whineykitty

[whineykitty]

Social Media - It Can Make or Break Your Company

Your company is updating a manufacturing plant.  The construction will cause traffic delays, noise pollution, and air pollution for nearby residents.  However, these residents are not customers of your company because you don’t sell your products in that area.  Should you take the time to notify the residents of these inconveniences by posting construction and traffic updates on your company website?  

Yes.  Not only is relaying this information the right thing to do, it is also imperative to the health of your company to do so.  In this day of extensive social media, where most people are posting daily about the things that make them happy, make them sad, and make them angry, it is important for every company to always pay heed to their reputation. Taking a few minutes each day during the construction to keep area residents updated on the progress and on potential disturbances to their daily lives will be well worth the time spent on this task. The residents may still be unhappy about the construction, but if they perceive that your company cares enough about its neighbors to keep them informed, they are much less likely to post negative comments about your company on Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat, etc.  Nothing spreads across social media faster than a negative review or a complaint!  

According to Susvashree Bhattacharya, “Any statement once released on social media channels circulates at lightning speed.”  He also states that social media is a great platform for people to complain about your business, your products, and your services.  He explains that most people won’t contact your business directly about any complaints or issues, they will simply post negative feedbacks or reviews to your company website and other social media channels.  “The more complaints you get, the more your brand will suffer” (Bhattacharya).

If you are concerned about the amount of time it will take for an employee to post construction updates for area residents, consider how much time it will take for one or more employees to respond to complaints and restore your company’s reputation following negative comments or complaints.  Running interference will take more time and be more costly than simply reaching out to residents with updates on a regular basis.  Be proactive, not reactive.

https://www.revechat.com/blog/7-negative-effects-social-media-may-business/

[whineykitty]

Thank you, but...

Dear Walter,

Thank you for submitting your proposal concerning our company’s advertising agency.  I always appreciate that you take such an active interest in the welfare of ABC Company and are willing to offer suggestions to improve productivity and promote company growth.  I value your input, your many years of experience with ABC, and the daily contributions that you make to our company.  

I have reviewed your suggestion to terminate our relationship with Palmer Printing and to move our printing business to Dawson Printing.  We have always had a professional and effective working relationship with the crew at Palmer Printing and I have found no record of employee complaints regarding the responsiveness of the company.  Brandon, at Palmer Printing, has consistently designed creative brochures and newsletters for us, and the company has the ability to create and manufacture all of the products we require at ABC.  They have also designed effective email blasts and website material for us.  Upon review of recent Ace Printing invoices, they’re prices appear to be reasonable and competitive within their market.  

At this time, ABC will continue to work with Palmer Printing.  However, I would be happy to review this decision again if you would like to submit further details about any difficulties you have experienced with Palmer Printing and its employees.  I would also require further information about Dawson Printing. What markets do they cater to?  Do they have the capability to print the large volumes that ABC Company requires?  Are their prices competitive?  Can they provide references for their work?  And, can they supply examples of work they have designed and printed?  With this additional information, I feel that I can effectively compare the two printing companies and arrive at a decision that will be favorable to ABC.  

Thank you again for all that you do for ABC Company and for constantly looking for ways to improve our performance.  

Sincerely,

Donna Gray

[whineykitty]

The Next 10 Years Top 10

Have you wondered what the latest and greatest industries are right now?  Which industries will experience growth in the next 10 years?  Then, this blog is for you!

If you want to start your own business, consider these options:

Micro-mobility - E-bikes.  E-scooters.  E-skateboards.  According to Forbes and Inc. magazines, the micro-mobility craze is growing exponentially, with e-scooters leading the way in popularity.  The industry is growing so quickly that the two pioneers of e-scooters, Lime and Bird, reached a value of $1 million dollars within their first year in business.  

Digital Therapeutics - Video games and other software can be used to assist patients in taking better control of their health and, thereby, decrease a patient’s reliance on medication.  Digital therapeutics are being used in the treatment of asthma, COPD, ADHD, depression, and substance abuse, so technology companies are starting to offer more of these digital treatments.  According to MedTechDive, digital therapeutics are expected to grow by 30.7% by 2023.  

CBD Products - The 2018 Farm Bill is expected to eventually make CBD legal in all 50 states.  This market is growing so quickly that the shelves are already crowded with CBD products.  CBD oils, gummies, and topicals are available, and CBD is being added to food and drinks.   According to Inc.com, Charlotte’s Web Holdings is a major player in this industry, with revenue increasing by 57% every year.  

