I understood most of the reading with the exception of sustainable environment and energy; not necessarily what it is but in general why it is not more at the forefront. The other items listed such as HR or community involvement seemed a given.
I'd like to go deeper into understanding B corporations, I understand the information provided but it was only a small section of the actual context from the chapter.
What companies does the author think excel and fail in triple bottom line measures. Examples were provided but how it applies to standard business operations would be more interesting.
I am currently in Macroeconomics and am studying international alliances, ventures, etc. so I found the information quite accurate in opinion to the facts from my other class, no suggestions for this particular chapter.
Friday, January 29, 2016
Customer Interviews No. 1
The opportunity that I have often thought about and has been discussed among friends is a concierge service for families.
I'm sure we would all like to have a personal assistant to help in day to day activities but the fact of the matter is, unless we all make a huge income to exceed 100k, that does not seem feasible. There are often times when someone will say, there are not enough hours in the day, or they call their spouse and ask if they can pick-up dinner because the other spouse is running behind. Instead of doing that, there should be general service where you call a company and say, "hey I have to work late tonight, can you please have someone grab groceries and drop them off at my house"; or "the dog is under the weather and we are going out of town, can you please take him to the vet." This does not have to be isolated to just one person, it could be busy families with lots of kids, single moms who could use some help, the bachelor who works too much and cannot take care of personal matters or the college student who cannot break away from studying during exams to buy his mother a birthday present.
I guess to isolate what needs actually exist I would ask the following questions:
1. When are you most busy in your day?
2. Do you often run out of time to finish your to do list?
3. If you could afford a personal assistant/family helper without having to hire them fulltime, would you?
4. What errands do you find tedious?
5. what matters would you not trust another person to handle?
I actually brought up casual conversations among different types of people; a single gentleman at the bar; a group of moms on a play date; working moms within my office; and a couple of people I am in a study group with. The consensus was universal, if the price is right, every person could use an assistant. The only issue that people were not comfortable with were medical and financial matters.
I learned what is important to one person is not at all important to another. The college students couldn't care less about having grocery delivery or hosting; they focused on someone assisting with writing a paper for them or being their designated driver. This was not nerve racking at all, when you treat your customers as a peer or at least place them in a casual atmosphere, it is easier on both of you.
Friday, January 22, 2016
Top 5 World Problems
Top 5 World Problems:
1. Terrorist attack
I feel terrorism is prevalent everywhere; look at the Paris attacks, the World Trade Centers, etc. The threat of terrorism leaves people fearful, depressed and paranoid.
2. Global Warming
This impacts our future and just as importantly, our childrens future. The lands will change, there will be tsunamis, earthquakes, etc. All of which can damage our properties and in extreme cases, kill people.
3. Managing Immigration
This is an emerging problem that if not controlled, can get out of hand. This goes back to my number one, the need for tighter immigration guidelines. This also applies to issues with crime, violence, abuse of the system and issues with job creation/maintenance. I have family in Germany right now and the rape and assault crime has escalated by 32% in less than 6 months.
4. Homelessness
Where there are resources, there is a way. No one should have to live on the streets, even more sad is that a huge percentage of those who are homeless are veterans. The same men and women who fought for me and my families freedom are now dealing with lack of housing, starvation, post traumatic stress disorder and drug abuse.
5. Racial tension
This is great divide among different races. While we do not need to agree on everything, the current elevation of tension is dividing friends, families, co-workers; it is increasing violence and we are reverting back to the era of Abe Lincoln with how people segregate each other and isolate one another. It is making our means for communicating with each other ugly.
Top 5 World Problem Solutions:
1. Veteran support
I isolated the solution in my original post but I genuinely feel if we re-evaluate who we give out assistance to and cap how long you can give assistance it will allow for more services and assistance to be provided to our veterans.
2. Homelessness
I feel this will eventually become a number one easy solution but people are still trying to get understand and breakthrough the stigma that is associated with homelessness but we are getting so much closer to handling the issue. In Orange County we are relocating the homeless into small condos to keep them off the streets and are looking into rehabilitation centers and mini house for a long term solution.
3. Heroin
The problem is not getting assistance for those who are sick from using the drug, it is not easy but it is doable. What we need to do is educate our youth on why they should not try it to begin with. I say youth because the heroin epidemic is rising at a faster rate of any other drug and it lies within college age students. We need to look into a campaign like that of the tobacco free living and go hard on showing potential user the dangers and consequences.
4. Racial Tension
This is possible. We have made leaps and bounds from the slavery days but we are digressing. I actually think a lot of the issue lies with the media sensationalizing things and unfortunately there are no filters to keep them from doing so. We need to show a united front and that takes a lot of counseling. Some people would be open to such methods, others are harder to crack.
5. Syria Starvation
This really is as easy as taking control of the country and helping the citizens who live there; however, without the government wanting to assist the poor people in Syria will continue to starve. Sure, they allowed one organized group to provide one month of food assistance but it is not even a full meal. Once the group is controlled, the people will no longer be victims and can live the way they once did.
1. Terrorist attack
I feel terrorism is prevalent everywhere; look at the Paris attacks, the World Trade Centers, etc. The threat of terrorism leaves people fearful, depressed and paranoid.
