an organization. Mrs. Must is a Director of Workplace Programs at Mosaic Counselling who is responsible for leading a team that is “dedicated to helping organizations create an atmosphere of wellness and growth for both the organization and the individual employee, making for a highly functioning organization that is also a great place to work” (Mosaic, 2011).

Face-to-face communication is important because you can tell a lot about a person from their facial expressions, speaking volume, body language, and eye contact (or lack of it). Sometimes, you can even determine if a person is lying to you. However, today’s technology limits and decreases the time we choose to talk to someone in-person. We often pick e-mail or text messaging as our preferred mode of communication. Within our work place, we use memos to deliver specific messages which eliminate the need for in-person conversations.

Nonetheless, in-person communication allows relationship while written (i.e.: e-mails) only communicates facts.

Thus, if you want to foster and maintain relationships in the chosen workplace, you must encourage and motivate other coworkers to communicate face-to-face as much as possible.

Within her blog post, Kathie Must offers three ways to improve face-to-face communication at a workplace.

1. “The first step is to have some face-to-face communication! Email/chat has overwhelmed our workplace communication methods.  We couldn’t work without the speed and immediacy that electronic communications provide. But — the big but — is that “e-mail,” by definition, is just words, making this form of communication much more easily misunderstood than face-to-face conversation. Over 90% of meaning comes from something other than the words themselves — 55% comes from facial and body language and 38% comes from vocal inflection. So choose wisely. Meet face-to-face if there is conflict, if the issue is potentially sensitive, or if your real intent is to build relationships. 
2. Then, use that 90% well! Be aware of both your body language and the body language of your conversation partner. Facial expressions are universal, but body language, eye contact and intonation can be interpreted very differently across cultures. Are you conveying interest, openness and attention? Your stance and the way you move can help convey a sense of connection. The non-verbal actions can “fit” the words and reinforce the spoken message, or completely negate it.  Are you saying “yes” and shaking your head “no”?
3. Remember the goal is to express your ideas in a manner that will be understood. You intend one message. Is that the message received? Don’t assume. We all have filters and biases that influence interpretation. Check out your own assumptions. And clarify the message being received. Take responsibility for the message that is actually received” (Must, 2011).

Kathie Must’s Blog is available at: 

http://blog.mosaiconline.ca/3-tips-to-improve-face-to-face-communication-in-the-workplace/?gclid=CK-E6Iup6q4CFQJdhwodVBe3Iw

"Man Quits Firm - Loudly!" - The Economist

Evening all,

We all know about the 2008 financial crisis.  I've been interested in the fall-out since TARP was instituted.  I wanted more insight into the events that led to the September 2008 fall of Lehman Brothers and the subsequent bailout of AIG and others.  I read Too Big to Fail by Andrew Ross Sorkin.  I found it to be a well written and easy to understand investigation into the crisis on Wall Street.  Throughout Too Big to Fail the reader becomes acquainted with the major Wall Street investment banks, one of which is Goldman Sachs.

On Wednesday March 14, 2012 Greg Smith, Goldman's executive director and head of the United States equity derivatives business in Europe resigned.  He did so through a New York Times Op/Ed piece. 

I don't know how you view investment bankers but I have a precise image in my head - it's generally unflattering.  Mr. Smith talks about why he's resigning, and what he thinks has gone wrong with the firm's culture.  The link to his very public resignation is below if you're interested in reading it.

Thank you for your time.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/14/opinion/why-i-am-leaving-goldman-sachs.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all

AIM = Almost In the Morgue

I am going to bet that very few of you use AIM to chat with friends.

With my assumption, it would be no surprise to hear AIM has let go almost all of their developers. No developers can mean only one thing: NO DEVELOPING.

No developing equals zero growth and zero growth results in business death.

What will happen if AIM goes 100% under? Would you care?

Do you think that there is anything that AIM could do to keep or increase their market share?

http://mashable.com/2012/03/14/aim-not-dead-yet/

Scholarship Applications

Good Morning,

The link below is for a segment on Scholarship Canada’s website that goes through, in depth, the write-up section for the scholarship application process.

For those who didn’t get the time to apply, you should take a look at this website. It takes you through a step by step, easy, and straightforward process. Writing scholarship applications can be intimidating because for the majority of students it is an unfamiliar process. However, this website has answered almost all the unknowns for me.

For everyone that had recently submitted a scholarship application, this is still a great link to take a look at! I know the applications are past due now, however, this can definitely help you enhanced up your write up for upcoming opportunities.

http://www.scholarshipscanada.com/finance/article.asp?ID=1415&SectionID=9

Definitely make sure you look over the entire website, as it is useful! 

New boutique specializes in treats for pets

New boutique specialized in treats for pets

Hey All,

I am an animal lover - dogs in particular - so this article caught my attention yesterday. Imagine the audience analysis for a store as such…

By Robert Barron, The Daily News

March 14, 2012

Business owner saw potential in Victoria store; purchased operation and moved it to Nanaimo

Nanaimo's Bob Ashton saw the potential of Woofles Barking Boutique when he would shop for treats and other supplies for his two Bull mastiffs while the store was in operation in Victoria.

Ashton recently bought the store after its owner retired and moved it to Nanaimo, where he opened it up on

Fitzwilliam Street

last week.

The boutique specializes in homemade treats for pets, including peanut butter and banana woofles, as well as pet accessories like clothing, collars and leashes.

"The store was very popular in Victoria and I believe it has a lot of potential in Nanaimo because I don't believe there's another store quite like it in the city's south end," Ashton said.

"This is my first business and I'm hoping it will be successful."

The audience you are trying to reach is obviously the owners of the pets. However, you have to understand what they want, for their pets, as the pets are the end users.

I found an interesting audience analysis tool on Google. Using this I have created a funny little audience analysis for the pet food store.

Profile of intended audienceA nalysis - Who are they?
Dogs.

U nderstanding - What is their knowledge of the subject?
Dogs would have very little knowledge of the pet food store and logistics. However, they have great knowledge surrounding food.

D emographics - What is their age, sex, educational background?
Male/Female Dogs, with no educational background.

I nterest - Why are they there? Who asked them to be there?
They are there for food, and have been brought there by their owners.

E nvironment - Where will I stand? Can they all see & hear me?
In regards to the pet food store, the smell will make the environment attractive.

N eeds - What are their needs?
To be fed.

C ustomized – How is this special/interesting?
It specialized in home made treats for pets.

E xpectations - What do they expect to learn or hear from you?
All they expect is yummy treats.

Hmm… Interesting audience analysis…