Baby Technology - According to PC Magazine, children as young as 6 months old are playing with electronic devices.  Some babies and children have become so accustomed to touch screens that they don’t know how to interact with non-electronic media.  Plus, companies are developing software and apps that can track fertility, give advice on breastfeeding, and offer solutions for getting babies to sleep. Owlet has developed the Smart Sock which fits on a baby’s foot in order to monitor oxygen levels and heart rate.  Owlet made $25 million in revenue in 2017, with revenue expected to continue to increase.

Selfie Stations - Most organized events - think fundraisers and galas - have selfie stations available for the guests.  People like to document everything about their lives, so organizations are using these stations as a fun addition that also gives attendees a fun memento to take home.  Since party-goers will share their selfies on social media, some companies are using photos from selfie stations for marketing their company or for collecting data on customers.  According to Inc.com, Simple Booth made $3.3 million dollars in 2018.  

If you are considering a new career, here are the occupations that are expected to grow, according to Kiplinger:

App Developer - The massive expansion of mobile technology is creating a demand for operating systems and new applications.  Kiplinger estimates that this field will grow 30.4% by 2027.  

Nurse Practitioner - With an aging population and an increasing focus on preventive care, a growing number of patients will need medical care.  Nurse Practitioners, who can perform routine exams and write prescriptions, will be poised to meet that need.  Kiplinger projects growth of 35.2% in this field by 2027.

Physician Assistant - Along with Nurse Practitioners, there is also a growing need for Physician Assistants.  PAs are trained to diagnose, treat patients, and write prescriptions; and sometimes act as primary care providers.  Kiplinger estimates 35.3% job growth in this occupation by 2027.

Physical Therapy Assistant - As our population ages, we can expect a growing need for rehabilitative services.  Physical Therapists may need to work with an increasing number of patients, resulting in a need for more PT Assistants.  According to Kiplinger, this field is estimated to grow 31.3% by 2027.  

Statistician - With the ongoing development of technology to collect data on people and their activities, there is an increased need for someone to make sense of all of the data.  The need for statistician’s is expected to increase 30.1% by 2027, according to Kiplinger.

Ajao, Adeyemi.  “Electric Scooters and Micro-Mobility:  Here’s Everything You Need to Know.”  forbes.com, 1 Feb. 2019, https://www.forbes.com/sites/adeyemiajao/2019/02/01/everything-you-want-to-know-about-scooters-and-micro-mobility/#4c608a915de6

Canal, Emily.  “This Company Makes Wearable Devices for Babies So Their Parents Can Sleep Better.”  inc.com, 4 Dec. 2018, https://www.inc.com/emily-canal/best-industries-2019-owlet.html

Canal, Emily & Graham Winfrey.  “8 Best Industries for Starting a Business in 2019.″ inc.com, 4 Dec. 2018, https://www.inc.com/best-industries/index.html

Rachal, Maria.  “Pharmas See Potential in Digital Therapeutics, but Payers Still on the Fence.”  medtechdive.com, 9 April 2019,  https://www.medtechdive.com/news/pharmas-see-potential-in-digital-therapeutics-but-payers-still-on-the-fenc/552323/

Rapacon, Stacy.  “30 of the Best Jobs for the Future.”  kiplinger.com, 5 Dec. 2018, https://www.kiplinger.com/slideshow/business/T012-S001-best-jobs-for-the-future-2018/index.html

[whineykitty]

Campus Parking Committee

                                    CAMPUS PARKING

Our committee has been tasked with assessing student complaints concerning on-campus parking and recommending solutions to the university.

I.  IDENTIFY STUDENT PARKING FACTS

        A. Total enrollment at university

                 1.  Secure this number from Admissions

        B. Total number of student parking spaces

                 1.  Secure this number from Parking Services

        C. Total staff members at university

                 1.  Secure this number from the Business Office

        D. Total number of staff parking spaces

                 1.  Secure this number from Parking Services

        E. Total number of motorcycle-designated parking spaces

                 1.  Secure this number from Parking Services

II.  IDENTIFY STUDENT PARKING COMPLAINTS

        A. Parking Lots

                 1.  Inadequate amount of student parking spaces, especially during 

                      high- attendance hours

                 2.  Parking space marking lines faded

                 3.  Many reserved staff parking spaces remain empty

                 4.  Poor lighting near the computer center

                 5.  Neighbors parking in student lots

                 6.  Motorcycles using full parking spaces

        B. Security Patrol

                 1.  Discourteous security officers and harassment of students

                 2.  Vandalism

        C. Parking Fees

                 1.  High parking fees

                 2.  Full parking fees charged to night students even though evenings

                     are low-demand for parking

III.  RECOMMEND SOLUTIONS

        A. For inadequate student parking spaces

                 1.