2. Global Warming
This impacts our future and just as importantly, our childrens future. The lands will change, there will be tsunamis, earthquakes, etc. All of which can damage our properties and in extreme cases, kill people.
3. Managing Immigration
This is an emerging problem that if not controlled, can get out of hand. This goes back to my number one, the need for tighter immigration guidelines. This also applies to issues with crime, violence, abuse of the system and issues with job creation/maintenance. I have family in Germany right now and the rape and assault crime has escalated by 32% in less than 6 months.
4. Homelessness
Where there are resources, there is a way. No one should have to live on the streets, even more sad is that a huge percentage of those who are homeless are veterans. The same men and women who fought for me and my families freedom are now dealing with lack of housing, starvation, post traumatic stress disorder and drug abuse.
5. Racial tension
This is great divide among different races. While we do not need to agree on everything, the current elevation of tension is dividing friends, families, co-workers; it is increasing violence and we are reverting back to the era of Abe Lincoln with how people segregate each other and isolate one another. It is making our means for communicating with each other ugly.
Top 5 World Problem Solutions:
1. Veteran support
I isolated the solution in my original post but I genuinely feel if we re-evaluate who we give out assistance to and cap how long you can give assistance it will allow for more services and assistance to be provided to our veterans.
2. Homelessness
I feel this will eventually become a number one easy solution but people are still trying to get understand and breakthrough the stigma that is associated with homelessness but we are getting so much closer to handling the issue. In Orange County we are relocating the homeless into small condos to keep them off the streets and are looking into rehabilitation centers and mini house for a long term solution.
3. Heroin
The problem is not getting assistance for those who are sick from using the drug, it is not easy but it is doable. What we need to do is educate our youth on why they should not try it to begin with. I say youth because the heroin epidemic is rising at a faster rate of any other drug and it lies within college age students. We need to look into a campaign like that of the tobacco free living and go hard on showing potential user the dangers and consequences.
4. Racial Tension
This is possible. We have made leaps and bounds from the slavery days but we are digressing. I actually think a lot of the issue lies with the media sensationalizing things and unfortunately there are no filters to keep them from doing so. We need to show a united front and that takes a lot of counseling. Some people would be open to such methods, others are harder to crack.
5. Syria Starvation
This really is as easy as taking control of the country and helping the citizens who live there; however, without the government wanting to assist the poor people in Syria will continue to starve. Sure, they allowed one organized group to provide one month of food assistance but it is not even a full meal. Once the group is controlled, the people will no longer be victims and can live the way they once did.
Thursday, January 21, 2016
Week 3 Reading Reflection
The thing that stood out most to me in week's 3 chapter reading was the dark side of entrepreneurship. I often associated entrepreneurship with living the American dream, sure there are risks, sure there are failures; some of the items listed such as financial risk and career risk made obvious sense but the one that surprised me was family and social risk. You expect your family to fully support and endorse you, but you do not think that you could be damaging those relationships in hopes of living a better life.
The thing I did not really understand was the classifying decisions using a conceptual framework section. Specifically, how does one move from one quadrant to another? Where are those lines, they seem blurred to me as it would be a matter of opinion, no?
The Enron disaster was highlighted in the book under the "in practice"; this was a case from several years ago. Does the Author feel there are any relevant cases that are not quite yet exposed but make you go hmmmm? For example, why is Disney and Amazon not working jointly on selling products in the past year? Is there shady practices on either end? This is less entrepreneurship, more big box companies but the question of ethics is still questionable.
The only thing that I would add, not necessarily think was wrong in the authors writing was the sources of stress. He named loneliness, immersion in business, people problems, need to achieve. I feel like there are other variables for consideration, financial, legalities, lack of knowledge.
The thing I did not really understand was the classifying decisions using a conceptual framework section. Specifically, how does one move from one quadrant to another? Where are those lines, they seem blurred to me as it would be a matter of opinion, no?
The Enron disaster was highlighted in the book under the "in practice"; this was a case from several years ago. Does the Author feel there are any relevant cases that are not quite yet exposed but make you go hmmmm? For example, why is Disney and Amazon not working jointly on selling products in the past year? Is there shady practices on either end? This is less entrepreneurship, more big box companies but the question of ethics is still questionable.
The only thing that I would add, not necessarily think was wrong in the authors writing was the sources of stress. He named loneliness, immersion in business, people problems, need to achieve. I feel like there are other variables for consideration, financial, legalities, lack of knowledge.
Wednesday, January 20, 2016
Identifying Local Opportunities
- Lamborghini catches fire
after Florida valet revs engine
A valet worker went joy riding in a
customer’s car and after revving the engine, it caught fire.
Problems presented in the story
are:
·
The employee took the car outside of his work
location
·
The employee used the car to show off
·
The car caught fire
I would say the problem lies with
the employee and the valet agency who hired him. It also impacts the owner but after legal
proceedings, he can hopefully receive compensation.
- OPD: Man killed by officers had airsoft
gun that looked real
Officers were called to a man’s
home by his father because he was not acting right (according to his dad), when
the officers showed up, the son confronted cops with an airsoft gun with looked
like a real fire arm and after several asks, they shot and killed him.
