Writing Professor Tackles Finding Love and Fending off Family During the Holidays in Debut Novel

November 26, 2019 at 3:19 pm (Uncategorized)
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Holiday chaos is par for the course come Thanksgiving and Christmas and, for many, family squabbles are one reason to dread the holidays. For debut author Robin Winzenread, however, it’s research.

“When you cram nearly a hundred warm bodies into a small 1,700 square-foot home on Christmas eve, you’re bound to get some fodder for future fiction.” She laughs. “I just try to make the most of it and write about it.”

new twitter backgrtound picture - smallerWinzenread’s first fiction novel, SOME ASSEMBLY REQUIRED, takes that chaos and elevates it into a raucous read. Released in ebook on October 28 and available in print in early December, Winzenread’s romantic comedy features a young, single mother of three from Chicago who relocates her family to the country and tries to make the best of it following a bitter divorce. Set in a small rural Midwestern town, this delightful tale features a city girl fish-out-of-water twist dripping with colorful locals, kids being kids, animals being ornery, sexual tension at the “sweet heat” level, and a handsome, widowed boss with a penchant for wearing tight jeans and cowboy boots all while taking place during the holidays. Read the rest of this entry »

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The True Purpose of Cover and Thank You Letters

November 14, 2019 at 4:59 pm (Uncategorized)

Hunting for the perfect job is difficult, you have to make yourself standout to compete against your competitors and to land the desired position. Cover and thank you letters are one way to accomplish that.

 In a cover letter you should mention the position you are applying for, explain your skills and experience that relate to the position, and finish with a request for an interview or meeting. 

                                Joe Smith

                                1234 Main Ave.

                                Columbus, IN 47201

                                (123)-456-7890

                                January 19, 2020

Future Boss

Company Name

987 S. Hiden Rd

New York, NY

(987)-654-4321

Dear Mr. Boss,

I am a student at IUPUC, I saw your now hiring sign and I am applying for the open position as a store manager. 

I am attaching my resume with this cover letter that shows my history in business management. I am currently in my second year with a business major. Also I have three years experience on the floor of a well known retailer. 

I will be in touch to plan a meeting or interview, as well  as a date and time that works for you. Thank you for your time. I am looking forward to meeting you.

Best Regards,

    (Always sign your name!)

Joe Smith

    A thank you letter is just as important as the cover letter. A thank you letter lets your interviewer know that you appreciate the time they put into meeting with you and that you respect their time. You should send the thank you letter within 24 hours of the interview because you want your image fresh in their mind and for them to read the letter before making a final decision. 

                                1234 Main Ave.

                                Columbus, IN 47201

                                (123)-456-7890

                                January 21, 2020

Future Boss

Company Name

987 S. Hiden Rd

New York, NY

(987)-654-4321

Dear Mr. Boss,

I enjoyed meeting with you to discuss the store manager position opening in your business. Our discussion only strengthened my desire to become a part of your store.Your floor staff was friendly and courteous. 

Company Name is precisely the company I want to manage. I see myself having great success working with you and your colleagues. 

Yours Truly,

(Always sign your name!)

Joe Smith

    Cover and thank you letters are a very quick and effective way to make yourself stand apart from competition in the employment field. I highly recommend taking your time and having someone proofread them just like you do with your resume. You would not want to send out a grammatical or spelling error, these would make you stand out in the wrong way. 

Tevis Tolliver

I am currently an IUPUC student enrolled in the business management program. I created this website to educate my audience about job cover letters and thank you letters. I hope you found this helpful. You may contact my through my email if you have further questions or would like to comment. tevtolli@IU.edu

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What Kind of Resume are You?

November 14, 2019 at 7:57 am (career, Job Search)

Time flies when you are having fun! One day, you’re graduating college and the next, you’ve been working 15 years. Now you’re at the height of your career and want to make a job switch, but you haven’t updated your resume in years. Do you use the same resume that kicked off your career? ABSOLUTELY NOT!

It’s time to revamp your resume. From when I graduated high school in 2011 to now, the rules of the resume game have changed. The content and structure that is included in your resume should be different from the beginning of your career versus the apex of your career.

Let me set the scene: You are about to graduate college and dive deep into the big world of the unknown: work life. Most students have had no work experience or just odd and end jobs that keep you off the ledge of riding the struggle bus while in school.

The best way to lay out your accomplishments is in the form of a functional resume that highlights skills and abilities. In the top partition of your resume you will want to list your GPA (if it’s a good one) and your most successful accomplishments. Social media is huge now, so make sure to include your LinkedIn profile for interviewers to view. You will want to list relevant course work that pertains to the field you are wanting to apply for if you have not completed any internships. If you had the opportunity to complete an internship, highlight that instead of relevant coursework. All volunteer experience counts! If you participated in any honors programs or leadership activities, make sure to include those as well. With work history not being a huge significance, keep your resume to one page! A new thing I’ve learned to save space is there isn’t a need to include references. When I first learned how to write resumes, references were a must. Now, leave them out. Don’t even include “can list references upon request”. Obviously, if you want the job and they ask, you will provide those. So, keep them in mind when needed.