                 2.

        B. For faded parking lines

                 1.

                 2.  

        C. For poor lighting near computer center

                 1.  

                 2.  

        D. For neighbors parking on campus

                 1.

                 2.

        E. For motorcycle parking

                 1.

                 2.

        F. For perceived discourteous security officers

                 1.

                 2.

        G. For acts of vandalism

                 1.

                 2.

        H.  For parking fees

                 1.  Day

                 2.  Night

Thank you for helping with this task.  We can make a positive difference on our campus.

[whineykitty]

Investigating the Investigators

1.  What did you learn about this organization that would help you write an application letter?

SCIS is an acronym for Securitas Critical Infrastructure Services.

SCIS states its corporate values as:  Integrity, Vigilance, Helpfulness

SCIS’ slogan is Protect as One.

Securitas AB entered the U.S. market in 1999 when it acquired Pinkerton, making it the largest security firm in the world.  Pinkerton was founded in 1850 by Allan Pinkerton, who was a famous private eye.  He was hired by the government to protect railroad property.  Pinkerton exposed a band of counterfeiters and foiled a plot to assassinate Abraham Lincoln.  He was known for pursuing notorious outlaws like Jesse James, and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.  And, Pinkerton helped to organize the federal secret service.  

In 2000, Securitas AB also acquired Burns International.  This private security firm was founded by William J. Burns who was known for his service as a national crime watchdog.  Burns was the first director of the Bureau of Investigation, which later became the FBI.  

Securitas AB acquired 5 other smaller security firms, positioning itself as the U.S. market leader. In July, 2003, all of Securitas AB’s U.S. operations united under the name of Securitas.  Then Pinkerton Government Services, which was formed to manage sensitive government contracts, merged with Securitas U.S. operations to create SCIS.

Currently, SCIS employs more than 13,000 people in more than 200 cities in nearly all 50 states. More than 30% of their employees are ex-military.  They have been hired to protect more than 1500 federal facilities since 1983, including nuclear power plants.  SCIS has the lowest accident rate in the industry and it was ranked 2nd in the 15th Annual Top Guarding Firms Listing.   SCIS was awarded the James S. Cogswell Outstanding Industrial Security Achievement Award in 2014 and 2017.  This award is the most distinguished award given by the Defense Security Service.  Of more than 12,000 contractors that are eligible for this award, less than 1% receive it annually. 

According to Security Magazine, security firms are starting to expand their menu of services by including cybersecurity, drones, and robotics.  Robots and drones are expected to become a more common part of security. Security firms state that they don’t intend to replace their employees, only expand their services, because the robots need a human touch in order to work effectively.  

2.  What Internet sources did you use to obtain this information? Do you trust these sources? Why?

scisusa.com and securitasinc.com – I trust that the history sections of these website are accurate. I don’t completely trust the descriptions of the workplace.  Of course, the company will want to make employment at SCIS look attractive.

securityguardtrainingcentral.com – I trust the objectiveness of this website.  They are not connected to SCIS.

securitymagazine.com – I trust the objectiveness of this website because they are not connected to SCIS.

3.  What aspects of your background do you think might appeal to this company’s recruiters?

I believe the company would appreciate my attention to detail, my inquisitive nature, and my work ethic.

All of the years I have spent in customer service would suggest to them that I am an effective communicator.

The fact that I co-chaired a successful capital campaign would showcase my persistence and hard-work.

The ability to speak Spanish would be a distinct advantage in many of their offices.

4.  If you choose to apply for a job with this company, what keywords would you include on your resume/application letter?  Why?

Created, maintained, supervised, cultivated, performed, assisted, oversaw, prepared, set up, and co-chaired.

[whineykitty]

Am I an Investigator?

When applying for the position of a field investigator, what are the 10 keywords that I can include in my resume to show that I am perfect for the position?

Organized: I am extremely organized.  I make lists of my lists!  When I am researching an issue or studying for a test, it is essential for me to have good notes that are organized in an effective manner.

Detail-oriented:  I like to look at situations from every angle, especially in business.  I look for patterns, small details, mistakes, and assumptions.  I proofread everything I do multiple times.  

