So the semester is almost done. I'm greatly anticipating the winter break, as its already starting to snow, and I just booked my trip to Vegas.
But as this class - Social Networking and Business - comes to a close, I'm trying to decide what to do with this blog. I've been thinking about all the different facets of my life, trying to decide on a blogging topic.
My Major and Future Career: Accounting
In a recent assignment, we had the task of studying the blogging styles of some "famed" bloggers. I was drawn the blog "The Evil HR Lady." This got me thinking, you can really blog about anything and make it interesting. Which also got me thinking -- I'm starting my career as an Accountant, as an intern this upcoming semester, and then I've accepted a full-time job offer for September 2008, why not do an Accounting blog.
Doing a quick Google Search, I found a notable few, but the one that stuck out was "The Anonymous Accountant"
My Sorority
Growing up in State College, right where Penn State is, I myself had this stereotype of Greek Life. I honestly joined my sorority at AU on a whim. And now I myself find myself fighting against this "sorority girl" stereotype. But with that said, my sorority has been such a valuable part of my collegiate experience. And oddly enough, the recruitment process is very similar to the recruitment process for Public Accountants.
Life In General
Maybe this might be a good place to just track the random things that happen in life.
For example, I was walking home last night after a tiring night of waitressing and saw a raccoon on the sidewalk, and a biker speeding right towards it. I guess the biker figured the raccoon would stay put, allowing him to maneuver around the rodent. The raccoon pulled a fast one, and the biker hit it head on, doing a 360 in the air as the raccoon shuffled back into the woods. I rushed to the biker to see if he was OK - its not everyday you run into a raccoon. He was OK, and he was British. And he stopped to chat for a few minutes about the obscurity of the event. (oo la la). Sooo random. hahahah.
Anyway, I guess I'll be floating these ideas in my mind for a while.
Best of luck with finals, and all future endeavors.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Excuse the Pessimism
This post is going to be such a Debbie Downer...but reading Fatdoor Blog's , I can't help but comment on this hope that social networking will have the following applications:
"- Neighborhood social networking. While sitting at home using my PC or driving around my neighborhood with my cell phone, I can identify and connect with people on my street who share common interests. Neighbors I may not know have a choice to make their profile available to me and others in our immediate neighborhood. If an elderly neighbor needs help moving furniture, I can find out about it on our neighborhood social network and volunteer to lend a hand.
- Educational social networking. Students, teachers and the community at large participate in school-based systems that match school assignments, activities or needs with individuals inside and outside the school who can help.
- Social services networking. Using a cheap wireless device, an abused spouse or a person recently released from prison can be linked immediately to a variety of services in their area, including temporary housing, counseling and employment support. Before they even show up at a social service agency, they could access information about the best person to talk to (based on reviews from other clients) and know what services are available in real time without having to wait or be told to go somewhere else.
- Street-smart social networking. Rather than handing over a quarter, a passerby can assist a homeless person using a one-click system that identifies local services or electronically transfers money to an account at a local grocery store or restaurant."
Maybe in an ideal world. But it seems so often that people are unwilling to help out a stranger, let alone a stranger you encountered online. To join a Facebook group and maybe donate a quarter is just a bit different. Maybe I'm just a bit pessimistic today, but I think people would much rather throw money at a cause than give up time, get up and do something, especially for a stranger, in a "Pay in Forward" kind of way.
But on the large-scale, I think social networking has the capability to unite do-gooders, and communities. But to expect someone to notice that your neighbor 2 floors down is moving out, and then proceed to actually help that neighbor, who is a virtual stranger - is kind of odd to me. I think people just have apprehensions, and different comfort levels with that. But to join a cause, and table on the quad to raise awareness about the genocide in Sudan...that seems more understandable.
I think the most revolutionary thing about all these social networking sites is the potential for change in general. The wealth of information. Tapping into the brains of everyone from Joe Smoe to CEOs. Quickly exchanging thoughts and ideas through IM, etc. Maintaining old contacts and making new. By expanding networks in general, we have strength in numbers, and the potential to change.