Now, think ahead to having the career you have always wanted and it’s time to make a job change. Do you use the resume you updated 15 years ago? Probably not. It’s now time to completely revamp your resume and give it a whole new look. You have put in hard work over the years and you deserve to show it off.

A 2-page resume is acceptable at this point in your career. You want to use a hybrid or combination resume that lists your most relevant jobs starting with the most recent. You can list up to 15 previous roles, or you can list the ones that pertain to the role you are applying for. Education isn’t a focus anymore, so its good to list the university or degree you have, but no need to include your GPA. you had over 15 years ago. Make sure to include a cover letter! At the top portion of your resume you want to use quantifying accomplishments to list. You can list your accomplishments all day, but employers want to see numbers and what you really achieved. Facts speak louder than words.

This is an example of a functional resume template.
This is an example of a combination or hybrid resume template.

Keep in mind when creating your resume, in whatever stage of life you are in, a “good” resume is someone’s opinion. Everyone has one. These are guidelines to follow to make sure your resume reflects your best accomplishments and you! Good luck in any and all job endeavors.

– Christa Sterling IUPUC Business Management

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Comparing Presentation Styles of Different Democratic Presidential Candidates

November 7, 2019 at 2:58 pm (Uncategorized)

               The Democratic primary debate in Detroit features Congressman John Delaney, Mayor Pete Buttigieg, and Bernie Sanders. The debate starts with Mr. Sanders addressing the healthcare issue in America, immediately starting with an attack on Delaney. This aggression shown can sometimes benefit the speaker but, in this case, I believe that there was a better way to address this issue. To attack another candidate right off the bat seems to show that the speaker cares more about hurting the candidate than addressing the issue at hand. Although Mr. Sanders does address the facts about the issue, he could have spent more time on what exactly he wants to do different with the healthcare system. Mr. Delaney comes back with a different approach than Mr. Sanders, instead of directly attacking he starts with a statement about how he has a plan. He is noticeably less confident than Mr. Sanders was but he tries a little harder to connect with his audience by bringing up real life examples. Delaney is obviously nervous as he stumbles over his words at one point, this being completely different from the loud and proud Bernie Sanders who spoke with pride. Later in this debate Mayor Buttigieg is brought in and he is so much different than any candidate seen so far. While the others were louder, he keeps a calm tone during his time speaking. Mayor Buttigieg has a more approachable personality when speaking, he pays close attention to how he speaks, he tends to stay well mannered when addressed, at the same time he is also not afraid to call someone out calmly for being wrong. This type of presenting works better from what I can see, he shows the audience that he has the self-control not to lash out against other candidates which shows a lot of maturity coming from one of the youngest in the group.

By Jacob Reedy, Business Major- IUPUC

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Apology Gone Wrong!

November 7, 2019 at 12:07 am (Uncategorized)

On April 10, 2010 the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig owned and operated by PB Oil ignited and caused an explosion and the worst oil spill on earth to occur. The explosion caused more than 160 million gallons of oil to be dumped into the Gulf of Mexico. The spill reached every state that surrounded the Gulf Coast. The explosion caused 11 people to lose their lives, ocean life that was lost, and environment issues that came about.

On May 30, 2010 a couple months after the explosion the CEO of BP, Tony Hayward, got on camera to apologize for the disruption the spill has caused. What got everyone upset was after he apologized, he told the camera that he just wants his life back. After saying those words, the rest of the interview didn’t mean much to anyone. Also, during the interview Tony Hayward is showing no emotion about the incident making his apologize seem less sincere. When it comes to him talking about wanting his life back, he is seen slightly smiling, trying to make light out of the matter.

After the interview CNN just focused on him saying that one line. Just that part of the interview is what went viral. Those who saw the interview were commenting on it saying things like “Why should you get a life when those who lost theirs can’t”. That one comment took away from what the true focus needed to be on. Tony Hayward was acting selfish when he stated “I just want my life back. The apologize became so well-known it was part of an episode of South Park. South Park is seen making fun of the way CEO Tony Hayward is apologizing by showing no emotion and the words he used.

It took one day for Tony Hayward to realize he made a huge mistake by saying those words. He came back with an apology for his apology via Facebook. He stated that the comment he made was hurtful and thoughtless and then processed to apologize to the families who lost loved ones that day and those who were affected along the Gulf Coast.