Problems presented in the story
are:
·
The cops do not have body cams so the story is
heresay
·
The victim had a “life like” air gun and
ultimately lost his life because of it
·
The father has to deal with the guilt of calling
the cops to assist his son who ultimately ended up dead
The problem lies with the airsoft
fun manufacturers, why did they not have something to identify that it was not
a real fun (neon paint); as well as the cops who killed a man who not
legitimately endangering their lives with an actual weapon
- Weather: Temps dip to near freezing
across Central Florida
A freeze warning was issued for parts
of Lake and Volusia counties due to cold weather in the 30’s.
Problems presented in the story
are:
·
Freeze warning
The problem lies with owners and
growers for landscaping and crops. A
freeze warning indicates that if you do not take the proper procedures, it
could impact both. Also, while extreme,
a freeze warning could impact the pipes within your home.
- Florida cop stole refund checks to fund
divorce, attorney reveals
A cop stole checks in 2011 and 2012
from the departments evidence locker to pay for her divorce. The cop is pending
sentencing on Thursday for stealing $80,000 in tax refund checks, plus 21 money
orders worth $10,000.
Problems presented in the story
are:
·
Fraud
·
Access to the evidence locker without
·
Potential jail time for the officer
The problem lies with the check and
balance system as it relates to the evidence locker. How was it so easy to gain access so
frequently and even more so, walk out with the same type of evidence each time,
did no one see a pattern?
- Mount Dora city manager cites problems
with leadership, announces resignation
Mount Dora City Manager Vincent
Pastue gave his resignation, stating that leadship did not trust his
judgment.
Problems presented in the story
are:
·
Relationship issues
·
Lack of trust
The problem lies with both the
senior leadership and the former City Manager.
There is a disconnect that needs to be addressed; further, Mount Dora
now has to fulfil those duties with another party and Mr. Pastue needs to find
another job.
Very Short Interview No. 1
Over this past weekend I met with an Entrepreneur that I had
interacted with over 12 years ago, the owner of Elite Preparatory Academy in
Orlando Florida, Ms. Ho. My daughter
started the academy when she was only 2 years old and after interacting with
the owner over the years, I realized that her and her family came from Vietnam
with very little money. I found her
influential in my decision to choose her to be the person that I interviewed as
she overcame diversity, being not only a single woman who started her own business
but also an immigrant/minority from another country. Her business grew within the first 3 years
that my daughter attended the school and with my daughters last years at
school, she actually started to have a waiting list. On that note, here are her answers to the
questions I asked:
What does it mean to be an entrepreneur?
To be an entrepreneur is to live out your dreams. I always knew I wanted to be my own boss one
day, but after being laid off and having nowhere to go, I decided that this
dream that I had could and would become a fantasy. I no longer said “IF I opened my own daycare,
I would do this”, instead my mindset became “WHEN I open my daycare, I would do
this.” To be an entrepreneur is to be a
business person but one that wears many hats, a customer, an accountant, a
lawyer. You do not realize when you
start the journey, how diverse your skillset becomes until you have no
choice. Then it’s all about drive.
What do you think I should learn in an entrepreneurship
course?
I would hope they would teach you the road blocks that goes
into owning your own business. Nothing
comes easy. I also would want them to
build you up mentally, there are a lot of people that are trying to keep you
for achieving your goals, friends, family, the government at times, you just
need structure and guidance; like, if someone says you have to do this to move
forward, how do you react. Also, they
should stress the importance of being proactive, just as much as being
reactive.
What do you wish you had been taught in school before
setting out on your own path as an entrepreneur?
There are so many things.
I actually did not go to college, so a course like this would have
probably been ideal. Accounting is
important and for the first 6 years I had to pay someone money that I did not
really have to help me with that aspect of the business. I also wish I would have taken a permitting
or government guidance course. There is
a lot of red tape and it was probably the most stressful aspect of opening my
business. Also, marketing; my business
did not grow for the first 5 years because I did not see the need or importance
of marketing. That has since changed but
had I known that to begin with, I would have been a lot more successful, a lot
sooner.
Following my three key questions, I also felt the need to
ask Ms. Ho if she plans on opening additional daycares. She informed me that she is dealing with
medical issues right now but hopes to pursue additional locations in the
future. Some other things that I learned
during our conversation was that there are many grants to help women and
minorities and business and the “seed” money that I once thought was unattainable
is not as much of a challenge. I found
the interview to be uplifting and motivating and realized that I am already ahead
of her, and I do not mean that to come off as disparaging, I just mean that I
too can move forward with a goal business in mind with fewer issues providing
the right tools and education.
Sunday, January 17, 2016
Week 2 Reading Reflection - Week 2
When you begin reading the chapter it seems very generic in your assumptions of what entrepreneurship really is, who those people are and what their missions are. Some things were a given to me, such as the difference between an entrepreneur and a small business owner but when we got to the "School's of Thought Approach to Entrepreneurship" that is where all my assumptions went out the window and I started to grasp onto the different levels and view points. First, I did not know, nor think that there could be two different thought approaches (being micro and macro view); then each view is broken down into various categories, such as environmental, finance, etc.
