Boise State Business

Last night Boise State University came into town to play the Aggies. Usually when an opposing university comes to down they bring there team and a handful of fans. Not Boise State. They bring literally thousands of fans and a national TV audience.

Now in a football sense its a not a good thing when this team comes but in an economic sense its amazing! Parking at the stadium was raised from $5 to $10 for this game. Hotel rooms were so hard to find in Cache Valley, some BSU fans had to spend the night in Tremonton. Restuarants, such as Angies, this morning were packed with people clad with Bronco orange and blue. No doubt it was a good day to be business owner in the valley.

Along with the direct effects of such a big football program coming to down, national television was given to Cache Valley. This could and probably will bring in countless more tourism dollars to the area, not to mention more students for the university and football recruits.

Big games equal big money! Hopefully next time the Ag's can pull off the win!

Technological Collaberation

So that we cab get the group project completed on time and efficently we have been using technologies such as text-messaging and e-mail. These technologies are not only convienient, they are super easy to use. Each member has been e-mail are group leader research we have done. Also our group has recieved vital information via e-mail from one of the group members relatives.

Two Keys to Presenting

The two things that I have found most important while speaking in front of a group are (1) being prepaired and (2) keeping contact with the audience.

If you want to give a presentation, you must truly be prepaired. You have to know your subject. Research should be started weeks before your presentation. This gives you enough time to mull over what is going to be said. You'll have time to think of what you are going to say, ancedotes for it, and how it is all going to flow together.

There are multiple ways to keep in contact with your audeince. Some of the main ones are questions or visual aids. Most importantly I believe eye contact is how you keep your audiences attention. It makes it seem like you are speaking to them, not at them.

Keep these tricks in mind and you should have a succseful presentaion.

Pyramid Schemes

Today, while on a walk with my mom, we passed some friends. After some small talk, they invited my mom to come to a meeting at there house on Wednesday night to learn about a multi-level company that helps people get out of debt. Like any other pyramid scheme great returns were promised. Overall pyramid schemes work for the people who are at the top of the pyramid but once you get down to a certain level it is impossible to make money. The following article published by the Security and Exchanges Commission explains it all. Pyramid Schemes

Get to the Point

I really believe that in most cases the direct approach, in writing and speech, works best. People are very strapped for time in this day and age. There is also so much information to sipher through, that when writing or speaking in a business situation if the point of the memo is not clear people may continue reading or listening but start thinking about other topics; hence not giving your item there full attention. Three main areas when the direct approach should be used are (1) asking a question, (2) having a normal request, and (3) a positive or yes answer.

There are a few situations that an indirect approach may be appropiate. One is when speaking to some one in authority. It would appear rude to come right out and shoot a supervisors idea down. Another time to use the indirect approach is for any negative answer, some kind words are always nice lessen the blow.

Hand Written Letters- A Thing of the Past

I both agree and disagree that the art of letter writing is archaic. Let me explain.

In this day of modern technology to write and mail a business letter by postal service is absurd. There are so many other ways to voice a complaint or order items. For these things, technologys such as company web sites, telephone, and e-mail are much more sufficent to use.

On the other hand, there is nothing nicer than recieving a letter of thanks or commondation by the mail. It means so much to me to see that somebody took the time to write something nice and mail it. These letters, however, probably are a lot less formal than business letters.

In conclusion I believe that while it is important to know proper presenation for a letter that the art is dying. Much more time should be spent on electronic communications.

Dress for Success

Parents always say not to judge a book by its cover but in most cases that is exactly what happens. When I, myself, first see a person for the first time I immediately "judge" them, or that is try to figure out there story, by there appearance. I believe most people do this as well, it is something that is just human nature. That original impression stays with you until you actually get to know the person and in an interview situation it is rare that you will have enough time to change that impression.

When interviewing for a position, one should always dress at least one level higher than there position they are applying for. In most professional business situations a suit and tie would be appropriate for the interview, especially if that is what you would be wearing to work.

You are what you pretend to be, let your dress show that you are ready for that success!