"- Neighborhood social networking. While sitting at home using my PC or driving around my neighborhood with my cell phone, I can identify and connect with people on my street who share common interests. Neighbors I may not know have a choice to make their profile available to me and others in our immediate neighborhood. If an elderly neighbor needs help moving furniture, I can find out about it on our neighborhood social network and volunteer to lend a hand.
- Educational social networking. Students, teachers and the community at large participate in school-based systems that match school assignments, activities or needs with individuals inside and outside the school who can help.
- Social services networking. Using a cheap wireless device, an abused spouse or a person recently released from prison can be linked immediately to a variety of services in their area, including temporary housing, counseling and employment support. Before they even show up at a social service agency, they could access information about the best person to talk to (based on reviews from other clients) and know what services are available in real time without having to wait or be told to go somewhere else.
- Street-smart social networking. Rather than handing over a quarter, a passerby can assist a homeless person using a one-click system that identifies local services or electronically transfers money to an account at a local grocery store or restaurant."
Maybe in an ideal world. But it seems so often that people are unwilling to help out a stranger, let alone a stranger you encountered online. To join a Facebook group and maybe donate a quarter is just a bit different. Maybe I'm just a bit pessimistic today, but I think people would much rather throw money at a cause than give up time, get up and do something, especially for a stranger, in a "Pay in Forward" kind of way.
But on the large-scale, I think social networking has the capability to unite do-gooders, and communities. But to expect someone to notice that your neighbor 2 floors down is moving out, and then proceed to actually help that neighbor, who is a virtual stranger - is kind of odd to me. I think people just have apprehensions, and different comfort levels with that. But to join a cause, and table on the quad to raise awareness about the genocide in Sudan...that seems more understandable.
I think the most revolutionary thing about all these social networking sites is the potential for change in general. The wealth of information. Tapping into the brains of everyone from Joe Smoe to CEOs. Quickly exchanging thoughts and ideas through IM, etc. Maintaining old contacts and making new. By expanding networks in general, we have strength in numbers, and the potential to change.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
User Generated Content and Business
I really found the post "User Generated Content & Search" from Bruce Clay Inc. quite interesting. The post really encourages businesses to take advantage of user-generated content (UGC), and raises some really key points about consumers.
I myself am a big fan of review sites. This is really semi-connected - but I've moved into a new apartment fairly recently, and am very into decorating. So I was looking for a new comforter and some other appliances. Anyway, I noticed that stores like Target and Wal-mart, allowed customers to write reviews following the product description. What an odd concept, huh?
I'm thinking, why would a company allow negative comments if they're trying to sell a product. But I think this post - "User Generated Content & Search" - made some excellent points. If customers know what they're getting, returns decrease. Reviews actually increase sales. That makes sense, at least with online purchases. I'm often apprehensive to buy things online. Things always look so different than the picture. And the descriptions can be misleading at times.
Also, I tend to base my purchases more off of the opinions of my friends, family, and generally anyone but the salesmen. I guess its just hard to take some sales people sincerely because they just want you to buy. I dunno, maybe that's just me.
Kudos to businesses embracing UGC!
I myself am a big fan of review sites. This is really semi-connected - but I've moved into a new apartment fairly recently, and am very into decorating. So I was looking for a new comforter and some other appliances. Anyway, I noticed that stores like Target and Wal-mart, allowed customers to write reviews following the product description. What an odd concept, huh?
I'm thinking, why would a company allow negative comments if they're trying to sell a product. But I think this post - "User Generated Content & Search" - made some excellent points. If customers know what they're getting, returns decrease. Reviews actually increase sales. That makes sense, at least with online purchases. I'm often apprehensive to buy things online. Things always look so different than the picture. And the descriptions can be misleading at times.
Also, I tend to base my purchases more off of the opinions of my friends, family, and generally anyone but the salesmen. I guess its just hard to take some sales people sincerely because they just want you to buy. I dunno, maybe that's just me.
Kudos to businesses embracing UGC!
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Information Overload and a PR nightmare
The 2008 campaign in definitely revolutionary due to the use of Web 2.0 applications such as blogs, Facebook pages and YouTube.