The one thing that was not touched on much that I would have liked to have a better understanding of was the Global Perspective; the content titles "The Cost of Free Trade." I get it, when we stop manufacturing within the states, it leads to problems because American workers are left out of work but why do we do this? Perhaps this is more of a Macro/microeconomics question which I am taking this semester but how does this apply to entrepreneurship? At the end of the article it alludes to this is an area where entrepreneurs rise to the occasion with sustainable solutions but how? Is it not too late? I would have liked to have a clearer explanation on that.
If I could ask the author any questions, it would be to know more about his personal experience in the field of entrepreneurship and in several article it states science is researching this or that to become more conclusive in the data being shared but how long have they been studying this data and what gages that it is truly accurate? The only aspect of the chapter that I found supported with data and understandable was "The Impact of Gazelles", I understood the breakdown and where they acquired their conclusion but other parts of the chapter left me head scratching.
I honestly cannot say that I disagree with anything in the article for the simple fact that I am not educated enough to determine what is right and what is wrong. The one part of the article that I enjoyed thoroughly was the myths. A lot of the assumptions of entrepreneurship were that of my own thoughts and feelings, me primarily falling under those stereotypes, therefore I found it uplifting that A) I am not alone in my thoughts and B) I too CAN be an entrepreneur.
The one thing that was not touched on much that I would have liked to have a better understanding of was the Global Perspective; the content titles "The Cost of Free Trade." I get it, when we stop manufacturing within the states, it leads to problems because American workers are left out of work but why do we do this? Perhaps this is more of a Macro/microeconomics question which I am taking this semester but how does this apply to entrepreneurship? At the end of the article it alludes to this is an area where entrepreneurs rise to the occasion with sustainable solutions but how? Is it not too late? I would have liked to have a clearer explanation on that.
If I could ask the author any questions, it would be to know more about his personal experience in the field of entrepreneurship and in several article it states science is researching this or that to become more conclusive in the data being shared but how long have they been studying this data and what gages that it is truly accurate? The only aspect of the chapter that I found supported with data and understandable was "The Impact of Gazelles", I understood the breakdown and where they acquired their conclusion but other parts of the chapter left me head scratching.
I honestly cannot say that I disagree with anything in the article for the simple fact that I am not educated enough to determine what is right and what is wrong. The one part of the article that I enjoyed thoroughly was the myths. A lot of the assumptions of entrepreneurship were that of my own thoughts and feelings, me primarily falling under those stereotypes, therefore I found it uplifting that A) I am not alone in my thoughts and B) I too CAN be an entrepreneur.
Thursday, January 14, 2016
World's Biggest Problems - Week 3
If you have been following the presidential debate over the last few months, you are aware of the major problems that are plaguing our nation; in the list that I am about to name, you will find several of those topics familiar and several that are isolated to other countries around the world and in my humble opinion, what would be a good stepping stone towards remedying these issues.
1. Homelessness
Near and dear to my heart, I have been at the forefront in Central Florida for combating homelessness. The number of homeless teens and veterans alone is staggering and disheartening. This issue is currently being addressed by local leaders by looking into community housing but not all those who are homeless are seeking help. I am currently working with an organization that has been going out in groups to locate homeless camps in the woods, under highway overpasses, etc. and offering them shelter. With that, we need to work on not only providing a room for them but training and education to get them back out in the field and allowing them to fend for themselves.
2. Heroin
This is a issue that has been called to my attention as a local issue but after researching it further, I found that this is worldwide epidemic. Heroin has been around for a long time, most notably making it's place in the 1950's and moving up but the clientele in which is this deadly drug is attracting is getting younger and younger and the current age for those using heroin are 19 years old, many of them in college. Education in high school is key or perhaps we can take a book out of the tobacco free campaigns and show the various consequences and staggering statistics, maybe the leading drug consumption numbers will get under 10% like the tobacco free campaign accomplished.
3. Terrorist attacks.
From the attacks in Paris to the attack in California recently, terrorism is a hot topic in geographic locations around the world and in the current presidential debate. We are doing all we can to monitor their communication efforts but I feel the help of the group anonymous is a great effort even stronger than what our government can accomplish. I find that there needs to be more stringent guidelines for entering the US (and other countries) and we need to do a more thorough investigation of these peoples travel in the past 5 years, social media accounts and perhaps, access to their bank accounts. This may be extreme and likely not legal but a better filter is needed.
4. Gun control.
Whether you are pro gun control and anti gun control, I feel the politicians needs to educate themselves more on both positions before signing any bills. This may entail visiting mental health clinics, visiting victims of those impacted by gun control, victim or protector.
5. Syria starvation.
What is happening to the people in syria is heart breaking. These people being starved is a war crime and while there may not be a place for our particular government to intervene, someone has to fight the battle so that those people do not continue to die. They recently allowed one convoy in for food relief but was provided is only for one month and is being rationed.
