Change Without Pain

Recently, I gave a presentation in my Operations Management class on "Change Without Pain", a book by Eric Abrahamson. It was really interesting to read about how we should learn to reuse the five key assets organizations have. Those assets are people, social networks, culture, structure and processes. The author also talked about creative organization, which is learning how to reorganize and reuse assets rather than get rid of them completely. He gave a great example using legos: As a child, when playing with legos you create something and then what? You don't throw away all of the pieces, buy new ones, and start over. You creatively recombine those legos to build something new and different. I thought that was a great visual!




(http://books.google.com/booksid=HqjpNd9KejMC&dq=change+without+pain+abrahamson&printsec=frontcover&source=bn&hl=en&ei=PWmS9GVApKonQehhrWTCg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CBQQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q&f=false)

Under Armour

My group decided to invest in Under Armour stock, and I realized that I don't know too much about this company. I can honestly say I own one under armour shirt and the rest of my athletic gear came from either nike or adidas. So, to make me feel more comfortable with the company, I got a basic history of how this company came to be.

(http://investor.underarmour.com/investors.cfm) It started with a desire for a different kind of workout shirt, one that kept sweat from soaking your clothes and that let your skin breathe. It was founded in 1996 by a former University of Maryland player Kevin Plank. It has grown to be a common article of clothing for all sports, and there are even different types of under armour for different conditions. "Wear HeatGear® when it's hot, ColdGear® when it's cold, and AllSeasonGear® between the extremes."

I want to give this company a chance now that I know a little more about their apparel. I play a lot of sports, and I think it would be interesting to test out their different gears for different conditions.

Pharmaceutical Sales

My brother-in-law graduated at the top of his class from BYU in accounting, but soon after decided that it wasn't the right job for him. He became a Pharmaceutical salesperson and truly loves his job. My sister graduated with a PR degree and went through several jobs before applying and getting chosen to be on my brother-in-law's team as a Pharmaceutical salesperson. She, also, enjoys her job. This made me wonder what the qualifications are to becoming a Pharmaceutical representative:
- four year degree
- clean driving record
- able to learn and communicate complex information
Along with this, they should be self-motivated, organized, and be self-confident.
(http://www.pharmaceuticalsaleshelp.com/career.html)

I have been having the hardest time deciding what to do with my future. I have been interested in physical therapy, law, nursing, and marketing. It is always a good thing to keep your options open, but I am afraid I will never be able to choose just one thing that I want to do for the rest of my professional life! Hopefully I will figure it out :)

Smart Cars

I am from Oregon and since we seem to be the "Tree-Hugger"state of the world, I am never surprised to see the newest fuel efficient/ozone saving/economy helping cars driving around my little town. In fact, if you were to drive a hummer or a similar gas guzzler, don't be shocked if you get several rude hand gestures by passionate earth lovers while driving our streets.

This last Christmas, I saw several smart cars. I was curious to see why anyone in their right mind would sit in a tiny little car and feel safe driving the dangerous roads. But after searching the smart cars website (smartusa.com), I learned a little more about why these cars will be more and more popular as years go by.

This came directly from their website: "The smart fortwo electric drive will be equipped with a 16.5 kWh lithium-ion battery powering a 30 kW motor positioned over the rear drive wheels. The battery can be charged with either 100V or 220V systems and will require between 3.5 and 8 hours of charging time, depending on the voltage used and the starting state of the battery charge. An 85 mile range is anticipated."

That blew me away! I did not expect it to have such a large range for being an electrically charged car, and now I see why so many Oregonians are investing in these little fun-size vehicles.

Earthquake in Chile

Last semester I had a huge decision to make; do I study abroad for the Spring Semester or not? I had been planning on traveling for about two years, but for some reason the decision to go didn't settle well. I was planning on living in Santaigo, Chile to finish my Spanish Minor and immerse myself in the language and culture. But, on the last possible day I had to decide, I chose not to go.
Just a couple days ago, when the earthquake with an 8.8 magnitude hit, I was speechless. That area was exactly where I would have been living had I decided to study abroad for the semester. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eqinthenews/2010/us2010tfan/#summary), coastal Chile has a history of large earthquakes since it is located directly above two plates. It even stated that in May of 1960, there was an earthquake with a magnitude of 9.5 that occurred 230 km north of this year's earthquake.
I am truly am worried about the Chilean people, but I am relieved that I chose to stay here in Logan rather than live abroad.

Top Five Things Employers Want

Lately in class we have been talking about personally branding ourselves as we go out and try to find a job. I have had a hard time thinking of things that set me apart, or that would make an Employer interested in me. So, I decided to look up the top things that Employers look for, and I came across "The Top Five Things Employers Want" on a website http://www.thechiefbrandofficer.com/the-top-5-things-employers-wantand-your-personal-brand/) that's all about branding. Their top five were:

1. Communication skills
2. Analytical/Research skills
3. Computer/Technical literacy
4. Flexibility/Adaptability/Managing multiple priorities
5. Interpersonal abilities

The two that I think are most important are communication skills and interpersonal abilities. I have heard several employers say how important it is for their employees to be able to speak, listen, and write effectively. Especially in the business world, not only effectively but with time efficiency in mind. Time really is money!
I think that interpersonal abilities go so far in a business. If employees are getting along with their teams or coworkers, there tends to be a lot more focus within the company, which adds to the value of the company.

Doritos stole the show!

Each year I look forward to Super Bowl for three reasons: Food, Football and Funny Commercials! This year I was a little disappointed, but the Doritos commercials were the funniest and most memorable. But my question is, what makes an advertisement effective?

Take a second and think about how many commercials you have seen in the past year. How many do you really remember? I came across an advertising company online called "The James Group" and thought their four points were right on the money: There needs to be a word hook, character hook, repeatable theme and a consistent brand layout.

Word hook: These are catchy and are created to "hook" the target audience with a simple word or statement. An example is MasterCard's "Priceless!"

Character hook: This is using a hero, villain or victim when advertising the product/service. The most recognized hero in advertising is Ronald McDonald! Today, only Santa Claus is more recognized by children in the United States.

Repeatable theme: This uses the tactic of making the target audience feel like they are on the inside and have a connection with the product. It is supposed to create a familiar feeling. Like the the "Got Milk?" ad; it is a repeatable theme that many recognize.

Consistent brand layout: This idea of consistency is that it builds trust with the consumer. A wonderful example is that of the apple for ipods.

So, by making sure the advertisements are focusing on at least one of these key points, they will be memorable and worth the money!

Oh and by the way...GO SAINTS!