Let's take a look at a few of the contenders:
Hillary Clinton:
Barrack Obama
Rudy
John Edwards
YouTube alone is being utilized to help political campaigns, and also to of course mock the candidates because thats just fun!
In all seriousness, I think politicians are beginning to realize the strength of the Web 2.0. Social networking sites alone have the power to put numbers behind a cause. Whether it be to Save Darfur, http://www.abcnews.go.com/WN/PersonOfWeek/Story?id=3260220&page=1, or run for President. Look at Steven Colbert! His "fake" campaign that lasted a hot second was able to unite 1,000,000 Facebook users!
The Web facilitates the transfer of knowledge, and unites people, often for good causes. Blogs allow you to post your opinions, let your voice be heard. BUT, are we in information overload? I think Gerry McGovern, web content expert, makes some excellent points about some of the downsides of technology. There is an abundance of easily accessible information out there. It seems that the PR heads of these campaigns have a harder than time than ever. Every time a YouTube video surfaces, there has to be some damage control. But many of the candidates are using YouTube and blogs to get their voice heard, and campaign.
However, candidates and politicians fail to really utilize Web 2.0 when in office. There seems to be a lack of a happy medium. On one hand, as the McGovern interview points out, you have "Daniel Rosen, a candidate for Nevada's Second Congressional district, who promises to make decisions based on a Web site where constituents tell him how to vote." If politicians expect democracy to do all the work for them, why do we even elect representatives? On the other hand, as representatives, don't these people have a responsibility to the US citizens they represent, and the choices they make that impact the population?
At least businesses are starting to pick up on the effectiveness and the importance of the blog, to address the needs and concerns of the stakeholders. Businesses are recognizing that with the growth of Web 2.0, its no longer a one way street. There's less control. Though politicians are utilizing 2.0 applications to by pass the media in their campaigns, in hopes of getting elected. Though this is written in 2004, Mark Glaser explains why Senators are so slow to blog. It doesn't seem like much has really changed. If you want to raise an issue to your Senator - you write a letter, you call in the media. You yourself can blog, and if you have a popular blog, your blog can reach the media. But otherwise, you local representative or Senator probably will not be responding.
Of course it would be great for politicians to personally blog, not just people from their campaign. IT would be great if they responded to comments, and maybe used the Web 2.0 much like many companies have done. And think of themselves as service providers aiming to please their customers - the tax payers.
But on the other side, McGovern raises another excellent point, It's easy to get carried away with this Wired magazine view of "All You Need is Web 2.0," but in some ways the very technology that is meant to solve problems merely makes people more emotional—not more reasonable. We ultimately do a disservice to society by creating this euphoria about what technology can really deliver." Which I think is so true. I think we live in an age where we are overloaded with information. Web 2.0 creates even more information with user generated content. Abundance of accessible information is not the panacea. We are humans, we can only intake so much. But I do believe Web 2.0 opens a lot of doors for communication and understanding, especially in the political arena.
Let's take a look at a few of the contenders:
Hillary Clinton:
Barrack Obama
Rudy
John Edwards
YouTube alone is being utilized to help political campaigns, and also to of course mock the candidates because thats just fun!
In all seriousness, I think politicians are beginning to realize the strength of the Web 2.0. Social networking sites alone have the power to put numbers behind a cause. Whether it be to Save Darfur, http://www.abcnews.go.com/WN/PersonOfWeek/Story?id=3260220&page=1, or run for President. Look at Steven Colbert! His "fake" campaign that lasted a hot second was able to unite 1,000,000 Facebook users!
The Web facilitates the transfer of knowledge, and unites people, often for good causes. Blogs allow you to post your opinions, let your voice be heard. BUT, are we in information overload? I think Gerry McGovern, web content expert, makes some excellent points about some of the downsides of technology. There is an abundance of easily accessible information out there. It seems that the PR heads of these campaigns have a harder than time than ever. Every time a YouTube video surfaces, there has to be some damage control. But many of the candidates are using YouTube and blogs to get their voice heard, and campaign.