6. Global warming.
The polar ice caps are melting, the weather is unpredictable and the scientist who once predicted this are now saying, I told you so. We need to create initiatives in college for those wanting to pursue green energy to held come up with a solution; we also need to start fining people for those who choose to not comply with a greener initiative.
7. Racial tension.
Make the media stop sensationalizing these stories/allegations; create community meetings and gatherings to show uniformity.
8. Veteran support.
We are currently taxed for the government to support those in need, sadly, many of those people are veterans who suffer from injuries or post traumatic stress disorder and are not being provided the help they need. I feel if a person receives benefits, lets use a single mom with 5 kids a an example. Provide her the tools needed, career development, discounted daycare, etc., to find a job and provide for her own, limit the number of years you can provide that assistance and with more caps on Welfare and such, it will leave more money to help Veterans.
9. Air quality (specifically in China)
An air quality report is released daily in china, if the air quality exceeds 150, you wear a mask. Unfortunately I am not as educated in air quality as I would like to be but I would think this falls under the umbrella of global warming and the need for more research. Further, limitations should be set on what is put out by business, vehicles, etc. and should someone exceed those limitations, they would be fined. Think of it like a speeding ticket. Speeding tickets are given if you do not follow the rules of the law.
10. Managing immigration
While this is often brought up when I watch the GOP, I am actually concerned for my family and friends living in Germany. The rise of assaults and sexual crimes has risen in the last 3 months due to them opening their borders for the refugees impacted by the war crimes happening overseas. We need to relieve those people of the danger they are in the middle of but not at the expense of another countries safety. A tighter screening process would help but perhaps looking into a more isolated piece of land where they can rebuild from scratch would be more fitting. Further, any person who is currently residing in another country as an immigrant should have stipulations, should they commit a crime, not hold a job for longer than 3 months or be a suspect in a act of terrorism, they should be deported.
1. Homelessness
Near and dear to my heart, I have been at the forefront in Central Florida for combating homelessness. The number of homeless teens and veterans alone is staggering and disheartening. This issue is currently being addressed by local leaders by looking into community housing but not all those who are homeless are seeking help. I am currently working with an organization that has been going out in groups to locate homeless camps in the woods, under highway overpasses, etc. and offering them shelter. With that, we need to work on not only providing a room for them but training and education to get them back out in the field and allowing them to fend for themselves.
2. Heroin
This is a issue that has been called to my attention as a local issue but after researching it further, I found that this is worldwide epidemic. Heroin has been around for a long time, most notably making it's place in the 1950's and moving up but the clientele in which is this deadly drug is attracting is getting younger and younger and the current age for those using heroin are 19 years old, many of them in college. Education in high school is key or perhaps we can take a book out of the tobacco free campaigns and show the various consequences and staggering statistics, maybe the leading drug consumption numbers will get under 10% like the tobacco free campaign accomplished.
3. Terrorist attacks.
From the attacks in Paris to the attack in California recently, terrorism is a hot topic in geographic locations around the world and in the current presidential debate. We are doing all we can to monitor their communication efforts but I feel the help of the group anonymous is a great effort even stronger than what our government can accomplish. I find that there needs to be more stringent guidelines for entering the US (and other countries) and we need to do a more thorough investigation of these peoples travel in the past 5 years, social media accounts and perhaps, access to their bank accounts. This may be extreme and likely not legal but a better filter is needed.
4. Gun control.
Whether you are pro gun control and anti gun control, I feel the politicians needs to educate themselves more on both positions before signing any bills. This may entail visiting mental health clinics, visiting victims of those impacted by gun control, victim or protector.
5. Syria starvation.
What is happening to the people in syria is heart breaking. These people being starved is a war crime and while there may not be a place for our particular government to intervene, someone has to fight the battle so that those people do not continue to die. They recently allowed one convoy in for food relief but was provided is only for one month and is being rationed.
6. Global warming.
The polar ice caps are melting, the weather is unpredictable and the scientist who once predicted this are now saying, I told you so. We need to create initiatives in college for those wanting to pursue green energy to held come up with a solution; we also need to start fining people for those who choose to not comply with a greener initiative.
7. Racial tension.
Make the media stop sensationalizing these stories/allegations; create community meetings and gatherings to show uniformity.
8. Veteran support.
We are currently taxed for the government to support those in need, sadly, many of those people are veterans who suffer from injuries or post traumatic stress disorder and are not being provided the help they need. I feel if a person receives benefits, lets use a single mom with 5 kids a an example. Provide her the tools needed, career development, discounted daycare, etc., to find a job and provide for her own, limit the number of years you can provide that assistance and with more caps on Welfare and such, it will leave more money to help Veterans.
9. Air quality (specifically in China)
An air quality report is released daily in china, if the air quality exceeds 150, you wear a mask. Unfortunately I am not as educated in air quality as I would like to be but I would think this falls under the umbrella of global warming and the need for more research. Further, limitations should be set on what is put out by business, vehicles, etc. and should someone exceed those limitations, they would be fined. Think of it like a speeding ticket. Speeding tickets are given if you do not follow the rules of the law.