When apologizing for something your company has done to someone else or something else, you should try to make light of the situation or talk about yourself. When Tony Hayward brought himself into the apology it took the apology and attention away from those who needed. Also, he shouldn’t of came back with another apology via Facebook. That apology should have been in front of the cameras. Anyone can write I am sorry down but those who are truly sorry, say it.

By: Jennifer Clarkson, Business Major IUPUC

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Practice Makes Perfect Presentation

October 30, 2019 at 12:32 pm (communication, Marketing, Presentations)
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I am sure anyone reading this has had his or her fair share of PowerPoint presentations. After much feedback over the years, I thought that I was doing everything right, as you probably think too. I always figured you just need to add pictures, transitions, and make sure it looks well organized and not cluttered. However, after doing some research and watching this extremely helpful Ted Talk, I learned way more than I thought I would. Give it a watch:

To sum up the video, there are five key points David JP Phillips suggests we consider when making a PowerPoint.

First, make sure you only put one message per slide. This is because our brains are very limited on how much they can take in and concentrate on at a time.

Second, work the audience’s memory. To do this, only use short bits of text per slide and include images. If you find yourself using long sentences, then use that as the content you deliver verbally, but take away key words to put on your slide.

Third, watch your sizing. We often make the headline bigger than the content on the slide. However, the headline is rarely the most important part. The most important part of your PowerPoint should also be the biggest, because this is what your eyes will spend the most time on.

Fourth, use effective contrast. This will help show what needs to be focused on. A good tip would be not using white for your background. If you use black or a dark color, then the audience can relax its eyes and focus on the person delivering the presentation as well, and not only focus on the big white screen. YOU are the presentation. The PowerPoint is simply your visual aid.

Fifth and final, only put enough objects that can be seen. Do not put so many to where it takes the audience a while to count how many are on the slide. Personally, I think four or less objects per slide is acceptable. Otherwise, it causes the audience to use more energy, which also can exhaust interest in your content. Now, this may cause you to have more slides, but that is not an issue compared to having slides that are too content heavy.

Knowing how to present is very important in school and in many jobs. Practice using these five tips with every PowerPoint and I guarantee you will perfect each one. Hopefully you found this just as helpful as I did!

By Kamryn Cantu, Business Major-IUPUC

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Marketing

October 24, 2019 at 6:43 pm (Uncategorized)
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Marketing is a very broad subject when brought up. There are endless types of marketing in the business world. This ranges from Burger King’s famous slogan “Home of the Whopper” to a 17-year-old hanging up flyers at local restaurants and grocery stores offering work as a babysitter. That is what makes marketing so unique in many ways.

Any type of business heavily relies on marketing strategies and plans. These are where the unique ideas come into play. For example, many restaurants have one liner’s when they advertise their place such as “The best in town!”, “You’ll want to come back!”, or “Food with passion!”. These well-known slogans still work to this day and grabs the audience attention. Another great example is when it comes to movies. Trailers for movies are so dramatic and hyped up. In these trailers, they love to state, “Number 1 movie in America!”, or they will put numerous feedback quotes that are positive about the movie from famous movie critics.

If I were to create my own marketing plan, I would make sure to be very dramatic with the product I’m trying to sell or work I’m trying to offer. For instance, if I were to advertise a burger restaurant, I would make sure to be using a lot of adjectives that describes my burgers. Example words I would use could be juicy, sizzling, seasoned, slow-cooked, and fresh.

Marketing is the core of a business. Its what makes a business grow if done correctly or fail if done poorly. Marketing does not come just from big business you drive by daily. You see marketing everywhere. You may even use it without even knowing you did.

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HI, HOW ARE YA?

October 10, 2019 at 5:00 pm (Advertising, Big Moves, brand, career, communication, Cultures, Listening skills, Marketing, Motivation, Social Media in the workplace, Social Media/Technology)
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What really is a “brand” anyway? A brand, by definition, is a type of product manufactured by a particular company under a particular name.

If you really think about it, a lot of things/people have brands.

For example, Jeffree Star is well known in the makeup industry for the amazing makeup that he produces. 

Jeffree makes his money in multiple different ways,

  1. YouTube:  
    • Where most people are familiar with this big brand influencer
    • Not even where the bulk of his money comes from
    • 16.2 million subscribers on YouTube and growing
    • His views average from 4M-35M
    • His YouTube videos give him a 6 figure pay out each year, easily
    • He is the richest YouTuber
    • He is the 2nd highest subscribed person on YouTube in the beauty section
  2. Makeup:
    • His empire, also where most people know him
    • Makes $150 million a year, which 70 million of, he pockets
    • Profits 7.2 million for every product launch
    • Independent brand, not a large owned brand which means he profits more
This is Jeffree’s brand logo, if you notice his last name is Star, so for his logo it is a star.
  1. Real Estate/ Marijuana
    • These are side investments that Star has took interest in
    • These are basically backups if the makeup brand does not work out

Jeffree has a lot of things that come together to make his brand, and make it signature to him. His logo of a star, which is also his last name, and the intro to his YouTube video.