However, candidates and politicians fail to really utilize Web 2.0 when in office. There seems to be a lack of a happy medium. On one hand, as the McGovern interview points out, you have "Daniel Rosen, a candidate for Nevada's Second Congressional district, who promises to make decisions based on a Web site where constituents tell him how to vote." If politicians expect democracy to do all the work for them, why do we even elect representatives? On the other hand, as representatives, don't these people have a responsibility to the US citizens they represent, and the choices they make that impact the population?
At least businesses are starting to pick up on the effectiveness and the importance of the blog, to address the needs and concerns of the stakeholders. Businesses are recognizing that with the growth of Web 2.0, its no longer a one way street. There's less control. Though politicians are utilizing 2.0 applications to by pass the media in their campaigns, in hopes of getting elected. Though this is written in 2004, Mark Glaser explains why Senators are so slow to blog. It doesn't seem like much has really changed. If you want to raise an issue to your Senator - you write a letter, you call in the media. You yourself can blog, and if you have a popular blog, your blog can reach the media. But otherwise, you local representative or Senator probably will not be responding.
Of course it would be great for politicians to personally blog, not just people from their campaign. IT would be great if they responded to comments, and maybe used the Web 2.0 much like many companies have done. And think of themselves as service providers aiming to please their customers - the tax payers.
But on the other side, McGovern raises another excellent point, It's easy to get carried away with this Wired magazine view of "All You Need is Web 2.0," but in some ways the very technology that is meant to solve problems merely makes people more emotional—not more reasonable. We ultimately do a disservice to society by creating this euphoria about what technology can really deliver." Which I think is so true. I think we live in an age where we are overloaded with information. Web 2.0 creates even more information with user generated content. Abundance of accessible information is not the panacea. We are humans, we can only intake so much. But I do believe Web 2.0 opens a lot of doors for communication and understanding, especially in the political arena.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
The Referral Controversy
The whole controversy regarding the referral system really intrigued me. In high school I had this naivety that in America you can make your own destiny. You can choose your own path and grow up to be whatever you want to be. And in school, I think you're taught that if you work hard, academically, these dreams will come true. But really - this is not the case. Referrals, "business casual" when you know the mean "suit", and your "30 second elevator speech" are all part of the game. They get you in the door, but they don't necessarily land you the job.
A personal example is that two summers ago, my uncle got me an internship with NASD. I interviewed for a few positions that I was really not qualified for, and then ultimately got an internship I was qualified for. So I mean if you don't have the skill sets once you get your foot in the door, having that connection can only do so much.
From a HR perspective, referrals make recruiting easier and I think it helps maintain corporate culture. How great would it be to work with your friend, neighbor, or something you think highly of? An article from Inc.com raises some great points about sites like Monster.com, "Today, recruiters' chief complaint is about the volume of unqualified candidates they receive from their postings. Millions of people use job boards and many apply to dozens or even hundreds of jobs per day. The result can be overwhelming, making it more difficult than ever to find the qualified candidates among the flood of thoughtless applications."
So maybe its not fair. Maybe this isn't really the land of opportunity if your destiny is perhaps out of your control, your career limited by who you know. But that's life. The best we can do is take courses like this and work not only on the academics and the resume, but also our networking and people skills.
A personal example is that two summers ago, my uncle got me an internship with NASD. I interviewed for a few positions that I was really not qualified for, and then ultimately got an internship I was qualified for. So I mean if you don't have the skill sets once you get your foot in the door, having that connection can only do so much.
From a HR perspective, referrals make recruiting easier and I think it helps maintain corporate culture. How great would it be to work with your friend, neighbor, or something you think highly of? An article from Inc.com raises some great points about sites like Monster.com, "Today, recruiters' chief complaint is about the volume of unqualified candidates they receive from their postings. Millions of people use job boards and many apply to dozens or even hundreds of jobs per day. The result can be overwhelming, making it more difficult than ever to find the qualified candidates among the flood of thoughtless applications."