10. Managing immigration
While this is often brought up when I watch the GOP, I am actually concerned for my family and friends living in Germany. The rise of assaults and sexual crimes has risen in the last 3 months due to them opening their borders for the refugees impacted by the war crimes happening overseas. We need to relieve those people of the danger they are in the middle of but not at the expense of another countries safety. A tighter screening process would help but perhaps looking into a more isolated piece of land where they can rebuild from scratch would be more fitting. Further, any person who is currently residing in another country as an immigrant should have stipulations, should they commit a crime, not hold a job for longer than 3 months or be a suspect in a act of terrorism, they should be deported.
Bug List - Week 2
An assignment that I thought would be relatively hard became seemingly easy over the course of a week in which I worked to compile a list that entailed the top 20 things that essentially bug me and explain why I think the bug exists. Here is my top 20 list in no particular order:
1. People who smell
Allow me to clarify, this does not necessarily mean bad, this can also mean that they bathed in perfume and it is overpowering. This exist for a multiple of reason. If it is the smell of body odor, it could be a medical issue or a cultural choice. If they wear too much, they could be trying to cover up something (perhaps a trip to the gym with no time for a shower).
2. The pompous attitude of the sales associates at Ulta in Waterford Lakes.
Ulta is a beauty supply chain for women and in order to be in sales, you have to dress the part. I think this lies within the hiring process. They need to hire beautiful, confident people who take care of themselves and can demonstrate the products. In turn, their confidence could be misconstrued as arrogance.
3. People who talk over me when I'm talking.
I chalk this up to three categories: they did not hear me, they do not want to hear me, they find what they have to say is more important.
4. People who talk on their phones in the bathroom.
Let me just say, this disgust me. Whether I am in the stall next to you or on the other line while you are talking. No call is so important that it cannot wait 3 minutes. This is just poor manners.
5. People reading over my should.
This really applies to work more than anything. If I talking about an email or document and they come around my desk without asking, I think they just lack good judgement.
6. Uber price inflation's on New Years Eve.
The law of supply and demand. People are drunk, they need a designated driver, it is THE biggest party day of the year and their of more of them then there are of you, therefore, you raise the prices.
7. Doctors who make you wait when you already have an appointment.
Now, I am not talking 15-20 minutes here, I am talking over an hour. I think this is greediness in most instances if it is a re-occurring trend, cram as many patients in at one time that is possible which in turn goes directly to his/her pocket. However, if it is a one time deal, it may be the doctor trying to accommodate as many of his patients as he can during flu season to make sure they are treated properly.
8. Text talk
The younger generation who is extremely technology savvy but lacks tact or proper writing etiquette. Let me note, this is not just in text, I also have experienced this in work emails.
9. Your company sitting on the phone while dining with you
Social media. We are so concerned with staying in tune with everything happening in the word and on various social media sites that we fail to stay connected to those near and dear to us in the presence.
10. People who do not control their pets when you visit them at their homes.
Look, I get it, you love your pet and treat them like family. They can eat off your plate and sit on your lap but not every person feels the same way, especially if your dog jumps and has nails or sheds a 5 inch fur ball all over the black dress you planned on going out in that night. People are just naive.
11. People not wiping down equipment after using it at the gym.
I hold both the persona and the gym responsible. Lack of adequate signage or an orientation educating new members on how to care for equipment is a big problem but once those people observe others, they should follow suit, if they choose to not do so, they are just lazy.
12. People who flip out on you if you do not floor it when a light turns green.
Everyone is in a rush. People cut themselves so short on time that when they are running behind, others have to feel their stress. Lack of time management, patience and general niceties is a big problem in our society as a whole.
13. Pedestrians who take their time or walk in the middle of the road.
Oh the irony that number 13, follows number 12. A lot of times I think people are just spaced out and not paying attention to their surroundings but it is still an issue when you are trying to pull into a parking spot at the mall and a person is walking down the middle of the road and you must yield to them. Have some courtesy.
14. Lack of empathy when dealing with customer service.
If I could have labeled this in order, this would be my number one. What happened to good customer service? This is entirely on the shoulder of a corporations lacking proper training. I realize interacting with people is not an easy job but employees should be trained on how to handle difficult situations and with a good demeanor.
15. DirecTV
Oh DirecTV, you had me NFL Ticket and that is the only reason I stay with you. Bad reception during storms, maintenance charges every time you need someone to come and check your satellite and phones holds that exceed 30 minutes. Need I say more?
16. Automated phone systems.
I know this is intended to expedite the call for the customer while keeping customer service numbers up for the corporation but if I have to press 15 different numbers to get routed to a customer service associate, if I was not mad to begin with, I am by the time I am there. The lack of merging technology improvements with the importance of customer satisfaction is to blame.
17. Slow wifi
I'm the problem here. I could upgrade my wifi to a faster speed but instead I choose to be frugal and get just what I need to get my school work done. It still annoys me that I have to pay over $50 to get there so on purpose, I begrudgingly keep my slow speed.
18. When you hold the door for people and they do not say thank you.
Bad manners, end of.
19. "Hidden fees" with the airlines.
Corporate greed at its finest and unassuming consumers. People think they are getting a good deal with allegiant airlines until they are charged $35 for a carry on, $5 to print their boarding pass, $26 to choose a seat; it is just ridiculous.