Effective communicator:  When I am speaking with someone, I try to imagine how my words sound to them.  Do I sound terse or bothered?  Or, do I sound like I genuinely like the person and want to help them?  I also watch a person’s eyes to see if they have understood my words.  

Polite:  I believe the old maxim that you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.  I strive to keep all business communication positive.  If the person I am talking with is irritated or upset, it does not help the situation if I also become emotional.  It is important to keep communication polite and professional.

Leader:  I try to really listen when others are talking to me.  I might not be able to make a decision that makes everyone happy, but I want everyone to know I heard their thoughts and concerns and took them into consideration before arriving at a decision.  If people are going to follow your lead, they must think you are listening to them.

Critical thinker:  I approach almost everything in my life in a systematic way.  It is appealing to take a statement or argument and evaluate its strengths and weaknesses before reaching a conclusion.

Researcher:  Before I implement anything new at work, I want to look at all of the possible ways to do so through performing industry research.  How are others in my industry handling this?  What has been successful for other companies?  Is there a new way that might be best?

Puzzle solver:  I try to work some sort of puzzle every day:  jigsaw puzzle, crossword puzzle, sudoku, etc.  I like to gather the pertinent information, look at the possibilities for solving the puzzle, and try different options until the solution is found.  

Curious:  Is there anything better than finding an answer?  How can an airplane fly?  Why do I get a fever when I’m sick?  What is a black hole?  I am often curious about something I read in the newspaper or a textbook, so I will do a little research to try to understand the concept better.  Curiosity did not kill the cat - it made it smarter!

Motivated:  I am motivated by always doing my best, in whatever I am doing.  A positive and viable outcome is the reward that motivates me.  

https://careers.scisusa.com/job-details/field-investigator/87118403610/1/

[whineykitty]

Semana Ocupada

Happy Sunday everyone.  I’m reviewing the upcoming week and realize it will be a productive one for both my professional life and my college life.  I have many things on my agenda.

On Monday, I have scheduled a meeting with the officer manager of a local veterinary clinic.  My clinic and hers both utilize the same practice software (AviMark), but her clinic utilizes it more thoroughly than we do.  She has agreed to demonstrate some of the ways my clinic can easily use the software in order to recognize the maximum benefit.  In anticipation of this meeting, I have formed a Transition Committee and we have viewed tutorials on YouTube and compiled questions.  My clinic’s goal is to perform more tasks on the software so that we can decrease the amount of paper and the amount of time we expend on tasks.  I believe this will prove to be ecologically and economically sound and should make daily tasks more efficient.

Wednesday is my assigned day to give an oral presentation about my family in my Spanish class.  Not only do I need to communicate my thoughts effectively, I have to do it in Spanish.  I have been busy learning the Spanish vocabulary words and proper sentence construction.  I gathered pictures of my husband, daughter, son, horses, cats, and dogs to include in the presentation.  And, I have planned what I would like to share about each family member and written a brief outline in English.  Now I just need to put the photos in a PowerPoint presentation and translate my thoughts to Spanish.  La tarea divertida!

To complete my week, I have a Thursday afternoon meeting with a potential new employee.  The candidate and I have communicated by telephone and email to prepare for the interview.  I have reviewed her resume and application, contacted her with further information about the position, and answered questions that she has raised.  I then contacted two of her references.  The next step was to schedule this on-site interview and tour of the clinic to further assess whether we meet each other’s requirements.

Estoy muy ocupada esta semana.

[whineykitty]

As reported by Ray Hull in the June 6, 2019, edition of the Wichita Eagle (p. 7A),

“Good communication skills are ranked first among a job candidate’s must-have skills and qualities, according to a 2016 survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers.”  

He suggests that effective communication will be beneficial in all areas of your life - including business, social gatherings, applying for a job, and asking for a promotion.  Here are his suggestions:

Verbal Communication/Speaking Skills.  It is important that we develop an adequate vocabulary and speak with correct grammar.  Speaking with subpar grammar during an interview or business meeting will not benefit our cause and very well may prevent the hoped-for results.   We also need to speak a little slower than normal in order to be completely understood.  Mr. Hull suggests that we speak at the “Mr. Rogers rate” of 124 words/minute rather than the average rate of 170 to 180 words/minute. If we speak at a faster rate, the listener must struggle to process information that is being delivered too quickly.  Lack of comprehension is the inevitable result of this.  