So maybe its not fair. Maybe this isn't really the land of opportunity if your destiny is perhaps out of your control, your career limited by who you know. But that's life. The best we can do is take courses like this and work not only on the academics and the resume, but also our networking and people skills.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Making Connections
With more people spending more and more time online, both at home and work, there seems to be numerous benefits social networking sites like LinkedIn. These kind of sites seem like Facebook but for strictly business purposes. So, instead of exchanging business cards, professionals can now search each others profiles. This seems like a networking dream, to have access to current information (e-mail)of those in your professional network, and beyond. I think this can also help strengthen weak connections. For example, some of the companies I've interviewed with send me short bios and pictures of my interviewers. But with these websites, I can just look them up and put a face to the name. Another major pro is that this helps divide personal and professional connections. A major problem with Facebook is that the profile you want your friends to see, you may not want your employer to see. LinkedIn has all the networking perks of Facebook, with more of a business focus.
But in reality - how strong are these connections? How comfortable would you be to refer someone you met in LinkedIn? Or how willing would you be to allow someone access to your personal network? And often, our personal and professional networks are blurred. Another problem with these sites is low traffic. People just don't seem to be using them on a daily basis like Facebook.
I'm curious of everyone's thoughts - would you create one of these profiles? Would you use it?
But in reality - how strong are these connections? How comfortable would you be to refer someone you met in LinkedIn? Or how willing would you be to allow someone access to your personal network? And often, our personal and professional networks are blurred. Another problem with these sites is low traffic. People just don't seem to be using them on a daily basis like Facebook.
I'm curious of everyone's thoughts - would you create one of these profiles? Would you use it?
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Tools for Virtual Teams
As a business student at Kogod, I've had a team project/presentation/paper in literally all my courses, except one. Last semester was absolute hell because I was taking five business courses. Every one had a team project. There are numerous challenges with teamwork in general. Everyone has conflicting schedules, so face time is hard to do. Also, face time can be extremely unproductive. People show up late, without having read the assignment, and it's easy to get off task. Also, so often we're thrown together, with no previous relationship to each other, so there's no real time to "feel" out your group and establish norms. The focus is "let's just get it done."
But with that said, from my experiences, I've gathered some useful tools/tips for handling team project, especially when there are time conflicts. One, I think it helps a lot to know your teammates before you work on a major project together. Technology has made this easy with Facebook and AIM. In one group, we even went out for lunch. I mean this is rare, but it helps establish trust within the group, and gauge everyone's expertise.
The other thing I live by now is GoogleDocs. No longer do you need to do that annoying "I'll send you my part." This is so helpful with group papers because you can build off of what has already been said. I work for the Office of Business Communications here at Kogod. Our website has some pretty good tips from team projects in general http://kogod.american.edu/ArtPage.cfm?ItemID=956&AudienceID=16
So to carry these team-building tools to virtual teams, technology definitely has facilitated communication and reduced costs of flying people in, but I think it has limitations. You lose the non-verbal interactions, and the personal connection when you talk to someone face to face. I think these often make and break the team. So where do corporations draw the line and decide when teams need to meet face to face, and when they can they rely solely on virtual tools?
But with that said, from my experiences, I've gathered some useful tools/tips for handling team project, especially when there are time conflicts. One, I think it helps a lot to know your teammates before you work on a major project together. Technology has made this easy with Facebook and AIM. In one group, we even went out for lunch. I mean this is rare, but it helps establish trust within the group, and gauge everyone's expertise.
The other thing I live by now is GoogleDocs. No longer do you need to do that annoying "I'll send you my part." This is so helpful with group papers because you can build off of what has already been said. I work for the Office of Business Communications here at Kogod. Our website has some pretty good tips from team projects in general http://kogod.american.edu/ArtPage.cfm?ItemID=956&AudienceID=16
So to carry these team-building tools to virtual teams, technology definitely has facilitated communication and reduced costs of flying people in, but I think it has limitations. You lose the non-verbal interactions, and the personal connection when you talk to someone face to face. I think these often make and break the team. So where do corporations draw the line and decide when teams need to meet face to face, and when they can they rely solely on virtual tools?
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