20. Cyber trolls
Technology. I know the intent of this blog is to bring us up to speed in the social media realm, it has helped businesses gain business, people reach lost family and friends, etc. but it also invites the ugly people of the world to hide behind a computer and speak disparagingly to others. It invites sexual perverts to find young victims without people suspecting anything of them from the comfort of their own home, it allows cyber bully's to hurt others with words until they commit suicide, it opens pandoras box for young teens with poor judgement to send pictures of themselves in compromising attire (or lack their of) or positions that will be around for the rest of their lives. Sometimes I wish we could digress to more of a "paper" environment but I do acknowledge that the pros outweigh the cons.
The end result of this is slightly disheartening, bother me and my outlook on things and people AND for society as a whole. There were a few general things that bugged me, like slow wifi or the businesses practices of DirecTV, but most of my issues lied with people themselves and their actions. This was an interesting assignment because I completely understood the point of it, find things that bug, if they are a legitimate problem, could you be the one to come up with a solution. However, I truly try to see the good in people and situations, with this assignment, I found my frame of mind to be more negative and that I did not really care for. Perhaps I took the assignment too seriously but when you tend to be the optimist of the group and are asked to wear the hat of a pessimist, it can certainly be an uncomfortable experience.
1. People who smell
Allow me to clarify, this does not necessarily mean bad, this can also mean that they bathed in perfume and it is overpowering. This exist for a multiple of reason. If it is the smell of body odor, it could be a medical issue or a cultural choice. If they wear too much, they could be trying to cover up something (perhaps a trip to the gym with no time for a shower).
2. The pompous attitude of the sales associates at Ulta in Waterford Lakes.
Ulta is a beauty supply chain for women and in order to be in sales, you have to dress the part. I think this lies within the hiring process. They need to hire beautiful, confident people who take care of themselves and can demonstrate the products. In turn, their confidence could be misconstrued as arrogance.
3. People who talk over me when I'm talking.
I chalk this up to three categories: they did not hear me, they do not want to hear me, they find what they have to say is more important.
4. People who talk on their phones in the bathroom.
Let me just say, this disgust me. Whether I am in the stall next to you or on the other line while you are talking. No call is so important that it cannot wait 3 minutes. This is just poor manners.
5. People reading over my should.
This really applies to work more than anything. If I talking about an email or document and they come around my desk without asking, I think they just lack good judgement.
6. Uber price inflation's on New Years Eve.
The law of supply and demand. People are drunk, they need a designated driver, it is THE biggest party day of the year and their of more of them then there are of you, therefore, you raise the prices.
7. Doctors who make you wait when you already have an appointment.
Now, I am not talking 15-20 minutes here, I am talking over an hour. I think this is greediness in most instances if it is a re-occurring trend, cram as many patients in at one time that is possible which in turn goes directly to his/her pocket. However, if it is a one time deal, it may be the doctor trying to accommodate as many of his patients as he can during flu season to make sure they are treated properly.
8. Text talk
The younger generation who is extremely technology savvy but lacks tact or proper writing etiquette. Let me note, this is not just in text, I also have experienced this in work emails.
9. Your company sitting on the phone while dining with you
Social media. We are so concerned with staying in tune with everything happening in the word and on various social media sites that we fail to stay connected to those near and dear to us in the presence.
10. People who do not control their pets when you visit them at their homes.
Look, I get it, you love your pet and treat them like family. They can eat off your plate and sit on your lap but not every person feels the same way, especially if your dog jumps and has nails or sheds a 5 inch fur ball all over the black dress you planned on going out in that night. People are just naive.
11. People not wiping down equipment after using it at the gym.
I hold both the persona and the gym responsible. Lack of adequate signage or an orientation educating new members on how to care for equipment is a big problem but once those people observe others, they should follow suit, if they choose to not do so, they are just lazy.
12. People who flip out on you if you do not floor it when a light turns green.
Everyone is in a rush. People cut themselves so short on time that when they are running behind, others have to feel their stress. Lack of time management, patience and general niceties is a big problem in our society as a whole.
13. Pedestrians who take their time or walk in the middle of the road.
Oh the irony that number 13, follows number 12. A lot of times I think people are just spaced out and not paying attention to their surroundings but it is still an issue when you are trying to pull into a parking spot at the mall and a person is walking down the middle of the road and you must yield to them. Have some courtesy.
14. Lack of empathy when dealing with customer service.
If I could have labeled this in order, this would be my number one. What happened to good customer service? This is entirely on the shoulder of a corporations lacking proper training. I realize interacting with people is not an easy job but employees should be trained on how to handle difficult situations and with a good demeanor.
15. DirecTV
Oh DirecTV, you had me NFL Ticket and that is the only reason I stay with you. Bad reception during storms, maintenance charges every time you need someone to come and check your satellite and phones holds that exceed 30 minutes. Need I say more?
16. Automated phone systems.
I know this is intended to expedite the call for the customer while keeping customer service numbers up for the corporation but if I have to press 15 different numbers to get routed to a customer service associate, if I was not mad to begin with, I am by the time I am there. The lack of merging technology improvements with the importance of customer satisfaction is to blame.