Nonverbal Communication.  Nonverbal communication, such as facial expressions, posture, shuffling of feet, looking at a watch, and tone of voice, might say more than the words we are speaking,.  We should sit or stand comfortably - not too stiff and not slouching, maintain good eye contact without staring, and nod occasionally to denote understanding and interest.  

Personal Skills. These skills involve cleanliness, how well groomed we are, how we dress, and positivity.   When a listener is distracted by body odor, greasy hair, or inappropriate clothing, they can not successfully receive the information we are attempting to deliver.  Furthermore, if we deliver our message with a negative attitude, rather than a positive outlook, our attitude will alter the way we deliver the message and the way the listener receives it.

In order to achieve success in our business life and/or our personal life, we must hone effective communication skills, including verbal and nonverbal communication, as well as our personal appearance.

https://digital.olivesoftware.com/Olive/ODN/Wichita/

[whineykitty]

LET’S  TALK

According to the Small Business Chronicle, effective communication is absolutely essential in the business world.  Delivering information to a listener involves more than just speaking and listening.   The speaker uses body language and tone of voice, and chooses particular words so that he can share information clearly and successfully.  The listener also uses body language to convey to the speaker that he is engaged and listening.  

Speaking.  Part of being an effective communicator is understanding your audience and how they might react.  It is important to carefully consider your tone of voice and word choices. If you don’t know the listener, it is best to share your information in a generic manner.  

Listening.  Both the speaker and the listener should practice active listening.  The listener should maintain eye contact, nod or make comments to show that they understand the message that is being delivered, and ask questions if they are confused. The speaker should pay close attention to the listener to verify that he is receiving and understanding the message. If the listener looks confused, the speaker should choose different words or a different mode of delivery.

Asking.  The speaker and the listener should ask open-ended questions.  These questions create further communication and understanding.  They help to clarify the message.

Body Language.  Body language is an important part of communication. Facial expressions, stance, posture, and fidgeting are some examples of the signs that our bodies send.  For instance, if the listener is fidgeting, he may be bored or not paying attention.  The speaker would need to change his message delivery to re-engage the listener.  

Communication Methods. In order for communication to be effective, you must choose the best communication method.  Some people are very articulate speakers while others are capable of crafting compelling written words.  Choose your delivery method according to your skills.  But, continue to learn to be articulate in all forms of communication so that you can successfully deliver messages in any form of communication.

https://smallbusiness.chron.com/effective-business-communication-skills-2865.html

[whineykitty]

Automation and AI for Business                  Communication

Businesses can only operate as effectively as they can communicate.

                                Nick Hedges of CEO Velocity

Effective communication is essential to every part of life, especially in business. It’s important that business owners have the ability to share information with business colleagues, employees, and customers.  Effectively sharing information in a compelling manner will help build relationships and grow companies.  

Silicon Valley is developing communication technology that represents innovation on completely opposite poles.  They have developed technology that makes communication less human and technology that cultivates humanity.  

AI and AUTOMATION.  Because consumers can see anything with the simple and quick click of a mouse, they are exhibiting less patience in all aspects of life.  Consumers don’t want to wait on someone to call them about a product, they want instant gratification.  That is why artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are so important in today’s businesses.  Customers can order a product, plan a vacation, make an appointment, and perform many other tasks from the comfort of their homes with the simple click of a mouse.  Most customers like this process.  While automation is satisfying a business’ customers, it is also saving that business money.  Scheduling an appointment or ordering an item can be handled more efficiently by a machine than by a human.  And, people are becoming accustomed to dealing with computers as they interact with Siri or order from an online website.

VIRTUAL REALITY.  As businesses expand their operations to other states or other countries, and as more employees are working from home, face-to-face meetings are becoming less feasible.  Employees can’t always be in the same place at the same time, so they often rely on conference calls to share information or develop growth strategies.  But, phone conferences and video conferences can feel cold and it is often more difficult to comprehend information during these types of meetings.  To replicate the feeling of a face-to-face meeting while the participants are in different locations, virtual reality (VR) just makes sense.  A meeting via VR would feel more natural since attendees would not be viewing a flat screen, and information could be easily shared and understood by all participants.  But, VR equipment is expensive and the software to facilitate calling has not yet been developed.  We can look forward to these advances becoming the norm for business communication when these barriers have been breached.

https://www.fortinet.com/blog/business-and-technology/how-automation-and-ai-improve-healthcare-cybersecurity.html