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!

An Insightful Day

Yesterday I went with my dad to Ogden to watch one of my childhood friends play football for Montana State. One of my dads friends from college had relocated to the Ogden area and was now a big Weber State booster. The seats this friend had got us for the game were located in the luxury boxes! It was quite impressive. As the game went on all kinds of people came to visit this friend and we were introduced. People such as the Weber State mens head basketball coach and former Aggie assitant coach, Randy Rahe, the Weber State Athletic Director, the owner of several Wingate Hotels, and even Frank Layden, former coach and executive for the Utah Jazz!

After reflecting on the day, it became apparent on how true the topics of the previous blogs were: "It's not what you know, its who you know," and "It's not who you know, it's who they know." These were important people who I had met all through this single connection. It also became very apparent how important having a good elevator pitch would be. If I was in the market this would have been a great place to find a job since it is one of my goals to do accounting for the sports industry! I would only have a few minutes to get to sell myself to these people. Overall it was a very insightful expierence and I look forward to going to another game when I can really "sell" myself.