17. Slow wifi
I'm the problem here. I could upgrade my wifi to a faster speed but instead I choose to be frugal and get just what I need to get my school work done. It still annoys me that I have to pay over $50 to get there so on purpose, I begrudgingly keep my slow speed.
18. When you hold the door for people and they do not say thank you.
Bad manners, end of.
19. "Hidden fees" with the airlines.
Corporate greed at its finest and unassuming consumers. People think they are getting a good deal with allegiant airlines until they are charged $35 for a carry on, $5 to print their boarding pass, $26 to choose a seat; it is just ridiculous.
20. Cyber trolls
Technology. I know the intent of this blog is to bring us up to speed in the social media realm, it has helped businesses gain business, people reach lost family and friends, etc. but it also invites the ugly people of the world to hide behind a computer and speak disparagingly to others. It invites sexual perverts to find young victims without people suspecting anything of them from the comfort of their own home, it allows cyber bully's to hurt others with words until they commit suicide, it opens pandoras box for young teens with poor judgement to send pictures of themselves in compromising attire (or lack their of) or positions that will be around for the rest of their lives. Sometimes I wish we could digress to more of a "paper" environment but I do acknowledge that the pros outweigh the cons.
The end result of this is slightly disheartening, bother me and my outlook on things and people AND for society as a whole. There were a few general things that bugged me, like slow wifi or the businesses practices of DirecTV, but most of my issues lied with people themselves and their actions. This was an interesting assignment because I completely understood the point of it, find things that bug, if they are a legitimate problem, could you be the one to come up with a solution. However, I truly try to see the good in people and situations, with this assignment, I found my frame of mind to be more negative and that I did not really care for. Perhaps I took the assignment too seriously but when you tend to be the optimist of the group and are asked to wear the hat of a pessimist, it can certainly be an uncomfortable experience.
Wednesday, January 6, 2016
Tuesday, January 5, 2016
My Entrepreneurship Story - Week 2
Honestly, the closest I ever came to entrepreneurship was in high school. I used to go to Walmart and buy bags of blow pops, at the time they did not have candy machines or school stores so I would bring the blow pop to school and sell them to my peers for $.75 each. I was not bringing in hundreds but I made enough to go shopping once a month or eat out with my friends a couple times a week.
I took this class as a requirement but it is a course that I am truly looking forward to. I often watch Shark Tank (I love that show) and think to myself, "I can do this", "I had that idea years ago." I also hear myself saying "must be nice to be your own boss." Of course it is! There is nothing or no one that is keeping me from getting there, I just need the tools, education and motivation and I can be one of those people.
I took this class as a requirement but it is a course that I am truly looking forward to. I often watch Shark Tank (I love that show) and think to myself, "I can do this", "I had that idea years ago." I also hear myself saying "must be nice to be your own boss." Of course it is! There is nothing or no one that is keeping me from getting there, I just need the tools, education and motivation and I can be one of those people.
Introduction to Nicole Bell - Week 2
Hello all!
My name is Nicole Bell, I was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut but have lived my entire adult life in Orlando, Florida. I am 33 years old and am pursuing a business administration degree. I currently hold two jobs, my fulltime job is an Aide to elected official and my part-time job to pay for college is bartending at Universal Studios for special events. I can honestly say that I enjoy both jobs, although they are vastly different. While I am incredibly busy attending college fulltime and working two jobs, I can also add that I am the mother of three teenagers, 16, 14 and 12 respectively.
All of the above is mentioned because truly "free time" does not exist. I am driven and dedicated to finishing college and pursuing my career in the field of government administration. I am truly at a place where I want to be in my life but that little piece of paper is keeping me from making more financially, so here I am. When I do have a few weeks off in between semesters, I often travel. I am definitely of the mindset, work hard, play hard. I love to see, taste and embrace other cultures; as well as other cities and states in the US. I am also a huge sports fanatic, primarily football, baseball and hockey; holding season tickets to a local sports team and traveling to Tampa and other cities for live football and baseball games.
My name is Nicole Bell, I was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut but have lived my entire adult life in Orlando, Florida. I am 33 years old and am pursuing a business administration degree. I currently hold two jobs, my fulltime job is an Aide to elected official and my part-time job to pay for college is bartending at Universal Studios for special events. I can honestly say that I enjoy both jobs, although they are vastly different. While I am incredibly busy attending college fulltime and working two jobs, I can also add that I am the mother of three teenagers, 16, 14 and 12 respectively.
All of the above is mentioned because truly "free time" does not exist. I am driven and dedicated to finishing college and pursuing my career in the field of government administration. I am truly at a place where I want to be in my life but that little piece of paper is keeping me from making more financially, so here I am. When I do have a few weeks off in between semesters, I often travel. I am definitely of the mindset, work hard, play hard. I love to see, taste and embrace other cultures; as well as other cities and states in the US. I am also a huge sports fanatic, primarily football, baseball and hockey; holding season tickets to a local sports team and traveling to Tampa and other cities for live football and baseball games.
My journey into blogging
I have never done blogging so I am nervous and excited to learn more about it.
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