Star has three personal homes, and 10 businesses he is running besides his makeup brand.

How to Create a Brand

  1. Determine your brand’s audience.
    • Motivation
    • Pain points
    • Influencers
    • College students
    • Single moms
  2. Establish your brand mission statement.
    • “Just do it.” – Nike
  3. Research bands within your industry niche.
    • The goal is to differentiate from your competition
  4. Outline key qualities and benefits your brand offers.
    • A better way to support productivity
    • Reducing costs with more affordable options
  5. Create a brand logo and tagline.
    • Logo size and placement
    • Color pallet
    • Web elements
    • Photography/image style
  6. Form your brand voice.
    • Professional
    • Technical
    • Friendly
    • Self-oriented
    • Promotional
    • Authoritative
  7. Build a brand message and elevator pitch.
    • Who you are
    • What you offer
    • Why people should care
  8. Let your brand personality shine.
    • Telling stories about real experiences
  9. Intergrade your brand into every part of your business.
    • Visible and reflect in everything that you say/do
  10. Stay true to your brand building.
    • Consistency is key
  11. Be your brands biggest advocate.
    • No one knows your brand like you do, spread the word

Making a brand is not all that hard, once you think about it. Just follow these steps, stay true to you and your brand, and you’ll be on your way to having your own personal brand!

Zoe Chasse, Business Major IUPUC

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Brand YOU

October 9, 2019 at 6:45 pm (brand, Marketing)

Personal branding is the practice of marketing people and their careers as brands. It is an ongoing process of developing and maintaining a reputation and impression of yourself. Your personal brand is never “finished.” Your life will always change, and you continue to better yourself. A good way to discover your personal brand is to ask an honest friend to describe you using three words. Most people aim to have a positive personal brand, especially celebrities. Ellen DeGeneres is a celebrity that most people are familiar with. She is a comedian, television host, actress, writer, and producer. But these titles are not her personal brand. This is:

In this short clip, it is easy to identify Ellen’s personal brand. Three words we could use to identify her personal brand (even though, there are more) would be humorous, genuine, and kind. Ellen closes her show each day by reminding her viewers to be kind to each other and in the YouTube clip, she elaborates to say be kind no matter what. For Ellen’s birthday, she didn’t receive a the newest and most expensive car or elaborate vacation. Instead, she received the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund which is also known as Ellen’s Wildlife Fund. This says a lot about who Ellen really is. Ellen often goes out of her way to display generosity to people who do good in the world. Most commonly, she has these people as guests on her show and surprises them with a large amount of money.

Personal branding is important for everyone, not just celebrities. There are so many possibilities you can reach (or fall short of) all depending on you carry yourself.

By Lauren Pauley, Business Major – IUPUC

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Communication in a Die-versity Workplace Won’t Kill You!

October 3, 2019 at 4:17 pm (Business Conflicts, career, communication, Communication Problems, Cultures, Diversity in the Workplace, Effective Communication, Working Well with Teams)

Image result for diverse workforce

When you google what diversity means it defines it as a range of different things, which is correct, but in the way that we are using it, it needs to be more specific. The way that I would define diversity is understanding that everyone is unique and recognizing our differences. Some examples of our differences are economic status, age, religious beliefs, political beliefs, and physical abilities.

 Working in a place where there are many diverse individuals makes for an inclusive workplace. When you have an inclusive workplace with many diverse employees the flow of communication will strengthen. Communication is described as the exchanging of information from one to another, when communicating you must always remember to be clear and concise between, your co-workers and managers so that the message isn’t decoded wrongly.

The benefits of working in a diverse workplace and having strong communication skills with one another are tremendously effective for your personal business. Here are some listed benefits:

  • Diverse employees can inspire creativity and innovation
  • Diverse teams are more productive and perform better
  • A diverse skill set in your business will offer a range of different products and services
  • Diverse employees can bring different ideas to the table

While there are benefits, there are also challenges that come with communication in a diverse workplace some of which are:

  • Co-workers from some cultures or economic status may be less likely to get their voices heard
  • When working with a diverse group it is likely to face prejudice
  • The language barrier might be hard to overcome

Although there are only a few benefits and challenges listed, communication in a diverse place can excel if those are remembering the basic communication process, which is:

  1. Having an idea
  2. Converting ideas in heads to convey a message
  3. Message travels channels
    1. For example, sending the message through an email
  4. Receiver translates the message
  5. Feedback travels to the sender of message
  6. Then possible feedback to the receiver

I hope in your place of work you excel in communication and use these simple steps in the communication process.

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